Upcoming Meetings and Agendas

Agenda for this Thursday, October 2nd (click image to enlarge):

The City of Helena Commission Agenda and Packets are always available for download here:

http://helenapublic.novusagenda.com/#

Agenda for this coming Monday, October 6th (click image to enlarge):

Plastics Recycling and a Sheltered Recycle Area

I distributed the following document in response to the City of Helena Staff plastics recycling proposal at the start of this year. Of note is the idea of having the recycling area arranged so one recycling multiple items does not need to move their vehicle. The proposed configuration would also allow for a basic shelter to protect those recycling and staff assisting with recycling from weather. Unfortunately, the recent "Operational Efficiency Study of Solid Waste," does not focus on improving recycling. 

The report does recommend eliminating recycling programs, including the composting operation, the recently established plastics program based on "City" estimates of costs, and the City's once a month curbside program. The report is on the agenda for the upcoming City/County meeting to be held this coming Thursday, October 2nd, at 3pm in room 326 at the City County Building on 316 Park. 

This post includes a summary of additional material regarding recycling in Helena over the last year. 

- Matt E

New Zoning Designations Needed for Helena

Friends, 

I send the following proposal to my peers on the Helena City Commission last week.  The article cited is linked here. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

- Matt E

Upcoming Meetings & Agendas:

Full Packet Linked Here: http://helenapublic.novusagenda.com/#

September Issue of On the Gulch

The City of Helena has the following board openings:

DATE:  August 28, 2014

CONTACT: Debbie Havens, Clerk of the Commission

447-8410 – 

NEWS RELEASE - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The City of Helena has the following board openings:

Board of Adjustment

One citizen to serve as the alternate member on the Board of Adjustment.  The term will begin upon appointment and expire October 1, 2015.

The five-member board acts on applications for variances in the zoning ordinance. 

Business Improvement District/Helena Parking Commission

One citizen to serve on the Business Improvement District/Helena Parking Commission.  Applicants must be the owner of property within the BID District or be the owner’s personal representative, agent or guardian.  The term will begin November 1, 2014 and expire October 31, 2018.

City-County Parks Board

One citizen to serve on the City-County Parks Board as a city representative.  The term would begin October 1, 2014 and expire September 30, 2017.

The City-County Parks Board shall perform various functions for the City and County related to parks, recreation, and open space.

Lewis & Clark County Heritage Preservation and Tourism Council

One city resident to serve on the Lewis & Clark County Heritage Preservation and Tourism Council.  The term would begin upon appointment and expire June 30, 2017.

The seven-member Council advises the City and the County on various issues affecting historic resources and focuses on education, planning and zoning, and economic development. 

Zoning Commission

One city resident to serve on the Zoning Commission and one city resident to serve as the alternate member on the Zoning Commission.   The term for the member of the Zoning Commission would begin on October 1, 2014 and expire September 30, 2012017 and the un-expired term as the alternate would begin upon appointment and expire September 30, 2015.

This commission shall perform zoning functions for the city and shall be the sole Zoning Commission for the City of Helena.

Applications are available at www.helenamt.gov /commission/boards and committees or by calling 447-8410 and can be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office, 316 N. Park Avenue, Room 323, Helena, MT 59623.  The deadline for all board applications is 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2014.

Final Race in Montana Enduro Series to Take Place at Local Family Ski Hill Great Divide Outside Helena!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-COURSE LOCATION ANNOUNCED FOR THE MONTANA ENDURO SERIES FINALE

August 27^th, 2014

The Montana Enduro Series will make its final stop at Great Divide Ski Area in Marysville, MT, on Saturday, September 6.  The fourth leg of the mountain bike race series will feature a trail maintained by the members of the Helena-based Gravity Guild mountain bike club.  The series is in its inaugural year and is run by the Montana Bicycle Guild, a Helena-based nonprofit.

"We've been working hard with Great Divide to make our last race of the season the best one yet," said Denny Palmer, of the Montana Bicycle Guild.  "It has been a bit of a process to make this race happen, but everyone involved has been really great to work with and we're excited to run this race in a location where many people may not have gotten a chance to ride."

Great Divide will be running its grill and the Missing Lynx Saloon will be open for the racers and spectators. JP Stanek, Mountain Manager at Great Divide, said that "We are excited to host the final event in the Montana Enduro Series and hope to provide a fun experience for Montana’s vibrant and enthusiastic mountain biking community."

The race is an enduro-style mountain bike race which combines cross-country and downhill riding.  Competitors are given an allotted period of time to ride to the top of each downhill segment.  They are timed as they race downhill to the start of the next climb.  There are various categories of racers based on skill level, gender, and age.  The winner of each category is the racer with the fastest combined time from all of the timed segments.

"Enduro racing is the most popular kind of mountain bike racing there is right now.  We've had people from all over the state traveling to each of our races this summer," Palmer said.  "This last race at Great Divide will be a great send-off for the season."

More information is available at www.montanaenduro.com , www.facebook.com/montanaenduroseries , and www.skigd.com .