HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-25 Study Commission Agenda and Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order with Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence - 4:00 PM, Commission Room,
City Hall, 121 North Rouse
B. Changes to the Agenda
C. Public Comment on Anything within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
THE STUDY COMMISSION OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
SC AGENDA
Thursday, August 7, 2025
How to Participate:
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email
to govreview@bozeman.net prior to 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. At the direction of the
Study Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to the Study Commission.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through video conference during the appropriate
agenda items but you may only comment once per item.
As always, the meeting will be recorded and streamed through the Meeting Videos and available in the
City on cable channel 190.
For more information please contact Ex Officio, Mike Maas, 406.582.2321, or visit bozemanstudy.com.
This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online video conferencing system. You
can join this meeting:
Via Video Conference:
Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit.
Click Join Now to enter the meeting.
Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-
person
United States Toll
+1 669 900 9128
Access code: 951 6442 0347
This is the time to comment on any matter falling within the scope of the Bozeman Study
Commission. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public comment
relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Study Commission
cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the
Study Commission shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall
be respectful of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city
or a property owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your
1
D. Consent Agenda
D.1 Study Commission Claims Review and Approval(Heinen)
D.2 Approval of Study Commission Minutes(Heinen)
E. Correspondence or Study Commission Update
E.1 Outreach Reports(Heinen)
F. Unfinished Business
F.1 Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Working Ventures for the Communication
Strategist for the Bozeman Study Commission(Heinen)
G. New Business
G.1 Presentation and Discussion on the City of Bozeman's Inter-jurisdictional
Collaborations(Cunningham/Winn)
H. Future Agenda Items
H.1 Study Plan of Action Discussion for Implementation for August 20th Meeting
H.2 Scheduling an Ethics Training for the Commission
H.3 Potential Meeting topics(Heinen)
I. Public Comment on Anything within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
J. Announcements
K. Adjournment
comments to three minutes.
Written comments can be located in the Public Comment Repository.
Consider the Motion: I move to approve payment of claims as presented.
Consider the Motion: I move to approve the Study Commission meeting minutes from July 10, 2025
and July 23, 2025.
Consider the motion: I move to approve the Public Services Agreement with Working Ventures for the
Communication Strategist for the Study Commission of Bozeman.
This item is a living list of potential future meeting topics.
Reference Materials
Study Commission Bylaws
Study Commission Resources
Study Commission meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that
requires assistance, please contact the City of Bozeman's ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at
406.582.3232.
2
Study Commission meetings are televised live on cable channel 190 and streamed live on our
Meeting Videos Page.
3
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
FROM:Caeleb Heinen, Recording Secretary
Mike Maas, Ex Officio
SUBJECT:Study Commission Claims Review and Approval
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Finance
RECOMMENDATION:Consider the Motion: I move to approve payment of claims as presented.
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.5. Funding and Delivery of City Services: Use equitable and sustainable
sources of funding for appropriate City services, and deliver them in a lean
and efficient manner.
BACKGROUND:Study Commission claims for approval prior to payment by Ex Officio from
the approved Study Commission Budget.
Budget Tracking
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:The Study Commission could decide not to approve these claims or a portion
of the claims presented. This alternative is not recommended as it may
result in unbudgeted late fees assessed.
FISCAL EFFECTS:TBD
Attachments:
CityofBoze-93-653065-1.pdf
Report compiled on: July 17, 2025
4
AD# 653065
Discount: $0.00
Surcharge: $0.00
Credits: $0.00
We Appreciate Your Business!
Gross:$55.00
Paid Amount:$0.00
Amount Due:$55.00
Payments:
Date Method Card Type Last 4 Digits Check Amount
PO Box 11902820 W College, 59718, Bozeman,MT 59771Ph. Fax: (907) 452-5054
ADVERTISING PROOF
City of Bozeman_Mike Maas PO BOX 1230 BOZEMAN, MT 59771-1230
BILLING DATE: ACCOUNT NO:
07/02/25 27944
AD #DESCRIPTION START STOP TIMES AMOUNT
07/05/25 07/05/25 2 $55.00THE STUDY COMMISSION653065
THE STUDY COMMISSION OF BOZEMAN, MONTANASC AGENDAThursday, July 10, 2025
How to Participate:If you are interested in com-menting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to govreview@boze-man.net prior to 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. At the direction of the Study Com-mission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to the Study Commission.Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through video conference during the appropriate agen-da items but you may only comment once per item.As always, the meeting will be recorded and streamed through the Meeting Videos and available in the City on cable channel 190.For more information please contact Ex Officio, Mike Maas, 406.582.2321.
A. Call to Order with Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence - 4:00 PM, Com-mission Room, City Hall, 121 North RouseThis meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online video conferencing system. You can join this meet-ing:Via Video Conference:Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit. Click Join Now to enter the meeting.Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-personUnited States Toll +1 669 900 9128Access code: 951 6442 0347
B. Changes to the Agenda
C. Public Comment on Any-thing within the Jurisdiction of the Study CommissionThis is the time to comment on any matter falling within the scope of the Bozeman Study Commission. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for pub-lic comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Study Commission cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agen-da. All persons addressing the Study Commission shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your com-ments to three minutes.Written comments can be lo-cated in the Public Comment Repository.
D. Consent AgendaD.1 Study Commission Claims Review and Approval (Heinen)D.2 Approval of Study Com-mission Minutes (Heinen)
E. Correspondence or Study Commission UpdateE.1 Outreach Reports
F. Unfinished BusinessF.1 Approval of Study Plan(Heinen)
G. New BusinessG.1 Joint Meeting with the In-terneighborhood Council
H. Future Agenda ItemsH.1 Potential Meeting top-ics(Heinen)
I. Public Comment on Any-thing within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
J. Announcements
K. AdjournmentPub July 5, 2025653065
MNAXLP
5
AD# 653065
THE STUDY COMMISSION OF BOZEMAN, MONTANASC AGENDAThursday, July 10, 2025How to Participate:If you are interested in com-menting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to govreview@boze-man.net prior to 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. At the direction of the Study Com-mission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to the Study Commission.Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through video conference during the appropriate agen-da items but you may only comment once per item.As always, the meeting will be recorded and streamed through the Meeting Videos and available in the City on cable channel 190.For more information please contact Ex Officio, Mike Maas, 406.582.2321.A. Call to Order with Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence - 4:00 PM, Com-mission Room, City Hall, 121 North RouseThis meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online video conferencing system. You can join this meet-ing:Via Video Conference:Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit. Click Join Now to enter the meeting.Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-personUnited States Toll +1 669 900 9128Access code: 951 6442 0347B. Changes to the AgendaC. Public Comment on Any-thing within the Jurisdiction of the Study CommissionThis is the time to comment on any matter falling within the scope of the Bozeman Study Commission. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for pub-lic comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Study Commission cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agen-da. All persons addressing the Study Commission shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your com-ments to three minutes.Written comments can be lo-cated in the Public Comment Repository.
D. Consent AgendaD.1 Study Commission Claims Review and Approval (Heinen)D.2 Approval of Study Com-mission Minutes (Heinen)
E. Correspondence or Study Commission UpdateE.1 Outreach Reports
F. Unfinished BusinessF.1 Approval of Study Plan(Heinen)
G. New BusinessG.1 Joint Meeting with the In-terneighborhood Council
H. Future Agenda ItemsH.1 Potential Meeting top-ics(Heinen)
I. Public Comment on Any-thing within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
J. Announcements
K. AdjournmentPub July 5, 2025653065
MNAXLP
6
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
FROM:Caeleb Heinen, Recording Secretary
Mike Maas, Ex Officio
SUBJECT:Approval of Study Commission Minutes
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Consider the Motion: I move to approve the Study Commission meeting
minutes from July 10, 2025 and July 23, 2025.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver
information to the community and our partners.
BACKGROUND:Attached are the written minute summaries from the previous two
meetings. Future meeting minutes ought to be approved at the next
schedule Study Commission meeting.
All past meeting recordings are available for review on the City's Meeting
Videos page.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None identified
ALTERNATIVES:As per the Study Commission
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Attachments:
07-10-25 Study Commission Joint Meeting with INC
Minutes.docx
07-23-25 Study Commission Meeting Minutes.docx
Report compiled on: July 30, 2025
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Bozeman Study Commission Joint Meeting with INC Minutes, July 10, 2025
Page 1 of 5
BOZEMAN STUDY COMMISSION JOINT MEETING WITH INC OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
July 10, 2025
A) 00:00:19 Call to Order with Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence - 4:00 PM,
Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse
Present: Carson Taylor, Becky Franks, Barb Cestero, Deanna Campbell, Jan Strout, Mike Maas
Absent: None
Excused: None
B) 00:02:07 Changes to the Agenda
C) 00:02:51 Public Comment on Anything within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
00:03:30 Alison Sweeney gave public comment
D) 00:05:11 Consent Agenda
D.1 Study Commission Claims Review and Approval
CityofBoze-55-644255-1.pdf
D.2 Approval of Study Commission Minutes
06-25-25 Study Commission Meeting Minutes.docx
00:05:27 Motion to approve I move to approve the items in the consent agenda
Barb Cestero: Motion
Becky Franks: 2nd
00:05:33 No public comment
00:05:40 Vote on the Motion to approve I move to approve the items in the consent agenda The Motion
carried 5 - 0.
Approve:
Carson Taylor
Becky Franks
Barb Cestero
Deanna Campbell
8
Bozeman Study Commission Joint Meeting with INC Minutes, July 10, 2025
Page 2 of 5
Jan Strout
Disapprove:
None
E) 00:05:50 Correspondence or Study Commission Update
E.1 00:05:55 Outreach Reports
00:05:58 Commissioner Carson Taylor discussed his Government email and a conversation with
City Manager Chuck Winn
00:07:31 Commissioner Jan Strout discussed her conversation with Chuck Winn
F) 00:07:49 Unfinished Business
F.1 00:07:55 Approval of Study Plan
Study Plan Study Commission Draft 7-10.pdf
00:08:08 Update on edits to the Study Plan
00:10:34 Discussion on edits to the Study Plan
00:18:38 Public comment
00:18:50 Motion to approve I move to approve the Study Plan
Barb Cestero: Motion
Jan Strout: 2nd
00:19:02 Vote on the Motion to approve I move to approve the Study Plan The Motion carried 5 - 0.
Approve:
Carson Taylor
Becky Franks
Barb Cestero
Deanna Campbell
Jan Strout
Disapprove:
None
APPROVED STUDY PLAN
00:23:02 Discussion regarding schedule and duties for Commissioners and staff
00:26:31 Motion to approve I move that Deanna Campbell and Becky Franks supervise the hiring and
overview of the Communication Strategist
Jan Strout: Motion
Barb Cestero: 2nd
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Bozeman Study Commission Joint Meeting with INC Minutes, July 10, 2025
Page 3 of 5
00:27:02 No public comment
00:27:21 Vote on the Motion to approve I move that Deanna Campbell and Becky Franks supervise the
hiring and overview of the Communication Strategist The Motion carried 5 - 0.
