Elysian School submitted a petition to annex land that it owns to the City of Billings under Section 7-2-4600, MCA. The subject property is a parcel totaling about 19 acres. The property is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Elysian Road and East Lane and has the existing school on the property as well as some vacant land for future school facility expansion. The property owner is requesting annexation in order to obtain City services as the school is completing a large expansion project to accommodate a larger student population. The property is currently zoned Public, which is the correct zoning for a school use.

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 decides if it will annex the property. 

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 June 8, 2015 to consider annexing this property.