HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-25 Public Comment - Z. Osman - Disappointed in the Study Commission SurveyFrom:Zehra Osman
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Disappointed in the Study Commission Survey
Date:Saturday, October 18, 2025 10:41:32 PM
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Bozeman Study Commission members,
I am disappointed in the Study Commission. At this moment, I am working on the survey that is due tonight
and I can’t believe you are asking us to choose between your options for city structure when you haven’t
provided any examples, case studies, or other information. Your public engagement plan is lacking if I
search for your “resources” page to inform my survey choices and I find nothing.
Regarding the Mayor and City Manager’s roles: This survey offers really only two choices, with one
being existing conditions. You offer hybrids of the two choices, however you do not provide any case
studies, links to resources, etc. that support why you are only giving us these limited choices and why these
hybrids.
Do I want the Mayor to be burdened with the daily operation of the city? Do I want the City Manager to run
the City (especially after Mr. Miheilic)? How am I supposed to make that decision and how are you going
to use results when others may be like me and not be able to make an informed decision?
Regarding Districts/Wards: Do I want to have districts/wards where I have an elected representative who
votes for our ward? What if I live in a district/ward where there is, for example, a preponderance of
students, airbnb owners, or other neighbors who may not share my interest for a long-term thriving
community? If I’m in one district/ward, am I able to participate in the preservation of a riparian corridor of
130-year old trees in another district/ward or a historic district with iconic Bozeman buildings? Does this
mean the Downtown Bozeman Partnership becomes a district and they make all the decisions for Main
Street? What am I getting into if I choose the ward/district example?
Regarding the Neighborhood Associations: We've been trying to revitalize my neighborhood association
for over a year. Although we’re active, we don’t always find out if neighbors have moved and get the email
address of the new neighbors. The mailed flyers don’t work. As a member of my neighborhood steering
committee, I would need to go door-to-door a few times a year. That’s over 500 doors to knock. Use the
City utility bills to have people automatically submit their email addresses to their neighborhood
association.
In conclusion, I present the above examples because I want to demonstrate how poorly design your survey
is. The questions are too superficial and the results you will get will be from a users who do not have
sufficient information. I strongly recommend a much better outreach and public engagement. Why do you
not have an Engage Bozeman presence? That certainly would be a good place to store information and case
studies that may help us understand what the Study Commission has been working on, so we understand
how we can help.
Respectfully,
Zehra Osman
59718