Meet CAPS Office Manager, Laurie Hire

“If you’re going to have a work family, this is a good one to have.”

Creating this warm sense of place within an office setting is certainly no easy task. Doing so requires a certain skillset and mentality that helps to accommodate diverse personalities and work styles. 

These staff members make Missoula County great and we are immensely fortunate to have them.

If you walk into the Community and Planning Services office, a friendly face will be there to greet you.  After even a brief conversation, it becomes evident that Office Manager, Laurie Hire, is exceptionally knowledgeable, curious and helpful. Having the opportunity to work with her, it is even more evident that she is an incredible person and helps to make our Community and Planning Services department (CAPS) a special place.

Having worked at the County since 2005, Laurie has come to know many individuals and processes well. However, it was a unique and unplanned situation that initially brought her here.

“I was working at the Missoulian when a friend left for a job in Justice Court. She called me the next day to say that the job wasn’t for her and that I should do it,” Laurie said.

It was at this time that Laurie was hired as a temporary clerk to migrate civil files into newly purchased software. After a year of work, Laurie was hired full time as a judicial aide and worked in that office for four years.

“I was able to bring my boys to work after they were born which helped to bring some happiness into the office. I enjoyed my time there but after a while I was interested in other opportunities at the County.”

It was at that time that Rural Initiatives was hiring for an Administrative Aide. The position was a perfect fit for Laurie where she could use her journalism and graphic design background.

“I knew I didn’t want to leave the County but that I wanted to do work that more closely aligned with my degree. This position offered outreach and to work on publications.”

When the Office of Planning and Grants went through a restructuring process, Laurie’s position grew into her current role where she works on a variety of things including the eNewsletter, brochures and redesign of both the RI and CAPS logos.

Now, as CAPS Office Manager, Laurie ensures the daily operations of the office run smoothly. She connects with the public through outreach efforts, including email correspondence, website updates and drafting the CAPS newsletter. Laurie also pulls together all CAPS budget reports, pays bills, edits letters and takes minutes for meetings.

“I’ve gotten to know everyone really well and make sure that they have what they need to accomplish their work. When we transitioned into CAPS it took time to develop working relationships with new staff. I wanted to step in to find ways to bring people together and to have fun.”

Aside from these duties, Laurie works very closely with community councils in providing administrative support. She is there to answer questions about how meetings should be run and conducted, translates agency jargon, maintains the handbook and supports their activities.

“Councils are a valuable part of our department and Missoula County. They’re the eyes and ears of their community and in turn help us share our message with that community.”

With such a wide array of responsibilities, Laurie enjoys outreach work to be able to provide information to the community while sharing CAPS’ projects. The most rewarding aspect of her role is knowing that in some way or another she is making someone’s job easier.

“We have a good staff. They’re fun and easy to work with. Everyone is professional, responsible and fun. I could not do my job without Genevieve [MacDonald] and am so thankful to work with her.”

Outside of work, Laurie enjoys many hobbies including reading and spending time with her husband and two sons. In fact, Laurie’s husband, Sean, also works for the County. They met in French class while attending the University of Montana and have been married since 2004.

Although Laurie wanted to be a creative writer as a child – and still enjoys doing so when she has the time – Laurie is happy with her career choice and to be working for the County.

“I’m in a really great place. It’s not what I thought I would be doing but I have the flexibility to take care of my family and myself. I have fun here which makes it enjoyable and rewarding. Missoula County really looks out for each other. I don’t think people fully understand how much the County values staff. Feeling support by your coworkers and elected officials is something really special.”

Favorite Book: I love everything from Camus to David Sedaris. My mom was an English teacher.

Favorite Movie: Star Wars trilogy, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Shawshank Redemption.

Favorite Color: I love color in general, so The Pantone chart.

Favorite TV Show: I Netflix binge and can watch Arrested Development and Deadwood over and over again.

2015 Land Stewardship Award

On Friday, July 24 the Missoula County Commissioners and staff toured Chuck and Mary Erickson's property in Piltzville. The Ericksons were then awarded the 2015 Land Stewardship Award in recognition of their immense efforts to repair and maintain their land. We had a wonderful afternoon with the Ericksons and cannot thank them enough for the wonderful work they do. Enjoy these photos from the Land Stewardship Award celebration. 

