// CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN REACHES 1,000 SUBSCRIBERS

When the Billings Chamber launched the Billings City Council Bulletin in January 2022, we had a simple goal: bring the same awareness and insight our members valued during the Legislative Session to Billings City Council.

We started with a question: how many would actually subscribe? After a month of introductory editions to our full membership list, members had to actively subscribe to keep receiving the newsletter. In total, 245 of you signed up—a strong signal that staying informed about local government mattered.

Three years and 141 newsletters later, we've hit 1,000 subscribers.

We're very grateful. Local government is the government closest to the people, and we believe it's the most important. Our hope is that this newsletter has made it easier for you to engage—whether you've aligned with our positions or not. What matters most is that you're informed and making your voice heard.

If others in your organization should be staying up-to-date on Billings City Council, send them our way. We'd be happy to add them to the list.

Thank you, readers. Here's to the next 1,000! 🥃

“I’d encourage [Councilmembers] to go read Dan’s Council Bulletin. I’d encourage the public to go read Dan’s Council Bulletin. It puts a very clear picture on the conversation that we’re having.” 

— Councilman Scott Aspenlieder, Ward 4

// "THERE NEEDS TO BE A PLAN ON HOW TO PLAN."

— Mayor Bill Cole on Mental Health Facility Process

Tonight, City Council will discuss the state's proposed $26.5 million behavioral health facility, planned to be located in Billings and provide 32 beds for mental health evaluation and treatment. The 2025 Legislature allocated funds for the facility, which will be built by the Montana Board of Investments (BOI), following guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS). However, an absence of initial communication and planning with local leaders prompted pushback and publicly voiced concerns, highlighting the complexity and importance of intergovernmental collaboration—and contention when it's lacking.

Why it matters

There are still more questions than answers and we're as curious as any to see how tonight's meeting goes. As Mayor Cole shared during a City Council Local and Legislative Affairs Committee meeting on September 10th, "There needs to be a plan on how to plan." Other concerns have been brought up, including:

• where exactly will it be located?
• how will it operate and who will it serve?
• will county taxpayers will be on the hook long-term?
• how will it impact existing mental health workforce?

Public safety remains the #1 issue for the Billings Chamber, and addressing it requires comprehensive solutions. 

• We support improvements to the jail system as well as adequate resources to address mental health.
• If the proposed facility processes forensic analyses for criminal defendants faster, criminal cases can be resolved quicker, relieving some of the backlog in our jail.

Insight from the DPHHS Report

The DPHHS report, Building a Foundation for Future Generations: Montana's New Behavioral Health Facility, was released on October 6th and outlines operational considerations and location preference for the facility. It makes the case for prioritizing forensic over civil capacity (see the breakdown below) based on data showing the forensic system at crisis levels while the civil system, though strained but relatively stable, has found relief through facilities like the Montana State Hospital and community-based services.

From the report (page 3):

• Forensic patients are individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system. They may be:
• Awaiting trial but in need of a mental health evaluation to determine if they are competent to stand trial.
• Found Unfit to Proceed (UTP) and in need of inpatient restoration services.
• Sentenced under Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 46-14-312, which mandates DPHHS to provide treatment for individuals found Guilty but Mentally Ill (GBMI) or Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Illness (NGMI).
• Civil patients are individuals who, due to a mental illness, pose a danger to themselves or others, and/or are unable to care for their basic needs. These individuals are typically admitted through civil commitment proceedings.

Key findings include:

• Forensic court orders surging 77% since FY 2022
• Guilty but Mentally Ill (GBMI) orders up 650%
• Forensic waitlist grew from 40 (FY 2022) to 128 (FY 2025)
• The report emphasizes legal risks: defendants waiting in county jails for mental health evaluation may spend more time incarcerated than they would if convicted, raising constitutional due process concerns.

