BILLINGS CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN // mar.18.2024 | |
// THE SHOW MUST GO ON: REPAIRS NEEDED AT THE BABCOCK | |
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The Historic Babcock Building in downtown Billings, which was constructed in 1907 and now houses the iconic Babcock Theater, is in need of repairs. The 720-seat theater is owned by the City of Billings, which purchased it in 2018 and then entered into a lease agreement with Art House to feature film masterpieces and fun nostalgia nights like the upcoming Thursday showing of Road House.
What else would you rather do on a Thursday than be in downtown Billings, crushing Babcock popcorn, and watching Swayze pulverize baddies as a black belt bouncer with a PhD in philosophy? There's room to debate whether Road House is a bad movie or whether it's so bad that it's good. But I think we can all agree the Babcock is a major benefit to Billings, whether that's because of the exposure to the arts, additional economic benefits, or because activation of the space brings people to the area, providing the safety benefit of natural surveillance and crime deterrence.
Alas, it's only Monday and you'll have to settle for tuning into Billings City Council as they discuss the repairs and deferred maintenance necessary at the Babcock. Those repairs include:
- Sidewalk and vault repairs ($184,000)
- Storefront replacement ($55,538)
- Entryway grade rehabilitation ($11,500)
- Exterior marquee rehabilitation ($150,000)
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(Inside the exterior marquee. Click image to see Cushing Terrell report)
Numerous investments to general repairs and HVAC maintenance at the Babcock have already been made by Art House. Because the City owns the building, they're also obligated to assist with improvements—mostly, big ticket items that exceed $10,000. According to the staff report, Art House is proposing to take on most of the improvements listed above and requesting the City to assist with the complete rehabilitation of the marquee. A slide deck in the staff report outlines over $300,000 of repairs that Art House proposes to take on, leaving around $100,000 for the City to cover on marquee repairs.
The proposal Council will discuss tonight looks like a good deal for everyone—the City, Art House, and the public who continue to frequent a Billings treasure.
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// WORK SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 p.m. - BILLINGS CITY HALL | |
// WATCH THE MEETING ON COMMUNITY 7 TELEVISION | |
// CITY ADMINISTRATOR WEEKLY REPORT | |
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City Administrator Chris Kukulski began the routine of sending a weekly report every Friday to City Council and department heads with the intent to, "communicate the highlights of the past week and any critical issues coming up." The most recent CA Report includes updates on:
- Update on TDS Fiber installation
- Interim report from the Detention Facility Working Group
- And much more...
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// GET MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY | |
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Below are some additional public meetings being held this week, along with information about when and where to attend, and what's on the agenda (if one is available).
Tuesday, March 19th
Yellowstone County Policy Coordinating Committee
12:00 - 1:30 pm @ Stillwater Building, 3rd Floor, Rm 3101.
Agenda here.
Pioneer Park Task Force
6:00 - 7:00 pm @ Black Dog Coffee, 3115 10th Ave N.
West End Neighborhood Task Force
7:00 - 8:30 pm @ Connections Church, 56th and Grand.
Wednesday, March 20th
Rimrock Neighborhoods Task Force
7:00 - 9:00 pm @ Mayflower Congregational Church, 2940 Poly Dr.
Thursday, March 21st
Southside Neighborhood Task Force
6:30 - 8:00 pm @ Family Church, 501 S. 29th St.
Billings Central Terry Task Force
7:00 - 8:30 pm @ Topline Hair, 1331 Central Ave.
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(Your email will be publicly available, similar to those you can read by clicking the button above.) | |
// BOARD & COMMISSION OPENINGS | |
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"It takes a little time and commitment, but it's incredibly rewarding to give back to our community which has given us so much."
-- Greg McCall, Zoning Commission and Owner, McCall Homes
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The Mayor's Office is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancies listed on the city website. For more information on each specific board, visit the city website. City Boards and Commissions are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council, are advisory only, and members serve without compensation.
Submit applications to: Mayor's Office, PO Box 1178, Billings, MT 59103-1178 NO LATER THAN APRIL 1st .
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BOARD OPENING (SEATS)
Human Relations Commission (2)
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REQUIREMENTS
Must live in Billings
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The Detention Facility Working Group issued an Interim Report on March 14th, outlining recommendations on Yellowstone County Detention Facility inmate capacity and criminal justice efficiencies. Recommendations include:
- Increase Jail Capacity
- Improve Technology and Data Tracking
- Evaluate and Implement Jail and Criminal Justice Efficiencies
The Detention Facility Working Group consists of:
- Mark Morse, Commissioner, County Commission
- Jennifer Owen, Councilperson, Billings City Council
- Colette Davies, District Judge, 13th Judicial District
- David Carter, Justice of the Peace, County Justice Court
- Barry Usher, Senator, Montana State Legislature
- Katie Weston, Deputy Chief, Billings Region, Dept. of Corrections
- Brittania Park, Court Administrator, Billings Municipal Court
- Mandi Gould, Regional Deputy Public Defender, OPD
- Robert Lester, Detention Facility Commander, County Sheriff’s Office
- Melissa Williams, Chief Civil Attorney, County Attorney’s Office
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// ADDITIONAL BILLINGS CHAMBER RESOURCES | |
// BUSINESS ADVOCACY SPONSORS | |
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Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Billings Chamber's Business Advocacy Director, Dan Brooks with questions, comments, or to chat about the City Council.
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Billings Chamber of Commerce | Website
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