2026-09-08 - City Council Work Session
Summary
Built from official work session summary.
- Work session September 8, 5:30 to 7:55 PM (after 4:30 PM recess for closed executive session). All 11 council members present, Mayor Nelson presiding.
- Proclamation for Healthy Tribes Run on the Rims Challenge Day (September 5), recognizing Indian Health Service and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council partnership in promoting health, wellness, physical activity, nutrition, chronic-disease prevention.
- Proclamation for Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11, 2026, 25th anniversary of attacks), honoring those lost, recognizing first responders and Armed Forces members, encouraging community service and outreach. Senator Yakawich thanked Council and described local remembrance events.
Housing Program
- Planning and Community Services Director Friday reviewed housing-program exploration initiated by Council and developed with stakeholder working group. Billings faces significant housing shortage; group focused on City supporting/facilitating work by private, nonprofit, community partners rather than duplicating efforts. Connected to Billings 2045, prior Council goals, housing studies, urban-renewal projects, infill-development policy.
- Working group identified implementation capacity as central challenge. Community has ideas, organizations, willing partners, but lacks dedicated coordination point to connect efforts, advance City-owned property opportunities, evaluate incentives, develop preapproved plans, maintain sustained strategy. Short-term steps (grant-funded preapproved plans, development-industry outreach) could move forward with existing staff; broader program likely requires additional staff capacity and combination of funding sources including General Fund support.
- Former Councilmember Rupsis described report as consensus product of stakeholder group; proposed dedicated position intended to implement adopted plans and coordinate private/nonprofit sectors, not create large government program. Following representatives spoke of need for coordination, implementation, data access, outside funding, housing options across spectrum (infill, workforce housing, rentals, rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization): Patti Webster, HomeFront; Amber Parish, CEO Billings Association of Realtors; Terri Todd, Continuum of Care; Eric Owen, Riverstone Health CEO. RiverStone Health shared community-health data indicating increasing concern about housing affordability and unsafe housing conditions.
- Public comment: Kris Glenn, Yellowstone Valley Citizen's Council, emphasized shortage of attainable housing for middle-income households, encouraged pursuing low-cost policy and program options. Lisa Buckman, Yellowstone Valley Citizen's Council, spoke for more affordable housing. Walter Gulick, Yellowstone Valley Citizen's Council, spoke of need for additional affordable housing. Edward Barta spoke of importance of hiring staff member to seek grants and solve shortage. Barbara Gulick, Yellowstone Valley Citizen's Council, spoke of need for additional affordable housing. Jack Hanson spoke of need for City policy to create more affordable housing. Jeff Ketelsen opposed using City funds for new position and criticized potential use of tax-increment financing or other public incentives.
- Council discussion: scope, funding, expected results of dedicated position. Some supported City as facilitator, asked staff to further define position, quick wins, measurable outcomes, funding options. Others questioned whether work should be led/funded by industries and organizations that would benefit, expressed concern about General Fund dollars, questioned whether one position would materially increase housing production. Discussed Planning Department role, recently created urban-renewal position, private lending and trade-union participation, development barriers, permit activity as performance measure, whether stakeholder group could continue independently.
- Council directed staff NOT to begin implementation at this time. Nevertheless expressed interest in continuing work on infill policy, development barriers, other housing-related policy tools.
Majestic Landing Housing Development for Veterans
- CR Builders, LLC representative presented Majestic Landing, proposed 24-unit affordable multifamily development on Majestic Lane near Billings VA facility. Project intended to serve households at or below 60 percent of area median income, preference for veterans. Development would include common space and partnerships with Volunteers of America and Veterans Navigation Network for supportive services and case-management resources.
- Project cost approximately $9 million, financed primarily through low-income housing tax credits, HOME funds, Housing Trust Fund dollars, permanent loan, developer contribution. Location selected partly because of proximity to VA facility and transit service; additional residential development occurring in surrounding area. Rents vary by income level, with lower rents for households at 30 and 50 percent of area median income.
- Council questions: funding mix, location/surrounding uses, number of units relative to need among low-income veterans, project cost per square foot, rent structure. Several members expressed strong support for veteran-focused project while noting letter of support should be provided with adequate time for review.
- Council supported authorizing Mayor to sign letter of support for project's funding application.
Reservoir Recreation Amenities Update
- Parks and Recreation Director Woltjer returned with itemized recreation-amenities menu. Previously presented approximately $13.7 million concept reduced to approximately $5.7 million: roughly $3.6 million improvements proposed for North Reservoir, approximately $2.16 million for South Reservoir. North emphasizes active recreation (beach, shelters, restrooms, parking, sand volleyball, trees, benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, observation jetty). South includes more passive recreation (parking, shelters, restroom, boardwalk improvements, trees, picnic tables, trash receptacles, observation jetty).
- Public Works can cover several infrastructure components: water-testing piers, inlet bridge, maintenance-access paths around reservoirs, turnarounds, shoreline treatment, beach grading, ramp surfacing, engineered wetlands. Parks would need approximately $82,000 for its portion of proposed boardwalk improvement if Council elects to include before reservoirs filled. Other amenities can be phased over time.
- Potential funding sources: capital campaign, grants, local/state/federal funding, interest-group contributions, possible legislative support. Discussions with potential partners continuing; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks would stock fish at no cost to City. Councilmembers Shaw, Boyett, Kennedy, and Neese selected for Council naming-review committee, first meeting scheduled for September 16.
- Council questions: reservoir depth/beach safety, timing of improvements before filling, long-term maintenance responsibility if site becomes park, whether user fees practical. Woltjer noted general admission fee would not fit City's normal public-park model, though third-party rentals or activity-specific charges could be considered.
- Public comment: Jeff Ketelsen, representing local pike fishing club, encouraged placing fishing pier on stocked reservoir and distinguished between true fishing pier and boating dock.
City Administrator Hiring Process
- Human Resources Director Stanton reviewed permanent City Administrator recruitment options. Internal recruitment could post immediately, remain open five days (City policy), potentially allowing successful candidate to begin by late September. External recruitment would require longer schedule (advertising, screening, finalist interviews, public engagement, background/reference checks, contract negotiations, relocation/notice). Outside recruiter estimated cost approximately $30,000 to $48,000; total external process potentially approaching $60,000 with advertising, staff time, candidate travel.
- Councilmembers discussed whether City should move quickly with internal process or conduct broader external search. Internal advocates emphasized cost, speed, organizational stability, upcoming Police and Fire Chief recruitments, improved communication/collaboration during Iffland's interim service, confidence City has strong candidate. External advocates said City owed public broader search to ensure best candidate considered and bring in outside ideas.
- Council approved motion to proceed with internal recruitment process. Human Resources indicated posting could open the following day.