You can also learn more by reading the Missoulian's article, "Monday's Montanans: Piltzville couple recognized for Land Stewardship." 

Planning: From Most Experienced to the New Kid on the Block

We often hear of planners working on various projects throughout Missoula County. They help the public in many ways, ranging from answering questions, identifying areas of concern, to granting permits and weighing many sides of an issue to present a recommendation for the Commissioners’ consideration. Those in the development business or with questions about their land get to know our planners quite well as they jointly navigate many processes together.  This position is one that requires a vast knowledge of not only our area – land, laws, permits, regulations – but also of institutional knowledge. The history of a parcel of property, and those who have owned or managed it, often comes into play. Knowing this background can be beneficial to a tenured planner but approaching a long-standing issue with a fresh perspective also has its strengths. Missoula County is fortunate to have planners who have worked in the department for more than 25 years. We also have a well-educated planner who just put on her planning hat less than four months ago. We spoke with Missoula County’s longest serving planner, Pat Keiley, and most recent addition, Christine Dascenzo, to learn more about their work and experiences. Enjoy!

Job title?

o   Pat: “Planner III.”

o  Christine: “Planner II.”

How long have you worked in this particular position?

o   Pat: “26 years.”

o   Christine: “4 months.”

Previous work experience?

o   Pat: “Worked for Boeing in Seattle immediately following college graduation. I only lasted six months before realizing that I wanted to return back to Missoula. I applied for an open planner position and have been here ever since.”

o   Christine: “Before coming on as a planner, I worked as the Parks and Trails Assistant. I started there in January, 2012. That role was a mix of administrative work with the Parks and Trails advisory board, billing, working with the matching grants program, noxious weed mitigation and day-to-day parks issues. Before that I interned with a labor union in New York City, worked in Detroit as the business manager for a labor union magazine – Labor Notes  and then moved to Phillipsburg where I worked for Project Vote Smart.”

Where did you grow up?

o   Pat: “Helena, Montana.”

o   Christine:  “Plymouth, Michigan. “    

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

o   Pat: “University of Montana where I studied Business and Public Administration. The program was much more broad then.”

o   Christine:” Michigan State; I majored in Political Science. I also have my masters in Geography from the University of Montana.”

How did you come to work at Missoula County?

o   Pat: “I knew I wanted to get back to Missoula after college and saw an ad in the paper for a planning position. I got the job and moved back.”

o   Christine: “I was studying geography at the University of Montana and saw that Parks and Trails was hiring a part-time position. I applied and got the job.”

How do you explain the work you do to people who are unfamiliar with your role?

o   Pat: “In general, I’m a problem solver. Specifically I help to answer questions at the information desk, I work with planning and zoning, building permits and floodplain regulations. I also review permits and process complaints and zoning violations.”

o   Christine: “It’s a mix of subdivisions, zoning, land-use questions at the County. After I get past subdivisions, people either ask more questions or the conversation stops there.”

What do you like best about being a planner?

o   Pat: “I like helping people problem solve and resolve their issues. They’re often facing a variety of different things and I like to work to help solve it.”

o   Christine: “I like helping figure out what exactly their question is. This can involve this history of their land and it seems like a big puzzle to always be solving.”

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

o   Pat: “Since I’ve started things are really going good. The amount of time that this job fills up in life is something that I’m always working through.”

o   Christine: “There are many different wants and needs in a given situation that I need to try and explain to those involved and others. That is challenging while also trying to keep health and safety as the top priority.”

What is most rewarding?

o   Pat: “Finding solutions.”

o   Christine: “Finding that one nugget of information that a land owner doesn’t know and showing folks new tools and technology that can help them in the work they’re doing. I also work with really dedicated people.”

What have you learned being a planner?

o   Pat: “I didn’t really know zoning or the subject matter when I first started. The job was much different then. I’ve learned how to communicate with others and I’m always learning that; whether it’s my presentation skills or getting along with coworkers. I had to grow. It’s all about being your own self while being a team player to be helpful with others and staff.”

o   Christine: “When I first started, I kept thinking that I should know more than I do. It’s one thing to conceptually know planning from your education but you need to be in the office to learn how to actually do it.”

 What do you see as being an advantage of being an experienced planner?

o    Pat: “I’ve grown a lot since I first started.”

o   Christine: “I wish I had knowledge of case studies.”

