HomeMy WebLinkAboutVandalism & Graffiti Task Force Final Report to the City Commission
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Vandalism & Graffiti Task Force (V>F)
Allyson Bristor, Neighborhood Coordinator (V>F Staff Liaison)
Chris Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Bozeman Vandalism & Graffiti Task Force Final Report
MEETING DATE: Tuesday, January 17, 2012
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action Item
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Commission accepts the findings of the Vandalism &
Graffiti Task Force as presented in the final report and direct City Staff to implement the task
force’s three recommendations for future graffiti mitigation.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: “Having reviewed the final report including the appendix
materials, considered public comment, and considered all of the information presented, I
hereby move to accept the findings of the Vandalism & Graffiti Task Force and direct Staff
to implement the three recommendations for future graffiti mitigation.”
BACKGROUND: In January 2008, the Bozeman City Commission authorized the
appointment of a Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force (V>F) to address the issues of
vandalism and graffiti in the City of Bozeman. Specifically, the City Commission instructed the
task force to “direct and perform public outreach and education; study possible mitigation
measures and long-term solutions; and make future recommendations to the City Commission.”
Following the appointment, the V>F elected to focus primarily on graffiti since it was an
unaddressed issue in the community and one that could be effectively studied and addressed by
the volunteer task force. The V>F evaluated responding to other types of vandalism such as
broken windows, sprinklers or slashed tires. However, the task force determined that such
incidents were beyond the capability of the volunteer task force, required corrective action by
professionals, and were typically repaired quickly while graffiti tended to linger. The V>F
agreed that it could be most effective by focusing on deterring and removing graffiti. Task force
actions since initial appointment have included the following:
• Coordinated volunteer graffiti and emergency cleanups;
• Developed a brochure on the damaging effects of graffiti and recommendations for
removal measures;
• Created a V>F link on the City of Bozeman Neighborhoods Program web page;
• Facilitated a graffiti educational program at Chief Joseph Middle School;
• Solicited donations of graffiti removal supplies from local businesses;
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• Developed an inventory of graffiti removal kits that are available to the public from the
City of Bozeman;
• Maintained reports on graffiti tagging and resolutions jointly with the Bozeman Police
Department; and
• Developed a list of instructions and guidelines on how to remove graffiti from a variety
of surfaces.
This report details the V>F findings and provides guidance to the Bozeman City Commission
for future graffiti mitigation in the City of Bozeman. The key conclusion of the V>F is two-
part: 1) The City needs to develop its own resources to prevent and remove graffiti, and 2) A
volunteer group cannot effectively manage and control graffiti problems.
The V>F recommendations in this report are designed for the City to implement as a low
cost, low labor-intensive effort to build capacity within the City’s day-to-day operations to
address graffiti. In making these recommendations, the V>F recognizes that Bozeman
currently has a graffiti-tagging problem that can be managed by implementing a few simple
solutions. Although Bozeman is not currently experiencing a severe graffiti problem, the issue is
persistent and ignoring it can lead to a more severe and rampant tagging problem that would be
costly and potentially unmanageable.
Details of the V>F recommendations are provided in the “Recommendations” section of this
report on page 6. These recommendations are listed below:
1. Develop Capability for Graffiti Cleanup by City Departments and Staff;
2. Establish an On-line Graffiti Reporting System; and
3. Revise City of Bozeman Website to include Vandalism and Graffiti Resources.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
1) Not accept the recommendations and request additional information
from the V>F.
2) Revise the recommendations prior to acceptance.
3) As determined by the Commission.
FISCAL EFFECTS: All recommendations were developed to implement a low cost, low labor-
intensive effort to build an infrastructure within the existing City of Bozeman operations to
mitigate graffiti tagging.
Attachments: Vandalism & Graffiti Task Force Final Report
Report compiled on: January 5, 2012
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Executive Summary
In January 2008, the Bozeman City Commission authorized the appointment of a Vandalism and
Graffiti Task Force (V>F) to address the issues of vandalism and graffiti in the City of
Bozeman. Specifically, the City Commission instructed the task force to “direct and perform
public outreach and education; study possible mitigation measures and long-term solutions; and
make future recommendations to the City Commission.”
Following the appointment, the V>F elected to focus primarily on graffiti since it was an
unaddressed issue in the community and one that could be effectively studied and addressed by
the volunteer task force. The V>F evaluated responding to other types of vandalism such as
broken windows, sprinklers or slashed tires. However, the task force determined that such
incidents were beyond the capability of the volunteer task force, required corrective action by
professionals, and were typically repaired quickly while graffiti tended to linger. The V>F
agreed that it could be most effective by focusing on deterring and removing graffiti. Task force
actions since initial appointment have included the following:
• Coordinated volunteer graffiti and emergency cleanups;
• Developed a brochure on the damaging effects of graffiti and recommendations for
removal measures;
• Created a V>F link on the City of Bozeman Neighborhoods Program web page;
• Facilitated a graffiti educational program at Chief Joseph Middle School;
• Solicited donations of graffiti removal supplies from local businesses;
• Developed an inventory of graffiti removal kits that are available to the public from the
City of Bozeman;
• Maintained reports on graffiti tagging and resolutions jointly with the Bozeman Police
Department; and
• Developed a list of instructions and guidelines on how to remove graffiti from a variety
of surfaces.
This report details the V>F findings and provides guidance to the Bozeman City Commission
for future graffiti mitigation in the City of Bozeman. The key conclusion of the V>F is two-
part: 1) The City needs to develop its own resources to prevent and remove graffiti, and 2) A
volunteer group cannot effectively manage and control graffiti problems.
The V>F recommendations in this report are designed for the City to implement as a low
cost, low labor-intensive effort to build capacity within the City’s day-to-day operations to
address graffiti. In making these recommendations, the V>F recognizes that Bozeman
currently has a graffiti-tagging problem that can be managed by implementing a few simple
solutions. Although Bozeman is not currently experiencing a severe graffiti problem, the issue is
persistent and ignoring it can lead to a more severe and rampant tagging problem that would be
costly and potentially unmanageable.
