[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6634160,"mediaKeyId","3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4","parentId",3396314,"title","Council awards $8.58 million Garden City Compost Improvements contract amid PFAS concerns","audioSeconds",503,"startMs",2477000,"endMs",2980000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4&start=2477&end=2980","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4/thumbnail_2477000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6634160/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Council-awards-858-million-Garden-City-Compost-Improvements-contract-amid-PFAS-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634160-5ea7ca5b1267e66b3e28b4c2c35d9e7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139069&Signature=Q25vu3mkfzGCuFtyklYlE7uKsqE15qJih48bXYtC6GFXddI93jukLS8rIfkmVKaMPddahvrVZyG459o7MTt8MRzumcMXiNZzGTFiX4C~50L8O2CLMB403~umFlMWWalyQcMq3Zn6VLoUGBQT~ljGsUaiDrIOD3em228-yJ~ZcaIXHNQdPPQTsL-fhc7bhm9RhwdkP~1YK9iN-ABYs1nRthLJCrmCCMO82vhTou0dnoQ0kCxmAMQlXaFoIpcpL1JjcDB-sfbA1nl-nZE5cDQLdOo7mMX7WtabdMF7D~crmQ8j7GoIkncFsRFfJcZ1RKhNcqeXJNvbTxqoP3eyFNATyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Missoula, NY","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","The Missoula City Council voted 8–1 to award the bid for the Garden City Compost Improvements project to Western Municipal Construction at a cost not to exceed $8,579,779, authorizing the return of bid bonds.

The motion was made during regular business by Council member Nugent and passed after public comment and committee discussion.

Public comments and council response
William Leishman, a public commenter, urged greater transparency about ‘‘forever chemicals’’ (PFAS) in compost sold to the public and asked for clear signage and information for customers who pick up compost at Garden City. \"Fast contaminant contamination is being swept under the rug by industry jargon,\" Leishman said in public comment, adding that he had communicated concerns to Montana DEQ.

Council member Nugent and others clarified that the committee discussion had distinguished between existing drinking‑water standards (which Missoula meets) and broader questions about testing, labeling and standards for compost products. Nugent said the project includes measures — including concrete surfacing for compost operations — intended to reduce the chance of contaminants leaching into groundwater. “This project is partially to put concrete underneath our composting to make sure that chemicals like these don't leach into our groundwater,” Nugent said.

Why it matters: The project funds infrastructure upgrades at a city composting facility. Commenters raised public‑health and environmental concerns about PFAS and asked for clearer public education and labeling for compost products; council members and staff said those questions are separate from the immediate bid award but remain part of ongoing review.

What passed and next steps
Council authorized the award to Western Municipal Construction at a not‑to‑exceed cost of $8,579,779 with an 8–1 vote (one council member opposed). Council members said the project will move forward with design and construction oversight and that staff will continue public communications about compost product composition and any testing or signage decisions.

Provenance: The item was introduced in the regular business section (topic introduced at 2477.1548 in the transcript) and the vote concludes the discussion (topic finish at 2978.6).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Missoula City Council Meeting May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Missoula City Council awarded a contract of up to $8,579,779 to Western Municipal Construction for the Garden City Compost Improvements project, voting 8–1 after public comment raised concerns about PFAS in compost.","taxTitle","Missoula, Missoula County, Montana","taxId",4050,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6634164,"Missoula council adopts \"On Our Way Home\" houselessness strategy; members stress funding and enforcement questions",917,1542000,2459000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4&start=1542&end=2459","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4/thumbnail_1542000.jpg","/articles/6634164/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-council-adopts-On-Our-Way-Home-houselessness-strategy-members-stress-funding-and-enforcement-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634164-0dae47202092857fa12eddb91c813240/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139069&Signature=RrQETe~MkBGRdy38xEdxMZ8j~pyv7P4X8DhJ10bFFvYK~ujpEZDnlqEB3ABatKl8H-xKCJKgJqeBguGVdSmLidhUaaiL2p7B0s4xd9u2iTltnlw0CK5JMAsu7v~yJzBIm1yFT8oT~~e0gLMz5VhZoGI17zoOSp5SEiN1s-bwtJdBtskyxdx9-HtfrGXYT-FtbFGaIBkTTI4VvbYf4DcfCZiX9iFf1S1b1Liio32OwFBcMrFlW2Q3hWqX7dx547s81aE75Uxn4mu5yPKKwVBpAYhBDZXBJkbh2F6lwMAnjyQSS6HMsVvGsCgqigzb1hiO-aB4rPXq8XNY8XU0MQlddg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council voted unanimously to adopt \"On Our Way Home,\" a community houselessness strategy that outlines a coalition‑based approach and a set of goals for reducing unsheltered homelessness in Missoula.

The resolution to adopt the plan was moved by Council member Nugent and approved after council discussion and public comment. Staff said they had no additional information to provide at the time of the vote.

