Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues with low priority
Passenger Rail Feasibility Proposal
A resident pitched a single rail/tram line connecting Belgrade, the airport, downtown Bozeman, and 19th Avenue, arguing it would connect business districts and reduce car dependence. He asked the committee to consider a feasibility study.
Board of Ethics Code Review
The Board has spent two years, off and on, reviewing the city's ethics code. Members concluded the current policy is sound and only a technology/AI update may be needed, which is on hold until a city staff committee led by Assistant City Manager John Henderson finishes its work.
New City Civic Academy
The city launched a seven-session Civic Academy (applications due September 30, 30 participants) and shared annual report themes: neighborhoods want dedicated staff, better technology for communication, and more financial support from the city for gatherings.
Financial Disclosure Forms Move Online
The clerk's office is converting financial disclosure filings to a permanent web-form link through DocuSign, making it easier to onboard new required filers and track who has completed the annual requirement.
State impact fee rules for residential development
Committee members asked how MDT will implement new administrative rules (implementing Senate Bill 533) on systems impact fees for residential development — whether the state will proactively start the process or wait for individual projects to trigger it. MDT staff will research and report back.
Cancellation of December 21 meeting
The board's December 21 meeting had nothing on the docket and often conflicts with holiday plans, so it was canceled 7-0. Regular meetings continue on the first and third Mondays.
Bogert Pool renovation contract amendment
Construction started this week on long-awaited Bogert Pool improvements from the 2021 bond — new pool shell, gutters, filter, deck, lighting and accessibility ramps, targeted for next swim season.
MSU Sewer Interceptor Replacement Phase 1 change order
A change order on the sewer interceptor project contract with Williams Civil Construction was up for approval under the consent agenda.
October meeting rescheduled and board housekeeping
The October HPAB meeting moves to Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 pm, and the board discussed its historic preservation awards and a possible Montana Main Street grant.
Streamline transit 20th anniversary
Mayor Morrison proclaimed August 2026 as Streamline Bus Appreciation Month for the fare-free service's 20 years connecting workers, students, and seniors.
Kennel License Revocation Appeal
The city revoked Katherine Miller's kennel license at 3309 Fieldstone Drive West; at her request, the appeal hearing was pushed to August 18.
Reorganization: Department of Communications & Engagement
A final-adoption ordinance would dissolve the Department of Strategic Services and create a new Department of Communications & Engagement — a restructuring of how the city handles public outreach.
Special assessments tied to new zoning
A resident warned that the August 18 special assessment discussion deserves more than 30 minutes, arguing the fixed, parcel-size-based assessment method may no longer fit Bozeman's new zoning districts and growth.
Preamble and 'human rights' language
Commissioners debated whether the words 'human rights' belong in the charter preamble, and asked the city clerk to bring back information on the vote history of that language.
Wetlands and Watercourses Text Amendment
A procedural cleanup of the wetlands and watercourses rules is headed to a public hearing August 17. The changes fix timing conflicts between city review and state/federal agency review — not the substance of the standards.
Annual safety training for advisory board meeting room
The board was scheduled to get its yearly safety training from the Bozeman Police Department, covering evacuation routes and emergency procedures for the Commission meeting room where public meetings are held. It's part of the city's push on emergency preparedness.
Neighborhood Impact Statements for neighborhood associations
The commission recommended an optional program letting neighborhood associations and the Inter-Neighborhood Council co-create Neighborhood Impact Statement forms with the city, modeled on Los Angeles. It's a communication tool, not a mandate, aimed at giving neighborhoods a clearer way to weigh in on proposals.
Independent municipal court
The charter now states the municipal court operates independently and separately from the city's legislative and executive branches — a judicial-independence safeguard passed unanimously.
Bozeman Neighborhood Connection mutual-aid network
A volunteer group wants to build a neighborhood-to-neighbor communication and mutual-aid network — tool lending, generator sharing, emergency help — and asked INC for website placement and coordinator referrals. Members were supportive but want to protect participation in formally recognized neighborhood associations.
Commissioner Pay and Number of Commissioners
The commission is deciding how many commissioners Bozeman should have and whether their pay belongs in the charter. No decision was recorded at this meeting.
Building Safety Month
May 2026 was proclaimed Building Safety Month, with Chief Building Official Ben Abbey presenting on how building codes keep homes and businesses safe.