Public Meetings - Billings, Montana

The Billings City Council met on October 13, 2025, to address a wide range of issues including approving funding for the LB Lofts affordable housing project, amending the sidewalk snow removal ordinance, considering an annexation and zoning change (with a controversial 20-foot buffer strip), creating a utility connection assistance program for the South Billings Urban Renewal District, and launching a discussion on reforming traffic impact studies and impact fees. The meeting also featured a proclamation for Indigenous Peoples' Day and public comments on ICE activities and infrastructure concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from September 8, 2025 (as read). - Approved the consent agenda (all items) without separation, with Councilmember Aspenlighter making the motion and Councilmember Kennedy seconding. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Brooks (Billings Chamber of Commerce) expressed support for agenda item 2 (LB Lofts), citing the growing need for affordable housing (over 8,000 on waiting list) and safety benefits from crime prevention design. - Brian Redfern (5523 Clear Sky Drive) spoke during the joint public hearing on annexation and zoning (items 4A/4B), voicing concerns about the CMU1 corridor zoning, potential for a gas station or storage units, traffic impacts on Grand Avenue, and a feeling that public input does not matter. - Paul Clark (South Side, Ward 1) commented on non-agenda items, urging for more park space in new developments, addressing stagnant water at the South Street underpass, contamination at the Western Sugar site, and concerns about the proposed animal shelter location. - Reverend Kenneth Crouch (1642 Wembley Place) spoke on non-agenda items regarding ICE operations in Billings, asking for a discussion on protocols (no masks, warrants, limits to violent offenders, etc.) and expressing support for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Discussion Items - Indigenous Peoples’ Day Proclamation: Mayor Cole read a proclamation recognizing the contributions and resilience of Native peoples, acknowledging the land as the homeland of the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Sioux, Blackfeet, and others. The city opposes all forms of oppression. - City Administrator Report: Chris provided an update on the animal control building: a cleaning firm began work to obtain a DEQ certificate of fitness by end of month; no late ex parte communications. - Item 2: LB Lofts Affordable Housing Funding - Presented by Brenda Beckett and Jordan Langton (Jay). Project: 101 two-bedroom, two-bath affordable rental units in the Billings Heights (Sioux Lane & Twin Oaks Drive). 38% of units serve 31-50% AMI, 62% serve 51-80% AMI. Request: $1.4M HOME + $145K CDBG = $1.545M total (loan, repayable as cash flow reimbursement). Total project budget: $25M. Construction expected May 2026 – Dec 2027. Community Development Board recommends approval contingent on viability of stored building materials and commitment from other funding sources. - Heather McMylan (Homeward) noted volatile market conditions but expressed confidence in timeline; they have extra pods as contingency. Council discussed delays, storage units (pods), pest control, and the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) policy. Per unit cost: $248,000 (including pods and land). Motion by Councilmember Rogers, second by Councilmember Bernice. Vote: unanimous (Councilmember Gullick recused). - Item 3: Snow Removal Ordinance Amendment (BMCC 22-406) - Tina Hoger presented: no PowerPoint. The ordinance clarifies the process for snow/ice removal from sidewalks. Staff has never used the assessment option, but it remains as a future tool. Enforcement is via door hangers; most compliance. Councilmember Kennedy opposed due to concerns about snow pushed back onto sidewalks and potential fear of charges. Public hearing: no comment. Motion to approve by Councilmember Boyette, second by Councilmember Neese. Vote: 10-1 (Kennedy opposed). - Items 4A, 4B, 4C: Annexation, Zone Change, and Ward Boundary - 4A: Annexation Petition 25-04 (54 acres between Grand and Colton, currently agriculture within zone 1). Staff recommended approval with conditions. Developer representative John Halverson (Sandbell) and Rick Luthold presented. Key issue: a 20-foot P1 buffer strip required by code to separate CMU1 from agricultural land (to be developed later). Council criticized the strip as wasteful. Councilmember Aspenlighter suggested eliminating it; staff noted legal notice issues. Council later initiated a separate zone change to fix the strip (passed). Public hearing: Brian Redfern spoke. Discussion included traffic impacts, fire service (Station 7 is 0.37 miles away), school capacity, the 23-year-old Cottonwood Park development agreement (Councilmember Mayor Cole cited as reason for his 'no' vote). Motion to approve 4A by Councilmember Aspenlighter, second