HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-25 - InterNeighborhood Council - Agendas & Packet MaterialsA. Call meeting to order - 4:30 p.m.
B. Disclosures
C. Changes to the Agenda
D. Approval of Minutes
D.1 Approve Minutes from August 14, 2025 (Kiely)
D.2 Approve Minutes from October 9, 2025 (Kiely)
E. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board
F. Action Items
F.1 Officer Elections(Kiely)
F.2 Vote to recommend suggested charter language regarding neighborhoods to the Bozeman
City Government Study Commission for their consideration for inclusion in a possible future
city charter.(Sweeney)
THE INTER-NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
INC AGENDA
Thursday, December 11, 2025
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
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Access code: 960 8158 0066
This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the Inter-
Neighborhood Council. 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 Board cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All
persons addressing the Board shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the
audience shall be respectful of others. Please state your name and place of residence in an audible
tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three minutes.
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G. FYI/Discussion
G.1 Setting INC priorities for 2026 (Bakker)
G.2 City Liaison Updates(Kiely)
G.3 Commission Liaison Update(Morrison)
G.4 Neighborhood Updates(INC Reps)
H. Adjournment
I move to approve the suggested charter language regarding neighborhoods, presented by the
subcommittee, to be sent to the Bozeman City Government Study Commission as a recommendation
for inclusion in a possible future city charter.
For more information please contact Emily Kiely, ekiely@bozeman.net
This board generally meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6:00
Committee meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that requires
assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at 406.582.3232.
In order for this Board to receive all relevant public comment in time for this meeting, please submit via
the Public Comment Page or by emailing comments@bozeman.net no later than 12:00 PM on the day
of the meeting. Public comment may be made in person at the meeting as well.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Emily Kiely, Community Engagement Coordinator
SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from August 14, 2025
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Approve Minutes
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:Minutes from August 14, 2025
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Attachments:
2025.08.14 INC Minutes.pdf
Report compiled on: December 4, 2025
3
Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Meeting Minutes, 2025.08.14
Page 1 of 3
THE INTER-NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
August 14, 2025
A) 00:00:08 Call meeting to order - 4:30 p.m.
Mark from Bogert
Angie from NENA
Kath from Mar-Lin
Hannah from Bozeman Creek
Emily M from Figgins Addition
Dick from Bozeman CreekLands
Beth from New Hyalite
Zehra from Valley Unit
Michelle from Midtown
B) 00:01:30 Disclosures
C) 00:01:39 Changes to the Agenda
D) 00:03:29 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and
Jurisdiction of the Board
E) FYI/Discussion
E.1 00:04:27 City Liaison Update
Emily Kiely thanked everyone for turning in the their annual reports.
She shared about outreach and communication for the Neighborhoods Program. She will work with INC
reps/Presidents to get content for Neighborhood Spotlight posts.
She shared about the MSU Debut Community Welcome event.
She gave a heads up about next month's agenda and to be thinking about topics that your neighborhood
would like discussed at INC. Chris Saunders would also like to attend to talk about the Community Plan
Technical Compliance update.
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Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Meeting Minutes, 2025.08.14
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E.2 Commission Liaison Update
Deputy Mayor Morrison shared that Tuesday's meeting will discuss UDC. He also shared that Wetlands
will be coming to Commission in September.
E.3 00:10:42 Neighborhood Updates
Mark from Bogert Park shared that it has be quiet in the neighborhood, SLAM, and Sweet Pea. He
shared he'd like to walk Bogert Park with commissioner candidates and department heads.
Angie from NENA shared about the NENA subcommittee working on UDC and the survey. They are
working on the fall calendar of events for neighbors.
Kath from Mar-Lin shared about road work and water main work. The street report doesn't necessarily
show the level of detail. She shared about the Sweet Pea and Farmers Market events. There is a neighborhood liaison working with BSF. She shared they will have picnic in September and want to learn
about Lindley Center and the Pavilion. Neighbors are interested in keeping the aesthetic of the pavilion.
Hannah from Bozeman Creek shared that it's been very quiet in their neighborhood and have
encouraged neighbors to attend the community welcome.
Emily Mason from Figgins Addition shared that they have neighbors who are interested in the Sac
Audubon Society and are thinking about a neighborhood awareness campaign. Their picnic will be
scheduled for September. Their neighborhood also has a lot of college student. They are working with
MSU to develop welcome kits. There is a concern from the neighbors of density beyond duplexes.
Dick from BCAN shared they have had trouble getting together in the summer. Concern for the
Creekwood Pavilion that burned down a couple years ago and nothing has happened with it. They're
interested in being a part of that. Also concern for the road and need a crosswalk/blinking light. He
shared that MDOT does know about this. Dick talked about communication from Dept to Emily to
Neighborhood.