Details of the V>F recommendations are provided in the “Recommendations” section
of this report on page 6. These recommendations are listed below:
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1. Develop Capability for Graffiti Cleanup by City Departments and Staff;
2. Establish an On-line Graffiti Reporting System ; and
3. Revise City of Bozeman Website to include Vandalism and Graffiti Resources.
Vandalism & Graffiti Task Force Background
Origin of the V>F
On January 28, 2008 the Bozeman City Commission voted 5-0 to authorize the City Manager,
Chris Kukulski, to appoint a task force to address the issues of vandalism and graffiti in
Bozeman. The task force was asked by the Commission to make recommendations for programs
focusing on education and outreach to the community, mitigation and abatement, the use of
technology as a deterrent and/or as a method for identifying vandals and finally, suggestions and
recommendations on updates to the Bozeman Municipal Code.
Task Force Membership
The original Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force Members as appointed by City Manager Chris
Kukulski were:
• Chair - Jodie Delay - Montana State University
• Vice Chair - Curt Smith – Schnee's Boots and Shoes
• Brian Ayers - Bozeman School District
• Catherine Byrd – Inter-neighborhood Council (INC)
• Dave Ferguson - Bozeman Police Department
• Jody Hester - Gallatin Association of Realtors
• Barry Jeide - U.S. Bank
• Chris Naumann - Downtown Bozeman Partnership
• Brit Fontenot – City of Bozeman, Neighborhood Coordinator
• Karen Semerau – City of Bozeman, City Manager Assistant
• Lt. Rich McLane – Bozeman Police Department
Current members are:
• Chair – Nick Zelver - Montana State University
• Vice Chair - Curt Smith – Schnee's Boots and Shoes
• Abrams Antonucci - Bozeman Police Department, Officer
• Chris Naumann - Downtown Bozeman Partnership
• Brian Ayers - Bozeman School District
• Paul Burns – City of Bozeman, Parking Manager
• Allyson Bristor – City of Bozeman, Neighborhood Coordinator/Planner
V>F Activities
Graffiti cleanup projects and volunteer efforts:
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• Harringtons site on S. Wallace Avenue;
• Retaining wall on Highland Boulevard;
• Beall Park Recreation Center;
• Harrington’s Used Furniture building;
• The Dollar Store building;
• Lindley Park building(s);
• Signs and electric/signal boxes in public right-of-way of W. Main Street and N. 19th
Avenue;
• Kirk Skate Park building(s);
• Peet’s Hill restrooms;
• Former gas station at Peach Street and Rouse Avenue
• Cardinal Distributing building;
• The Gallatin Community Clinic building; and
• Downtown Business District - removal of over 1000 tags!
Communication, outreach and education:
• LEO Club Meetings
• Gallatin Earth Celebration exhibits
• Gallatin Association of Realtors Education Classes
• See Click Fix Membership
• Volunteer Connections of SW Montana Outreach
• Downtown Bozeman Partnership Outreach
Obtained supplies for graffiti cleanup:
• Clean up bucket donations from local businesses: o The Paint Pot o Columbia Paints o The Paint Factory o Ace Owenhouse Hardware o BLB Painting, Inc o Kenyon Noble Hardware o Sherwin-Williams Paints o Home Depot
• Small purchases of graffiti removal products
Developed Community Resources
• Educational Brochure (Appendix A): The City produced a V>F brochure that
outlined the premise of the group’s efforts and provided information regarding how to
deter, remove, and report graffiti.
• Removal Guidelines (Appendix B): From research and discussions with other
communities and graffiti experts, the V>F compiled a set of recommended removal
guidelines to help staff and residents mitigate graffiti tags.
• Removal Supplies Lists (Appendix C): Utilizing the past experience of the Downtown
Bozeman Partnership’s Graffiti Removal Program, the V>F formulated three lists of
supplies necessary to tackle a variety of graffiti removal situations.
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• Draft Graffiti Abatement Ordinance (Appendix D): Working with the City Attorney’s
Office, the task force drafted a Graffiti Abatement Ordinance based loosely on the
ordinance adopted in Billings in 2009.
• Documentation of Fiscal Effect of Graffiti/Vandalism to City (Appendix E): The
City began tracking graffiti and vandalism expenses in 2006. Not inclusive of all, but a
good idea of the fiscal effect.
• Documentation of Task Force Cleanup Efforts (Appendix F): Photographs of cleanup
projects
Task Force Findings
Areas Prone for Graffiti
Bozeman areas prone for graffiti include following sites:
1. Downtown Business District
2. Other Business Districts/Areas;
3. Abandoned Sites;
4. Highway Underpasses and Other Highway Infrastructure;
5. Transportation Facilities (such as parking garages or bus shelters); and
6. Government/ Public Right-of-Way Property (including parks and open spaces,
mailboxes, electrical boxes, or sidewalks).
Downtown Business District
Graffiti removal in the downtown area is mitigated by the Downtown Business Improvement
District (DBID).
The DBID maintains a program of rapidly cleaning graffiti which has resulted in reducing the
occurrence of graffiti tags and maintaining a graffiti-free environment. The DBID has kept
detailed record of the number of graffiti tags removed each year. The figures below indicate a
substantial decline in the prevalence of graffiti in the downtown district.
Downtown FY2009 FY2010 FY2011
Tags Removed 489 380 125
The DBID serves a model for Bozeman in demonstrating that a rapid response to a heavily
targeted area can be effectively managed. Rapid removal is the best deterrent against repeat
tagging and maintains the problem at a manageable level with minimal labor.
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Other Business Districts/Areas
Graffiti tags occur regularly on certain buildings
outside of the downtown area. Examples include the
Harrington’s building on S. Wallace Avenue (by the
public library), the Dollar Store at 2121 W. Main
Street, behind mall buildings along 19th, and others in
business complex areas along primary corridors. The
V>F attributes the large amount of tagging at
these locations to a variety of factors including: a)
large, mono-tone walls; b) poor lighting; c) obscured
from public; and d) neglected properties. These types
of tags have been addressed by the V>F by such
means as:
• Notification of owners that materials and assistance is available and that rapid removal
would help deter repeat offenses;
• Cleanup by volunteers organized under property owner permission; and
• Cleanup by property owners.
The success of maintaining a graffiti-free environment in these locations has been limited due to
the inability for the V>F to maintain frequent monitoring and active response to the problem.
Property owner response in these areas varies and in some cases lack of owner response is a
deterrent to effective graffiti management.
