Whitney Bermes

The primary discussion centered on establishing goals for the year 2026, focusing on how the Senior Center's current programs and activities align with its mission amidst community growth. The discussion highlighted that congregate meals and regular activities are well-attended, with some programs nearing full capacity, suggesting potential adjustments may be necessary to meet the needs of Belgrade's expanding senior population. The Director of Belgrade Parks and Recreation also introduced himself and described departmental collaboration with the Senior Center.

The agenda for the meeting includes a Public Forum for general comments, consideration of the Consent Agenda item regarding the approval of the Senior Center Minute Draft from January 12, 2026, and reports section to discuss the March Managers Report. The March Manager Report detailed January and February service statistics for congregate and Meals on Wheels programs, highlighted fitness activities, and noted recent special events such as workshops and holiday celebrations. The report also announced the commencement of AARP Tax Assistance, plans for a new Caregivers Gathering starting in March, the scheduling of summer activities including a trip to the Heritage Museum, and the annual camping trip for July 2026. The manager also addressed rumors about the Center relocating and confirmed the submission of the 2026-2027 Area IV grant application.

The meeting included three public hearings and subsequent board discussions and actions. The first public hearing concerned the Town Pump Casino Conditional Use Permit, where the board approved the request for a sandwich shop and deli, passing the motion 3-1. The second item involved a Zone Text Amendment for a new Master Planned Community zoning district; after presentations and public comments expressing concerns regarding animal safety, property buffers, community character, and traffic congestion, the board recommended approval of several ordinance sections related to the amendment. The final public hearing addressed The Foundry Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat, where the applicant presented on the community site plan. Following public comment focused on the removal of buffer requirements and concerns about traffic mitigation and snow removal, the board recommended preliminary plat approval subject to staff conditions.

The meeting included two public hearings concerning zone map amendments. The first addressed the Foundry property, with a motion made to recommend rezoning the property to Master Planned Community (MP) District. The second public hearing concerned the Copper Ranch property, where a motion was made to recommend rezoning the property to Community Living (CL) District to accommodate an affordable housing project. No public comment was received for the Copper Ranch amendment. The meeting also included reports and concluded with adjournment.

The meeting agenda included discussion of the minutes from the November 24, 2025, and December 29, 2025 meetings. The primary public hearing item concerns a variance request for the Foundry Monument Multi-Tenant Sign, seeking to increase the maximum square footage from 40 square feet to 158 square feet for improved visibility on Jackrabbit Lane. Supporting documents detail justifications related to development scale, public safety, and sign clutter reduction.