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Belgrade manager reports move to Quad Building, Ox Ditch repairs and Big Red purchase; water-rights reapplication underway
Summary
City Manager Cardwell told the council the city has moved many departments into the Quad Building, is pursuing engineering to repair Ox Ditch 1, has resubmitted a water-rights preapplication for Wells 8 and 9 after a prior 500+ page application was found insufficient, and confirmed the city acquired the historic 'Big Red' grain elevator and will study repurposing options.
City Manager Cardwell used the March 2 council meeting to brief the council on several operational and infrastructure items, including office moves, water and stormwater infrastructure, budgeting and a recently completed property acquisition.
Cardwell said many city departments have moved into the Quad Building and staff are still adjusting the space. He described the facilities team’s work and noted good cooperation with the school district where the city now shares a corridor to administrative offices.
On infrastructure, Cardwell said Ox Ditch 1 is currently not usable and staff have received an engineering bid to design a lining system to return it to service; he expects to assign that contract soon. He also said the city resubmitted a preapplication for water-right reassignments for Wells 8 and 9 and for a place of use in the northwest area after a prior submission—described in the meeting as a 500-plus-page application that cost about $250,000—was found insufficient.
Cardwell confirmed the city completed the purchase of the historic grain elevator known as "Big Red." He said the wood-frame elevator, built in 1898, appears structurally sound but has been used for fertilizer historically and will require some cleanup; preliminary environmental reports did not identify major issues. The city will commission civil engineering to assess whether repurposing and bringing the structure to modern code is feasible and will use the TIF process and public feedback to guide next steps.
Councilmember Jim Simon asked about interior conditions; Cardwell said he would meet after the meeting to share more details. On budgeting, Cardwell said departments submitted budgets and staff will prepare a conservative draft given recent tax-structure changes, noting work on supplemental operational and capital requests will begin soon.
Why it matters: The items affect core city operations (water infrastructure and budget planning) and the acquisition of a prominent historic structure that could shape downtown redevelopment and TIF-funded projects.
What’s next: Staff will assign the Ox Ditch engineering contract, continue water-rights work, proceed with engineering and public engagement related to Big Red, and prepare budget materials for council review.