Abandoned Sites
Abandoned building and sites are obvious targets for graffiti tagging as there is no surveillance,
no cleanup response, and often the sites are prone to other types of vandalism and vagrancy that
provides an environment where graffiti is virtually guaranteed to occur. Volunteer efforts are
difficult due to lack of access to the property. Furthermore, volunteer efforts generally provide
only periodic mitigation so that a rapid removal deterrent is unavailable. These sites tend to
spiral out of control to the point where any type of cleanup becomes difficult.
Highway Underpasses and Other Highway Infrastructure
These sites are easy targets due to remoteness and lack of surveillance. They are mostly under
Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) jurisdiction and are best addressed by notifying
MDOT. Notification to MDOT has been limited and could be improved with a more systematic
approach.
Transportation Facilities
Transportation facilities, such as parking garages or bus shelters, are prone to graffiti for similar
reasons as abandoned sites and highway infrastructure — that is, lack of surveillance, rapid
response and vagrancy. The Bozeman Parking Division has increased their monitoring of graffiti
in the Bridger Park Garage facility, which has decreased the frequency of tags to the building.
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Bus shelters are monitored by a group of organizations (egs., City of Bozeman, Streamline,
MDOT) which can create some confusion, and delay, in determining who is responsible for
graffiti cleanup.
Government/ Public Right-of-Way Property
Government property, including public buildings,
parks and open spaces, and public right-of-way
areas are frequently targeted. Government
buildings are likely targeted because of retaliation
reasons and also due to a lack of respect for
government property. Minor structures in public
right-of-way areas, such as mailboxes, electrical/
light signal boxes, and sidewalks, are also often
targeted because of their easy access locations on
the community’s street system. Local streets and
alleys are targeted because they typically have
lower light conditions providing more areas for
people to perform graffiti hidden. Public areas
Volunteer efforts are often periodic or seasonal.
Frequency of Graffiti Tagging
Although accurate statistics are not available, the V>F has observed that general graffiti has
not increased at alarming rate although random and severe tagging attacks have occurred such as
the January 2011 tagging at the country Dinosaur Park.
Police Action on Graffiti and Vandalism
The Bozeman Police Department has been actively engaged in the prevention, cleanup, tracking
and detection of graffiti and vandalism in the City of Bozeman. Since the formation of the task
force in 2008 the BPD has taken steps to prevent these expensive and destructive crimes. A
report from the Bozeman Police Department on graffiti police graffiti response can be found in
Appendix G.
Conclusion
Abandoned sites, highway infrastructure, parks and open spaces remain as the most critical sites
where graffiti tagging is a persistent problem and where additional attention is most needed.
Formal Recommendations of the V>F to the City Commission
The V>F has operated in the first three years primarily as a volunteer organization to help
mitigate local graffiti through awareness, developing an inventory of cleanup supplies, voluntary
cleanup efforts and tracking occurrences of tagging. In January 2011, as the task force’s final
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action, the V>F decided to develop this report along with a set of recommendations on how
best the City of Bozeman could address graffiti tagging in the future.
The V>F recommends that the city develop a system where appropriate City crews such as
Parks and Recreation, Streets and Public Works, and Police assist in the process. Below is a set
of recommendations by the V>F for the city to implement as a low cost, low labor-intensive
effort to build an infrastructure within the city operations to mitigate graffiti tagging.
In making these recommendations, the V>F recognizes that Bozeman currently has a graffiti
tagging problem that can be managed by implementing a few simple solutions. Although
Bozeman is not currently experiencing a severe graffiti problem, the issue is persistent and
ignoring it can lead to a more severe and rampant tagging problem that is costly and
unmanageable.
These recommendations are presented in the order of importance in terms of overall potential
effectiveness in abating graffiti issues.
Recommendation No. 1: Develop Capability for Graffiti Cleanup by City Departments and Staff
The most glaring issue regarding graffiti is that 90+% of the vandalized property owners do not
clean off the graffiti. Therefore, the City of Bozeman should do their part in beautifying the
community and remediate small cases of graffiti vandalism when exposed to it during work
hours. Graffiti cleanup kits should be carried in vehicles by appropriate city crews such as Parks
and Recreation, Street and Signs, Solid Waste and Police. This would allow staff conducting
their daily business to remove graffiti in the City of Bozeman as it is observed. Focus should be
on City of Bozeman owned properties and public right-of-ways, though there might be
opportunities for some small scale assistance with private properties.
Graffiti cleanup kits should be carried in vehicles for appropriate city crews such as Parks and
Recreation, Public Works (Streets and Signs), and Police such that small graffiti tagging can be
addressed immediately. A small number of commercially available graffiti cleanup kits are
currently available in the inventory that has been stocked by the V>F. The kits have been
tested by the V>F and have shown to be an effective immediate solution to cleaning small
graffiti tags within just a few minutes application of the kit-wipes.
The V>F proposes that using these kits would address the small tagging issues with little
demand on City crews. Using the kits as graffiti is first observed would meet the most important
criteria for graffiti tag management of rapid response and would be an easier graffiti
management program than reporting and returning to a site later for cleanup.
Fiscal Effects: At every budget cycle, a City department in charge of an area of the community
affected by graffiti would have to plan for graffiti removal materials and make them available to
their staff. V>F created descriptions of “Paint-Over” and “Graffiti Removal” kits from local
businesses willing to donate materials to graffiti cleanup efforts. The kits, to be used by two
people at once, average $125 per kit. If the City of Bozeman chose to purchase materials listed
for the kits for their departments, there would likely be discounts available for bulk orders. Most
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certainly, planning ahead and purchasing the materials ahead of time would be cheaper than
purchasing the materials as graffiti occurred.
Recommendation No. 2: Establish an On-line Graffiti Reporting System
The V>F recommends the City utilize the online non-emergency reporting system currently
being utilized by the Bozeman Police Department (BPD) as the primary graffiti reporting option.
The V>F found through experience that providing a phone number for graffiti reporting
places too much burden on one staff person. The BPD on-line reporting system would provide a
24/7 format that would allow for consistent handling of graffiti incidents in a timely manner.
