Public Meetings - Belgrade, Montana

The Belgrade City Council met on April 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Arbor Day, public hearings on a lighting district and a road name change, a presentation on school district levies, and various reports and announcements. All votes were unanimous. Proclamation - The Mayor proclaimed April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in Belgrade, encouraging citizens to participate in community beautification and environmental conservation. Public Comments & Testimony - Vivian (resident) expressed strong upset about a proposed road project, stating it would negatively impact businesses, the library, and tax base, and emphasized that the project is "not Belgrade." The Mayor noted that MDT is hosting an open house on April 22, 2026 (4-7 PM) for public input. Public Hearings - Resolution 2026-5 – Lighting District 2446 (Prescott Ranch Phase 2): The city reported that notices were mailed and published, with a protest deadline of April 10, 2026. No comments were received. The council opened and closed the public hearing, then unanimously adopted the resolution. - Resolution 2026-6 – Rename Depot Drive to Copper Ranch Road: The city explained that the name change is needed due to duplicate road names in the county. The council opened and closed the public hearing, then unanimously approved the resolution. Discussion Items - School District Levy Presentation: Dee Dee (school district representative) presented two levy questions on the May 5, 2026 ballot. She explained that Montana schools receive 80% of funding from the state and rely on local voted levies for the remaining 20%. Belgrade seeks levies for both elementary and high school districts to increase staff wages by 2% and reach full funding. She encouraged early mail-in voting and reminded voters to sign and include their birth year on ballot envelopes. Councilmember Minacucci expressed personal support, calling it a "small ask." Reports & FYIs - Mayor: Reminded of Arbor Day event (April 24, 10 AM) and MDT open house (April 22, 4-7 PM) to discuss road projects. - City Manager: Emphasized the MDT open house as an opportunity to correct misinformation about road projects; noted the public works team's response to unexpected snow; announced upcoming absence for recovery but will be available remotely. - Councilmember McGee: Reported on preliminary discussions with UTD to reroute the streamline bus to include the airport twice and connect to downtown Bozeman, benefiting Belgrade residents. - Councilmember Guffey: Announced a $14,000 donation from Gibson Guitar and Bozeman Rotary Club to the library (5 guitars, 2 fenders, snare drum, tuning device). - Councilmember Minacucci: Noted water quality forum attendance; highlighted the need for well testing (over 30,000 private wells in area); expressed concern about dangerous parking blocking intersections downtown. - Councilmember Simon: Reported on attending long-term planning open house and airport master plan open house. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-5 (Lighting District 2446, Prescott Ranch Phase 2) was adopted unanimously. - Resolution 2026-6 (Rename Depot Drive to Copper Ranch Road) was adopted unanimously. - No other votes were taken.

The Belgrade City Council held a workshop on April 13, 2026, to discuss the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA) process, the City of Belgrade Land Use Plan, the future land use map, and proposed subdivision regulations. The meeting was informational, with no formal votes taken. Presenters and staff detailed the multi-year planning effort and next steps toward compliance. Public Comments & Testimony - Riley McDonald (Firm 5, 11 East Main) commented that the new subdivision regulations focus on subdivisions rather than individual home builds, and suggested making that distinction clear to the public to avoid concern about loss of input on neighboring lot development. - Caitlin Coontz (partner, Firm Five) expressed dissatisfaction with public notification regarding the MDT roundabout project on Main Street, stating that downtown businesses were unaware of the plans until recently. She noted contradictions between the roundabout design (increasing traffic speed) and the land use goals of a safe, walkable downtown, and urged better community outreach. Discussion Items - MLUPA Overview and Belgrade’s Planning History: Charles Trawell (consultant) and Brad Stein (senior planner) presented the background. A SWOT analysis in 2022 spurred the "Clearly Belgrade Master Planning" effort, which has since been aligned with MLUPA requirements. Belgrade’s population grew three times faster from 2015–2020 than from 2005–2015, reaching approximately 