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5/2/2025
Missoula This Week is reported and written By Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Council Member Vasecka likely to face McCoy in repeat of 2023 race
This fall, Missoula voters will likely have a second chance to weigh in on a city council race that ended in a tie two years ago.
City Council Member Sandra Vasecka and Sean McCoy, a farmer and planning board member, both filed for Vaseckas Ward 6 seat, which they tied for in 2023. A third candidate, Valeda Jonessian, has also filed for the position representing River Road and Franklin to the Fort neighborhoods.
When Vasecka was first elected in 2019, her race went to a recount, and she won by 12 votes.
In the final tally of the 2023 general election, McCoy led by five votes, and Vasecka asked for a recount. The of more than 3,000 ballots resulted in a tie. In a split vote, for the position. Since she was appointed, Vasecka must run again this year to fill out the remainder of her term.
Vasecka told 勛圖窪蹋 that she planned to run to finish her term because when she first ran for reelection in 2023, she expected to serve for four years. Following the birth of her second child in December, Vasecka said she is ready to hit the ground running this campaign season.
Unfortunately, I have a heated race again this year, but it gives me all the more motivation to continue standing up to protect tax dollars, she said.
Vasecka, one of the nonpartisan 12-member councils more conservative voices, said she will continue focusing on fiscal responsibility and private property rights. While she hasnt made much progress, Vasecka said she wants to continue trying to rein in the citys spending.
I want to keep asking the hard questions, she said. It might not be popular considering how close my races have been, but I care more about my constituents and their ability to stay in their houses than popularity.
In April, the council approved Vaseckas proposal to decrease the maximum sidewalk assessment for single-family homes and duplexes from $9,000 to $3,500, an outcome she was excited about after working on the issue for years, Vasecka said.
Vasecka spearheaded the change to the citys urban camping law banning camping in parks that the council passed in December.
Recent constituent concerns have centered on property taxes, something Vasecka plans to focus on addressing going forward, she said. Last year, Vasecka served on Gov. Greg Gianfortes property tax task force. While it may be true that reform is needed on the federal and state levels, a lot can be done locally, she said.
Its our fault as a city council that property taxes are high because we need to regulate spending and make hard decisions about budget cuts, Vasecka said.
Vasecka said she is very reachable and is happy to talk about anything and find compromise on topics where she may disagree with some constituents.
McCoy told MTFP he decided to run again because the need for leadership and fresh ideas hasnt gone away since the last election.
I still feel like what I bring to the table is something a little newer and innovative, and I want to serve my community, he said.
McCoy said experiences serving in the Navy, as a wildland firefighter and working as a farmer have given him skills for functioning inside of government and an understanding of how to get bureaucracy to move, even if its slow. In his time on the planning board, McCoy said hes learned the importance of a solid understanding of land use plans and growth policies as the legal foundation for denying a project.
While McCoy said he is as pro-development as the next person, he disagrees with Vaseckas stance on property rights.
She votes the way she believes, all on property rights and the individual who owns a piece of property, that’s all that matters, he said. I don’t think as a leader of a community you can make decisions based on that. You have to take into account factors like safety, character of neighborhood, schools, a lot of things to weigh into decisions.
McCoy said the city should consider new ideas for serving unhoused people after the Johnson Street homeless shelter closes this summer. Rather than a large congregate shelter, McCoy suggested smaller group home settings targeted to specific needs.
Until federal and state tax issues are worked out, the city will likely need to look for savings in its budget and for new revenue sources, including private partnerships, McCoy said.
McCoy said he wants to see strong leadership from people who believe the council has the ability to lead the city and not just follow behind the mayor. The council could also improve communication with residents and provide more information about what tax dollars are used for, he said.
Six other city council positions are up for election this year, along with the mayor and three municipal judge seats. The candidate filing period ends June 16. In the Sept. 9 municipal primary, only ward residents vote for their council member, while the mayor and judge positions go to a citywide vote. The general election is Nov. 4.
Public Notice
The Missoula City Council on Monday will consider using $112,700 in Open Space Bond funds to purchase 16.5 acres between the Kim Williams Trail and the Clark Fork River.
