City Commission Meeting

Livingston City Commission Minutes February 17, 2026 5:30 PM City – County Complex, Community Room City of Livingston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89817578335?pwd=5K5waUm1WpRpXwm0eVLTUT6NR3aTSB.1 Meeting ID: 898 1757 8335 Passcode: 962816 1. Call to Order 5:32 pm Chair Nootz called the meeting to order. 2. Roll Call  Chair Nootz  Vice Chair Willich  Commissioner Daniels  Commissioner Wilcox  Commissioner O’Neill City Staff Present  City Manager Grant Gager  Chief of Police Wayne Hard  Policy Analyst Greg Anthony 3. Pledge of Allegiance (Flag Presented by Livingston Cub Scouts) "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Chair Nootz welcomed Cub Scout Troop 522 to lead the pledge of allegiance. 4. Public Comment Individuals are reminded that public comments should be limited to item over which the City Commission has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power (MCA 2-3-202) Public comment was offered by:  Edleeta Shands expressed having a sauna in the Wellness Center would be good for the community. She asked about volunteers for public engagement for the Wellness Center.  Leslie Feigel expressed concerns about Farmers Market Fees. She stated there may be some different data that what she has in the Explore Livingston Strategic Plan.  John Anthony asked what is going to be in the Wellness Center  Sebastian Shankar gave thanks that Livingston in safe  Julian Roobottom expressed thanks for the experience  Peggy O’Neill wondered when the yellow is going to be painted downtown, and wondered about marking parallel spots. The City Manager stated the Wellness Center will have 2 pools, gymnasium, waterslide, walking track, fitness area, community multipurpose rooms, outdoor basketball courts, and playscapes. He stated that Streets has been out painting curbs and do so when the weather is nice, and they have discussed parallel painted parking spaces. 5. Consent Items A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR MEETING B. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS PAID 1/29/26 - 2/11/26 C. AGREEMENT 20245 WITH WESTERN SUSTAINABILITY EXCHANGE FOR 2026 FARMERS MARKET Commissioner O’Neill pulled Item A & B Commissioner Wilcox motioned to approve Consent Item C, seconded by Commissioner O’Neill. Unanimously approved. Commissioner O’Neill pointed out a name correction and spelling correction in Consent Item A. He asked about the claims paid report, specifically, the MSU payment for curb extensions, and window projects payment and wondered if URA pays that. The City Manager stated the window projects is paid for by the URA and he clarified that URA funds come through City finances. He stated the curb extension item is from the final invoice related to the final report and presentation that were generated for a City Commission meeting November. Commissioner O’Neill motioned to approve Consent Items A & B, seconded by Commissioner Daniels. Unanimously approved. 6. Proclamations A. A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA, RECOGNIZING MARCH 1, 2026 AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN LIVINGSTON, MONTANA Chair Nootz read the proclamation. The City Manager encouraged everyone to visit Yellowstone National Park. 7. Scheduled Public Comment A. EXPLORE LIVINGSTON STRATEGIC PLAN The City Manager introduced Kris King to give a brief presentation. Kris King reviewed a little of what she does and introduced McLaren Latta to give a brief presentation. Chair Nootz asked for an explanation about all of these different organizations. The City Manager gave a brief presentation on LBID, TBID and CVB. Commissioner Wilcox asked for clarification on years for BIDs, URA and CVB. The City Manager stated BIDs can extend 10-year by passage of a resolution, but a URA has greater restrictions on extending its lifetime and is mainly tied to the bonds, and it’s very unlikely that our current URA would extend beyond 2034. Commissioner Wilcox thanked Explore Livingston for their presentation. She expressed appreciation for the focus areas in the presentation. Commissioner O’Neill stated that based on data he has found from two studies, the numbers from the presentation are different. Vice Chair Willich asked the presenters about the overlap between Park County and City limits, as the City Commission only has jurisdiction over City limits. McLaren Latta stated that their data doesn’t always fit in a perfect box of Livingston because sometimes there are folks that stay in Livingston, but they do travel to Paradise Valley, so there is an overlap in data. Vice Chair Willich expressed that it would be nice to see the data separated out to City and County. Kris explained how they do use tourism money to benefit the community. She stated her board has advised not to market summer, but complimented the Chamber for marketing summer. Chair Nootz thanked Kris for including the grant information. She asked what the board was thinking in regards to economic development outside of tourism. Kris stated that LBID works with downtown businesses and business owners on multiple levels to work on community needs and development. She also stated there are funds that can be used by the community for street shutdown events. Chair Nootz asked if the parade can apply for the street shutdown money from TBID. Kris stated yes, they can because it brings people to hotels in Livingston. Vice Chair Willich motioned to for a 10-minute break, seconded by Commissioner Daniels. Unanimously approved. 