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Home My WebLink About10-21-2025- City Commission MinutesBozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 1 of 10 THE CITY COMMMISSION MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA MINUTES October 21, 2025 Present: Terry Cunningham, Joey Morrison, Jennifer Madgic, Douglas Fischer, Emma Bode Absent: None Excused: None Staff Present at the Dais: City Manager (CM) Chuck Winn, City Attorney (CA) Greg Sullivan, City Clerk (CC) Mike Maas A) 00:12:59 Call to Order - 6:00 PM - Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse B) 00:15:04 Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence or Mindfulness C) 00:15:40 Changes to the Agenda D) 00:16:04 FYI Cr. Bode highlighted Coffee with a Commissioner on October 24, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the lounge are at the SUB on MSU Campus, 751 Grant St; highlighted emails received about leaf cleanup and reminded the public that there is no requirement to remove leaves; provided an update from the Dept. of Health that vaping indoors is no longer permitted. Cr. Madgic highlighted Walk with a Commissioner, on October 23rd at 11 a.m. in the Valley West area, meeting at the intersection of N. Yellowstone and Toole; provided a reminder that ballots newly require birth year on the signature envelope. Cr. Fischer highlighted that Main St. will be closed from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. , between Grand and Church Avenues on Halloween for the downtown trick or treating; noted participation in urban camping cleanup on Wheat Dr. last Thursday; 00:24:29 CM Winn addressed the claims of changes in the City's messaging on water resources. He also highlighted the recent Turning Point Rally and the No Kings Rally were peaceful with thousands of attendees. E) 00:29:49 Commission Disclosures Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 2 of 10 F) 00:30:06 Consent F.1 Accounts Payable Claims Review and Approval F.2 Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Findings of Fact and Order for the SRX II Subdivision Preliminary Plat, Application 24112 (Quasi-Judicial) 24112 Findings of Fact.pdf F.3 Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Findings of Fact and Order for the Hidden Creek Subdivision Preliminary Plat, Application 24533 (Quasi-Judicial) 24533 FOF.pdf F.4 Authorize the City Manager to sign the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 Section 5303 Planning Contract with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) for the pass- through of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5303 Funds to the Urban Transportation District (UTD) FFY2026_SECTION_5303_PLANNING_CONTRACT.pdf F.5 Authorize the City Manager to Sign a Professional Services Agreement with TK Elevator for BPSC Elevator Uninterruptable Power Supplies Installation PSA - TK Elevator - BPSC Elevator UPS.pdf F.6 Authorize the City Manager to Sign a Professional Services Agreement with K2 Ventures Inc. for FY26-FY30 Facilities Snow Removal Services PSA - Snow Removal Services FY26-30 - K2 Ventures_Draft.pdf F.7 Authorize the City Manager to Sign a Professional Services Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for the Lyman Transmission Predesign Phase Services Project Lyman Transmission Predesign_PSA_HDR.pdf F.8 Authorize the City Manager to Sign Amendment 1 to Task Order 2023TE-006 with Sanbell to Provide Construction Bidding Services, and Construction Administration and Inspection Services for the West Oak Street and Ferguson Avenue Intersection Project Amendment #1 to Task Order TE23-006_Oak_Ferguson.pdf F.9 Authorize the City Manager to Sign Amendment 2 to the Professional Services Agreement for Digital Orthoimagery and LiDAR Acquisition for the Purpose of Amending the Scope of Service Professional Service Agreement - Second Amendment to Digital OrthoImagery and LiDAR Acquisition.pdf F.10 A Resolution Authorizing the City of Bozeman to Donate a 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle to the St. Ignatius Police Department, Montana Resolution.docx F.11 A Resolution Adopting of the 2221 South 3rd Avenue Annexation, Annexing 1.048 acres for the Museum of the Rockies Property, Application 24714 24714 2221 S 3rd Resolution 2025 - XX.pdf 001 - ANNEXATION MAP.pdf 24714 2221 S 3rd Annexation Agreement Not Signed.pdf F.12 A Resolution Authorizing Change Order Number 1 to the Riverside Lift Station and Force Main Project Riverside_ChangeOrder#1_V2.pdf Resolution.doc F.13 An Ordinance, Provisional Adoption, Establishing a Zoning Designation of PLI, Public Lands and Institutions District, on 1.048 Acres for the Museum of the Rockies Property Addressed as 2221 South 3rd Avenue, Application 24714 24714 2221 S 3rd Ordinance 2025 - XX.pdf Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 3 of 10 002 - ZONE MAP AMENDMENT.pdf F.14 Final Adoption of an Ordinance Repealing Divisions 4, 15, 16, 17, and 18 of Chapter 2, Article 5, BMC Related to the City Planning Board, Zoning Commission, Design Review Board, Wetlands Review Board, and Board of Adjustment Ord Repeal chtp 2 art 5 div 4 15 16 17 and 18 10 8 25 FINAL ADOPTION .docx 00:30:28 City Manager Introduction CM Winn provided the highlights of the Consent Agenda. 