Justin Jagers

The City Council meeting included a mayoral proclamation for Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention Week and various council recognitions for community organizations and volunteers. Discussion items included a legislative committee update, the city administrator job description, and a report on an economic development meeting. Public comment was heard regarding urban renewal district agreements. The council also addressed a request to approve the 24th Street underpass study and conducted votes on various consent agenda items.

The council addressed several appointments for various boards and commissions, and approved multiple bid awards for city infrastructure and maintenance projects, including park improvements, drainage, traffic calming, sewer main replacement, and storm drain cleaning. Agreements were approved regarding urban renewal districts, landfill use, airport parking concessions, and a terminal remodel project. Public hearings and resolutions were passed concerning assessments for business improvement districts, wastewater rates, right-of-way fees, and the creation of streetlights for new subdivisions. Furthermore, the council approved a zone change, annexation, and related ordinances for land developments.

The City Council conducted a work session to review the 21st Street Underpass Study. The presentation detailed the study's purpose, which is to identify strategies for enhancing safety, improving multimodal accessibility, and addressing roadway conditions. The council reviewed four proposed alternatives, ranging from taking no action to extensive reconstruction to increase vertical clearance, and discussed the public's preference for minor improvements such as over-height warning systems, lighting, and drainage upgrades. The session also covered potential funding sources, environmental compliance requirements, and the timeline for the transportation planning approval process.

The City Council meeting addressed various bid awards for municipal projects, including an aerial lift truck, airport parking lot, fire engine, street reconstruction, water main replacement, and storm drain CCTV inspection. The council approved a contract amendment for custodial services, a settlement agreement, equipment replacements, and a park donation. Legislative actions included the approval of water system revenue bonds and an annexation ordinance. Public hearings were held to adopt budget amendments, create street lighting and park improvement districts, set street maintenance and storm sewer fee rates, and adopt the final annual budget. One item regarding the East Billings Urban Renewal District program was withdrawn.

The council addressed several items, including bid awards for airport taxilane construction, fiber optic installation, and street chip sealing. Other approvals covered professional engineering services, the purchase of recreation center equipment, a grant application for historic preservation, the donation of a park bench, a plat extension, and the establishment of an advisory commission. The council also held public hearings for special reviews on day care and drive-through facilities, as well as for zone changes and annexations. Additionally, they reviewed ordinances regarding noise regulations and property tax budget structures.