HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-20 BID Minutes
Downtown Business Improvement District
Board Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020
Attending: Jolee Barry, Eric Bowman, Ileana Indreland, Susan Neubauer, Emily Cope
Absent: Mike Basile, Erik Nelson, Eric Sutherland, I-Ho Pomeroy General Public Comments: None
Minutes
ACTION: Eric Bowman moved to approve the October Meeting minutes as presented.
Susan Neubauer seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
Finance Report
Emily presented the November finance report and highlighted the line item for a new program
of $20,000 has not been spent. The board agreed to discuss a new program at the next board
meeting.
District Manager’s Report
Downtown BID Board Appointments
On October 27, 2020 City Commission appointed Mike Basile and Susan Neubauer to the BID board. Their terms expire on 6/30/24. City of Bozeman Liaison Training
The City of Bozeman held a training summit for staff liaisons to citizen advisory boards that was led by Greg Sullivan (city attorney), Mike Maas (city clerk) and others on the City of Bozeman legal team. They reviewed Robert’s Rules for public meetings, what should be included in bylaws and various
topics related to citizen advisory boards. The details of this year’s ethics training for board members are being finalized. Homeless Working Group Members of the group currently are made up of Emily Cope, Chris Naumann, Susan Gregory (Bozeman Public Library), Susan Neubauer (Fresco Café owner), Amy Kirkland (Altitude Gallery
owner), Erica Brubaker (Wild Joes Coffee owner), Marek Ziegler (Bozeman PD), and Heather Grenier (HRDC). The first version of the business resource toolkit was sent out to downtown property and business owners on November 11th. This toolkit will be revised as new resources and information
become available. The group is compiling a letter to the mayor and city manager asking to set up meetings to discuss desired next steps. Downtown Plan Projects Here are some updates regarding other projects proposed in the 2019 Downtown Plan. Bozeman Creek—the Downtown Partnership is working with Mountain Time Arts to identify
opportunities to enhance and improve Bozeman Creek. Their initial work was completed by Intrinsik and partially funded with a Downtown URD Technical Assistance Grant. MTA has created a project website that will be updated as more work is completed: https://mountaintimearts.org/see-bozeman-
creek MTA is coordinating three working groups which include Landscape & Water Resources, Art & Placemaking, and Communications & Funding.
Soroptomist Park—the Downtown Partnership is working with the MSU CATS program to have a fall semester senior-level landscape design class and a stream restoration ecology class work on improvement concepts for Soroptomist Park. The DBP will be coordinating with professional mentors to add value and expertise to the student’s work. The students gave their final presentation on November 10th for professional mentor critique. A final report will be compiled before the end of the semester. Alley Improvements—The Downtown Partnership is working with DHM Design to develop a final preferred concept design plan for the alley next to the Bridger Park Garage between North Tracy and
North Black. The final concept plan is scheduled to be presented in November. Transportation & Mobility Analysis—The URD board approved the scope of work with Sanderson Stewart at their June board meeting. The SOW will provide analysis and recommendations associated
with the transportation-related improvements in the 2019 DBIP. The Sanderson Stewart team is working on Part One deliverables which should be completed in November. Structured Parking Planning— major impediments have been discovered with the two preferred sites
for a second garage. Therefore, DBP staff is looking at other sites and reconsidering different types of structured parking. The consulting team is going to look the options to install simple decks above existing surface lots as a simpler more affordable way to create more spaces. Two financial garage
analyses are also being prepared: 1) Sources, Uses, Debt Service scenarios; and 2) Short- and Long-Term Operations and Maintenance projections. Downtown Plan UDC Recommendations— Since our board meeting in October, maximum building heights has been removed from the December UDC revision schedule and has not yet been placed on a future date. The December schedule does include floor-to-ceiling heights, definitions of front setbacks and entryway facing the street. For each of these topics they will aim to provide clarification for language and definitions. Rob Pertzborn and Susan Riggs will continue to track these conversations as they are discussed at the zoning commission and city commission meetings.
https://www.bozeman.net/government/planning/udc-discussions Maintenance Program Update Currently we have one part-time general maintenance employee (Mike), one weekend general
maintenance employee and one part-time garage maintenance employee (Trish). Below are the maintenance statistics comparing the year-to-date figures from this year (FY21) to the
corresponding stats from last year (FY20).