Approve:
Carson Taylor
Becky Franks
Barb Cestero
Deanna Campbell
Jan Strout
Disapprove:
None
00:27:34 Motion to approve I move that Carson Taylor and Jan Strout co-coordinate the Study Plan of
Action
Jan Strout: Motion
Barb Cestero: 2nd
00:28:15 No public comment
00:28:49 Vote on the Motion to approve I move that Carson Taylor and Jan Strout co-coordinate the Study
Plan of Action The Motion carried 5 - 0.
Approve:
Carson Taylor
Becky Franks
Barb Cestero
Deanna Campbell
Jan Strout
Disapprove:
None
Zoom interviews planned for Communications Strategist on July 23rd as well as a discussion on the
implementation of the Study Plan
Carson and Jan to implement Study Plan
Becky and Deanna to coordinate communications plan with Study Plan
Carson Taylor will coordinate with Recording Secretary Caeleb Heinen for the Communication Strategist
00:29:30 Meeting went into Recess
00:29:33 Meeting reconvened
G) New Business
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Bozeman Study Commission Joint Meeting with INC Minutes, July 10, 2025
Page 4 of 5
G.1 Joint Meeting with the Interneighborhood Council
00:29:55 Interneighborhood Chair Dick Bakker called their meeting to order
Present: Carson Taylor, Becky Franks, Barb Cestero, Deanna Campbell, Jan Strout, Mike Maas, Dick
Bakker, Beth Boyson, Alison Sweeney, Mark Campanelli, Angie Kociolek, Noah ten Broek, Richard Kerin,
Emily Mason, Kath Crumrine
Absent: Kathy Powell
Excused: None
00:30:04 Study Commissioner Chairman Carson Taylor presented:
Study Commission Public Hearing
What is the Local Government Review? (1)
What is the Local Government Review? (2)
Existing City of Bozeman Government (1)
Existing City of Bozeman Government (2)
Where we are in the process
Ground rules
Questions guiding our study
00:40:30 Introductions were made
00:44:51 Discussion on Interneighborhood Council:
What is working?
What is not working?
What are recommendations made by the Council?
00:48:02 Assistant City Manager Jon Henderson made clarifying statements about surveys the
city has previously undertaken
- The City conducts Polco’s “National Community Survey” every other year to collect statistically valid
information surrounding a number of topics including (but not limited to) public safety, municipal
services, parks & recreation, and a variety of subjects that related to overall citizen satisfaction.
- The Community Development Department has conducted several community surveys to request
feedback relative to the UDC Overhaul.
- The Communications Division often performs surveys on a number of ongoing projects and topics of
interest.
01:27:00 Interneighborhood Councilor Kath Crumrine made recommendations to the Study
Commission
01:58:21 Ex Officio made clarifying statements on discussion points made and requests for the
Interneighborhood Councilors
02:06:27 Ron Brey made public comment
02:08:44 Emily Talago made public comment
02:12:30 Natsuki Nakemura made public comment
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Bozeman Study Commission Joint Meeting with INC Minutes, July 10, 2025
Page 5 of 5
02:15:20 City Commissioner Douglas Fisher made public comment
02:17:17 Linda Semones made public comment
02:18:27 More discussion from Interneighborhood Council
02:26:12 Kath Crumrine had to leave.
02:31:08 Angie Kociolek and Richard Kerin had to leave.
02:36:41 Assistant City Manager Jon Henderson gave public comment
Summaries and recommendations made by INC members post meeting
02:38:08 Interneighborhood Council adjourned
H) Future Agenda Items
H.1 Potential Meeting topics
I) 02:38:39 Public Comment on Anything within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
J) 02:38:20 Announcements
K) 02:38:51 Adjournment
12
Bozeman Study Commission Meeting Minutes, July 23, 2025
Page 1 of 3
THE STUDY COMMMISSION MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
July 23, 2025
A) 00:00:45 Call to Order with Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence - 4:00 PM,
Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse
00:02:26 Took preliminary public comment
G.1 01:24:58 Communications Strategist Candidates Presentations, Interviews, Discussions
and Recommendation to hire as Contractor
00:04:13 Overview on the RFP interview process
00:06:49 Andrew Thomas presented
Goals of the Study
Background and Interest (1)
Background and Interest (2)
Experience Developing Public Surveys
Public Meetings, Focus Groups and Interviews
Public Communications
Proposed Methodology: Issue Formulation
Proposed Methodology: Issue Focus
Proposed Methodology: Analysis and Presentation
How will you manage this effectively from a remote location?
The Spectrum of Action
00:21:46 Andrew Thomas question and answer
00:34:27 Stan and Ana from Working Ventures presented
Lifting all voices for local government
We're Working Ventures
Your Partners in engagement
Your questions answered...
What we will provide the Bozeman Study Commission
Experience and process of developing public surveys
13
Bozeman Study Commission Meeting Minutes, July 23, 2025
Page 2 of 3
Public Communication in the context of municipalities
Communication plan, engagement plan, study plan designed for action
Managing the process: on the ground and remote
00:53:28 Working Ventures question and answer
01:05:23 Discussions on the RFP procedure and timeline
Public input to give feedback by 5PM July 25
RFP Feedback by Commissioners and applicants to Mike Maas by 9AM July 28
Mike Maas to have presentations on laserfiche by noon 7/24
Link to RFP Submissions through bozemanstudy.com
Resources to Study Commission Documents to RFP - Communication Strategist for Study Commission
01:16:27 No public comment
B) Changes to the Agenda
C) 01:17:21 Public Comment on Anything within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
D) 01:17:38 Consent Agenda
D.1 01:17:43 Approval of Study Commission Minutes
07-10-25 Study Commission and INC Joint Meeting Minutes DRAFT.docx
E) 01:18:46 Correspondence or Study Commission Update
E.1 01:18:52 Outreach Reports
01:18:53 Commissioner Carson Taylor discussed his correspondence with the Chair County Study
Committee and the Commissioners discussed a meeting time with the County Study Comittee
Meeting scheduled for August 15, 9:30AM if there is a quorum
F) Unfinished Business
G) New Business
G.2 01:24:39 Study Plan of Action Discussion for Implementation
Study Plan.pdf
01:25:04 Discussion on upcoming August 7 meeting
August 7 meeting to include Mayor Terry Cunningham, City Manager Chuck Winn, HRDC and One Valley
Organization
01:33:31 Discussion on brainstorming meetings ideas with topic questions
01:36:24 Commissioner Barb Cestero's topics for discussing the Charter
01:38:58 Commissioner Jan Strout's topics for discussing the Charter
01:40:12 Commissioner Deanna Campbell's topics for discussing Wards and Town Growth
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Bozeman Study Commission Meeting Minutes, July 23, 2025
Page 3 of 3
01:45:14 Commissioner Becky Frank's topics for discussing Charter and Structure
01:47:48 Commissioner Barb Cestero's topics for discussing Local Government Structure
01:51:53 Commissioner Carson Taylor's topics for discussing Government Structure and the
Charter
Send topics of inquiry on meetings through end of September to Mike Maas by July 30
H) Future Agenda Items
H.1 Potential Meeting topics
Recommendations for Study Plan of Action implementation discussions.docx
I) 01:53:11 Public Comment on Anything within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission
J) 01:53:28 Announcements
K) 01:57:46 Adjournment
15
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
FROM:Caeleb Heinen, Recording Secretary
Mike Maas, Ex Officio
SUBJECT:Outreach Reports
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:This is the time for Study Commissioners to report personal outreach since
the last meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver
information to the community and our partners.
BACKGROUND:This is the time for Study Commissioners to report personal outreach since
the last meeting.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None identified
ALTERNATIVES:As per the Study Commission
FISCAL EFFECTS:TBD
Report compiled on: July 3, 2025
16
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
FROM:Caeleb Heinen, Study Commission Recording Secretary
Mike Maas, Ex Officio
SUBJECT:Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Working Ventures for the
Communication Strategist for the Bozeman Study Commission
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Consider the motion: I move to approve the Public Services Agreement with
Working Ventures for the Communication Strategist for the Study
Commission of Bozeman.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.2 Community Engagement: Broaden and deepen engagement of the
community in city government, innovating methods for inviting input from
the community and stakeholders.
BACKGROUND:The Bozeman Study Commission advertised for a Communication Strategist
on June 7 and June 21, 2025 with submissions due on June 30, 2025. The
Study Commission received four proposals that were scored based on the
published criteria and the top two candidates, Working Ventures, and
Andrew Thomas were scheduled for interviews. On July 23, the Study
Commission conducted interviews and question/answer period during their
regularly scheduled meeting. The Study Commissioners provided their
feedback to the delegated selection Commissioners, Becky Franks and
Deanna Campbell. A summary of recommendations is available in the Study
Commission documents.
Based upon the recommendations, Ex Officio, Mike Maas, confirmed
agreement to the terms of the contract and scheduled it for full Study
Commission approval.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None Identified
ALTERNATIVES:As per the Study Commission
FISCAL EFFECTS:Professional Services budgeted $50,000 for this contract.
Attachments:
PSA - Working Ventures Communication Strategist for Study
Commission.pdf
17
Report compiled on: July 30, 2025
18
Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
Page 1 of 12
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this _____ day of ____________, 202__
(“Effective Date”), by and between the BSC OF BOZEMAN STUDY COMMISSION existing
under 7-3-173, MCA, , with a mailing address of PO Box 1230, Bozeman, MT 59771, hereinafter
referred to as “BSC,” and, ___________________________, hereinafter referred to as “Contractor.”
The BSC and Contractor may be referred to individually as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.”
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the receipt and
sufficiency whereof being hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Purpose: BSC agrees to enter this Agreement with Contractor to perform for BSC
services described in the Scope of Services attached hereto as Exhibit A and by this reference made
a part hereof.
2. Term/Effective Date: This Agreement is effective upon the Effective Date and will
expire on the 1st day of January, 2027, unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement.
3. Scope of Services: Contractor will perform the work and provide the services in
accordance with the requirements of the Scope of Services. For conflicts between this Agreement and
the Scope of Services, unless specifically provided otherwise, the Agreement governs.
4. Payment: BSC agrees to pay Contractor the amount specified in the Scope of
Services. Any alteration or deviation from the described services that involves additional costs above
the Agreement amount will be performed by Contractor after written request by BSC, and will
become an additional charge over and above the amount listed in the Scope of Services. BSC must
agree in writing upon any additional charges.
5. Contractor’s Representations: To induce BSC to enter into this Agreement,
Contractor makes the following representations:
a. Contractor has familiarized itself with the nature and extent of this Agreement, the
Scope of Services, and with all local conditions and federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules,
and regulations that in any manner may affect cost, progress or performance of the Scope of Services.
b. Contractor represents and warrants to BSC that it has the experience and ability to
19
Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
Page 2 of 12
perform the services required by this Agreement; that it will perform the services in a professional,
competent and timely manner and with diligence and skill; that it has the power to enter into and
perform this Agreement and grant the rights granted in it; and that its performance of this Agreement
shall not infringe upon or violate the rights of any third party, whether rights of copyright, trademark,
privacy, publicity, libel, slander or any other rights of any nature whatsoever, or violate any federal,
state and municipal laws. BSC will not determine or exercise control as to general procedures or
formats necessary to have these services meet this warranty.