00:32:11 Public Comments There were no public comments on the Consent Agenda. 00:32:41 Motion to approve Consent items F.1 through F.14 as submitted. Emma Bode: Motion Jennifer Madgic: 2nd 00:33:02 Vote on the Motion to approve Consent items F.1 through F.14 as submitted. The Motion carried 0 - 0. Approve: None Disapprove: None 00:21:20 Mayor Cunningham noted the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan won an Achievement in Planning Award at the MT Association of Planners Meeting; Mayor Cunningham provided his ongoing FYI on the WARD Initiative on potential impacts of instituting unachievable pricing targets. G) 00:33:12 Public Comment on Non-agenda Items Falling Within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Commission Mayor Cunningham opened General Public Comments. 00:34:01 John Meyer commented in support of the WARD Initiative, a Public Housing Authority, and the Bon Ton and Centennial Neighborhoods' requests for zoning in the new UDC. 00:36:44 Daniel Carty commented on a Community Development Board member's comments about commuters to Bozeman and in support of the WARD Initiative. 00:39:09 Anthony Smith commented on police misconduct and excessive use of force. 00:42:35 Grace Caldwell commented on Commission Events. Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 4 of 10 00:43:19 Shane Grogan commented on H1B visa application fees and impacts on Montana State University and Bozeman. 00:46:12 Natsuki Nakamura commented CM Winn's FYI on Water Availability and City's messaging. 00:49:08 Macy Cotton commented in support of the affordable housing ordinance and on the cost of housing. 00:52:00 Aspen Carlson commented on affordable housing, cost burdened residents, 00:53:54 Wesley Wilks commented on the housing crisis and unhoused residents. H) 00:57:19 Special Presentation H.1 00:57:34 Special presentation over the Prevention Needs Assessment and the Gallatin Valley Communities That Care (GVCTC) Coalition Priorities CTC Coordinator and Prevention Specialist Shelby Hall presented the membership of the coalition, the work of the GVCTC, risk and protective factors, 01:03:15 Mayor Cunningham called a brief pause in the presentation to address a disruption in the room. 01:03:45 Presentation continued Coordinator Hall highlighted the Prevention Needs Assessment, Developing a Community Profile, implement a plan, and evaluate. She concluded with contact information. I) 01:10:12 Action Items I.1 01:10:20 Provisional Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Chapter 22, Article 1 of the Bozeman Municipal Code Related to the Administration of the Bozeman Municipal Court Ord for Court Admin 10.7.25 FINAL.docx 01:10:40 Staff Presentation Chief Judge Karolina Tierney presented the Ordinance, the reason for the changes, and overall scope of staff changes. 01:13:46 Questions of Chief Judge Tierney 01:18:39 Public Comment There were no comments on this item. 01:19:08 Motion to provisionally adopt the Ordinance. Jennifer Madgic: Motion Joey Morrison: 2nd Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 5 of 10 01:19:15 Discussion 01:21:20 Vote on the Motion to provisionally adopt the Ordinance. The Motion carried 0 - 0. Approve: None Disapprove: None I.2 01:21:35 Resolution Amending the City's FY26 Annual Operating Budget to Increase Appropriations in the Parks and Trails District Fund and Increase Transfers in the Park Land Trust Fund Resolution Parks Budget Amendment FY26.docx 01:21:54 Staff Presentation Parks Planning and Development Manager Addi Jadin presented the Resolution, the projects requiring an increase, and the projects that are new. 01:29:30 Question of Staff 01:39:36 Public Comment There were no public comments on this item. 01:40:04 Motion to approve Resolution Amending the City's FY26 Annual Operating Budget to Increase Appropriations in the Parks and Trails District Fund and Increase Transfers in the Park Land Trust Fund Joey Morrison: Motion Douglas Fischer: 2nd 01:40:20 Discussion 01:43:58 Vote on the Motion to approve Resolution Amending the City's FY26 Annual Operating Budget to Increase Appropriations in the Parks and Trails District Fund and Increase Transfers in the Park Land Trust Fund The Motion carried 0 - 0. Approve: None Disapprove: None J) 01:44:21 Work Session J.1 01:44:31 College St 8th to 11th Renovation Work Session 01:46:13 Staff Presentation Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 6 of 10 Transportation and Engineering Director Nick Ross presented proposed scope of final design, the vision, goals, and background, the timeline, funding and cost estimates, existing conditions and traffic data, existing street section and proposed design, bicycle and pedestrian crossing volumes, parking utilization, intersection design alternatives and intersection operations, design alternatives for driveway access, open house feedback summary, and Transportation Board feedback. 02:08:42 Questions of Staff 02:36:05 Public Comments Mayor Cunningham opened this item for public comments. 