Bozeman City Commission Regular Meeting – May 5, 2026

The Bozeman City Commission met on May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Commission Room at City Hall. Commissioners Joey Morrison, Jennifer Madgic, Douglas Fischer, and Alison Sweeney were present; Commissioner Emma Bode was excused. The meeting covered consent items, a mayoral proclamation, a special presentation on building safety, a major annexation and zoning action, an appointment to the Police Commission, and various FYI items.

Consent Calendar

• Consent I (Items I.1–I.14): Approved unanimously (4-0). Included accounts payable, grant applications (Justice Assistance Grant, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Highway Traffic Safety, Public Safety and Mental Health), contract awards (Oak and Ferguson intersection improvements to Knife River of Belgrade; Black Lot repaving to CK May Excavating), final plat for Canyon Gate Major Subdivision, software service agreement with Citian Inc. for the CRASH data platform, and professional services agreements for planning fee study, engineering review, water reclamation facility upgrades, WRF solar project, and right-of-way acquisition for Fowler Avenue Connection.
• Consent II (Item J.1): Adopted Findings of Fact and Order for Appeal 25769 (Sundance Springs Subdivision Commercial Lot 2 Site Plan) unanimously (4-0). Commissioner Sweeney noted that while she dissented in the original appeal, the findings accurately reflect the commission’s decision.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Geoffrey Poole (resident, South Bozeman): Argued that the proposed findings of fact for Appeal 25769 are incorrect regarding trail frontages and setbacks, stating the city’s position has shifted over time. He questioned the legal implications of the Mayor signing findings he believes are not factual.
• Cynthia Miller (resident): Described a traffic accident involving her daughter, urging the city to address uninsured drivers and suspended licenses.
• Mary Frances McHugh: Requested removal of Item I.14 from consent for staff explanation on a date in the scope of services.
• General Public Comment (non-agenda):
  • Unnamed resident: Commented on the Bozeman Creek walk, proposed shifting tree district assessment methodology from square footage to per-unit basis, and suggested using tree district funds for creek cleanup.
  • Mark Campanelli (Bogart Park neighbor): Supported public discussion of the work plan, raised concerns about revenue bonds vs. general obligation bonds for solar farms, noted that neighborhood associations are more inclusive than city boards, and expressed concern about affordable housing drying up under the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD). He also highlighted the need for quality construction and adherence to building codes.
• Hanson Lane Annexation/Zoning Public Comment (12 speakers in room, plus online):
  • Heather Higgs (Harvest Creek Owners Association): Opposed RB zoning, citing spot zoning concerns, exponential density increase, and traffic safety issues on Durston Road and Fowler Avenue. She referenced a Montana Supreme Court case (Hearts Horn v. Whitefish) and an 11-page HOA letter.
  • Bill Valincourt (Harvest Creek resident): Opposed RB zoning, arguing it would create significantly higher density, taller buildings (45 feet, double the height of adjacent homes), and infringe on privacy, light, air, and property values. He advocated for RA zoning.
  • Susan Francis (Harvest Creek resident): Opposed RB zoning, citing narrow streets (Lilly, Annie, Rose, Oak) not built for increased traffic and safety concerns for children walking to school.
  • Cindy Miller (Harvest Creek resident): Urged commissioners to visit the site, criticized the missing middle illustrations as misleading, and noted that many new apartments are empty. She emphasized safety for children crossing Oak Avenue.
  • Nigel Anselmi (Harvest Creek resident, Bozeman native): Opposed RB zoning, supporting RA to preserve neighborhood character and allow single-family homes. He referenced the city’s priorities of protecting heritage neighborhoods and natural environment.
  • Paul Francis (Harvest Creek resident): Supported the Fowler Avenue extension but opposed mixed housing, urging consistency with surrounding RA zoning. He noted that his property value would be affected.
  • Krista Tripp (Harvest Creek resident): Supported annexation but opposed RB zoning. She calculated that 2.65 acres at RA could yield 16 units (32 cars) vs. RB at 21 units (42 cars), arguing that RA is a gradual, predictable density increase while RB is a step change.
  • Sam Knight (Harvest Creek resident): Opposed RB zoning, arguing that increased density from RB would offset any traffic relief from Fowler Avenue and that the city’s push for multifamily reduces homeownership opportunities and long-term wealth for residents.
  • Mary Frances McHugh (online): Opposed RB zoning, stating that the city’s community plan lacks guidance on where urban neighborhood zoning districts should be applied, making the plan equivalent to “no plan at all."