Beth from New Hyalite View shared that it's been relatively quiet, trails have been busy with bikes. She
shared about the difficulty to get across the road during the winter. She shared that they don't have a
lot of students or many for sale signs.
Zehra from Valley Unit shared that they are still working on revitalizing. They tried three meetings over
the last year and still haven't been able to get a quorum. They have been involved in the Friends of
Fowler group. She asked about maintenance for Storm Water - confusion if HOAs or is the City
maintenance.
Michelle from Midtown shared about Peach being closed. School is starting soon so the neighborhood
will be busier soon.
Alison from Jandt shared that the neighborhood has been quiet without students. She shared that there
are a houses for sale. She shared about the road work happening. She shared that over 100 people
attended their block party. She has shared the MSU Debut event with the neighborhood.
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Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Meeting Minutes, 2025.08.14
Page 3 of 3
Dick asked about the Peach project. Joey shared about MDT having the final authority on these projects
and do work with the City. He shared about the desire of knowing about these project before they're a
done deal and involve the neighborhood.
F) 00:56:06 Adjournment
For more information please contact Emily Kiely, ekiely@bozeman.net. This board generally meets the
2nd Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6:00
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Emily Kiely, Community Engagement Coordinator
SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from October 9, 2025
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Approve minutes
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:Minutes from October 9, 2025
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Attachments:
2025.10.09 INC Minutes.pdf
Report compiled on: December 4, 2025
7
Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Minutes, 10.09.2025
Page 1 of 6
THE INTER-NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
October 9, 2025
A) Call meeting to order - 4:30 p.m.
B) Disclosures
C) Changes to the Agenda
E.1 Special Presentation will be removed from the agenda. Those interested are invited to attend the
public meeting at the Bozeman Public Library later this evening. This item will not be rescheduled to a
later date due to the election before the next meeting.
Action Items G.1-G.3 will be moved up on the agenda before the UDC discussion in case reps have to
leave early.
D) 00:02:43 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and
Jurisdiction of the Board
Dan Kaveney spoke about the WARD education campaign.
E) Special Presentation
F) FYI/Discussion
F.1 00:49:51 UDC New Draft Release
Chris Saunders, Community Development Manager, presented on the updated draft of the UDC.
He shared about the project goals and timeline of the UDC rewrite. He shared that the project kicked off
in 2022 and we're now in the third rewrite draft.
The two main buckets for the projects are the text of the development code and the zoning map.
He gave summaries of the overall project edits and draft specific revisions.
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Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Minutes, 10.09.2025
Page 2 of 6
He gave an overview of the changes that are directed by the state. He talked about the revised noticing
laws.
He talked about the locally directed changes.
He shared about the zoning map and the existing and proposed zoning districts.
He gave a timeline of upcoming engagement and participation opportunities.
01:15:11 Kathy applauded the work and the links.
Pam asked about the Cooper Park neighborhood and the changes in that neighborhood and who to talk
to about specific questions. Chris said to look at the materials first and then reach out to Chris.
Angie asked about...Chris said it came from a Commission work session.
Mark asked if state specifies
Zehra asked about the powerpoint slides.
01:45:07 Pam shared about Cooper Park going to ask to waive fee for block parties for
Neighborhood Associations.
01:15:43 Pam asked about Cooper Park neighborhood and the changes in that neighborhood and
who to talk to about specific questions. Chris said look at the materials first and then reach out to Chris.
01:16:52 Angie asked about building standards and max heights.
01:21:33 Zehra Osman asked if powerpoint slides would be on Engage Bozeman.
She also asked about the standards of appropriateness.
01:26:43 Angie asked about NEHMU.
01:26:43 Angie asked about NEHMU and being an arts-centric zoning.
She also asked about the Centennial Park area.
01:31:18 Alison asked about the expansion of B3 to E Curtis and notice for property owners.
She asked about zone edge transitions and how to measure the right of way.
01:36:57 Mark asked about Bogert Park and asked about down zoning, and frat houses.
He asked about development happening through Church.
01:41:51 Chris made a last note about the process and shared about Community Development
Board dates.
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Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Minutes, 10.09.2025
Page 3 of 6
01:43:55 Angie asked about ground floor residential.
G) Action Items
G.1 00:05:26 Create subcommittee to review Neighborhoods Association Charter for
the Study Commission.
Alison shared about the Study Commission and the suggestion to review the neighborhoods charts line
by line.
Pam Bode asked a clarifying question about what happened at the September.
Angie asked about voting and the results of the survey. Emily K shared it's up to each neighborhood
association's bylaws if they're able to vote or not.
