11-18-03�J
KALISPELL CITY PLANNING BOARD & ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 2003
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL
The regular meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Board and
CALL
Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Board
members present were: Rick Hull, Jim Atkinson, George
Taylor and John Hinchey. Sue Ellyn Anderson, Jean
Johnson. and Timothy Norton were absent. Tom Jentz
represented the Tri-City Planning Office. There were
approximately 50 people in the audience.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Atkinson moved and Hinchey seconded to approve the
minutes of the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning
Commission regular meeting of November 12, 2003.
The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
No one wished to speak.
GELINAS DEVELOPMENT,
A request by Gelinas Development, LLC, to amend the
LLC ZONE CHANGE
Kalispell City Zoning Map from R-3, Single Family
REQUEST
Residential to R-4, Two Family Residential on Block 203 of
Kalispell Addition 3 in the City of Kalispell. This is a
continuation of the October 14, 2003 agenda.
GELINAS DEVELOPMENT,
A request by Gehnas Development, LLC for preliminary plat
LLC PRELIMINARY PLAT
approval of Old Courthouse East, a 24 unit townhouse
APPROVAL
development, on Block 203 of Kalispell Addition in the City of
Kalispell.
STAFF REPORTS
Tom Jentz, with the Tri-City Planning Office, gave a
#KZC-03-3A AND KPP-03-
presentation of staff report KZC-03-3A, a request by Gelinas
15
Development, LLC, to amend the Kalispell City Zoning Map
from R-3, Single Family Residential to R-4, Two Family
Residential on Block 203 of Kalispell Addition 3 in the City of
Kalispell and staff report KPP-03-15, a request for
preliminary plat approval of Old Courthouse East, a 24 unit
townhouse development.
Jentz handed out seven additional letters received since the
last meeting and a list of five phone calls, all but one of
which were in opposition. He stated that this is a request for
a zone change to R-4 on the Courthouse East property,
which is currently zoned R-3.
Jentz showed a site map and stated that the area is a city
block bounded by 7th Street to the north and 8th Street to
the south. He stated that Hedges School abuts the entire
property to the south, two offices and a retail flower shop
abut the property to the east and northeast, the remainder of
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Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 1 of 14
the site abuts single family housing. The entire
neighborhood is zoned R-3.
Jentz said that the applicant wants to demolish the building,
which is 60,000 square feet and four stories tall, and build
duplexes on the 12 lots which will result in 24 dwellings. He
stated the building is currently a nonconforming use and
whether or not the zoning is approved tonight, the applicant
can still use the northern most wing (constructed in 1960) as
a one story office building as long as off street parking to city
standards is supplied. The applicant would like R-4 zoning
(Single Family - Duplex Zone), with a minimum lot size of
6,000 square feet and a minimum width of 50 feet. Jentz
said that the original city block is platted out in 50 foot lots
and the applicant has indicated that he would like to restore
the original alley which was abandoned and use that as
access to the duplexes. The applicant would like to build
two -unit townhouses on the lots.
Jentz stated the growth policy looks at the area as
residential, with 4-12 units per acre, and the project is
already laid out in 12 platted lots which are 50 x 150. He
said the R-3 zone is six units per acre and the zoning request
is in general compliance.
Jentz said that the applicant's purpose is to build a two unit
townhouse on every lot. Ho noted that the lots don't comply
with the R-3 zone right now; at 7,500 square feet they are
larger than the minimum 7,000 square foot size but the R-3
sets the minimum at 60 feet while these lots are only 50 feet
wide. He stated the R-4 zone has a 50 foot wide lot width and
that it would comply with zoning. He said that the building
site is about the same, and the buildable area is the same for
single family residence or a duplex.
Jentz explained that the alley was previously abandoned,
and that the applicant is planning on reestablishing the alley
and using that for access if the zone change is approved. The
lots are a full 150 feet deep without the alley. There is no
requirement to build an alley on already platted ground.
Therefore, unless the applicant proceeds with the subdivision
(which requires this zone change) and the alley becomes a
condition of subdivision approval, the only other way for the
city to get an alley would be by condemnation. He is
concerned that without an alley, all anyone would see from
the street is a two car garage and a front door, with people
living in the back.
Jentz said that townhouses typically cater to a different
family size, and the average vehicle trips generated per
townhouse unit is six instead of the 10 for a detached single
family residence, so traffic would increase somewhat, but it
would not double. He said there are many housing options
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Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
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for families to consider in Kalispell not just these
townhomes.
Jentz stated that this is one of the few areas that has a
school and a park right in the neighborhood.
PUBLIC HEARING The public hearing was opened to those who wished to speak
on the issue.
APPLICANT/AGENCIES Kathy Gelinas, developer, stated that they gave a letter to the
neighbors about their plan, and feels R-4 zoning would
benefit the community and benefit the east side. She said
they would put the alley back and rededicate it to the city;
there would be no access onto the street, which would
reduce traffic congestion and conform to the east side homes
that are there, and having an alley will eliminate danger in
that cars wouldn't be backing onto the street. She said that
the proposed design can't be altered much because of the
size of the lot, and anything else would not be economically
feasible. She said that restrictions are imposed on the R-4
and they can't use a PUD because the design can't be
changed. She said the design looks like high end townhomes
and they would create a higher tax base. She stated that
people desire housing on a city block and that the project fits
the growth policy.
Matt Gelinas spoke at length about the asbestos problem.