11,800 earlier than projected. The state’s population has grown 71% since 2000. - Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map: The plan includes population projections (medium projection of 23,000 by 2045, requiring about 4,300 housing units), goals for housing, economy, mobility, recreation, and infrastructure. A future land use map was updated with new “community” and “downtown” classifications. The map shows a transect from urban to rural uses across the planning jurisdiction. - Housing Strategies and Zoning Compliance: Belgrade already meets 6 of 14 required housing strategies (e.g., permitting duplexes, accessory dwelling units, reduced parking minimums, increased height limits). Approximately 37% of the city’s zoned area currently complies with these strategies. The zoning ordinance was found to be well-prepared for MLUPA. - Subdivision Regulations: The new regulations streamline the process: an administrative planning administrator can approve subdivisions that align with the land use plan and zoning, bypassing planning commission unless an appeal is filed. The major/minor subdivision distinction is replaced with a single process and eight exemptions. Appeal steps: planning administrator → planning commission → city council → district court (30 days per step). - Upcoming Projects: The MDT roundabout project on Main Street was discussed. City Manager Cardwell noted the project is state-led, with public workshops on April 15 (11:30 a.m. lunch) and April 22 (4–7 p.m. open house). The roundabout is necessary to improve pedestrian safety and is a prerequisite for the larger Belgrade Urban Project (Jackrabbit underpass). Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the workshop was for information and discussion. - Next Steps: The planning commission will review and recommend the land use plan and subdivision regulations on April 27. City council adoption is scheduled for May 4. - Council members were encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback before adoption. - Public events: April 15 – inside Belgrade Economic Development Series lunch (roundabout discussion); April 22 – MDT open house on roundabout (4–7 p.m.); also Arbor Day celebration on April 22 (10 a.m.–noon). - The city-county planning board will be dissolved by July 1, 2026, coinciding with MLUPA adoption.

The Belgrade City Council met on April 7, 2026, for a regular meeting. The council approved a resolution of intent to rename Depot Drive to Copper Ranch Road and set a public hearing for April 20, 2026. They also approved the second reading of a resolution amending the master fee schedule to add rental rates for the new library and community facilities. The meeting included reports from the mayor and city manager on recent events, infrastructure updates, and upcoming community activities. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, consisting of one item, was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public forum, nor on the two discussion agenda items. The public hearing for the fee schedule amendment also had no testimony. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-4 – Rename Depot Drive to Copper Ranch Road: City staff explained that the existing Depot Drive address duplicates a road in Four Corners, causing conflicts with county addressing policy. The road currently has two proposed addresses but no certificates of occupancy yet. The council approved the resolution of intent and set the public hearing for April 20, 2026. - Resolution 2026-3 (Second Reading) – Master Fee Schedule Amendment for Library/Community Facility Rentals: The city manager presented the new rental rates, which are designed to be fully cost recoverable for private events. Publicly accessible events would not be charged. The fees cover staff time, cleaning, and a required custodial presence. The council voted to adopt the amendment. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-4 was approved unanimously, with the public hearing scheduled for April 20. - Resolution 2026-3 was approved unanimously on second reading. - The city manager announced the Belgrade Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting at the Belgrade Community Library. - The city manager provided updates on infrastructure: a water line repair on Yukon Drive was completed; Well 8 pump failure is expected to be covered under warranty and will take months to replace; the Madison Avenue pedestrian crossing improvements are planned for construction in 2027. - The mayor and council members reported on various events, including the library's one-year anniversary, an upcoming planning commission meeting, and the city's plans for America's 250th celebration with a fireworks show on July 3, 2026.

