Wayne Laufer has submitted a petition to annex land to the City of Billings under 7-2-4600 MCA. The subject property is 14.87 acres in size and is located west of Highway 87 and north of the existing commercial development that includes American Pharmaceuticals in the Billings Heights. The property is legally described as Tract 2D of C/S 2776, Amended. The parcel is currently undeveloped and is bordered by Five Mile Creek on its north side. The property owner is requesting annexation in order to obtain City services for future development of the property. The property was included in the five year annexation area of the City's Limits of Annexation Map when it was updated by the City Council on May 23, 2011, 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.

MCA, Section 7-2-4600 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 development of 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 September 26, 2011, to consider annexing this property.