07/10/00 SP City Council Minutes1645
A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00
P.M. MONDAY, JULY 10, 2000, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR WILLIAM E. BOHARSKI PRESIDED. COUNCIL
MEMBERS JIM ATKINSON, DON COUNSELL, DALE HAARR, RANDY KENYON, DUANE
LARSON, FRED LEISTIKO, DOUG SCARFF, RON VAN NATTA AND CITY MANAGER
CHRIS KUKULSKI AND CITY ATTORNEY GLEN NEIER WERE PRESENT.
Mayor Boharski called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Haarr moved approval of the Agenda. The motion was seconded by
Scarf. f .
There was discussion.
Kenyon suggested the Highway 93 South Utilities Expansion be moved
up on the agenda to accommodate those people waiting to speak.
Kukulski said it wouldn't be fair to move the utilities extension
in front of the Salvation Army CUP because there are a lot of
people present for that agenda item also.
Boharski asked for a show of hands on both agenda items and more
hands were raised on behalf of the CUP for Salvation Army.
Boharski said the Agenda would remain unchanged.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
1. Council Minutes -Regular Meeting June 19, 2000
Council Minutes Regular Meeting July 3, 2000
2. Approval of Claims per Payables Register-$209,022.99
3. Postpone Action on Bids to July 17, 200 for the Second Alley
East Sewer Improvement Project
4. Proclamation - National Therapeutic Recreation Week
Scarff moved approval of the Consent Agenda. The motion was
seconded by Haarr.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Mayre Flowers, Citizens For a Better Flathead, commented on the
lawsuit Citizens recently filed against the DNRC and the Montana
Board of Land Commissioners concerning MEPA review and compliance
on State School Trust Land Section 36. She said Citizens contends
MEPA needs to be done on the entire property now, not after
proposals are made, to ensure economic development opportunities
are comprehensive.
PUBLIC HEARING - CITY -COUNTY GROWTH POLICY
Boharski explained this is the time to receive public comments
concerning a proposed City -County Growth Policy Plan and asked Jean
Johnson, Chairman of the Planning Board, to give a brief overview.
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July 10, 2000
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Johnson stated the objective of the plan was not to make it so
restrictive as to limit the ability to develop different areas. He
said the Board has developed the Plan according to State statute
and now it's time to refine it.
Boharski opened the public hearing.
Proponents
Rick Breckenridge, Proctor, encouraged the Council to adopt the
proposed plan and spoke against the "smart growth" concept stating
it leads to racism. Citing several examples, Breckenridge said it
leads to exclusive neighborhoods and limits the ability of a low
income person to attain "the American Dream".
Dave Bailey, 922 Woodland Avenue, said the proposed document
evolved from three years of public comments and concerns and
balances all the diverse opinions of citizens.
Russell Crowder, Montanans for Property Rights, stated the Council
has a document that doesn't have any political agenda to it. He
said this is the first time he's seen what he considers a fair
planning document and encouraged members to adopt it.
Jeff Larson, Lakeside, Planning Board member, stated he feels the
Board has done a good job on the plan. He said he's researched
"smart growth" schemes and commented they cause a lot of problems
and significantly drive up housing prices.
Greg Stevens, Planning Board Vice President, said on May loth, the
City Council and County Commissioners agreed to present written
comments on the plan by May 26th. He said the Planning Board never
received any comments. Stevens also noted the Commissioners were
not invited to sit in on the meeting tonight, even though this is
a joint City -County Plan. He stated the plan should be adopted now
without delay and reviewed after the first year. Stevens said if
the Council intends to exclude the Planning Board from the process
and turn the growth policy over to Citizens for a Better Flathead
and professional staff, then he will recommend to the commissioners
that they withdraw from the interlocal agreement and CAB.
Norbert Donahue, 144 Crestline, said he's neither for or against
this plan, but he wants the Council, if they enlist the aid of
professional planners, to get specific facts and make sure they are
not leaning toward one side or the other. He said the Council
should also look at the plan in respect to future years and be
"hard-nosed" in enforcing it.
