Owners Origer Enterprises, Inc. (Doug Origer) and TNC Development, LLC (Natalie Carson) have submitted a petition to annex land to the City of Billings under Section 7-2-4600, MCA. The subject property is composed of two lots totaling about 7 acres. The property is described as Lot 5, Block 2, and Lot 1, Block 3, Titan Subdivision. The property is located on the north and south sides of Interstate Avenue just east of the intersection of Interstate Avenue and Mullowney Lane. The property is mostly vacant, with one commercial building on Lot 1. The property owners are requesting annexation in order to obtain City services for future development of the property in the City. No development plans were provided with the annexation request. The property is zoned Highway Commercial and if it is brought into the City, it would retain this commercial zoning designation. The property is located within the five-year annexation area of the City's Limits of Annexation Map and appears to meet many of the City's criteria in its Annexation Policy. A detailed review and analysis of the Annexation Policy criteria will be provided in the Council's public hearing memo. The City Council’s policy is to consider annexations at two separate Council meetings. At the first meeting, the Council acknowledges receipt of a petition and sets a public hearing date. At the second meeting, the Council conducts the hearing and decides if it will annex the property. The annexation hearing is scheduled to occur at the City Council meeting on May 28.

Section 7-2-4600, MCA, allows owners of more than 50% of the property to petition the City for annexation. The only alternative that is consistent with City Council policy is to acknowledge receipt of the petition and set a public hearing date.

Analysis by City staff of how City services may be provided to this property, the potential financial implications of developing the property, and a recommendation on the annexation will be prepared and presented at the public hearing.

Staff recommends that the City Council acknowledge receipt of the annexation petition and schedule a public hearing for May 28, 2013 to consider annexing these properties.