"This backlog delays access to treatment, strains public safety systems, and increases the state's legal risk." (page 6, of the report)

Timeline

• June 19, 2025: Governor Gianforte signs HB 5 (allocates funds) into law
• June/July 2025: DPHHS narrows focus to Yellowstone County and Billings
• August 2025: Governor announces pause after local officials express concerns about lack of information
• September 10, 2025: City Council Local and Legislative Affairs Committee meets with state legislators and County Commissioner Waters
• September 2025: Governor restarts the process after brief pause
• October 6, 2025: DPHHS sends letter to BOI including facility report
• October 7, 2025: Behavioral Health Facility Community Working Group convenes in Billings
• October 18, 2025 (tonight): City Council discusses facility proposal
• June 30, 2026: Deadline for fund transfer from state to BOI to build facility

By the Numbers

Addressing the Bottleneck

• 128 people on the forensic waitlist as of FY 2025
• 5 people on civil waitlist (all cleared for admission by end of FY 2025)

The Facility:

• 32 beds dedicated to forensic population
• 60% increase in Montana's forensic evaluation capacity
• $26.5 million allocated for building

Ongoing Concerns

At an August 18th meeting of Billings City Council, County Commissioner Mike Waters shared a few concerns:

"While details have not been forthcoming, we have real concerns about what that would mean for our community, for the county, the city…our public safety budgets are strained. We have a mental health population that is straining the resources for the mental health capabilities we have here in Yellowstone County…we struggle to find workforce for these organizations…We have real concerns that the state would just build this facility. Then, when they proposed to release somebody, they would release them into our community and expect our resources to pick up the tab, [for] Yellowstone County taxpayers to do that."

The Bottom Line

Tonight is the first official City Council meeting on the topic, though a September 10th City Council Local and Legislative Affairs Committee meeting featured discussion, Q&A, and collaboration between city, county, and state officials. With less than a quorum present, and no official decisions made, the meeting offered a display of local and state elected officials working together on difficult community challenges.

Tonight's meeting will probably look like a continuation of that earlier committee meeting, with many more questions than answers at this point. And because tonight is a work session, official action won't be taken. But it's one of the first opportunities for the public to make their voice heard locally.

We mentioned above that one of the reasons to produce the Billings City Council Bulletin is to ensure you're aware and primed to make your voice heard. If you've got thoughts, we hope you take the time to share them with City Council, either tonight or by sending them an email. Just click the button below.

// WORK SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 p.m. - BILLINGS CITY HALL

In this section, we will include the meeting agenda for you to view. Clicking on the items will take you to more information. No need to read it all, but if something catches your eye, be sure to check it out.

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Cole 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ALL ITEMS. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes during each public comment period or as set by the Mayor. 

1. State Proposal For Eastern Montana Forensic Mental Health Facility Discussion.

- Public Comment 

2. Residency Requirements for Department Heads - Councilmember Kennedy Initiative.

- Public Comment 

HIGHLIGHT UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS OF COUNCIL INTEREST: 

COUNCIL DISCUSSION: 

PUBLIC COMMENT on “NON-AGENDA ITEMS”. Comments are limited to 3 minutes or as set by the Mayor.

ADJOURN:

// WATCH THE MEETING ON COMMUNITY 7 TELEVISION

// CITY ADMINISTRATOR WEEKLY REPORT

City Administrator Chris Kukulski began the routine of sending a weekly report every Friday to City Council and department heads with the intent to, "communicate the highlights of the past week and any critical issues coming up." The most recent CA Report includes updates on:

• Long Range Transportation Plan Update Discussion Details
• Award Announcement for Airport Business Manager, Marita Herold.
• And much more...

// GET MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Below are some additional public meetings being held this week, along with information about when and where to attend.

🔸 Tuesday, October 21st

Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board

8:30 - 9:30 am, Beartooth Room, 5th Floor, New City Hall, 316 N. 26th St.

West End Neighborhood Task Force

7:00 - 8:30 pm, Connections Church, 56th & Grand.

🔸 Wednesday, October 22nd

Long Range Transportation Plan Update Discussion (in-person & webinar)

12:00 - 1:00 am, Beartooth Room, 5th Floor, New City Hall, 316 N. 26th St.

🔸 Thursday, October 23rd

Board of Health Meeting

7:00 - 8:00 am, Lil Anderson Center, RiverStone Health, 2626 1st Ave. S.

Citizen Police Advisory Board

9:00 - 10:00 am, Rimrock Room, 5th Floor, New City Hall, 316 N. 26th St.

// THE SQUEAKY WHEEL

// BOARD & COMMISSION OPENINGS

The Mayor's Office is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancies listed on the city website. For more information on each specific board, visit the city website. City Boards and Commissions are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council, are advisory only, and members serve without compensation.

Submit applications to: Mayor's Office, PO Box 1178, Billings, MT 59103-1178.

