City of Helena Sign Ordinance Update:

From City of Helena Zoning Officer Elroy Goleman:

The City of Helena Website has  link to the information for the proposed sign ordinance update. The information can be viewed by going to the following link:

http://www.helenamt.gov/cd/planning/current-projects.html 

Under current project you will need to click on the 2014 Sign Ordinance Update link. this will take you to the general website write up which contains links at the bottom to the Summary of Changes and to the copy of the Proposed Sign Ordinance. 


Also if you have questions concerning the proposed changes, please contact the City Planning Division of the Community Development Department at 447-8490 or by email at: citycommunitydevelopment@helenamt.gov 

[From an email sent to City Employees August 2014]

Green Infrastructure Amendments for Helena's Boulevards!

[Update: Both amendments passed. The storm water amendment was modified to clarify that City approval of such features could be conditional on requirements for both installation and maintenance, which "may" include additional cost to adjoining property owners.]

Friends,

Click to View Amendment 1

This coming Monday, August 18th, I will propose two amendments to the City of Helena Boulevard Landscaping and Public Tree Ordinance (Title 7, Chapter 10 of Helena City Code). Details of the ordinance linked here.

One amendment [shown right] is to ensure that fruit trees be allowed with the condition that the adjacent property owner collect fruit to prevent nutrient diversion into city storm water collection. This will allow residents or perhaps even public parks, such as the envisioned green concepts of an "Edible Forest" in the 6th Ward.

Click to View Amendment 2

The second amendment [shown right, fact sheet below] allows for additional green infrastructure concepts that can help meet regulatory requirements for storm water, allow narrower safer streets, and help maintain the health of boulevard trees by directing rain water to the boulevards rather than expensive central treatment
.                

Please let me know if you have any questions and let your Helena City Commission know of your support for these amendments.

Sincerely,

Matt E

Matthew Elsaesesr, Commisser
City of Helena, Montana, USA
406.431.0815

Montana Country Singer Jason DeShaw Wins National Award!

NEWS RELEASE

TO:             ALL MEDIA

FROM:       Legendary Artists/Joy Novota, Executive Agent – 406-227-6961

RE:             Montana Country Singer Wins National Award from National Alliance on Mental Illness

DATE:         July 3, 2014

Jason DeShaw, Montana’s own country singer, has been selected to receive NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Lionel Aldridge Champions Award. This award recognizes an individual living with a mental illness who has exhibited courage, leadership, and service on behalf of all people living with mental illness.  In selecting DeShaw for this award, the NAMI Board recognizes him for his efforts to be a voice for those who struggle with mental illness.  DeShaw will receive the Champions Award at the 2014 NAMI National Convention this September in Washington, D.C. where he will also perform for the attendees. 

Jason DeShaw is a beacon of light in a dark world of mental illness and addiction. As a presenter, DeShaw is sharing his hard-fought struggles through story and song.  His goal is to reach out to others who are looking for hope with mental illness and addictions.  His authenticity gives people permission to feel and acknowledges them as valued members of humanity.  As a country singer, DeShaw has opened for The Oak Ridge Boys, Little Big Town, and Emerson Drive.  Having performed across the United States, Canada, and Europe, he has been featured in two television specials.  His is a down-home, front-porch style with a soulful sound.  

Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker, Justin Lubke, is researching a potential documentary about DeShaw, and an NBC affiliate is also exploring a new television special. In October, DeShaw will be the featured speaker for the NAMI South Dakota state convention which will present a special focus on mental illness beginning in childhood and adolescence.  For information on booking speaking/singing engagements for Jason DeShaw, contact 406-227-6961.  

View short video:

Jason DeShaw's "Serenity in the Storm"

July issue of "On The Gulch: A Newsletter For and About City of Helena Employees"

Click here to download. Click on images below to view.

June Issue of "On the Gulch" features Floating Islands for Storm Water Treatment and City Parks & Recreation Programs for the Summer

2014 Trail Rider Schedule Announced!

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-2014 TRAIL RIDER SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

May 30th, 2014

The Helena Business Improvement District (BID), The Helena Tourism Alliance/Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), Bike Helena and the Helena Area Transit System (HATS) have teamed up to for an exciting 2014 hiking and biking season with the NEW, expanded Trail Rider schedule. The Trail Rider will kick-off the season offering hikers and bikers a shuttle service that now runs FIVE days a week!  Areas that will be serviced are:  Mount Helena Ridge Trail, Davis Gulch/Old Shooting Range Trailhead, Eddye McClure Trail and MacDonald Pass. 

Beginning Wednesday, June 4th the Trail Rider will run five days a week for June, July and August and on Saturday andSunday during September.  The weeknight Trail Rider routes make it convenient for people who want to ride or hike and then partake in one of the many popular weeknight events in Downtown Helena.  In total, the Trail Rider will operate 85 days and 17 weekends, including Labor Day weekend, and features a trailer to accommodate up to 30 bikes.  Thanks to the 30 plus local businesses that sponsor the Trail Rider, the cost to ride is FREE!

Please visit http://www.bikehelena.com/index.php/trail-rider/  or http://downtownhelena.com/events/  for a detailed schedule of Trail Rider Service."

For additional information, please contact:

Pat Doyle, Community Outreach Director                                   Tracy Reich, Executive Director

Helena Tourism Alliance/TBID/Bike Helena                                Helena Business Improvement District

                                                                

Important decisions for safe, accessible walking and biking infrastructure made last Wednesday at the Helena City Commission

This image is taken from the Centennial Trail Mast Plan. The initial route shown above as "Phase 3 Shared Use Path and Crossings" in orange and blue was planned assuming yet to be seen subdivision development, acquisition of railroad right-of-way, and additional funds. The alternative endorsed by the City Commission last Wednesday will capitalize on existing right-of-way, planned improvement to the Leslie/Joslyn/Country Club Intersection, and partnerships with entities to the west. 

Last Wednesday, the Helena City Commission direct staff to apply remaining CTEP funds to a pedestrian crossing at Roberts ($30,000), a crossing near CR Anderson Middle School ($25,000), and towards continuing Centennial Trail West ($400,000+) to provide a safe ADA, biking and walking connection from the Westside of Helena to Spring Meadow State Park. The new route for Centennial Trail West will utilize existing right-of-way along Joslyn ("A."), a trail along the mostly undeveloped platted section of Leslie Street ("B." or "B.-F."), and West to park along Country Club with a separated asphalt path or sidewalk depending on available right-of-way, utility easements, and water drainage. 

A safe connection for children, families, and commuters is long overdue in this area. The City Commission should continue to develop the remaining areas of the trail, especially a ADA/Bike/Pedestrian bridge across Henderson Street and a safe crossing at Benton. 

An alternative route exploring a connection of area "F." and "C." to connect to the park should also be explored.  

More details from a related post linked here.

Thanks!

- Matt E