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Townsend City Council Approves Fourth of July Street Closure
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Townsend City Council Approves Fourth of July Street Closure

Rachael Brug

Staff Reporter

Fourth of July Fireworks:

In the meeting's most anticipated item, the council approved an addendum to the American Legion's existing Fourth of July event application, adding an evening closure of Broadway from Front Street to First Street from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4. The closure is designed to give residents a safe, contained area to watch the fireworks show, set to launch from a private field near downtown, starting around 10:15 p.m.

An American Legion representative described extensive preparation, including pyrotechnics training and coordination with Big Sky Fireworks, Broadwater County Sheriff's Department, and the city fire department, which will have Fire Chief Ed Shindle and two trucks on site. "Fireworks-free zone" signage will be posted along the closed section of Broadway. Council approved the motion with a word of caution: no city ordinance currently gives law enforcement authority to cite individuals for setting off personal fireworks in the designated zone, a gap council suggested could be addressed in a future amendment to the fireworks ordinance. Council also asked the Legion to return in August to report on what worked and what didn't.

Community Theater Street Dance:

Council approved an event application from the Broadwater Community Theater for a street dance this Saturday, June 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on South Spruce Street, featuring the Helena Hand Basket band and a catered dinner provided by the Betsy. James Domino, acting president of the theater, presented the request and apologized for submitting it after the advance deadline required by city ordinance. The motion passed contingent on receipt of an updated certificate of liability insurance naming the City of Townsend as an additional insured. Council made clear that late applications will not be accommodated in future years.

Bike Safety Rodeo:

Council unanimously approved an event application for the annual Bike Safety Rodeo at Heritage Park on August 21, including a street closure from B and South Pine to C and South Pine. Broadwater County Public Health Director Ruby Taylor described the event — a grant deliverable for the health department — as a hands-on bicycle safety program for children that includes helmet fittings, hand signal instruction, and an obstacle course. Taylor said she hopes to recruit a healthcare provider to discuss head trauma and helmet safety this year, and council members suggested expanding the curriculum to address the dangers of riding with earbuds.

Massa Park Lease Ended:

The council learned that the Massa family has formally declined to renew the lease on Massa Park, effective immediately. The mayor read a letter from Hamilton attorney Bill Nelson, writing on behalf of property owners Penny and Mike Massa. The mayor said she had anticipated the decision after a series of conversations with family members that signaled not all siblings were in agreement about the property's future. With the lease declined, the city is no longer responsible for a parcel it had maintained in good faith for approximately 20 years — much of that time without a formal legal agreement in place. Council discussed notifying the Rotary Club about Christmas lights installed on a tree now on private property, potentially relocating city-owned memorial benches, and drafting a public statement for when residents begin to notice changes at the site.

Zoning Process Discussion:

Cassie Cooper, a Townsend business owner, addressed the council about her experience navigating the city's zoning requirements when adding a drive-up window to her business. Cooper said the required traffic analysis was difficult to find on the city's current website, and that unexpected requirements surfaced midway through the process, delaying her plans. She urged the council to maintain the six-car stacking requirement for drive-thrus, saying the analysis — while frustrating to find — ultimately gave her useful information. Council members agreed, noting the planning board had discussed potentially streamlining some of those requirements. A council member said she would begin providing printed, highlighted copies of relevant zoning sections to applicants who come to city hall, adding that a planned website overhaul should also improve access to ordinances and application forms.

Investment Rate Update:

The council received a report that Opportunity Bank has raised the city's interest rate to 3%, up from 1.5%. The mayor and city clerk said they still plan to meet with a bank representative to discuss rate variability and compare returns with the State Board of Investment's Short-Term Investment Pool before making any decision about reallocating a portion of the city's approximately $6 million in idle cash. A recommendation is expected at the second July council meeting.

Ordinance Review and Public Works:

The council received updates on its ongoing ordinance review, with animal control regulations — including a proposed framework for backyard fowl — generating lively public discussion. Titles one and two of the city code are now with the council for review. Public Works reported the city pool is operational, water chlorination work for the new transmission main is underway ahead of a June 22 deadline, and chip seal sweeping on Pine Street is set to begin this week. The Montana Department of Transportation may also paint fog and center lines through town as early as Wednesday.