What do you see as being an advantage of being a beginning planner?

o   Pat: “I’m still learning computers and software. That’s second nature to Christine.”

o   Christine: “I am able to come into a long-standing issue without baggage and a fresh set of eyes.”

It’s the weekend or after hours. Where do we find you?

o   Pat: “I love going to Griz games – all the different sports. I also love exercising: hiking, jogging, walking in the Mount Jumbo and Rattlesnake areas.

o   Christine: “I always enjoy my bike ride home from work. My husband and I are avid Lady Griz basketball fans, as well. We like to travel and are going to Chile in September.”

Missoula County Subdivision Rewrite: Natural & Cultural Environment

Approximately one month ago, Missoula County Community & Planning Services (CAPS) released a preliminary draft of proposed revisions to the Missoula County Subdivision Regulations, Article 3: General Design Standards for All Subdivisions – Section 3.1 Natural, Cultural Environment and Hazardous Lands (renamed Natural and Cultural Environment).

A roughly one-month comment period commenced on June 8, 2015 and resulted in limited comments. This draft (Draft #2, July 17, 2015) has been forwarded on to the Planning Board for their public hearing on August 4, 2015. The purpose of the attached memo is to invite you to comment on the second draft and to participate in the public review process if you are able. You can also review the memo by clicking here.

 

For more information on the overall Subdivision Regulations REWRITE project, visit the project webpage here: http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/mccaps/CurrentPlanningPermitting/SRRP/SubRegRewriteHOME.htm

Please contact Missoula County Community and Planning Services at 406-258-4657 with further questions. 

Missoula County Community and Planning Services is moving forward with updates to the subdivision regulations that address development within or adjacent to hazardous areas. Missoula County contains a variety of natural and unnatural hazards that can affect our residents, economy and communities. Such hazards include flooding, wildfire, avalanches, high voltage power and gas lines, among others. Development of land within or adjacent to these hazardous areas threatens the safety and well-being of our residents and communities.

Staff recently completed draft revisions to the Hazardous Lands portion of Article 3.1 (renamed Article 3.1 Natural and Cultural Environment). Attached to this memo is the July 2015 Hazardous Lands #2 draft and the Hazardous Lands Table of Changes.

Public Hearing Schedule

The public hearings for these proposed revisions are as follows:

1. Missoula Consolidated Planning Board on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. This meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Missoula City Council Chambers, located at 140 W. Pine Street in Missoula.

2. Missoula Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. This meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Room B-14 of the County Administration Building, located at 199 W. Pine Street in Missoula.

Please note there may be multiple items on the agendas of these meetings.

"International land managers learn conservation at UM seminar, on Potomac ranch"

On July 14, 2015, Keila Szpaller wrote a wonderful article about Denny Iverson. Denny was the chair of the Open Lands Committee for a time, and he also worked with FVLT to place a conservation easement on his property which was supported with Open Space Bond funds. His work has greatly benefited Missoula County throughout the years. The article is copied below. Enjoy. 

POTOMAC – It's haying season here, but Denny Iverson took some time out of his day Tuesday to tell conservationists from around the world about the night he understood he wouldn't be selling the family ranch.

Iverson, a farmer and rancher, was having dinner with friends and telling them about his retirement plan. The plan involved selling the acreage his father bought in the beautiful valley east of Missoula.

Iverson had worked the land as a child, and his own children had grown up on it. Hearing his plan that night, they protested.

"Dad, you can't sell the ranch. It's our home," Iverson remembered.

"I always get emotional about that because it was an epiphany for me. It wasn't my home, but it was their home."

The epiphany came with a problem, Iverson said. All of a sudden, his retirement plan went out the window.

To keep the land, Iverson hammered out a conservation easement with the Five Valleys Land Trust to protect the property from development. He also worked on a new plan for retirement, one that meant making the ranch more productive.

The conservation easement is an idea stewardship manager Jenny Tollefson views as a manifestation of Iverson's private property rights, his power to protect the land in perpetuity. Five Valleys is one of 12 land trusts in the state, one of 1,500 in the country, and it holds some 145 easements in western Montana.

"It doesn't matter who owns this land. Forever, it will remain ... a largely undeveloped landscape," Tollefson said.

On Tuesday, some 24 land managers who are participants in the University of Montana Wilderness Institute's annual International Seminar on Protected Area Management stood in a half circle around Iverson, on a corner of his acreage used for calving, and heard his story. 