Why it matters: The strategy sets a collaborative framework for city staff, service providers, philanthropic partners and other stakeholders to coordinate policy, funding and services. Council members described the plan as aspirational and emphasized that detailed program design and funding are still to come.

Public comment and council discussion
Public commenters expressed both support and concern. Sage Bennett, a frequent commentator on unhoused issues, cited the most recent point‑in‑time count and other statistics from the plan, saying 1,484 people had experienced homelessness during the past year and that a one‑day count showed 644 people unhoused, with 25% without shelter. Bennett and other commenters urged the council to ensure shelter capacity and to avoid criminalizing people who are unsheltered.

Council member Nugent responded to public concern about state legislation known as HB 642, which some commenters said would impose fines of $500 per day for certain conduct. Nugent said the state law does not obligate Missoula to write $500 daily fines and that the city enforces many matters under city ordinance where appropriate. “It is important people to know the state legislature passed HB 642 ... It does not obligate cities to follow it,” he said.

Council members acknowledged the plan is a framework that will require additional funding decisions. Council member Jordan said the city will spend approximately $400,000 to support a housing sprint to remove barriers for people at Johnson Street Shelter, but noted ongoing gaps in funding to help people remain housed after placement. Council member Campbell called the new strategy a “starting framework” and said the details and financing will determine outcomes.

Shelter capacity and fines
Public commenters raised concerns about Johnson Street Shelter and the potential loss of roughly 200 emergency beds, the size of the existing emergency shelter bed capacity (513 beds reported in the plan, including Johnson Street Shelter), and enforcement measures such as a local $50 fine and ordinance changes that some commenters said amount to criminalization. Several speakers urged increased shelter funding and expressed alarm about enforcement measures that fine unsheltered people.

What passed and next steps
Council adopted the On Our Way Home Missoula community houselessness strategy unanimously. The strategy calls for continued coalition building, the city providing staff support and data, and further work on program design and funding. City staff and philanthropic partners will continue coordinating implementation steps, including the housing sprint and other initiatives referenced in the plan.

Provenance: The item was introduced under regular business (topic introduced at 1542.52 in the transcript) and the vote and concluding remarks appear later in the record (topic finish at 2458.53).","The Missoula City Council unanimously adopted the \"On Our Way Home\" community houselessness strategy. Council members and public commenters praised the framework but raised concerns about funding, shelter capacity and the possible effects of state law on enforcement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6634169,"Missoula council approves TBID hotel fee increase to $4 per night, effective July 1",440,1084000,1524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4&start=1084&end=1524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4/thumbnail_1084000.jpg","/articles/6634169/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-council-approves-TBID-hotel-fee-increase-to-4-per-night-effective-July-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634169-dcdf222dd7d65954efef4f09a1b93148/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139069&Signature=fzD9VsEy0aePiN~c6Z1RnU3JZ1eMsXhuhQL4qjpq3~XZyqPP3D7WDoRMqaZDXM6d8qa~TqnSu437RvjKdwWWN0PTu-3ENUSYcmZgHkHxXrZuEC5vx5ZmgtA~BkJsm3LHbLV~6Nyw-mf~spgMwbTjJQ40RscergOvlM7U0MRxSlR-4QUvEA35x7-WjwCc6N80Cw-x9dpk7GVltzek4FCf~XohnPrPxmGAe39PRvYlsu7nLCaQe4SJXtl9zyimehDG17if23ohMduESwpxZ2y6Lat4aq2hd6l7hcNeiF16Y02xs05eJdYruOuz0E74lJK6mjOjyBgaqEbqDFLy2oDFcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council approved a resolution to increase the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) nightly hotel fee to $4 per night, effective July 1, 2025, on an 8–1 vote.

The increase was moved by Council member Nugent during the council’s regular business agenda and drew both business and civic support. The TBID board’s president, Dan Monahan, said the board conducted research, held public sessions and voted unanimously to recommend the change.

Why it matters: The TBID fee is charged to guests who stay in hotels inside the district and is used to fund visitor attraction, advertising and event support. Council members supporting the change said the modest per-night increase will generate additional revenue to recruit events and support the local hospitality economy without directly raising property taxes.

Council debate and public input
Council member Sandra cast the lone vote against the resolution, saying the increase could make lodging less affordable for in-state visitors and local families who use hotels. “I think it’s just making Missoula, I guess, overly priced,” she said.

Council member Nugent and others defended the proposal as a targeted way to raise revenue from visitors rather than general taxpayers. “It’s very rare when there’s any ability to collect revenue that isn’t straight from taxpayers,” Nugent said during deliberations, noting statutory authority for TBIDs to levy such fees.

Dan Monahan, who identified himself as president of the TBID board and general manager of the DoubleTree Hotel, spoke in favor of the increase. “We ended up getting unanimous approval on our seven‑member board for this increase,” he said, adding that the board reviewed costs and held several public comment opportunities before voting.

