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Bozeman approves Lakota Group contract to update NCOD design guidelines
Summary
The City Commission unanimously authorized a professional services agreement with the Lakota Group to update Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District design guidelines; the decision followed public concern about Historic Preservation Advisory Board involvement and transparency in the procurement process.
The Bozeman City Commission unanimously authorized the city manager to sign a professional services agreement with the Lakota Group to update the city’s Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) design guidelines.
City Manager Witton introduced the item and said staff conducted a qualified procurement under the two-bid method allowed for projects under the $80,000 RFP threshold. Aaron George, Community Development staff, said Lakota Group’s proposal was roughly $30,000 and that the firm ‘‘stood out as highly qualified’’ on historic-preservation design and the Secretary of the Interior standards.
Why it matters: the NCOD update shapes design standards that govern renovations and new construction in Bozeman’s historic neighborhoods. Several residents and preservation advocates told the commission they wanted more notice and fuller engagement of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board before the contract was awarded.
Jim Webster, a member of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, said the board could convene special meetings but worried the public had not seen sufficient vetting: "This really hasn't been vetted as much as we would like." Lisonbee Sweeney, speaking as chair of the Better Bozeman Coalition, criticized the timing and packet information, saying, "the first time the public has learned about this contract being awarded was on the consent agenda and it had incomplete information — that is not good." Online commenter Zara Osman asked staff to clarify whether local code still references Secretary of the Interior standards and how those standards apply when federal funding is not used.
Deputy Mayor Morrison, who moved the motion to authorize the contract, acknowledged public concern but said staff had expanded outreach and would involve advisory boards in the project’s community engagement plan. Commissioners discussed two options: approve the contract and proceed with monthly HPAB check-ins, or delay and send the selection back for additional advisory-board review (staff estimated a 2–3 month delay if returned).
The vote: after discussion and public comment, the clerk polled the commission. The motion passed 5–0.
What’s next: staff said the project is scheduled to begin with an internal kickoff in November, followed by background research, community engagement and draft guidelines slated for public review next year. The contract authorizes staff to begin work and to return to the commission with draft documents and findings.