Discussion Items

• Mayoral Proclamation (L.1): Mayor Morrison proclaimed May 2026 as Building Safety Month, emphasizing the role of code officials in protecting public safety.
• Special Presentation (M.1): Chief Building Official Ben Abbey presented Building Safety Month “Built to Last,” highlighting weekly themes: safe homes, voices of the built environment, preparing for disasters, and accessibility. He noted that building codes are the first line of defense and that the industry faces a “silver wave” with 50-75% of code officials expected to retire in 5-10 years.
• Hanson Lane Annexation and Zone Map Amendment (N.1):
  • Staff Presentation (Planner Colin Mieras): The 9.979-acre property is an unannexed inholding, surrounded by city limits on three sides. The applicant requested RB (Residential Mixed Use Low-Medium) zoning. Staff concluded that criteria A-D were met and positive outcomes outweighed negatives for criteria E-K. The Planning Commission (Community Development Board) voted unanimously to recommend approval. Over 105 written public comments were received, primarily opposing RB zoning and citing concerns about density, traffic, and safety.
  • Applicant Presentation (Chris Naumann, Sanbell): The annexation is a condition of the right-of-way purchase agreement for the Fowler Avenue Connection project. The net buildable area after right-of-way and easements is approximately 2.65 acres. RB zoning allows for gentle infill and missing middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, townhomes) and fits the existing zoning pattern of alternating RA and RB in the area.
  • Commission Discussion:
    • Commissioner Sweeney: Opposed RB zoning, citing character of the area (criteria H) and the need for starter homes. She noted that new RA has no minimum lot size and could allow duplexes/multiples. She expressed concern that the worst-case scenario under RB (eight-unit buildings at 45 feet) would be incompatible.
    • Commissioner Madgic: Supported RB zoning, arguing that mixed housing can create vibrant neighborhoods (e.g., Bridger View development). She noted that the growth policy supports gradual density increases and that RB is an incremental step from RA. She emphasized that parking requirements and the small parcel size limit density.
    • Deputy Mayor Fischer: Struggled but ultimately supported RB, stating that RA does not meet community goals for dynamic, walkable neighborhoods with a mix of housing types. He noted that the differences between RA and RB are not dramatic and that the code provides protections.
    • Mayor Morrison: Supported RB, noting that RB is a novel zone request and that the net buildable area (2.65 acres) limits potential density. He adopted staff’s findings, with criteria J (preserve value of existing structures) being neutral rather than met.
• Appointment to Police Commission (O.1): Commissioner Madgic moved to appoint Beth Corriea to a term expiring April 30, 2029. Public comment: Anthony Smith urged the commission to appoint a leader who prioritizes accountability, mental health support for officers, and de-escalation over force. The motion passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Annexation (Hanson Lane): Approved 4-0. Staff directed to prepare an annexation agreement.
• Zone Map Amendment (Hanson Lane): Approved 3-1 (Commissioner Sweeney dissenting). The RB zoning designation is approved with contingencies for adoption of an implementing ordinance.
• Consent Items: All consent items I.1–I.14 and J.1 approved unanimously.
• Appointment: Beth Corriea appointed to the Police Commission, term expiring April 30, 2029.
• Next Steps: The Fowler Avenue Connection project right-of-way acquisition is separate but contingent on annexation. The city will continue to engage with the public on the Bozeman Creek vision plan, with a public activity event scheduled for June 2, 2026. The city manager and staff will explore ways to share information about homeownership opportunities under $400,000.