Alison Sweeney: Motion
Angie Kociolek: 2nd
Mark/Bogert Park - abstain
Pam/Cooper Park - abstain
Angie/NENA - yes
Hannah/Bozeman Creek - abstain
Alison/Jandt - yes
Dick/Bridger CreekLands - yes
Kathy/University - yes
Zehra/Valley Unit - yes
Michelle/Midtown - abstain
Emily/Figgins Addition - yes
Kath/Mar-Lin - abstain
Motion carries
INC Neighborhood Feedback Oct 2025.pdf
G.2 00:16:08 Delay voting on UDC draft until January
Alison shared she would recuse herself from this vote.
00:17:30 Dan Kaveney shared that he was supportive of delaying the UDC vote until the new year
with a fully elected City Commission.
00:19:02 Pam shared that Cooper Park did not answer the survey questions and does not feel
qualified to vote. She pointed out survey results represent mostly 4 neighborhoods and recommended
that that those neighborhoods send a letter from their specific neighborhood. She said they'd be better
in the future.
Angie Kociolek asked about the previous vote and asked about Cooper Park's bylaws. She also asked
about Pam's relationship to Commissioner Pam Bode. Pam didn't think it related to this group and that
Commissioner Bode is her daughter.
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Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Minutes, 10.09.2025
Page 4 of 6
Mark Campanelli talked about staff hours and deadlines and what to show that INC is aware of those
hours put in.
Kathy Rich: motion
Angie: 2nd
Joey asked INC reps to share findings and criteria for how and why this recommendations was made.
Michelle Osman from Midtown shared her concerns about three members being appointing. She talked
about who she voted.
Emily Mason from Figgins shared the concerns of Michelle and Dan Kaveney's public comment. She
talked about Bozeman voters having a say.
Hannah shared she can't vote.
Kathy Rich shared that she's voting based on the neighbor's vote, which is why she's voting yes.
Zehra echoed the comments of Dan Kaveney and Michelle and Emily. She's also going by what her
neighborhood said in the survey.
Michelle also talked about her neighborhood's responses. Emily Mason is also voicing the majority in her
neighborhood.
Kathy Rich: motion
Zehra Osman: 2nd
"delay their vote on the UDC update."
Zehra Osman: motion with new language
Kathy Rich: 2nd
Mark/Bogert Park - abstain
Pam/Cooper Park - abstain
Angie/NENA - yes
Hannah/Bozeman Creek - abstain
Alison/Jandt - abstain
Dick/Bridger CreekLands- yes
Kathy/University - yes
Zehra/Valley Unit - yes
Michelle/Midtown - abstain
Kath/Mar-Lin - abstain
Emily/Figgins Addition - yes
Motion doesn't pass.
G.3 00:36:52 Neighborhood representation in NCOD rewrite
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Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Minutes, 10.09.2025
Page 5 of 6
Alison introduced the topic. She talked about the Guthrie and that the city will be hiring a consultants to
rewrite the NCOD. She thinks that those living in the NCOD should have a larger voice in that rewrite.
Angie said being in the NCOD, NENA would appreciate being a part of this.
Kathy Rich shared that University neighborhood felt the same.
Mark asked if there was more of a work plan.
Zehra shared that Valley Unit is outside, but voted in favor.
No public comment
Kathy Rich: motion
Alison Sweeney: 2nd
There was discussion about who the letter was being written to.
Alison moved to amend language to include "INC write a letter to the City Commission...."
Michelle Osman: 2nd
Angie Kociolek spoke about amending to include "including access to the consultants."
Alison read the new language and made motion:
Kathy Rich: 2nd
Mark/Bogert Park- abstain
Pam/Cooper Park - abstain
Angie/NENA - yes
Hannah/Bozeman Creek - abstain
Alison/Jandt - yes
Dick/Bridger CreekLands - yes
Kathy/University - yes
Zehra/Valley Unit - yes
Kath/Mar-Lin - abstain
Michelle/Midtown - abstain
Emily/Figgins Addition - yes
Motion carries.
H) 01:46:01 Adjournment
For more information please contact Emily Kiely, ekiely@bozeman.netThis board generally meets the 2nd
Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6:00
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Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council Minutes, 10.09.2025
Page 6 of 6
13
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Emily Kiely, Community Engagement Coordinator
SUBJECT:Officer Elections
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Vote for new Secretary/Treasurer.
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:At the June Inter-Neighborhood Council Meeting, Alison Sweeney was
elected as Secretary from July-December 2025.