The Belgrade City Council held a workshop on March 9, 2026, receiving comprehensive project updates from the city manager and various department heads. No formal actions were taken, but staff provided detailed status reports on infrastructure, parks, public safety, and planning initiatives. Public Comments & Testimony - Nicole Cardwell (1522 Bell Star) publicly thanked the city and library staff for partnering with the school district on the "Battle of the Books" reading competition. She reported that Belgrade third and fourth graders won the state trophy, marking the city's first-ever participation. She noted that she was asked to sit on the state advisory council, giving Belgrade a seat at the table. Discussion Items - Community Development Update (Brad Stein, Senior Planner): - MLUPA (Montana Land Use Planning Act) open house held March 4 with about 20 attendees; stakeholder focus groups are ongoing. A workshop is expected next month, with adoption anticipated May 4. - Two variances processed: a sign variance for The Foundry and a setback variance for a home on Southview and 10th Street. - Common boundary relocations and plat extensions ongoing, including the Johns Manville site family transfer. - Foundry PUD sign code amendments and plat extensions in process; zone text amendment is now citywide. - Copper Ranch affordable housing development (near Yellowstone Airport Plaza) coming in for minor subdivision; Depot Drive proposed to be renamed Copper Ranch Road. - City now owns a grain bin, which staff is excited about for programming and potential intersection/stormwater fixes. - Economic development series well-attended; next one scheduled for March 18. - Permits: Residential: 240 total cases, 40 waiting for fee payment, 26 just received. Commercial non-residential: 14 total cases, 23 fees due, 9 more received. Fire sprinkler/alarm: 34. Residential permits are about 5% down compared to this time last year, but developers signal a surge in submissions. - Public Works Update (Camry Iulia, Director): - Cruiser Intersection Improvements (Dry Creek to Jackrabbit): 90% plans submitted to MDT. Right-of-way acquisition delayed on two tracts (airport authority and state trust lands) where roundabout will sit; airport process could take 6–12 months due to FAA review. Staff exploring splitting project into two phases: Cruiser corridor/Jackrabbit intersection first, roundabout later. - Cruiser Roadway Improvements (Bridger Heights developer cooperation): Council approved reimbursement agreement about 1–1.5 months ago. Developer likely starts construction in next month; work expected under 30 days. Will widen last 1,200 feet to Bollinger Lane. - Bollinger Lane widening: Prescott Ranch phases will require widening as development proceeds; phase three soon, phase four timeline unclear. - Companion Way: Nearly complete; waiting for lighting activation and signing. Signal functioning. - Cameron Avenue Improvements: Minor landscaping/tidy-up this spring. - East Madison Avenue (Oregon to Broadway): Contracted to Sandbell; preliminary engineering underway. Construction likely spring 2027 (hoped for fall 2026 but adjusting for MDT administration timelines). - Hoffman Street Sidewalks and Helen Hoffman projects: Received Transportation Commission authorization; negotiating grant agreement with MDT; RFQ expected early summer. - Jackrabbit School Crossings: Adding rectangular rapid flashing beacons at five crossings. Bid out late spring; installation during summer before school starts. Coordinating with school and crossing guards for training. - Henson Signing Project: All but two signs complete; utility conflicts on two. - Traffic Studies: Underway on 13th Street and Butler Creek Road corridors to assess intersection control and pedestrian safety. Hotspot: Cruiser and Butler Creek near Prescott Ranch park. - Traffic Calming Program: Proposed in FY27 budget; small spot treatments with nimble response. - State Street Alley Rehab: Alpine Surveying completed survey; new corner pins set except a few. Right-of-entry letters to affected landowners to set last pins. Alley work starts this summer; expected 3–5 years depending on funding. - Hometown Heroes Snow Removal Program: Launched but no snow this winter; ready for next year. Sign-up available. - Wastewater: Lagoon rehabilitation substantially complete; leak testing on pond 3 this spring (required by DEQ). WERF Phase 1.5 at plant will double liquids treatment capacity to 2 million gallons/day, add solids handling; design phase kickoff next week; construction wraps by end of 2028. Oxidation ditch repair: AECOM hired; bid out late spring; repair this summer. - Water: Well 9 drilling finished; well produced sand; driller believes it needs time to develop. Final design submitted to DEQ; electrical equipment ordered after approval; construction complete this summer. Water storage tank expansion: HDR Engineering completed preliminary engineering report. Well and transmission main design ongoing; tank design bid this spring but construction backlogged to 2027. Well construction starts late summer/fall 2026. Water rights change application: pre-application meeting Feb 24; addressing DNRC comments; resubmission within two weeks; hope