Samantha Puckett

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 One item regarding the East Billings Urban Renewal District program was withdrawn.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.

The meeting included courtesies recognizing local businesses, a proclamation for Montana Scleroderma Awareness Month, and council reports on legislative meetings, budget finance, and council operations. Discussions involved the realignment of the agenda, traffic safety initiatives, and coordination of city, county, and school district meetings. A public comment session addressed the 2026 water system revenue bond authorization and the potential for impact fees. The council also approved consent agenda items, with one item separated for recusal.

The City Council conducted a regular business meeting covering various administrative and planning items. Key actions included the approval of an airport drainage project, a collective bargaining agreement, library custodial services, and an airport parking concession. The council approved the annual action plan and budget allocations, library donations, and property platting. Public hearings were held to address the operations, fees, and naming rights for the Park Recreation Campus, the purchase of the Babcock Theater, and multiple annexation and zoning change requests for various subdivisions. Additionally, tax increment financing assistance was approved for an apartment complex development.

The council conducted a closed executive session to discuss litigation before proceeding to regular business. Key agenda items included the approval of a license agreement renewal for Cityworks, the application and memorandum of understanding for a justice assistance grant, and several subdivision and zoning-related resolutions. The council also addressed the creation of an airport authority, adopted landfill and solid waste collection fees, finalized annexation and zone change procedures for 1039 Lincoln Lane, approved tax increment financing assistance for a local business, and officially adopted a new strategic plan.