Belgrade City Council

CITY OF BELGRADE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES BELGRADE LIBRARY— COMMUNITY ROOM January 20th, 2026 7: 00 pm This meeting was open to the public and attended in person. Mayor Michael D. Meis called the meeting to order. Council Members in attendance were Jason Guffey, Matt McGee, Jim Simon, Kristine Menicucci, Erin Bell, and Renae Mattimoe. City staff in attendance were City Manager Neil Cardwell, Assistant City Manager Greg Tryon, City Attorney Kyla Murray, City Clerk Camille Gregory, Executive Assistant Dana Jambor, Executive Finance Director Charity VanKirk, Chief of Police Dustin Lensing, Municipal Court Judge Chris Gregory, Chief Building Official Lucas Sobeck, Director of Human Resources Becky Wilbert, Director of Community and Economic Development Katharine King, Director of Parks, Trails, and Recreation Jordan Green, City Engineer Joe Hauck, Public Works Director Camaree Uljua, Library Director Alina Prunean, and Information Technology Manager Justin Clevidence. Others in attendance were Rebecca Anderson, Josh Smith, Vance Vanderpan, Rick Ramler, Stephen McAdams, Susan Swimley, Katy Bowman, Vivian Crouse, Emily Deker, Joey Launieford, Todd Waller, Jay Witwer, and Linda Angeloni. PUBLIC FORUM Mayor Meis called three times for public comment. There being none, the Public Forum was closed. CONSENT AGENDA Consider authorizing the City Manager to Approve Reimbursement Agreement with West Post Development LLC. Consider approval of a reduction to the Improvements Agreement for the West Post Subdivision commensurate with the work that has been completed. Consider approval of a reduction to the Improvements Agreement for the Meadowlark Ranch- Phase 5 Subdivision commensurate with the work that has been completed. ACTION: Council Member Simon moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. Council Member Mattimoe seconded the Motion. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Page 1 of 9 PUBLIC HEARING Discuss and Consider a Zone Text Amendment for a New District Called Master Planned Community Senior Planner Stein explained that this request will create a new zoning district in Title 10 of the City' s Code of Ordinances. The proposed zoning code will allow for smaller lots than in any current district, as encouraged by the Montana Land Use Planning Act ( MLUPA). This request also proposes reducing the required parking for residential use in this specific zoning district. The Planning Board reviewed the proposed Zone Text Amendment. It recommended approval by a vote of 3- to- 1. Council Member Simon asked whether the height restriction issue had been addressed. Stein explained that, in the meeting, the developer addressed the height issue by stating that the convenances would restrict the height of any home. City Manager Cardwell mentioned that the bulk of the discussion on this matter was held in the first reading heard at the December 1, 2025, Council Meeting. He noted that the motion from the Council at that first reading contained language not to require conditional use for religious assembly, therefore it will be included in the final version of the Ordinance. ACTION: Council Member Mattimoe moved to open the Public Hearing. Council Member Simon seconded the Motion. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Meis called two times for public comment. Linda Angeloni voiced her concern about the lack of parking this amendment will cause. Mayor Meis called a final time for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Mattimoe moved to close the Public Hearing. Council Member Simon seconded the Motion. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. ACTION: Council Member Mattimoe moved to approve on second reading Ordinance 2025- 12, amending Section 10. 2. 03 Use Permissions and Interpretation, Table 10. 2. 03 Districts and District Abbreviations, Tables 10. 3. 4 Principal Use Table, Section 10. 3. 10 Townhouse Standards and Table 10. 4. 4 Parking of the City Zoning Codes of the City of Belgrade, with the clarification that a religious assembly be allowed without a conditional use permit. Council Member Menicucci seconded the Motion. City Manager Cardwell added that, due to a law change enacted during the last legislative session, the City' s ability to regulate parking has been limited. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Page 2 of 9 Discuss and Consider a Zone Map Amendment of a Property at the Northwest Corner of Jackrabbit Lane and Cameron Bridge Road, Commonly Known as ' The Foundry', to be Changed to Master Planned Community( MP) District Senior Planner Stein explained that this is a sister item to the Master Planned Community. The area in question is the former Jackrabbit Crossing area. The applicant- driven proposal is to rezone an area in Jackrabbit Crossing known as The Foundry.' The Map Amendment proposes to change the property from Flex Employment ( FE) District, Community Living ( CL) District, Mixed Residential ( MR) District, and Open Space ( OSP) District to the Master Planned Community ( MP) District as defined in the City of Belgrade Zoning Ordinance. Stein pointed out that the previous item for the Zoning Text Amendment of the proposed Master Plan Community Zoning District must be approved and effective before the Zone Map Amendment can be approved. He also mentioned that at a public hearing held on December 29, 2025, the Planning Board voted 4- to- 0 to recommend approval of the proposed Zone Map Amendment. Josh Smith, with Allied Engineering, stood for any questions from the Council. There was none. Mayor Meis mentioned that this was also discussed at the December 1, 2025, Council Meeting and that the community could visit the City' s website to watch the recording for more details if they wished. ACTION: Council Member Mattimoe moved to open the Public Hearing. Council Member Simon seconded the Motion. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Meis called three times for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to close the Public Hearing. Council Member Mattimoe seconded the Motion. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to approve the zoning change on First Reading of the property owned by Jackrabbit Crossing LP, LLC ( c/ o Todd Waller) at the northwest corner of Jackrabbit Lane and Cameron Bridge Road commonly known as ' The Foundry', be zoned Master Planned Community ( MP) District as defined in the City of Belgrade Zoning Ordinance and set a public hearing for February 2, 2026. Council Member Bell seconded the Motion. Council Member Simon asked how the residential density has changed. Cardwell explained that the site would be less dense, allowing greater flexibility for more single- family, cottage- style, and townhome units. Page 3 of 9  Council Member McGee asked whether the previously planned open spaces would still be used as originally zoned or whether the Master Plan would allow the developers to choose where the open spaces go. Stein explained that the area is preliminarily platted for Jackrabbit Crossing, and the open spaces near the borders were for multi- family areas. There will be a small area to the south designated for single- family homes, and the developer will be required to comply with setback regulations for those properties. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Discuss and Consider a Zone Map Amendment of a Portion of the Property Owned by Yellowstone Crossings HC, LLC, Commonly Known as ' The Copper Ranch', to be Chanted to Community Living( CL) District Senior Planner Stein explained that this item is also an applicant- driven request. The proposal is to change the zoning of an area in the Yellowstone Airport Plaza to allow an apartment complex currently proposed as affordable, deed- restricted housing. The Map Amendment proposes to change a portion of the property from the Commercial Corridor( CC) District to the Community Living( CL) District as defined in the City of Belgrade Zoning Ordinance. Stein mentioned that at a public hearing held on December 29, 2025, the Planning Board voted 4- to- 0 to recommend approval of the Amendment. Council Member McGee asked whether the zoning would be for more apartments like those currently in Yellowstone Crossing. He also inquired whether the existing apartments would be zoned for CL in the future. Stein explained that the apartments existed before the City' s large zoning update and are part of an old Planned Unit Development ( PUD). Therefore, they are grandfathered into the PUD relaxations. Stein then explained that the City has moved away from PUDs and that incoming apartments would be subject to current zoning and must comply with all CL regulations. Joey L., with Inland Group, explained that his company builds income- restricted housing across the United States, and that this will be Inland Group' s first affordable housing project in Montana. The project will be a complex with 320 income- restricted units targeting Belgrade' s workforce. The group is working with HRDC and the Montana Board of Housing and expects to partner with more in the future. Council Member McGee asked whether there was a specific reason the group is going with the CL designation rather than a Commercial Corridor( CC), and if it was need vs. demand. Joey answered that the location was identified as an ideal site for affordable housing in order to meet demand. ACTION: Council Member Simon moved to open the Public Hearing. Council Member Mattimoe seconded the Motion. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Page 4 of 9  Mayor Meis called for public comment. Linda Angeloni asked what `Community Living' is and where she could find the old and new zoning information. Mayor Meis called three more times for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to close the Public Hearing. Council Member McGee seconded the Motion. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. ACTION: Council Member Bell moved to approve the zoning change on First Reading of the property owned by Yellowstone Crossings HC, LLC at the east side of Depot Drive and South of Frontage Road, commonly known as ' The Copper Ranch', be zoned Community Living ( CL) District as defined in the City of Belgrade Zoning Ordinance and set a public hearing for February 2, 2026. Council Member Guffey seconded the Motion. City Manager Cardwell directed the community to the City' s website under the Economic and Community Development Department, where there is a section specific to zoning. The public can also navigate to the government tab on the website and click on the ` Municipal Code' link, where all city ordinances have been incorporated. There is also a Geographic Information Systems GIS) link, where you can look at all the maps for the City. Mayor Meis also directed the public to beheardbelgrade. com. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION AGENDA Discuss and Consider Adoption of Resolution 2026- 1, Creating an Advisory Committee for the City of Belgrade TIF District City Attorney Murray explained that during the 2025 Legislative Session, the Montana Legislature adopted Senate Bill 3, amending Montana Code Annotated § 7- 15- 4234 and § 7- 15- 4282, requiring any city in Montana that has an Urban Renewal District or a Tax Increment Finance District( TIF) to establish a formal Advisory Committee to guide the administration of urban renewal areas or targeted economic development districts. Murray further explained that in 2017, the Belgrade City Council created the Belgrade Commercial Center Urban Renewal District and TIF District. She stated that Resolution 2026- 1 would be the first step in becoming compliant with Senate Bill 3, with the purpose of getting recommendations/ input from various sources that would include Belgrade School District No. 44, Gallatin County, local business owners, and other residents of Belgrade. Page 5 of 9  City Manager Cardwell mentioned that the Resolution is sufficient, on its own, for establishing a board and holding meetings. However, the City will introduce an ordinance to codify the Board into the City Code at a future date. Council was advised that the Belgrade School District No. 44 nominated School Superintendent Dede Semerad to represent them on the Board and the County Commission nominated County Commissioner Scott McFarland to represent the County. The Belgrade City Council will need to appoint a member of the Council to serve as well, which will leave two seats open for Belgrade citizens( specifically those residing within the city limits) to apply for. Mayor Meis called three times for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Simon moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026- 1, a resolution establishing a Tax Increment Financing Advisory Committee for the City of Belgrade. Council Member Mattimoe seconded the Motion. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Discuss and Consider Approval of Mayfair Meadows Bike Pump Track Construction Contract with American Ramp Company Director of Parks, Trails, and Recreation Green explained that this contract is for American Ramp Company to construct a bike pump track at Mayfair Meadows Park. If approved, construction is anticipated to start by the end of the year. There is no estimate of how many people would use the pump track daily, but they plan to build a parking lot for 80 cars. He also mentioned that there would be a pavilion space which the public could rent. Assistant City Manager Tryon explained that part of the driving force behind this project is the hope of attracting national competitions to Belgrade. Emily Decker stood to take any questions and mentioned that the pump track is being optimized to accommodate all levels of experience and modes. Mayor Meis called three times for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Mattimoe moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the contract between the City of Belgrade and American Ramp Company to construct a bike pump track at the Mayfair Meadows Park. Council Member Simon seconded the Motion. The Council unanimously agreed that this is a very exciting project that has been a long time coming, and they are glad it is gaining traction. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Page 6 of 9 Discuss and Consider of a Professional Services Contract with Sanbell for WO 24- 05, the E Madison Ave- Oregon to Broadway Project Director of Public Works Uljua explained that the Request for Qualifications( RFQ) for WO 24- 05 ( the E. Madison Ave.- Oregon to Broadway Project) closed on November 3, 2025. This RFQ included professional services, preliminary engineering, design, development of construction bid documents, and optional construction management services. Sanbell was selected as the successful firm. The total cost of professional services is $ 236, 300. 00. The E. Madison Ave- Oregon to Broadway Project will include water and sewer main replacement, roadway widening, asphalt paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA features, enhanced pedestrian crossings, signing, striping, and stormwater improvements. The project is partially funded by a$ 1, 334, 123. 71 Transportation Alternatives ( TA) grant awarded to the City of Belgrade in 2023. Local match( 13. 42% City contribution) and improvements that are ineligible for TA reimbursement( 100% City contribution) shall be funded from the Water, Wastewater, and Street Maintenance funds. Director Uljua estimated that construction should start in the latter half of summer 2026. However, this is a new process for the City, so the timelines may be a little different. Mayor Meis called three times for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services contract and any associated change orders with Sanbell for WO 24- 05, the East Madison Ave- Oregon to Broadway Project. Council Member Guffey seconded the Motion. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. Discuss and Consider Approval of a Reimbursement Agreement for Roadway Improvements on Cruiser Lane, Between Approximately 150 Feet West of Black Diamond Street to Bolinger Road Director of Public Works Uljua explained that a section of Cruiser Lane, approximately 150 feet west of Black Diamond Street to Bolinger Road, does not meet current roadway standards. As part of the Bridger Heights Subdivision, Rosa Construction, LLC was required to fund 50% of the cost of the required improvements to this section of Cruiser Lane. Uljua noted that this is considered half-road construction, which is allowed under the subdivision regulations. However, this type of project must provide a clear public benefit and be approved by the Public Works Department. She noted that this project includes roadway widening, asphalt paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and stormwater facilities installed to City of Belgrade standards. The project also includes third- party construction engineering, surveying, and inspection services. To facilitate completion of these improvements, it is proposed that the City reimburse Rosa Construction, LLC up to$ 163, 967. 23. This would represent 50% of the total project costs. Street Page 7 of 9 Impact Fees shall fund this reimbursement. Uljua mentioned that this is not a common practice and it is unlikely the City will recommend it again. John Rosa explained that he and his business partner built Bridger Heights together. He noted that they had been installing road segments as the neighborhoods were constructed. Mayor Meis called three times for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a reimbursement agreement between the City of Belgrade and Rosa Construction, LCC for WO 26- 01 Cruiser Lane Roadway Improvements Project, and for a maximum amount of$ 163, 967. 23. Council Member Mattimoe seconded the Motion. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS Mayor Meis reported that last week he went to Washington, D. C. with the City Manager and the League of Cities and Towns. He noted having very good discussions with the senators and congressmen. Those talks included discussions on securing funding for municipality projects and, hopefully, ways to alleviate some of the burden on taxpayers. City Attorney Murray reported that the Public Works Department has been working on a snow removal program called Hometown Heroes. This program would have been a voluntary neighborhood snow removal assistance program. However, with the lack of snow this year there has not yet been a need to implement the program. Murray encouraged everyone to keep an eye out for more information to come. City Manager Cardwell mentioned that this year marks America' s 250th birthday. As a result, the City and School District are planning events to celebrate that milestone, including a fireworks show. The City will manage the event but will welcome other partnerships. Cardwell then mentioned that budget season is already underway and will start ramping up soon. Cardwell also let the Council know that the Police Chief will offer them a presentation on the impact( s) of the new law change on public safety at the February Council Workshop. Lastly, Cardwell reported that Nutrien has scheduled the underground liquid fertilizer tank removal. This removal should occur before February 15, which is the closing date on the purchase of the Old Big Red Building on Main Street. FOR YOUR INFORMATION Council Member Mattimoe reported that she attended the first Parks Board meeting of the year, where they discussed the lack of winter recreation and future planning for the spring. Page 8 of 9  Council Member Bell reported that the Senior Center served 25, 000 congregate meals, including those served through Meals on Wheels. She also reported that the fitness sessions are so well attended that the Center is running out of space and equipment. Bell also advised that the Center held its Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on January 15, 2026. Council Member Menicucci reported that the Water Quality Board no longer has members due to mismanagement. She also mentioned that she had been approached by constituents reporting mold in some of the large apartment buildings and asked if there was an inspector who can inspect those buildings. Cardwell answered that the City does not have a mandatory inspection schedule for things like mold, as state laws are strict on landlord- tenant relationships. However, if a tenant requests an inspection, the City can look into it. Council Member Simon asked for the current timeline for the Jackrabbit Underpass Project at the Cruiser roundabout and the Main and Broadway Roundabout. Cardwell answered that the Jackrabbit Project is set for completion in 2031, while the Cruiser and Main St. roundabouts have been delayed due to regulatory approval timelines. Council Member McGee stated he had nothing to report this week. However, he hoped to have a lot to report at the next meeting because he will attend his first Urban Transportation District meeting and their upcoming retreat. Council Member Guffey thanked the staff for all their work getting the Pump Track Project moving. ADJOURN Council Member Mattimoe moved to adjourn. Council Member Simon seconded the Motion. Mayor Meis called for a vote. All voted aye, Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8: 52 p. m. r. k" A . r7c- r CCr t NIV r., c, . s- r. iuy9r 1 Attest: C_AAAJ 71" e 111 C Camille Gregory, City C • rk =_ t aew --- Page 9 of 9