The BPD on-line system would provide a certain level of tracking and analysis involving
chronology and mapping features. BPD would develop a simple protocol for then referring each
graffiti tag to the appropriate entity for removal. Therefore, the BPD would contact the
corresponding jurisdiction (Gallatin County, Montana Department of Transportation, etc), City
department (Parks, Streets, Solid Waste), or private property owner. The BPD should establish a
flowchart and contact list for communicating graffiti related information to the City. Thus, the
BPD could efficiently contact the correct person in the correct department regarding new graffiti
tags. Specifically, the BPD would know who to contact in each City department for specific
graffiti or vandalism incident reports.
Fiscal Effects: None to minimal. The online non-emergency reporting system is already being
used by the BPD. It’s not expected the inclusion of graffiti or vandalism in the reporting system
would create any problems. Rather, it’s best to use a system already in place rather than
assigning the task to another staff person outside of the BPD.
Recommendation No. 3: Revise City of Bozeman Website to include Vandalism and Graffiti
Resources
The City website needs to be revised to reflect the functional changes to the V>F and the
City’s future graffiti remediation program. Up-to-date components of the web site should
include:
• Presence of vandalism and graffiti information on both the Neighborhoods Program web
page and the Police webpage;
• Links and access to the BPD online non-emergency reporting system for graffiti reports
• Community Educational Resources about prevention and clean up of vandalism and
graffiti (egs., downloadable PDFs of graffiti removal supply lists, suggested removal
guidelines, final V>F report); and
• Website links to other graffiti removal resources
Photos displayed on the web site should be considered carefully as photos can be actual
encouragement to graffiti taggers as a way of bragging rights.
Fiscal Effects: None to minimal. Both the Neighborhoods Program and Police Department have
a web presence on the City of Bozeman’s website. Staff in both departments is able to edit their
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individual web pages. The departments have access to the City’s IT Department for more
guidance on additions or revisions to the website.
Other Solutions Considered by the V>F
The task force also considered several other issues and decided they should not be recommended
to the City Commission: (1) a Public Graffiti Art Wall and (2) a Graffiti Abatement Ordinance.
Public Graffiti Art Wall
The V>F decided not to recommend that the city develop an art wall as a deterrent to graffiti
tagging. While used with limited to little success in other communities, task force research has
concluded that designated graffiti walls do not work and can even encourage tagging.
Fiscal Effects: None.
Graffiti Abatement Ordinance
The three recommendations in this report respond to the commissioner’s request for programs
focusing on education and outreach to the community, mitigation and abatement and the use of
technology as a deterrent and/or as a method for identifying vandals. The commissioners also
requested that the task force make suggestions and recommendations on updates to the Bozeman
Municipal Code. The task force worked in conjunction with the City attorney to draft a graffiti
abatement ordinance (Appendix D) modeled from one recently adopted in Billings, Montana.
After careful consideration, the task force in concurrence with the City attorney concluded that
such an ordinance would be difficult to enforce and create a myriad of issues with private
property owners. The V>F recommends that the City does not pursue the adoption of a
graffiti abatement ordinance.
Fiscal Effects: None.
Recommended Websites for Graffiti Vandalism
www.graffitihurts.org
www.nograffiti.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graffiti_Removal
www.graffitisolutions.com
http://www.dougweb.com/clean.html
The V>F would like to make the following acknowledgements:
• Businesses that have donated cleanup materials/supplies:
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• The Paint Pot
• Columbia Paints
• The Paint Factory
• Ace Owenhouse Hardware
• BLB Painting, Inc
• Kenyon Noble Hardware
• Sherwin-Williams Paints
• Home Depot;
• LEO Club at Chief Joseph Middle School;
• Downtown Bozeman Partnership;
• Montana State University;
• Gallatin Association of Realtors (GAR);
• Volunteer Connections of SW Montana; and
• City Staff and Departments (Police, Fire, Public Works, Neighborhoods).
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APPENDIX A: V>F Brochure
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APPENDIX B: Graffiti Removal Guidelines
Graffiti Removal Guidelines
Rule No. 1: removing graffiti tags within the first 24 hours not only makes removal easier,
but also greatly reduces the reoccurrence of future tags.
Rule No. 2: for any painted surface, the quickest and least expensive graffiti “removal”
method is to paint over the tag with matching paint.
Metal Surfaces:
• With a rag, remove graffiti with any common paint thinner (ex: mineral spirits, lacquer thinner,
acetone), or try graffiti removal products such as "Goof Off." Sometimes wiping the graffiti with
light penetrating oil such as "WD-40" or "Three-in-One" will remove it.
o Always read product labels and follow all manufacturer instructions and
recommendations. Most of the products identified above are flammable. It is
recommended that each product is tested on a small, conspicuous spot.
• If graffiti remains, try to remove it by rubbing with steel or bronze wool, or light sandpaper.
• If graffiti still remains, try power-washing it with a 3000psi pressure washer.
• If none of these methods work, paint over the graffiti.
Masonry Surfaces:
• Apply common paint thinner to tag (ex: mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, acetone), or try graffiti
removal products such as "Goof Off."
• Allow chemical to work for 15 minutes then power-wash the graffiti with a 3000psi-pressure
washer. Use a tip that will deliver a fan angle of 15-50 degrees.
• Sand-blasting is another removal option. As with pressure washing, be careful not to allow the
sandblasting tip to remain in one spot too long as it can permanently scar the surface. Keep
the tip moving over the area and the surrounding area so as to blend in the entire surface.
• If power-washing or sand-blasting does not remove the graffiti, the next best option is to paint
over the graffiti.
WARNING: the forces generated by a pressure washer can permanently damage masonry
surfaces. Always use a very wide angle tip and start with the nozzle 6 feet away from the
surface.
Glass Surfaces:
• The best method for removing painted graffiti from glass is to use a razor blade to carefully
scrape it off. This method is 99% effective. Use the razor blade in a holder and scrape at a 30-
degree angle to the glass.
• If the paint does not come completely off after using the razor blade, use ultra-fine bronze wool
with water to gently rub the remaining paint off.
• You can use paint thinners on glass, however the razor blade method is much quicker and
more environmentally friendly.
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Wood Surfaces:
• If the wood is not weathered and is sealed with paint, stain or sealer, try to remove it by wiping
it with mineral spirits. If the wood is weathered or untreated, do not use this technique, as the
mineral spirits will be absorbed by the wood, driving the paint further down into the wood.