02:36:37 Corrine Selby commented support for not having a roundabout at 8th and College, on business parking, driveway access, on shared use path usage conflicts, misuse of business parking lots, the speed limit adjacent to the park, and vehicle trip data. 02:40:29 Dave Lapinski commented on vehicle data, negotiation with MSU, parking enforcement, concerns on the raised midblock crossing, concerns on the loss of parking 02:42:49 Deanna Campbell commented on negotiation with MSU, questioning the need for the midblock crossing to be raised, on bicycle vehicle conflicts at the roundabout on 11th. 02:45:15 Jen O'Brien commented on the project's shared use pathway, the loss of parking, and potential friction related to parking. 02:47:59 Ashley Tripp commented in support of the midblock crossing, the need of driveway access for deliveries, and MSU's responsibility. 02:49:14 Madeline commented to close the driveway access to the MSU parking lot or modifying sight lines. 02:51:05 Natsuki Nakamura commented in favor of the sidewalk improvements, on campus parking, opposes angle parking, MSU Parking enforcement 02:53:45 Justin Bercik commented on favoring pedestrian and cyclists, curious on metered paid parking, shared use path verse parking benefits, 02:57:06 City Manager Response 02:58:23 Commission Discussion 03:02:05 Recess 03:08:41 Call to Order J.2 03:08:44 Bozeman City Study Commission Discussion with the City Commission on the Current Form, Powers, and Structure of the City Government Questions_for_City_Commissioners_on_10.21.25.docx Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 7 of 10 Bozeman City Study Commissioners Jan Strout, Barb Cestero, and Deanna Campbell joined the City Commission at the Dais. Bozeman City Study Commissioner Becky Franks presented the questions and led the discussion with the City Commission. The below information is a summary only and not necessarily an exact reproduction of the specific thoughts of each City Commissioner. For the full response, please consult the recording as that is the official record of the meeting. 03:13:15 What would improve our Commission in its ability to serve and represent the City of Bozeman? Both as an individual commissioner and as a body? • 03:13:40 Cr. Bode noted the time commitment relative to pay, conversation about City Boards and neighborhood associations work for better feedback - elected or somehow more representative • 03:15:55 Cr. Madgic noted agreement with Cr. Bode, challenges exacerbating demands of the job, structure and expectations, time of day for meetings, additional expectations on Boards and time commitments, • 03:17:36 DM Morrison noted the need to define roles and expectations of a Commissioner, either full or part time, • 03:19:25 Cr. Fischer noted the time requirements and perception of them to do the job, staffer to help with scheduling, Deputy Mayor/Mayor arrangement • 03:20:12 Mayor Cunningham noted the community that is represented, encourage reviewing Chapter 6 of Missoula's City Charter relative to Neighborhood Association, supports the City Manager form, Mayor should be 4 year role and full-time job, clear line of governance and administration, agree with DM Morrison on clearly defined roles and expectations 03:25:27 We are considering several structural options to change types of Election for City Commissions: a. What are some of the benefits or challenges the election of District/WARD vs At-large City Commissioner Representation has on the City? b. Some cities have a hybrid version where some Commissioners are elected by District and then a few are elected At Large. What benefits and challenges would a hybrid provide? • 03:26:16 Cr. Madgic noted geographic grouping of past Commissions, concerns of missing representation from non-participating districts, benefit to living in represented district • 03:28:10 DM Morrison noted wards as a growing up of government, is not concerned with uncontested or unrepresented wards, supports requirement of living in ward representing, boundary determinations are an area of important consideration • 03:30:29 Cr. Fischer notes that his voice shouldn't have more impact than any other resident, bodies work best with a common vision • 03:32:05 Mayor Cunningham noted the possible downside of wards not having designated representatives, neighborhood associations as building blocks for wards, builds connection within the wards, Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 8 of 10 • 03:34:38 Cr. Bode noted benefits to wards, the challenges of running an at-large campaign, agreement with Mayor Cunningham as neighborhood associations being building blocks for wards, concerns of willing leaders if there are too many wards, the importance of an odd number with the Mayor, noted the costs associated with more Commissioners and salaries, and importance of living within the ward; does not like the idea of a hybrid • 03:39:08 Cr. Fisher noted the need to rebalance wards • 03:39:36 Cr. Madgic noted holes and inholdings 03:39:59 What is the scope of a Commissioner position? How would you define it broadly? What number of Commissioners would be best? • 03:40:51 DM Morrison noted 7 members total makes sense, would like to see roles as codified in other Charters, notes the role of convener and responding to constituent concerns, increased demands on the Mayor, • 03:43:33 Cr. Fischer noted an even number would create a consensus mindset by creating more needed for a majority, agreed with DM Morrison on the need for "job description" • 03:44:45 Mayor Cunningham noted the demands of preparation and liaison