The DEADLINE for applications is November 10, 2025. (still listed after deadline)

BOARD OPENING (SEATS)

Animal Control Board (3)

Bike & Pedestrian Advisory Cmte (1)

Billings BID (2)

Billings Parking Board (4)

Board of Adjustments (7)

Board of Appeal (2)

Citizens Police Advisory Board (7)

Community Development Board (1)

Downtown Revolving Loan Cmte (1)

Downtown Revolving Loan Cmte (2)

Downtown Revolving Loan Cmte (1)

Downtown Revolving Loan Cmte (1)

Exchange City Golf Board (1)

Housing Authority (1)

Human Relations Commission (2)

Library Board (4)

Parks/Rec/Cemetery Board (3)

Public Works Board (2)

REQUIREMENTS

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must own land in BID District

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings (Low-Mod)

City of Billings Employee

Commercial Lenders-Local Bank

BSED Board / Employee

DBA Member

Must live in Billings

Live in 10-mi. radius of Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

// IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - AI SUMMARY AND SOURCE LINKS

In this section we re-visit last week's meeting, providing:

• an AI summary (YouTube transcript analyzed by Claude's Sonnet 4.5) 
• links to the Community 7 video 
• draft minutes produced by city staff (if available) 

We'll revise and edit when necessary for clarity, brevity, and to avoid inaccuracies, which are sure to happen on occasion. And, considering the difficulty Council has had with audio feeds, it's likely that some comments or segments of the meeting will be missed in the video transcript.

BILLINGS CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING - OCTOBER 13, 2025

Overview

The Billings City Council convened for a comprehensive business meeting that addressed housing development, infrastructure improvements, and urban renewal initiatives. The Council approved over $1.5 million in affordable housing funding for the LB Lofts project, refined sidewalk snow removal regulations, and annexed approximately 54 acres on the West End for mixed-use development. Significant discussion centered on balancing growth with infrastructure capacity, including fire services, traffic impacts, and school capacity. The meeting also featured a proclamation recognizing Indigenous People's Day and concluded with a council initiative to reform traffic impact study requirements and establish system-wide impact fees.

Actions Taken & Votes

• Consent Agenda Approved Unanimously (9:05) – Council approved all consent items without separations, including contracts for public safety software, cardiac monitors for the Fire Department, and various grants.

• LB Lofts Affordable Housing Funding Approved 10-0 (35:58) – Council approved $1,545,000 in HOME ($1.4M) and CDBG ($145K) funding for Homeward and HomeFront to construct 101 affordable apartment units in the Heights. Council Member Gulick recused himself due to his firm serving as project architect.

• Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance First Reading Approved (43:48) – Amendments to BMCC Section 22-406 passed with Council Member Kennedy voting in opposition due to concerns about snow plowed back onto sidewalks by city crews.

• Annexation 25-04 Approved 10-1 (1:56:04) – Council annexed Lots 66A1 and 67A1 of Sunny Cove Fruit Farms (approximately 54 acres) into the city. Mayor Cole voted against based on principle regarding the 23-year-old Cottonwood Park development agreement.

• Zone Change 1070 Approved Unanimously (2:07:51) – Property rezoned from Agriculture to Planned Neighborhood Development (PND) with mixed-use zones including N1 (neighborhood residential), NX1 (mixed residential), CMU1 (corridor mixed use), and P1 (parks/open space).

• Ward 4 Boundary Expansion Approved Unanimously (2:10:50) – Newly annexed property incorporated into Ward 4.

• Council-Initiated Zone Change Approved Unanimously (2:19:45) – Council directed staff to initiate a zone change for a 20-foot P1 strip to CMU1 zoning to correct a procedural issue, with fees to be waived.

• South Billings Urban Renewal Water/Sewer Program Approved Unanimously (2:30:52) – SBURA authorized to provide up to $5,000 per residential property (maximum 10 awards annually, $50,000 total) to assist with city utility hookup costs.

• Traffic Impact Study Reform Initiative Approved Unanimously (3:04:41) – Council directed staff to schedule work sessions on: (1) clarifying timing requirements for traffic impact studies in subdivision process, and (2) implementing a system-wide traffic impact fee to replace project-by-project studies.

Council Notable Quotables

Council Member Scott Aspenlieder on approving the consent agenda without any council separations (8:39-8:51):

"For the first time in two years, I would love to make that [motion] with no separations."

Council Member Jennifer Owen on school capacity concerns (1:07:44-1:08:14):

"We continue to be frustrated that we don't get good feedback from the school district on the impacts of some of these developments... I would love to know if they have planned capacity improvements in the area just so that we have a sense of what they're thinking and how we're thinking about it together."