by Councilmember Tidswell. Vote: 10-1 (Mayor Cole opposed). - 4B: Zone Change 1070 (from Agriculture to a planned neighborhood development mixture: N1, NX1, CMU1, P1). Staff recommended approval. Motion by Councilmember Aspenlighter, second by Councilmember Tidswell. Vote: unanimous. - 4C: Ward Boundary Ordinance (to include annexed property in Ward 4). Public hearing: no comment. Motion by Councilmember Tidswell, second by Councilmember Rogers. Vote: unanimous. - Additional action: Council voted unanimously to initiate a council-initiated zone change to convert the 20-foot P1 strip to CMU1, with staff waiving fees. - Item 5: South Billings Urban Renewal District Water & Sewer Utility Connection Program - Presented by Dick (SABURA Board). Program: up to $5,000 per residential applicant (max 10/year, $50,000 total) from SABURA's $250K community enhancement budget. Property owner pays system development fee ($2,442) and permit; SABURA pays contractor for hookup work. Board recommended approval. Council discussion: residential-only intent confirmed; cost share is 34% (owner pays substantial portion). Motion by Councilmember Rogers, second by Councilmember Kennedy. Vote: unanimous. - Council Initiative: Traffic Impact Study and Impact Fee Reforms - Councilmember Aspenlighter proposed a work session to discuss two issues: (1) clarifying that a traffic impact study (TIS) is due at preliminary plat submittal (not at completeness/sufficiency review), and (2) implementing a traffic impact fee system to replace current one-off exactions (which often result in unused funds). Noted $2M in unprogrammed impact fees. Staff noted workload but acknowledged need for discussion. Motion by Councilmember Aspenlighter, second by Councilmember Kennedy. Vote: unanimous (to hold work session). Key Outcomes - Approved funding for LB Lofts (1.545M) with unanimous support (recusal). - Approved first reading of snow removal ordinance amendment (10-1). - Approved annexation of 54 acres (10-1). - Approved zone change for planned neighborhood development (unanimous). - Approved ward boundary adjustment (unanimous). - Approved SABURA utility connection program (unanimous). - Directed staff to schedule a work session on TIS timing and impact fee system (unanimous). - Council initiated a separate zone change to address the 20-foot buffer strip (unanimous).

The Billings City Council met on September 22, 2025, with Mayor Bill Cole presiding. Councilmembers Gullick, Owen, Rogers, Aspenlighter, Boyette, and Ripsis were present; Councilmember Shaw attended online, Kennedy was excused, and Tidswell participated online. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, and a roll call. The council approved minutes from August 25, 2025, and recognized a proclamation declaring October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Key topics included several consent agenda items, public hearings, a special review for a parking lot, renewal of the Citizens Police Advisory Board, and council initiatives on traffic noise and HB 231 levy adjustments. Consent Calendar - The non‑separated items of the consent agenda were approved unanimously after items 1D (Safe Streets for All contract), 1P (resolution of intent to expand the South Billings Urban Renewal District), and 1Q (public arts policy) were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Nelson (speaking on Item 1P) opposed expanding the TIF district, arguing the mechanism should not be used to fund a swimming pool and that it unfairly diverts tax revenue from schools and other jurisdictions. - Representative Denise Joy (speaking on Item 1Q) expressed strong support for the public arts policy, describing the drafting process as collaborative and enjoyable. - Susie Casper and Sam Miner (Shiloh Road residents) described severe noise from street racing and modified vehicles, stating the problem is unbearable and dangerous. They presented a resident petition and requested enforcement, sound cameras, or speed bumps. - Jordan Weber (Park Lane resident) supported the noise reduction initiative, recounting frequent late‑night disturbances on Rimrock Road. - Public Hearings (Items 2–8): No members of the public offered testimony on the CAPER (Item 2), weed abatements (Item 3), nuisance abatements (Item 4), false alarm assessments (Item 5), SID 2925 reassessment (Item 6), the Alkali Creek Elementary electronic sign (Item 7), or the Energy Laboratories parking lot special review (Item 8). - Paul Clark (non‑agenda comment) raised concerns about underpass flooding, the animal shelter incinerator, inconsistent parking requirements, and the case of Charles Kirk. Discussion Items - Item 1D – Safe Streets for All Contract: Councilmember Aspenlighter opposed the $672,000 contract, calling the soft costs excessive and the process inefficient. City Engineer Mac Fogelson explained that federal requirements added about one percent above the standard twelve percent. Councilmember Shaw