for complete determination then 45-day technical analysis and 30-day public comment. - Lead Service Line Inventory: 25% of service lines classified as unknown; city assumes they contain lead but believes fewer than 10 actually do. Meter replacements start in 30 days to physically verify service line material; potholing later in summer for remaining unknowns. Funding for replacements (if needed) has strings; city evaluating options. - Waterwise Program: Launches early summer; educational resource on water system, leak detection, sprinkler adjustment. - MDT Projects: I-90 Belgrade to Bozeman mill/pave this summer (night work); Riverside contracting. East Main Street overlay from Kennedy to near Airway (by MDT maintenance forces) this summer before July 1. Belgrade Intersection Improvements (Main & Broadway roundabout) construction in 2028; full closure considered for 1–2 month time savings; detour negotiations ongoing; city asked for compensation for road deterioration but no commitment. Belgrade Urban: 60% plans complete; construction 2030. I-90 Corridor Study (Three Forks to Bear Canyon) just kicked off; analyzing potential interchanges; looking 1 mile north/south of interstate. - Joint Open House: April 22 from 3:30–7:30 p.m. with MDT at this room. - Parks, Trails & Recreation Update (Jordan Green, Director): - Mayfair Meadows Bike Pump Track: Meetings with American Ramp Company; cost decreases may allow adding progressive bike ramp. Civil engineering drawings in progress; holding pattern awaiting designs. - Dog Park at Henson Park (Rizzo Lane): First draft site plan received; benefactor Bill Finager working on funding in memory of Brandy Crawford. Parks board approved requirements. Will be second dog park in town. - Splash Park: Preparing for 2026 season; painting features, replacing drain pan, fixing wastewater connection. Going out for RFP for future master plan/expansion. - Lions Park Improvements: Coordinating with Belgrade Youth Baseball and school district. Replacing foul poles (now PVC) on two northern fields; installing new irrigation zone at Smith Field after season. Scoreboard and signage projects; addressing dogs in field areas. - Playground Inspection: Heck & Quaw playground equipment inspected; Quaw in good shape; ordering missing parts. - Public Art Program: Working with artist-employee on low-cost, vandalism-proof art features for parks. - MSU Student Project: Survey and planning for formalizing trail connectivity between Menicucci Park and Lions Park; gathering public input for permitting and grants. - Recreation Schedule 2026: First event: Painting in the Park (at senior center) on April 13. "R Discover" series weekly with volunteers for rock hounding, tennis, arts, fly fishing, etc. Dancing in the Grass bands finalized. Belgrade Farmers Market: Gallatin Valley Farmers Market unable to continue; city taking over organization; vendor workshop scheduled. - Forestry: Joe Vadenberg started as first city forester March 1. Focus on tree guide, inventory, identifying problem trees, community outreach. Tree pruning class at Corbett Park on March 27. Arbor Day planting at Lewis and Clark Park (pending final) in coordination with Montana Urban and Community Forestry Association. Sunnyside Park planting plan prepared; tree replacement will consider visibility and noise buffering from I-90. - Tree City USA: Goal to achieve designation next year (Arbor Day). - City Manager Update (Neil Cardwell): - Belgrade Justice Center (former Heck Elementary): Asbestos abatement completed; more extensive than anticipated—about 85–90% of drywall removed (originally expected 60%). Building gutted to studs; 1988 section only remaining drywall. Interior layout: gym will be courtroom; stage demoed, walled off for sound buffer and storage. Court lobby and transaction window in former reception area. Secure office space across hall. Jury room and judge's office in two classrooms; they share a bathroom. Remaining building left as studs for future renovation. Police department wing will be in east side with minimal changes; evidence area, locker room (with showers) in classroom 6, weight room in classroom 5 (opening between). Total project cost $1.56 million (budget $1.6 million); likely to come down. No AC in police/judge areas except gym; window units will be used. Long-term: need three-phase power ($50,000 estimate from Northwestern Energy) for full HVAC. Parking lot not included; on-street parking for public; PD will use off-street parking. North playground may become parking lot; south playground likely permanent. House on property will not be used; hazardous material (lead paint) requires excavation. - Investment Portfolio: Finance (99%) working with Stiefel Finance to manage $20 million in bond proceeds for water project. Plan: treasury ladders for cash flow, remainder in treasury ladders; expected to net several hundred thousand dollars in investment returns. Key Outcomes - Council unanimously excused Councilmember Chris Minicucci (moved by Deputy Mayor Matabel, seconded by Simon). - No formal votes or decisions; updates received for information. - Upcoming events: Joint MDT/City open house April 22; Council meeting canceled for next week. - Meeting adjourned.