FY2020 Y-T-D FY2021 Y-T-D
Total Avg/mnth Total Avg/mnth Difference
Trash Emptied 1144 286 1452 363 +308
Recycling Emptied 256 64 316 79 +60
Graffiti Removed 108 27 314 79 +206 Building Projects Osborne Building (233 East Main) 4-story mixed use building with 2 floors of restaurant use and 2 floors of offices. Construction began October 2018. See https://www.theosbornebozeman.com/ “OSM” Building 5 story mixed use building proposed on southwest corner of Babcock and Wallace—construction began Spring 2019.
One 11 Lofts (corner of North Willson and West Lamme) 50-unit apartment building with 53 parking spaces. Construction began spring 2019. Merin Condos (on North Bozeman across from Dave’s Sushi) 28 units of owner-occupied
housing. Under construction. Village Downtown 30 new residential condo units and 9 single-family lots are under review by the City. Veranda Apartments (111 South Church) proposed new construction of 6 units. AC Hotel (5 East Mendenhall) 6 story 140 room full-service hotel. Under construction.
East End Flats (240 East Mendenhall) 6-story mixed use project. Development review completed and final site plan approved. Strata Building (106 East Babcock)—former BSW Bank—3 floor (46,000 SF) office building. Construction projected to be complete 4th quarter 2020. Carin Townhomes (northwest corner of W Beall & N Grand)—5 townhome condos currently under construction. New Businesses
• Tanoshii—113 East Main—formerly Corx—renovations underway
• Smoke, Fire & Coal—303 East Main—formerly Fire Pizza—renovations underway
• Fabers Bakery & Deli—33 South Willson—formerly Delicious Bakery—renovations underway
• The Montana Scene—126 East Main—Formerly Bozeman Running Co (tentatively moving in December)
• TBD—27 East Main—formerly Crossroads—to be redeveloped as a restaurant(s)
• TBD—424 E Main-- formerly Sage Spa
• TBD—441 East Main—formerly Coqui Coffee
• TBD—137 East Babcock—formerly Gallatin Laundry
• TBD—424 East Main—Yellowstone Wild Gallery is going out of business
• TBD—544 East Main—formerly Heeb’s – building improvements underway
• TBD—19 South Willson—formerly Barley & Vine
• TBD—411 East Main—Formerly Knife Bistro
• TBD—402 E Main St Suite 3—The Montana Scene (moving locations in December) Planning Updates
In this section, I will provide update about several ongoing City planning processes. Community Plan (City Growth Policy) Update The Planning Board has completed their draft of the Plan and is advancing it to the City Commission. The draft Plan, appendices, and future land use map can be downloaded here: https://www.bozeman.net/city-projects/bozeman-community-plan-update Remaining Process Schedule:
• November 17–Final City Commission hearing and resolution of adoption for final action Bozeman Climate Plan The City is updating and expanding upon the 2008 Municipal Climate Action Plan and
2011 Community Climate Action Plan. I am serving on the 2020 Climate Team which functions as the steering committee coordinating with City staff and the consultants. The City Commission’s adoption hearing is on December 8, 2020.
Here is the link to the Draft Climate Plan: https://bzncloud.bozeman.net/s/tfKoBH8ATaNsRk5#pdfviewer
Discussion and Decision Items
DBP Executive Director Update
Eric Bowman provided an update from the Partnership Management Committee on the status of hiring a new Executive Director for the DBP. An HR firm was hired for the process and the PMC hopes to have a new Executive Director hired by March or April of 2021.
BID Bylaw Review
Emily presented the revised bylaws which changed “Executive Director” of the DBP to “DBP Staff” to include the Executive Director and/or the District Manager. Other revisions included the addition of creation language for the 2010 and 2020 creation of the district, appointments to the
board shall be made by the City Commission, language to state bylaws need to be approved by the city commission and updates to the property owner communications section. ACTION: Eric Bowman moved to approve the BID bylaw revisions as presented.
