HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-23-26 Public Comment - S. Hinkins - July 23 2026 Study Commission Agenda Section 7.04From:Richard Gillette
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]July 23 2026 Study Commission Agenda Section 7.04
Date:Thursday, July 23, 2026 9:50:26 AM
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I have two comments on the latest version of Charter Section 7.04
When I read Section 7.04 (c), I interpreted the words “with no deviation exceeding 5% of the average population” to
mean the deviation between a ward population and the population mean could be no larger than 5%. After reading
the new edit to 7.04(b), I believe you meant in 7.04(c) that no deviation between the ward populations could exceed
5% of the mean. Whatever the intent, the language is not clear as to the criteria.
In 7.04 (b) (iii), regarding redrawing the wards more often, do we want to make it mandatory or should we allow the
city commission to make the decision when this criteria is met? Redrawing wards can be difficult and disruptive.
And the Census numbers between the decennial census have sampling error. The city commission might not want
to redraw if, for example, there are only two wards out of compliance that differ by 6% and it is known that in the
smaller ward a significant number of residential properties were very recently opened. It should be mandatory every
10 years but we should leave it to the city commission to evaluate the situation otherwise.
Thank you
Susan Hinkins
3300 E Graf St. Unit 94
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