E1. 10-18-21 Council Minutes
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, October 18, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
The public was able to participate in person in the council chambers or via videoconferencing.
Public comment was also available via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com.
Time stamped minutes attached to the video of this meeting can be found online at:
https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meeting-Videos.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Mayor - Mark Johnson: Present
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present via video conference
Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present
Council Chair - Chad Graham: Present
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Present
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present
Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Present
Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Present via video conference
Staff present included City Manager Doug Russell, Assistant City Attorney Johnna Preble, City
Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, Senior Planner P.J.
Sorensen, Planner II Rachel Ezell, Public Works Director Susie Turner, and Police Chief Doug
Overman.
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. AGENDA APPROVAL
Motion and Vote to approve the agenda as presented.
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 2nd
Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
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Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Approve
Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on voice vote.
E. CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed on the consent agenda will be accepted by one motion. If a council member
desires to discuss an item separately, the item can be removed from the consent agenda by
motion.
1. Council Minutes – October 4, 2021
2. Award Bid for a Front-End Loader with Clam Bucket and V-Plow Wing
Combo Unit
Staff recommends awarding this bid to RDO Equipment Company in the
amount of $221,750.
3. Ordinance 1864 – Second Reading - Parkland Meadows Zoning and
Planned Unit Development
Staff recommends approval of an application from G23 Properties, LLC for a
residential mixed use PUD overlay with RA-1 (residential apartment) zoning, for
38.4 acres at the northeast corner of Airport Road and Cemetery Road.
4. Ordinance 1865 – Second Reading - Starling Zoning and Planned Unit
Development
Staff recommends approval of an application from Kilday & Stratton for a
residential mixed use PUD overlay with a change in zoning to RA-1 (residential
apartment) for phases 1-3 on 58-acres on the west side of Stillwater Road to the
west of Timberwolf Parkway.
Public Comment
Mayor Johnson opened public comment on the consent agenda. Seeing none, he closed public
comment.
00:05:29
Motion and Vote to approve the consent agenda as submitted.
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion
Council Member - Tim Kluesner: 2nd
Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Approve
Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote.
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F. COMMITTEE REPORTS - Architectural Review Committee Awards – Julia Pierrottet,
Chair of the Committee
Julia Pierrottet, Chair of the Architectural Review Committee presented an award for the
Cushing Terrell Building remodel at 745 South Main Street explaining the award-winning
elements that went into the project. She then presented an award for the Cottages at Immanuel
Lutheran on Buffalo Hill explaining why these buildings were presented the second award.
Cushing Terrell (745 S Main St)
Owner: CTA Building LLC
Contractor: Martel Construction
Architect: Cushing Terrell
The Cottages at Buffalo Hill (189/191 Crestline Ave)
Owner: Immanuel Lutheran Corporation
Contractor: Davidson Construction, Inc.
Architect: MMW Architects
Jason Cronk with Immanuel Lutheran presented the Architects and other project leaders and
spoke to their award.
Planner Rachel Ezell reported that the owners of the Cushing Terrell project could not be in
attendance tonight but expressed their thanks.
Mayor Mark Johnson spoke to the contributions of the award winners.
G. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council on any issue not on the agenda were asked to do so
at this time.
Mayor Johnson opened general public comment.
Kip Smith, Public Comment
Mr. Smith of 137 Ridge View Drive representing Rails to Trails of NW Montana, and the Kalico
Art Center thanked Council for their support of the Tunnel Vision 2021 project. He spoke further
about the project, saying 7 artists, and 120 volunteers transformed almost 5400’ of concrete into 5
beautiful murals. He explained phase 3 will occur next year with the Lone Pine tunnel. He then
invited Council and the public to a viewing and dedication at 11 a.m. this Sunday, October 17,
2021, at the KidSports/Flathead Valley Community College tunnel.
General public comment received to publiccomment@kalispell.com recently can be found at:
https://time.ci.kalispell.mt.us/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=148118&dbid=0&repo=Kalispell
Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Johnson closed public comment.
H. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND SUBSEQUENT COUNCIL ACTION
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Persons wishing to address the council on individual agenda items are asked to provide
public comment via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com or during the meeting verbally
in council chambers or via the online meeting. Please provide your name and address for
the record.
1. Ordinance 1866 – Second Reading, Zoning Text Amendment, Marijuana
Dispensaries
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance amending the zoning code by adding
marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, and manufacturing as uses which may be
permitted within certain zones with an administrative conditional use permit subject
to certain enumerated conditions.
City Manager Russell provided a brief overview of the past discussions and actions related to
this item.
Senior Planner P.J. Sorensen showed Council an interactive map.
00:19:14 Councilor Hunter asked about legal liability if restricted to industrial zones.
00:20:21 Councilor Waterman asked about how licenses will be distributed by the state. He then
asked questions regarding what other municipalities are doing related to caps on dispensaries.
Public Comment
Mayor Johnson opened public comment.
Gabe Mariman, Public Comment
Mr. Mariman, of 3854 Whitefish Stage Road, owner of Bias Brewing and a board member of the
Kalispell Downtown Association and the Kalispell Business Improvement District, and the
Montana Brewers Association Policy Committee spoke to spending his time growing his family,
business, and the overall health of Kalispell. Mr. Mariman asked Council to not pass this
Ordinance as written. He spoke regarding concerns that this Ordinance as drafted bans a new
industry and license group from operating in downtown Kalispell. As he understands it, this
industry will be capped, and will be tightly regulated by the state. He spoke further why he feels
this ban would have a negative impact on Kalispell, and how a diversity in licensing downtown
would help grow our economic ecosystem, improve retail diversity, increase revenue and taxes,
increase property values, and offer amenities expected by locals and tourists. He asked Council
to re-draft this Ordinance to cap the number of licenses rather than banning this industry from the
downtown ecosystem.