Ileana Indreland seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Downtown Plan Building Heights Discussion Emily shared that the topic of “Maximum Building Heights” had been removed from the December
schedule of UDC revisions. This topic has not been rescheduled as of the November board meeting. The board agreed to continue this conversation at a future board meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 12:55 pm
November 2020 BID Finance Report
APPROVED Y-T-D
FY2021 FY2021Income
BID Assessment 175,000$ 86,258.64$
BID Assessment--residualContract Income 17,000$ 5,666.64$ Interest Income 100$ 4.99$
Mobile Vending Fees 2,000$ -$
Flower Sponsorships 8,000$ 600.00$
Christmas Light Sponsorships 4,000$ -$ Streetlamp Banners 9,000$ 2,900.00$
Other Income 20,727.48$ CDs cashed out from American Bank
Total Income 215,100$ 116,157.75$
Expenses
Management Fee
Partnership Administration 35,000$ 17,500.00$
District Manager 21,000$ 10,500.00$
Investements-CDs 20,727.01$
Total Expenses 56,000$ 48,727.01$
Payroll Expenses
Maintenance Staff 37,500$ 19,624.00$
Taxes 3,300$ 1,735.46$
Work Comp 2,250$ 803.63$
Maintenance Staff--Garage 10,000$ 4,635.25$
Taxes 750$ 181.02$
Work Comp 750$ 84.23$
Total Payroll Expenses 54,550$ 27,063.59$
Programs
ot Sidewalk Cleaning / Alley Snow Remo 20,000$
ntown Bozeman Association (DBA) Sup 25,000$ 12,500.00$
Christmas Lights 2,000$ 364.98$
Christmas Light Spider Repair 1,500$ 723.00$ Christmas Lights Storage 1,000$ New Banners 3,000$
Flower Expenses 24,000$ 23,084.20$
Flower Water 200$ 206.68$
Tree Purchases 2,000$ Marketing 2,500$
Maintenance Supplies $ 3,000 $ 1,360.35
Garbage Bags $ 2,625 $ 973.88
Miscellaneous ServicesGraffiti Supplies 1,125$ 369.18$
Graffiti Contracted Removal 4,500$
Mule Service & Fuel 1,500$ 188.43$
Truck Service & Fuel 2,100$ 1,634.67$ Truck-Mule Insurance 3,250$ 34.99$
Program Contingency 1,000$
Total Program Expenses 100,300$ 41,440.36$
Other Expenses 265.00$ Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Course- registration fee
Total BID Expenses 210,850$ 117,495.96$
NET ASSESSMENT INCOME 4,250$ (1,338.21)$
Checking Account Balance 77,744.39$
Certificate of Deposit Balance -$ 31,486.58$
Total Cash On Hand Total 109,230.97$
Board Approved Project Expenses
Downtown Plan Implementation 15,000$ -$
Total Project Expenses
Downtown Bozeman
Business Improvement District
BYLAWS
Amended and Adopted by a unanimous vote of the Downtown BID Board
on September 19, 2007
Amended and Adopted by a unanimous vote of the Downtown BID Board
on March 10, 2010
Amended and Adopted by a unanimous vote of the Downtown BID Board
on March 19, 2014
ARTICLE 1 APPLICABILITY
A. These rules shall govern the conduct of all City of Bozeman boards, commissions,
agencies, and committees (hereinafter “boards”) where a majority of members are
appointed by the City Commission and shall supplement other governing rules of the board.
B. These rules are supplementary to the provision of Title 7, Chapter. 1, Part 41, MCA, Title 7,
Chapter. 5, Parts 41 and 42, MCA, and Title 2, Chapters. 2 and 3, MCA as they relate to
procedures for conducting meets and public hearings before City boards.
ARTICLE II CREATION
The Downtown Bozeman Business Improvement District, hereinafter referred to as the “BID”,
was created May 1, 2000 by Bozeman City Commission Resolution No. 3361 and City of
Bozeman Ordinance No. 1517 as passed, adopted and approved by the City Commission on
May, 15 2000. The BID was created June 21, 2010 by Bozeman City Commission Resolution
No. 4263 and City of Bozeman Ordinance No. 1790 as passed, adopted and approved by the
City Commission on July 12, 2010. The BID was created on July 6, 2020 by Bozeman City
Commission Resolution No.5141 and City of Bozeman Ordinance No. 2040 as passed,
adopted and approved by the City Commission on August 11, 2020.
ARTICLE III OBJECTIVES
The BID will serve a public use, and promote the health, safety, prosperity, security and
general welfare of the downtown district. The purpose of the BID is to improve the retail
marketing in the district, promote the private investment and business expansion of the
district, the general management of the district, and other such functions as are authorized
by, and necessary to carry out the purposes of Section 7-12-1102 Montana Code Annotated.