6. Independent Contractor Status/Labor Relations: The parties agree that Contractor
is an independent contractor for purposes of this Agreement and is not to be considered an employee
of BSC for any purpose. Contractor is not subject to the terms and provisions of BSC’s personnel
policies handbook and may not be considered a BSC employee for workers’ compensation or any
other purpose. Contractor is not authorized to represent BSC or otherwise bind BSC in any dealings
between Contractor and any third parties.
Contractor shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Workers’ Compensation Act,
Title 39, Chapter 71, Montana Code Annotated (MCA), and the Occupational Disease Act of
Montana, Title 39, Chapter 71, MCA. Contractor shall maintain workers’ compensation coverage for
all members and employees of Contractor’s business, except for those members who are exempted
by law.
Contractor shall furnish BSC with copies showing one of the following: (1) a binder for
workers’ compensation coverage by an insurer licensed and authorized to provide workers’
compensation insurance in the State of Montana; or (2) proof of exemption from workers’
compensation granted by law for independent contractors.
In the event that, during the term of this Agreement, any labor problems or disputes of any type arise
or materialize which in turn cause any services to cease for any period of time, Contractor specifically
agrees to take immediate steps, at its own expense and without expectation of reimbursement from
BSC, to alleviate or resolve all such labor problems or disputes. The specific steps Contractor shall
take shall be left to the discretion of Contractor; provided, however, that Contractor shall bear all
costs of any related legal action. Contractor shall provide immediate relief to BSC so as to permit the
services to continue at no additional cost to BSC.
Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold BSC harmless from any and all claims, demands,
costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities arising out of, resulting from, or occurring in connection with
any labor problems or disputes or any delays or stoppages of work associated with such problems or
disputes.
20
Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
Page 3 of 12
7. Indemnity/Waiver of Claims/Insurance: For other than professional services
rendered, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor agrees to release, defend, indemnify, and
hold harmless the BSC, its agents, representatives, employees, and officers (collectively referred to
for purposes of this Section as the BSC) from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, fees
and costs (including attorney’s fees and the costs and fees of expert witness and consultants), losses,
expenses, liabilities (including liability where activity is inherently or intrinsically dangerous) or
damages of whatever kind or nature connected therewith and without limit and without regard to the
cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any party or parties that may be asserted against,
recovered from or suffered by the BSC occasioned by, growing or arising out of or resulting from or
in any way related to: (i) the negligent, reckless, or intentional misconduct of Contractor; or (ii) any
negligent, reckless, or intentional misconduct of any of Contractor’s agents.
For the professional services rendered, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor
agrees to indemnify and hold the BSC harmless against claims, demands, suits, damages, losses, and
expenses, including reasonable defense attorney fees, to the extent caused by the negligence or
intentional misconduct of Contractor or Contractor’s agents or employees.
Such obligations shall not be construed to negate, abridge, or reduce other rights or obligations
of indemnity that would otherwise exist. The indemnification obligations of this Section must not be
construed to negate, abridge, or reduce any common-law or statutory rights of the BSC as
indemnitee(s) which would otherwise exist as to such indemnitee(s).
Contractor’s indemnity under this Section shall be without regard to and without any right to
contribution from any insurance maintained by BSC.
Should the BSC be required to bring an action against Contractor to assert its right to defense
or indemnification under this Agreement or under Contractor’s applicable insurance policies required
below, the BSC shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred in asserting
its right to indemnification or defense but only if a court of competent jurisdiction determines
Contractor was obligated to defend the claim(s) or was obligated to indemnify the BSC for a claim(s)
or any portion(s) thereof.
In the event of an action filed against the BSC resulting from the BSC’s performance under
this Agreement, the BSC may elect to represent itself and incur all costs and expenses of suit.
Contractor also waives any and all claims and recourse against the BSC, including the right
of contribution for loss or damage to person or property arising from, growing out of, or in any way
connected with or incident to the performance of this Agreement except “responsibility for [BSC’s]
own fraud, for willful injury to the person or property of another, or for violation of law, whether
21
Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
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willful or negligent” as per 28-2-702, MCA.
These obligations shall survive termination of this Agreement and the services performed
hereunder.
In addition to and independent from the above, Contractor shall at Contractor’s expense secure
insurance coverage through an insurance company or companies duly licensed and authorized to
conduct insurance business in Montana which insures the liabilities and obligations specifically
assumed by Contractor in this Section. The insurance coverage shall not contain any exclusion for
liabilities specifically assumed by Contractor in this Section.
The insurance shall cover and apply to all claims, demands, suits, damages, losses, and
expenses that may be asserted or claimed against, recovered from, or suffered by the BSC without
limit and without regard to the cause therefore and which is acceptable to the BSC. Contractor shall
furnish to the BSC an accompanying certificate of insurance and accompanying endorsements in
amounts not less than as follows:
• Workers’ Compensation – statutory;
• Employers’ Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 annual aggregate;
• Commercial General Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 annual
aggregate;
• Automobile Liability - $1,000,000 property damage/bodily injury per accident; and
• Professional Liability - $1,000,000 per claim; $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
The above amounts shall be exclusive of defense costs. The BSC shall be endorsed as an
additional or named insured on a primary non-contributory basis on the Commercial General,
Employer’s Liability, and Automobile Liability policies. The insurance and required endorsements
must be in a form suitable to BSC and shall include no less than a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation
or non-renewal. Contractor shall notify BSC within two (2) business days of Contractor’s receipt of
notice that any required insurance coverage will be terminated or Contractor’s decision to terminate
any required insurance coverage for any reason.
BSC must approve all insurance coverage and endorsements prior to Contractor
commencing work.
8. Termination for Contractor’s Fault:
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Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
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a. If Contractor refuses or fails to timely do the work, or any part thereof, or fails
to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement, or otherwise breaches any terms or
conditions of this Agreement, BSC may, by written notice, terminate this Agreement and
Contractor’s right to proceed with all or any part of the work (“Termination Notice Due to
Contractor’s Fault”). BSC may then take over the work and complete it, either with its own
resources or by re-letting the contract to any other third party.
b. In the event of a termination pursuant to this Section 8, Contractor shall be
entitled to payment only for those services Contractor actually rendered.
c. Any termination provided for by this Section 8 shall be in addition to any other
remedies to which BSC may be entitled under the law or at equity.
d. In the event of termination under this Section 8, Contractor shall, under no
circumstances, be entitled to claim or recover consequential, special, punitive, lost business
opportunity, lost productivity, field office overhead, general conditions costs, or lost profits
damages of any nature arising, or claimed to have arisen, as a result of the termination.
9. Termination for BSC’s Convenience:
a. Should conditions arise which, in the sole opinion and discretion of BSC, make
it advisable to BSC to cease performance under this Agreement, BSC may terminate this
Agreement by written notice to Contractor (“Notice of Termination for BSC’s Convenience”).
The termination shall be effective in the manner specified in the Notice of Termination for
BSC’s Convenience and shall be without prejudice to any claims that BSC may otherwise
have against Contractor.
b. Upon receipt of the Notice of Termination for BSC’s Convenience, unless
otherwise directed in the Notice, Contractor shall immediately cease performance under this
Agreement and make every reasonable effort to refrain from continuing work, incurring
additional expenses or costs under this Agreement and shall immediately cancel all existing
orders or contracts upon terms satisfactory to BSC. Contractor shall do only such work as
may be necessary to preserve, protect, and maintain work already completed or immediately
in progress.
c. In the event of a termination pursuant to this Section 9, Contractor is entitled
to payment only for those services Contractor actually rendered on or before the receipt of the
Notice of Termination for BSC’s Convenience.
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Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
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d. The compensation described in Section 9(c) is the sole compensation due to
Contractor for its performance of this Agreement. Contractor shall, under no circumstances,
be entitled to claim or recover consequential, special, punitive, lost business opportunity, lost
productivity, field office overhead, general conditions costs, or lost profits damages of any
nature arising, or claimed to have arisen, as a result of the termination.
10. Limitation on Contractor’s Damages; Time for Asserting Claim:
a. In the event of a claim for damages by Contractor under this Agreement,
Contractor’s damages shall be limited to contract damages and Contractor hereby expressly
waives any right to claim or recover consequential, special, punitive, lost business
opportunity, lost productivity, field office overhead, general conditions costs, or lost profits
damages of any nature or kind.
b. In the event Contractor wants to assert a claim for damages of any kind or
nature, Contractor shall provide BSC with written notice of its claim, the facts and
circumstances surrounding and giving rise to the claim, and the total amount of damages
sought by the claim, within thirty (30) days of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the
claim. In the event Contractor fails to provide such notice, Contractor shall waive all rights
to assert such claim.
11. Representatives and Notices:
a. BSC’s Representative: BSC’s Representative for the purpose of this
Agreement shall be _________________ or such other individual as BSC shall designate in
writing. Whenever approval or authorization from or communication or submission to BSC
is required by this Agreement, such communication or submission shall be directed to BSC’s
Representative and approvals or authorizations shall be issued only by such Representative;
provided, however, that in exigent circumstances when BSC’s Representative is not available,
Contractor may direct its communication or submission to other designated BSC personnel or
agents as designated by BSC in writing and may receive approvals or authorization from such
persons.
b. Contractor’s Representative: Contractor’s Representative for the purpose of
this Agreement shall be _____________________ or such other individual as Contractor shall
designate in writing. Whenever direction to or communication with Contractor is required by
this Agreement, such direction or communication shall be directed to Contractor’s
Representative; provided, however, that in exigent circumstances when Contractor’s
Representative is not available, BSC may direct its direction or communication to other
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Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
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designated Contractor personnel or agents.
c. Notices: All notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be provided to the Representatives named in this Section. Notices shall be deemed given
when delivered, if delivered by courier to Party’s address shown above during normal business
hours of the recipient; or when sent, if sent by email or fax (with a successful transmission
report) to the email address or fax number provided by the Party’s Representative; or on the
fifth business day following mailing, if mailed by ordinary mail to the address shown above,
postage prepaid.
12. Permits: Contractor shall provide all notices, comply with all applicable laws,
ordinances, rules, and regulations, obtain all necessary permits, licenses, including a BSC of Bozeman
business license, and inspections from applicable governmental authorities, and pay all fees and
charges in connection therewith.
13. Laws and Regulations: Contractor shall comply fully with all applicable state and
federal laws, regulations, and municipal ordinances including, but not limited to, all workers’
compensation laws, all environmental laws including, but not limited to, the generation and disposal
of hazardous waste, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the safety rules, codes, and
provisions of the Montana Safety Act in Title 50, Chapter 71, MCA, all applicable BSC, County, and
State building and electrical codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all non-discrimination,
affirmative action, and utilization of minority and small business statutes and regulations.
14. Web Accessibility and the ADA: Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination against
people with disabilities in all services, programs, and activities offered or made available by BSC.
This includes ensuring that BSC’s communications with people with disabilities are as effective as
its communications with others.
If Contractor’s Scope of Services includes the production of digital content, documents, or web
applications intended to be branded for use by BSC, Contractor must use the BSC style guide when
creating a design. As per recommendations found in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, all
digital content, documents, or web applications must also adhere to level A and AA Success Criteria
and Conformance Requirements as defined by the current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG).
