Billings hosted the Montana League of Cities and Towns (MLCT) annual conference October 5-7, 2011.  The second annual fun run/walk was held on Wednesday, October 5, at the Swords Park Trail.  The policy established at the first annual run was to allow the host community to donate the event's net proceeds to a chartible organization or project in that city.  Mayor Hanel sponsored a Council initiative to allow the City Council to donate the 2011 run/walk proceeds to the Swords Park Trail improvement project.  The Council is being asked to approve the donation to BikeNet, which is the organization that is accumulating funds for trail improvements such as wayfinding and interpretive signage, trailhead improvements and and other improvements for four (4) specific locations on the trail.   

The City Council may approve the donation or may designate another charitable organization or project to receive the net proceeds from the 2011 MLCT fun run/walk.

Approximately 32 runners/walkers particiapted in the 2011 run/walk in Billings.  Livingston City Manager Ed Meece collected the runner/walker entrance fees and donations from at least two (2) corporate sponsors.  He will provide a full accounting of revenues and expenses and send the net proceeds to the City of Billings.  The estimated net proceeds and donation to BikeNet will equal $400 - $600.

Staff recommends that the City Council donate the 2011 MLCT fun run/walk proceeds to BikeNet for the Swords Park Trail improvement project.