ARTICLE IV MISSION STATEMENT
The BID is an organization of downtown property owners who through thoughtful, pro-active
collaboration and partnership with local government, business owners, residents and citizens
strive to create a shared vision and voice for the community of downtown Bozeman. The BID
will commit resources, identify, plan and act on short-term and long-term initiatives otherwise
unavailable to individual owners. The BID has a goal of ensuring the long-term preservation
and vitality of the city’s underlying economic, cultural, social and environmental assets and
the BID will work together to keep our downtown a safe, beautiful and vibrant place [as
adopted by the BID Board in November 2007].
ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP
A. Appointment Terms
Pursuant to MCA 7-12-1121, the Board shall consist of not less thatthan five (5) or more than
seven (7) members to be appointed by the City Commission. Members of this Board shall
serve four (4) year staggered terms. Initially, one (1) member shall be appointed for one (1)
year terms, two (2) members appointed for two (2) year terms, two (2) members appointed for
three (3) year terms, and the remaining two (2) members appointed for four (4) year terms.
Upon expiration of the terms of office for the first appointees, and from that time hence, all
terms shall consist of four (4) years. Each member may be reappointed without any limitation
on the number of reappointments. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original
appointments for the balance of the term remaining.
B. Qualifications
Applicants for the Board shall be owners of property within the district. Pursuant to MCA 7-
12-1103, “owner” is defined as: (1) a person whom appears in the legal title to real property
by deed duly recorded in the county records; or (2) a person in possession of real property
under claim of ownership for himself; or (3) as the personal representative, agent, or guardian
of the owner. Preference to applicants shall be given based on the order stated above. All
appointments to the BID shall be made by the city commission.
Board members shall recommend potential applicants at the Board’s annual meeting if one or
more Board members’ terms are scheduled to expire and those Board members have
declined to reapply.
C. Resignations
Resignation from the Board shall be submitted in writing to the Chair, who will then notify the
City Commission. The City Commission shall fill vacancies occurring on the Board within sixty
(60) days. Such appointments shall be for the unexpired portion of the term.
Attendance at Meetings and Removal by City Commission
All board members are expected to contribute the time necessary to fulfill their fiduciary
obligations to the board. All board members are required if they are to be absent from a
meeting to contact the presiding officer and the staff liaison prior to the meeting. If prior
contact is made, the absence will be determined excused. If the board member fails to
contact the presiding officer or staff liaison prior to the meeting, the absence will be
considered unexcused. The City Commission will be notified by the staff liaison of any board
member with three or more unexcused absences in any calendar year. The board, via
motion and vote, may forward to the City Commission the name of any board member
having three or more excused absences, or a combination of excused and unexcused
absences. As provided by law, the City Commission may remove a board member for
excessive absences. A board members term may be extended for up to 30 days after term
expiration on a case by case basis by the Deputy City Clerk if the board member has
reapplied for a subsequent term but the application process has not yet been heard by the
City Commission.
ARTICLE VI POWERS OF THE BOARD
Pursuant to MCA 7-12-1131, the Board in administering the district has all powers necessary
to carry out the functions of the district contained in the ordinance creating it, including the
power to:
1. Sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and hire and terminate personnel needed for its
purposes;
2. Provide special police, maintenance, or cleaning personnel for the protection and
enjoyment of the general public using the business district;
3. Landscape and beautify public areas and to maintain those areas;
4. Contract with the governing body to maintain, operate, or repair public parking facilities;
5. Contract with the governing body to maintain streets, alleys, malls, bridges, ramps,
tunnels, landscaping, and other public facilities as mutually agreed upon;
6. Promote private investment and business expansion in the district;
7. Provide for the management and administration of the affairs of the district;
8. Promote business activity by advertising, decorating, marketing, and promoting and
managing events and other actions designed for the general promotion of business
activities in the district; and
9. Perform such other functions as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this part and
to further the objectives of the district.
ARTICLE VII OFFICE OF AGENCY AND STAFF SUPPORT
The Board shall maintain its offices as part of the Downtown Bozeman Partnership (DBP)
office. The DBP Staff (Executive Director or District Manager) Executive Director will be
responsible for: 1) assisting the Board in the scheduling of meetings, distribution of agendas
and meeting minutes; 2) providing notification of Board activities to interested parties; and 3)
submitting financial reports at each meeting. The Executive DirectorDBP Staff shall initiate,
manage, and complete the programs and projects of the BID as directed by the Board. The
Executive DirectorDBP Staff shall also serve as the Board’s liaison between City staff, the
City Manager, the Parking Commission, and the City Commission.