• Power washing with a 3000psi pressure washer can be used, however, proceed carefully to
make sure the pressure is not driving the paint deeper into the wood grain.
• If these methods do not work, sand the wood and re-paint or simply paint over the graffiti.
Plastic Surfaces:
• Try wiping graffiti with a light, penetrating oil such as "WD-40" or "Three-in-One." Do not use
paint thinners as they can soften the plastic and can cause clouding (if clear plastic) or
permanent tackiness of the surface.
• Sometimes a light rubbing with ultra-fine steel or bronze wool will remove the paint.
• If these methods don not remove the graffiti, paint over it.
For additional information:
Graffiti Hurts www.graffitihurts.org/community_resources/removal.cfm
National Park Service Graffiti removal guide www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief38.htm
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APPENDIX C: Graffiti Removal Supply Lists
Graffiti Removal Supplies
as recommended by the City of Bozeman
Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force (VGTF)
Basic "Paint-Over" Kit
to be used to paint over a variety of tags on wood, siding,
concrete, painted brick or painted metal surfaces…
including doors, walls, utility boxes, dumpsters, fences
ITEM QTY COST EXT.
White plastic 5-gallon bucket 1 $ 4.00 $ 4.00
2" Poly paint brush 1 $ 8.00 $ 8.00
9" roller brush handle 1 $ 4.00 $ 4.00
9" roller brush pads 1 $ 4.00 $ 4.00
paint tray 1 $ 4.00 $ 4.00
rubber gloves 1 $ 3.00 $ 3.00
bag of paint rags 1 $ 3.00 $ 3.00
Removal Instructions 1 $ - $ -
NOTE: this does not include paint
total cost $ 30.00
Advanced "Paint-Over" Kit
to be used to paint over a variety of tags on wood, siding,
concrete, painted brick or painted metal surfaces…
including doors, walls, utility boxes, dumpsters, fences
ITEM QTY COST EXT.
White plastic 5-gallon bucket 1 $ 4.00 $ 4.00
2" Poly paint brush 2 $ 8.00 $ 16.00
4" roller brush handle 1 $ 3.00 $ 3.00
4" roller brush pads 2 $ 3.00 $ 6.00
9" roller brush handle 1 $ 4.00 $ 4.00
9" roller brush pads 2 $ 4.00 $ 8.00
paint tray 2 $ 4.00 $ 8.00
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1 quart paint pail 2 $ 2.00 $ 4.00
rubber gloves 2 $ 3.00 $ 6.00
gallon of paint 1 $ 24.00 $ 24.00
quart of paint thinner 1 $ 6.00 $ 6.00
bag of paint rags 1 $ 3.00 $ 3.00
Removal Instructions 1 $ - $ -
NOTE: this does not include paint
total cost $ 92.00
this would be supplies for two people to work at once
a "single" person kit would be $ 68.00
"Graffiti Removal" Kit
with Graffiti Solutions products suitable for removal of marker,
paint pen, and spray paint tags on glass, painted metal or
unpainted metal surfaces. The Max Swipes and Smooth Max
products will be made available through the City of Bozeman
Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force.
ITEM QTY COST EXT.
White plastic 5-gallon bucket 1 $ 4.00 $ 4.00
Max Swipes Tag Wipes 4 $ 15.00 $ 60.00
Smooth Max Remover-gallon 1 $ 65.00 $ 65.00
Spray Bottle for Smooth Max 2 $ 6.00 $ 12.00
Roll of paper towels 1 $ 2.00 $ 2.00
rubber gloves 2 $ 3.00 $ 6.00
Spray Bottle of Windex 1 $ 6.00 $ 6.00
bag of paint rags 1 $ 3.00 $ 3.00
Removal Instructions 1 $ - $ -
total cost $ 158.00
this would be supplies for two people to work at once
a "single" person kit would be $ 104.00
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APPENDIX D: DRAFT Graffiti Abatement Ordinance
**All Billings references would be changed to Bozeman and correct City of Bozeman Municipal Code chapters
and sections would be referenced**
Ch. _____ (Crimes against Property) BMC
ORDINANCE #_________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BILLINGS, PROVIDING THAT THE
BILLINGS, MONTANA CITY CODE BE AMENDED BY ADDING SECTIONS TO
BE NUMBERED 18-1101 THROUGH 18-1112; PROHIBITING GRAFFITI,
DEFINING TERMS, PROVIDING FOR A PROCEDURE WHEREBY GRAFFITI
CAN BE REMEDIATED, ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BILLINGS, MONTANA:
SECTION 1. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1101, to read as follows:
Section 18-1101. Purpose and Intent.
The City Council of Billings, Montana is enacting this Ordinance to establish a program for the
removal of graffiti from public and private property. The Council is authorized to enact this Ordinance
pursuant to its police powers, as specified in Section 1.01 of the City Charter and Montana Code
Annotated Sections 7-1-101, 7-5-4101, and 7-5-4104 that authorize the City to have all power
possible for a self-government city as fully and as completely as though they were fully enumerated in
the Charter, to exercise any power not prohibited by the Constitution or laws of the State of Montana,
to make and pass all laws not repugnant to the Constitution or laws of the State of Montana
necessary for the government or management of the affairs of a city or town, and to define and abate
nuisances and impose fines on persons guilty of creating, continuing or suffering nuisances to exist
on premises they occupy or control.
The Council finds that graffiti is a public nuisance and destructive of the rights and values of
property owners as well as the entire community. Unless the City acts to remove graffiti from public
and private property, the graffiti tends to remain. Other properties then become the target of graffiti,
and entire neighborhoods are affected and become less desirable places in which to be, all to the
detriment of the City.
The City Council intends, through the adoption of this Ordinance, to provide additional
enforcement tools to protect public and private property from acts of graffiti vandalism and
defacement. The Council does not intend for this Ordinance to conflict with any existing anti-graffiti
state laws.
SECTION 2. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1102, to read as follows:
Section 18-1102. Definitions.
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For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following words shall have the meanings respectively
ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(a) Graffiti means any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, painting or other defacement
that is written, marked, etched, scratched, sprayed, drawn, painted, or engraved on or otherwise
affixed to any surface of public or private property by any graffiti implement, to the extent that the
graffiti was not authorized in advance by the owner or occupant of the property, or, despite advance
authorization, is otherwise deemed a public nuisance by the City Council.
