07-13-20 City Council Work Session MinutesKALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
JULY 13, 2020
View the minutes attached to the audio of the meeting at:
http://kalispell.com/480/Meeting-Videos
A WORK SESSION OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00 PM ON
MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR MARK JOHNSON PRESIDED. COUNCIL MEMBERS
SANDY CARLSON, SID DAOUD, CHAD GRAHAM, RYAN HUNTER, TIM KLUESNER,
SAM NUNNALLY, AND KYLE WATERMAN WERE PRESENT. COUNCIL MEMBER
KARI GABRIEL WAS PRESENT VIA VIDEO TELECONFERENCE.
Also present: City Manager Doug Russell and Parks Director Chad Fincher.
Mayor Johnson called the work session to order.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Woodland Park — RestorinL- Back to Nature
Russell reminded everyone about Woodland Park's waterfowl problem and asked Fincher to further
describe the issue and proposed solutions.
Fincher described various problems associated with the public feeding the waterfowl, stating that the
materials can cause deformities in chicks, cause disease and decrease water quality, and create
aggression in the birds. He said that feeding makes wildlife that should be migratory stay in the area,
which changes their natural patterns and creates density too high to support them.
Fincher noted that to discourage public feeding, signage should be used to educate the public and
suggested an ordinance be created that details civil enforcement. He said managing the migratory
waterfowl would need to be a three -phased approach and suggested making the pond a Kid's Fishing
Pond, which would be stocked by Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP).
Dylan Tabish, FWP, noted the goal is to promote wildlife viewing and not wildlife feeding, and to
take the opportunity to teach kids at a young age to watch wildlife instead of feed it. He said the
natural setting at Woodland Park has already improved and FWP can help to support it, noting the
community stepping up and taking the ducks has already made a dramatic improvement in the park.
He said that FWP is looking at what it would take to make the park a Kid's Fishing Pond.
After discussion, it was determined that the best course of action would be to discourage feeding of
waterfowl and dropping off domestic animals by way of educational signs and an ordinance
containing civic penalties for repeat offenders.
Public Comment
None.
Kalispell City Council Work Session Minutes
July 13, 2020
Page 1
2. Budget Work Session Response
Russell stated that he had answers for some questions that were asked during the budget work
sessions:
1. Can the city use discounts for utility rates based on income or age? The MCAs state
that charges should be equitable and proportional to services rendered; age or income
differences would be discriminatory.
There was discussion.
2. Can the city use the grant program for a Street Sweeper for a wood burning stove
initiative or trail construction? The MACI grant is only for designated equipment and
does not allow stove initiatives or trail construction, but other grants exist for those.
3. Community Development Block Grant uses: A Community Development Block
Grant would be eligible to use for a housing assessment study on a 3 to 1 basis, and
the city's match would be $12,500 if council wants to move forward; trail budget
money could be used for the match. If desired, council could amend budget to add
this item and bring it to a vote.
There was a lengthy affordable housing discussion.
4. The feasibility of installing solar generation equipment at WWTP: Analysis noted it
would cost $5.5 million upfront with a 25.5 year return of investment and
replacement equipment and maintenance would be added costs. The project would
need a large piece of land and the city would be looking at an over 30 year
investment.
There was discussion regarding electricity rates and what the future could bring.
Public Comment
Thomas Millet, 775 Pleasant Valley Road, Marion, noted that he owns a business in Kalispell and
commented regarding face masks and the fact they don't work, citing a medical study entitled
"Masks Don't Work". He cautioned council against implementing a mask ordinance.
Cassidy Kipp, Community Action Partnership, commented that she is encouraged that council will
continue to discuss affordable housing options and is open to an affordable housing plan.
Tonya Horn, director of the Flathead Warming Center, asked if the city can afford to not explore the
Affordable Housing issue and noted the city must be able to present statistics regarding
homelessness as well.
Kalispell City Council Work Session Minutes
July 13, 2020
Page 2
CITY MANAGER/MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
Russell informed council that the 911 Special District Election meeting has been postponed until
Tuesday, July 21; noted the July 27 work session will be on the street connection and Rails to Trails
tunnel art proposal; and that the August 10 work session has been cancelled.
Hunter asked Russell to explain Missoula's Entitlement Funding, which is available for populations
over 50,000; Russell did so.
Kluesner commented regarding the City/County Health Department and the lack of information
lately regarding the community spread of Covid-19; Waterman responded that he will bring the issue
up at Thursday's Health Department Board Meeting.
Hunter questioned a negative decision regarding information he requested be made available during
work sessions but would not be listed on the Agenda; Mayor Johnson noted it is a transparency issue
and that the public needs to be able to see all information that will be discussed in a public meeting.
Graham reminded council that they do not speak for the council as a whole when they are outside of
meetings; no ex parte communications should be held, whether on policy or legislative issues, and if
they are, it should be disclosed.
Mayor Johnson gave his views on the requirement for total transparency as a member of council.
ADJOURN
The work session was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Attest:
Ai ee Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
SORI
AL
SE _
1892 iZF
P.
., �ONTP� . ��•
Prepared by:
Judi Funk
Deputy City Clerk
Kalispell City Council Work Session Minutes
July 13, 2020
Page 3