BSC will not accept digital content that does not comply with WCAG A and AA guidelines. If BSC
refuses digital content because it is non-compliant with the BSC style guide, Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act, and/or WCAG, Contractor will be required to make the digital content compliant
and redelivered at no additional cost to BSC.
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Professional Services Agreement for Communications Strategy for Study Commission
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15. Intellectual Property and Ownership of Work Product:
a. Title and Ownership Rights. Once the BSC has completed its study and the term of
office ends for the BSC members, the City of Bozeman will retain title to and all ownership rights in
all Work Product. “Work Product” includes all materials, tangible or not, created in whatever medium
pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to publications, promotional or educational
materials, reports, manuals, specifications, drawings and sketches, computer programs, software and
databases, schematics, marks, logos, graphic designs, notes, data and content, including but not
limited to multimedia or images (graphics, audio, and video), matters and any combinations of, and
all forms of intellectual property.
b. Ownership of Work Product. Contractor must execute any documents or take
any other actions as may reasonably be necessary, or as BSC may reasonably request, to
perfect the City of Bozeman’s ownership of any Work Product. Contractor must, at no cost to BSC,
deliver to the City of Bozeman, upon its requestor BSC’s request, a current copy of all Work Product
in the form and on the media in use as of the date of the request.
c. Return of Physical Property. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement,
Contractor agrees to return to BSC all BSC property, including but not limited to any and all physical
items such as documentation, records, and equipment, which is in Contractor’s possession or under
Contractor’s control. Contractor must submit to BSC a detailed account of all of BSC’s property in
its possession or under Contractor’s control. Contractor must return BSC’s property in a method
acceptable to BSC within ten (10) working days. Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the
Parties, at no time shall any of BSC’s property be retained by Contractor upon expiration or
termination of this Agreement.
d. Return of Data. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Contractor agrees
to return to BSC all BSC data. Contractor must submit to BSC a detailed account of all of BSC’s data
in its possession or under Contractor’s control. Contractor must return BSC’s data in a format
acceptable to BSC within ten (10) working days. At no time shall any data or processes that either
belong to or are intended for use of BSC or its officers, agents, or employees, be copied, disclosed,
or retained by Contractor upon expiration or termination of this Agreement.
f. Destruction of Data. If requested by BSC, Contractor agrees to destroy all of BSC’s
data in its possession. When requested by BSC to destroy BSC’s data, Contractor agrees to
permanently delete the data and ensure that it is not recoverable, in accordance with National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-88 “Media Sanitation Guidelines.”
g. Certification. In all cases, Contractor will certify that all of BSC’s information
processed during the performance of the services will be completely purged from all physical and
electronic data storage with no output to be retained by Contractor at the time the work is completed,
the Agreement is terminated, or upon written request of BSC.
16. Nondiscrimination and Equal Pay: Contractor agrees that all hiring by Contractor
of persons performing this Agreement shall be on the basis of merit and qualifications. Contractor
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will have a policy to provide equal employment opportunity in accordance with all applicable state
and federal anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and contracts. Contractor will not refuse
employment to a person, bar a person from employment, or discriminate against a person in
compensation or in a term, condition, or privilege of employment because of race, color, religion,
creed, political ideas, sex, age, marital status, national origin, actual or perceived sexual orientation,
gender identity, physical or mental disability, except when the reasonable demands of the position
require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status or sex distinction. Contractor shall be
subject to and comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 140, Title 2, United
States Code, and all regulations promulgated thereunder.
Contractor represents it is, and for the term of this Agreement will be, in compliance with the
requirements of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Section 39-3-104, MCA (the Montana Equal Pay Act).
Contractor must report to BSC any violations of the Montana Equal Pay Act that Contractor has been
found guilty of within 60 days of such finding for violations occurring during the term of this
Agreement.
Contractor shall require these nondiscrimination terms of its subcontractors providing services
under this Agreement.
17. Intoxicants; DOT Drug and Alcohol Regulations/Safety and Training: Contractor
shall not permit or suffer the introduction or use of any intoxicants, including alcohol or illegal drugs,
by any employee or agent engaged in services to BSC under this Agreement while on BSC property
or in the performance of any activities under this Agreement. Contractor acknowledges it is aware of
and shall comply with its responsibilities and obligations under the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) regulations governing anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention plans and related testing. BSC
shall have the right to request proof of such compliance and Contractor shall be obligated to furnish
such proof.
Contractor shall be responsible for instructing and training Contractor's employees and agents
in proper and specified work methods and procedures. Contractor shall provide continuous inspection
and supervision of the work performed. Contractor is responsible for instructing its employees and
agents in safe work practices.
18. Modification and Assignability: This Agreement may not be enlarged, modified or
altered except by written agreement signed by both parties hereto. Contractor may not subcontract
or assign Contractor’s rights, including the right to compensation or duties arising hereunder, without
the prior written consent of BSC. Any subcontractor or assignee will be bound by all of the terms
and conditions of this Agreement.
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19. Reports/Accountability/Public Information: Contractor agrees to develop and/or
provide documentation as requested by BSC demonstrating Contractor’s compliance with the
requirements of this Agreement. Contractor shall allow BSC, its auditors, and other persons
authorized by BSC to inspect and copy its books and records for the purpose of verifying that the
reimbursement of monies distributed to Contractor pursuant to this Agreement was used in
compliance with this Agreement and all applicable provisions of federal, state, and local law.
Contractor shall not issue any statements, releases or information for public dissemination without
prior approval of BSC.
20. Non-Waiver: A waiver by either party of any default or breach by the other party of
any terms or conditions of this Agreement does not limit the other party’s right to enforce such term
or conditions or to pursue any available legal or equitable rights in the event of any subsequent default
or breach.
21. Attorney’s Fees and Costs: In the event it becomes necessary for either Party to
retain an attorney to enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement or to give any notice
required herein, then the prevailing Party or the Party giving notice shall be entitled to reasonable
attorney's fees and costs, including fees, salary, and costs of in-house counsel including BSC
Attorney’s Office staff.
22. Taxes: Contractor is obligated to pay all taxes of any kind or nature and make all
appropriate employee withholdings.
23. Dispute Resolution:
a. Any claim, controversy, or dispute between the parties, their agents,
employees, or representatives shall be resolved first by negotiation between senior-level
personnel from each party duly authorized to execute settlement agreements. Upon mutual
agreement of the parties, the parties may invite an independent, disinterested mediator to assist
in the negotiated settlement discussions.
b. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days from the
date the dispute was first raised, then such dispute may only be resolved in a court of
competent jurisdiction in compliance with the Applicable Law provisions of this Agreement.
24. Survival: Contractor’s indemnification shall survive the termination or expiration of
this Agreement for the maximum period allowed under applicable law.
25. Headings: The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not
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be construed as a part of the Agreement or as a limitation on the scope of the particular paragraphs to
which they refer.
26. Severability: If any portion of this Agreement is held to be void or unenforceable, the
balance thereof shall continue in effect.
27. Applicable Law: The parties agree that this Agreement is governed in all respects by
the laws of the State of Montana.
28. Binding Effect: This Agreement is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the heirs,
legal representatives, successors, and assigns of the parties.
29. No Third-Party Beneficiary: This Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the
parties, does not constitute a third-party beneficiary agreement, and may not be relied upon or
enforced by a third party.
30. Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which together
constitute one instrument.
31. Integration: This Agreement and all Exhibits attached hereto constitute the entire
agreement of the parties. Covenants or representations not contained herein or made a part thereof
by reference, are not binding upon the parties. There are no understandings between the parties other
than as set forth in this Agreement. All communications, either verbal or written, made prior to the
date of this Agreement are hereby abrogated and withdrawn unless specifically made a part of this
Agreement by reference.
32. Consent to Electronic Signatures: The Parties have consented to execute this
Agreement electronically in conformance with the Montana Uniform Electronic Transactions Act,
Title 30, Chapter 18, Part 1, MCA.
**** END OF AGREEMENT EXCEPT FOR SIGNATURES ****
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and
year first above written or as recorded in an electronic signature.
BSC OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA ____________________________________
CONTRACTOR (Type Name Above)
By________________________________ By__________________________________
Carson Taylor, BSC Chair
Print Name: ___________________________
Print Title: ____________________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By_______________________________
Greg Sullivan, Bozeman City Attorney
30
LIFTING ALL VOICES FOR
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Scope of Services
July 2025
Prepared for
City of Bozeman
Working Ventures, LLC
2215 S. 86th Street, Omaha, NE 6814
(402) 214-1308
www.working-ventures.com
1
Technical & Contractual Point of Contact:
Stan Odenthal
(435) 720-2782
stan@working-ventures.com
31
Project Title: Bozeman Study Commission Communications and
Engagement Support
Contractor: Working Ventures, LLC
Client: City of Bozeman, Montana
Anticipated Contract Term: August 2025 – July 2026
Project Overview
Working Ventures will serve as the Communications Strategist to the Bozeman
Study Commission, responsible for the development and implementation of a
comprehensive, legally compliant public engagement and communication
strategy. This work supports the Study Commission’s mission to educate and
involve the Bozeman community in reviewing and potentially recommending
changes to the City’s local government structure.
Objectives
1.Educate residents on the Study Commission’s role, process, and legal
context.
2.Engage a broad and diverse cross-section of the Bozeman community.
3.Ensure Legal Compliance with Montana’s laws prohibiting ballot advocacy
using public funds.
4.Facilitate Transparency and Inclusion throughout all phases of public
communication.
Services to be Provided
1. Communications Planning & Management
Develop a neutral, WCAG 2.1-compliant communications framework.
Draft key messaging, FAQs, and talking points for public distribution.
Coordinate use of Engage BZN and other city-approved platforms.
Maintain a communications archive for handoff at project close.
2. Survey Design and Deployment
Design and implement two surveys (community-wide and city staff).
Collaborate with the Local Government Center to ensure methodological
rigor.
Analyze and report survey findings to inform Commission decision-making.
3. Public Education Materials
Create visually engaging and accessible fact sheets, explainer slides, and
social media content.
Support development of educational content for the Commission’s tentative
and final reports.
4. Event Planning and Facilitation
Support facilitation of 2–3 community town halls and 2–3 public workshops.
Assist with planning and materials for 3 public open houses.
Provide summaries and synthesized reports after each major engagement
event.
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
SCOPE OF SERVICES
DON’T JUST
PLAN. PUT A
SHARED VISION
IN MOTION.
Working Ventures will
lead a transparent,
inclusive, and legally
compliant
communications
strategy that educates
Bozeman residents
about the Study
Commission’s work
and actively engages
them through
accessible, multi-
channel outreach. Our
approach emphasizes
collaboration, clear
messaging, and
community-centered
engagement to
ensure broad public
understanding and
meaningful
participation
throughout the
process.
2
32
5. Stakeholder Engagement
Coordinate targeted outreach to Montana State University students, renters, civic organizations, and other key
audiences.
Conduct listening sessions and informal outreach to historically underrepresented groups.
6. Training and Capacity Building
Facilitate onboarding training for the Study Commission on engagement tools, accessibility, and legal messaging
boundaries.
Offer “just-in-time” training sessions ahead of each major event or milestone.
7. Project Management & Coordination
Bi-weekly virtual check-ins with Study Commission liaisons.