(b) Graffiti implement means an aerosol paint container, a broad-tipped marker, self-
adhesive, paint stick or graffiti stick, etching equipment, brush or any other device capable of scarring
or leaving a visible mark on any natural or man-made surface.
(c) Owner means any entity or entities have a legal or equitable interest in real or personal
property including but not limited to the interest of a tenant or lessee.
(d) Paint stick or graffiti stick means any device containing a solid form of paint, chalk, wax,
epoxy, or other similar substance capable of being applied to a surface by pressure and leaving a
mark of any kind.
(e) Person means any individual, partnership, cooperative association, private corporation,
personal representative, receiver, trustee, assignee, or any other legal entity.
(f) Property means any real or personal property and that which is affixed, incidental or
appurtenant to real property including but not limited to any structure, fence, wall, sign or any
separate part thereof whether permanent or not.
(g) Responsible party means an owner or entity or person acting as an agent for an owner
by agreement who has authority over the property or is responsible for the property’s maintenance or
management. Irrespective of any arrangement to the contrary with any other party, each owner shall
always be a responsible party for the purposes of this chapter. There may be more than one
responsible party for a particular piece of property.
(h) Unauthorized means without the consent of the responsible party.
(i) Defacement means to apply graffiti to any natural or man-made surface on any city-
owned property or, without the permission of the owner or responsible party, on any non-city-owned
property.
SECTION 3. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1103, to read as follows:
Section 18-1103. Graffiti as Nuisance.
(a) The existence of graffiti on public or private property in violation of this Ordinance is
expressly declared to be a public nuisance and, therefore, is subject to the removal and abatement
provisions specified in this Ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1104, to read as follows:
Section 18-1104. Removal of Graffiti by Property Owner or City.
It is the duty of both the owner of the property to which the graffiti has been applied and any
responsible party to at all times keep the property clear of graffiti. Graffiti shall be removed pursuant
to the following provisions:
(a) Property Owner Responsibility. It is unlawful for any person who is the owner or
responsible party of property to permit property that is defaced with graffiti to remain defaced for a
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period of ten fifteen (15) days after service by first class mail of notice of the defacement. The notice
shall contain the following information:
(1) The street address and legal description of the property sufficient for
identification of the property;
(2) A statement that the property is a potential graffiti nuisance property with a
concise description of the conditions leading to the finding;
(3) A statement that the graffiti must be removed within fifteen (15) days after receipt
of the notice and that if the graffiti is not abated within that time the City will declare the property to be
a public nuisance, subject to the abatement procedures in City Code Section [Section 14 of this
ordinance].
(4) An information sheet identifying any graffiti removal assistance programs
available through the City and private graffiti removal contractors.
SECTION 5. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1105, to read as follows:
Section 18-1105. Failure to comply.
Upon first failure, neglect or refusal to remove the graffiti during the prescribed period, the city
shall give notice to the noncomplying owner, agent or occupant thereof. Such notice shall provide as
a minimum:
(1) That the noncomplying owner, or agent thereof, is allowed fifteen (15) days from
the date of notice of noncompliance to remove;
(2) That upon failure to comply the city may by its own work forces or by contract
cause the graffiti to be removed and the cost thereof shall be assessed against the
noncomplying real property together with an additional administrative cost of $100.00;
(3) If the owner or agent of the property continues to neglect to maintain the property
free from graffiti, the city may at its sole discretion remove the graffiti again as needed without
additional notice of any kind. Charges as in subsection (2), including penalty, will be assessed
for each time the city removes the graffiti;
(4) That the assessed amount together with costs and penalties shall constitute a
lien on the noncomplying real property and will be taxed as a special assessment against the
real property.
(5) Appeal.
The owner or agent may appeal any determination that they have failed to comply with the
requirements of any order to the Director of Public Service or their designee.
(6) Notice.
Notice under this article is sufficient if served upon the Owner or Responsible Person
personally or mailed regular mail to the last known address Owner or Responsible Person or
the last address of the Owner shown on the tax rolls of the county. Upon mailing, the city clerk
shall execute an affidavit of mailing. Notice shall be deemed given when the sender receives
the requested return receipt via the United States Postal Service.
SECTION 6. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1106, to read as follows:
Section 18-1106. Municipal Infraction.
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Any person who willfully fails to comply with the provisions of this article is guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon a signed complaint shall be punished as provided in section 1-1105.
SECTION 7. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1107, to read as follows:
Section 18-1107. Exceptions to Property Owner Responsibility.
The removal requirements of subsection (a) above shall not apply if the property owner or
responsible party can demonstrate that:
(1) The property owner or responsible party lacks the financial ability to remove the
defacing graffiti; or
(2) The property owner or responsible party has an active program for the removal of
graffiti and has scheduled the removal of the graffiti as part of that program, in which case it shall be
unlawful to permit such property to remain defaced with graffiti for a period of fifteen (15) days after
service by certified mail of notice of the defacement. Failure to acknowledge service of the notice of
violation will result in action taken by the City to remove graffiti and seek reimbursement from the
property owner, see section ______.
SECTION 8. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1108, to read as follows:
Section 18-1108. Right of City to Remove.
(1) Use of Public Funds. Whenever the City becomes aware or is notified and
determines that graffiti is located on publicly or privately owned property viewable from a public or
quasi-public place, the City shall be authorized to use public funds for the removal of the graffiti, or for
the painting or repairing of the graffiti, but shall not authorize or undertake to provide for the painting
or repair of any more extensive an area than that where the graffiti is located, unless the Director of
Public Safety, or the designee of the Director of Public Safety, determines in writing that a more
extensive area is required to be repainted or repaired in order to avoid an aesthetic disfigurement to
the neighborhood or community, or unless the property owner or responsible party agrees to pay for
the costs of repainting or repairing the more extensive area.
(2) Right of Entry on Private Property. Prior to entering upon private property or
property owned by a public entity other than the City for the purpose of graffiti removal the City shall
attempt to secure the consent of the property owner or responsible party and a release of the City
from liability for property damage or personal injury. If the property owner or responsible party fails to
remove the offending graffiti within the time specified by this Ordinance, or if the City has requested
consent to remove or paint over the offending graffiti and the property owner or responsible party has
refused consent for entry on terms acceptable to the City and consistent with the terms of this
Section, the City shall commence abatement and cost recovery proceedings for the graffiti removal
according to the provisions specified below.