V. Officers and Duties per INC bylaws:
A. The INC shall maintain the offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary-
Treasurer. The officers must be appointed delegates
i. The Chair shall be responsible for the operation of the INC and
its officers pursuant to these Bylaws. This shall include setting
meeting agendas, conducting meetings, representing the INC at
official functions, appointing sub-committees, and generally
overseeing the business of the INC. The Chair shall have the
primary responsibility for leading the long-term and short-term
planning efforts of the INC and shall also have specific duties as
spelled out elsewhere in these Bylaws and assigned by the
delegates.
ii. The Vice-Chair shall, in the event of the absence or inability of
the Chairman to exercise the office, become acting Chairman of
the INC.
iii. The Secretary-Treasurer, in partnership with the City Liaison,
shall be the official custodian of the records as required by the
Bylaws of the INC. The Secretary-Treasurer shall produce all
written, electronic, or other modes of communications as
requested by the Chair or delegates.
iv. The Secretary-Treasurer shall have custody of all monies
belonging to the INC and maintain an accurate accounting of
all receipts and expenditures that have been generated
through the INC. The Secretary-Treasurer shall provide a
financial report to delegates at meetings as deemed necessary
14
by the Chair and affix to the meeting minutes. The Secretary-
Treasurer must be one of the officers who shall sign checks or
drafts of the INC, if utilized. There shall be three (3) authorized
signatures on the bankcard, if any, and two (2) authorized
signatures on each check, if any.
X. Removal and Vacancies of Delegates and Officers per INC bylaws:
A. Any elected officer may be removed from office for good cause.
Removal shall be debated by the INC and shall require a two-thirds
(2/3) vote of the delegates of the INC. Notice of a vote for removal of
an elected officer shall be included in the call to meeting and listed on
the meeting agenda along with the location, date and time of the
meeting.
i. If a vacancy occurs outside the normal election process,
candidates for the unfilled term shall be nominated from the
floor and elected at the next scheduled meeting following the
vacancy. Anyone elected to the vacated office shall serve for
the remainder of the original term.
B. Any INC delegate may be removed from the INC for good cause.
Removal shall be debated by the INC and shall require a majority vote
of the delegates.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Attachments:
20240717 INC bylaws.pdf
Report compiled on: December 4, 2025
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 1
City of Bozeman
Inter-Neighborhood Council Bylaws
I. Mission A. Recognizing the value of citizen involvement and the importance of neighborhood
relations through effective and timely communication, the Inter-Neighborhood
Council (INC) is committed to ensuring safety, knowledge and guidance to Bozeman’s neighborhoods. The INC fosters a sense of cooperation and understanding between neighborhoods to increase the overall health of the community. The INC provides information to the recognized neighborhood
associations and may make recommendations to the City Commission and City
staff on city-wide issues as requested and /or deemed necessary by the INC. II. Vision
A. Our pride in where we live rests, in part, on the relationships we share with others
in our community. We envision the City of Bozeman as one in which every citizen feels informed about changes in their neighborhood and community and thus are enabled to share their concerns and ideas with fellow citizens and elected officials and in which governmental agencies at all levels set the example of
good stewardship and support for their citizens’ efforts.
III. Definitions A. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly
indicates a different meaning: 1. "City agency" means and includes all departments, bureaus, offices, boards, councils, liaisons, task forces and commissions of the City of Bozeman.
2. "City liaison" means the designee of the City Manager responsible for administration and enforcement of the responsibilities of the City of Bozeman as defined by the City’s Neighborhood Recognition Ordinance.
3. "Inter-Neighborhood Council (INC)" means the council composed of
delegates selected by each recognized neighborhood association. 4. "Recognized neighborhood association" means an organization formed by residents for the purpose of maintaining and/or improving the livability and
quality of their neighborhood, formally recognized by the INC, and therefore the
City of Bozeman, and subject to the provisions of the City’s Neighborhood Recognition Ordinance.
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 2
5. "Non-recognized neighborhood association" means an organization formed by residents for the purpose of maintaining and/or improving the livability and
quality of their neighborhood. A non-recognized neighborhood association is one
which has not met the minimum standards for recognition as set forth in the City’s Neighborhood Recognition Ordinance or has lost its recognized status for failing to comply with the minimum standards as set forth in the City’s Neighborhood Recognition Ordinance. A non-recognized neighborhood association has no
representation on the INC.
6. "Neighborhood group" means a loosely organized, non-recognized group of residents formed for the purpose of maintaining and/or improving the livability and quality of their neighborhood and that demonstrates an interest in forming a
recognized neighborhood association. A neighborhood group has no
representation on the INC. IV. Authorization and Organization
A. The INC is established by the Bozeman City Charter, adopted by the Citizens of
Bozeman on December 7, 2006 and effective January 1, 2008. B. The INC fiscal year begins 1 July of each year and ends 30 June of the next year.