moved approval, seconded by Gullick. The motion carried 7–2 (Rogers and Tidswell dissenting). - Item 1P – Resolution of Intent to Expand South Billings Urban Renewal District: Councilmember Ripsis sought a delay, wanting clearer financial projections before a final vote. Councilmember Gullick moved approval, seconded by Shaw. Councilmember Owen spoke in favor, noting the area’s identified infrastructure gaps and potential for revitalization. The motion passed, with Nees and Ripsis dissenting. A public hearing and a community meeting were scheduled. - Item 1Q – Public Arts Policy Resolution: Councilmember Nees separated the item but opposed it due to potential future costs. Councilmember Ripsis moved approval, seconded by Boyette. The policy sets a framework for accepting and placing public art donations. The motion passed 7–2 (Nees and Aspenlighter dissenting). - Item 2 – CAPER: Brenda Beckett presented the Comprehensive Annual Performance Evaluation Report for FY 2024–2025, covering HUD‑funded programs (first‑time homebuyer loans, COVID relief, Mitchell Court housing, Washington School HVAC, Boys & Girls Club expansion, downtown restroom, and North Park improvements). No council action was required. - Item 3 – Weed Abatements: Staff recommended assessing 34 properties ($7,000 total); after payments, $5,599.18 remained. The resolution, as amended, passed unanimously. - Item 4 – Nuisance Property Abatements: Two properties totaling approximately $1,500 were assessed. The resolution passed unanimously. - Item 5 – False Alarm Assessments: The first enforcement cycle collected $11,750 after payments. The resolution assessing unpaid fees passed unanimously. - Item 6 – SID 2925 Reassessment: Unspent construction funds ($75,000) were used to pay down debt, reducing individual assessments. The resolution passed unanimously. - Item 7 – Electronic Message Display Sign: A public hearing was held for Alkali Creek Elementary’s proposed sign; no council action was taken. Staff noted that brightness regulations would apply. - Item 8 – Special Review 1001 (Energy Laboratories Parking Lot): The Zoning Commission recommended conditional approval for a 40‑stall surface parking lot at 1108/1110 South 28th Street, with landscaping, fencing, and shielded lighting. Councilmember Ripsis opposed, arguing the city’s parking code forces excessive parking in an area with ample street parking, contradicting infill goals. Councilmember Nees agreed. The motion passed, with Ripsis and Nees dissenting. - Item 9 – Annexation/Zone Change (Items 9A–C): On the applicant’s request, the council voted unanimously to postpone the public hearings and continue them to October 13, 2025, due to unresolved traffic concerns. - Item 10 – Citizens Police Advisory Board Renewal: Chief Rich St. John reported progress on the board’s four goals and recommended renewal for four years (through December 31, 2029) with membership changed to seven at‑large members. Councilmember Nees expressed caution but supported the renewal. The motion passed, with Aspenlighter dissenting. New board member Jordan Weber and Chair Carrie Boiter described upcoming data and outreach initiatives. Council Initiatives - Aggressive Driving and Vehicular Noise Reduction: Councilmember Ripsis introduced an initiative to schedule a work session exploring strategies (environmental, technological, legislative). The motion passed unanimously. - HB 231 Levy Adjustments Codification: Councilmember Ripsis moved to direct staff to draft an ordinance (later amended to bring a draft to a work session) that would lock the allocation of the 34.71 mills raised under HB 231 to align with voter intent. Councilmember Owen opposed, arguing the law’s ambiguity and that the approach would restrict flexibility and risk future tax increases. Councilmember Aspenlighter sought further discussion before drafting. The motion passed 7–2 (Owen and Rogers dissenting). Key Outcomes - Approvals: - Minutes of August 25, 2025 (unanimous) - Consent calendar non‑separated items (unanimous) - Safe Streets for All contract (1D) – 7–2 - Resolution of intent to expand South Billings URD (1P) – majority - Public arts policy (1Q) – 7–2 - Weed abatement assessments (3) – unanimous - Nuisance property abatements (4) – unanimous - False alarm assessments (5) – unanimous - SID 2925 reassessment (6) – unanimous - Special Review 1001 (8) – majority - Citizens Police Advisory Board renewal (10) – majority - Noise reduction initiative – unanimous - HB 231 codification (directed to work session) – 7–2 - Postponed: Items 9A–C (annexation/zone change) to October 13, 2025, with the public hearing continued. - No Action: The CAPER (Item 2) was informational; the electronic sign hearing (Item 7) was for input only. - Next Steps: Work session on noise reduction; drafting and work session on HB 231 levy adjustments; public hearing and final vote on URD expansion in late October; community meeting on October 9 at Orchard School.

