// MAKE AN IMPACT WITHOUT RUNNING FOR OFFICE

Want to help shape Billings's future? City boards and commissions need your voice, expertise, and fresh perspectives—no prior experience required (mostly).



There are 45 VACANCIES across a wide range of boards needing applicants.

Do you like to complain about parking? Then join the Parking Board.

Have a passion for public safety? Join the Citizens Police Advisory Board.

Love our library? Help them out by joining the Library Board.

Whether you're passionate about biking, parks, housing, public works, or something else entirely, there's a board that needs what you bring to the table.

Find a board that interests you and apply using the links below. Applications are due to the Mayor by November 10th.

// FIRST COUNCIL VOTE ON SOUTHSIDE TIF EXPANSION

City Council's September 2nd work session featured a discussion on expanding the South Billings Urban Renewal Area (SBURA), adding 903 acres and 1,597 parcels—primarily residential properties in the "Southside Triangle" area. The expansion would substantially increase the size of the district and include areas impacted by significant blight conditions. Tonight, Council will take their first vote on the expansion.

(Orange boundary is current SBURA TIF, Blue boundary is proposed expansion)

Timeline Since Sept. 2:

• Sept 4: City staff presented SBURA expansion information, key dates, and meeting details to County Commissioners, who, according to the staff memo, "expressed a lack of support for the expansion."
• Sept 22: Council approved a resolution of intent to expand the district and set a public hearing for October 27, 2025 (tonight)
• Oct 1: City staff presented SBURA expansion information, key dates, and meeting details to Elysian School District #23 Trustees
• Oct 9: a Community Information Meeting was held at Orchard Elementary School to inform property owners and the community about the district expansion
• Oct 14: Yellowstone County Board of Planning recommended the expansion as consistent with the 2016 City of Billings Growth Policy
• Oct 27: (tonight) 1st Reading vote on SBURA TIF expansion

Upcoming:

• Nov 10: Final council approval (also the 250th Marine Corps Birthday, YUT!)
• Dec 10: Expansion ordinance would take effect

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in one sentence: TIF districts establish a property tax "base" rate (A), then capture increased tax revenue above that base (B) to reinvest in the district's infrastructure and make economic development improvements that address blight and other concerns.

State law requires cities to document at least three blight conditions before establishing or expanding urban renewal districts. A report provided by Pioneer Technical Services (PTS) found six qualifying conditions in the proposed area.

§7-15-4206(b): Structures ill-suited for original use 

• Garfield School repurposed for alternative use without efficient retrofitting
• Warehouses and commercial buildings repurposed inappropriately
• South Park Pool building lacking proper chemical storage containment

§7-15-4206(c): Deterioration of building structure components or infrastructure 

• Deteriorated sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and alleys throughout the district
• Damaged and unsafe sidewalks in South Park
• Roof deterioration on ancillary buildings in South Park
• Advanced disrepair of South Park Pool infrastructure

§7-15-4206(d): Buildings endangering public safety 

• Colonial Apartments on South 27th Street subject to legal action for structural damage, electrical/plumbing hazards, peeling paint, and broken windows/doors

§7-15-4206(e): Inadequate utilities and infrastructure 

• Over 6,700 feet of residential streets that are gravel and don't meet city standards
• Contaminated storm main in State Avenue requiring replacement
• Need to pipe Kratz Drain between Mitchell and Jackson Court Apartments
• Replace water mains in President streets south of State Avenue
• Missing sidewalks, proper drainage controls, curbs, and gutters on multiple streets
• Non-ADA compliant sidewalk approaches at key intersections
• Damaged electrical infrastructure in South Park

§7-15-4206(f): Environmental remediation costs 

• Billings PCE Superfund site overlaps proposed expansion boundary
• Active and remediated leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites

§7-15-4206(h): Excessive vacancies 

• Multiple vacant, underutilized properties on 1st Avenue South showing progressive deterioration from 2021 to 2025

The Billings Engineering Department identified extensive infrastructure deficits throughout the proposed expansion area that require significant investment. Much of this overlaps with the identification of blight (above) but is worth highlighting as they largely represent good uses of TIF funds if the district were to expand.

