Caleb Benson

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of several Consent Agenda items, such as a Short-Term Services Agreement with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, purchases for Solid Waste Vehicles and Containers, acceptance of a State Highway Traffic Safety DUI Grant, and approval of bills for the weeks of October 20 and October 27, 2025. Quasi-judicial actions included the approval of two plats (Popelka Commerce Center and Trails West Subdivision) and two zone changes (1071 and 1072) for Clearwater Estates Subdivision. The Regular Agenda featured joint public hearings and subsequent approvals for Annexation 25-05 and Zone Change 1073 concerning Sunny Cove Fruit Farms Lot 7, as well as a public hearing for expanding Ward IV boundaries. Another joint public hearing addressed Annexation 25-06 and Zone Change 1074 related to the Central Avenue Subdivision, including the approval of an Annexation Agreement.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included confirming several appointments to various boards and commissions, with one item postponed until February 23rd. The Council approved several contract and purchase items via the Consent Agenda, such as professional engineering services for the Landfill Cell 6 Expansion, a service agreement for a microwave radio communication system, the purchase of a 2027 truck chassis for Public Works, and an amendment to the 2023 Long Range Transportation Plan. Council also accepted a donation for the anti-graffiti fund and approved bills for multiple weeks in December 2025 and January 2026. Under the Regular Agenda, a motion was approved to remove the council appointment to the Yellowstone County Behavioral Health Coalition from the agenda. Council Initiatives included motions to review Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District Memorandums of Understanding, place on a future Work Session the creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee for Technology Advisory, and place on a future Work Session the creation of an Ad-Hoc Council Subcommittee to review all boards and commissions.

The work session covered several significant topics. The first topic involved the 2011 Unified Planning Work Program, where staff explained the allocation of federal transportation funds, noting a substantial amount ($288,000) left unused due to lack of local matching funds. Staffing levels in the Planning Division, affected by layoffs, were discussed in relation to a potential planning mill levy. The second topic addressed the potential recapture of approximately $500,000 from the Public Safety Levy II due to reduced property valuations, with a resolution planned for a future meeting. The third major item concerned the City's recycling options. Staff recommended continuing to explore recycling avenues while prioritizing the continuation of organic material collection for the methane gas extraction project by MDU, as this supports a long-term revenue stream. Concerns were raised about preserving the MDU partnership. Other discussions included the National League of Cities annual conference and public comments regarding ethical concerns about councilmembers serving on boards funded by city dollars, such as the Downtown Billings Partnership, and updates on disc golf course maintenance and mobile home zoning violations.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the confirmation of numerous appointments to various boards and commissions, such as the Animal Control Board, Aviation and Transit Board, and Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board. Bid awards were approved for a Water Resource Facility (WRF) Digester Gas Piping project, a Water Main Replacement contract, and the purchase of new equipment for Public Works, including a Vactor and two street sweepers. The Council also addressed the Billings Police Officers Collective Bargaining Agreement. In the regular agenda, the Council held a public hearing and approved an amendment with Lockwood Water and Sewer. Furthermore, a Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore was nominated and elected, and Councilmembers were assigned to various community boards, committees, and subcommittees.

The council meeting addressed several key areas, including appointments to various boards and commissions, with some appointments delayed to a January work session. Agreements and grants were approved, such as the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Axon Enterprise, the City-County Special Investigations Unit (CCSIU) agreement, the Domestic Violence Grant Award for the Police Department, and a grant from First Interstate Bank to the Fire Department. Additionally, the council discussed and approved the FY2027 Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP), the FY2027 Technology Replacement Plan (TRP), and a resolution approving the FY2027-FY2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Tax Increment Financing assistance for Frontier Law Firm was also approved.