BILLINGS CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN // oct.21.2024

// A DOUBLE BAKER'S DOZEN OF CITY BOARD OPENINGS

I was thankful for the invitation to the city's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, hosted by the city for citizens who serve on Billings's numerous boards and commissions. It reminded me of the military's holiday meals overseas when the officers get behind the serving line and dish out chow for us enlisted folks. "C'mon, Sir, don't skimp on that scoop, I'm a growin' boy!"

Other volunteer board members who attended last Thursday were appreciative of the recognition for their time and service. And who wouldn't feel extra special when receiving City of Billings branded foot mittens. If you're feeling a little FOMO, I've got good news for you! There are numerous board and commission seats open, ranging from the Aviation & Transit Board to the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board.

There are boards that focus on biking, animal control, the library, zoning, police, tourism, parks & recreation, energy & conservation, and many more. They exist to help shape policies by gathering public input and making recommendations to City Council. Right now, there are A LOT of vacancies that need to be filled—26 to be exact. So, if you've got an interest in policy, want to give back by lending your time and perspective, or want to learn more about your city, please consider submitting an application to one of the available openings. 

BOARD OPENING (SEATS)

Animal Control Board (2)

Aviation & Transit Board (3)

Bike & Ped Advisory Cmte (2)

Billings BID (2)

Board of Health (1)

Community Development Board (1)

Community Development Board (1)

Exchange City Golf Board (1)

Housing Authority (1)

Housing Authority, Elderly (1)

Human Relations Commission (1)

Parks/Recreation/Cemetary Board (4)

Planning Board (1)

Planning Board (1)

Planning Board (1)

Planning Board (1)

Police Board (2)

REQUIREMENTS

Must live in Billings

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—Low-Mod

Must live in Billings

Live w/in 10 mi. radius of Billings

Must live in Billings—Res-Comm

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings—Ward 1

Must live in Billings—Ward 3

Must live in Billings—Ward 4

Must live in Billings—Ward 5

Must live in Billings

* - Background in healthcare or finance preferred

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 11, 2024.

// THANK YOU TO BILLINGS CITY COUNCIL

Last week, Billings City Council held a public hearing and took their first vote to require that new residential subdivisions include street lighting. We've testified numerous times to the Planning Board and then City Council, providing information on the safety benefits and need for lighting standards. At the same time, we're in agreement with the arguments of opponents, concerned about how the regulatory burden contributes to the the cost of housing.


At the end of the day, we've got to do both—build safety into our city and reduce the cost of housing. We greatly appreciate Councilmembers Owen and Aspenlieder's emphasis on and charge to city staff to find efficiencies with its permitting and inspection processes that are likely to at least offset the costs of adding lighting.


We want to say THANK YOU to those Councilmembers voting in favor of building safety into Billings neighborhoods.


Councilwoman Kendra Shaw—Ward 1

Councilman Ed Gulick—Ward 1

Councilwoman Jennifer Owen—Ward 2

Councilwoman Denise Joy—Ward 3

Councilman Scott Aspenlieder—Ward 4

Councilman Dan Tidswell—Ward 4

Councilman Mike Boyett—Ward 5

Councilman Tom Rupsis—Ward 5

// 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. Senior Services Update.

-Public Comment 


2. City Owned Properties.

-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

 
COMM 7 TV
C7 FACEBOOK
C7 YOUTUBE
 

// 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:

  • Update on Fire Department payroll costs
  • Draft FY2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan
  • And much more...
READ MOST RECENT CA REPORT
VIEW PREVIOUS CA REPORTS
 

// 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, and what's on the agenda (if one is available).


Tuesday, Oct. 22nd


Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee

11:30 - 12:30 pm @ Rm. 3108, 3rd Floor, Stillwater Building, 316 N. 26th St.

Agenda here.


Heights Neighborhood Task Force

7:00 - 8:00 pm @ Oasis Water Park Conference Room, 543 Aronson Ave.

 

// THE SQUEAKY WHEEL

 
 

(click to enlarge)

 
READ CITY COUNCIL EMAILS
EMAIL ALL OF CITY COUNCIL

(Your email will be publicly available, similar to those you can read by clicking the button above.)

 

// BOARD & COMMISSION OPENINGS

"It takes a little time and commitment, but it's incredibly rewarding to give back to our community which has given us so much." 

-- Greg McCall, Zoning Commission and Owner, McCall Homes

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 11, 2024.

BOARD OPENING (SEATS)

Animal Control Board (2)

Aviation & Transit Board (3)

Bike & Ped Advisory Cmte (2)

Billings BID (2)

Board of Health (1)

Community Development Board (1)

Community Development Board (1)

Exchange City Golf Board (1)

Housing Authority (1)

Housing Authority, Elderly (1)

Human Relations Commission (1)

Parks/Recreation/Cemetary Board (4)

Planning Board (1)

Planning Board (1)

Planning Board (1)

Planning Board (1)

Police Board (2)

REQUIREMENTS

Must live in Billings

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—Low-Mod

Must live in Billings

Live w/in 10 mi. radius of Billings

Must live in Billings—Res-Comm

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings

Must live in Billings—Ward 1

Must live in Billings—Ward 3

Must live in Billings—Ward 4

Must live in Billings—Ward 5

Must live in Billings

* - Background in healthcare or finance preferred

APPLY HERE
 

// IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The Billings Police Department shared their numbers from the second week of October. Click the link below to view on BPD's Facebook page.

 

// ADDITIONAL BILLINGS CHAMBER RESOURCES

 
PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE
CITY COUNCIL ROSTER
BUSINESS ADVOCACY WEBSITE
 

// BUSINESS ADVOCACY SPONSORS

 
 

Questions/Comments?

Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Billings Chamber's Business Advocacy Director, Dan Brooks with questions, comments, or to chat about the City Council.





EMAIL DAN HERE
 
Billings Chamber of Commerce | Website
 
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