FOR MAYOR KELLY HARRIS: 

1) Same question I asked you in January 2023:
What do you think is the biggest challenge East Helena is currently facing?

David, thanks for reaching out it is always fun to answer some questions about East Helena. I would say the answer is likely the same as last year, with the growth we are facing and the ripple effects from the growth is our biggest challenge. I believe growth will be the biggest challenge for East Helena now and for the foreseeable future.

2) I suspect you are pleased with the work that was completed on Valley Drive between Canyon Ferry Road and Plant Road with the addition of a “turning” lane. Do you have any idea of when work will resume to finish upgrading Valley Drive/Montana Ave.?

Yes, we are quite pleased with the results of the county portion of the upgrade to Valley Drive. As for the city portion of this project, the Council has made the decision to seek a federal RAISE grant. We are currently working with Staley Engineering to submit the grant application. When we talk timing, it would all be contingent on if we have a successful grant application. A successful grant award could result in construction starting in the summer of 2026.

3) What are your thoughts on the work being done at the old ASARCO Smelter Site? Anything particularly interesting that stands out in your opinion?

The most notable thing occurring currently is the sale of some of the unfumed slag and its transport to Korea. I am a bit of a throwback here, when I look at the old smelter site, I cannot do so without a great deal of thought/respect for the individuals who worked so hard at that site. The remaining super fund site and its cleanup have been progressing quite well, and the METG and its representatives have been excellent partners to the city.

4) In general, do you believe East Helena is adequately prepared to handle the tremendous amount of growth occurring: new homes, new businesses, new residents, etc.? Is this amount of growth presenting new challenges to the police department and City Hall, such as rising crime rates, increased road traffic, etc.?

The people that work for the City of East Helena are what make us prepared to handle the growth that is occurring and is yet to come. I am in awe of their effort and talents every day. I also believe that the culture and environment within the city right now are exactly what we need moving forward. As expected, as new homes are built, new businesses are established, and we receive new residents the city services will need to expand. Much time and effort are given currently to make sure that we are not only prepared for the future but are ready to meet whatever needs arise.

5) There is a huge new Town Pump gas station, convenience store, and casino currently being constructed at the edge of town. A number of residents have asked me if East Helena really needs another casino? Isn’t the number of casinos already in East Helena enough?
Your thoughts?

Let me first answer this by saying that the new Town Pump casino will replace the current one located just across Wylie drive. So, there will be no additional casinos in East Helena. The Town Pump Corporation purchased the former Lamping Field quite a few years ago from METG. Last year they decided to develop the corner of this land with a modern store. I think overall the continued development of this property will only add to the City as a whole.

 FOR POLICE CHIEF MIKE SANDERS:

1) Same question I asked you in January, 2023:
What do you think is the biggest challenge East Helena is currently facing?

The biggest challenges for the Police Department are the budget and staffing. We could definitely use more money for crucial equipment and training as well as additional staffing. We had a challenging year in 2023. We hired two new officers (late April and early May) who were in training for most of the year. Drugs are another challenge for law enforcement nationwide, and one we frequently face in East Helena. The fentanyl and methamphetamine arrests and seizures were higher this year compared to last year in Montana and we are also seeing an increase in cocaine usage in Montana.

2) I suspect you are pleased with the work that was completed on Valley Drive between Canyon Ferry Road and Plant Road with the addition of a “turning” lane. Do you have any idea of when work will resume to finish upgrading Valley Drive/Montana Ave.?

We are very pleased with the completed work on Valley Drive. Mayor Harris can provide more details about when work will resume on Valley Drive.

3) What are your thoughts on the work being done at the old ASARCO Smelter Site? Anything particularly interesting that stands out in your opinion?

What stands out to me is the added trail system completed by Prickly Pear Land Trust near the old ASARCO smelter site. I believe that having a safe and scenic trail system in East Helena is wonderful for the community something we will all be able to enjoy for years to come. We see a number of East Helena citizens enjoying the new trails near JFK Park and everyone we speak to says they really enjoy the new trails. A big thank you to Prickly Pear Land Trust and the City of East Helena for making this wonderful resource a reality.

4) In general, do you believe East Helena is adequately prepared to handle the tremendous amount of growth occurring: new homes, new businesses, new residents, etc.? Is this amount of growth presenting new challenges to the police department and City Hall, such as rising crime rates, increased road traffic, etc.?

The new growth has added to the Calls for Service in East Helena and has definitely added to increased traffic volumes. Due to the increase in traffic volume this year, we have been placing a significant focus on proactive traffic enforcement and in doing so, we have seen traffic violations decrease in some areas this year in comparison to 2022. The East Helena Police Department continues to concentrate their public safety efforts in and around East Helena and will maintain our focus in continuing to build confidence and trust with the members of the community and we will always strive to become the best law enforcement agency we can be.

5) There is a huge new Town Pump gas station, convenience store, and casino currently being
constructed at the edge of town. A number of residents have asked me if East Helena really needs
another casino? Isn’t the number of casinos already in East Helena enough? Your thoughts?

This question would be better answered by Mayor Harris.