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Missoula City Council Meeting June 22, 2026
Published: Jun 22, 2026
City Council Sends Park Security Camera Upgrade Proposal Back to Committee Amidst Privacy Concerns
The City Council decided to send back to committee a proposal for upgrading security cameras at four park facilities: Currents Aquatic Center, Fort Missoula Regional Park, Splash Montana, and Moash Skate Park. The upgrade involves replacing aging equipment with modern cameras, including adding cameras to parking lots. While staff emphasized the need for improved camera quality to deter vandalism, assist in investigations, and protect city assets and staff, public comment and council discussion revealed significant concerns. Key concerns included the vendor's (Vicata) history of data breaches and federal enforcement actions, the potential for AI features like facial recognition and license plate reading to be activated despite assurances, the security of data stored in the cloud, and the overall expansion of surveillance. Council members and the public debated the cost-effectiveness of the proposed solution versus building an in-house system and the lack of robust policies and oversight for surveillance technology. An amendment was proposed to explicitly prohibit automated facial recognition and license plate readers without specific council approval and to develop a citywide policy. Ultimately, a motion to send the item back to committee passed with a vote of 8-3, prioritizing the development of a comprehensive surveillance technology policy before proceeding with the camera upgrade.
City Council Approves Acquisition of Milwaukee Trail Corridor Land for Future Park and Trail
The City Council voted to approve the acquisition of 28 acres of the historic Milwaukee Rail Corridor from the Missoula County Airport Authority. This land will be used as a future trail and linear park corridor, intended to be incorporated into the Great American Rail Trail through Missoula. The acquisition is funded by $130,000 from the 2018 open space bond funds, with $100,000 allocated for the land acquisition and $30,000 for due diligence costs. The project aims to expand regional trail networks, enhance residential areas with nearby open spaces, and provide critical non-motorized access to various destinations. Council members discussed the long-term nature of trail construction, funding strategies, and the importance of securing the corridor, acknowledging that trail construction itself could take many years and phases. The Airport Authority is selling the land as per regulations requiring fair market value, despite wishing they could donate it. The council also clarified that this acquisition is for securing the corridor, not for immediate trail construction.
City Council Denies Waiver for Second Consecutive Night of Fireworks, Citing Noise and Community Impact Concerns
The City Council voted against a motion to waive the noise ordinance to allow for a second consecutive night of fireworks on July 4th, in addition to the already permitted fireworks on July 3rd. The request came from Paddle Heads, a community partner organizing fireworks displays in McCormack Park to celebrate America's 250th birthday. While the July 3rd fireworks were planned and approved per the current lease agreement, the request for a second consecutive night was an exception to the noise ordinance. Council members expressed concerns about the impact of consecutive nights of fireworks on residents, particularly those with PTSD, young children, pets, wildlife (specifically an osprey nest in McCormack Park), and the general noise levels in the community. Some council members noted the hypocrisy of allowing other loud events while restricting fireworks and expressed support for the celebration, but ultimately the motion failed with a vote of 5-6. The council acknowledged the timing issue that led to the request being brought as new business rather than through committee and expressed a desire for clearer processes and predictability regarding fireworks events in the future. The fire chief confirmed that while private fireworks are illegal, public displays require a noise ordinance waiver, and he had no objection from a fire safety perspective.
City Council Approves Additional $150,000 in CDBG-CV Funds for Bonnie's Place Affordable Housing
The City Council unanimously approved two motions related to accepting additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds from the Montana Department of Commerce. The city will receive up to $150,000 in supplemental funding to benefit the Bonnie's Place resident-owned manufactured home community. This funding, available due to reallocated surplus funds from other state projects, is crucial for closing out the state's CDBG-CV CARES Act funding by June 30th. The original $850,000 CDBG-CV award in 2021 helped Neighborworks Montana and Bonnie's Place acquire the community, preserving 24 affordable manufactured homes. The new funds will help residents pay down debt associated with the original acquisition financing, thereby reducing their debt service burden and supporting ongoing affordability.
City Council Initiates Land Use Plan Amendment for Reserve to Scott Master Plan
The City Council voted to adopt a resolution of intent to initiate an amendment to the Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan. This amendment will formally incorporate the Reserve to Scott 2026 Master Plan as an area plan. The master plan process, led by city staff and consultants GGLO, aims to guide future investment and development within the North Reserve Scott Street Urban Renewal District and surrounding areas. The 900-acre study area includes diverse land ownerships and existing uses, with a focus on incorporating recently annexed areas like the Roseberg property. The master plan process involves extensive public engagement, including workshops and surveys, to address issues such as transportation connectivity, truck route separation from residential areas, and the desired place types for future development, such as mixed-use, residential, and industrial zones. Public hearings are the first step in amending the land use plan, aligning with new state regulations for public participation. Council members expressed appreciation for the thorough planning process and community engagement efforts. The council voted unanimously to initiate the amendment process.
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