In a split 3-2 vote, city commissioners on Monday agreed to a plan to move the USS Helena's propeller, bell and anchor from Pioneer Park, where the artifacts have stood for 32 years, to the Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison.

The planning and specifics of the move haven't yet been worked out, but the museum's foundation plans to ask the Montana National Guard and the Navy Seabees to assist with the project. City tax dollars won't be spent on the move.

The pieces together weigh about 17 tons. Jim Duffy, president of the museum's foundation, said last week the move could happen this fall or next spring. The project was spurred by a request from the Helena Council of the Navy League.

Supporters, including two veterans who spoke at Monday's meeting, believe the move will keep the artifacts safe from vandals, provide an attraction for the museum and better honor the service of those who were aboard the heavy cruiser between 1945 and 1963, when it was decommissioned and scrapped.

Commissioner Sandy Oitzinger said the artifacts' new home will provide a place "where they can be properly honored and respected." Mayor Jim Smith and Commissioner Alan Peura joined her in supporting the move.

Opponents, including another veteran who spoke Monday night, said the items have served as a community landmark, and noted their location allows all residents to enjoy them.

"It does honor our Navy with us having that in the center of our city," Commissioner Matt Elsaesser said. Commissioner Paul Cartwright joined him in voting against the project.

The artifacts are actually owned by the federal government and have been on loan to the city since they were installed behind the Lewis and Clark Library in 1976 as part of a bicentennial project. Supporters of the move will now contact the government to have the loan transferred to the museum.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com