On the agenda: Missoula County Bonner-Milltown Community Council Meeting — Data center (Sep 14)

Bonner Milltown Community Council
Bonner School Cafeteria and Via Zoom
September 14th, 2026, at 7:00 PM
To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7489963769?pwd=c1pIYVcvR3pNUFYvM0Z1YVdteDJZUT09
Meeting ID is: 748 996 3769 Password:
Bonner
Phone In: 1(253)215-8782 US (Tacoma)
About the Bonner-Milltown Community Council: Our Role & Responsibilities
The Bonner-Milltown Community Council exists to promote the interests and welfare of the residents of our area —
the neighborhoods and communities within Bonner School District #14, including Bonner, Milltown, and West
Riverside.
What we do:
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We serve as a liaison between residents and the Missoula Board of County Commissioners, carrying our
community's concerns, comments, and suggestions to the County.
We provide a forum for residents to discuss local issues, concerns, and opportunities.
We share information back to residents about issues before the Commissioners that may affect our
communities.
We offer leadership and support for community efforts to guide orderly growth and development in our area.
We serve as a channel of communication with local, state, and federal officials on matters of concern to our
community.

What's important to understand about our role:
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The Council is purely advisory. We have no power to levy taxes, approve or deny projects, or impose
decisions on residents. Our role is to inform and advise — the authority to decide rests with the County
Commissioners.
Because we are advisory to the Commissioners, we cannot directly comment to tribal, state, federal, or other
agencies. When our community wishes to weigh in on a project, we forward our recommendations to the
Commissioners, who may then act accordingly.
Our seven members are appointed by the Commissioners, must live within the Council Area, and serve as
volunteers without compensation.
When the Council takes a position on an issue, it does so by majority vote at a properly noticed public
meeting.

Our goal is simple: to listen, to inform, and to make sure our community's voice reaches the decision-makers who
represent us. We encourage every resident to participate.
Additional Notes:
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On any action or discussion item, the Chair may limit public participation to one question and one comment
per person, each limited to three minutes.

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The Community Council is not a debate forum. We ask the community members make statements to the
Council rather than direct questions or responses to other members of the public.

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Expectation: All Community Council members and members of the public are expected to conduct
themselves in a civil and respectful manner toward all individuals present.

Call to order: (Please put cell phones on vibrate or silent)
Roll Call:
Approval of Agenda:
Approval of Minutes: July 13th, 2026
Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda 1st Opportunity:
Bonner History Tidbit:
Announcements:

Guest Speakers:
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Missoula Parks and Recreation – West Riverside Park Survey and Update – Nick Zanetos

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Missoula Public Health – Community Health Assessment (CHA): what it is, how the report is used, and
how community members can take part – Jeanna Miller, RS, MPH

Bouquet Period:
Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda 2nd Opportunity:
Communications:
• West Riverside Park barn – closed for structural issues; the County is asking residents what its future should
be (survey open through Oct. 30). Take the survey
• West Riverside Park – new playground for ages 2–12 coming summer 2027 (~$65,000), and the Woody
Mountain Overlook Trail with interpretive signs breaks ground this fall. Community profile
• Data center emergency zoning study – staff are drafting the study under the one-year moratorium, with public
presentations planned for early November. Follow the project
• Missoula Rural Fire District impact fees – adopted Aug. 13 and effective now on new development in Bonner,
West Riverside and Turah. Impact fee details
• FY27 County budget adopted Sept. 3 – new graduated state tax rates mean some property owners pay more
and some pay less. Budget documents
• Rural grants open – Community Parks & Recreation Grants ($90,000 available) close 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30;
Micro Grants ($100–$500) are accepted monthly. Parks grants | Micro grants
• All Community Council Town Hall – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, on Microsoft Teams, with a
commissioner and all seven councils. Community council agendas
• Voter registration – update your registration if you have moved; the federal general election is Nov. 3. Voter
services
• Bear aware – bears are in hyperphagia this fall; secure garbage if you live in the expanded bear buffer zone.
Bear Smart Missoula
• Wildfire readiness – free home assessments from the County wildfire mitigation team, plus location-based
emergency alerts. Wildfire prepared | Smart911

Treasurer's Report:
Action Items:
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Motion: Accept the community statement about the Data AI Center – see Appendix A
Motion: Formation of a Community Development Sub-Committee.
Motion: Vote to fill the Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer positions.

Discussion Items:
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Blackfoot Crossing – Wastewater Treatment Plant
Missoula County AI Center Moratorium
City / Community Signage (add additional signs)
Milltown State Park – River closures this summer and next
Discuss community development steering group and past effort there

Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda Final Opportunity:
Next Meeting: October 12, 2026
Agenda Items for Next Meeting:

Adjournment:
Council Members: Jessica Glebke, Chair; Members at Large: Cassie Hemphill, Emily Herndon, Keturah Huisken,
Kaaren James, Brett Stevenson, John Wilke; email [email protected]

Appendix A