• Water and Drainage Systems
• Replace contaminated storm main in State Avenue from South 35th Street to South 27th Street
• Pipe the existing Kratz Drain between Mitchell and Jackson Court Apartments
• Address widespread improper drainage causing asphalt damage and safety concerns
• Replace aging water mains in President streets south of State Avenue
• Transportation Infrastructure
• Upgrade over 6,700 feet of substandard residential streets from gravel to city standards
• Washington Street improvements between State Avenue and King Avenue East (drainage, curb, gutter, sidewalks)
• Infrastructure upgrades needed on portions of Riverside Road and Jackson Street
• Install sidewalk or trail on Sugar Avenue from State Avenue to Riverside Drive for pedestrian safety
• ADA compliance upgrades for sidewalk approaches at multiple intersections, including State Avenue/South 35th Street
• Replace deteriorated and unsafe sidewalks throughout South Park and residential areas
• Install missing sidewalks on streets currently lacking pedestrian infrastructure
• Street Lighting
• Add street lights in areas with inadequate or missing lighting
• Curbs and Gutters
• Extensive curb and gutter replacement needed

Looking back: Council discussed SBURA expansion in August 2024 as an option for funding South Park Pool after voters rejected a $143 million Parks & Rec Bond that would have dedicated $16.5 million to South Park Pool.

Notable Quotables during the September 2nd discussion:

Councilwoman Kendra Shaw: "I think we're smart to try and jump ahead of that train," regarding using existing TIF capacity rather than starting a new district and waiting on the slow buildup of increment.

Council Member Roy Neese: "My big concern with going down this direction wasn't that the expansion area doesn't need TIF. Absolutely it does. My concern is that there's not enough time remaining in the TIF life cycle to affect all the change that we need to."

Council Member Bill Kennedy: "All of that area should have been included in the SBURA years ago. It's a blighted area... This is an opportunity to really grow the Southside."

Council Member Scott Aspenlieder: "What I don't want to do is start the narrative and create this characterization that we're only doing this so that we can build a pool. This is the SBURA expansion for the Southside."

The bottom line: The Pioneer Technical Services and City Engineering Department reports detail the extensive infrastructure needs in that area of Billings. Absent an expansion of the TIF, those improvements would face an extended timeline waiting for funds to be made available. The expansion would add increment dollars in the district's remaining 21-year lifespan, providing additional funding for infrastructure improvements and economic development projects, potentially including the South Park Pool renovation that would otherwise require direct taxpayer funding or remain unaddressed.

// BUSINESS MEETING 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.

PROCLAMATIONS: November - Epilepsy Awareness Month 

COUNCIL REPORTS: 

ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS - CHRIS KUKULSKI 

PUBLIC COMMENT on “NON-PUBLIC HEARING” Agenda Items: 1 ONLY. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes or as set by the Mayor.

1. CONSENT AGENDA -- Separations: 

A. Bid Awards: None. 

B. Purchase of a Caterpillar bulldozer from Tractor and Equipment Co. for the landfill. 

C. Amendment No.1, to Contract for Professional Engineering Services with Sanbell for W.O. 25-36: Rimrock Road - 54th Street West to 62nd Street West.  

D. Donation to the Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department from PickleBall Smiles for bench purchases and installation. 

E. Agreement for encroachments with the Birely Drainage District and Trails West Homes, LLC. 

F. Preliminary Major Plat of Trestles Subdivision, 1st Filing. *Quasi-Judicial 

G.  Final Major Plat of 44 West Subdivision. *Quasi-Judicial 

H.  Final Major Plat of Clearwater Estates Subdivision, 2nd Filing. *Quasi-Judicial 

I. Second/Final Reading Ordinance amending BMCC 22-406 - Sidewalk Impediments. 

J. Second/Final Reading Ordinance for Zone Change 1070: Lots 66A1 and 67A1 of the Amended Plat of Lots 66A and 67A, Sunny Cove Fruit Farms.  

