Belgrade City Council Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Belgrade City Council met on September 15, 2026, in regular session. The meeting included public comments on water/sewer rates, a presentation of an EMS service award, adoption of a state-mandated parking ordinance, appointments to the Impact Fee Board, updates to council rules of procedure, and authorization to purchase property for a future intersection improvement. All votes were unanimous (5-0) with Councilmember Matthew McGee absent and excused.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes from previous workshop and council meetings, by a vote of 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lois Christensen (310 13th Street) expressed concern that her flat $45 monthly sewer bill is unfair compared to her $26 water bill, given her low fixed income and small lot size. She argued the flat fee does not account for usage and is especially burdensome for low-income residents.
• Bill Beckman (910 Montana Street) also complained about high water and wastewater bills, stating that even with no water usage, his bill would be $79.89. He noted his wastewater portion is nearly double the water portion and that his water bill exceeds his gas and electric bill. He pointed out a possible billing error: a $2 state fee appears monthly but should be annual (approximately $0.17 per month). He requested a reduction in charges for low-volume users.
• Raimi Malding (714 Owl Drive) presented a replica of the EMS Service of the Year Award from Central Valley Fire District (CVFD) to the city, recognizing the trust citizens placed in CVFD in 2020 and the district's elite service. Fire Chief Jay Whitwer echoed the thanks and appreciation for city and county support.

Public Hearings

• Ordinance 2026-7 (Second Reading): A zoning text amendment to reduce parking requirements for residential dwelling units to comply with state mandate (HB 492, 2025 Legislative Session). The ordinance requires 0.5 parking spaces per unit under 1,200 square feet and 1 space per unit over 1,200 square feet. The Planning Commission recommended approval on August 31, and the Council approved first reading on September 1. After no public comment, the Council voted 5-0 to approve on final reading.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Recommendation to the Impact Fee Board: Mayor recommended Councilmembers Christine Minacucci and Aaron Bell to serve on the Impact Fee Board. After no public comment, the Council voted 5-0 to adopt the recommendation.
• Adoption of Rules of Procedure (Rev C): City Manager Neil Cardwell presented updated rules of procedure for the City Council and all city boards/commissions, incorporating changes from state law (MALOPA) and minor language updates, including meeting times and locations. Changes were outlined in the packet. After no public comment, the Council voted 5-0 to adopt the updated rules.
• Authorizing Purchase of 314 South Broadway: City Manager Cardwell requested authorization to negotiate and purchase the property at 314 South Broadway for $675,000 (asking price) and to establish a project budget of $775,000 (including $100,000 to raze the house and prepare the site). The property is needed to realign the intersection of Broadway, Madison, and Colorado (known as "malfunction junction") for a future roundabout or signal. The city previously owned the property but sold it in 2020; the right-of-way carved out then was insufficient. Funding will come from the Urban Renewal District (URD) fund balance (over $2 million). Councilmember Jason Guffey expressed concern about the cost and using URD funds for land acquisition rather than street improvements, but acknowledged the necessity. Cardwell noted that acquiring the property now avoids a more expensive eminent domain process. The Council voted 5-0 to authorize the purchase and project budget.

Reports

• Mayor's Report: Announced the upcoming Fall Festival (parade at 10 AM on Saturday), seeking volunteers. The mayor will attend the Montana Association of Counties (MACO) conference and the Montana League of Cities conference.
• City Manager's Report:
  • Mayfair Meadows Bike Park: Construction is ahead of schedule; pump tracks may be complete within two weeks. Staff is considering winter closure due to incomplete improvements.
  • Well #1 Failure: The 1948 well collapsed after 70+ years of service. The pump and well house will be replaced within the existing water project budget; the well is expected back online by May 1, 2027, with capacity around 750 gallons per minute.
  • Public Works/Fleet Maintenance Shop: An RFPQ for design-build services was released on September 13; responses due in 30+ days.
  • Library Staff Changes: Library Director Alina is leaving; Jordan Green will serve as interim Community Services Director, overseeing the library. An interim library manager will be appointed internally.
  • Response to Public Comments on Rates: Cardwell explained that water rates are below the national average and that wastewater rates are higher because the system is a mechanical treatment plant which is costlier to operate. He noted the $2 state fee should appear only annually and urged the resident to contact staff if it appears again.
• Councilmember Reports:
  • Councilmember Simon inquired about the location of the joint meeting with Bozeman on September 22; City Manager confirmed it will be at Bozeman City Hall (off Rouse and Lammy) and the agenda will be posted soon.
  • Councilmembers Menicucci and Bell accepted appointments to the Impact Fee Board.
  • Deputy Mayor Mademo encouraged attendance at the Fall Festival parade.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved consent agenda (5-0).
• Approved Ordinance 2026-7 on final reading (5-0).
• Adopted mayor's appointments to Impact Fee Board (5-0).
• Adopted updated Rules of Procedure Rev C (5-0).
• Authorized city manager to negotiate and purchase 314 South Broadway and established a $775,000 project budget (5-0).
• Councilmember McGee was excused from the meeting (5-0).