Belgrade Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution of Intent to Annex City-Owned Gravel Pit for Water Tower Site

The Belgrade City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-12, a resolution of intent to annex contiguous real property owned by the city for a new water tower site and potential future uses.

Brad Stein, senior planner, explained the annexation will follow Montana Code Annotated Title 7, Chapter 2, Part 43, and requires a 20-day public posting and an opportunity for registered voters in the area to appeal. Stein said the property, a reclaimed gravel pit, is located south of Golden West Road and north of the frontage road between Bolliger Road and 13th Street and already has zoning of flex-employment and commercial corridor. "This property is located South Of Golden West Road and North Of Frontage Road between Bolliger Road and Thirteenth Street," Stein said.

Motion and vote: Council Member Matamos moved to adopt Resolution 2025-12 and begin the notification process required by MCA section 7-2-4312; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Why it matters: annexing the parcel clears the way for construction of a city water tower and allows municipal services and land-use regulations to apply to the site. Stein said the property has been reclaimed under state law and staff is coordinating with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to confirm post-reclamation allowable uses.

Discussion vs. decision: council formally adopted the resolution to initiate annexation; staff will start the 20-day notice period. No litigation or appeals were reported at the meeting.

Ending: staff will proceed with required public notice and DEQ coordination; future council action will follow the annexation process required by state law.