Rob Heinecke, 307 Ponderosa Street, said he's also a member of the
Planning Board and encouraged the Council to support the plan
presented.
Al Selling, 791 Springwood Lane, commented he's interested in
affordable housing and he feels the proposed plan allows for that.
He said the plan is flexible and non-discriminatory and asked the
Council to follow the recommendations of the Planning Board.
Ted Schlegel, 408 Ashley Court, said he feels the Planning Board's
recommendation is the best for both sides.
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Kathy Schulte, 117 Fairway Boulevard, said she attended 14 of the
25 work sessions held by the Planning Board and feels the Board had
an open-minded approach and did a wonderful job on the plan.
John Stanneart, 501 Two Mile Drive, encouraged the Council to "look
out for the little man" and support the Board's plan, which he
feels is very flexible.
Larry Lang, 1705 Emens Canyons Road, Kila, said he's a realtor and
knows of a lady with 142 acres zoned AG-80 that has been for sale
for over 6 months. He said because of the zoning designation, she
can't subdivide it and therefore can't sell it. Lang asked the
Council to be aware of what's happening when looking at the plan.
Bryan Sipe, 1377 Whitefish Stage, Planning Board member, said he
feels the 1998 document "was garbage." He said it was so
restrictive, it had nothing to do with the little people.
Don Hines, 140 Westview, Planning Board member, said a tremendous
amount of information was fed into the 1998 document from only one
side. He said the Planning Board reworked it and it's now a very
workable document.
Opponents
Ben Long, 920 6th Avenue East, Citizens For a Better Flathead Board
Member, said the elected body is responsible for the plan, not the
advisory board, and it's time to revise it. He said a growth policy
is needed that determines how growth will be paid for and the most
cost-effective patterns for growth.
Lex Blood, 844 3rd Avenue East, said as a member of one of the
groups that put together the 1998 draft, it's interesting to hear
that work referred to as "garbage". Blood said he understands the
Council has a difficult task and recommended the Council revise the
proposed plan, stating it will never suit everyone, but needs to be
a vision of we want the valley to look like.
Christina Granrud, 348 Ponderosa, suggested a middle road be taken
between the 1998 draft and the 1999 version and encouraged the
Council to consider revision with public participation.
Gayle Bissel, 535 Lower Valley Road, said she participated in the
1998 document drafting and feels there were some important
provisions that were thrown out in the 1999 draft. She also
encouraged the Council to work on a revision of the plan.
Dale Luhman, 169 Trailridge Road, representing Country Estates
Homeowners Association, said he also worked on the 1998 plan and
was disappointed it was totally rewritten. He also encouraged
revision.
Don Bowder, 538 5th Avenue East, recommended revision, commenting
that we shouldn't stop growth, but it does need controls. He said
well -planned, aesthetically -pleasing developments attract new
businesses and elevates civic pride.
Patricia Johnson, 714 4th Avenue East, told Council members they
have a chance to be visionaries and suggested the plan be revised
with possibly a combination of the two versions.
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July 10, 2000
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Bill Rossiter, 530 6th Avenue East, referred to the Wisconsin Dells
and said look at what happened to a beautiful place. He described
it as a miniature Las Vegas with a river running through it because
there wasn't any planning. Rossiter urged the Council to revisit
the 1998 plan.
Joe Unterreiner, Chamber of Commerce, read a letter addressed to
the Council concerning the plan. (Letter is attached and
incorporated herein as if set forth in full at this place)
Terry Wilder, 309 Willow Glen, spoke in favor of revising the plan
and encouraged the Council to look again at the 1998 version and
the recommendation to keep Willow Glen from becoming the truck
bypass.
Dale Gunderson, 540 2nd Street East, said resources in sensitive
areas need to be taken care of and the plan needs to be revised.
