The Sustainability Advisory Board approved July meeting minutes unanimously and heard from city staff on drought preparedness, water conservation, and renewable energy projects.
Drought Management and Water Supply
Jessica Ahlstrom, the city's water conservation program manager, presented an update on Bozeman's 2022 drought management plan, which outlines five main components: vulnerability assessment, drought monitoring framework, communication campaigns, drought response measures, and enforcement. The plan designates four drought stages with escalating restrictions and surcharges. Stage 1 encourages conservation with 0-25% surcharges and a 10% citywide water use reduction goal. Stage 2 implements watering restrictions with 10-41% surcharges and a 20% reduction goal. Stage 3, with a lawn watering ban, targets 30% reduction with 20-100% surcharges. Stage 4, designated a drought emergency, aims for 40% reduction with 25-200% surcharges.
Ahlstrom detailed the 2021 drought declaration, which achieved a 28% citywide water reduction despite low precipitation and high temperatures in June. This year, despite a low snowpack in the Gallatin Range, the city experienced relatively normal water demands after the reservoir filled to capacity. Ahlstrom explained that the city monitors multiple local water supply indicators, including streamflow, snowpack, and reservoir levels, alongside regional drought indices to make informed drought declarations.
Board members pressed Ahlstrom on communication challenges reaching renters, HOAs, and commercial properties. She noted that postcards, social media, and the free Drop Counter water monitoring app are key outreach tools. She emphasized that many commercial properties use exempt wells, which the city cannot regulate. Regarding the garden party conservation event, Ahlstrom clarified that renters can participate by proving their address on city water using an iPad lookup if they lack a physical bill.
Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Projects
Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Division staff, presented updates on several municipal infrastructure initiatives. The Bozeman Public Library's solar array expansion—adding 37 kilowatts to the existing 16-kilowatt system—is now operational and expected to offset 10% of library electricity use. Recent library energy efficiency improvements achieved a 30% reduction in electricity and natural gas consumption.
The Water Reclamation Facility is receiving a 608-kilowatt behind-the-meter solar array, expected to begin construction next spring. This is the city's largest solar installation and will offset 5% of all city building carbon emissions and reduce citywide electricity use by 8%. The project accessed investment tax credits and achieved domestic content bonus provisions.
A 120-kilowatt DC fast charger installation at the city shops complex is now operational and supports the growing municipal electric vehicle fleet. Meyer noted that high demand charges from Northwestern Energy ($14.40 per kilowatt) remain a barrier to wider EV charging adoption and called for utility time-of-use rates to incentivize off-peak charging.
Green Power Program and Other Initiatives
The city's Green Power Program continues on track, with the City Commission having adopted the LEED Community Agreement on July 21. The public filing with the Public Service Commission is expected next week. Meyer announced an informational public session on September 24 at the Public Safety Center. Meyer also promoted several upcoming community events, including a Craighead Institute wildlife discussion on September 16, an MSU Sustainability Summit on September 22, and a cold climate building science conference October 12-14.
On bear-resistant composting, Meyer reminded residents that the city offers bear-resistant compost totes at no extra charge. Commissioner Emma Bode added context on competitive pressures from private garbage services and noted that the city attorney is reviewing regulatory options to mandate wildlife-safe containers across all providers.
The board noted a vacancy after Isabel's resignation and encouraged recruitment of new members through the City of Bozeman board application website.