Committee roundup: claims approved, two ordinances advanced, two citizen requests held

The Butte-Silver Bow judiciary committee on June 10 approved a $32,650 claim for demolition, advanced two municipal-code items toward final or additional readings, and held two citizen requests for more information.

Chairwoman Sheay moved several routine agenda items. Resolution 2026-31, to appropriate unanticipated revenue to the Butte-Silver Bow Capital Improvement Sheriff's Fund for a replacement patrol car (public hearing held in May), was moved to final reading by motion and the motion passed.

Council bill/Ordinance 2026-01, which would amend chapter 8.24 of the Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code on special events (sections 8.24.050, 8.24.060 and 8.24.090), was at second reading and was moved to final reading by unanimous motion.

The committee considered a claim to Miles Maloney for $32,650 from the county demolition grant program. Commissioner Callahan asked whether the amount was unusually large for a single demolition and noted that quotes are required; committee members said the program requires submitted quotes and review. The committee approved the claim by motion.

Two citizen communications were held in abeyance. Communication 2026-207 (Melanie Watts) requested authorization under MCA 61-8-391 to allow golf carts on streets with 25 mph speed limits; committee members said they expected input from law enforcement and public works and voted to hold the item for that input. Communication 2026-236 (Savannah Johnston, 522 North Franklin) requested a tiered amendment to the county's chicken ordinance to allow up to four hens on smaller urban lots; the committee said it would wait for an animal-control report and held the communication.

The committee concluded by advancing council bill/ordinance 2026-02 (fire-department jurisdictional area amendments) to second reading as amended and scheduling a June 24 public hearing.