Bozeman City Commission Meeting – March 24, 2026

The Bozeman City Commission met on March 24, 2026, to deliberate and vote on the appeal of a commercial site plan for the Sundance Springs subdivision, adopt the Fiscal Years 2027–2031 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), issue a mayoral proclamation, and hear public comments. Key outcomes included a 4-1 vote to uphold the director's conditional approval (with an added lighting condition) and unanimous adoption of the $300 million CIP.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda One (Items G1–G21) approved unanimously (5-0).
• Consent Agenda Two approved on a 3-2 vote (Commissioners Magic and Sweeney dissenting).
• City Manager highlighted two items: (1) the Cattail Construction Project (North 27th from Baxter Lane to Cattail) awarded $2 million below engineer’s estimate, and (2) the Bozeman Public Library children’s room renovation ($1.2 million total, $1 million raised through philanthropy).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carl Anderson (Belgrade resident, owner of Weird Productions/Director of Operations for First Contact) thanked the commission for the First Contact Day proclamation and introduced MSU students attending the meeting.
• Laurie Wallace (Harvest Creek HOA, 2724 Daisy Drive) read a press release detailing the HOA’s engagement with the city regarding proposed high-density housing on 10 acres acquired for the Fowler Avenue extension. The HOA does not oppose affordable housing or the road but requests a covenant limiting development to 8 units/acre, two stories maximum, and a traffic/parking plan that does not impact the subdivision.
• Daniel Cardi (Bozeman resident) reported that a contractor at Urban Farms cut down willows/cottonwoods along an irrigation ditch managed by Middle Creek Ditch Company. He asked the city to investigate and establish a process to prevent future occurrences.
• Mary Francis McHugh (online) suggested adding an advisory to the consent agenda that informs the public of their right to comment and that any commissioner may remove an item for discussion. She noted the city code only allows commissioners to pull items but encouraged the presiding officer to adjust the order to accommodate public comment.

Discussion Items

• Appeal of Sundance Springs Commercial Lot 2 Site Plan (Continuation from Feb 24, 2026) Assistant City Attorney Severin clarified that the hearing was closed on Feb 24; the commission’s sole task was to discuss and vote on whether to uphold, amend, or overturn the director’s conditional approval.

  • Commissioner Magic moved to amend the approval by adding a condition requiring the lighting plan to comply with Bozeman Code §38.57.0040 G.5 (maximum 0.3 foot-candles at property boundary). She then reviewed each of the eight appeal points, arguing that: the master plan and development guidelines are non-binding; the final plat and 1996 PUD approval (with conditions) control; the 2025 code applies (not 1992 code); the site meets block frontage standards; setbacks comply; and the design guidelines have been followed. She concluded staff acted correctly and in good faith.
  • Commissioner Sweeney proposed an amendment to require removal of parking from the rear setback (allowing only landscaping) to comply with the Sundance Springs CC&Rs (Section 3.2) and the 2024 commission findings. She argued that design guidelines must be applied equally (e.g., not ignoring 8.3C). The amendment failed 1-4 (only Sweeney in favor).
  • Commissioner Bodie supported staff’s interpretation that the buildable area is defined by building/structure setbacks, and that parking is allowed in rear setbacks under the Bozeman Municipal Code. He also noted that moving parking back would not meaningfully change the development’s character and could reduce parking, potentially impacting neighbors.
  • Commissioner Fisher (Deputy Mayor) supported staff’s reading of the code and the 1996 PUD findings (Condition 29 allowing all B1 uses). He found the revised design more responsive to the spirit of the PUD (half-sized buildings, reduced patio, improved open space) and rejected the idea that the master plan map is an ironclad depiction.
  • Commissioner Madrid agreed with Deputy Mayor Fisher and Commissioner Bodie, noting that the CC&Rs’ language (buildable area determined by building/structure setbacks as allowed in the zone code) means parking is permitted in rear setbacks.
  • Record of the hearing and public comment from Feb 24, 2026 was incorporated; no new public comment was taken.