K. Second/Final Reading Ordinance expanding the boundaries of Ward IV to include recently annexed property in Annexation 25-04.  

L. Council Holiday Meetings Schedule. 

M. Bills for the Weeks of: 

1. September 9, 2025 

2. September 17, 2025 

3. September 22, 2025  

REGULAR AGENDA: 

2. PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL REVIEW 1002: a special review to allow the development of a new casino as part of a multi-tenant commercial building at 5545 Holiday Avenue. Zoning Commission recommends conditional approval and adoption of the findings of the 9 review criteria. *Quasi-Judicial

3. PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING ORDINANCE FOR ZONE CHANGE 1071: The south 1.775 acres of Lot 2 and all of Lot 3, Clearwater Estates Subdivision. Zoning Commission recommends approval and adoption of the 10 review criteria. *Quasi-Judicial

4. PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING ORDINANCE FOR ZONE CHANGE 1072: On approximately 3 acres of Lot 1, all of Lot 4 and approximately 14 acres of Lot 5, of Clearwater Estates Subdivision. Zoning Commission recommends approval and adoption of the 10 review criteria. *Quasi-Judicial 

5. PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING ORDINANCE to expand the boundaries of the South Billings Boulevard Urban Renewal District (SBBURD) and adopt a modified Urban Renewal Plan. Staff recommends approval. 

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

COUNCIL INITIATIVES: 

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:

• Council Budget and Finance Committee took an initial look at Zero Based Budgeting information.
• Update on Animal Shelter/YVAS
• "[Billings airport] passenger volume increase 11% year-over-year in Q2, while average passenger fares decreased 9%"
• 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 28th

Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Mtng

12:00 - 1:30 am, Beartooth Room, 5th Floor, New City Hall, 316 N. 26th St.

Heights Task Force

7:00 - 8:00 pm, Oasis Community Room, 543 Aronson Blvd.

🔸 Wednesday, October 29th

HomeFront Housing Authority Meeting

12:00 - 1:30 am, HomeFront Offices, 2415 1st Ave. N.

// 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 WORK SESSION - OCTOBER 20, 2025

Overview

The Billings City Council held a work session on October 20, 2025, to discuss two major agenda items: a state proposal for an Eastern Montana Forensic Mental Health Facility and potential residency requirements for city department heads. The meeting began with updates on city construction projects and the announcement of the newly opened short-term holding facility. The forensic mental health facility discussion dominated the meeting, with council members expressing significant concerns about the state's accelerated timeline (applications due November 10th, decision by Thanksgiving 2025) and the lack of detailed information about impacts on the community, workforce, and release planning. Council unanimously agreed to have Mayor Cole draft a letter to the state expressing support for the facility's need while requesting more information and partnership rather than submitting a formal application. On the second agenda item, Council Member Kennedy proposed requiring department-level employees to reside within Billings city limits, modeled after a Helena resolution, which was moved forward to a future business meeting for formal consideration.

ACTIONS TAKEN & VOTES

Short-Term Holding Facility Announcement (9:14-10:03)

Council Member Owen announced that the short-term holding facility opened that day (October 20, 2025) and had already begun accepting arrestees awaiting judicial proceedings.

No formal action taken; informational update only.

Eastern Montana Forensic Mental Health Facility Discussion (23:12-1:28:23)

MOTION (1:24:52-1:28:02): Council Member Shaw moved that Mayor Cole draft a letter to the state (governor, DPHHS, Board of Investment) expressing appreciation for the facility, understanding the need, but requesting more information about community impacts before proceeding with an application.

VOTE: Unanimously approved by all council members present (Mayor Cole, Council Members Shaw, Neese, Owen, Rogers, Kennedy, Aspenlieder, Tidswell, Rupsis, Boyett) (1:27:56-1:28:02).