C. The INC is an advisory board to the City Commission. The INC shall be
composed of one delegate selected by each recognized neighborhood association and shall provide a forum for recognized neighborhood associations to come together, share information and make recommendations to the city. The INC shall also provide a forum for non-recognized neighborhood associations,
neighborhood groups and city agencies to communicate with recognized and non-
recognized neighborhood organizations and groups. V. Officers and Duties
A. The INC shall maintain the offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer.
The officers must be appointed delegates. 1. The Chair shall be responsible for the operation of the INC and its officers pursuant to these Bylaws. This shall include setting meeting agendas,
conducting meetings, representing the INC at official functions, appointing
sub-committees, and generally overseeing the business of the INC. The Chair shall have the primary responsibility for leading the long-term and short-term planning efforts of the INC and shall also have specific duties as spelled out elsewhere in these Bylaws and assigned by the delegates.
2. The Vice-Chair shall, in the event of the absence or inability of the Chairman to exercise the office, become acting Chairman of the INC.
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 3
3. The Secretary-Treasurer, in partnership with the City Liaison, shall be the official custodian of the records as required by the Bylaws of the INC. The
Secretary-Treasurer shall produce all written, electronic, or other modes of
communications as requested by the Chair or delegates. The Secretary-Treasurer shall record and maintain the minutes of all INC meetings. 4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall have custody of all monies belonging to the
INC and maintain an accurate accounting of all receipts and expenditures that
have been generated through the INC. The Secretary-Treasurer shall provide a financial report to delegates at meetings as deemed necessary by the Chair and affix to the meeting minutes. The Secretary-Treasurer must be one of the officers who shall sign checks or drafts of the INC, if utilized. There shall be
three (3) authorized signatures on the bankcard, if any, and two (2) authorized
signatures on each check, if any. VI. City Liaison Duties
A. The City Liaison is responsible for providing counsel and support services to the
INC and other duties as codified in municipal code sec.2.05.1220. Such services may include assistance with agenda creation and distribution, general communications, newsletters, grant writing, activity planning, leadership training, public relations, outreach efforts, general information and referral, and other
technical assistance as requested. The City Liaison shall record and maintain the
minutes of all INC meetings. The City Liaison shall work with the Secretary-Treasurer to ensure accurate records of the INC are maintained. VII. Executive Committee
A. The Executive Committee shall be composed of all INC officers, the Chair of any standing committee(s) of the INC and the City Liaison. B. The Executive Committee, as a collective body, may act on behalf of the INC
between regular meetings on any matter determined urgent. Any such action shall
be reported at the next regular meeting of the INC and none of its actions shall conflict with actions taken or policies formulated by the INC. VIII. Committees
A. The Chair, with a successful vote, may appoint standing committees to help conduct the business of the INC. Each appointed standing committee shall choose a committee Chair, who shall serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
B. Committee Chair(s) shall report to the INC. These reports shall be entered into the minutes.
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 4
IX. Elections and Officer Terms
A. Elections of INC officers shall occur in the final meeting of the fiscal year held in the month of June, with the exception to the 2013 year.
B. A nominating committee may be appointed by the Chair to propose, for the final
meeting of the fiscal year, one or more eligible candidates from the INC for each office for the coming year. Nominations shall also be accepted from the floor. All candidates must have accepted the nomination and be a qualified delegate of the INC.
C. The INC shall elect officers by a successful vote. D. Voting shall be by secret ballot if there is more than one (1) candidate for office.
E. The ballots shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer for sixty (60) days and
shall then be destroyed. F. The Secretary-Treasurer, in partnership with the City Liaison, will obtain the names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and terms of
office of newly elected INC officers.
G. Newly elected officers shall be installed in the first meeting of the fiscal year of the month of July.
H. Terms of office for INC officers shall be a recommended (but not mandated)
maximum of two years. I. The Secretary-Treasurer, in partnership with the City Liaison, shall maintain a list of recognized neighborhood association members interested in serving as a
delegate to, or officer in, the INC. This list shall be consulted when a delegate, or
delegates, is needed to fill a vacancy and/or when officers are nominated. X. Removal and Vacancies of Delegates and Officers
A. Any elected officer may be removed from office for good cause. Removal shall
be debated by the INC and shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates of the INC. Notice of a vote for removal of an elected officer shall be included in the call to meeting and listed on the meeting agenda along with the location, date and time of the meeting.
1. If a vacancy occurs outside the normal election process, candidates for the unfilled term shall be nominated from the floor and elected at the next scheduled
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 5
meeting following the vacancy. Anyone elected to the vacated office shall serve for the remainder of the original term.
B. Any INC delegate may be removed from the INC for good cause. Removal shall be debated by the INC and shall require a majority vote of the delegates. XI. Procedures
A. Unless otherwise determined by a successful vote of the INC, the body shall conduct a minimum of one regularly scheduled meeting each month. All meetings are open to the public and subject to the State of Montana’s open meeting laws. Cancellation or rescheduling of any meeting, or scheduling of any
special meetings, may occur at the discretion of INC. Regularly scheduled
meetings shall be held at such a place, date and hour as may from time to time be fixed by consensus. Notification of all meetings to all delegates may be given in person, via e-mail, via fax, over the telephone, or hand delivered to a delegate’s usual place of residence at least three days before the time set for the meeting.
