The Bozeman Downtown Business Improvement District Board unanimously approved August minutes 6-0 at its September 16 meeting, then turned to a candid review of this summer's struggling flower baskets.
Staff attributed the early decline to the hot, dry season compounded by inconsistent watering schedules and an aphid infestation. Emily Kiley, DBA staff, reported that the Earthplanter baskets should have received three waterings weekly on hot days rather than the standard two, and that increased fertilizer may have attracted aphids to stressed plants. New Oak Gardens owners will implement preventative measures next season. Board member Mark Kehke suggested a mid-summer preventative spray program, which staff will discuss with Oak Gardens.
The board heard updates on multiple projects. The Bozeman Creek plan consultants will meet with staff this week, with public engagement slated for November and a vision presentation in mid-December. The Babcock Street project wrapped up with new pedestrian ramps and curb extensions for safety. Main Street will soon feature new pedestrian lighting from 5th to Wells Fargo, with tree wells installed for future plantings. The parking garage bathrooms, currently in poor condition, are being addressed jointly by HRDC, the City, and the URD to tackle infrastructure and unhoused services issues.
Staff announced interviews underway for a new Downtown Bozeman Partnership operations manager, with announcement expected next week. A de-escalation training partnership with HRDC begins September 18. Trick-or-treating downtown moves to Friday, October 30, with Main Street closed between Rouse and Grand from 3 to 6 p.m. for pedestrian safety. Staff will send details about the October board meeting, which Emily Kiley will miss due to travel, and asked whether to cancel or reschedule. Board member Ileana Indreland highlighted ongoing URD projects, passenger rail discussions, and MSU's strategic planning process, still open for community feedback. The old fire station on Rouse may see activity within a year pending affordability agreement completion.