Billings School District #2 submitted a petition to annex land that it owns, using provisions contained in Section 7-2-4600, MCA. The subject property is one parcel totaling about 40 acres. The property is located at 5640 Grand Avenue at the southwest corner of the intersection of Grand Avenue and 56th Street West. The property is vacant and has been used for agricultural crop production. The owners are requesting annexation in order to obtain City services and develop the property for the new Ben Steele Middle School and for future school development. The property is currently zoned Agricultural Open Space and Billings School District #2 is also in the process of completing a zone change on the property to Public zoning for the school use. The zone change is expected to reach the City Council at its second meeting in November.

The property is located within the five-year annexation area of the City's Limits of Annexation Map and appears to meet some 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 acts on the annexation petition.

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 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 November 9, 2015 to consider annexing this property.