The property is located in the county but borders city property, which includes the Kim Williams Trail corridor. Proposed uses of the property include floodplain and habitat protection and recreational access. If purchased by the city, it would likely develop trails for hiking and mountain biking and potentially river access, said Zac Covington, the citys open space program manager.
Landowner Bryan Tipp plans to donate $117,300 of the propertys value for the area to be named after his father, Ray Tipp, a Missoula attorney and active community member who passed away several years ago, according to the staff report. The city would use $44,000 of the 2006 Open Space Bond and $68,000 of the 2018 bond to purchase the land and for other related costs.
Those interested in commenting on the proposal can attend the 6 p.m. meeting virtually or at the City Council Chambers at 140 W. Pine St.
Following Up
Work to restore the oldest building in Missoula County will move forward as planned after the Senate added the project back into the historical preservation grant funding bill in April.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula will receive the $114,492 grant it requested to restore St. Michaels Church, which was built in 1863 to serve Hell Gate Village. The Friends of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula applied for the grant, included in House Bill 12, on behalf of the county museum.
In late February, the House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the bill cutting 39 of the 63 projects, including St. Michaels Church, based on criteria adopted by the Joint Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning in prior hearings. The amendment also decreased the total amount of funding by about $1 million to account for anticipated changes from the Senate, said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. John Fitzpatrick.
Under the new rules, the Fort Missoula project was cut because the organization received a grant during the last session. Since the museum didnt accept the less-than-requested grant because it wouldnt have enough money to complete the project, the Senate committee restored the funding for St. Michaels Church, said Matt Lautzenheiser, the museums executive director.
Lautzenheiser said the organization is excited that the project is back in the bill and gave credit to Friends of the Museum board members and museum trustees who contacted the Senate committee about the grant.
The Senate added funding for seven projects, bringing the total to $5.9 million for 31 projects. The House approved the amended bill in late April, and it is on its way to the governors desk.
Lautzenheiser said the museum will likely sign the grant contract in the summer and hire an architect and contractor through the countys process this fall. Restoration work should begin next spring, and the project should ideally be completed in fall 2026, he said.
We are eager to see the work on the historic St. Michaels Church get underway and look forward to seeing this important reminder of Missoulas past, and that of the original Hell Gate Village, preserved for generations to come, Lautzenheiser said.
Ballots due next Tuesday
Ballots are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, for the school and special district election. Depending on voters addresses, the ballot may include levies for school districts and fire districts, as well as school board positions and special district positions.
Polling places will not be open for this mail-only election. Since there are fewer than seven days until the election, its too late to return ballots by mail, according to the Missoula County Elections Office. Voters can currently turn in their ballots at the elections office on Russell Street. The outdoor ballot drop box at the office is not available during this election. A list of 10 ballot drop boxes that will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day is .
Residents can register to vote at the elections office until noon on Monday and again on Tuesday. To register, residents must provide either their Montana driver’s license, Montana ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. A valid school or tribal photo ID is also acceptable.
Five Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula County commissioners Thursday approved a storage unit development in Frenchtown despite community opposition. The developer plans to build eight storage buildings with 132 units that include spaces for RVs and boats on a 5-acre vacant lot on the corner of Roman Creek Road and Frenchtown Frontage Road. The area is unzoned, and the proposal was considered under state regulations for buildings for lease or rent. Conditions of approval included fencing and landscaping around the site, a lighting plan and signs reminding drivers to yield to pedestrians on the path that runs along Roman Creek Road. The county received more than 30 public comments opposing the project because of safety and traffic concerns, a lack of need for storage, the effect on the environment and the residential character of the area. During the meeting, seven residents spoke against the project. The three commissioners agreed that storage units are one of the worst types of land uses, but Commissioners Dave Strohmaier and Juanita Vero said the county does not have enough legal standing to deny the project. Commissioner Josh Slotnick voted against the approval.
Mount Jumbos north zone, which includes the area north of Saddle Road, opened Thursday, as the elk herd moves into its summer range in the Rattlesnake Wilderness area. Missoula Parks and Recreation, in consultation with state wildlife biologists, closes much of Mount Jumbo open space annually to protect wintering elk. This spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks completed a forest management project in the north zone that aimed to restore forest health and improve elk habitat. Roads and trails have been restored, but there may be potential hazards in the project area.