Mayre Flowers, 2770 Upper Lost Creek Road, commented this is an
opportunity to revise the plan and set goals and policies that will
bring the community together. She said affordable housing is a
critical issue that needs to be addressed. Flowers commented the
last legislature was very specific that growth policy plans look at
the patterns of growth and address the costs of that growth.
Julian Cunningham, 389 LaBrant Road, said he's concerned with the
loss of farm land and would like the Council to revise the plan.
He said he wants to live near a City that is pedestrian and biker
friendly.
Boharski closed the public hearing and asked Council members to
consider one of the following resolutions.
RESOLUTION 4565 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PROPOSED CITY -COUNTY
GROWTH POLICY PLAN
RESOLUTION 4566 - RESOLUTION REJECTING THE PROPOSED CITY -COUNTY
GROWTH POLICY PLAN
RESOLUTION 4567 - RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO REVISE THE PROPOSED
CITY -COUNTY GROWTH POLICY PLAN
Larson moved Resolution 4567, a resolution of intent to revise the
recommended "Kalispell City -County Growth Policy". The motion was
seconded by Atkinson.
There was discussion.
Larson said from the testimony, he heard a cry for balance, a cry
for moderation and a cry for revision. He said all parties involved
have worked hard on the plan, but he feels revising it is a
reasonable compromise.
Leistiko agreed, stating he doesn't feel the details and depth of
the plan are sufficient enough to meet the statutory requirements
and feels more input is needed. He recommended revising the
document and added that most of the Council members have already
submitted a list to the City Manager concerning what they feel
needs to be in the plan.
Van Natta said he's made no secret of his displeasure with the
proposed policy and feels the Council has no choice but to revise
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the plan. He said he has spent hours going over the plan and he
feels several things need to be changed.
Haarr stated he's concerned with how the revisions are going to
happen. He said the Commissioners have already made it clear they
didn't want a plan too detailed, and revising it will cater to just
a few groups. Haarr said all of the necessary specifics are in the
plan, which he feels allows people to use their property for what
they feel is right.
Boharski said by not adopting the plan, the Council is taking a
serious risk that the Commissioners will decide to take over the
extraterritorial jurisdiction. He said the plan is supposed to be
establishing a "growth policy", not "zoning", and the proposal has
everything the law contemplates. Boharski said the plan before the
Council puts "us far ahead of where we are today" and after it's
adopted, then changes can be considered.
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Kenyon,
Larson, Leistiko and Van Natta voting in favor, and Counsell,
Haarr, Scarff and Boharski voting against.
ORDINANCE 1356 - 2ND READING - AMENDING 5 2 - 65 , KALISPELL MUNICIPAL
CODE
This ordinance brings the City Code into State compliance
concerning the appeal requirements for the Municipal Court.
Scarff moved second reading of Ordinance 1356, an ordinance
amending Chapter 2, Administration, Section 2-65, Kalispell City
Code, and declaring an effective date. The motion was seconded by
Larson.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote.
CONFIRMATIONS - FIREFIGHTERS/PARAMEDICS ERIC ROSENDAHL AND TIM
SOULE
Both Rosendahl and Soule have successfully fulfilled the
requirements of their probationary period with the Fire Department
and Council confirmation is required.
Atkinson moved confirmation of Eric Rosendahl. The motion was
seconded by Van Natta.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
Atkinson moved confirmation of Tim Soule. The motion was seconded
by Counsell.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
ORDINANCE 1357 - 1ST READING - ORDINANCE AMENDING THE KALISPELL
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Currently, the regulations provide for review of subdivisions under
the generic term "days". House Bill 300 clarifies the review time
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July 10, 2000
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line to mean "working days", which in effect increases the amount
of time available to local governments to review and act upon
subdivision proposals.
Larson moved first reading of Ordinance,1357, an ordinance amending
the Kalispell Subdivision regulations by clarifying the amount of
time allowed for reviewing major and minor subdivisions in order to
comply with State statute, and declaring an effective date. The
motion was seconded by Leistiko.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - SALVATION ARMY
Salvation Army has requested a conditional use permit to allow the
operation of a day care center in an H-1, Health Care, zoning
district.