The Billings City Council held a business meeting on September 8, 2025, covering multiple agenda items including proclamations, consent agenda, public hearings on lighting district assessments and encroachment fees, a tax increment financing extension request, and a council initiative on department director residency. Key decisions included approval of annual lighting assessments, a vote to increase encroachment fees, and a motion to postpone a TIF extension request to November 10, 2025. A council initiative to require department directors to live within city limits was referred to an October work session. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously all items on the consent agenda as submitted by staff, including routine approvals, contracts, and airport leases. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Brooks (Billings Chamber, 815 S 27th St): Expressed support for the Old Billings Hardware TIF extension (item 4), highlighting the positive benefits of infill development, increased downtown tax base, housing in a desirable area, and crime prevention through natural surveillance. He urged council support either that evening or in the near future. - No public testimony was offered on the lighting district assessments or encroachment fees. Discussion Items - Council Courtesies & Proclamations: - JustServe.org proclamation: Recognized Billings as a JustServe city (first in Montana) and announced over 120 organizations and 88 volunteer projects locally. - Suicide Prevention Day (September 21, 2025): Proclamation read by Mayor Cole; Nancy (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) presented statistics noting Montana has the highest suicide rate in the nation (over twice the national average) and remains in the top five. She highlighted the Out of the Darkness Walk at Will James Middle School on September 21 at 12:30 p.m. and promoted the national suicide prevention hotline (988). - National Voter Registration Day (September 16, 2025): Proclamation encouraging voter registration via myvoterpageMT.com. - City Administrator Report (Kevin Ifflin): - Requested removal of item 4 (TIF extension) from tonight's agenda to November 10, later withdrawn by council vote. - Reported on stop sign compliance at 32nd North and 2nd/3rd Avenues: added flags, temporary stop-ahead signs; longer-term options include larger signs, lights, relocation, and increased police enforcement. No accidents since August 1. - Facilities Management RFP: Staff recommended not proceeding with the only proposal (50% higher than current costs) or a short-term consulting alternative; will continue assessing approaches. - Announced hearing on Colonial Apartments lawsuit in Judge Nisley's courtroom (Room 608, courthouse) on September 9 at 1:30 p.m. - Item 2 – Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District (SILMD) Assessments: - Staff (Jennifer) presented annual assessments for 65 city-owned and 123 other-owned districts, totaling $2.9 million (6.5% increase). 41 districts unchanged, 77 decrease, 79 increase. Increases driven by 25% projected electricity cost rise, partially offset by reserves. - Councilmember Kennedy expressed concern about numerous non-functioning streetlights on the South Side and questioned raising fees while lights were out. Staff confirmed they respond to complaints, and Kennedy pledged to provide a list of dark lights. - Public hearing opened and closed with no testimony. - Motion to approve the resolution passed 8-1 (Kennedy opposed). - Item 3 – Encroachment Rental Fees: - Staff proposed a six-year adjustment (original five-year plan extended) to move tiered fees toward 50% of average assessed land value: tier one up 11 cents, tier two from $6.45 to $7.80 per square foot. Revenue estimated at $129,000. Language added to clarify proration across multiple properties. - Councilmember Nees moved to set fees at FY25 rates (no increase) to avoid burdening downtown businesses. Councilmember Owen seconded. - Councilmember Nice offered a substitute motion to approve staff recommendation, arguing the fees are minimal, generate revenue for right-of-way beautification, and discourage excessive private encroachment. Substitute motion passed 5-4 (Gullick, Nice, Cole, Boyett, Shaw in favor; Owen, Kennedy, Aspenlighter, Tidswell opposed). - Item 4 – TIF Extension for Old Billings Hardware (2802 Montana Ave, up to $745,000) : - Staff (Wyeth) explained the 2022 approval included a condition to execute a development agreement within 365 days or upon completion of Phase II historic tax credits. That deadline passed unnoticed due to unclear documentation, requiring council action. - Developer Randy Hafer stated they were ready to execute but unaware of the 