• Fiscal Years 2027–2031 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Adoption

  • Finance Director Melissa Hodnet summarized the process: internal review started September 2025; work sessions were held in December 2025 and March 10, 2026. The CIP is a planning document; actual appropriations will be determined during the May/June budget adoption. Enterprise funds and special assessment funds (with most capital) will be discussed June 2; general fund capital on June 9.
  • Commissioner Bowdy moved to adopt the resolution, praising staff for prioritizing projects and noting the $300 million planned investment (with an additional ~$400 million in unscheduled projects). He highlighted the Fowler Avenue connector, bike/pedestrian safety, and water reclamation facility savings.
  • Commissioner Magic commended staff expertise and the process; Commissioner Sweeney appreciated the extended timeline compared to past years.
  • Deputy Mayor Fisher emphasized the $300 million figure and the importance of the unscheduled items (often called deferred maintenance).
  • Mayor Morrison noted the CIP helps answer constituents’ questions about how the city is investing.
  • The resolution was adopted unanimously (5-0).

• Mayoral Proclamation: First Contact Day (April 5, 2026)

  • Mayor Morrison proclaimed April 5, 2026 as First Contact Day in Bozeman, referencing the Star Trek franchise’s fictional first contact between humans and extraterrestrials in Bozeman on April 5, 2063. The proclamation highlighted Bozeman’s scientific community, Montana State University’s Space Grant Consortium, and the potential for STEM tourism.

• Special Presentation: Transportation & Engineering Department

  • Nick Ross, Transportation & Engineering Director, presented an overview of the department’s operating divisions: Vehicle Maintenance, Streets (maintenance and sign/signal), and Bozeman Solid Waste. Key stats: 695 city assets maintained; 1,694 work orders completed last year; 45,000 lane miles plowed in a good snow year; 300 miles of streets maintained; 28 traffic signals; 70% of Bozeman households served by city solid waste; 1,800 customers on the new organics collection program; 4,000 gallons of used oil and antifreeze collected from the public; $500,000 EV grant secured.

• Commission FYI / Discussion

  • Commissioner Magic: Announced a “Walk with Me” event on Oak Street on March 26, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. at the regional park.
  • Commissioner Sweeney: Promoted the American Indian Council’s 50th Annual Powwow at MSU on March 27–28, 2026.
  • Commissioner Bodie: Reported from the Sustainability Board: update on water advisory strategies, new GHG monitoring dashboard, and board interest in affordable housing sustainability (e.g., solar orientation).
  • Deputy Mayor Fisher: Noted the Neighborhood Council passed a resolution requesting a moratorium on large building development/demolition in the NCOD while design guidelines are being considered.
  • Multiple commissioners supported adding an advisory to the consent agenda (as suggested by public commenter Mary Francis McHugh) and improving the meeting room décor (hanging past commissioner photos, city priorities, and proclamations).
  • City Manager stated he would: (1) investigate the tree cutting incident at the irrigation ditch, (2) work to clarify public comment opportunities in meeting materials, and (3) explore options for the wall décor.

Key Outcomes

• Sundance Springs Appeal: The commission upheld the director’s conditional approval of site plan #25238 with an added lighting condition, on a 4-1 vote (Commissioner Sweeney dissenting). An amendment to remove rear-setback parking failed 1-4.
• CIP Adoption: Fiscal Years 2027–2031 CIP adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Proclamation: April 5, 2026 declared First Contact Day.
• Public Comment Procedure: City Manager to review adding a consent agenda advisory and clarifying public participation opportunities.
• Tree Cutting Incident: City Manager to investigate the removal of trees along the Middle Creek Ditch at Urban Farms.
• Meeting Room Décor: City Manager to bring forward options for displaying past commissioner photos, city priorities, and notable proclamations.