Notification shall also be given to the City Clerk’s office.
B. The City Liaison shall prepare a schedule/agenda for each meeting in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair and other neighborhood delegates as needed. Said agenda shall be made available to the entire INC and the City Clerk’s office at
least three days prior to each monthly meeting and shall include the date, time and
location of the meeting as well as discussion topics. Agenda shall be hand delivered to a delegate’s usual place of residence, delivered electronically via email or via fax.
C. The Chair shall preside at all meetings; the Vice-Chair shall preside at meetings
upon request of the Chair. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare the minutes of the monthly or special meetings. The minutes shall include a list of attendance, including neighborhood delegates, guests, and members of the public, and a summary of all business, discussions and actions taken.
D. Amendments and changes to the Bylaws may be adopted during any regular meeting following a two-thirds (2/3) vote of delegates and provided that the revisions are submitted to the INC along with the agenda in advance of the meeting. Amendments shall be ratified by the City Commission. Date of
amendment approval by the INC and City Commission shall be recorded under
the section “XVIII. Effective Date” of these bylaws. XII. Representation and Voting A. A quorum, which is required for the conduct of any INC meeting, consists of 1/3
of delegates, with a minimum of three delegates.
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 6
B. Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, an INC vote passes by a majority of attending delegates at any INC meeting.
C. Each recognized neighborhood association shall appoint one delegate and one
alternate delegate to the INC and communicate the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the delegate and the alternate, in writing, to the INC Secretary-Treasurer and the City Liaison.
D. Each appointed delegate has one vote on the INC. In the absence of the appointed
delegate the alternate delegate to the INC may exercise the same rights and privileges afforded the appointed delegate until the absent delegate returns or a new delegate is appointed by a recognized neighborhood association. Only one vote from each recognized neighborhood association may be cast. Delegate, or
alternate delegate, vacancies to the INC shall be filled within sixty (60) days of
the vacancy. E. A delegate to the INC unable to attend an INC meeting may provide written
authorization to the INC Secretary-Treasurer for an alternate delegate or other
INC delegate to vote on any matter that may come before the INC at that meeting. The written proxy authorization shall state the name of the authorized delegate and be signed and dated by the absent delegate. A proxy vote shall be fully documented in the minutes of the meeting.
F. The INC shall establish and follow a clear method for reporting to the City actions which accurately reflect neighborhood positions. When the INC presents an official position on an issue to the City, the INC shall identify how a decision on the position was reached:
1. by majority vote of the delegates; 2. by majority vote of the attending delegates; 3. by a 2/3 vote of the delegates; 4. by consensus of the attending delegates;
5. bya poll of the general membership of each recognized neighborhood
association with documentation of vote results; or 6. by vote of recognized neighborhood association membership at a general or special membership meeting with documentation of vote results.
XIII. Attendance A. Regular attendance of all meetings is considered crucial for neighborhood contribution to the INC, and is a requirement for membership. No more than three absences within a one-year period may occur, without authorization from a
INC officer or City Liaison (understanding emergencies arise). Attendance shall
be recorded by the Secretary-Treasurer at each meeting and included in the minutes.
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 7
XIV. Conflict of Interest
A. Any delegate or alternate delegate, who has, may have or expects to have, a
pecuniary or personal interest in a nomination, proposal, recommendation or undertaking related to the INC’s general role and responsibility as stated in the Mission, shall publicly declare a potential conflict of interest and attempt resolution through discussion among delegates. If the conflict cannot be resolved,
the delegate or alternate delegate, shall recuse themselves from debate and abstain
from a vote or votes on that issue. Pecuniary interest shall be defined as the flow of resources, loss of resources, or savings of resources which may result from the action of a delegate. Personal interest shall be defined as any interest in the matter which would affect the action of the delegate other than a financial interest,
and other than an interest because of membership in, or affiliation with, but not
employment by a social, fraternal, charitable, service, educational, religious, governmental, health service, philanthropic, cultural, or similar nonprofit institution or organization.
XV. General
A. The rules in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the INC, and all committees and subcommittees in all cases to which they apply and do not conflict with the specific provisions of these Bylaws or any special rules that the
INC may adopt.
B. If any part of the Bylaws or the application thereof is hereafter held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, and only the affected portions are declared eliminated.
C. No INC delegate or alternate, officer, representative or spokesperson shall assume any financial liability of the INC. D. Officers of, and delegates to, the INC shall not represent the INC on any issue
unless authorized to do so at a regular meeting of the INC by a majority of
the delegates. XVI. Non-discrimination Clause
A. The INC shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender,
sexual orientation, marital status, age, religion, creed, political belief, mental or physical ability, or veteran status in admission, access to, or conduct of its meetings.