Residency Requirements for Department Heads (1:28:30-end)

MOTION (1:35:26-1:38:01): Council Member Kennedy moved to place a resolution on a future business agenda requiring director-level employees to reside within Billings city limits, modeled after Helena's resolution (which includes waiver provisions). Seconded by Council Member Rogers.

Discussion indicated the motion will move forward for formal consideration at a future business meeting, with Council Member Kennedy agreeing to draft the resolution himself without using staff time.

COUNCILMEMBER NOTABLE QUOTABLES

Council Member Owen on Short-Term Holding Facility (9:25-9:56):

"Just super excited to share tonight that the short-term holding facility opened today... This is the start of, I think, a very important turn in our community. It is not the end. We need to be working now with our public health partners on those diversion and prevention programs that keep those beds turning over so our officers continue to have the ability to arrest people."

Mayor Cole on Forensic Mental Health Facility Timeline (26:05-26:20):

"Those applications from local government bodies are due on November 10th with the goal of the state making a decision by Thanksgiving. And yes, that is Thanksgiving of 2025, not 2026."

Council Member Owen on Criminal Justice Focus (34:44-35:47):

"It is truly a criminal justice facility, not a general mental health facility. And I think that's the right lens for the analysis... if it's going to be in Yellowstone County, we have to address its location... We must address workforce now... And we have to address release planning."

Council Member Rupsis on State Timeline (38:22-38:46):

"I was sitting there Friday looking at this thing and I just kept thinking about this Seinfeld episode where Elaine is invited to a wedding in India that's going to take place in like two or three weeks from now. And it's absolutely not a serious invitation... so it was a non-vite, a non-invite, and I got the sense that that's what this was."

Council Member Aspenlieder on State Partnership (1:07:00-1:10:44):

"This isn't a referendum on the legislature trying to fix a problem. It's a referendum on how this process is trying to be implemented in a very clunky and non-partnership fashion. This is once again Helena telling us what they're going to do in our community without collaborating with us from the get-go."

Council Member Shaw on Residency Restrictions (1:37:32-1:37:55):

"My first thought is, you know, if you come to Montana and want to own a horse, you can't live in the city. That seems like a really kind of mean line to draw in my opinion for a director... that would be a very valid reason to live in the county yet work for the city."

PUBLIC COMMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Doug Osborne (10:32-14:34):

Osborne, a longtime Billings resident and attorney, offered mixed feedback on the council and city leadership. He expressed that he feels safer in Billings than 18 months ago when he previously addressed the council about crime concerns. However, he criticized Mayor Cole's eight-year tenure, saying "I don't feel safer."

Jim Ronquilo (14:43-18:58):

Ronquilo reported attending a Big Sky Future economic summit with over 300 people where Council Member Kennedy represented Billings. Ronquilo enthusiastically recounted Kennedy's pitch to potential businesses: "Billings, the city of Billings is open. We're open for business. Anybody want to come there? We welcome you with open arms. We have a affordable housing project just going on online in the Heights. We have a new electrical generating outfit out in Laurel that's burning clear air clean air. We're ready for you."

MEETING STATISTICS

Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes

Attendance:

• Council Members Present: Mayor Cole, Kendra Shaw, Roy Neese (online), Jennifer Owen, TJ Rogers, Bill Kennedy, Scott Aspenlieder, Daniel Tidswell, Tom Rupsis, Mike Boyett
• Excused: Ed Gulick
• Guests: Senator Mike Yakawich ("Southside Mike"), Jon Forte (Yellowstone County City-County Health Department/Riverstone Health), Commissioner Waters (Yellowstone County)

Process and Tone:

The meeting reflected significant frustration with state government processes, particularly the compressed timeline and perceived lack of partnership from DPHHS. However, legislators present (Senator Yakawich) and health officials (Jon Forte) were treated collegially, with council members distinguishing between legislative efforts and executive branch implementation. The residency requirements discussion was more philosophical and less contentious, with council members expressing various perspectives on balancing recruitment flexibility with community investment.

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