Billings City Council Meeting: August 11, 2025

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.