365-day condition; they have faced repeated financing delays due to post-COVID inflation, supply chain issues, and high interest rates. He noted Phase II tax credit application is pending with the National Park Service (expected approval in weeks) and that the TIF award is critical to the capital stack. - Councilmembers, especially Aspenlighter and Nees, raised concerns about tying up downtown TIF funds for three years without project completion, arguing the deal may be void and should go back through the Downtown Billings Partnership (DBP) board for fresh review. - Mamet Casey (DBP development director) clarified the board was ready to execute the agreement by June 30, 2025, and that the applicant’s delay is due to the discovered condition. The board supports the project and does not object to an extension, pending an executed development agreement. - Motion to postpone to November 10, 2025 (hard date) passed unanimously on a voice vote. Councilmember Aspenlighter amended the original motion to ensure a firm date. Councilmember Nice expressed the deal may be void and should be re-reviewed by DBP; Mamet agreed to put it on the September DBP agenda. - Final vote: All present councilmembers (except Gullick, who recused) voted to postpone the item to the November 10 business meeting. Council Initiatives - Department Director Residency Requirement: - Councilmember Kennedy introduced a policy to require all department directors to live within the Billings city limits, arguing it ensures accountability, loyalty, and a shared tax base. He stated the council has policy-making authority per the city charter. - Mayor Cole and others opposed, citing potential harm to recruitment/retention, morale, and staff time; they noted no other large Montana city imposes such a requirement and suggested a waiver process might be needed. - Councilmember Owen supported moving forward for discussion, noting that a waiver provision could address exceptional circumstances and that the policy could serve as a “canary in the coal mine” to gauge housing affordability and safety perceptions. - Motion to refer to an October work session (council discussion only, no staff presentation) passed 5-4 (Nees, Owen, Kennedy, Tidswell, Boyett in favor; Gullick, Cole, Aspenlighter, Shaw opposed). Key Outcomes - SILMD Assessments (Item 2): Approved with a 6.5% overall increase; one councilmember (Kennedy) opposed due to unresolved streetlight outages. - Encroachment Fees (Item 3): Approved with increase as recommended by staff, over a motion to keep rates flat. Final vote 5-4. - TIF Extension (Item 4): Postponed to the November 10, 2025 business meeting. The Downtown Billings Partnership will review the application in September. - Department Director Residency: Scheduled for an October work session; no staff presentation, council discussion only.

The Billings City Council held its regular business meeting on August 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including consent agenda approvals, public hearings on land use, street naming, wastewater wholesale rates, annual levies, budget amendments, and the creation of urban renewal district advisory committees. Council also recognized a scout troop and a police officer for outstanding service, and received a proclamation for the Healthy Tribes Run on the Rims Challenge Day. Several items generated extended debate, particularly the mill levy setting and the FY2026 final budget, which were both approved on 7-2 votes after amendments. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from August 11, 2025, and the consent agenda (items A1 through C2) with the exception of item D2 (bills for the week of August 4, 2025). Item D2 was separated for recusal by Councilmember Rupsis and later approved unanimously (with Rupsis abstaining). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was offered on non-hearing items (consent agenda or TIF board appointments). - During public hearings on items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, no members of the public spoke. - On item 9 (FY2026 final budget), Kevin Nelson (4235 Bruce Avenue) urged the council to increase traffic enforcement funding, citing recent accidents and arguing that additional enforcement would prevent collisions. He also asked for transparency on traffic stop statistics. - No public comment was offered on non-agenda items at the end of the meeting. Discussion Items - Item 2 – Legion School Parking Lot Landscape Buffer Waiver: The council held a public hearing on a request from Allegian School to waive a six-foot landscape buffer requirement at the ends of parking aisles. Superintendent Luke Shelton explained the waiver was needed to stay within budget and complete the parking lot