Zach Block, Public Comment
Mr. Block owner of a medical marijuana dispensary in Smith Valley spoke regarding this
emerging industry and how he would like to help expand this industry responsibly and
cooperatively. He spoke regarding growing up in the area and his experiences downtown. He
would like to be a part of making downtown more of a destination. He would encourage Council
to welcome the industry and work with the industry and see it as an opportunity.
Wayne Bennett, Public Comment
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Mr. Bennett, of 2209 Camas Back Court and owner of Glacier Green Cross in Evergreen spoke
regarding his feelings of being unjustly treated as a business owner. He spoke to the access needs
of his medical marijuana customers, and how hard it is for many of them to travel to the
dispensary. Mr. Bennett spoke to the restrictions that are always in place for his facility, and the
inspectors that are often around. He further explained why he feels the industry should be
allowed in Kalispell.
00:33:16 Melisssa Block, Public Comment
Ms. Block, an acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine with a business on First Avenue
East spoke to the many patients that ask about or use marijuana for pain. She spoke to the
amazing opportunity for the community to realize value from this industry. She feels that the city
will be losing a lot of revenue if dispensaries are only allowed to be within industrial areas. She
encouraged Council to consider opening up the dialogue for dispensaries in downtown Kalispell.
Public comment received to publiccomment@kalispell.com on this matter can be found at:
https://time.ci.kalispell.mt.us/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=128274&dbid=0&repo=Kalispell.
Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Johnson closed public comment.
00:37:01
Motion to approve Ordinance 1866, an Ordinance amending the Kalispell zoning
Ordinance 1677, to allow marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, and manufacturing within
certain zoning districts to be an administrative conditionally permitted use in the City of
Kalispell and declaring an effective date.
Council Member – Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member – Sam Nunnally: 2nd
00:38:45 Councilor Daoud made a motion to amend the Ordinance to its original form
based upon the Planning Board’s recommendation that was presented in the council
meeting packet for October 4, 2021.
Council Member – Sid Daoud: Motion
Council member – Ryan Hunter: 2nd
00:39:24 Councilor Daoud spoke to his amendment to the motion.
00:46:01 Councilor Waterman provided discussion on the amendment.
00:48:34 Councilor Hunter provided discussion on the amendment.
00:50:10 Councilor Graham provided discussion on the amendment.
00:51:12 Councilor Nunnally provided discussion on the amendment.
Vote on the amendment to the motion.
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 2nd
Mayor - Mark Johnson: Disapprove
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Disapprove
Council Chair - Chad Graham: Disapprove
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
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Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Disapprove
Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve
The amendment to the motion failed with Councilors Daoud, Waterman and Hunter in
favor, and Councilors Gabriel, Nunnally, Graham, Kluesner and Mayor Johnson opposed,
and Councilor Carlson absent.
00:52:54 Councilor Graham provided discussion on the original motion.
00:54:19 Councilor Daoud provided discussion on the original motion.
00:55:54 Councilor Hunter provided discussion on the original motion.
00:57:05 Councilor Hunter made an amendment to the motion to include new businesses
that sell alcohol or cigarettes will only be allowed in industrial zones.
The amendment to the motion died for lack of a second.
00:59:09 Councilor Gabriel provided discussion on the original motion.
01:00:26 Councilor Waterman provided discussion on the original motion.
01:01:48 Councilor Nunnally provided discussion on the original motion.
01:02:43 Councilor Daoud provided discussion on the original motion.
01:04:03 Mayor Johnson provided discussion on the original motion.
Vote on the original motion.
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 2nd
Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Disapprove
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove
Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Approve
Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve
The main motion passed with Councilors Gabriel, Kluesner, Nunnally, Graham , Hunter,
and Mayor Johnson in favor, and Councilors Daoud, and Waterman opposed and
Councilor Carlson absent.
I. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action)
City Manager Doug Russell provided the following report:
• Police and Fire Impact Fees are coming up for their five-year reviews.
• Recognition by the Montana Association of Chiefs of Police of Ryan Bartholomew as
Officer of the Year, and Chief Doug Overman as Administrator of the Year.
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01:12:56 Councilor Nunnally spoke regarding attendance at the Warming Center ribbon cutting
and how impressed he was by the remodel that was done. He also spoke to the words spoken by
Chief Overman at the ribbon cutting.
01:13:28 Councilor Daoud provided discussion on the outcome of Ordinance 1866.
01:15:07 Councilor Kluesner spoke regarding the upcoming local election and the influence he
feels donations have on elections. He spoke regarding the finance reports for those under
consideration for election.
01:23:04 Councilor Waterman spoke regarding the importance of running for election and spoke
to some of the comments presented by Councilor Kluesner.
01:24:59 Councilor Hunter agreed with the comments made by Councilor Waterman and
cautioned against making political statements within a City Council meeting.
01:26:07 Mayor Johnson spoke to his views about the upcoming election and encouraged
electorates to reach out to the candidates.
01:27:38 Mayor Johnson reported his attendance at a QPR Training by a Veterans Group related
to prevention of suicide. He felt the training was very valuable. The group would like to do a
QPR Training with the City Council at an upcoming meeting so it can be broadcast live and open
to the public. He asked the Council whether they would be willing to do the training at an
upcoming work session. The council agreed.
01:31:58 Mayor Johnson urged hunters and other recreators to be careful this weekend as it is
opening weekend for hunting.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
_______________________________________
Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
Minutes approved on, 2021
UPCOMING SCHEDULE / FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Next Work Session – October 25, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
Next Regular Meeting – November 1, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
Watch City Council sessions live on Charter Cable Channel 190 or online at the Meetings on
Demand tab at www.kalispell.com.