The institute is part of the UM School of Forestry and Conservation, and the seminar examines strategies to conserve the world's special places. From its base in Missoula, the group will visit national forests, wilderness areas, the Flathead Indian Reservation and Yellowstone National Park, among other places.

"What better place than Missoula to bring this diverse group from around the world to explore public landscapes in the western U.S. as an inspiration?" said Wilderness Institute director Natalie Dawson.

***

Swapna Sarangi of India was flabbergasted that Iverson likely gave up a lot of money, possibly millions of dollars, to place property into a conservation easement.

"This is absolutely rare, beyond impossible," Sarangi said.

In India, it would be hard to imagine a property owner choosing to give up rights, she said.

"This is like, foolish," she said of the view the move would likely receive in her country.

In fact, Iverson said people in the U.S. also have called him foolish. 

"You are a blessed one to be foolish that way," Sarangi replied.

Iverson, though, tells people that if they are considering a conservation easement for the money, they're on the wrong track. And Tollefson said she views an easement as one way a landowner exercises – not abdicates – property rights.

After the group discussion, Sarangi said she planned to talk to people in India about the concept of conservation easements. She said India, too, has lessons for the U.S. in conservation.

One lesson is that farming must be done in a way that is close to nature, she said. Indians have a growing consciousness of the importance of doing so, of the dangers of pesticides in food, for instance.

"That's something India will try to do and teach to the world," Sarangi said of natural farming.

***

Members of the group also came from Palestine, Georgia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Moldova, Brazil, Guyana, Israel, Zambia, Armenia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Gabon, Ecuador and Nepal. They already spent two days in Washington, D.C., to meet with the U.S. Forest Service.

"They're conservation heroes," said Jim Burchfield, dean of the College of Forestry and Conservation.

In some cases, land managers in other countries don't have any other colleagues to help them in their job to protect the landscape. They deal with poaching and human encroachment, and Tollefson said the U.S. already has dealt with similar problems.

"We've made all these mistakes," she said.

The mistakes offer lessons, and participants can find them at the seminar. People go into conservation because they love the outdoors, Tollefson said.

To protect it?

"I learned very quickly that it's really all about the people," Tollefson said.

Source: http://missoulian.com/news/local/international-land-managers-learn-conservation-at-um-seminar-on-potomac/article_cefb7687-6a11-566a-a41c-21e95a1cb2bc.html

Celebrating Montana's First Open Land Month

Missoula County is among many proud partners celebrating Montana's first Open Land Month this July. Our Community and Planning Services staff have been instrumental in bringing this recognition to light, especially Kali Becher, Missoula County's Rural Landscape Scientist. Kali's dedication to her work and the work of Montana's Open Land Month is truly inspiring. To honor MOLM, Kali has written the following editorial about what this month means to her and how open lands impact all of us in Western Montana. Enjoy. 

____________________________________________________________

This July has been designated as Montana Open Land Month by Governor Bullock as a way to recognize the importance of open land to our way of life and well-being. Open Land Month helps to remind Montanans of the importance and value of public and private open land that surrounds us. For many of us this is a key part of why we live here. We celebrate and appreciate these places throughout the year, while hunting, fly-fishing, bailing hay or driving through our beautiful state. In addition, Montana Open Land Month provides a special opportunity, not only to recognize the importance of open land and celebrate the places we love, but to recognize the tremendous efforts that have gone towards keeping them whole.

Through working for Missoula County, I have the opportunity to meet some incredible people and learn about inspiring work being done by private landowners, organizations and public land management agencies. Some of these efforts have been highlighted through the County’s Land Stewardship Award. These individuals play a critical role in resource conservation and do it voluntarily. In 2013 I had the opportunity to meet Dave and Kay Owen, landowners in the Swan Valley, who received the Land Stewardship Award that year. Walking through stands of towering lodgepole pines and carefully planted western larch was truly humbling as it showed the incredible amount of care and work the Owens have put into their property.

Marshall Wildlife Management Area. Photo Credit: Five Valleys Land Trust. 