Council member Campbell said the board and staff have been “good stewards” of TBID funds and described the increase as “a modest increase” that will pay for marketing and event support; he cited a figure around $450 million as the broader annual tourism economic impact to the area.

What passed and next steps
The resolution increases the nightly TBID fee to $4 per night beginning July 1, 2025. The council record shows the vote as eight in favor and one opposed. The TBID board will continue to manage allocations for marketing, events and other tourism‑related activities under existing reporting arrangements.

Provenance: Council discussion introducing the TBID increase appears in the meeting record beginning with the regular business item on the TBID (topic introduced at 1084.33 in the transcript) and concludes with the roll call and vote (topic finish at 1523.845).","The Missoula City Council voted 8–1 to raise the Tourism Business Improvement District nightly hotel fee from $2 to $4, with supporters saying the revenue will support tourism promotion and events and opponents warning of higher local costs for residents.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6634155,"Council approves consent agenda including multiple contracts, hearings and maintenance agreements",664,396000,1060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4&start=396&end=1060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3396314-6f9f179934e02d951f9cf8de46f1c1f4/thumbnail_396000.jpg","/articles/6634155/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Council-approves-consent-agenda-including-multiple-contracts-hearings-and-maintenance-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634155-1b6303c80fea569a89540a636edddbec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139069&Signature=BZAnoKTC4q9gcFfvJxKer4ENTt3ncKChu4zIJADN9tz~rWbR049UfFNgz601Ps7jDtoaupnExB5PlKz4E9ZIIy-7FHqXRXHb2hTWAFlLegw3mVvP9drL~wbS2KsHfiSywcSDstQ2BzcrKGI7tSYM0HuMLKiblbhfI~4c7AJt7jKACxr02WieFrspJd0W0WXKYfV4u2-OJdpP0kaJB2TuBZqAWfTtIzKuG3l1bKv7jVteRLvsbm6jU~k~J0iCrOdOoVHmoHIDHmwie290r~CUFY1TiHWXuA6pcBEint~Inbm~Wv4wxG6P-~Vjlr-~iWrk~2Jp7DUtHc756tIWZrwyrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council approved the consent agenda as a package during the May 20, 2025 meeting by unanimous roll call.

Key items read into the record by the city clerk and approved on the consent agenda included:
- Approval of accounts payable checks dated 05/20/2025 in the amount of $2,392,720.04.
- Setting a public hearing for June 2, 2025 on fourth‑quarter FY2024 budget amendments and appropriations.
- Setting a public hearing for June 23, 2025 to consider adopting the 2025 Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Comprehensive Master Plan as an issue plan for the Missoula 2045 land use framework.
- Setting a public hearing for June 9, 2025 on resolutions to create Special Lighting Districts (Heron's Landing, McNett Flats, Hellgate Village) and levy assessments over a 15‑year period to fund street lighting in the specified districts.
- Authorization for the mayor to sign maintenance agreements with Design Holdings LLC and Copper Mountain Coffee for city MDT maintenance on specified properties.
- Bid awards and contract authorizations including: Orange Street & Craig Lane traffic signal to JAG Construction ($477,182) and associated construction inspection amendment not to exceed $85,005; Industrial Road to Momont 1 lift station sewer improvement to Prospect Construction LLC (not to exceed $1,080,049); North First Street water main replacement to 3 Rivers Land Works (not to exceed $826,066.38); professional services amendment with DJ&A for preliminary engineering not to exceed $1,155,153; and actions related to the Missoula Parking Commission and a public hearing on proposed amendments to parking penalty and residential permit sections of city code (hearing set for 06/02/2025).

Public comment
During the consent‑agenda public comment period, members of the public addressed a range of items. A resident urged the council to keep the Johnson Street Shelter open. Scott Sprowl, a downtown business owner, said he supported the proposed parking fine increases but asked the council to delay implementation until Jan. 1, 2026 to give businesses and the public time to adjust. The clerk confirmed written testimony from William Leishman was attached to the record for the Garden City Compost item.

What passed and next steps
The consent agenda passed unanimously by roll call; council members recorded \"yes\" votes for the package. Individual items listed will move forward under the terms read on the record, with contract awards proceeding subject to finalization and hearings scheduled on the dates announced.

Provenance: Consent agenda items were read into the record beginning at transcript time 396.90503 and the roll call approval appears later at 1058.74–1060.04 where the clerk recorded unanimous passage.","At its May 20, 2025 meeting the Missoula City Council approved a bundled consent agenda that included accounts payable totaling $2,392,720.04, several contract awards and public‑hearing dates for land use and parks planning matters; public commenters asked for delay of parking fine changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council awards $8.58 million Garden City Compost Improvements contract amid PFAS concerns

Missoula council adopts "On Our Way Home" houselessness strategy; members stress funding and enforcement questions

Missoula council approves TBID hotel fee increase to $4 per night, effective July 1

Council approves consent agenda including multiple contracts, hearings and maintenance agreements