City election ward boundaries must be adjusted to conform to city limit amendments resulting from annexation of property into the City. The City Council approved the annexation of road rights-of-way in the East Billings area (Annexation #15-01) on April 27, 2015. The rights-of-way include portions of 6th Avenue North, 4th Avenue North, 3rd Avenue North, 2nd Avenue North, 1st Avenue North, Main Street (Exposition Drive), N. 7th Street, N. 10th Street and some alleys in the area. This annexation requires a change in the boundaries of Ward I. Two readings are required for this action. The first reading and public hearing of the ordinance was conducted by the Council on May 11, 2015. The second reading is scheduled for this meeting.

City Council may approve or not approve the ordinance to amend the boundaries of Ward I on second reading.

• Approving the ordinance will modify the boundaries of Ward I to include the road rights-of-way.
• Denying the ordinance will not modify the boundaries of Ward I and create a problem where property inside the City Limits is not within one of the City Ward Boundaries. 

There is no budget/financial impact from this action.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve this ordinance on second reading, adding recently annexed road rights-of-way to Ward I.