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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-26 - Urban Parks and Forestry Board - Agendas & Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 6:00 PM B. Disclosures C. Changes to the Agenda D. Public Service Announcements E. Approval of Minutes E.1 Approval Minutes from August 27, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting (Overton) F. Consent Items G. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board THE URBAN PARKS AND FORESTRY BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA UPF AGENDA Thursday, September 24, 2026 General information about the Urban Parks & Forestry Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository. If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day of the meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to the Board or staff. Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through Video Conference during the appropriate agenda items. As always, the meeting will be streamed through the Commission's video page and available in the City on cable channel 190. For more information please contact Mitch Overton, moverton@bozeman.net This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online videoconferencing 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 +1 346 248 7799 Access code: 934 5616 9186 This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the Urban Parks 1 H. Special Presentations I. Action Items J. FYI/Discussion J.1 Bozeman Creek Vision Plan - Draft Plan Work Session (Henderson) J.2 Director's Update(Overton) J.3 Commissioner's Update(Sweeney) J.4 Work Session: 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan - Public Comment and Final Draft Revisions(Nordquest) K. Adjournment & Forestry Board. 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 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. General public comments to the Board can be found on their Laserfiche repository page. This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Citizen Advisory Board 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. 2 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director Anhad Bajwa, Administrative Assistant II SUBJECT:Approval Minutes from August 27, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting MEETING DATE:September 24, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes RECOMMENDATION:Approval Minutes from August 27, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at the next scheduled meetings. Staff will make any corrections identified to the minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:As suggested by the UPF Board. ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board. FISCAL EFFECTS:n/a Attachments: 08.27.26_Minutes.pdf Report compiled on: September 3, 2026 3 Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 8/27/2026 Page 1 of 2 URBAN PARKS & FORESTRY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA MINUTES 8/27/2026 General information about the Urban Parks & Forestry Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository. A) 00:00:47 Call to Order - 6:00 PM B) 00:03:47 Disclosures Matthew Kortan - Related to Agenda Item F2, Community Grant Funding Recommendations, noticed the library is on there and he is a summer employee at the library at the moment and he needs to be excused from any voted related to that. Per Mitch, will not affect anything since the Agenda Item is not directly related to the library. Teri Lumsden - Her primary home is in West Winds Subdivision, which is along the Cattail Corridor. C) 00:05:14 Changes to the Agenda - none D) 00:05:20 Approval of Minutes D.1 Approval Minutes from July 23, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting 07.23.26_Minutes.pdf 00:05:29 Motion to approve D) Approval of Minutes Brandt Berube: Motion Sally Schrank: 2nd F) 00:06:34 Action Items F.1 00:06:52 Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan UPFB Cattail Creek Resolution.docx 2026-CATTAIL-PARK-MASTER-PLAN_UPFB.pdf 4 Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 8/27/2026 Page 2 of 2 Public Co 00:39:56 Public Comments on Agenda Item F.1 - Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan Heather Higgs, Harvest Creek Homeowners Association Peter Noree, Resident of Bozeman Darrin Strosnider, Resident of Cattail Creek Jaymie Nesmith, Resident of Cattail Creek 01:11:39 Motion to approve Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan, with additional and alternative communication to neighborhood organizations. Brandt Berube: Motion Matthew Kortan: 2nd F.2 01:18:17 Approve the Park Land Trust 2025 Community Grant Program Funding Recommendation and Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to Initiate Grant Agreements Grant Summary and Funding Recommendation.pdf 1_BSF.pdf 01:26:41 Motion to approve Approve the Park Land Trust 2025 Community Grant Program Funding Recommendation and Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to Initiate Grant Agreements Matthew Kortan: Motion Steve Lowry: 2nd E) 01:17:14 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board - none G) 01:27:22 FYI/Discussion G.1 01:27:28 Director's Update - Mitch Overton Commissioner's 01:32:59 Update - Alison Sweeney H) 01:34:46 Adjournment This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 5 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Jon Henderson, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT:Bozeman Creek Vision Plan - Draft Plan Work Session MEETING DATE:September 24, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study RECOMMENDATION:Bozeman Creek Vision Plan - Draft Plan Work Session STRATEGIC PLAN:6.6 Habitat: Work with partner organizations to identify at-risk, environmentally sensitive parcels contribute to water quality, wildlife corridors, and wildlife habitat. BACKGROUND:The Bozeman Creek Vision Plan was approved as a City Commission priority on August 6th, 2024 via Resolution 5626 and further recognized in the 