XVII. Amendments A. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates, at any regular INC meeting, provided authorization to amend the bylaws has been
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INC Bylaws - Revised August 8, 2024 8
directed by the delegates at a preceding meeting. Notice of a vote to amend the Bylaws shall be included in the call to meeting and listed on the meeting agenda.
B. Bylaw amendments approved by the INC shall be forwarded to the City Liaison within ten (10) calendar days of approval for submission to the City Commission for ratification.
XVIII. Effective Date A. These Bylaws were formally approved by the INC delegates at a meeting held on the 11th day of December 2007, at 7:00 P.M., at the Beall Park Recreation Center in the City of Bozeman, County of Gallatin, State of Montana and signed by all
the attending delegates of the INC, representing a majority of neighborhood
associations. B. These bylaws of the INC as officially and formally adopted on the 11th day of December, 2007, shall be effective January 1, 2008, upon final acceptance by
majority of the City Commission as presented for ratification by the City
Commission on December 17, 2007 and approved by a vote of 5-0. C. Amendments to these bylaws occurred by a 2/3 vote of the INC on the 9th day of May and presented for ratification by the City Commission on 12th day of August
and approved by a vote of 4-0.
Documentation of INC Approval:
_________________________________________________ INC Chair Attested to by:
__________________________________________________ INC City Liaison
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Alison Sweeney, INC Secretary
SUBJECT:Vote to recommend suggested charter language regarding neighborhoods to
the Bozeman City Government Study Commission for their consideration for
inclusion in a possible future city charter.
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:I move to approve the suggested charter language regarding neighborhoods,
presented by the subcommittee, to be sent to the Bozeman City
Government Study Commission as a recommendation for inclusion in a
possible future city charter.
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:Bozeman has voted to examine its form of government. The Study
Commission that we elected to research our current form and possibly
propose a new form has asked for the INC’s input on what would strengthen
the neighborhoods program in a possible future charter.
The Study Commission will propose a new charter (or other form of
government) next spring and Bozeman voters will have the opportunity in
November of 2026 to adopt this new proposed form of government, or not.
Therefore the INC has been asked to deliver their recommendations by the
end of 2025.
At the October INC meeting, representatives appointed Beth Boyson, Mark
Campanelli, and Alison Sweeney to carry out this work. At the November
meeting recommendations were discussed and the subcommittee
subsequently drafted suggested charter language for further review by INC
members. Since this vote will be an administrative act for INC, rather than a
representative one on behalf of individual neighborhoods, all members of
the body are allowed to vote regardless of their individual neighborhood
association by-laws.
24
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Attachments:
Bozeman Charter Suggested Language for Neighborhoods.pdf
Report compiled on: December 5, 2025
25
Bozeman Charter Suggested Language for Neighborhoods
______________________
Bozeman Charter, Sec. 4.06. - Neighborhood Associations.
(a) Purpose. The citizens of Bozeman value the contribution neighborhoods can make
to the governance of the city. Therefore, it is the purpose of this article to strengthen
neighborhood participation where it exists, and to encourage and support
neighborhood participation where it does not yet exist.
(a) Purpose: There shall be neighborhood associations. The associations shall act in an
advisory capacity to the City Commission, the City Manager and to other City advisory
bodies, and may contribute information, opinions, advice, suggestions and
recommendations to the City Commission, City Manager and other City advisory bodies
on all governmental affairs and services having an effect on the area the neighborhood
association represents, including, but not limited to, public finance, public works, public
safety, planning and zoning, and public health and sanitation.
(b) Recognition of neighborhood associations. The city commission
Inter-Neighborhood Council shall establish by ordinance minimum recognition
requirements for neighborhood associations, to be adopted by the City Commission by
ordinance. These standards shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) clear geographic boundaries;
(2) procedures for defining a resident for neighborhood association
membership;
(3) adherence to established minimum by-laws that ensure democratic
deliberative and voting procedures capabilities for their chosen
Inter-Neighborhood Council representative;
(4) periodic meetings, including an annual meeting;
(5) copy of the by-laws and all amendments filed with the city;
(6) inclusion of all residents in the neighborhood association; and
(7) demonstrating that it has a means of communicating with all residents in a
neighborhood association.
(c) Minimum Standards. A neighborhood association must meet and continue to
maintain conformity with the minimum standards as established by ordinance in order
to be recognized by the city and to be eligible to elect members to the
Inter-Neighborhood Council. Neighborhood associations existing on the date of the
enactment of this charter shall have one year after the enactment of said city
ordinance to come into compliance.
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(d) InterNeighborhood Council. There is hereby established, an Inter-Neighborhood
Council to be composed of representatives selected by each recognized neighborhood
association.