before school started; the net landscaping would be increased elsewhere. Council took no vote (state law only requires public hearing). Mayor Cole commented that government should follow the same rules as others, but acknowledged the net landscaping benefit. - Item 3 – Street Name Change (Leatherneck Lane to Community Place): Approved unanimously after public hearing. The change affects only Intermountain Health's laundry facility. - Item 4 – Wastewater Wholesale Rates for FY2026: Staff presented a revised rate methodology using a 7-day rolling average for capacity, resulting in lower revenue than originally projected. The shortfall of $1.1 million would be addressed by cutting $700,000 from the sewer line extension fund and using $400,000 from reserves. Representatives from Par Montana and Phillips 66 both spoke in support of the resolution, agreeing to continue work on FY2027 rates. Councilmember Neys questioned whether the refineries were paying enough compared to commercial customers; staff clarified that wholesale rates are not apples-to-apples due to pretreatment and separate infrastructure. Councilmember Gullick noted that the new methodology gives refineries more control over their rates by reducing peak spikes. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Item 5 – Setting Annual Levies (Mills) for FY2026: Finance Director Andy presented a resolution to levy 244.39 mills (35 more than prior year) to generate the same revenue as FY2025 due to a 15% reduction in taxable value from legislative changes. The median home would see a $200 reduction in city property tax. Councilmember Owen offered an amendment to split the levies into charter-authorized amounts (74.00 for general fund, 5.00 for library, etc.) and a new line F (34.71 mills) for HB 231 compliance, to maintain flexibility. After extensive debate—including concerns about transparency and potential 'slush fund'—the amendment passed 6-3 (Councilmembers Gullick, Rupsis, and Cole opposed). A second amendment by Councilmember Neys to specify the allocation of the 34.71 mills in the resolution text passed 7-2 (Kennedy and Rupsis opposed). A third technical amendment to correct the mill increase number from 35.72 to 34.71 passed 7-2. The final amended resolution passed 7-2 (Kennedy and Rupsis opposed). - Item 6 – Road Maintenance District No. 6 Assessments: Approved unanimously. 51 lots at $55 per lot ($2,800 total) for emergency access road maintenance, unchanged from prior year. - Item 7 – Park Maintenance District Assessments: Approved unanimously. Total FY2026 revenue of $1.7 million, up 15.5% from prior year, driven by requests from Ironwood and Reburg Ranch HOAs for entry sign and trail lighting projects. - Item 8 – FY2025 Budget Amendments: Approved unanimously. Two amendments: increased costs for centralized printing services and property/liability insurance deductibles. - Item 9 – FY2026 Final Budget: Approved 7-2 (Kennedy and Rupsis opposed). The budget included four amendments: re-establishing projects in South and Downtown TIF districts, and budget authority to pay down city hall debt from the sale of Park One Retail and old city hall. - Item 10 – TIF Advisory Committees (Three Resolutions): The council considered three separate resolutions creating advisory committees for the East Billings (EBERD), South Billings Boulevard (SABURA), and Downtown Urban Renewal Districts. Councilmember Neys proposed an amendment to require that city, county, and school district appointees (sections A, B, C) not own property in the district. After debate—some council members expressed concern about limiting the pool of candidates—the amendment failed 3-6. All three underlying resolutions were then approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Vote on FY2026 Wastewater Wholesale Rates: Approved unanimously (9-0). - Vote on FY2026 Mill Levies (after three amendments): Approved 7-2 (Councilmembers Kennedy and Rupsis opposed). - Vote on FY2026 Final Budget: Approved 7-2 (Councilmembers Kennedy and Rupsis opposed; note: Councilmember Tidswell was initially thought to have voted no, but corrected to Rupsis). - Vote on TIF Advisory Committee Resolutions: All three approved unanimously (9-0). - Council Initiatives: Councilmember Kennedy introduced an initiative to require department heads to reside in the city; it was deferred to a future work session. Councilmember Rupsis introduced an initiative to address aggressive driving and excessive vehicular noise; it was also deferred to a future work session. Councilmember Boyette raised the idea of a plaque in city hall honoring those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic; the matter was referred to the operations committee for consideration.