ARTICLE VIII OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson – Powers and Duties
During the first meeting of the board each year the board shall appoint by majority vote, a
chairperson and a vice chairperson. If appropriate, they shall also appoint a board secretary.
The recording secretary may be a staff liaison. The chairperson shall be the presiding officer
of the board. During the absence of the chairperson, the vice chairperson shall discharge the
duties and exercise the powers and authority of the chairperson.
The presiding officer shall preserve strict order and decorum at all meetings and confine
members in debates to the question under consideration. The presiding officer may move or
second any item of business then before the board. The presiding officer shall state, or cause
to be stated, every motion coming before the board, announce the decision of the board on all
subjects, and decide all questions of order, subject, however to an appeal to the board, in
which event a majority vote of the board members present shall govern and conclusively
determine such question of order. The presiding officer shall vote on all questions.
ARTICLE IX MEETINGS
Parliamentary Authority
Unless otherwise specifically provided herein or by ordinance or statute, all meetings and
hearings of the [insert board name here] BID Board shall be conducted in accordance with
Commented [EC1]: Calendar or fiscal year?
these rules. In all cases not covered by these rules, the controlling parliamentary authority
shall be the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Meeting Agendas
A. The chairperson, Executive DirectorDBP Staff, or another designated board member
shall arrange a list of matters to be brought before the board according to the order of
business specified herein, and furnish each member and the public through the city’s
website with a copy of the agenda and all supporting information no later than 48
hours immediately preceding the meeting for which that item has been scheduled.
All material to be presented to the board for consideration with an agenda item shall
be made available to the public within the above time frame. Copies of the agenda
shall be available from the City Clerk and one copy shall be posted at the designated
posting board in the City Hall for public viewing and made available on the City’s
website. Pursuant to Section 7-1-4135, MCA, the [insert board name here] BID
Board designates as the official posting place for all boards the posting board in the
lobby of City Hall located at 121 North Rouse, Bozeman, Montana.
B. The Executive DirectorDBP Staff or board chairchairperson shall prepare the meeting
agenda and may consult with other board members in preparing the agenda. The
chair person or a majority of board members may add to or remove an item from the
agenda. The agenda shall be in substantially the following form:
i. Executive Session (if required) (only necessary if an executive session is
being held).
ii. Disclosure of Ex Parte Communication such as comments or information
received.
iii. Changes to the Agenda.
iv. Public Service Announcement (if scheduled).
v. Approval of Minutes (if required).
vi. Consent items (consent items are those which the staff liaison or board
chairchairperson considers that no discussion will be necessary. However, at
the beginning of each meeting, any board member may request item(s) be
removed from the consent agenda for the purpose of discussion) (if
necessary).
vii. Public comment on non agenda items (always required).
viii. Special Presentations (if required).
ix. Action items.
x. FYI/Discussion0F
1.
xi. Adjournment.
Order of the above may be adjusted by the presiding officer.
Meetings
All meetings of the board shall be open to the public unless authorized by law. Prior to
closing any meeting of the board the chairperson or staff liaison shall consult with the city
attorney.
A. General/Regular Meetings:
1 No action may be taken on items brought up during this section which are not on the agenda. Discussion must be limited to informational items only or to discuss placing an item on a future agenda; for more substantive or detailed discussion on an item it must be scheduled for an upcoming agenda.
Boards shall hold a regular meeting once a month or no less than quarterly as
directed in their establishing documents.
Any meeting of the board may be adjourned to a later date and time, provided that no
adjournment shall be for a longer period than until the next regular or specially
scheduled meeting.
The presiding officer, staff liaison or majority of the board may cancel a regular
meeting if no business is scheduled for that meeting.
B. Public Hearings:
Public Hearings are meetings required of some citizen advisory boards to be held as
a public hearing pursuant to law. The provisions of subsection A of this section apply
to Public Hearings.
Unless prohibited by law, a public hearing may be rescheduled or adjourned to a
later date and time.
C. Executive Sessions:
Executive Sessions are meetings of the board with the purpose to discuss litigation
strategy, a matter of individual privacy, or other matters wherein a meeting may be
closed pursuant to law and will be scheduled as needed. Although each Executive
Session will commence as an open public meeting, Executive Sessions may be
closed to the public pursuant to authority and limitations in Title 2, Chapter. 3, Part 2,
MCA. An Executive Session may be called at any time during any meeting if
authorized by law.