Attend monthly Study Commission meetings (virtual and in-person).
Provide regular updates and documentation of progress.
Utilize Monday.com or similar tool for collaborative tracking.
Deliverables
Project Kickoff Agenda and Communication Protocols
Community and Staff Survey Instruments and Reports
Educational Materials: fact sheets, explainer slides, presentation templates
Workshop and Open House Materials & Summary Reports
Stakeholder Engagement Tracker
Hosting and Coordinating Stakeholder Listening Sessions, Open Houses, and other Events
Attending Study Commission Meetings and Providing Report Outs
Final Public Education Materials for Tentative and Final Reports
Communications Archive (digital handoff at project close)
Timeline
August–September 2025
Project kickoff; finalize communication protocols; draft messaging and education content; launch surveys.
October–December 2025
Promote and analyze community and staff surveys; support stakeholder meetings with city officials and community
groups. Assist in convening and facilitating three public open houses across the city; summarize key input and themes.
January–March 2026
Plan and support 2–3 community workshops to explore options for government structure reform; produce workshop
materials and summaries.
March–April 2026
Assist with communications for tentative report rollout; design summary fact sheet and facilitate 1–2 open houses;
manage feedback loop.
May–July 2026
Support Study Commission in final public hearing, develop voter education tools (as allowed by law), and transition
communications archive.
Accessibility & Legal Compliance
All materials will be WCAG 2.1 A & AA compliant.
Key Personnel
Stan Odenthal – Project Lead
Ana Lopez Shalla – Project Co-Lead
Taylor Gehringer, Ph.D. – Data & Evaluation Lead
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
3
33
BUILDING BOZEMAN
TOGETHER
Public Engagement and Outreach Plan
June 2025
Prepared for
City of Bozeman
Working Ventures, LLC
2215 S. 86th Street, Omaha, NE 6814
(402) 214-1308
www.working-ventures.com
1
Technical & Contractual Point of Contact:
Stan Odenthal
(435) 720-2782
stan@working-ventures.com
34
Executive Summary 3
Firm Profile 6
General and
Technical
Requirements
15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Scope of Project 12
Proposed Solution
Related Experience
and Similar Projects 16
18
Present and
Projected Workloads
Work with City of
Bozeman
References
Training
Price Proposal
19
19
20
22
24
35
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
3
36
Working Ventures is honored to submit this proposal to support the Bozeman
Study Commission as its selected Communication Strategist. With decades of
combined experience in strategic communications, public engagement, and civic
facilitation, our team is uniquely positioned to deliver a comprehensive, accessible,
and legally compliant communications strategy that advances the Commission’s
goals: to educate, engage, and involve the Bozeman community in evaluating its
current local government structure.
The timing of this work is both urgent and historic. With the opportunity to study
and potentially revise Bozeman’s local government system—an event that occurs
only once per decade—the need for clear messaging, transparent processes, and
inclusive outreach is paramount. Our team brings both the technical expertise and
community-minded approach needed to fulfill the communication and
engagement objectives outlined in the Commission’s Public Engagement Plan
and RFP.
Strategic Communications for Public Understanding and Engagement
Working Ventures will design and implement a communications strategy that
serves three critical functions:
Educate the Community
We will develop materials and messaging that clearly explain the purpose,
process, and scope of the Study Commission’s work—demystifying the City
Charter and form of government for all Bozeman residents. This includes print and
digital media, fact sheets, accessible public presentations, and structured learning
opportunities.
Engage a Broad Range of Stakeholders
From students at Montana State University to longtime residents, renters,
business owners, and neighborhood associations, our outreach methods are
designed to meet people where they are—literally and figuratively. We will support
surveys, listening sessions, open houses, and targeted outreach events, ensuring
that historically underrepresented voices are heard.
Maintain Legal and Ethical Integrity
We are well-versed in the legal distinction between education and advocacy. All
materials and public-facing messaging will strictly comply with Montana law and
city policy prohibiting the use of public resources for ballot advocacy. Our
communications will remain neutral, transparent, and grounded in public
education.
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DON’T JUST
PLAN. PUT A
SHARED VISION
IN MOTION.
Working Ventures will
lead a transparent,
inclusive, and legally
compliant
communications
strategy that educates
Bozeman residents
about the Study
Commission’s work
and actively engages
them through
accessible, multi-
channel outreach. Our
approach emphasizes
collaboration, clear
messaging, and
community-centered
engagement to
ensure broad public
understanding and
meaningful
participation
throughout the
process.
4
37
Experience and Capacity
Working Ventures has supported local and regional public entities across the country in similar efforts—
including strategic planning, civic engagement, and issue education. We’ve led outreach and communications
strategies for government boards, workforce councils, and regional economic initiatives in communities
ranging from Southeast Texas to Central Ohio to rural Utah.
Our principals, Ana Lopez Shalla and Stan Odenthal, bring a blend of expertise in education, legal compliance,
workforce systems, and public communications. Together, we offer:
Proven success designing and analyzing WCAG-compliant community surveys
Deep facilitation experience with public meetings, open houses, and stakeholder focus groups
Communications expertise rooted in equity, transparency, and collaboration
Commitment to delivering on time and within budget
Deliverables and Timeline
Our scope of work is aligned with the phases outlined in the Study Commission’s Engagement Plan, including:
Development and promotion of two community surveys (public and staff-focused)
Design of messaging, presentations, and fact sheets for use at public hearings and open houses
Support for 2–3 town hall meetings and 2–3 community workshops, including facilitation
Written summaries of outreach findings and feedback to inform Commission decisions
Assistance with public education for the tentative and final reports (2026)
We will maintain regular communication with the Study Commission and align our work with the
Commission’s meeting schedule, milestones, and evolving needs.
Commitment to Bozeman
Working Ventures sees this work not only as a technical engagement, but as a civic partnership. We will
serve as a transparent, responsive, and proactive extension of the Study Commission’s team—ensuring
that every Bozeman resident has the opportunity to learn about, participate in, and help shape the future
of local governance.
We welcome the opportunity to bring our expertise, energy, and collaborative spirit to this important
project. Thank you for considering our proposal.
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
5
38
FIRM
PROFILE
6
39
Working Ventures is a consulting firm specializing in regional strategic planning,
cross-sector stakeholder engagement, and workforce and economic development
strategy. We have supported organizations across Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska,
Iowa, and beyond in developing forward-looking, community-driven
strategies, often tailored to rural and small-city contexts.
With nearly 30 years of combined experience, our team has worked with municipalities, workforce
boards, economic development organizations, and education systems to create actionable strategic plans
grounded in both local insight and broader policy and labor market trends. Our approach is built on the
belief that strategic planning should be a tool for alignment, empowerment, and implementation—not a
static report. We bring a proven methodology that combines rigorous data review with creative
engagement strategies and inclusive facilitation to ensure that the resulting plan is both visionary and
usable. This includes designing processes that are transparent, accessible, and rooted in the voices of
staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders. We take pride in crafting strategies that foster buy-in,
clarify roles, and identify measurable goals that cities and their partners can sustain over time.
In 2025, we led Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)-South Dakota through its first statewide strategic
planning process, involving deep stakeholder consultation and a focus on diversifying funding and
expanding partnerships. We also recently supported the Mississippi Valley Workforce Development
Board in launching a healthcare sector strategy that united executive leadership across eight counties in
Iowa to collaboratively address regional workforce shortages. In Southeast Texas, we facilitated a
strategic planning process for Workforce Solutions, including over a dozen industry listening sessions that
directly informed policy and program shifts at local American Job Centers. Closer to home, we worked
with Workforce Alliance in Wichita, Kansas, to conduct an organizational analysis and develop a refined
strategic plan that resulted in board restructuring to better respond to regional workforce needs.
These experiences reflect our ability to deliver high-quality, tailored strategic planning services across a
range of organizational structures and regional priorities. They also highlight our deep understanding of
the nuances in rural and small-city economic development—an essential competency as Bozeman
invests in its future.
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
7
40
Comprehensive capacity and expertise to meetBozeman’s needs
8
ORGANIZATIONAL MAP
Stan Odenthal
Project Lead
Ana Lopez Shalla
Project Co-Lead
Taylor Gehringer, Ph.D.
Data & Evaluation
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
41
ANA LOPEZ SHALLA
Position: Co-Founder, Principal at Working Ventures
Role on Project: Project Lead
Career Highlights:
Ph.D. Candidate in Higher Education Administration from the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln
Ed.M. in Learning & Teaching from Harvard University
B.A. in English and Theology from Boston College
Fulbright Scholar in Nicosia, Cyprus, with international experience in
educational settings
Former Director of Workforce Development at the Greater Omaha Chamber
of Commerce
Lead for Microcredentials at the University of Nebraska System, Office of the
President
Over a decade of experience in workforce development, including program
design, curriculum development, and strategic workforce initiatives
Successfully launched and scaled several workforce development programs
Extensive experience working with K-12 systems, private sector
organizations, public workforce systems, community colleges, and nonprofit
agencies to create impactful partnerships and initiatives
Responsibilities on the Project: Ana Lopez Shalla will serve as the Co-Lead. In
this role, she will provide overall leadership across all phases of the engagement
—from initial discovery through final plan delivery and implementation support.
Ana will design and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities with City staff,
elected officials, and community members, ensuring broad input and alignment
across departments and sectors.
She will lead the synthesis of community and organizational input, develop the
strategic vision and goal framework, and oversee the creation of a practical,
visually compelling plan that can guide decision-making and resource allocation
for years to come. Ana will also facilitate implementation planning and capacity-
building sessions to support successful adoption and execution of the plan.
With a background in workforce strategy, cross-sector collaboration, and
municipal planning, Ana brings a track record of helping communities align
operations with long-term goals.
TEAM PROFILE
9
Her LinkedIn
profile can be
viewed here.
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
42
STAN ODENTHAL
Position: Co-Founder, Principal at Working Ventures
Role: Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Planning Facilitator
Career Highlights:
J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law
M.A. in Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
B.A. in History and Political Science from Weber State University
Extensive experience in workforce development, policy analysis, and
program administration
Former Director of the Office of Employment and Training at the Nebraska
Department of Labor, overseeing statewide workforce development
programs
Former Executive Director of the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission,
handling investigations related to employment, housing, and public
accommodations
Currently serves as Director of Business Relations at Heartland Workforce
Solutions, overseeing workforce development in the Omaha area
Proficient in WIOA compliance, and experienced in facilitating sector
partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and the design and management of
workforce-related programs
Speaks fluent Spanish, allowing him to engage with diverse populations
Responsibilities on the Project: Stan Odenthal will serve as the Co-Lead. In
this role, Stan will design and lead engagement strategies that bring in diverse
perspectives from across the community—including City staff, elected officials,
local organizations, and residents. His approach will ensure that the planning
process is inclusive, transparent, and grounded in the lived experiences and
priorities of Bozeman’s people.
Stan will facilitate key planning workshops, visioning sessions, and goal-setting
meetings, using proven methods to translate stakeholder insights into actionable
strategies. He will also support the development of strategic objectives and
performance measures that align with the City’s vision and capacity. With deep
expertise in workforce systems, public policy, and cross-sector coordination,
Stan will ensure the planning process builds trust, fosters alignment, and results in
a plan that is both aspirational and implementable.
