Council Approves Matching TIF Funds for Town Master Plan

The Whitehall Town Council unanimously approved a request from the Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC) to use $20,000 in TIF funds to further the Whitehall Master Plan project at their February meeting on Monday, February 8, 2021. JLDC, along with the Headwaters RC&D and the Town of Whitehall, applied to the Montana Department of Commerce – Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) in late 2020. The application, if approved, would hire a qualified consultant to design and create a comprehensive Master Plan which targets revitalization and improvements in Whitehall.

The total project budget is about $40,000, of which $20,000 would be supplied by the BSTF if the application is approved. The Council’s vote would match that $20,000 dollar for dollar as required by the application. The TIF Board, represented by Bridget Morse at the meeting, put their stamp of approval on using the TIF funds for this request during their meeting in January, noting that the project was what TIF monies were meant for. Alison Richardson, who also sits on the TIF Board as well as JLDC, stated that the project may come in under the $40,000 estimate, whereas the match would not need to be as much.

“I am very hesitant when it comes to using TIF money, but this is a great project,” Richardson said, noting that this is exactly what JLDC loves to do – projects which plan ahead and develop present day community and economic development goals and priority, but also build off of current successes, such as the TIF district.

Lori Young, representing the Planning Board, and Joe Granvold, Fire Department Chief, also voiced their support of the creation of a Master Plan.

“When we are applying for grants, we are always asked to see our Master Plan,” Young said. Further discussion noted that, with grant applications, municipalities are scored higher when a Master Plan is in place.

JLDC’s white paper, which was supplied at the meeting, noted that the 2009 Whitehall growth Policy called for the creation of a “Downtown Improvement and Revitalization Plan” and to “Develop a Downtown beautification plan for sidewalks, streetscape, lighting, parking, etc.” JLDC noted that some of these elements have already taken place; the Master Plan will canvass existing efforts and projects, while also providing new recommendations and implementation strategies.

The project, if approved by the BSTF, would be a one-year timeline from start to finish, and would include heavy involvement from the Town Council, JLDC, CTAC committee, and the public.

The Council also voted to allow Mayor Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh authority to approve temporary business licenses for contractors doing small projects in town, instead of forcing them to wait until the Planning Board can review and approve. This will alleviate a long wait for contractors working small projects, such as window replacement or deck building. Larger projects, as noted by the Town’s guidelines, still need to be approved hrough the Town Planning Board.

Other items:

• Janacaro-Hensleigh relayed information regarding free snow shoveling for seniors in Whitehall – anyone interested should call the Town Hall for information.

• Allissa Christensen, Town Treasurer, noted that end of year accounting is nearly completed.

• Kory Klapan, Public Works Director, noted that the state plans to remill Legion Avenue in 2022.

• Granvold noted the importance of the new MOVE OVER Law – if you see emergency lights on the roadways, slow down and move to the left.

• Young reported the Planning Board was excited to see the changes being done at the Whitehall Creek RV.

• Business licenses were granted to Whitehall Creek RV and Keith Fortin by the Council.

• Brittney Martinez was approved as the new Deputy Clerk.

• Young thanked Christensen and Martinez for stepping up and assisting the Planning Board in meeting planning and organization.

• Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman gave a brief recap of progress concerning the Western Legacy Center, which has been approved to go into the former Forest Service building just outside town and near the interstate. Wortman said the Montana Pro Rodeo association has voted to take the lead on fundraising and will use the center as a Hall of Fame. The Center could be completed by spring of 2022. Wortman also noted that a “Made in Montana” gift shop would be located within the center and could be used as a business incubator for local artisans. JLDC has final say on February 17th of whether it will take the center on as a project.

• The Council tabled discussion on utilizing Black Mountain Cloud Hosting services for the town’s information, with the Council requesting more information. Discussion was had that backups should have a protocol around their storage, as it is currently onsite.