(1) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall provide a forum for Neighborhood
Associations to come together, share information, and make recommendations
to the city commission, city staff, and the mayor on city-wide issues in order to
advocate for their residents' concerns. This does not preclude a neighborhood
association from taking its concerns directly to the city or the commission.
(2) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall meet on a regular basis to address
city-wide concerns, examine current or proposed city policy, and foster dialogue
between neighborhoods.
(3) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall adopt by-laws governing the conduct
of their business. Such by-laws shall be approved adopted by the city
commission, or as designated by ordinance. A vacancy on the
Inter-Neighborhood Council shall be filled only by the affected neighborhood
association. The city Inter-Neighborhood Council may appoint invite a city
commissioner as a non-voting member of the InterNeighborhood Council.
(e) City Liaison. Neighborhoods Coordinator. The City shall designate retain a full time
staff member to serve as liaison staff to the InterNeighborhood Council and
neighborhood associations. This staff member shall be under the City Managers
Department and work solely on the neighborhoods program.
27
Proposed new text
(a) Purpose: There shall be neighborhood associations. The associations shall act in an
advisory capacity to the City Commission, the City Manager and to other City advisory
bodies, and may contribute information, opinions, advice, suggestions and
recommendations to the City Commission, City Manager and other City advisory bodies
on all governmental affairs and services having an effect on the area the neighborhood
association represents, including, but not limited to, public finance, public works, public
safety, planning and zoning, and public health and sanitation.
(b) Recognition of neighborhood associations. The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall
establish minimum recognition requirements for neighborhood associations, to be
adopted by the City Commission by ordinance. These standards shall include, but not
be limited to:
(1) clear geographic boundaries;
(2) adherence to established minimum by-laws that ensure voting capabilities
for their chosen Inter-Neighborhood Council representative;
(3) periodic meetings, including an annual meeting;
(4) copy of the by-laws and all amendments filed with the city;
(5) inclusion of all residents in the neighborhood association; and
(6) demonstrating that it has a means of communicating with all residents in a
neighborhood association.
(c) Minimum Standards. A neighborhood association must meet and continue to
maintain conformity with the minimum standards as established by ordinance in order
to be recognized by the city and to be eligible to elect members to the
Inter-Neighborhood Council. Neighborhood associations existing on the date of the
enactment of this charter shall have one year after the enactment of said city
ordinance to come into compliance.
(d) InterNeighborhood Council. There is hereby established, an Inter-Neighborhood
Council to be composed of representatives selected by each recognized neighborhood
association.
(1) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall provide a forum for Neighborhood
Associations to come together, share information, and make recommendations
to the city commission, city staff, and the mayor on city-wide issues in order to
advocate for their residents' concerns. This does not preclude a neighborhood
association from taking its concerns directly to the city or the commission.
28
(2) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall meet on a regular basis to address
city-wide concerns, examine current or proposed city policy, and foster dialogue
between neighborhoods.
(3) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall adopt by-laws governing the conduct
of their business. Such by-laws shall be adopted by the city commission, by
ordinance. A vacancy on the Inter-Neighborhood Council shall be filled only by
the affected neighborhood association. The Inter-Neighborhood Council may
invite a city commissioner as a non-voting member of the InterNeighborhood
Council.
(e) Neighborhoods Coordinator. The City shall retain a full time staff member to serve
as staff to the InterNeighborhood Council and neighborhood associations. This staff
member shall be under the City Managers Department and work solely on the
neighborhoods program.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Dick Bakker, INC Chair
SUBJECT:Setting INC priorities for 2026
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:None
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:INC representatives will discuss and prioritize topics for the Inter-
Neighborhood Council to focus on in the coming year. Based on this
discussion, they will develop a draft work plan. The finalized list of priorities
will be brought forward for a vote at the January meeting.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Report compiled on: December 5, 2025
30
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Emily Kiely, Community Engagement Coordinator
SUBJECT:City Liaison Updates
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:None
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:Standing item on INC agenda - the City Liaison provides an update on
Neighborhoods Program work, Engagement at the City, and pertinent
information for INC Reps and Neighborhoods.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Report compiled on: December 4, 2025
31
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Joey Morrison, Deputy Mayor
SUBJECT:Commission Liaison Update
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:None
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:Standing item on INC agenda - the City Commission Liaison provides an
update of pertinent information for INC Reps and Neighborhoods.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Report compiled on: December 4, 2025
32
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Inter-Neighborhood Council
FROM:Inter-Neighborhood Council Representatives
SUBJECT:Neighborhood Updates
MEETING DATE:December 11, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:None
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:Standing agenda item - pertinent updates from INC Representatives will be
shared.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:None
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Report compiled on: December 4, 2025
33