8. Action Items A. CONSIDERATION OF A VARIANCE REQUEST FOR 318 S. 7TH STREET Planning Director Severson gave a brief presentation. Chair Nootz asked if the conditions listed for the motion include the building permit timeline. Planning Director Severson stated no it would need to be added. Chair Nootz ask if there is a timeline recommendation from staff. Planning Director Severson stated 6 months is good timeline to get the building permit application submitted. Chair Nootz asked if there is a timeline that the project needs to be completed after the building permit. Planning Director Severson stated 6 months. Vice Chair Willich asked if the sidewalk is at ground level. Planning Director Severson stated it is level, and discussed options for level of fence above sidewalk. Chair Nootz gained clarity around fence height based on yard or sidewalk height. Planning Director Severson stated it’s based from yard height. Public comment was offered by:  Linda Mahr expressed concern about this fence blocking views.  Lisa Kitts expressed concern about an email she received requesting money, and would like to meet in person to discuss the fence.  Madalyn Doke received a notice about this from living on the same block. She expressed concern about this fence as the houses on this block are really close together and this fence would like impact the neighbors. Chair Nootz asked for more information on the sight line. She reminded that the Commission does not direct staff and cannot ask them to people with people, but the City Manager can work that out with staff. The City Manager he and staff are happy to meet with any applicant. He discussed recent email scams and requested residents to notify him at 406-223-4475 of any suspicious issues. He stated the 6ft heigh limit in the zoning code is pretty uniform nationwide, and really is for law enforcement purposes to ensure they can maneuver in a chase. Planning Director Severson stated the sight line distance identified in code is more about intersections. She stated she checked with Public Works Director Holmes and Fire Chief Chabalowski and they were not concerned with the fence going all the way to the alley because it will not encroach on the alley.  Commissioner O’Neill stated he drove by the property and noticed part of the fence is almost on the ground. He expressed that this fence will affect anybody else’s view beside the views of the property owner. He thinks they should approve this. Commissioner Wilcox stated she also drove by, and does agree with the staff recommendation. She expressed appreciation that the neighbors agree with this project. Commissioner Daniels expressed agreement for this but would like the time limit set to get the building permit. Vice Chair Willich expressed agreement with the staff recommendation for this. Chair Nootz expressed appreciation for the staff report and detail involved. Vice Chair Willich motioned to approve this item with conditions recommended by staff and amendment for a 6-month timeline for a completed building permit application, seconded by Commissioner Daniels. Unanimously approved. B. RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATE Recreation Director Maggie Tarr gave a brief presentation. Commissioner O’Neill expressed that he is impressed. Commissioner Wilcox expressed appreciation for all the things the Rec Dept. has done. She wondered what will happen with the Civic Center and outdoor pool once the Wellness Center opens. Commissioner Daniels expressed that the numbers and presentation are impressive, and appreciates Rec Director Tarr’s passion. Vice Chair Willich expressed that the work that the Rec staff puts in is impressive. Chair Nootz asked about budget for Rec. The City Manager and Recreation Director discussed the budget briefly. Chair Nootz expressed that Rec Director Tarr and her team are very impressive. Commissioner Daniels motioned for a 5-minute break, seconded by Commissioner Wilcox. Unanimously approved. C. WELLNESS CENTER UPDATE The City Manager gave a brief presentation. He addressed a previous public comment about a sauna, and stated this facility will not include a sauna due to multiple reasons. He stated they are really excited about volunteers and engagement coming up related to the Wellness Center and landscaping. He stated the Civic Center will continue to have a use for recreation needs in the community. The outdoor pool will close at the end of this summer and they will decommission that pool. He stated the downtown master plan envisions an entryway or gathering point the outdoor pool currently is. Chair Nootz asked about the possibility of a Friends of the Wellness Center group.  