2025- 2026 City Commission Priorities Work Plan adopted on June 23, 2026, in support of the following goals: Enhance flood mitigation efforts Improve water quality & ecological health Increase access and connectivity to parks & trails Support economic vitality opportunities Strengthen community connection to a vital resource This project builds on previous work such as the 2012 Bozeman Creek Enhancement Plan, the 2020 Bozeman Creek Analysis Technical Assistance Grant Report, the 2023 Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan , and the 2025 Bozeman Creek Flood Mitigation and Reclamation Preliminary Engineering Report, among other important efforts. On December 9th, 2025, the City Commission adopted a Resolution approving a formal Community Engagement Plan, incorporating feedback received during an introduction to the project through a Special Presentation on October 7th, 2025. PORT Architecture and Urbanism, LLC was selected following a competitive Request for Proposals and subsequently contracted under a Professional Services Agreement approved on January 27, 2026. Furthermore, the City of Bozeman has partnered with SeeBozemanCreek in an effort to leverage the power of community-led interests towards a 6 holistic approach to achieving shared goals among a wide range of constituents. A series of work sessions were held in February and April of 2026 with a wide variety of constituents, including Neighborhood Association representatives, Downtown Board members, Downtown property & business owners, Watershed Council leadership, SeeBozemanCreek Advisory Committee members, City staff, and others to begin exploring a number of project and policy options. Key takeaways included: A vision for Bozeman Creek should be in alignment with broader ecological context Emphasize quality of life improvements tied to enhanced ecosystem services Bozeman is becoming amenitized, which is not always aligned with community needs/goals The state and local legislative context is unique and nuanced A catastrophic flood event is not an 'if', but a 'when' On June 2, 2026 a public open house was held at Soroptimist Park to give the community an opportunity to provide feedback on a number of "big ideas" that were generated through previous engagement, as described above. On July 14, 2026 the City Commission conducted a Work Session which provided a summary of efforts completed to date, including a review of the proposed recommendations, and an opportunity to provide overall guidance. On July 20, 2026 the Community Development Citizen Advisory Board provided input on the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan with a focus on preliminary zoning and planning policy recommendations. On August 8, 2026 a public open house was held at Bogert Park to provide the public will have an opportunity to review a Draft Vision Framework Plan during the annual SLAM Festival. On September 24, 2026 the Urban Parks & Forestry Citizen Advisory Board will have an opportunity to provide input on a Draft Plan. A final public event will be held in November to provide an opportunity for clarification and affirmation prior to the City Commission's consideration of approval of the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan in December. Beyond the Vision Plan, several strategies will be considered for implementation, further described in the attached memo titled "Bozeman Creek Planning Next Steps Guidance". Additional information can be found on the City’s Engage Bozeman website, 7 where citizens can subscribe to regular updates. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:As directed by the City Commission. FISCAL EFFECTS:Funding for this effort has been allocated in the FY26 approved budget as a three-way split between the Parks Maintenance District, the Stormwater Fund, and the Public Works Administration Fund for a total of $150,000. Attachments: Bozeman Creek Planning Next Steps Guidance.pdf Report compiled on: August 7, 2026 8 PORT | Philadelphia + Chicago | porturbanism.com 1 June16, 2026 Jon Henderson Assistant City Manager City of Bozeman MEMO: Bozeman Creek Planning Next Steps Guidance Dear Jon— This memo outlines potential considerations for next steps related to the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan following the conclusion of the current scope or work on or around December 15, 2026, and coinciding with anticipated City Commission approval of the plan’s proposed recommendations. As we are only roughly halfway through the Vision Plan process/schedule, the exact specificity of next steps is not yet clear. But given the direction the project is going, we can anticipate work needed in the following areas. FLOOD MITIGATION • Additional flood bypass and hydraulic structure modeling • Development of implementation sequencing and preferred permitting path evaluation • Coordination with local, state, and federal agencies having jurisdiction • Exploration of water rights status and pursuit of rights transfer if necessary • Development of Schematic Design (30%) for Mill Ditch and/or main channel hydraulic structure renovation or replacement DOWNTOWN CREEKSIDE PARKS • Schematic Design (30%) for Downtown Creekside Park(s) • City Hall, Rouse Parking and Street, and/or Bogert Park • Adjacent property owner coordination • URA/Downtown BID coordination NEW TRAILHEADS/PATHS/CONNECTOR PROJECTS • Schematic Design (30%) for individual project • Property Owner coordination • Neighborhood group coordination • Adjacent property owner coordination 9 PORT | Philadelphia + Chicago | porturbanism.com 2 ENGAGEMENT • Continued engagement with SeeBozemanCreek Advisory Group • Ongoing meetings with Downtown Businesses, Neighborhood Groups, Montana State University, and other stakeholders • Ongoing Small Group and Open Public Workshops • Bozeman Creek Vision Plan Website Content COST ESTIMATION • Formal Cost Estimation of Phase 1 project components • Preparation of exhibits in support of costing evaluation • Estimates would be