The Belgrade City Council met on March 2, 2026, with all eight council members present. The meeting included a public forum with no comments, discussion and unanimous approval of appointments and two resolutions, and reports from the mayor, city attorney, city manager, and council members. Discussion Items - Nominations and Appointments: The mayor nominated Carl Harold for the Belgrade Board of Adjustments and Samantha Adams for the Belgrade Police Commission. Samantha Adams addressed the council, stating her commitment to working with the Belgrade Police Department, promoting accountability, transparency, and community trust. She noted her 25 years in the community and five children in local schools. The council unanimously approved the mayor's appointments. - Resolution 2026-2 – Intent to Create Lighting District 2446 (Prescott Ranch Phase 2): City staff explained that the district is already operational but no revenue is being collected; the resolution initiates the process to establish a special lighting district and set a public hearing. The council unanimously approved the resolution, scheduling a public hearing for April 7, 2026. - Resolution 2026-3 – Amending Master Fee Schedule for Library and Community Facility Rental Rates: Assistant City Manager Greg Tryon presented new rental rates for the community room (north half, south half, or both), senior center, kitchen, audiovisual equipment, and lost key fees. The goal is to allow online reservations and coordinate with the health department for permits. The council unanimously approved the resolution, scheduling a public hearing for April 7, 2026. Reports - Mayor's Report: Mayor attended the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, ribbon cutting for the Belgrade Art Gallery (highlighting local artists), and the Inside Belgrade Economic Development Series (attendance grew 50% from the first meeting). Upcoming events include the Montana League of Cities Executive Forum (March 4-5 in Livingston) and the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C. (week of March 16). - City Attorney: No report. - City Manager's Report: City Manager announced the cancellation of the March 16, 2026 council meeting due to spring break and staff unavailability. City departments (manager's office, legal, HR) moved into the KWA building over the weekend; the school district welcomed them with a banner. Public works is progressing on repairing Oxditch One (engineering bid received) and resubmitting water right reassignments for wells 8 and 9. Budgets have been submitted; a conservative budget is expected due to tax rate structure changes. The city has officially closed on the grain elevator (Big Red). Initial inspections show the structure is sound but requires cleanup from historic fertilizer use. Councilmember Simon asked about the interior; the city manager offered to discuss after the meeting. - Councilmember FYIs: Councilmember Minicucci reported that the water quality board is hiring staff and securing office space. Councilmember Simon noted that the city-county planning board approved a modified sign code for the Foundry PUD, replacing multiple tall signs with a single 25-foot monument sign. Councilmember Matabell promoted the apple pie baking contest on March 14 (Pi Day) as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebration. Key Outcomes - Appointments to the Board of Adjustments and Police Commission were approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-2 (lighting district) passed unanimously; public hearing set for April 7, 2026. - Resolution 2026-3 (fee schedule) passed unanimously; public hearing set for April 7, 2026. - The March 16, 2026 council meeting was canceled. - The council adjourned unanimously.

