Belgrade City Council approves land annexation and establishes monthly workshops

During the Belgrade City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, significant discussions centered around land annexation and the establishment of monthly workshop sessions aimed at enhancing communication between the council and city staff.

The council unanimously approved a resolution to annex contiguous real property owned by the city, specifically a formal gravel pit intended for water use. This decision reflects the city's ongoing efforts to manage resources effectively as Belgrade continues to grow rapidly. The annexation process, governed by Montana Code Annotated (MCA), will now proceed with the required notification steps.

In a move to improve collaboration and transparency, the council also discussed the implementation of monthly workshop sessions. These workshops, proposed to occur on the second Monday of each month at 6 PM, aim to create a more informal environment for dialogue between council members and city staff. The goal is to facilitate discussions on upcoming projects and gather input from council members before formal documentation is drafted. This initiative is particularly relevant as Belgrade is recognized as the fastest-growing city in Montana, necessitating more robust communication strategies.

The mayor emphasized that these workshops would allow for a more flexible agenda, encouraging open discussions without the rigid structure of formal council meetings. Public participation will be integrated into the workshops, allowing community members to provide feedback after hearing the council's discussions.

Additionally, the meeting included an executive session to review the city manager's performance, which concluded positively, with the council expressing satisfaction with his work. The city manager highlighted ongoing improvements in public communication, particularly through the city’s website and social media platforms, while acknowledging the need for continued efforts to engage the community effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to proactive governance and community involvement, setting the stage for future discussions on important local issues. The next steps include the initiation of the annexation process and the launch of the monthly workshops, both of which are expected to enhance the city's operational efficiency and community engagement.