Council Member Scott Aspenlieder on development and growth (1:44:40-1:46:06):

"These questions are forever there about what comes first, development or public services... development is the only way that we grow our tax base without a sales tax in place in Montana. And so the only way that we can continue to grow as a city and build new fire stations and add more police, build new schools is through development and increasing the taxable value of these parcels."

Mayor Bill Cole on cost of services study (1:51:01-1:52:42):

"We do not have a cost of services study... that's been something we've talked about for eight years. I've given up on that. It just isn't going to happen... we do not have a data point to address that fundamental question of what's the cost-benefit ratio between new tax revenue and cost."

Council Member Kendra Shaw on underfunded planning department (2:05:53-2:06:17):

"We have an underfunded planning department who just does not have the funds to do a lot of this work that we're asking them to do... if that department is underfunded, we cannot continue to heap more on them."

Council Member Bill Kennedy on council initiatives (2:59:08-3:00:48):

"We were elected to look at different issues with the city and the only process that we have is initiatives... If people stop and the first thing that always comes out is how much staff time is it and we can't address this? That's not what the people put us here for. They want us to look at the issues."

Notable Public Comment

Dan Brooks, Billings Chamber of Commerce (5:56-8:01) – Supporting LB Lofts Project:

"We just have a significant need for these affordable housing units. Last year, July 2024, there was a little over 7,000 on the waiting list at HomeFront. Now there's a little over 8,000. So that need continues to grow... This obviously comes with some significant safety benefits, namely the crime prevention through environmental design of having additional residential units and additional eyes on the streets in the area... Patty Webster and staff at HomeFront have gone through our 5-day CPTED training that was made available because of council's investment in 2023."

Brian Redford, Daybreak Subdivision resident (1:40:24-1:43:30):

"I think there's a lot of concern about that corridor being zoned as it is. We've heard a lot of different things going in there. We've heard a gas station going in there. We've heard storage units... I don't think any of us want neon lights in our backyard... We worry about our property values. We also worry about the traffic. I don't know where these traffic studies have been coming from, but I can tell you when I leave for work at 8:00 to take my daughter to daycare and go to work, we can hardly get out of our subdivision."

Paul Clark, South Side resident (2:31:17-2:35:51) – Multiple concerns:

"When the people live in these areas... If I live in a development where there isn't any parks and the only thing you have is people doing 45 miles an hour down Grand Avenue to get home or try to pull out, there's no relax point... [On the underpass water issue:] We have to do something with this stinky water... Right now it's just stagnant water... [On Western Sugar site:] The ground is bad. The water is bad. We got to come up with something different [than the animal shelter location]."

Meeting Statistics

• Duration: 3 hours, 5 minutes (5:30 PM - approximately 8:35 PM)
• Votes Cast: 9 separate votes with overwhelming support for most items
• Attendance: All Council Members were present and in-person
• Recusals: Council Member Ed Gulick (LB Lofts - conflict of interest as project architect)

Other Relevant & Interesting Items

Animal Control Building Update (4:24-4:51): City Administrator Chris Kukulski reported that cleaning crews arrived to address contamination issues, with the goal of obtaining a Department of Environmental Quality certificate of fitness by month's end to make the facility operational.

Cottonwood Park Development Agreement Issue (1:51:31-1:55:45): Mayor Cole cited 23-year-old agreement requiring negotiation with properties within 1.5 miles of Cottonwood Park for potential park development contributions before annexation.

Traffic Impact Study Reform Rationale (per Council Member Aspenlieder, 2:43:46-2:52:01):

• Current system requires project-by-project traffic studies costing development $15,000-$40,000 each, with little benefit
• Impact fees get "siloed" to specific intersections where improvements may never be warranted
• Approximately $2 million in impact fees currently sitting unused in city accounts
• Example: $10,000 contribution to Colton/Zimmerman intersection will likely never be used as signal not warranted
• Current process creates false public expectations about when improvements will occur
• Proposed system-wide impact fee based on EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) would allow more flexible use of funds

Outstanding Council Initiatives (2:58:03): City Administrator Chris Kukulski confirmed approximately six council initiatives currently pending when questioned about staff capacity .

Meeting Tone: Professional and thorough with extended technical discussions. Council demonstrated patience through complex zoning issues, though frustration emerged regarding process inefficiencies.

// ADDITIONAL BILLINGS CHAMBER RESOURCES

// BUSINESS ADVOCACY SPONSORS