D. Special Meetings:
The presiding officer, a majority of the board or the staff liaison may call special
meetings of the board, upon at least forty eight (48) hours notice to each member
personally served on each member through email or left at the member’s usual place
of residence and also notice to the public by, at a minimum, posting the agenda on
the City’s website and posting board.
Order of Presentation and Public Participation
A. The order of presentation in which items are presented to the board shall generally
be as follows:
i. The staff liaison shall present the agenda item to the board, if appropriate.
ii. If applicable, the staff liaison may present a background report on the matter
for discussion. Upon conclusion of a staff presentation, board members may
ask questions of staff for the purposes of understanding and clarification. If the
agenda item is a public hearing, the presiding officer will open the public
hearing prior to staff presentation.
iii. If applicable, comments from the applicant, or the applicant’s agent, shall be
heard. The applicant’s presentation/testimony is limited, subject to the
discretion of the presiding officer, to ten (10) minutes.
iv. After being recognized by the presiding officer, a board member may direct
questions to the staff or applicant.
v. Members of the audience or their agent may be invited to present testimony or
evidence. To be recognized, each person desiring to give testimony or
evidence shall step forward and, after being recognized, give their name and
address for the record. The presiding officer may establish a timeframe for
each public comment but in no case shall such timeframe be less than three
Formatted: Indent: Left: 1"
(3) minutes per speaker. The presiding officer may lengthen or shorten the
time allotted for public testimony.
vi. After being recognized by the presiding officer, a board member may direct
questions to any person so testifying for purposes of clarification.
vii. Following public comment, the staff liaison shall be given the opportunity to
comment on any testimony or other evidence.
viii. Following staff comment and if a public hearing, the applicant will be given the
opportunity to rebut or comment on any testimony or other evidence. The
applicant’s comments and rebuttal is limited, subject to the discretion of the
presiding officer, to five (5) minutes.
ix. If a public hearing, following applicant rebuttal and any further questions, the
presiding officer will close the hearing and bring the agenda item forward for
discussion, motion and vote.
x. If a public hearing, after being recognized by the presiding officer, a board
member may direct questions limited to the rebuttal testimony and evidence.
xi. The board secretary shall enter into the record all correspondence that has
been received but was not yet provided.
xii. Unless required to act by a certain date pursuant to law, the board may
continue the discussion to a date certain, close discussion and vote on the
matter, or close the discussion and continue the vote to a date certain.
B. All testimony and evidence shall be directed to the presiding officer. No person,
other than a board member and the person recognized as having the floor shall be
permitted to enter into the discussion. No questions shall be asked of a board
member except through the presiding officer.
C. The board may ask the staff liaison for its recommendation.
D. If a public hearing, in the event the applicant does not appear at the scheduled time
and place, unless the applicant has waived his or her appearance in writing, and
which waiver has been accepted, or unless the matter is submitted as a consent
item, the matter shall be continued to the next available regular meeting, public
hearing date, or other date certain.
E. All testimony and evidence shall be directed to the presiding officer. No person,
other than a board member and the person recognized as having the floor shall be
permitted to enter into the discussion. No questions shall be asked of a board
member except through the presiding officer.
F. For all public hearings involving land use and annexation decisions, the board will
wait a minimum of one week before making a decision whenever requested by a
member unless a decision is required due to a statute, ordinance or other law.
G. Board members are urged to state the reasons for their decisions, particularly on land
use issues; the record must reflect findings regarding legal criteria for all quasi-
judicial decisions.
H. Witnesses may be required to testify under oath.
I. The board shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence and may exclude
irrelevant, immaterial, incompetent or unduly repetitious testimony or evidence.
J. The presiding officer shall rule on all questions relating to the admissibility of
evidence with advice from the City Attorney, which ruling may be overruled by a
majority vote of the board.
K. A public hearing which has been formally closed for all public input may not be
reopened and no additional evidence or testimony from the public shall be received
or considered except as provided herein. If additional information is required from
the public before a decision can be made, the board upon motion duly made,
seconded and passed, may call for an additional public hearing which hearing shall
be noticed as required by law, specifying date, time place and subject matter of
hearing. This paragraph does not preclude the board, after the public hearing, from
asking questions of staff, receiving additional evidence from staff or, after a hearing
held on a preliminary plat, pursuant to Title 76, Chapter. 3, from consulting the
subdivider about conditions or other mitigation required of the subdivider. Upon
decision by the presiding officer or upon a duly adopted motion of the board to
reopen the public hearing prior to close of the agenda item in which the hearing was
held, the requirement to provide public notice does not apply; the public hearing may
be reopened and the additional input provided prior to a final decision on the item.
