Owner Ryan and Jodi Rookhuizen Family Trust has submitted a petition to annex land to the City of Billings under Section 7-2-4600, MCA. The subject property is composed of one parcel totaling about 1.6 acres. The property is described as Parcel 1, C/S 1706. It is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Bench Boulevard and Yellowstone River Road. The property is mostly vacant but has one residence located on it. The property owner is 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 Neighborhood 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 April 22.

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 April 22, 2013 to consider annexing this property.