Bozeman Interneighborhood Council Meeting - April 9, 2026

The Bozeman Interneighborhood Council (INC) met on April 9, 2026, to discuss proposed bylaw revisions, receive updates from the city commission liaison, and address neighborhood communications and awards. Key topics included a tabled vote on bylaw amendments, a request for a city commission discussion on interim zoning, and sharing of communication tools among neighborhood associations.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the March 12, 2026 regular meeting were approved as submitted via a motion and second, with a unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple members of the public and INC representatives expressed strong disappointment that the city commission had not held a public discussion on the INC's formal request for interim zoning (moratorium) related to larger developments under the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD). Speakers urged Commissioner Fisher to bring the item to the commission for a public conversation, citing over 1,000 survey responses in support and a lack of transparency. They requested the city attorney provide a formal explanation of legal risks.

Discussion Items

• Bylaws Subcommittee Report and Proposed Amendments: The subcommittee presented an updated draft of the INC bylaws, with changes focused on clarifying voting procedures (administrative vs. representational votes). Discussion centered on lowering the quorum for meetings from two-thirds to one-third, and on representational vote thresholds. After debate, a motion to table the entire bylaw discussion until the May meeting was made and agreed to without a formal vote. The subcommittee will incorporate feedback on quorum and voting thresholds before the next meeting.
• Commissioner Liaison Report: Commissioner Doug Fisher reported upcoming city commission work sessions: April 14 on pedestrian and traffic safety, and April 28 on priority work plans. He stated there was not sufficient commissioner support to schedule a discussion on interim zoning (moratorium) and that the mayor did not support it. After pushback from INC members, he agreed to relay INC's interest in a public discussion and a request for the city attorney to explain legal risks. He also noted a request for formal language to share with neighborhoods about the survey results.
• Neighbor and Staff Awards: A proposal to create an annual INC award for a city staff member and a neighbor was discussed. Concerns about time commitment and potential divisiveness led to a consensus to use informal, one-time resolutions for extraordinary contributions rather than an annual process, as had been done previously for Kathy Powell.
• Communication Best Practices for Neighborhoods: Representatives shared tools including Nextdoor, Facebook groups, WhatsApp, Google Groups, email lists, and phone trees. Practical challenges such as fragmentation, opt-in burdens, and differing neighborhood sizes were highlighted. The group discussed potential city support (e.g., links on Engage Bozeman) but no formal action was taken.
• Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP) Update: INC representative Beth reported on the April 6 WAC meeting. The committee reviewed 643 self-selected survey responses; reliability of water service ranked highest in importance. 40 concept alternatives are being evaluated, including reservoir restoration and water conservation. Next steps include ranking and prioritizing, with INC encouraged to provide input.
• City Liaison Update: Emily K. announced new Engage Bozeman projects: NCOD guidelines update (open house April 13, walking tours April 14-15), and Urban Forest Management Plan (online event April 28). Reminders were given about upcoming officer elections in June and the annual INC report due end of June.
• Neighborhood Updates: Kath reported ongoing issues with contractor 4050 in her neighborhood, including road damage, outstanding claims, and a mailbox destroyed twice. The contractor is reportedly out of business, leaving three-week driveway blockages and unresolved claims. She urged better due diligence on city contractor selection.
• Study Commission Follow-up: A previous subcommittee was asked to reconvene to provide INC input on the study commission's consultant presentation on neighborhoods; a single meeting was proposed with a vote in May.
• Transportation Master Plan: An informal committee of interested neighborhoods (Bozeman Creek, tree streets, SCAN, Bogert Park) was suggested to inform the update, with City Transportation Director Nick Ross supportive.

Key Outcomes

• Bylaws: Discussion tabled until May meeting; subcommittee to revise quorum and representational vote provisions based on feedback.
• Interim Zoning: Commissioner Fisher committed to bring INC's request for a public commission discussion and city attorney explanation to the commission; INC members will encourage neighborhood public comments.
• Awards: No formal program adopted; informal resolutions may be used for exceptional contributions.
• Communication: No formal decision; neighborhoods will continue using varied tools and sharing experiences.
• Next Steps: Officer nominations due by June meeting; annual report due June 30; INC representatives reminded to attend April 13 NCOD open house and provide IWRP input.