Quorum and Voting
Unless otherwise provided by law, a quorum shall consist of a majority of existing appointed
board members. If a quorum is not present, those in attendance shall be named and the
board shall adjourn to a later time. The Executive DirectoryDBP Staff shall reduce motions
to writing and, upon request shall read a motion prior to the vote. Upon every vote, the
outcome shall be stated and recorded. A board member has an obligation to vote unless
there is a conflict of interest. Email, telephonic, or proxy voting shall be prohibited.
Rules of Debate, Reconsideration and Conflict of Interest
A. Every board member desiring to speak shall address the presiding officer and upon
recognition by the presiding officer, shall confine discussion to the question under
debate, avoiding all personalities and indecorous language.
B. A board member, once recognized, shall not be interrupted when speaking unless
the member is to be called to order, or as herein otherwise provided. If a board
member, while speaking is called to order, they shall cease speaking until the
question of order be determined, and, if in order shall be permitted to proceed.
C. Order of rotation in matters of debate or discussion shall be at the discretion of the
presiding officer.
D. A motion to reconsider any action taken by the board must be made on the day such
action was taken. It must be made either immediately during the same session, or at
a recessed and reconvened session thereof. Such motion shall be made by one of
the prevailing side, but may be seconded by any member, and may be made at any
time and have precedence over all other motions or while a board member has the
floor. It shall be debatable. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent any board
member from making or remaking the same or any other motion at a subsequent
meeting of the board, but the matter must be duly scheduled as an agenda item.
E. Pursuant to the City’s Code of Ethics, a board member may seek the advice of the
City Attorney as to whether the member has a conflict of interest pursuant to law. If
the board member is advised there is a conflict of interest, the member shall recuse
himself/herself, step away from the meeting table, and refrain from discussion and
vote on the matter.
F. After a motion, duly made and seconded, by the board, no person shall address the
board without first securing the permission of the presiding officer.
Open Meetings and Email
A. Except for properly-called executive sessions as permitted by state law, all meetings
of the board shall be open to the public and media, freely subject to recording by
radio, television and photography at any time, provided that such arrangements do
not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meetings.
B. A majority of the board shall not conduct synchronized email discussions involving a
matter over which the board has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power.
Synchronized email discussions are email exchanges among a majority of board
members within minutes of each other that create the quality of simultaneity similar to
instant messaging or chat room discussions. Such discussions are characterized as
an active exchange of information rather than the passive receipt of information. An
example of synchronized email discussion would be a majority of board members
sitting at their computers and instantly exchanging emails concerning board
business, whereas a passive receipt of information is where a board member
receives an email and responds in the normal course of time similar to responding by
letter received in the mail. The board shall not view emails or other electronic
communication mechanisms concerning any matter on the agenda during a board
meeting unless the submission is part of a specifically approved and adopted
electronic public testimony program. Electronic communication mechanisms include
text messaging or any other emerging technology that violates the spirit of open
meeting laws. This does not preclude viewing emails or electronic communication
mechanisms that were received prior to the board meeting. Emails received by
board members concerning an agenda item shall be forwarded to the staff liaison or
board secretary and retained in accordance with the City’s retention policy.
Decorum
A. While the board is in a session, board members must preserve order and decorum,
and a member shall neither, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the
proceedings or the peace of the board nor disturb any member while speaking or
refuse to obey the orders of the board or its presiding officer.
B. Any person making personal, impertinent or slanderous remarks or who shall
become boisterous while addressing the board may be denied further audience with
the board by the presiding officer, unless permission to continue is granted by a
majority vote of the board.
C. The board shall not debate, in a heated or argumentative manner, with a member of
the public presenting testimony during a meeting.
D. Speakers shall only address the agenda item before the board. Any person speaking
on an agenda item not before the bard may be called out of order.
Recording of Meetings and Minutes
A. The Executive DirectorDBP Staff shall prepare a summary of all meetings to be
known as the “Minutes” and to be approved by the board. It shall not be necessary
to formally read out loud the Minutes prior to approval. Such Minutes may be revised
by the Executive DirectorDBP Staff to correct spelling, numbering, and other
technical defects. Prior to approval, any board member may request the privilege of
amending or correcting the Minutes to accurately reflect the substance of the prior
meeting. If objection is made by any board member to such amendment or
correction, a majority vote of the board shall be necessary for adoption of the
correction or amendment. The minutes shall be forwarded to the City Clerk’s office
for posting within three months of the meeting.
