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11/17/2025
Commission action prompted by detainment earlier this year
The Helena City Commission tentatively agreed last week to support solidifying some of the demands made by immigration advocates into city statutes, a move meant to ensure future transparency regarding federal enforcement of immigration laws.
During a meeting last week, City Commissioner Melinda Reed proposed a resolution that would specifically codify the city of Helena’s position: It would not enter into an agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, now or in the future.
“I think there’s real fear in our community, real concern, and the people sitting in this room may feel somewhat assured, but I’m not sure it’s sufficient,” Reed said before asking what the next steps for a resolution would entail.
The resolution was fueled, in part, by the demands made by local advocacy groups Montana For Palestine and Waking Giant earlier this year after the detainment of Christopher Martinez Marvan. The demands included opposition to a 287(g) agreement, as well as requests that the Helena Police Department not share information with federal entities, publicly alert the community about enforcement activities, and force federal immigration officers to identify themselves and not wear masks.
While the commission agreed to consider a resolution, City Attorney Rebecca Dockter noted that there could be legal issues regarding some of the demands.
“As far as I can tell, HPD has never arrested or detained somebody solely for an immigration violation,” HPD Lt. Adam Shanks said during the meeting.
Shanks also added that officers don’t and will not detain people solely on the basis of their immigration status.
“We don’t know, we don’t ask because that’s not our goal,” Shanks said.
City Manager Tim Burton suggested that city staff and the police department collaborate on a draft resolution that incorporates some elements from the demands.
“I think what we would do is make sure that the language is clear so that we’re not putting the police in a potentially illegal position,” Burton said. “I don’t think it’s something that we want to rush through and make a mistake.”
Mayor Wilmot Collins said he would support a resolution if it didn’t pose any legal issues for the police department.
Commissioner Sean Logan also requested that HPD move an online fact sheet of its current immigration practices to a more visible spot on its website, which Police Chief Brett Petty agreed to.
A specific meeting date to further consider the resolution was not set.
Public Notice
Helena Public Schools and SMA Architecture & Design will hold an open house Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Helena High School cafeteria, 1300 Billings Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., for a presentation about the design of the school’s new campus, which will include the district’s alternative high school and new athletic facilities.
The city commission agreed last week to a timeline for the appointment of a new commissioner to fill Mayor-elect Emily Dean’s seat. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19, and until Monday, Dec. 15, the city will accept applications for the position. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside within the city limits. Dean, a current commissioner, begins her role as mayor in January.
The city’s parking advisory committee is conducting a survey regarding downtown parking fees. The survey can be found on the Be Heard Helena website. Residents have until Dec. 5 to weigh in.
5 Things to Know in Helena
Last week, the city commission identified nine semifinalists in the search for a new city manager. The semifinalists will undergo virtual interviews with the full commission, which will take place from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, according to CMS consulting manager Drew Geiger. The names of the semifinalists were not released.
Roundabout plans for downtown’s “mini malfunction junction” continued last week in a commission meeting with Transportation Director David Knoepke updating the commission on alternative designs and cost estimates. A design that features stop signs in all directions and pedestrian safety improvements would cost approximately $3.4 million, compared to the $4.1 million it would cost to construct a roundabout. The commission was split on how to move forward, with Commissioners Logan and Reed opting for the less expensive option. Commission Dean and Mayor Collins said they prefer the roundabout. No official decision has been made, although the city remains under contract to proceed with the roundabout design.
The city’s parking advisory committee recommended not offering free parking for specific dates in November, after downtown business owners submitted a petition to the city’s chamber of commerce earlier this month. Parking committee chair Julia Gustafson said during a meeting last week that the proposal didn’t financially “make sense.” She recommended that the chamber or business owners utilize the merchant validation system through the Passport parking website to provide free parking for shoppers.
Last weekend, the city hosted its first Pumpkin Smash on the walking mall to help reduce gourd waste. In partnership with the city’s parks and recreation department, the event saw roughly 240 pumpkins smashed, diverting about one ton of waste from the landfill, according to the city’s social media post. The pumpkin remains will be turned into garden compost.
The Helena School Board of Trustees appointed Keith Meyer last week to fill the vacant trustee position formerly held by Rachel Robison. Robison announced her resignation earlier this year to focus on her health. Meyer is a former school district teacher and principal and is currently the foundation director for Shodair Children’s Hospital.
Eye on Helena
County officials encouraged Helena residents and businesses to use green bulbs last week as a way to commemorate Veterans Day. The campaign was part of a national event known as Operation Green Light. On Nov. 11, Mayor Wilmot Collins — who himself spent two decades in the U.S. Navy Reserve — joined around 35 people in front of the City-County Building to observe Veterans Day.
—Zeke Lloyd
