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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-25 Public Comment - R. Brey - Missoula neighborhood councils in charterFrom:Ron Brey To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission Subject:[EXTERNAL]Missoula neighborhood councils in charter Date:Sunday, April 27, 2025 10:34:09 PM Attachments:From-the-City-of-Missoula-Charter.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or openattachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Sent from my iPhone From the City of Missoula Charter To View the full Charter, click here ARTICLE VI. Neighborhood Councils and Community Council Section 6.1 - Purpose (1) The City of Missoula values the contribution neighborhoods can make to the governance of the City. Therefore, it is the purpose of this article to strengthen neighborhood participation where it exists, and to encourage and support neighborhood participation where it does not yet exist. (2) The City Council shall establish Neighborhood Councils to advise the City Council and the Mayor on neighborhood and City-wide issues. (3) Neighborhood Councils and Community Councils shall provide a structure for increased citizen participation in the governance of the City and shall build cooperation and improved communication between citizens and City officials. Neighborhood Council duties shall include, but shall not be limited to, developing proposals for neighborhood plans and advising the City on neighborhood projects as they occur. Neighborhood Councils shall respond to neighborhood issues at the neighborhood level. (4) The City Council shall establish a Community Council to be composed of representatives from the Neighborhood Councils. (5) The Community Council shall provide a forum for Neighborhood Councils to come together, share information, and make recommendations to the City Council and Mayor on City-wide issues. Neighborhood Councils, the Community Council, and the City of Missoula shall work together in partnership, bridging the gap between citizens and government. Section 6.2 - Composition and Responsibilities (1) Neighborhood Councils shall be created through a democratic process. All residents within the boundaries of a neighborhood district shall be eligible to serve on Neighborhood Councils, participate with Neighborhood Councils, or participate in the selection of officers for their Neighborhood Council. Composition of each Neighborhood Council should reflect the diversity that exists within that neighborhood. (2) Neighborhood Council members shall serve on a voluntary basis. The City of Missoula shall provide reasonable financial assistance to support the efforts associated with the formation and operation of Neighborhood Councils. (3) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Council shall adopt by-laws governing the conduct of their business. Such by-laws shall be approved by the City Council. (4) Each Neighborhood Council shall meet with the residents of its neighborhood district on a regular basis. Neighborhood Councils, along with the City, shall be responsible for providing information on City and neighborhood issues to the residents of their neighborhoods. Neighborhood Councils shall facilitate participation in, and coordination of, neighborhood initiated projects. (5) The entire City shall be divided into neighborhood districts. Neighborhood Councils shall be formed to represent the residents in each district. (6) A Missoula Community Council shall be created from an equal number of representatives from each Neighborhood Council, in accordance with Community Council by-laws. The Community Council shall meet on a regular basis to address City-wide concerns and foster dialogue between neighborhoods. (7) The City of Missoula shall be responsible for providing information on City and neighborhood issues to all Neighborhood Councils and the Community Council regularly and in a timely manner. The Neighborhood Councils and Community Council shall be responsible for reporting to the City Council and the Mayor regarding concerns and interests of the residents in the neighborhoods and in the City as a whole on a regular basis, and in a timely manner. (8) The City Council shall appoint a liaison from the City government who shall facilitate communication between the City of Missoula and the Neighborhood Councils and the Community Council. (9) Neighborhood Councils and the Community Council shall not preclude any individual or individuals from access to, or participation with, the City Council, the Mayor, or City departments.