Lt. Monte Jones, 216 Glenwood Drive, Salvation Army Corporate
Director, said Sugar and Spice day care is being required to vacate
their current facility at the Christian Center Church because the
church needs additional space for expansion. He said during the
day, about 70% of the Salvation Army building is vacant and they
are able to adopt the day care program. Jones stated there is a
lack of safe and licensed day care facilities in the area and
Salvation Army is planning to convert approximately 10,000 square
feet of existing space to be used for the center, which could then
accommodate 75 to 100 children between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and
6:00 p.m. Jones said he was glad to hear Councilor Haarr mention
property rights during the growth policy discussion, because he
feels the Salvation Army has a right to help save Sugar & Spice and
provide quality day care for the area.
Boharski asked for public comment.
Proponents
Steve' Staneart, 471 Cougar Trail, Whitefish, Salvation Army
Community Center Director, stated the largest concentration of
working mothers are on Buffalo Hill and the need for the day care
is great. He said he feels that all of the concerns presented at
the Planning Board's public hearing have been addressed, such as
the requirement for sight -obscuring fencing and directional traffic
signs.
Kathy Walker, Sugar and Spice Learning Center Director, said the
day care will be a good neighbor. She said Sugar and Spice works
hard to instill respect for people and the community in the
children and several letters from current neighbors attest to how
well behaved the children are.
Teresa Rogers, 395 7th Avenue West North, said she works at Sugar
and Spice and can't imagine not having Sugar and Spice in
Kalispell. She said parents are concerned it will close because
everyone knows there just aren't enough licensed day cares in the
area.
Sharon DeVall, 601 Cynthia Drive, said she works on the hill and
has been on a waiting list for the hospital day care for almost two
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years. She encouraged the Council to approve the conditional use
permit.
Janet Benskoder, Bigfork, said she works at Sugar and Spice and it
offers services that no one else does and she knows it can be an
asset at the Salvation Army location.
Eleanor Brunnett, Birchwood Court, said Sugar and Spice isn't just
a day care, it's a family. She stated the children are dependant
on them and it would be a hardship to move them.
Opponents
Rosalie Heinecke, 61 Buffalo Hill Drive, stated the traffic
situation needs to be addressed. She said she's concerned about
elderly people walking between the Salvation Army and the Lutheran
Home with no sidewalks and the traffic going back and forth.
Jeff Little, 64 Buffalo Hill Drive, said the day care is proposed
in the wrong location. He said it will negatively impact property
values and would increase the traffic flow. Little asked Council
members that if approved, the day care be limited to 50 children
and restrict access to the alley.
Norbert Donahue, 144 Crestline Drive, said he's not against the
Salvation Army or day cares, but he is for the integrity of the
neighborhood, which is being violated "right and left". He asked
that if approved, the Salvation Army be required to construct a 6
foot fence, limit the number of children to fifty, and make a one-
way street from Charlotte to Highway 93.
Larson, on behalf of Michael Ober, 54 Buffalo Hill Drive, who
couldn't be at the meeting, said Ober expressed concern that his
wife, who works nights, will not be able to sleep during the day
with the noise from the playground.
Boharski asked how condition number 6 will be enforced, which
reads: "That directional traffic signs shall be coordinated with
the Kalispell Public Works Department restricting access to the
alley and directing traffic to the light at Conway and Highway 93" .
Narda Wilson, FRDO, said the parking lot connects with the alley on
the south, and there is some concern about people taking the alley.
She said some well -placed signs could be erected to direct traffic
onto Bountiful and then onto Conway.
Leistiko asked how long the children play outside each day.
Walker said different age groups go outside at different times,
usually around 12 children at a time, for about fifteen minutes.
Haarr asked what the fencing will encompass.