SECTION 9. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1109, to read as follows:
Section 18-1109. Abatement and Cost Recovery Proceedings.
Assessment.
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(a) Annually the city shall prepare a list of all lots, tracts and parcels of real property within
the city from which and adjacent to which graffiti was removed by the city and for which such charges
and penalties have not yet been paid, the list shall include as a minimum the following:
(1) Name as shown by the tax rolls, common address if known;
(2) Tax code of the property;
(3) Legal description of the lot, tract or parcel;
(4) Cost of the graffiti removal for that property;
(5) Administrative costs;
(6) Penalty assessed.
(b) The assessment list shall be incorporated into a special assessment resolution in proper
form which resolution shall be presented to the city council for consideration. From and after passage
of the resolution, the assessments stated therein, together with administrative costs and penalty shall
constitute a special assessment, as provided in MCA Sections 7-1-101 and 7-5-4123 and a lien on
the real property shown on the assessment list. A copy of the resolution after passage shall be
certified to the official collecting the city taxes and assessments.
SECTION 10. That the Billings, Montana City Code be amended by adding a section to be
numbered 18-1110, to read as follows:
Section 18-1110. Anti-Graffiti Fund.
The City Council hereby creates the City of Billings Anti-Graffiti Fund. Costs recovered for
graffiti removal and penalties assessed in Billings Municipal Court against violators of this Ordinance
shall be placed in the fund, along with any monetary donations received from persons wishing to
contribute to the fund. The Council shall direct the expenditures of monies in the fund. Such
expenditures shall be limited to the payment of the cost of graffiti removal, the costs of administering
the Ordinance, and such other public purposes as may be approved by the Council by resolution.
SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be effective thirty (30) days after
second reading and final adoption as provided by law.
SECTION 12. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to
any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this
ordinance which may be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and, to this end, the
provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.
PASSED by the City Council on first reading this ____ day of ____, 20__.
PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED on second reading this ___ day of ____, 20___.
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APPENDIX E: Documentation of Fiscal Effect of Graffiti/Vandalism to City
Transaction
Date
Account
Number
Project
Code
Description Line 1 Description Line 2 Amount
11/3/2004 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL CLSSRM LEVER @ BZN
PONDS
$822.00
11/30/2004 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL BZN POND LOCK REPAIR $350.00
12/10/2004 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL LOCK REPAIR-BZN PONDS $338.50
6/8/2005 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL GRAFFITI REMOVER $68.91
7/7/2005 112-7710-
454.30-10
VANDAL REPAIR RADIO-
VANDALIZED
$75.90
8/24/2005 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL SPRINKLER HEADS(24)
VANDL
KIRK-VANDALISM $618.48
8/24/2005 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL SPRINKLER HEADS(24)
VANDL
KIRK-VANDALISM $618.48
8/30/2005 111-4171-
433.20-99
VANDAL GRAFFITI OFF,GOO
REMOVER
PADS,SPRAY
BOTTLE,ETC
$92.03
1/19/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL VANDALIZED WINDOW-SS
PARK
WARMING SHACK $236.00
1/25/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL WINDOW REPLACE-
VANDALISM
WARMING SHACK-
716 S 5TH
$148.95
1/26/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL VANDALIZED WINDOW-SS
PARK
715 S 5TH AVE $200.00
2/2/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL WINDOW@716 S 5TH
AVE:VAND
WARMING SHACK-
VANDALISM
$308.20
2/13/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL WINDOW REPLACE-
VANDALISM
@ SOUTHSIDE PARK $220.55
2/28/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL GRAFFITI&PAINT
REMOVER
$19.48
3/21/2006 010-1840-
413.20-99
VANDAL UNBELIEVABLE GRAFFITI
OFF
PROF BLDG
CLEANER
$10.15
5/1/2006 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL PAINT REMOVER & WASH $39.96
6/16/2006 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL GRAFFITI OFF $17.57
6/16/2006 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL KHAKI SPRAYPAINT $2.99
7/3/2006 010-7610-
453.20-50
VANDAL LAMINATED SIGNS-
BOGERT
$40.40
7/3/2006 010-7610-
453.20-50
VANDAL LAMINATED SIGNS-
BOGERT
OVERPAYMENT PER
FEDEX
($40.40)
7/12/2006 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL GRAFFITI REMOVER $7.49
7/13/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL ROLLER,BRUSH & TRAY
LINER
$4.96
7/31/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL PAINT,TRAY & LINER KIRK PARK $39.68
8/2/2006 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL GRAFFITI REMOVER (2) $127.68
8/3/2006 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL LYSOL & GRAFFITI GONE $32.25
8/4/2006 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL PAINT ROLLERS & TRAYS $6.75
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Bozeman Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force Final Report
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8/7/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL PAINT BRUSH, LINER TRAY
&
GRAFITTI REMOVER $10.77
8/8/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL LATEX PAINT (2) $42.70
9/15/2006 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL PAINT TO COVER
VANDALISM
$36.64
9/15/2006 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL SPRINKLER HEADS (12) $247.08
10/10/2006 010-7610-
453.30-10
VANDAL GREY PAINT FOR SKATE
PARK
VANDALISM @
SKATE PARK
$100.40
10/10/2006 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL ALMOND SPRAYPAINT $4.29
10/22/2006 010-7610-
453.70-10
VANDAL LGL #4298-CALL FOR BIDS BOGERT FIRE
SPRINKLERS
$153.30
11/23/2006 010-7610-
453.50-99
VANDAL ANTIFREEZE FOR TOILETS
IN
BOGERT $461.00
4/9/2007 010-7610-
453.50-99
VANDAL PORTA JOHNS @ BOGERT
PARK
PAVILION $431.25
4/11/2007 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL REPAIR LOCKS-BRONKEN
PARK
$219.80
4/18/2007 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL REKEY VANDALIZED
LOCKS
$15.00
4/25/2007 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL RESTRICTED LOCK & KEY $12.00
4/30/2007 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL PAINT ROLLERS,TRAY
LINER
COVER PAINT $52.09
5/24/2007 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL BLACK SPRAY PAINT $9.14
6/13/2007 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL PAINT,BRUSHES,LINERS $50.19
6/19/2007 010-1860-