B. Executive Session Minutes. Executive session minutes shall be taken and prepared
by the board secretary. The board shall approve the minutes of an executive session
in open meeting; provided, however that any discussion concerning the contents of
the minutes, prior to approval, shall be conducted in executive session. The staff
liaison or board secretary will distribute the draft executive session minutes to the
members in a manner that ensures and retains confidentiality. The board shall follow
the provision 2.02.130, BMC related to dissemination of executive session minutes.
C. Televising, broadcasting or audio recording of meetings: At the discretion of the
board and City Clerk’s office, meetings may be televised, broadcast or an audio
recording made. If recorded, audio recordings shall be made available to the public
unless required to be kept confidential by law.
ARTICLE X OPERATING POLICY
Property Owner Communications
All property owners in the BID district shall be notified when there is a board vacancy. All
property owners will be afforded the opportunity to apply for any vacant board positions or
nominate potential board applicants.
All property owners in the BID district shall be provided the drafts of the annual budget and
work plan including notification of scheduled City Commission public hearing.
All property owners in the BID district shall be provided the annual report.
Notifications, drafts and reports will be made available on the BID website
(www.downtownbozeman.org/bid). Unless otherwise required by law, property owner
communications will be done using e-mail.
Discrimination Prohibited
The Board shall adhere to all applicable non-discrimination provisions adopted by the City of
Bozeman. These include but may not be limited to the following:
Resolution No. 4243-Policy Not to Discriminate in Employment and Benefits on the Basis of
Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity. A resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman that the City will not discriminate in employment and benefits on the basis of
sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Adopted on February 8, 2010
Resolution No. 4250—Adopting a Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in Contracts and
Agreements. A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana,
adopting a policy prohibiting the discrimination in the entering into and implementation of
contracts and agreements of all kinds including bidding and certain purchases. Adopted on
March 29, 2010.
ARTICLE XI COMMITTEES
Special committees may be appointed by the Chair for purposes and terms that the Board
approves.
ARTICLE XII REPORTS
Pursuant to MCA 7-12-1132, the Board shall submit a work plan and budget for the ensuing
fiscal year to the City Commission for approval. A public notice shall be submitted and a
public hearing shall be held regarding the work plan, budget, and subsequent levy of an
assessment. After the hearing, the City Commission may modify the work plan and budget
as it considers necessary and appropriate.
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS
Bylaw amendments may be introduced in writing by any member of the Board at a regular
meeting. Action by a majority of the Board on the amendments may be taken on second
reading at any future regular meeting. Board amendments to the bylaws must be approved
by the city commission in accordance to Bozeman Municipal code 2.05.1970.A9. Bylaws
shall not be amended in conflict with City of Bozeman policies or ordinances, and the City
Commission shall be provided with information copies of bylaw amendments.
ARTICLE XIV COMPLIANCE
Compliance with the City Code of Ethics
All board members are required to follow State ethics laws regarding appointed officials and
the city of Bozeman Code of Ethics. New board members will receive the City of Bozeman
ethics handbook and must sign a form acknowledging receipt of the handbook, take an oath
they will uphold the state and city ethics codes. Board members are also required to take an
initial ethics training within two months after appointment. Each year board members are
required to attend city sponsored ethics. Non-compliance with the City Code of Ethics and
training requirements may result in removal of a board member. See the City Code of Ethics
for more details.
Compliance with the City Purchasing Policy
All boards are subject to the City purchasing policy (Administrative Order 2013-06), as
revised, unless specified by law. City staff liaisons shall handle financial transactions unless
specific arrangements have been made in writing through the City controller.
Compliance with State Records Retention Policy
All City boards are subject to the State of Montana records retention policy.
A. The City Clerk will handle retention of all agendas, minutes and board resolutions
once they have been forwarded to the clerk’s office.
B. E-mails, websites and social networking sites are subject to adopted records
retention schedules. For social media and websites please refer to the current
Information Technology Social Media Use Policy for further guidelines.
Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, Bold, Underline, Font color:Black
Formatted: Left, Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style:A, B, C, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.75"+ Indent at: 1"
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0"