The Belgrade City Council met on February 17, 2026, to discuss and approve a professional services contract for the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) phase 1.5 project and to hold a public hearing on the Foundry Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat. Both items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included two items related to the school district annexation: an amended resolution (2025-37) adding city ward one to the resolution for the Belgrade School. No public comment was received. Public Comments & Testimony - Tracy Gilbertson (385 West Cameron Bridge Road) spoke during the public hearing on the Foundry subdivision. She expressed frustration that a boundary fence requirement from the original 2022 plat was removed after rezoning. She stated she has spent over $60,000 on a driveway and fencing, leaving the back of her property unprotected. She urged the council to consider the lifestyle of neighboring properties on 1.78-to-2-acre lots and asked for a buffer or fence to separate her property from the new development. Discussion Items - Professional Services Contract with AE2S for WRRF Phase 1.5: City Engineer Joe Houck presented the contract for work order 25-03, which focuses on increasing the wastewater facility's capacity by roughly two million gallons per day. The project includes adding solids handling, liquid treatment (advanced aeration), groundwater monitoring, discharge permit expansion, and upgrading the SCADA system. The current SCADA system is proprietary, about 20 years old, and lacks local support. The upgrade will use an open-source platform with local technicians. Council member Simon asked about odor control; Houck noted the project aims to eliminate lagoons, a major odor source. Public comment was none. The council unanimously authorized the city manager to execute the contract. - Foundry Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat: Senior Planner Brad Stein presented the request for a 105-acre subdivision (formerly Jack Rabbit Crossings) with 556 residential lots, 138 apartments, and 17.5 acres of commercial development. The density is reduced from the previously approved 1,100+ units. The applicant, Venture West Development, and their consultants presented the design, emphasizing diverse housing types (single-family, cottages, duets, townhomes), a linear park system, and architectural standards. Public comment raised concerns about the loss of a required boundary fence and buffer on the south edge. Council members discussed these concerns; the developer offered to add a 10-foot no-build area in covenants for the 10 lots adjacent to Cameron Ridge Road and to consider a matching fence if neighbors desire. The council unanimously approved the preliminary plat subject to staff recommendations. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (all ayes). - Professional Services Contract with AE2S: Motion to authorize the city manager to execute the contract for work order 25-03 passed unanimously. - Foundry Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat: Motion to approve subject to staff recommendations passed unanimously. The developer will work with adjacent property owners on potential fencing and add a covenant for a 10-foot no-build area on lots bordering Cameron Ridge Road.

The Belgrade City Council held a workshop meeting to discuss two major items: a funding framework for the urban forestry assessment fee and the impact of state-level levy changes on the police department. Staff presented two alternative assessment models, and the council expressed a preference for a refined lot-size-based approach. The police chief detailed budget pressures and outlined options for a future public safety levy. No formal action was taken, as this was a workshop session. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Bell was excused by a motion (Deputy Mayor Madmo, second Councilmember Menicucci), which passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - Funding Framework for the Belgrade Forestry Assessment: Mr. Green (staff) presented two alternatives for restructuring the existing flat-fee forestry assessment: - Alternative A (Lot Size): Fees based on parcel size, with larger lots paying more due to greater impact on the urban forest. Staff noted this is simple to calculate and easy to track, but most parcels are small, requiring careful weighting. - Alternative B (Land Use/Zoning): Fees based on zoning district intensity (residential, commercial, industrial). This model is more refined but susceptible to zoning changes and harder to explain. - Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about definitions, budget allocation (the $200,000 benchmark is for maintenance only, not expansion), and equity. Councilmember Guffey expressed concern that downtown commercial properties, which have few trees, would be heavily burdened under Alternative B. Others noted the difficulty of explaining the carbon-offset philosophy to constituents. - Consensus leaned toward Alternative A, with requests to refine the fee tiers (e.g., splitting the 1/8–1/2 acre bracket) and consider minimum/maximum fee caps. Staff will further develop this model. - Impact of Levy Changes on Police Department Operations: Chief Lindsay explained that recent Montana legislature changes have converted the public safety mill levy to a fixed dollar amount, preventing it from growing with new property. The city faces a $350,000 revenue loss this year (equivalent to about three officer positions), and the gap will widen as the city grows. The police department budget ($5M+) is 90% funded by property taxes and consumes 53% of the city’s general fund. Two vacant officer positions have already been eliminated to fund wage increases. The chief highlighted risks of reduced proactive policing and community engagement if funding doesn’t keep pace. - City Manager Kirkwell noted that a new public safety levy could not realistically be placed on the ballot before November 2027, given the need for extensive public education. Councilmembers discussed the challenges of timing, voter fatigue from recent property tax increases, and the importance of communicating the “why” behind a levy. The chief emphasized that without a new levy, service reductions or alternative reporting methods may be necessary. Key Outcomes - The council directed staff to refine Alternative A (lot-size-based forestry assessment) with additional tiers for smaller parcels, consideration of minimum/maximum fees, and analysis of residential vs. commercial composition by lot size. - No formal decision on a police levy was made; the council acknowledged the need for a future levy but recognized a timeline of at least two years. The city manager recommended targeting November 2027 for a public safety levy campaign. - The workshop concluded without any formal action. The meeting was adjourned after public comments.