The City Manager asked that anyone that would like to get involved with the Wellness Center reach out to Director Tarr or him or the 4 Ranges Foundation. Chair Nootz asked about a long-term group. The City Manager stated that the foundation could continue to exist to support the Wellness Center in many ways. Commissioner Wilcox gave thanks for the presentation and she is excited to see this develop. Vice Chair Willich stated he is looking forward to seeing it in person and seeing how we make it our own. Chair Nootz recalled how the Wellness Center is more Livingston now then when it was proposed originally and the steps to get where they are now and all the work staff is done to help bring it to life. She also reminded everyone that the City Manager worked really hard to secure a sizeable endowment for the Wellness Center. She really expressed that the work that has gone into this is very Livingston. She asked where people can reach out to if they want to give ideas or get involved. The City Manager stated they can reach out to PublicComment@LivingstonMontana.org or CityManager@LivingstonMontana.org or reach his cell at 406-223-4475. D. RESOLUTION 5182: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA, APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF WEST END ROAD FROM PARK COUNTY The City Manager stated this item seeks to finalize the transfer of West End Rd. from Park County to the City of Livingston. The action is being requested in support of a property owner and ensuring access to that property. Commissioner Wilcox asked about the mileage cost and will it be ongoing. The City Manager stated the City’s gas tax amount that is provided by the state is based on the number lane miles in the City. If this is passed, they will work with everyone to make sure that West End Rd. gets credited towards the City’s gas tax allocation. They are also in the process of working with MDT to incorporate this into their operations and maintenance agreement with the Urban Route Network. Public comment was offered by:  Linda Mahr asked where this is located. The City Manager showed a map of the general location. Chair Nootz asked this still needs to go to the County Commission. The City Manager stated that the County has already taken their action. Chair Nootz expressed that this makes a lot of sense from an access perspective. Vice Chair Willich asked if it will get sidewalks or boulevards. The City Manager stated that it is the City’s intent when West End Rd. is reconstructed to ask the folks who do the work to do it to City design standards which includes sidewalk, curb and gutter.  Commissioner O’Neill asked if the homes on that road are annexed into the City. The City Manager stated no. He pulled up a map and showed which properties are not annexed. Chair Nootz stated there is a map on the website that will show what is in City limits. Commissioner Daniels motioned to approve this item, seconded by Commissioner Wilcox. Unanimously approved. E. PRESENTATION OF CITY COMMISSION PRIORITIES AND WORKPLAN The City Manager gave a brief presentation. Commissioner Wilcox expressed appreciation for the presentation. Commissioner Daniels expressed liking to see what is coming. Commissioner O’Neill expressed thanks for the update on the Veterans Memorial. Chair Nootz expressed that this list feels like it really represents everyone on this Commission. Chair Nootz motioned to enter closed session, seconded by Vice Chair Willich. Unanimously approved. F. CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS LEGAL STRATEGY PURSUANT TO MCA 2-3-203(4)(a) 9. City Manager Comment The City Manager stated he will see the Commission March 3rd. 10. City Commission Comments Commissioner O’Neill stated he will see everyone March 3rd. He stated staff did a great job at the Montana Street meeting. Commissioner Wilcox expressed thanks for the meeting. She stated she would like to understand how water flows in the City. Commissioner Daniels expressed thanks for the meeting. Vice Chair Willich stated he is looking forward to the next meeting. Chair Nootz stated that she met with Commissioner O’Neill about the room layout and changes will be coming soon, and wants to work through the best way it will work for everyone. She expressed that meetings with the City Manager are always helpful outside of the Commission meeting. 11. Adjournment Commissioner Wilcox motioned to adjourn, seconded by Vice Chair Willich. Unanimously approved. Notice  Public Comment: The public can speak about an item on the agenda during discussion of that item by coming up to the table or podium, signing-in, and then waiting to be recognized by the Chair. Individuals are reminded that public comments should be limited to items over which the City Commission has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power (MCA 2-3-202).  The Chair shall have the discretion to solicit comments from the public in the following order: (1) residents of the City, (2) business owners or operators in the City, (3) other organizations conducting operations in the City, and (4) residents, businesses or organizations from outside the City. The Chair may limit each person’s comment period to not less than three (3) minutes.  Meeting Recording: An audio and/or video recording of the meeting, or any portion thereof, may be purchased by contacting the City Clerk. The City does not warrant the audio and/or video recording as to content, quality, or clarity.  Special Accommodation: If you need special accommodations to attend or participate in City meetings, please contact the City Clerk at least 24 hours in advance of the specific meeting you are planning on attending.