In addition to efforts by individuals to care for our open land, there is also incredible work being done by organizations. Since the passage of the Open Space Bond in 2006, the County has worked with local land trusts on projects to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, working lands, and maintain open land and scenic landscapes. These projects have involved private landowners voluntarily protecting their land with conservation easements, public agencies protecting vital wildlife habitat, and providing access to rivers and trails. Since 2006, Open Space Bond funds have been used to protect more than 25,000 acres in Missoula County. This level of achievement could not have been reached without the dedicated land trust staff, private landowners and agency employees. As a result, Missoula County is full of diverse and beautiful places that will be here for future generations to enjoy.

Partnership agencies such as the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks play a vital role in giving residents and visitors access to our open lands.  In Missoula County alone, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently created the 24,170 acre Marshall Wildlife Management Area; a beautiful landscape enjoyed by both people and wildlife in the scenic Seeley Lake area.

These lands represent our way of life and are inextricably linked to our well-being. They tie us together—upstream to downstream, valleys to mountain tops. Take some time this month to enjoy the abundant open land near you, and celebrate the people and the places that make Montana such a great place to live, work and play.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions FAQ

Missoula County Commissioners have voted to impose Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

As of July 3 at 12:01 a.m. these restrictions will go into effect. To learn more about what this means to those in Missoula County, please see the following Q&A. 

What is a Missoula County Stage 1 Fire Restriction?

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are brought before the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. Once the resolution is passed, this restriction prohibits the use of fireworks on both public and private lands within Missoula County. Restrictions extend the perpetual prohibition of fireworks from County parks, Forest Service and State lands to private lands within the county.

When are restrictions effective?

The County Commissioners voted to impose Stage 1 Restrictions on June 30, 2015 during their administrative meeting. The Stage 1 Restrictions will be effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2015.

Why isn’t the restriction effective immediately?

Delayed implementation allows agencies to ensure the effective date is the same across all agencies. It gives every entity time to get through their adoption process and it gives land managers the time to post notices on the ground.

Why did the Board of County Commissioners approve Stage 1 Restrictions?

This move comes on the heels of the Missoula County Fire Protection Association’s determination that fire danger in Missoula County is Extreme. That determination is in consultation with all local fire agencies, land management agencies and local government and is based on information related to weather, fuels, and current and expected conditions.

Who enforces these restrictions?

Missoula County and city law enforcement will be responding to the best of their ability and as resources allow.

Are any fireworks allowed?

Because they pose a fire hazard, all fireworks including the following are prohibited: snakes, smoke bombs and sparklers. This is contrary to what is allowable within Missoula city limits.

Can I sell fireworks?

Stage 1 does not prohibit the sale of fireworks. Stage 2 restrictions prohibit the sale.

Can I have a campfire?

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire are prohibited unless:

a.       The person is using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.

b.       The person is conducting the above activities in designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

c.       Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

d.       All land within a city boundary is exempted (maybe – waiting to see if the city enforces the same)

Can I smoke under Stage 1 Restrictions?

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Who can I contact if fireworks are being used?

The Office of Emergency Management staffs a fireworks report line. That number is 406-258-4850. The public is encouraged to report the use of fireworks. To report a fire, call 9-1-1.

Are public displays still permitted?

The Southgate Mall Fourth of July fireworks display and the Missoula Osprey post-game displays are only those permitted. Those events have gone through fire marshal’s office for approval. The displays are provided by people who are licensed, bonded and insured. They have a pre-approved safety plan in place. The public is encouraged to attend those shows.

What are the publics’ ramifications if Stage 1 Restrictions are ignored?

Violation of these restrictions is a misdemeanor offense. Violators are subject to imposition of reimbursement for costs incurred for fire suppression activities resulting from prohibited activities.

Who is held financial responsible for a fire under Stage 1 Restrictions?

Stage 1 Restrictions prohibit all fireworks and create severe restrictions on campfires and smoking. Stage 1 Restrictions also mean that responding agencies can hold an individual that starts a fire as a result of fireworks financially liable for the costs of fighting the fire.

How long does this restriction last?

In accordance with §7-5-104 MCA, a second reading of this ordinance is waived due to the emergency conditions existing in Missoula County and it shall become effective on passage and approval and remain in effect for no more than 90 days.

How can I stay informed?

Missoula County will be sharing all information related to Stage 1 restrictions with the media and on our Twitter and Facebook pages. We encourage the public to check with these resources and share information to keep our community updated.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has a helpful website if you’re interested in learning more about Stage 1 and 2 fire restrictions: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/drought/definitions.html.