10
His LinkedIn
profile can be
viewed here.
TEAM PROFILE
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES 43
TAYLOR GEHRINGER, PH.D.
Position: Collaborator at Working Ventures
Role on Project: Data & Evaluation Lead
Career Highlights:
Ph.D. and M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of
Nebraska Omaha; B.A. in Psychology from the University of Nebraska–
Lincoln
Over a decade of applied research experience focused on program
evaluation, systems change, and organizational assessment
Expertise in data analysis, visualization, research design, and stakeholder-
informed reporting
Recent publication in the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education
Taylor is passionate about using data to elevate community voice, demonstrate
impact, and support equitable change. Her consulting background spans
nonprofits, workforce systems, and public sector agencies—helping clients
conduct needs assessments, implement and evaluate initiatives, and translate
data into practical decision-making tools. Her experience includes work as Lead
Consultant at Category One Consulting and research positions within the
University of Nebraska Omaha. She brings a deep understanding of both
technical analysis and how to communicate findings in ways that build clarity,
ownership, and action.
Responsibilities on the Project: Taylor will serve as the Data & Evaluation Lead
for the project She will guide the analysis of existing City data, facilitate the
development of performance metrics, and ensure that all strategies are grounded
in evidence and measurable outcomes. Taylor will also synthesize stakeholder
input with quantitative findings to generate actionable insights and develop the
implementation and monitoring framework included in the final plan. Her work will
ensure the strategic plan is not only visionary but also evaluable and results-
driven.
WORKING VENTURES
TEAM PROFILE
11
Her LinkedIn
profile can be
viewed here.
WORKING VENTURES
44
PROJECT SCOPE + GENERAL & TECHNICALREQUIREMENTS
12
45
WORKING VENTURES
Our approach integrates expert survey development, accessible messaging, facilitated engagement events,
and legally compliant public education to ensure broad community awareness and active participation. We will
work in close partnership with the Study Commission and other city stakeholders to ensure that all
communication activities are clear, legally compliant, and accessible to the public.
Primary Objectives:
Educate the public and Study Commission on the structure and function of Bozeman’s local government.
Engage residents and stakeholders using multiple methods of communication and feedback.
Promote participation through inclusive outreach, multilingual resources, and accessible materials.
Build trust and transparency through open, consistent, and legally sound communications.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: CREATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Core Responsibilities:
Design and deploy public and staff surveys in collaboration with the Local Government Center.
Develop and maintain clear, neutral messaging for all communication materials (print, web, and
social media).
Facilitate public meetings, open houses, and stakeholder sessions outlined in the Engagement
Plan.
Produce written summaries of engagement findings and assist in preparing public
presentations and fact sheets.
Ensure all digital and print materials are WCAG 2.1 A & AA compliant.
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
13WORKING VENTURES
Working Ventures will serve as the Communication Strategist for the Bozeman
Study Commission, leading the implementation of a strategic, inclusive, and
transparent communications and engagement plan from August 2025 through
Summer 2026. Our role is to operationalize the goals outlined in the Study
Commission’s Engagement and Outreach Plan, helping to inform, involve, and
empower the Bozeman community throughout this once-in-a-decade process of
evaluating the City’s government structure and charter.
46
WORKING VENTURES
Timeframe, Activities, & Deliverables
August–September 2025
Project kickoff; finalize communication protocols; draft messaging and education content; launch surveys.
October–November 2025
Promote and analyze community and staff surveys; support stakeholder meetings with city officials and
community groups.
December 2025
Assist in convening and facilitating three public open houses across the city; summarize key input and
themes.
January–February 2026
Plan and support 2–3 community workshops to explore options for government structure reform; produce
workshop materials and summaries.
March–April 2026
Assist with communications for tentative report rollout; design summary fact sheet and facilitate 1–2 open
houses; manage feedback loop.
May–July 2026
Support Study Commission in final public hearing, develop voter education tools (as allowed by law), and
transition communications archive.
This timeline is flexible and will evolve in coordination with the Study Commission's meeting schedule and
stakeholder availability. Working Ventures will maintain consistent contact through bi-weekly check-ins and will
be available for additional meetings as needed.
PROJECT TIMELINE
14
WORKING VENTURES
47
WORKING VENTURES
GENERAL AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
15
WORKING VENTURES
Compliance & Accessibility
All messaging and outreach will strictly adhere to Montana’s legal prohibition on advocacy with public
funds. Working Ventures is experienced in navigating this “bright line” and will ensure that all
communications are educational in nature. Additionally, all digital and print deliverables will comply with
WCAG 2.1 A & AA accessibility standards.
Working Ventures affirms that we will fully meet all general and technical requirements outlined in the
City of Bozeman’s Request for Proposals. This includes designing and implementing a communications
strategy that aligns with the goals of the Study Commission, developing and analyzing community and
staff surveys, producing accessible and WCAG 2.1 A & AA-compliant materials, and supporting a wide
range of stakeholder engagement activities. We understand the importance of maintaining strict
neutrality in all educational materials related to potential ballot issues and are experienced in managing
the legal distinction between public education and advocacy. Our team will ensure that all deliverables
meet the expectations of clarity, timeliness, and accessibility while supporting the Commission’s
mandate to foster transparent and inclusive public dialogue.
In addition, Working Ventures accepts the terms and conditions as outlined in the City of Bozeman’s
sample Professional Services Agreement included in the RFP. We have reviewed the contract language
in detail and confirm our ability to comply with all provisions, including insurance requirements, data
privacy and ownership clauses, indemnification terms, and accessibility standards. We are prepared to
execute the agreement as presented, or in substantially similar form, and look forward to entering into a
collaborative and productive working relationship with the City and the Study Commission.
ENGAGEMENT CHANNELS
Our communications strategy will leverage both in-person and digital tools to maximize outreach
and participation, including:
Bozeman’s “Engage BZN” platform and other city communication channels.
Neighborhood association meetings and civic board engagements.
Informal listening sessions at community-based organizations and local institutions (e.g., MSU,
Bridgercare, Bozeman Tenants United).
Multilingual and accessible outreach formats to ensure equity in engagement.
48
RELATED &
SIMILAR PROJECTS
16
49
PROJECT DETAILS PROJECT NARRATIVE
Strategic PlanJAG-South DakotaRapid City, South Dakota 2025
Leading JAG-South Dakota’s inauguralcomprehensive strategic plan to aid in expandingpartnerships and diversifying funding streams.Significant stakeholder engagement, dataanalysis, and deliverable development.
Launching Healthcare SectorStrategyMississippi Valley WorkforceDevelopment Board Eastern Iowa2024
Miranda SwaffordExecutive DirectorMississippi Valley WorkforceDevelopment Boarddirector@mississippivalleyworkforce.org319-759-8980
Launched a healthcare sector strategy group forthe Mississippi Valley Workforce DevelopmentBoard. Brought together executive leaders fromhealthcare organizations throughout eightcounties in Eastern Iowa.
Strategic Plan
Workforce Solutions Southeast
Texas Southeast Texas
2020 - 2024
Kevin King
Operations Manager
Workforce Solutions Southeast
Texas
kevin.king@setworks.org
Phone: (409) 719-4756
Delivered four-year local strategic plan.
Conducted industry-specific listening sessions
over a multi-year period encompassing nearly 15
sessions conducted. Delivery of reports and
analysis based on industry needs to help realign
local American Job Center and committee work.
Listening sessions led to process improvements
for placing individuals into training programs and
adding specific occupations to local area target
occupations lists based on industry feedback.
Strategic PlanWorkforce Alliance Wichita, KS2019
Keith LawingPresident & CEOWorkforce AlliancePhone: (316) 771-6603 keith@workforce-ks.com Phone: (316) 640-1405
Developed a strategic plan for a nonprofitworkforce development board located in Wichita,Kansas. An introspective organizational reviewand analysis of similar organizations insurrounding states led to the creation of a newboard committee focused on specific workforceneeds.
SIMILAR RECENT PROJECTS
17
50
PROPOSED SOLUTION,PRESENT + PROJECTED
WORKLOAD, WORK WITH
THE CITY OF BOZEMAN
18
51
WORKING VENTURES
PROPOSED SOLUTION
19
WORKING VENTURES
Working Ventures proposes a comprehensive, community-centered communication strategy that fulfills the
Study Commission’s mandate to educate, engage, and involve the public in Bozeman’s local government
study process. Our solution is rooted in three key principles: clarity of communication, equity in engagement,
and legal compliance with state and local guidelines regarding ballot-related public education.
To meet the project’s goals, we will begin by establishing a clear and inclusive communications framework
in collaboration with the Study Commission. This includes developing core messages that explain the
Commission’s role, timelines, and opportunities for participation, as well as designing outreach materials that
are accessible across digital and print platforms. Our team will lead the design and deployment of both a
community-wide survey and a staff survey in coordination with the Local Government Center, ensuring
each is tailored to generate meaningful feedback for the Commission.
Working Ventures will support and facilitate a range of engagement opportunities outlined in the Public
Engagement Plan, including stakeholder meetings, community group outreach, open house-style public
meetings, and 2–3 facilitated community workshops in Winter 2026. We will develop educational content
for each phase of the process and produce written summaries of community input to help inform the
Commission’s deliberations. Our team will also assist in the development of a summary fact sheet and
presentation materials for the tentative report and help facilitate 1–2 public dialogue sessions on the report
in Spring 2026. If needed, we will support the Commission’s voter education efforts in Summer 2026—
ensuring strict adherence to laws prohibiting advocacy.
Our proposed solution offers the Study Commission a trusted communications partner who understands
how to translate complex civic processes into approachable public dialogue. Through consistent
collaboration, culturally competent outreach, and strategic messaging, Working Ventures will help ensure
the Commission’s work is transparent, inclusive, and widely understood across the Bozeman community.
PRESENT AND PROJECTED WORKLOAD
Current Workload and Capacity: As a part-time agency (each of our Principals hold leadership positions
within the public sector in Nebraska), we only take on one client at a time and fully dedicate ourselves to that
engagement. Our current project is a strategic planning project for a state agency in South Dakota and it is
intended to wrap in July 2025.
WORK WITH THE CITY OF BOZEMAN
Working Ventures has not yet had the opportunity to work directly with the City of Bozeman; however, we
have extensive experience leading projects of similar scope that involve strategic communications and
robust community engagement. Our portfolio includes work with local governments, workforce boards, and
civic commissions across the country, where we have successfully facilitated public outreach, designed
accessible engagement materials, and supported complex planning processes. We are enthusiastic about
the opportunity to collaborate with the City of Bozeman and bring our proven approach to support the
important work of the Study Commission.
52
REFERENCES
20
53
REFERENCES
21
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
CONTACT INFORMATION PROJECT LOCATION TIMEFRAME
Keith Lawing
President & CEO
Workforce Alliance
keith@workforce-ks.com
Phone: (316) 640-1405
2020-2022 Local
Workforce Area
Strategic Plan
Wichita, Kansas February 2020 to
October 2020
Meridith Dillon
Director of Strategic Growth and
Innovation
Blair Freeman
Meridith@blairfreeman.com
Phone: (402) 990-1527
Weatherization
Workforce Initiative
through U.S.
