HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-24 Public Comment - K. Pettyjohn - Camping in ROW isn't workingFrom:Katie Pettyjohn
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Camping in ROW isn"t working
Date:Wednesday, August 7, 2024 9:10:36 PM
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I found the presentation by Ms Saverud and her colleagues very informative and well put
together. You could tell she was very knowledgeable on the Bozeman situation as well asother communities. I however was very disappointed that the majority of the commission
seemed to be tuning it out, as they didn't allow their personal bias to be set aside to do theirjob.
While I deeply empathize with the unhoused community and recognize that solutions arenever comfortable or easy, we must address the safety and cleanliness issues arising from
ROW camping. Effective measures to prohibit camping in the ROW, enforce compliance, andprovide targeted support for unhoused individuals are essential steps in ensuring both the
safety of residents and the well-being of the unhoused.
The survey results showed that 86% of over 2,000 residents oppose camping in the ROW.
Furthermore, the City Manager’s report highlighting over 500 police calls related to fewerthan 200 camping units underscores the significant safety concerns and resource strains this
situation is causing. These facts need to be repeated to you, because they were shocking to me.
The city's apparent disregard for both expert opinions and resident feedback is extremely
infuriating. Additionally, I don't think it is appropriate that we have city employees (who thecity manager mentioned are on the verge of revolt over it) picking up feces while you turn a
blind eye to campers breaking laws.
The current policy and the proposed permit system—which the city attorney outright stated
would be a waste of resources—are clearly inadequate. The suggestion to continue withineffective policies only further diminishes trust in our city’s governance.
Moreover, the recent disruption by the Tenants United group, particularly given that DeputyMayor Morrison founded this group, has only served to exacerbate distrust. The fact that this
demonstration conveniently avoided interrupting his remarks, while disrespecting other cityemployees who had already endured a long night is troubling. This orchestrated disruption not
only undermined the genuine concerns of residents but was also a mockery to the hard work ofcity employees who are essential in addressing these issues. I noted the city code below, were
any of these individuals charged for disrupting meetings and using signage to block cameraswith their intimidation tactics and screaming? WIll they be disallowed from attending future
meetings?
No person shall interfere with, obstruct or intimidate any official or employee of the city in
the performance of the official's or employee's official duty; nor shall any person assault orthreaten to assault, nor use any abusive or insulting language toward such official or
employee in the official's or employee's presence in connection with or arising out of anybusiness of the city theretofore, then being, or thereafter to be done, transacted or performed
by such official or employee for, and as representative of the city, in any capacity.
(Code 1982, § 9.10.010)
It is crucial that we direct our efforts toward effective measures that prohibit camping in theROW, enforce compliance, and offer targeted support for unhoused individuals. This approach
will restore safety, maintain the integrity of our city, and uphold the rights of ALL residents.
I urge you to take decisive action to ban camping in the ROW and address these issues with
the urgency they deserve. Our community's safety and well-being must be the top priority.
Katie Pettyjohn