Wilson said one of the conditions included in the CUP calls for
fencing along the common boundary of residentially developed
property.
Leistiko moved approval of the Conditional Use Permit for Salvation
Army. The motion was seconded by Counsell.
There was discussion.
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Haarr said he's opposed to the motion, stating there are certain
elements that clarify property rights and you can't do something
that's a detriment to another person. He said this is not a buffer
zone any longer, it's an intrusion. Haarr criticized the Salvation
Army for not contacting property owners initially and discussing
the plan. He encouraged Council to look carefully at the proposal
and consider a limitation on the number of children.
Counsell said in 1975 and 1976, his children attended Sugar and
Spice. He said the day care hasn't bothered the neighbors in its
present position and he feels this is a good location. Counsell
said the day care is well run and controlled and any noise produced
will be "happy noises".
Boharski suggested the fencing be a combination of fencing and
landscaping to help dampen the noise.
The motion carried with Haarr voting against.
RESOLUTION 4564 - HIGHWAY 93 SOUTH UTILITIES EXTENSION
In order to prepare a utility construction agreement, the Montana
Department of Transportation is asking for a commitment from the
Council to extend utilities south to Four Corners in conjunction
with the reconstruction of Highway 93 South.
Scarf moved Resolution 4564, a resolution committing the City of
Kalispell to funding the extension of Municipal water and sewer
utilities from the City limits to Four Corners during the
reconstruction of U.S. Highway 93 South. The motion was seconded by
Van Natta.
There was discussion.
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Kenyon said he noticed in Public Works Director Jim Hansz' memo
that the primary consideration for extending utilities during
highway reconstruction is the cost factor. He said even though,
from an engineering standpoint, it may be cheaper to extend the
utilities now, he's not convinced that what sometimes appears to be
"very cheap on the front end, may not in fact be cheap in the long
run".
Hansz said the direction to staff was to determine the best way to
extend utilities to Four Corners. He said staff looked at a number
of options and determined the lowest cost would be to extend the
utilities during the highway reconstruction. Hansz said to try and
do it later, even if the State agreed the City could tear up the
road, would add cost, even if the project was phased.
Kenyon asked if the Extension of Services Plan was looked at, such
as master plan goals and growth management.
Hansz answered no, because his office was only directed to develop
an engineering scheme for the placement of those utilities. He
said this meeting is to discuss the pros and cons.
Kenyon said he feels a plan for the development of that area is
essential and needs to be included in the extension. He questioned
how the City is going to pay for this.
Kukulski said there are basically three ways to pay for the 2.3
million dollar extension: 1) through the sale of property; 2) a
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July 10, 2000
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"modest" rate increase; or 3) sale of bonds. He said the City can
recover some of the costs through latecomer charges. Kukulski said
extending the utilities during the reconstruction is definitely
the cheapest way to go and he feels the extension can greatly
enhance the southern entrance to Kalispell.
Atkinson said the staff has done an excellent job in doing what
they were supposed to do, but he' s concerned the money and planning
just isn't there. He said there's been discussion that prior to
hooking onto the utilities, the user has to annex. Atkinson likened
it to the extension in Evergreen when the City thought it had the
annexation issue taken care of, but it didn't. He said he sees it
happening again south of Kalispell and without a plan, it's a
"formula for strip development".
Hansz said the mistakes made with Evergreen have now been corrected
in the Extension of Services Plan by requiring annexation, or at
least a petition to annex, by anyone who wants access to services.
He agreed that the Council needs to have a good idea of the kind of
development that is preferred, which may mean amending or adding
conditions to the subdivision standards.
Atkinson said despite the changes in the annexation procedures,
he's still concerned strip development will occur.
Leistiko stated the plan is to annex the road, so as far as he's
concerned, the annexation is handled. He commented that the
reconstruction includes sidewalks, curbs, gutters and landscaping
to make the southern entrance look nicer, and it doesn't make sense
not to add the sewer and water at the same time.