Department of
Energy
Omaha,
Nebraska
August 2024 to
Present
Miranda Swafford
Executive Director
Mississippi Valley Workforce
Development Board
director@mississippivalleyworkforce.org
Phone: (319) 759-8980
Employer
Engagement and
Sector Strategy
Planning for the
Healthcare Industry
Davenport, Iowa June 2024 to
September 2024
54
TRAINING
22
55
WORKING VENTURES
TRAINING PLAN
23
WORKING VENTURES
Working Ventures will provide ongoing support and training to ensure the Bozeman Study Commission and
key partners are well-prepared to engage with the public and communicate clearly and consistently
throughout the duration of the study process. Our training approach is practical, collaborative, and designed
to build internal capacity while aligning with the goals of the Engagement and Communication Plans.
Our team will offer an initial onboarding and strategy session with the Study Commission to walk through
the communications framework, key messaging, accessibility standards, and community engagement tools.
This session will include training on how to present neutral, legally compliant educational information in
public settings and will address best practices for responding to community input in both in-person and
digital formats.
As the process advances, we will facilitate additional just-in-time trainings prior to major engagement
milestones—such as the launch of the community survey, the open house events, and the public
workshops. These sessions may include walkthroughs of presentation materials, facilitation tips, and Q&A
sessions to ensure Commissioners feel confident and prepared to communicate effectively with the public.
All training materials (slides, handouts, facilitation guides) will be designed to be WCAG-compliant and will
be shared digitally for reference and reuse. If needed, we are also available to provide training on using
survey tools, capturing feedback effectively, or coordinating logistics for community events. Our goal is to
leave the Study Commission equipped with both the tools and confidence to lead a transparent, inclusive
process that resonates with Bozeman’s diverse community.
56
24
COST
PROPOSAL
57
CATEGORIES RATE
Professional Services 3 consultants × 450 total hours @ $90/hr.Discounted from $110 per hour for publicgovernment work.
$40,500
Travel & Lodging (5 site visits)Includes mileage, lodging, meals for in-person visits. 3 trips from Omaha toBozeman
$6,300
Materials & Engagement Tools Printing, digital tools, surveys, facilitationsupplies Included
Total Project Cost Fixed not-to-exceed amount $46,800
Working Ventures proposes a total project cost of $46,800 to deliver comprehensive communications
strategy, public engagement support, and facilitation services for the Bozeman Study Commission. This
budget reflects the full scope of work outlined in the RFP and Engagement Plan, including the
development of messaging frameworks, survey design and analysis, facilitation of community
engagement events, and creation of accessible public education materials. The cost accounts for a
collaborative model of delivery that includes significant in-person engagement paired with strategic
remote work to ensure efficiency and responsiveness throughout the project timeline.
The proposal includes approximately 450 labor hours at a rate of $90/hour, distributed across project
planning, stakeholder engagement, content development, accessibility review, and workshop and
meeting facilitation. It also includes three in-person trips to Bozeman for two senior consultants to
support key phases: survey launch and stakeholder meetings (Fall 2025), public open houses (Winter
2025), and community workshops and report rollout (Spring 2026). Each trip is estimated at three days
and includes airfare, hotel accommodations, local transportation, and per diem. All meetings, materials,
and deliverables will comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1 A & AA) and the legal parameters
governing public education vs. advocacy.
Delivering maximal value for a passion project
25
COST PROPOSAL
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES 58
Thanks!
WORKING VENTURESWORKING VENTURES
www.working-ventures.com 26
59
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
FROM:Caeleb Heinen, Recording Secretary
Mike Maas, Ex Officio
Chuck Winn, City Manager
Terry Cunningham, Mayor
SUBJECT:Presentation and Discussion on the City of Bozeman's Inter-jurisdictional
Collaborations
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Receive the presentation about inter-jurisdictional collaborations.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver
information to the community and our partners.
BACKGROUND:Mayor Cunningham and City Manager Winn have provided a listing of
inter-jurisdictional partnerships:
The City of Bozeman actively participates in several standing committees,
meetings or consortia that meet regularly to discuss issues of regional
significance that involve representation from a City of Bozeman elected
official. Below is a partial list of such organizations or regularly scheduled
meetings:
Bozeman, Belgrade, Gallatin County Leadership Meeting: The 2nd Thursday
of each month, the Bozeman Mayor, Deputy Mayor and City Manager meet
with the Chairperson of Gallatin County Commission, the County
Administrator, the Mayor of Belgrade and the Belgrade City Manager. It is an
opportunity to share possible areas of collaboration and to discuss regional
challenges and opportunities.
Big 7 Mayors Meeting: The Mayors of Bozeman, Billings, Great Falls,
Missoula, Helena, Kalispell and Butte meet with Zoom on a quarterly basis to
discuss issues of regional concern as well as to discuss upcoming legislative
session topics. Bozeman’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor attend these meetings.
60
Regional Housing Coalition: Address regional housing issues. Convened by
One Valley Community Foundation. RHC meets quarterly. Subcommittees
include Unhoused to Housed, Land Banking, Communications and
Permanent Affordability which meet separately. Consists of local
governments (elected officials and planning staff from Bozeman, Belgrade,
Gallatin County, Manhattan), non-profits, developers, Bozeman Health,
Chambers of Commerce, GAR, etc. Mayor and Deputy Mayor are
commission liaisons.
Metropolitan Planning Organization: Statutorily required since Bozeman
became an entitlement community. Addresses regional transportation needs
including multimodal and transit. Convened by the MPO staff. Meets
monthly. Consists of local governments (Bozeman, Belgrade, Gallatin County
elected officials) Montana Department of Transportation, and local
transportation experts. Mayor is MPO chair and liaison.
Board of Health: Addresses regional public health issues. Convened by
County Board of Health Officer. Includes representation from Bozeman,
Belgrade and Gallatin County government and qualified citizens. Meets
monthly. Governing body meets as needed. Mayor is Board liaison.
Urban Transportation District: Addresses transit issues and future planning.
Convened by UTD chair. Consists of local governments (elected officials from
Bozeman, Belgrade and Gallatin County), MSU, student liaison, citizen rider.
Meets monthly. Commissioner Bode is district liaison.
Planning Coordinating Committee: Addresses planning opportunities for the
“Triangle” area between Bozeman, Belgrade and Four Corners. Meets
quarterly. Includes representation (1 elected official and 1 member of
planning staff) from the city of Bozeman, Belgrade and Gallatin County.
Commissioner Madgic is elected official liaison.
Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition: Addresses mental and behavioral
health needs of the county. Convened by an assigned moderator. Meets
monthly. Local governments (elected members, law enforcement, staff from
Bozeman and Gallatin County) mental health providers, MSU, School district.
Mayor is coalition liaison.
61
Gallatin Water Quality District: Addresses water quality issues. Meets
monthly. City of Bozeman and Gallatin County are represented. Mayor is
district liaison.
Gallatin Criminal Justice Coordinating Council: Rotating Local Government
Participation. Meets monthly.
Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting: The 4th Wednesday
of each month, the following organizations provide the Chamber Board with
an update: City of Bozeman, Gallatin County, Bozeman Yellowstone Airport,
Bozeman School District.
In addition to many of the collaborations above, the City Manager is also
actively involved in the following:
Regular meetings with the Belgrade and Livingston City Managers to
discuss items of mutual interest and explore opportunities for efficient
and collaborative operations.
Regular meetings with the city managers/administrators of other cities
to discuss items that impact us all and share good ideas and lessons
learned.
Monthly meeting with the CEO of HRDC
Regular meetings with the County Administrator
The City and MSU have a healthy Town-Gown relationship and work
closely together to promote positive relationships between students
and the community.
Work closely with our congressional delegation on federally funded
projects
Bozeman’s Director Team are all experts in their respective fields and work
closely with our community and their state and national organizations to
promote innovative advances in technology and best practices in their
disciplines to ensure city services are provided at the highest level consistent
with available resources. Examples include but are not limited to:
62
Director Shawn Kohtz leading discussions in nutrient standards for
wastewater treatment, water rights and supply, leak detection and
repair, etc.
Director Mitch Overton participating in state and national associations
working on innovations on parks and trails and active and passive
recreation planning and administration, etc.
Fire Chief Josh as President of the International Association of Fire
Chiefs Association and leading, with his team, the national
accreditation of our fire department.
Chief Jim Veltkamp active in his state-wide association and winning
awards for the work of his department including special recognition
for our School Resource Officers
Director Nick Ross leading Bozeman community solutions to our local
transportation challenges (i.e. Fowler) and leading the successful grant
Federal process for our major Kagy construction project to make
critical safety upgrades for our students, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Director Melissa Hodnett leading compliance and accountability
improvements for our financial systems and operations and improving
the city’s credit rating.
HR Director Cassie Tozer leading best-practice updates to our
recruitment and retention efforts ensuring our employment policies
take care of our most important resources, our people, while
providing accountability for public dollars.
Economic Development Director Brit Fontenot leading the city’s
efforts in attracting and retaining innovative clean high-tech industry
and employers that pay living wages. Also, working with our partners
to use our few existing tools to support the creation of affordable and
attainable housing for our community.
Library Director Susan Gregory implementing new and innovative
ideas to improve services to our changing community and ensure all
feel welcome in our best-in-class library.
City Attorney Greg Sulivan working with other municipal attorneys
across Montana to ensure the city is compliant with ever-changing
state and national laws and that Bozeman manages its liability in a
financially and ethically responsible way.
IT Director Scott McMahan works with state and national groups to
ensure all of Bozeman’s data is secure and that its financial system are
safe from national and international threats.
Community Development Director Erin George engaged with regional
planning groups to keep current with national development trends
while engaging with community members to ensure changes to our
code meet Bozeman needs and desires.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:N/A
FISCAL EFFECTS:none
63
Attachments:
Bozeman-ASMSU Special Meeting Agenda.pdf
Bozeman-Gallatin County Joint Meeting Agenda.pdf
Bozeman-Belgrade Joint Meeting Agenda.pdf
Bozeman City Commission - BSD7 Joint Meeting Agenda
Draft.docx
Report compiled on: July 30, 2025
64
A. Call to Order - 6:00 PM - SUB Alumni Legacy Lounge
B. Public Comment on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the
Commission
C. Discussion - Student Leader Listening Session
D. Adjournment
THE CITY COMMISSION OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, January 23, 2025
How to Participate:
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to
comments@bozeman.net or visit the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00 p.m. on the day of the
meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to
the City Commission or staff.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person during the appropriate agenda items but you may
only comment once per item.
For more information please contact the City Clerks' Office at 406.582.2320.
Quorum Notice for the Bozeman City Commission
A quorum of the Bozeman City Commission will occur Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:30-6:00 p.m.
at the SUB Leigh Lounge on the Montana State University Campus for a meet-and-greet between
ASMSU and the City Commission.
No Commission action will take place.
For further information please contact the City Clerks' Office at 406.582.2321.
This meeting will be held both exclusively in-person.
This is the time to comment on any matter falling within the scope of the Bozeman City
Commission. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public comment
relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the City Commission
cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the
City Commission shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be
respectful of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a
property owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments
to three minutes.
