The County Commission on Feb. 20 heard public feedback on a proposed donation of a 54-acre parcel in Montana City, taking the next step in what could be the creation of a new public park for the area.
The land’s owner, Pamela Bompart, offered last November to donate the property to the county, with the stipulation that it must be open to all for recreation, preserving the de facto public space it has been for decades. The county also would be required to hold the land in perpetuity.
During the well-attended meeting at the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department hall, Bompart’s representative Ken Vivrette told the Commission that Bompart has already received offers for the parcel, known locally as “Rattlesnake Butte,” from buyers interested in developing the land for commercial purposes, including storage units and condominium housing.
Vivrette said Bompart was not in favor of commercial development and believed that making the area a county park was a better use of the land.
But residents from the Stoneybrook subdivision, which borders Rattlesnake Butte on the south, expressed concern about the additional traffic a park might bring. Sue Kenyon stated that there is already a great deal of foot traffic on the trail between Rattlesnake Butte and “the swimming hole” (near the intersection of Haab Lane and Highway 282), and that trail users parked their vehicles on private property and left trash and pet litter.
“My front window looks right out on that trail,” Kenyon said. “And there are people and dogs on it from 6 in the morning until 10 at night, making noise.”
Another Stoneybrook resident, Janice Hebde, echoed Kenyon’s remarks and added, “I’d like to know about the plans to have trash cans available at this park, and if there are plans for handicapped accessibility.”
Commission Chair Corey Kirsch said he did not anticipate regular county-provided services for the park. “The county does not have trash trucks,” Kirsch said, adding, “I really see this as just a parking lot that the county clears the weeds out of. Maybe some fencing. I’m not seeing water or restrooms or anything like that.”
Another Stoneybrook resident, Joseph Dunn, said he had not experienced animal or garbage problems, and thought the park would make a great addition to the community. Bret Lian and Keith Foley, both members of the county Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission, said that adding the land for public use was a good idea, since it would extend the existing Montana City trails system.
Former Montana City Fire Chief Rick Abraham observed that the general fire protection plan for Montana City described a need for an adequate water supply for fire fighting, including hydrants for existing subdivisions. He noted that Rattlesnake Butte could make a good location for a water supply tank, and asked the Commissioners to consider not restricting future uses for the land. County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Doug Dodge stated agreement with Abraham’s concern.
“We may need to change the name, though,” Kirsch said, suggesting that “Rattlesnake Butte Park” may tend to scare off potential visitors. Vivrette explained that would be very difficult to do, since the name of the geographic feature has been documented as far back as 1870. “In that case,” Kirsch concluded, laughing. “I guess it will be a fair warning.”
The County has not committed to accepting Bompart’s donation. It estimates that just under $9,000 of public money would be needed to pay for appraisals and other pre-acquisition activities. The property itself has been valued at just over $1,375,000.