Larson agreed, stating the City shouldn't pass up a wonderful
opportunity to enhance that area. He said he can't think of a worse
example of lack of planning than denying this motion and not
extending the utilities when it's economically feasible.
Van Natta said he also feels this is a good proposal and the
extension will foster changes for the better. He said this is the
time to do it because the cost will be prohibitive later. Van Natta
suggested, however, that the City needs to push for annexation of
the road immediately.
Haarr asked, under the worse case scenario, what it would cost the
ratepayers to pay for the extension.
Kukulski answered it would cost about thirteen cents per thousand
gallons on the water, and about thirty cents per thousand gallons
on the sewer. He said for a family of four, a total of about six
dollars per month.
Haarr said he'd like to see a condition in the resolution
prohibiting a rate increase as a means of funding the extension.
Public Comment
Patricia Johnson, 714 4th Avenue East, said the Council needs to
stipulate a method of payment in the resolution. She said it's bad
banking to approve a project before you know how to pay for it.
Jean Johnson, 787 North Main, said he has "all the confidence in
the world" the City can come up with the money and it shouldn't
miss the opportunity to put the sewer and water lines under the
highway.
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July 10, 2000
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Christina Granrud, 348 Ponderosa, said funding is the key. She said
the City has to have a plan and not pay for the utilities extension
at taxpayer expense.
Clare Hafferman, 1337 3rd Street West, asked who the utilities are
being put in for and what will it cost the taxpayers. She said
until the Council comes up with a plan, it shouldn't go any
further.
Kathy Lundgren, 11 Big Sky Boulevard, stated if the extension is
made, she wants a guarantee that rates won't go up.
Mayre Flowers, CFBF, said the Council should amend the resolution
to require the Highway Department to petition for annexation. She
said other conditions should be the development of an overlay plan
prior to construction and a limitation on further extensions of
utilities for a period of ten years. Finally, Flowers said the
Council should require the repayment of monies spent be paid back
to the funds they came from.
Kenyon moved to amend the resolution by adding the following
conditions: 1) require the completion of an overlay zone with
design standards criteria prior to the initiation of highway
construction, to be complied with on any future development or
annexation; and 2) require monies utilized for the expansion to be
paid back to the source they derived from. The motion was seconded
by Atkinson.
There was discussion.
Kukulski asked if the highway annexation should be included in the
amendment.
Kenyon agreed, adding a third condition to the amendment requiring
the State to petition for annexation prior to the start of
construction. The second concurred.
Neier said the first two conditions are placing obligations on the
City that he doesn't feel is proper. He said the State doesn't care
if there's any overlay zone or how the City's going to pay back the
monies. Neier said the annexation requirement is probably
appropriate, but the only thing the State is interested in is
whether the City is going to commit to the utilities extension.
Hansz commented that if it doesn't harm anything, it might reassure
the public.
Neier said it won't harm anything, but he still doesn't think it's
proper.
Kukulski suggested that immediately following the vote on the
resolution, a motion containing those amendments be made so that
there's a record of it in the minutes. He said the annexation
issue, however, should remain as a condition on the resolution.
Kenyon agreed to remove the first two conditions from the motion.
Atkinson concurred.
The motion carried with Haarr and Scarff voting against.
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July 10, 2000
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The main motion as amended carried upon roll call vote with
Counsell, Haarr, Larson, Leistiko, Scarff, Van Natta and Boharski
voting in favor, and Atkinson and Kenyon voting against.
Kenyon moved the Council require; 1) the completion of an overlay
zone with design standards criteria prior to the initiation of
highway construction, to be complied with on any future development
or annexation; and 2) require monies utilized for the expansion to
be paid back to the source they derived from. The motion was
seconded by Atkinson.
There was discussion.
Both Boharski and Haarr questioned whether the City can overlay
private property outside the City.
Narda Wilson, FRDO, suggested that a Highway 93 South Development
Plan could be established that includes specific design standards.
She said the City could then require compliance with those
standards prior to annexation or connection to services.
