City of Helena to remove Confederate fountain

Though no official vote was taken, the Helena City Commission has directed the city manager to remove a Confederate memorial from a city park.

Native American lawmakers in Montana called on the city to remove the granite fountain from Hill Park in downtown Helena Tuesday, following a weekend of violence, including a death, at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. During an administrative meeting that included nearly two hours of public comment Wednesday, commissioners said the removal should be completed as quickly as possible, citing public safety concerns.

Helena City Manager Ron Alles said he will meet with his staff to figure out the best process of removal. The timing will be part of the discussion.

“Now, it’s up to me,” Alles said after the meeting. “I need to digest it as well.”

Read more: http://helenair.com/news/local/helena-commission-to-discuss-fate-of-confederate-fountain/article_606b058a-4e09-5802-a7b8-dc07f2b0a27e.html