HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-24 Public Comment - A. Kociolek - Public comment_ Commission Priority to Build the Public TrustFrom:Angela Kociolek
To:Agenda
Cc:Christopher Coburn; Douglas Fischer
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public comment: Commission Priority to Build the Public Trust
Date:Tuesday, February 6, 2024 8:48:37 PM
Attachments:Public comment Commission Priority to Build the Public Trust.msg
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Hello,
Here is a wri,en copy of the oral tes4mony I gave at the City Commission mee4ng on February 6,
2024:
We’ve been hearing a lot about building the public trust and I’m glad this commission recently listed
it as a priority. I believe it’s 4me to improve the way the city and engaged ci4zens work together.
For the past four years un4l last December, I served on a Ci4zen Advisory Board, most recently as
the Urban Parks and Forestry Chair. Also, over the past year, I’ve researched and commented as a
private ci4zen on a wide range of topics – making disclosures as needed. I keep showing up because
I care.
Generally, I like being involved but at 4mes over the past year in both my appointed and personal
dealings with the city, honestly, it’s been more stressful than it’s needed to be and felt - not great.
From my perspec4ve, I’ve been excluded and kept in the dark. Yet I’m told to trust the process.
In May, I received a reprimand from City Manager Jeff Mihelich aUer I asked for my public comment
to be filed with other Canyon Gate comments. He emailed, “I’m growing concerned about some of
your actions … advisory board members and residents cannot direct staff. This is actually a violation
of city code.”
I felt in4mated and thanked him for poin4ng out “please add” and “please confirm” could be
misconstrued. I suggested we talk about what other ac4ons of mine concerned him, but I received
no reply. However, many months later, I learned I got the label, “directed staff” - when I simply
wanted my public comment to be accounted for. I believe this label prevented me from other formal
opportuni4es to serve this city.
In September, a commissioner took issue with a UDC-related post I made as a concerned
homeowner. Mind you, other people whose opinions I respect felt my post was appropriate and on
point. But unbeknownst to me, discussions - about me – ensued.
It feels really weird to know that four of the most powerful people in Bozeman (three
commissioners and the City Manager) met about me, and I only found out it about three months
later by happenstance. No conversation ever happened back in September. I just wasn’t re-
appointed to the board in December.
Now the UPF board only has four of seven seats filled. Also, the city didn’t follow its own Advisory
Board Panel Review Process according to Resolution 5323. I alerted officials, heard excuses, but
there was no accountability.
I believe we can all learn from experiences like these – and we need to if we are to build trust. The
city should follow process, just as ci4zens are expected to do. But even more fundamentally,
improved interac4ons with and adtudes toward engaged ci4zens such as myself are key
components to building that trust. Thanks for listening.
Angie Kociolek
620 North Tracy Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715