The Belgrade City Council held its regular meeting on February 2, 2026. The council approved two zoning map amendments on second reading: the Foundry property (104 acres) to Master Plan Community District, and the Copper Ranch portion to Community Living District for affordable housing. The council also made appointments to the City-County Planning Board, Police Commission, and TIF Advisory Board. City Manager reports covered budget preparation, progress on the grain elevator project, TIF and parks debt capacity, and wastewater treatment repairs. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Forum: Russ (former city employee) thanked staff and council for a party celebrating his years of service. - Written Comment on Foundry Rezoning: The council received a letter from resident Kathy Bulk expressing concerns about the development’s impact. The city manager noted the letter contained some profanity, explained that the rezoning actually reduces density compared to existing zoning, and emphasized that developers have property rights that limit the city’s ability to simply deny projects. - No oral public testimony was offered on either zoning item or on the appointments. Discussion Items Zone Map Amendment – The Foundry (Second Reading) - Senior Planner Brad Stein presented the request to rezone approximately 104 acres at the northwest corner of Jackrabbit Lane and Cameron Bridge Road from Flex Employment, Community Living, Mixed Residential, and Open Space to Master Plan Community District. The applicant is Jack Rabbit Crossing LP, LLC. Staff recommended approval. The council had previously approved the first reading on January 20, 2026. The city manager added that the developer has proposed a significant parks investment. The council voted unanimously to approve the second reading. Zone Map Amendment – Copper Ranch (Second Reading) - Senior Planner Brad Stein presented the request to rezone a portion of the property owned by Yellowstone Crossing HC LLC (east of Depot Drive and South Frontage Road) from Commercial Corridor to Community Living District, intended for an affordable apartment complex with income and deed restrictions. Staff recommended approval. The first reading was approved January 26, 2026. The council voted unanimously to approve the second reading. Stein also noted that Depot Drive will need a name change due to duplication with a county road. Appointments to Advisory Boards - City-County Planning Board: Reappointed Ali Vasarilla, Sandy Lee, and Matt Anderson as city representatives, and Nolan Morgan as county representative. Terms expire June 30, 2026 (when the board transitions to a city-only planning board). - Belgrade Police Commission: Reappointed Vivian Krauss and Steve Delaney to terms expiring February 2, 2029. - TIF Advisory Board (TIFAC): The council appointed Dave Semerad (school district superintendent) and Scott McFarland (county commissioner) as ex-officio members. Councilmember Goffey volunteered and was nominated to serve as the council representative and chair of the board. The council unanimously approved all appointments. City Manager & Mayor Reports - Mayor’s Report: Attended the Montana League of Cities and Towns quarterly board meeting in Helena; discussed protecting local decision-making from state preemption. - City Manager Cardwell: - Employee evaluations completed on time; budget season underway with personnel requests. - America 250 projects advancing; positive media coverage increasing. - Grain elevator: liquid storage tanks removed, allowing lease closure with BNSF and eventual redevelopment. - TIF and Parks districts: financial advisor Stefan Associates provided positive debt capacity estimates; debt issuance likely by June for projects including Hoffman corridor improvements. - Oxidation ditch repair: city will need to fund a liner repair; Camry will provide further update at a future meeting. Councilmember Updates - Councilmember McGee: attended Urban Transportation District annual planning meeting; discussed future bus routes for Belgrade. - Councilmember Simon: attended first Planning Commission meeting; 343 survey responses highlighted transportation/congestion, parks/trails, and a swimming pool as top priorities. - Councilmember Menicucci: noted Water Quality Board meeting upcoming. - Councilmember Bell: questioned whether the Senior Center Board meets in February; it was confirmed meetings resume that month. Key Outcomes - Foundry Rezoning (Second Reading): Approved unanimously. - Copper Ranch Rezoning (Second Reading): Approved unanimously. - Advisory Board Appointments: Approved unanimously, including Councilmember Goffey to TIFAC. - Upcoming Dates: City Council Workshop on February 9, 2026; next regular meeting moved to Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (due to President’s Day).