413.20-99
VANDAL GRAFFITI REMOVER &
RAGS
$17.98
9/12/2007 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL PAINT,LINER,BRUSH,FRAM
E
$41.23
11/12/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #1096-REPLACE TIRES (3) $433.32
11/12/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #2647-REPLACE TIRES (2) $304.56
11/12/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #2748-REPLACE TIRES (4) $575.80
11/12/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #2749-REPLACE TIRES (2) $291.04
11/12/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #2758-REPLACE TIRES (4) $575.80
11/12/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #3078-REPLACE TIRES (4) $610.24
11/12/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #3156-REPLACE TIRES (4) $610.24
11/13/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #1608-REPLACE TIRES (4) $503.40
11/13/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #3217-REPLACE TIRES (4) $582.08
11/14/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #1056-REPLACE TIRES (4) $582.08
11/14/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #1288-REPLACE TIRES (4) $542.20
11/14/2007 710-6010-VANDAL #1456-REPLACE TIRES (4) $631.80
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Bozeman Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force Final Report
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449.20-80
11/14/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #3345-REPLACE TIRES (2) $284.56
11/15/2007 010-1860-
413.20-99
VANDAL GRAFFITTIE REMOVER
FOR
NEW LIBRARY $7.49
11/15/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #1539-REPLACE TIRES (4) $278.80
11/15/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #3251-REPLACE TIRES (4) $582.08
11/20/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #1096-EXCHANGE TIRES $23.52
11/28/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL #3250-REPLACE TIRES (4) $582.08
12/27/2007 710-6010-
449.20-80
VANDAL TIRE DISPOSAL FEE (46) DUE TO VANDALISM $115.00
1/10/2008 710-6010-
449.30-10
VANDAL #0000/TIRES REPLACED
DUE
TO ICE PICK
VANDALISM
$8,279.60
3/19/2008 710-6010-
449.30-10
VANDAL #0000/VANDALIZED TIRES 16 CITY VEHICLES ($8,279.60)
6/24/2008 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL SURVEY STAKES&SCREW
RIVET
$16.79
10/26/2009 010-7610-
453.20-99
VANDAL PICNIC TABLE LEGS FOR PICNIC TABLES @
BOZ PONDS
$260.00
3/31/2010 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL PAINT TO REMOVE
GRAFFITI
$53.25
4/6/2010 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL PAINT,BRUSHES &
COVERALLS
VANDALISM
SUPPLIES
$54.02
4/7/2010 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL ORIENTAL IVORY PAINT $28.79
4/13/2010 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL (1)GALLON OF IVORY
PAINT
$28.79
8/16/2010 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL (12)4" SPRINKLER HEADS $275.28
8/17/2010 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL (16)SPRINKLER HEADS $91.76
8/18/2010 010-7610-
453.30-30
VANDAL (12)4" SPRINKLER HEADS $275.28
2/15/2011 010-7610-
453.30-20
VANDAL RLLRS,PAINT
TRAY,BRUSHES,
& 2 X 10'S $87.81
8/5/2011 010-1830-
413.30-20
VANDAL INSTALL INSULATED
GLASS
CARRAGE HOUSE
VANDALISM
$180.50
8/18/2011 010-1850-
413.50-99
VANDAL (1)WINDOW REPLACED BB GUN DAMAGE @
SNR CENTR
$748.00
$16,528.18
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APPENDIX F: Documentation of Task Force Cleanup Efforts (Appendix F)
V>F Clean Up Project
All of this graffiti was removed by volunteers organized by the V>F
Downtown graffiti removal by Downtown BID
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Bozeman Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force Final Report
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V>F Graffiti Clean-Up Project at the Beall Center
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Bozeman Vandalism and Graffiti Task Force Final Report
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APPENDIX G: Police Action on Graffiti and Vandalism
The Bozeman Police Department has been actively engaged in the prevention, cleanup, tracking and detection
of graffiti and vandalism in the City of Bozeman. Since the formation of the task force in 2008 the BPD has
taken steps to prevent these expensive and destructive crimes. These steps include the augmentation of bike
patrols during the night and day shifts. The BPD currently has 23 trained bike officers. The BPD has been
using the assistance of detectives and plain clothes officers in high risk areas to capture and detect suspects
vandalizing.
Patrol officers have been patrolling the parking garage and downtown aggressively looking for criminal
mischief. On one occasion officers were able to apprehend to males involved in felony criminal mischief. In
this particular incident, Officer Ben Martin was patrolling the garage, based on previous reports of
skateboarding and vandalism. He was able to watch two males sneak down the alley, one serving as a
“lookout”, the second as the “marker”. Officer Martin called in for additional units and apprehended the two.
They had tagged over 65 different locations, involving 17 businesses, causing over $1,500 in damage. Their
case is still being adjudicated, but we have requested they be held accountable for the financial damage and
provide some community service related to graffiti cleanup.
The BPD officers have been assisting in the cleanup of graffiti. The officers carry “graffiti wipes” with them to
calls for service and have assisted in cleaning up the graffiti. Officers have been removing graffiti from
mailboxes, signs, and buildings while patrolling in their beats. While responding to calls for service, officers
have given victims of the crimes, the wipes to clean the vandalism.
The BPD has been working on an online reporting system to make the tracking and reporting of graffiti and
vandalism easier for both citizens and officers. The BPD will have an online system available for citizens to
report the crime and request an officer. This will provide input to the officers on where vandalism is occurring,
attempt to identify the person responsible for the graffiti and work with either the property owner or other city
departments to remove the graffiti. We can provide educational materials on best methods of cleanup or allow
for the use of the power washer purchased by the city. Signs, street curbing or city property will be cleaned by
city street and parks employees.
The BPD has made an online crime mapping site, crimemapping.com available to the public through the city
website. This site allows citizens to see types of crimes, including graffiti and vandalism in their neighborhood
or city.
The BPD will continue to be active in the prevention, cleanup and tracking of graffiti and vandalism. The BPD
is striving to make the City of Bozeman a clean and safe to live, work and play.
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