The motion carried with Haarr, Scarff and Boharski voting against.
AFSCME CONTRACT RATIFICATION
Representatives of the City and the American Federation of State,
County, Municipal Employees Local #256 have reached an agreement on
a new three-year labor contract. Union members have already voted
in favor of the agreement, and are asking for Council ratification.
Larson moved for ratification of the AFSCME Contract. The motion
was seconded by Leistiko.
There was discussion.
Larson thanked Kukulski, Neier and Personnel Specialist Marti
Hensley for their work on the contract and added he feels it's a
fair agreement for both sides.
Haarr commented the agreement amounts to 8.14 percent over three
years and raises in the private community wouldn't match this
level. He said this is a very generous raise and there "will be a
day of reckoning".
Boharski stated the raises for the administrative staff set the
precedent for the AFSCME raises and warned the money will
eventually run out.
Kukulski said the average raise across the State is considerably
higher. He said a 2.73 percent raise is not an exorbitant increase
and he doesn't think it's an accurate statement that it's a lot
higher than those in the private sector.
Haarr said State statistics are not relevant to Flathead County,
which has the lowest per capita income of any of the eight largest
counties in the State.
Larson said those statistics will never change with attitudes like
that.
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July 10, 2000
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Van Natta commented he feels a 2.73 percent raise reflects a good
negotiation.
The motion carried with Boharski voting against.
MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Kukulski informed the Council the City will not be receiving its
taxable values and millage rates from the State until the week of
July 24th. He said a work session on the budget is planned for July
31st.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
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Theresa White
City Clerk
Approved August 7, 2000
Wml-ftbY'O •
Wm. E. Boharski
Mayor
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Kalispell City Council Minutes
July 10, 2000
Page 12 of 12
WRITTEN COMMENTS ON CITY -COUNTY GROWTH POLICY
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Kalispell City Council
City Hall
Kalispell, MT 59901
Dear Council and Mr. Kukulski:
Therese Fox Hash
490 Kookoosint Trail
Kalispell, MT 59901
10 July 2000
Cris Kukulski
City Manager, City Hall
Kalispell, MT 59901
It is with great hopes that I send this letter to you. I have been advised that on
Monday, July 10, 2000, you will be considering the issue of Kalispell's Growth Policy Pian,
and the adoption of a resolution regarding the future of the plan.
I urge you to pass a resolution to revise the Growth Policy Plan, as the plan now
before you, recommended by the Kalispell City -County Planning Board and Zoning
Commission, falls short. As a former member and chairperson of that board, and one who
participated In the multiple consensus meetings. I believe that the best Interest of this
community would be served by having stronger policy with more public input to guide
growth.
If you, members of the Council, determine that the plan needs revision, you will be
in a position to utilize all the information, studies and public response which the technical
staff of Flathead Regional Development Office. along with your city staff, have available.
I fear that the present Planning Board chose to ignore much of that information in their
substantial revision of the plan before it was sent to you,
It appears that all parties agree that growth in the city and its iinmediate
surroundings will happen; you now have the opportunity before you to plan growth so that
the quality of life will be enhanced.
Thank you,
4herese Fox Hash
IE
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Mo'iSpm" Area Chamber of Commerce
July 10, 2000
The Honorable William E. Boharski and Members of City Council
City of Kalispell
F.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59903
RE: Draft City County Growth Policy
Dear Mayor and Members of City Council:
On behalf of our 560 members, the Kalispell Chamber appreciates the opportunity to
comment on the Draft City County Growth Policy (DCCGP) scheduled for hearing of
public comment on July 10. The complex and difficult issues addressed in this document
will no doubt be subject to discussion and further review because of their importance to
the citizens of Kalispell.
There is no question that good planning is good business. Our membership recognizes
that business and industry benefit from being able to locate in healthy business districts
and a quality built environment. Sound infrastructure planning, and good growth policy
offer opportunities to strengthen the local economy. As an indication of its importance
among our membership, the most recent annual survey ranked "planning, zoning, and
growth management" second out of twelve issue areas that are most important to our
member businesses.