The Billings City Council met on August 11, 2025, to conduct routine business, hold a public hearing on the creation of the downtown Business Improvement District (BID), and appoint its board of trustees. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Councilmember Nees. Roll call noted Councilmember Shaw (excused, recovering from surgery) and Councilmember Ripsis (excused, dropping off son) absent. The council approved the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. Consent Calendar - The council approved the July 28, 2025 minutes without objection. - A motion to remove consent agenda item 1D (Police Officers Union Collective Bargaining Agreement) passed unanimously. - Councilmember Aspenleiter recused himself from item 1H1 (bills for week of July 14, 2025) due to his company being in the payables. The remaining unseparated consent items were approved unanimously, and the separated item 1H1 was also approved unanimously (Aspenleiter did not vote). Courtesies & Reports - Councilmember Aspenleiter thanked the Billings Fire Department for their quick response to an incident at Highlands, likely saving a life, and asked for prayers for Sean Ryan who is in the ICU. - Councilmember Kennedy announced a Family Tree Nurturing Center carnival on August 16, 2025, with free food, bounce houses, and back-to-school resources from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Councilmember Rogers noted the Veterans Navigation Network free concert and dinner for veterans on August 15, 2025. - Councilmember Nees reminded homeowners of the upcoming property tax rebate application (August 15) and highlighted a $400 state rebate plus the city’s average $200 reduction. - City Administrator Chris reported: a request to remove consent agenda item 1D (granted), an upcoming August 19 event on commissions on security and insurance in council chambers, and no ex parte communications. Public Comments & Testimony (Non-Public Hearing Items) - No public comments were offered on consent agenda items or item 3 (BID board appointments). Discussion Items Item 2: Public Hearing and Resolution Creating Downtown Business Improvement District (BID 0001) - Staff (Chris) explained the process: the BID petition secured 71.88% of property owner signatures (exceeding the 60% statutory threshold). The BID funds public safety, beautification, and sidewalk improvements downtown. A previous resolution of intent was passed on July 28, 2025. - Councilmember Kennedy proposed an amendment to allow properties in the southern area (south of First Avenue) to opt out, but City Attorney Gina stated state statute does not provide for opting out; properties are either in or out of the district. - Katie (BID representative) clarified: properties south of the railroad tracks are in the “safe zone,” receiving only safety services (homeless outreach, contracted security) and paying 20% of assessed value. They can contract separately for beautification. Residential owner-occupied properties can be exempted via a simple affidavit, and the exemption continues until ownership changes. - On condominium assessments, Katie explained that each tax parcel incurs a $50 administrative fee, which creates inequities for condos with multiple tax codes. She invited property owners to discuss assessments with the BID board. - Councilmember Owen emphasized real downtown safety challenges (e.g., public drug use, domestic violence) and urged serious attention. - Councilmember Kennedy stated she would vote no due to unresolved problems. Public Hearing Testimony (Item 2) - Mr. Llewellyn (resident in hospital corridor since 1976) opposed inclusion, stating he receives no BID services and was exempted in previous renewals. He requested exclusion. - Dan Brooks (Billings Chamber of Commerce) supported reauthorization, highlighting public safety and beautification benefits. - Mike Matthew (115 N. Broadway) supported the BID but raised equity issues in condo assessments, citing identical floors with different tax codes resulting in a $2,592 difference over 10 years. - A museum representative supported the BID, noting improved safety and collaborative security benefits. - Sherry Daly (Montana Vintage Clothing, 27 years downtown) strongly supported the BID. - No other public testimony was offered. Item 3: Resolution Creating Board of Trustees for BID 0001 - Staff recommended appointing the same sitting board members. City Attorney Gina sent a revised resolution clarifying that the board members are actual property owners (legal names refined). - Councilmember Aspenleiter opposed the appointment, arguing three nonprofits on a seven-person board is disproportionate; he preferred six businesses and one nonprofit. Councilmember Boyette countered that nonprofits also pay into the BID and deserve representation. - Councilmember Campbell questioned Big Sky Economic Development’s quasi-government status but noted they own property within the district. Key Outcomes - Item 2 (BID Creation): Motion passed 8-1 (Councilmember Kennedy opposed). The resolution created the downtown Business Improvement District for the next term. - Item 3 (Board of Trustees): Motion passed 7-2 (Councilmembers Kennedy and Aspenleiter opposed). The board includes property owners representing businesses and nonprofits. - Consent agenda items and minutes approved as above. Other Public Comments - Christy Drake (Billings Trailnet) announced a trail maintenance project on the Black Otter Trail, funded by a $40,000 state trail stewardship grant (marijuana tax) and Phillips 66, with no city cost. She noted 271 cracks and over 250 daily users, and that no city trails have been seal-coated in years. She also praised the new two-way cycle track downtown for improving bike safety. - The meeting adjourned without further business.