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| WORK SESSION AGENDA |
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| COUNCIL CHAMBERS | JULY 5, 2022 | 5:30 P.M. |
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Cole
Public Comment on agenda items and non-agenda items:
- John Cutler, 2417 Ditton Drive, Billings, MT, spoke about an item on the July 11th Regular Business agenda – Regular Agenda Item 3, Public Hearing and Variance to site development ordinance for one additional drive approach to the east side of Ditton Drive in Vista Canal Subdivision. He opposed the approval of the variance.
- Kent Richmond, 2420 Ditton Drive, Billings, MT, spoke about an item on the July 11th Regular Business agenda – Regular Agenda Item 3, Public Hearing and Variance to site development ordinance for one additional drive approach to the east side of Ditton Drive in Vista Canal Subdivision. He also opposed the approval of the variance.
- Catherine Card, 2815 4th Avenue South, Billings, MT, spoke about the recent stabbing death and later fire at the same residence on S. 27th Street and the need to address the landlords with properties that invited criminal behavior.
2.
Public Safety Progress Update.
Speakers were Scott Twito, Yellowstone County Attorney; Justice of the Peace David Carter; Municipal Judge Sheila Kolar; Assistant City Attorney Karen Tracy. They provided statistical information about caseloads, recidivism, violent crime offenders released into Yellowstone County, felony vs. misdemeanor penalties, jail space, and possible solutions and legislative actions that could help reduce crime and the pressure on the courts and jail. One of their focuses was on sober living homes and conditional use permits for residences with 8 or more unrelated residents.
Fire Chief Pepper Valdez provided the departments outcomes over the past 2 years and outlined their goals for this year. He spoke about an upcoming agreement with AMR for EMT assistance that would come before the Council for approval.
Tina Hoeger, Code Enforcement Manager, gave an update to the progress made by the division over the past 6 months and the future goals made possible by adding additional code enforcement officers, and making adjustments to staffing roles. She followed with a presentation on the “Dirty Dozen” and gave before and after pics of the properties and their statuses. She did a quick review of the Massage and Spa Ordinance cases and provided statistics on those in compliance and those that had closed. She indicated there were no current illicit spa businesses in their caseload.
-Public Comment
None
Speakers were Scott Twito, Yellowstone County Attorney; Justice of the Peace David Carter; Municipal Judge Sheila Kolar; Assistant City Attorney Karen Tracy. They provided statistical information about caseloads, recidivism, violent crime offenders released into Yellowstone County, felony vs. misdemeanor penalties, jail space, and possible solutions and legislative actions that could help reduce crime and the pressure on the courts and jail. One of their focuses was on sober living homes and conditional use permits for residences with 8 or more unrelated residents.
Fire Chief Pepper Valdez provided the departments outcomes over the past 2 years and outlined their goals for this year. He spoke about an upcoming agreement with AMR for EMT assistance that would come before the Council for approval.
Tina Hoeger, Code Enforcement Manager, gave an update to the progress made by the division over the past 6 months and the future goals made possible by adding additional code enforcement officers, and making adjustments to staffing roles. She followed with a presentation on the “Dirty Dozen” and gave before and after pics of the properties and their statuses. She did a quick review of the Massage and Spa Ordinance cases and provided statistics on those in compliance and those that had closed. She indicated there were no current illicit spa businesses in their caseload.
-Public Comment
None
3.
Safe Routes to School Plan Update.
Elyse Monat, Alternate Modes Coordinator, provided an overview of the Safe Routes to Schools program and updated the Council on its progress. She introduced Sara Schooley, Toole Design, the consultant that presented an in depth look of routes to the 22 schools within the City’s limits.
-Public Comment
None
Elyse Monat, Alternate Modes Coordinator, provided an overview of the Safe Routes to Schools program and updated the Council on its progress. She introduced Sara Schooley, Toole Design, the consultant that presented an in depth look of routes to the 22 schools within the City’s limits.
-Public Comment
None
4.
5.
Land Use Work Session Discussion.
None
Chris Kukulski identified possible work session dates to discuss the land use and development process and stated that it was possible to hear this item after the Regular Business meeting on July 25th if the agenda was a short one. Two other dates were identified as being optimal for most of the Councilmembers – July 27th and July 28th in the morning, if there wasn’t going to be enough time on July 25th.
-Public CommentNone
6.
Highlight Upcoming Agenda Items of Council Interest.
(Presented by: Chris Kukulski, City Administrator)
-Public Comment
None
(Presented by: Chris Kukulski, City Administrator)
-Public Comment
None
COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
CM Neese asked that Council and staff consider allowing fireworks for the 4th of July at least for a brief time in the City limits in future years. CM Shaw stated she had been having conversations with Mr. Kukulski over the past 6 months to that affect and would continue to work with him to provide options.
CM Neese stated many of the Councilmembers continually received inquiries about recycling opportunities. He asked that staff provide Council with options for referrals.
CM Neese asked that Council and staff consider allowing fireworks for the 4th of July at least for a brief time in the City limits in future years. CM Shaw stated she had been having conversations with Mr. Kukulski over the past 6 months to that affect and would continue to work with him to provide options.
CM Neese stated many of the Councilmembers continually received inquiries about recycling opportunities. He asked that staff provide Council with options for referrals.
PUBLIC COMMENT on “NON-AGENDA ITEMS”. Speaker Sign-in required. (Restricted to ONLY items not on this printed agenda. Comments are limited to 3 minutes or as set by the Mayor. Please sign the roster at the cart located at the back of the Council chambers or at the podium.)
None
None
ADJOURN: 10:01 PM
Note:
- This meeting is an “informal” meeting of the City Council. The content of the Agenda is subject to change at the meeting.
- In the event there is a Closed Executive Session at the end of a Work Session, the sole purpose is to discuss litigation strategy. The other parties to the case(s) discussed are not public bodies or associations as described in Section 2-3-203(1) and (2), MCA. The meeting is closed, as allowed by Section 2-3-203(4)(a), MCA, “to discuss a strategy to be followed with respect to litigation when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position” of the City of Billings.