The Kalispell Chamber congratulates the City/County Planning Board, the Flathead
Regional Development Office, and the citizen's advisory panel for their hard work in
developing the current document. It is a good start. We are strongly supportive of
process that has lead to this draft document whereby governing bodies have provided
ample opportunity for public involvement.
It is important to review this document in light recent legislation (Section 76-1-601
MCA). Unfortunately, the DCCGP does not do a complete job in discussing or analyzing
the requirements of the new law. We encourage the City Council to continue working on
this document using the new law as an outline.
The City Council has adopted resolutions designating the Kalispell Chamber as the
organization to represent the City in tourism promotion, and as the sponsoring
15 Depot Park - Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758.2800 9 Fax (406) 758-2805 - Email: chamber@digisys.net - www.kalispellchamber.com
organization for Certified Community economic development programs. Land use
planning is vital to these two endeavors. Therefore, we request that we be notified and
consulted with in the development of any new or revised DCCGP document.
We would like to comment on two specific sections of 76-1-601 MCA. In addition,
attached to this letter are specific comments on an earlier DCCGP, dated February 2,
1999.
2b. Maus and Text Describing an Inventory of the Existing Characteristics and
Features of the Jurisdictional Area. The most obvious challenge in moving forward
with the DCCGP is that we are over three years into a process that requires review "at
least once every five years". Substantial portions of the Resources and Analysis Section
Kalispell City County Master Plan are outdated.
There is no analysis "describing an inventory of the existing characteristics and features"
of land uses in the planning jurisdiction. It is difficult at best for public policy makers to
make informed land use planning judgements when a current inventory is unavailable. A
plan should be developed, and funding provided, for a data -base containing an inventory
of residential, retail, commercial, and industrial property including occupancy/vacancy,
absorption, and new construction characteristics. Zoning has not been analyzed to
evaluate whether it is adequate based on need and demand. The Kalispell Chamber will
cooperate and contribute in accomplishing this task.
22. A Statement of How the Governing Bodies Will Coordinate and Cooperate with
Other Jurisdictions. We are encouraged to see the cities of Kalispell and Whitefish
cost -share additional planning staff. This will have a positive result for land use planning
in this jurisdiction.
Unfortunately, the DCCGP does not contain a plan for the economic growth of Kalispell.
The unprecedented inter -local cooperation that secured the location of Stream
International in Kalispell should be a starting point for additional job creation. City,
county, state, federal, and private funds all combined to make that transaction possible.
Let's keep it going. Jobs Now/Flathead County Port Authority, with its multi -
jurisdictional leadership, is an ideal vehicle to make this happen.
This portion of the DCCGP should answer several questions. What kind of business
would we like to attract? What is the plan for improving annual wages? How will
economic development groups work together? How will the City and County coordinate
and cooperate? Where will industrial growth occur? Retail? Commercial? Residential?
It should also address the need for better transportation, development of state owned
lands for greater public benefit, need for improvement of properties with dilapidated
buildings, need for low income housing, coordination of recreational facilities, more
aggressive control of noxious weeds, and a strategy to attract more high-tech business.
The requirements of the statute cannot be met without addressing these topics.
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The plan should also include provisions for the growth and expansion of existing
businesses. The Small Business Development Center is willing to assist in this effort.
Finally, I would like to invite the City Council to join members of the Kalispell Chamber
in a visit to the Spokane Chamber on September 20-21. The purpose of the visit will be
to learn about their land use planning efforts, regional tourism promotion, and regional
economic development. Their market area crosses not just municipal boundaries, but
state boundaries as well.
We greatly appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the future of the Kalispell
area. Again, we would like to request that the Kalispell Chamber be notified and
consulted with in regard to any new Growth Policy document.
Sincerely,
o ph H. Unterreiner
xecutive Vice President
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