HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-24 Public Comment - K. Bodine - Fwd_ Urgent request to address safety issuesFrom:Kim Bodine
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fwd: Urgent request to address safety issues
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 10:59:06 PM
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---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Kim Bodine <kbodine20@gmail.com>Date: Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 10:57 PMSubject: Urgent request to address safety issuesTo: <agenda@bozeman.net>
Dear Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Morrison, Ms. Madgic, Mr. Fischer, and Mr. Coburn:
I am writing to address pressing safety issues due to inadequate services that are provided by the city,
particularly in light of recent directives urging residents to take on the responsibility of clearing sidewalks
themselves after snowfall events. See below screenshots. As residents of Montana for more than 40 years,
we have seen a significant decrease in the level and quality of city services provided. This causes many
city streets to be nearly impassable because the snow and ice have built up and there is no plowing done
e.g. Dickerson, North 16-18th Streets. While I understand the importance of community involvement,
relying on residents to clear sidewalks is not sustainable especially when the city’s services are severely
lacking. The overall condition of Bozeman, including our streets, has noticeably deteriorated in recent
years.
As residents, we have observed firsthand the challenges and dangers posed by uncleared city streets and
sidewalks following snowfall that's standard for our region. Not only does it create hazardous conditions for
pedestrians, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, but it also undermines the
overall safety and accessibility of our community. Moreover, expecting tax-paying residents to shoulder
these additional burdens places undue strain on individuals, particularly those who may not have the
physical ability or resources to do so.
All growing cities experience similar issues including traffic increases, parking and housing shortages.
Maintaining safety and accessibility must be a priority because the property owners pay taxes and provide
the bulk of the city's revenue. The transient RV parks that have developed in Bozeman (next to Target,
Walmart parking lot, the hospital, and in other city locations) have been a serious issue over several years
while being apparently illegal and a source of drug and violent crime. See reference link. Why is this
problem not being addressed by city officials?
In spite of substantial increases in taxes, it is evident that the current approach is insufficient in addressing
the needs of our community. Therefore, I urge city officials to prioritize and enhance city services including
snow plowing and road maintenance to ensure that streets and sidewalks are promptly cleared following
snowfall and the asphalt promptly repaired in summer. This should include investing in appropriate snow
removal equipment, increasing the frequency of plowing operations, and implementing more efficient snow
removal strategies in winter.
Furthermore, I request that city officials explore alternative solutions, such as partnering with local
businesses and/or community organizations, to supplement efforts and alleviate the shift of this burden on
to residents. By working collaboratively with all stakeholders, a comprehensive plan that prioritizes the
safety, accessibility, and well-being of our community can be developed.
In conclusion, I urge Bozeman city officials to take immediate action to address the shortcomings of our
city's services and to implement measures that ensure our safety including the timely and effective
removal of RVs and snow from our city streets and sidewalks. Our community’s safety and liveability
depend on it. Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter.
Sincerely,
Kim
-- | Kim Bodine | mobile: 406-599-8780 | kbodine20@gmail.com |