incorporated into schematic design for projects described above and below POLICY DEVELOPMENT • Support for development of precise policy language to be incorporated into City of Bozeman Unified Development Code, zoning or similar • Further development of policies related to setback incentivization, right of first refusal upon sale listing, establishment of city acquisition fund, and/or administration of creek maintenance GRANT SUPPORT • Preparation of visual exhibits, technical information, and narrative description for public and philanthropic grant applications • Materials above related to both Planning and Capital Construction Grant Pursuit • Note that provision of schematic design or further development as described above will often be necessary to secure larger capital construction grants • Assistance in identifying/vetting and coordinating with new project-focused grant writer (CoB or SBC hire) CAPACITY BUILDING • Development of collaboration structure for establishment of Public Private Partnership between City of Bozeman and non-profit partner • Coordination/support for See Bozeman Creek (or similar) being stood up as a registered 501(c)3 in order to function as project administrator (conservancy or friends of group) on behalf of the City of Bozeman ADDITIONAL PLANNING/DESIGN STUDIES • Urban design plans for redevelopment of city-controlled properties not directly touching the creek 10 PORT | Philadelphia + Chicago | porturbanism.com 3 • Examples could include identified considerations including City of Bozeman Public Works sites (creek-oriented affordable housing) and/or existing City of Bozeman Parks (sponge infrastructure) We understand that your intent is to include capital costs for Bozeman Creek projects in the FY2028 budget which we agree is an appropriate goal. However, we would caution that there is significant additional work necessary following completion of the Vision Plan to have a clear sense of what that capital ask should be, specifically what it will support, and the particularities of the permitting and construction path necessary to complete the initial phase of work. With this in mind, our recommendation is that the City of Bozeman look to set aside an amount in FY27 commensurate with what was identified in the FY26 budget (+/-$150,000) to support development of selected aspects of the work described above during this next year’s time-frame. Please note that all work described above cannot be completed in full for this amount alone. The specifics of what we would recommend undertaking following completion of the Vision Plan will come into greater focus as our work moves into the fall of this year (Task 5). However, holding this amount for next year will assure that progress on the Creek’s transformation is able to continue and that the City of Bozeman will not have to remobilize to continue this work after an extended pause that would risk loss of momentum. We anticipate that different aspects of the work described above would be undertaken with different combinations of subconsultants, with PORT serving as the lead and coordinating entity for the identified work undertaken on the City of Bozeman’s behalf. Collaborating consultants would likely include additional engineering, cost estimating, permitting, and restoration ecology beyond the current PORT and RIO ASE team We would also point out that setting this amount aside for FY27 would allow these funds to potentially be identified as matching amounts for future partnerships with local philanthropic support and/or applications for grants, substantially expanding the impact of this funding. This ongoing buildup of a network of public-private support will help sustain the necessary work to deliver on the project’s long term five-part goal set as described in the original RFP. Please let us know if you have any questions or require any clarification. We would be happy to discuss these items in further detail at your convenience if that was of use to you. END OF MEMO 11 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director Anhad Bajwa, Administrative Assistant II SUBJECT:Director's Update MEETING DATE:September 24, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration RECOMMENDATION:Director's Update STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:When meeting time permits a standing item of Director Updates will be provided to the Board for communication and informational purposes. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:Omit when time does not allow for the update. FISCAL EFFECTS:None Report compiled on: September 17, 2026 12 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director Anhad Bajwa, Administrative Assistant II SUBJECT:Commissioner's Update MEETING DATE:September 24, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration RECOMMENDATION:Commissioner's Update STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:When meeting time permits a standing item of Commissioner Updates will be provided to the Board for communication and informational purposes. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:Omit when time does not allow for the update or Commissioner has nothing to report. FISCAL EFFECTS:None Report compiled on: September 17, 2026 13 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton, Director of Parks and Recreation Alex Nordquest, Forestry Division Manager SUBJECT:Work Session: 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan - Public Comment and Final Draft Revisions MEETING DATE:September 24, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission RECOMMENDATION:No Action; Board Member discussion. STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:The City of Bozeman is currently developing an updated Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), to replace the existing 2016 document. The Urban Parks & Forestry Board recently adopted this project's Community Engagement Plan, which details major milestones throughout the year as the plan develops with input from the Board, relevant city staff, and the community at large. A significant component of plan development includes Work Sessions with the Urban Parks & Forestry Board, to discuss and review key themes of the project's scope. For this meeting, public engagement meetings and the project's public comment period have concluded. Major themes/concerns from the public perspective will be summarized for board members, as well as next steps for the project's final revisions prior to December 8th's Final Adoption presentation to City Commission. This final work session allows for advisory comments and discussion to consider for the final version of the UFMP. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:None. FISCAL EFFECTS:The Urban Forest Management Plan is a CIP item allocated within the FY26 Forestry Division budget. Carryover into the FY27 budget year will occur, as the consultant is billing on a monthly basis throughout plan development. Attachments: 9.24.26 - UPF Work Session 5 - Urban Forest Mgmt Plan.pptx 14 Report compiled on: September 18, 2026 15 City of Bozeman Urban Forest Management Plan 2026 Update Work Session 5 Thursday, September 24th 16 Overview Review Public Comment (Period closed Sep. 15th) Schedule Update Final steps and City Commission Adoption The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 17 Project Schedule Phase 1: Project Kickoff and Early Planning Phase 2: Public Involvement and Draft UFMP Update Phase 3: Finalize and Deliver UFMP Early 2026 Spring – Summer 2026 Fall – Winter 2026 •Identify existing conditions, goals, objectives, and strategies •Perform assessment of staffing, equipment, budget, policy, and code •Conduct tree infrastructure analysis •Draft Community Engagement Plan •Draft UFMP outline •Review tree infrastructure data analysis •Conduct internal staff survey •Initiate public engagement •Conduct public survey •Develop draft UFMP •Public open house and comment period •Synthesize public comments •Develop recommendations •Finalize UFMP •Present UFMP to the City Commission 18 Work Sessions Work Session 1 Thursday, March 26 Introduce project and process Review CEP Work Session 2 Thursday, April 23 Review UFMP Outline Review components for plan update Work Session 3 Thursday, June 25 Review public survey feedback Present preliminary data analysis Work Session 4 Thursday, July 23 (today) Review Board feedback on Preliminary Draft UFMP Work Session 5 Thursday, September 24 Review updates to UFMP after public comment Final review prior to presentation to Commission 19 Public Engagement Meetings Virtual Public Meeting Tuesday, April 28 Present Background Project Information Call for Engagement In-Person Public Meeting Monday, May 18 Present UFMP Outline Initiate Public Survey Virtual Public Meeting Monday, August 10 Present Draft UFMP In-Person Public Meeting Monday, August 31 Review and Discuss Draft UFMP Public Survey Period Monday, May 18 – Monday, June 8 Public Comment Period Monday, August 10 – Tuesday, September 15 20 Themes – Forestry Div Request More detail for Staffing and Equipment Draft analysis of Cost Implementation across 10 year plan in the works! Forestry staff vs. Contract Services – very similar costs across all work types $$ Estimates across all work types for budgeting/forecasting purposes City can then decide mix of FTE’s vs. Contract Services The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 21 PC Themes – Heritage Tree Program Mid-process draft update (Appendix C) included much more detail, guidance for HTP Example cities, criteria; suggestions for implementation Likely path: “Soft Launch” start Bozeman’s HTP with city-maintained park space trees ONLY “Sequencing” – City reports, notifies, and builds capacity first; private property trees should be phased, clearly connected to public benefit, and supported by education before requirements are introduced. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 22 PC Themes – Stronger Language for Protecting Mature Trees; Private Trees City suggestion: Provide more examples of “success stories” from other communities Explore mandates vs. incentives that are working elsewhere “Extending tree protection requirements to private trees would be a code decision under Actions 4.2 and 4.3 of the Draft UFMP”. Requires ongoing interdepartmental discussion once UFMP implementation begins For city-maintained trees: Public Tree Reimbursement is already in place; UFMP recommends further refinements and adherence to industry standards and best management practices The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 23 PC Themes – Document Length/Readability This is a very technical plan, and urban forest management requires scientific writing with sufficient detail for effective implementation Lots of details here are what the Forestry Division needs for the next 10 years! City suggestion: 1-2 page Summary, detailing Key Outcomes/Recommendations Likely at the end of each main chapter/section Similar to PRAT plan Potential to shift some details away from main doc, into the appendices instead. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed.The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 24 Ex: Key Outcomes & Recommendations Implement Heritage Tree Program based on Appendix C Example programs to model for preserving mature trees Plant ~870 Trees per year towards Canopy Goal of 12% Remove AND Replace ~350 Ash trees per year towards EAB Goal Prune 1,000’s more young trees every 3 years 25 Next Steps Consultant team preparing a Public Comment Summary Report Due early October Address major themes Final revisions of UFMP based on public comment, City review, UPF Board feedback Final version due Nov 12 3 weeks for City Commission review Present the UFMP to City Commission for Final Adoption Final presentation of UFMP to City Commission Dec. 8 Being implementation in 2027 The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 26 Thank you, no formal decision required Questions / Discussion 27