Written comments can be located in the Public Comment Repository.
To allow members of the City Commission to hear directly from MSU student leadership about the
challenges and opportunities that the Commission should be aware of, while building connections
and re-establish its relationship since the pandemic.
165
City Commission meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that
requires assistance, please contact the Montana State University's Office of Disability Services,
disabilityservices@montana.edu, 406.994.2824.
Commission meetings are televised live on cable channel 190 and streamed live on our Meeting
Videos Page.
266
THE GALLATIN COUNTY COMMISSION AND CITY COMMISSION OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
JOINT MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
How to Participate:
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to
comments@bozeman.net or visit the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through video conference during the appropriate
agenda items but you may only comment once per item.
As always, the meeting will be recorded and streamed through the Commission's video page and
available in the City on cable channel 190.
For more information please contact the City Clerks' Office at 406.582.2320.
A. Call Special Joint Meeting to Order - 3:00 PM - Community Room, Gallatin County
Courthouse, 311 W. Main Street
This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online video conferencing system.
You can join this meeting:
Via Video Conference:
Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click
submit. Click Join Now to enter the meeting.
Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-
person
United States Toll +1 669 900 9128
Access code: 933 7244 1920
B. Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence
C. Authorize Absence
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D. FYI
E. Consent
E.1 Formal Cancellation of the November 5, 2024 Regular City Commission Meeting (Maas)
E.2 Accounts Payable Claims Review and Approval (Armstrong)
E.3 Appoint a Sub-committee of Two Commissioners to Review Pledged Securities as of
September 30, 2024 (Clark)
E.4 Authorize the City Manager to Sign the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Program Special Terms and Conditions and Submit a Program Application for a Solar Array
at the Bozeman Public Library (Meyer)
E.5 Authorize the City Manager to Accept a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to Add 12 New
Firefighter Positions (Waldo)
E.6 Authorize the City Manager to Sign a Maintenance Agreement with the Montana
Department of Transportation for the Bozeman Main Street Hotel Project (Lonsdale)
E.7 Authorize the City Manager to Sign Maintenance Agreements with the Montana
Department of Transportation (MDT) to Facilitate the Bidding, Construction, and Long-
Term Operation for the Manley Ditch Rehabilitation Project (Oliver)
E.8 Authorize the City Manager to Sign an Updated Funding Agreement with the Montana
Department of Transportation for the Kagy Boulevard Reconstruction Project (Ross)
E.9 Authorize the City Manager to Sign the Aftermarket Comprehensive Services Three Year
Plan with Aria Filtra for the Annual Inspection, Technical Support and Training of the City of
Bozeman's Aria Filtra System (Miller)
E.10 Authorize City Manager to Sign Professional Services Agreement with Central House
Strategies for Legislative Services for the 2025 Montana Legislative Session and Interim
(DiTommaso )
E.11 Authorize the City Manager to Sign an Amendment 1 to Use License Agreement with RTR
Holdings II for South University District Park (Jadin)
E.12 Authorize the City Manager to Sign an Amendment 3 to the Professional Services
Agreement for the Materials Testing Term Contract with Morrison-Maierle, Inc. for the
Purpose of Obtaining Materials Testing on Various City Projects Extending Through the
2025 Construction Season (Gamradt)
E.13 Authorize the City Manager to Sign an Amendment 3 to the Professional Services
Agreement with K2 Ventures, Inc. for Snow Removal and Maintenance Services in the
Parks and Trails District (Canter)
E.14 Resolution 5636 Modification of Special Improvement Lighting District 766 for Northwest
Crossing Ph 1 & 2.1 to include phases 2.2 and 2.3. (Hodnett)
E.15 Resolution 5638 Creation of Special Improvement Lighting District 787 Homestead at
Buffalo Run (Hodnett)
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E.16 Resolution 5642 Creation of Special Improvement Lighting District 788 Hyatt House Hotel
Bozeman (Hodnett)
E.17 Resolution 5652 Intent to Create a Special Improvement Lighting District 790 for North
Central Master Plan (Hodnett)
E.18 Resolution 5654 Intent to Create a Special Improvement Lighting District 791 for West Side
Flats (Hodnett)
E.19 Resolution 5656 Authorizing Change Order 1 with Olympus Technical Services, Inc for the
2024 Soil Vapor Extraction Extension Project at the Story Mill Landfill (Flammond)
E.20 Ordinance 2169, Final Adoption of Revisions to Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 9 Impact Fees,
Bozeman Municipal Code to Revise Definitions, Reorganize Division Structure, Clarify
Relationship To The City's Capital Improvement Program, Update Provisions For Impact Fee
Refunds To Conform To Recent Changes In State Law, Strike Certain Exemptions, Update
Processes For Approval Of Impact Fee Credits And Custom Fee Studies, Update Processes
For Appeals, And Providing An Effective Date (Saunders)
E.21 Ordinance 2173, Final Adoption Establishing a Zoning Designation of B-2M, Community
Commercial-Mixed District, on Property Located on the Southeast Corner of West Babcock
and South 20th Street on 0.421 Acres, the 1920 West Babcock Zone Map Amendment,
Application 24024 (Rogers)
F. Consent II
F.1 Ordinance 2172, Final Adoption Repealing Chapter 34, Article 9 and Chapter 20, Articles 1
and 2 of the Bozeman Municipal Code, and Establishing Chapter 2, Article 8, Division 2
Prohibiting Camping on Public Property and the Public Right-of-Way and Authorizing the
Establishment of a Permit System for Limited Camping on the City Right-Of-Way for
Persons Experiencing Homelessness (Saverud)
G. Joint County/City Discussion
1. MPO update and next steps - Jeff Butts
2. Urban Transportation District update and next steps - Sunshine Ross
3. Transfer station update and next steps - Stephanie Beckert
4. Behavioral health collaborative update and next steps - Kirsten Smith
5. Hidden Creek project update - Tyson O'Connell/United Housing Partners
6. How to collaboratively support shelter operations and transitional housing in the valley
- Kirsten Smith
7. Motor Vehicle Tax Ballot Question - County Commission
H. Public Comment
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This is the time to comment on non-agenda items. Please note, no action may be taken on
any item which does not appear on the agenda.
I. Adjournment
City Commission meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that
requires assistance, please contact our Acting ADA Coordinator, Max Ziegler, at 406.582.2439
(TDD 406.582.2301).
Commission meetings are televised live on cable channel 190 and streamed live on our Meeting
Videos Page.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
AGENDA
JOINT BELGRADE/BOZEMAN WORKSHOP MEETING
BELGRADE LIBRARY - COMMUNITY ROOM - EAST
ENTRANCE
205 E. Main St., Belgrade, MT. 59714
June 30th, 2025 6:00 pm
This meeting is open to the public and may be attended in person or viewed online via the city video
platform.
https://www.belgrademt.gov/357/Watch-Live-Meetings
Please note that this meeting is being recorded. By joining the meeting session, you are consenting to
such recording. Factors such as personal device compatibility, bandwidth, or cell signal is the
responsibility of the attendee and cannot be controlled by the City of Belgrade.
CALL TO ORDER BELGRADE
Mayor Nelson will call the Belgrade City Council to Order
Belgrade City Clerk Will Conduct Roll Call
CALL TO ORDER BOZEMAN
Mayor Cunningham Will Call the Bozeman Commission to Order
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nelson (Belgrade) to call for the Pledge
DISCUSSION AGENDA
Discuss Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Jeff Butts - Manager to provide an update on the MPO
Discuss Urban Transportation District (UTD / Streamline)
Deputy Mayor Mike Meis (Belgrade), Commissioner Emma Bode (Bozeman)
Discuss Regional Housing Collaborative
Mark Bond from the collaborative will present
Discuss Planning Coordination Committee (PCC)
Belgrade / Bozeman Staff and Commission / Council representatives available.
Discuss Potential Utilities Collaboration (Water, Wastewater, Stormwater Etc.)
Belgrade City Manager and Public Works Director, along with the Bozeman Engineering
and Utilities Directors, will lay out some high-level options for future consideration.
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4.6.
5.
6.
Discuss Planning For Land Between Bozeman And Belgrade
Community Development Staff from Belgrade and Bozeman will present ideas for
collaboration and planning as our two municipalities continue to grow.
PUBLIC FORUM - WORKSHOP
Before starting your comments, please state your name and address in an audible tone of
voice for the record. This is the time for individuals to comment on any matter within the
jurisdiction of the Belgrade City Council or the Bozeman City Commission. As this is a
workshop session, no formal action will be taken on items discussed tonight. General Public
comments will be heard at this time only.
The Council may, at its discretion, ask questions or respond to comments during this session.
However, no final decisions will be made, and any necessary follow-up may be scheduled for
a future regular meeting. Please limit your comments to three minutes.
ADJOURN
This meeting is being recorded
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BSD7 – Bozeman City Commission
Joint Meeting – Proposed Agenda
1. Introductions of School Board and City Commissioners.
2. Project Updates.
Sports Park / Gallatin High School Joint Project:
Vision for the project – goals of each partner.
Status of the project.
Next steps & timeline.
Whittier School Parking Lot Improvements:
Vision for the project.
Status of the project.
Next steps & timeline.
School Resource Officers:
Status of the partnership.
3. Information Sharing.
City of Bozeman:
Geographic housing trends.
o Where we are projecting growth to happen based on permits and applications.
o Affordable housing update – current, projected.
UDC re-write update:
o Where we are in the process – opportunities for comment / input in the future.
BSD7:
Demographics of Enrollment.
o Update on changing demographics.
o Gaps / needs in the community from BSD7 perspective.
Employee Needs.
o BSD7’s experience with recruiting / retaining qualified employees.
o How BSD7 is identifying housing needs & how the city can help.
Other Topics – at the discretion of BSD7.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
SUBJECT:Study Plan of Action Discussion for Implementation for August 20th Meeting
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:The Study Commissioners may discuss the Staff or related parties they would
like to reach out to for insight on the August 20th Meeting topic: Current
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Bozeman Charter. They may also discuss
their inquiries and expectations for that meetings discussion.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
SUBJECT:Scheduling an Ethics Training for the Commission
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Study Commissioners may find a time and date for the body to undergo the
City of Bozeman's Ethics Training.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Study Commission
FROM:Caeleb Heinen, Recording Secretary
Mike Maas, Ex Officio
SUBJECT:Potential Meeting topics
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:This item is a living list of potential future meeting topics.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver
information to the community and our partners.
BACKGROUND:Joint Meeting with Gallatin County Study Commission
Study Commission Purview and Charge
Charter Crises and City Attorney notes of issues in current Charter
Staff identified "pinch points"
Develop and adopt a discovery plan for best practices to be learned
from other communities.
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Power structure
desired for the City of Bozeman
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Form of
government for the City of Bozeman
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Plan sub-options
that will be under consideration
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Recommendations
that will be under consideration
Draft a Tentative Report and submit for legal review
Second Public Hearing—to gather citizen response to Tentative Report
Adopt the Final Report from Second Public Hearing
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None identified.
ALTERNATIVES:As per the Study Commission.
FISCAL EFFECTS:TBD
Report compiled on: July 30, 2025
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