The Belgrade City Council met on January 20, 2026, to consider multiple zoning amendments, contracts, and resolutions. All items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - Linda Angeloni (address not stated) expressed concern about reduced parking requirements in the proposed Master Plan Community zoning, noting that most residents have at least one car and public transportation is limited. - Linda Angeloni also asked for clarification on the definition of "community living" zoning and where to find zoning information. Discussion Items - Zone Text Amendment (Master Plan Community) – Second reading of Ordinance 2025-12 to create a new zoning district. The amendment allows smaller lots, attached/detached housing, and reduced parking. The planning board recommended 3-1. Council clarified that religious assembly would be permitted without a conditional use permit. Approved. - Zone Map Amendment (The Foundry) – First reading to rezone approximately 120 acres at Jackrabbit Lane and Cameron Bridge Road from various zonings to Master Plan Community. The development will be less dense than previous plans, with townhomes, cottages, and single-family homes. Planning board voted 4-0 to recommend approval. Second hearing set for February 2, 2026. Approved. - Zone Map Amendment (Copper Ranch) – First reading to rezone a portion of Yellowstone Crossing property to Community Living for a proposed 320-unit affordable housing development targeting 60% of AMI. The applicant, Inland Group, will partner with HRDC and Montana Board of Housing. Planning board voted 4-0 to recommend approval. Second hearing set for February 2, 2026. Approved. - Resolution 2026-1 (TIFF Advisory Committee) – Required by state law (SB 3) to establish a Tax Increment Financing Advisory Committee for the Belgrade Commercial Center Urban Renewal District. The committee will include a school district representative, a county representative, a council member, and two public members. Approved. - Mayfair Meadows Bike Pump Track – Contract with American Ramp Company for $299,999 (not to exceed) to construct an asphalt bike pump track at Mayfair Meadows Park. The project is the first phase of a larger park plan, funded by a $400,000 appropriation and grants. The track will be the only fully asphalt pump track in the region. Construction anticipated in late summer 2026. Approved. - East Madison Avenue Project – Professional services contract with Sandbell for engineering design of water/sewer replacement, roadway widening, and pedestrian improvements from Oregon to Broadway. The project is funded by a $1.3M Transportation Alternatives grant with a 13.42% local match. Total project cost estimated at $2.1M. Construction likely in 2027. Approved. - Cruiser Lane Reimbursement Agreement – Agreement to reimburse Rosa Construction up to $163,967.23 for 50% of roadway improvements on Cruiser Lane (half-road construction). The city will fund its share from street impact fees. Approved. Key Outcomes - All seven action items were approved unanimously by the council. - The consent agenda was approved. - Second readings for the two zone map amendments (The Foundry and Copper Ranch) are scheduled for February 2, 2026. - City Manager reported on a successful trip to Washington D.C. advocating for transportation funding, including the Jackrabbit underpass and West Belgrade interchange. - Staff provided updates on the America 250 celebration planning, budget season, and the upcoming demolition of the old fertilizer tanks at the "Big Red" property.