Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in public safety with medium priority
Bear activity and wildlife management
Deputy Mayor Fischer flagged bears raiding trash across Bozeman neighborhoods and wants a solution before next fall, including possibly a county-wide requirement covering private haulers.
2026 Annual Staff Ethics Training
The city is revamping its annual ethics training after feedback from trainers, directors, and managers. The new format uses mixed large/small group discussion, one interactive ethics scenario, a quiz, and a word cloud of employee values, with training starting the week of November 9.
Storm damage cleanup and operations facility improvements
Parks crews are still clearing storm-damaged trees downtown and westward, and long-overdue upgrades are moving ahead at the 1975-era operations facilities on Tamarack and North Rouse.
Year-Round Traffic Enforcement Grant
Bozeman PD landed a $134,745 state grant to hire a dedicated traffic enforcement officer for a year — a step up from the old overtime-only grants, aimed squarely at dangerous driving.
Shared use path and e-device policy update
City code doesn't clearly define shared use paths or keep up with the explosion of e-bikes and e-motos. Staff are working on definitions, where devices belong, and how to enforce rules, with changes possible by spring.
Bear-resistant carts and garbage service competition
The city offers free bear-resistant compost totes, but because Bozeman runs its own competing garbage service, mandating bear-proof bins citywide could raise rates and undercut competitiveness. The city attorney is exploring regulatory options.
Main Street traffic noise
Deputy Mayor Fischer described engine revving drowning out school board meetings on Main Street and urged aggressive enforcement; staff confirmed noise ordinance work is underway.
Police Officer Confirmations
The commission was scheduled to formally confirm two police officers, Spenser Waller and Connor Reid, as required by state law.
Public comment access and meeting start times
Resident Anthony Smith criticized shifting meeting times (2, 4, or 6 p.m.) as a barrier to participation and alleged he faced retaliation after speaking out. Mayor Morrison acknowledged the frustration and suggested the Commission should settle on one consistent start time.
Wildfire Threat to Water Supply
The Millie Fire is putting Bozeman’s water supply at risk. Ash and debris washing into the watershed can cloud or contaminate tap water for months, so this is a public-health and utility-cost issue, not just a forest fire.
Tenant Right to Counsel Legal Services
The new tenant legal representation program is budgeted at $250,000 a year from the general fund. Commissioner Sweeney pressed for a dedicated funding source; staff said they're exploring CDBG dollars for income-qualified cases but no income screening will gate the program itself.
Use of 'recommend' language and ballot-measure advocacy rules
A public comment from the Gallatin Valley Sentinel questioned the commission's use of the word 'recommend.' City Attorney Greg Sullivan clarified the report must make recommendations and advocacy restrictions only kick in once the measure is on the ballot.
Unpermitted parking near MSU on South 13th Avenue
A resident whose block is the only unpermitted stretch near MSU described students racing for spots, a destroyed scooter, and abandoned cars — and asked the city to extend the permit district to his street. Staff will evaluate whether to bring a recommendation back.
Advisory board member safety and meeting security
Volunteer board members got their annual training on what to do if a public meeting turns threatening — where the exits are, where the ballistic panels are, and when to call 911. Members also raised concerns about online harassment of volunteers, which the city says it will address.
School resource officer program
Bozeman PD's SRO program — four officers plus a sergeant serving about 8,000 students, with the school district paying half the salaries — got a glowing presentation, including the diversion program keeping 100-150 kids a year out of youth probation and the detection dog Copper.
Railroad quiet zone safety and liability
Pole Yard and Northeast budgets fund the long-sought train quiet zone at Rouse and Wallace crossings. Commissioner Sweeney pressed on safety — whether a quiet train is safe and who is liable if a fatality occurs — and a resident warned about compliance drift and shifting liability to the city.