role to boards, gathering information, listening to interested parties, Mayor receives more requests, interaction with US Legislative Delegation should be tied to Mayor role, partnership creation as the lead, need of attendance at neighborhood meetings within ward situation • 03:48:34 Cr. Bode noted 6 wards plus a Mayor at-large, efficiencies and removal of duplicative efforts within a ward system, need a system to identified, understanding around the additional needs and the need to identify the role • 03:50:20 Cr. Madgic noted the role of the Mayor is "a separate animal" and should be full-time, wouldn't want to go too far and become unwieldy with too many, easing people in, likes the idea of the Commissioners are not full-time, 03:52:32 This term will be confusing since we currently have a Deputy Mayor (Vice Mayor) that is elected by the citizens. Our current Charter states that when someone is elected as “Mayor”, they serve two years as Deputy Mayor and then two years as Mayor. Many boards have a Chair and Vice Chair – where the Vice Chair would fill in for the Chair if this person were out of town or unavailable. a. Do you think we should continue having an elected Mayor serve the first two years as Deputy Mayor, or not? b. Should the City Commission elect its own Deputy Mayor to serve in the absence of or to assist the Mayor? • 03:53:54 Cr Fischer noted the Deputy Mayor arrangement is "screwy" and hard to describe to the public, would benefit from continuity in the Mayor seat; doesn't see a good solution to fill in if the Commission didn't choose • 03:55:48 Mayor Cunningham noted the continuity of the same person filling in for the Mayor as opposed to a rotational basis, ward representative might be a better fit in some circumstances than a Mayor or Deputy Mayor Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 9 of 10 • 03:57:10 Cr. Bode noted moving to eliminate Deputy Mayor role as currently, cannot identify a much better way than the group selecting, without wards perhaps the top-vote getter as the Vice Chair/DM • 03:58:15 Cr. Madgic noted it could work to make the appointment for Deputy Mayor/Vice Mayor, remembers why the Deputy Mayor role exists, the need for training/onboarding or lag time to be ready on day 1, • 03:59:54 DM Morrison noted agreement with others' statement, highlighted Cr. Fischer's point on electoral mandate, current system requires respect from Mayor for Deputy Mayor, has no issue with Commission self-selecting their own Deputy 04:02:15 Let’s shift to how currently, the entire Commission hires a City Manager to execute the functions of the Executive Branch – to supervise the City staff and hold the responsibility for carrying out the city policies and laws. In some Cities, the Mayor alone is provided with this function to either execute the Executive functions or be the only one to hire and supervise the City Manager. a. What are the pros and cons of the current form of government (hired City Manager by the entire Commission)? b. The current City Charter places restrictions on communication with staff other than the City Manager. How does this impact on the ability to accomplish the work of the City? 04:03:17 Meeting Extended until 10:15 p.m. • 04:03:25 Mayor Cunningham noted support for City Manager form, City Administrator is a different role, benefit of experienced professional leader, bright line divisions need to be there between governance and administration, downside of City Manager at the whims of the politically elected, City Commission hiring City Manager is valuable, • Expert knowledge lies within the staff, the communication restriction is a pendulum, want access to expertise without compromising the structure, benefited from Commissioner/Director meetings • 04:10:09 Cr. Bode noted critiques of too much power with CM and not responsive/accountable to the citizens, worth thinking about the balance, i.e. routed through the CM but not creating a barrier while allowing access; how to create those guardrails for balance, protects staff from political pressures, continuity for staff to have Manager with institutional knowledge, • 04:13:16 Cr. Madgic agree with the Mayor's comments, strict separation • 04:13:44 DM Morrison noted the way to codify the rules of access, the accountability mechanisms (removal criteria), cost in the caliber of staff that may not want to weather the political winds of changes, stability • 04:15:01 Cr. Fischer noted City Manager is accountable to the Commission, don't necessarily want changes like Police Chief every 4 years, expectations need to be established and can be at hire 04:16:59 Conclusion Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E Bozeman City Commission Meeting Minutes, October 21, 2025] Page 10 of 10 04:18:43 Mayor Cunningham closing remarks K) 04:20:42 FYI / Discussion Cr. Fischer asked for clarification on the Public Comments at the Work Session Cr. Bode suggested staff contact MSU about closing the entrance to the Bison Lot. L) 04:22:41 Adjournment ___________________________________ Terry Cunningham Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ Mike Maas City Clerk PREPARED BY: ___________________________________ Mike Maas City Clerk Approved on: November 10, 2025 Docusign Envelope ID: 33B4E76A-E2AB-4592-93DD-8A1321BF2C4E