Last week, the Missoula County commissioners awarded $20,800 to help fund community projects in Bonner, Frenchtown, Seeley Lake and Condon. The grants included $4,000 for the Bonner PTA for a new playground and park on Bonner school grounds; $2,500 for a Bonner Milltown History Center exhibit at KettleHouse Brewery featuring a 2,700-pound vintage safe from the Bonner Mill; $2,000 for the Bonner-Milltown Community Council to provide a dumpster for four days for residents to dispose of accumulated trash; $3,600 for Football Club Frenchtown to upgrade the soccer field, $3,740 for the Building a Better Society community outreach group to host a spring cleanup and flower distribution in Seeley Lake; $4,000 for the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society to hire a contractor to power wash and seal the Rustics of Lindbergh Lake log cabin in Condon; and $960 for Swan Mission Academy to support Friday clubs for kids in Condon.
The North Missoula Community Development Corporation is changing its name to better reflect the expansion of its work beyond the Northside. The organization, now called Front Step Community Land Trust, provides and advocates for affordable housing and holds community events and workshops. Homebuyers purchasing a home through the community land trust lease the land, making the overall cost more affordable. When theyre ready to move, the homeowner agrees to sell the home at a restricted price to keep it affordable. More information is available on the organization’s .
Missoula Public Health is holding its annual Roll and Read event Saturday to promote early childhood literacy development and educate participants on preventing adverse experiences. At the free event, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McCormick Park, families can walk or bike between stations where firefighters, Red Cross members and volunteers will read to children. The event will also include free vision screenings, bike tune-ups, healthy snacks, games and information about community resources.
Photo Op
From left to right, Kate Lufkin, chief communications officer for Montana Pediatrics, Chelsea Bodnar, CEO of Montana Pediatrics, Katie Samuels, executive director of Families First, and Slaven Lee, Missoula Public library director, cut the ribbon on a new telehealth pod in the library on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The soundproof pod, which includes an iPad preloaded with telehealth tools and a how-to guide, offers families a quiet space for video visits with Montana-based pediatric providers. Visitors can reserve the pod online, over the phone or at the librarys front desk. Providers are available during most library hours, and the wait time to connect is about five minutes.
The telehealth pod serves those up to age 21 for a variety of health concerns, including fevers, rashes and behavioral health questions. Montana Pediatrics accepts all insurance and serves patients regardless of their ability to pay.
The Missoula Public Library is a space that sparks curiosity, offers support and fosters real community, Bodnar said in a statement. As a mom, Ive felt how powerful that can be, and as a pediatrician, Im thrilled to see access to pediatric care become part of this community-driven, resource-sharing model. The library is a trusted, familiar place where families can get the help they need, not by navigating complex systems, but by walking into a space they already know and love. Thats how healthcare should feel, too.
The pod is located on the second floor of the library next to the Families First Learning Lab. Library staff can help families access the pod, and Families First has free at-home care kits for families in need of extra support.
Might Be Fun
The annual Garden City Brewfest at Caras Park on Saturday will feature more than 60 beers, ciders, hard seltzers and wines. The event, which runs from noon to 7 p.m., also includes local food trucks and live music from two Missoula bands and a local DJ. The event is free to attend, and those interested in sampling the brews can purchase a 7-ounce glass, wristband and four drink tokens for $20. Additional tokens are two for $3. Attendees can also purchase a 12-ounce glass stein with the wristband and four tokens for $30.
Attendees can sign up for a cornhole tournament organized by University of Montanas entertainment management program students. Two-person teams can join for $10 and compete for a variety of prizes.
The brewfest coincides with the opening day of three seasonal Saturday markets. The Missoula Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the north end of Higgins Avenue by the XXXXs. The Missoula Peoples Market featuring local art and handcrafted goods operates on West Pine and Higgins from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Clark Fork River Market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on South Pattee Street and the Riverside Lot, west of Caras Park.