PUBLIC COMMENT Steve Martinez, owns 725 6th Ave East (Gibson Eye Clinic),
and lives at the bottom of 4th Ave East, is opposed and has
concerns with the possibility of using the old building, but
has asbestos concerns if the building comes down. He said
he wants the city to monitor the air quality on the Hedges
side of the building.
Shayne Nelson, 728 5th Ave East, is opposed and is speaking
for some neighbors who are out of town. He said they feel the
existing townhouses a block and a half away are an eyesore,
and he lives on the east side of town because of the school.
He feels the neighborhood is a single dwelling atmosphere
and that the developer did not do his homework when he
purchased the property and needs to live with it. He stated
he and his neighbors want single family homes built there.
Sylvie Wood, 415 4th Ave East, is opposed and wants the
property to stay R-3. She stated she feels it will lower the
value of the neighborhood and is concerned about traffic
increases, safety issues and the school.
Bill Goodman, 1275 Lower Valley Road, opposed, said that
the area is a stable neighborhood because it is R-3 and the
average stay is 7 years, compared with 2 years for people
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Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 3 of 14
who live in duplexes. He feels it will diminish the property
values in the immediate neighborhood to change the zoning.
Chuck Cummings, 1002 4th Ave East, opposed, said that the
character of the neighborhood will be impacted negatively,
and he doesn't buy the statistical traffic averages and feels
they will be an impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
David Fortenberry, 605 7th Ave East, opposed, said this is
contrary to traditional single family dwellings on the east
side and that this is a bottom -line driven situation, and that
profit is the main force. He said the city doesn't bear the
responsibility to an investor's bad decision and the zoning
should be consistent.
Sarah Berg, 821 6th Ave East, proponent, said that
something needs to be done about the building and that we
are not changing from single family houses to duplexes. We
are changing from a 4-story office complex to duplex houses.
She said she doesn't blame the developer for wanting to
make a profit, and the project is in line with the growth
policy. She stated that the integrity of the neighborhood will
not be jeopardized if it is built, and the developers are trying
to do what is best.
JoAnn Neiman, 735 4th Ave East, opposed, said that she
doesn't care that the developer makes money or not, and it is
not up to her or the neighborhood that they make a profit.
She feels the developer should have figured out it was full of
asbestos, and that is not up to neighborhood to make it
okay; they had a right and an expectation that an R-3
development would go there. She said it is important that the
neighborhood stay the way it is and there is an opportunity
to make it a real neighborhood. She feels what's best for the
community needs to be taken into consideration.
Jean Paschke, 808 Woodland Ave, opposed, said that she
teaches at Hedges, and the increase in traffic is her main
concern. She stated that the PTO has made a formal request
to determine how to make the traffic flow safer. She feels that
area is an accident waiting to happen and there will be no
benefit if the zoning is changed.
Kurt Marcus, 502 Third Ave East, opposed, stated he
believes the east side of town is special and hopes that
whatever is done on the property would be special.
Jim Flores, 435 5th Ave East, opposed,
values in the community are important
a very strong community. He wants to r
and the integrity of the neighborhood.
Robin Balcome, 1002 5th Ave Eas
stated he feels family
, and the east side is
etain the atmosphere
stated she feels
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there are too many mysteries in the project and the
developer's hesitancy to do a PUD is a red flag. She said she
wants to see what is going to happen with the old building
and there are too many different changes with the plans.
David Downey, 344 6th Ave East, opposed, said he doesn't
disagree with anything said here in opposition and asked if
it would set a precedent on other city blocks and lead to the
degradation of the east side.
Rebecca Gris-Jones, 630 5th Ave East, opposed, said she is
disheartened that there may be duplexes and that the
neighborhood shouldn't bear the burden of the developer's
economic success and feels their property values will
decrease. She said she feels it is not in compliance with the
growth policy, as it does not keep the historic neighborhood
intact.
Laurie Cummings, 1002 4th Ave East, opposed, said that she
agrees with everyone who spoke, and feels that the
neighborhood is a treasure and she wants it to stay that way.
Alex Shaeffer, 444 3rd Ave East, opposed, stated that he
wants to add integrity to the project, because so far it feels
like it is just gimmicks. He said that zoning should not be
whimsical, that it requires trust and judgment, and he does
not trust many of the things spoken tonight.
Judith Pressmar, 844 3rd Ave East, opposed, said that she
feels retaining the single family designation is the right thing
to do.
Mitzi Hensleigh, 440 6th Ave East, opposed, said she feels
the integrity of the neighborhood cannot be matched by
townhouses.
Becky Jaggar, 745 4th Ave East, opposed, stated she feels
that this is a huge chunk of the community that won't fit in,
and that we don't need more anomalies. She would like to
maintain the integrity of the east side.
Jennifer Prunty, 223 Segiah Way, developer, proponent, said
that people have approached her about townhouses, and
that Gelinas is concerned about the neighborhood and the
integrity of the community.
Kelly Hatten, 620 5th Ave East, opposed, stated that she
agrees with everyone else, and questioned that if it stays R-3,
will there not be an alley required?
Thad Johnson, 622 6th Street East, opposed, stated that he
feels there is a lot more traffic and turnover with a duplex,
and it is better for the neighborhood to stay single family.
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Ann Ingram, 607 Sylvan Court, opposed, stated that she
agreed with everyone else, that the neighborhood is a
beautiful place and there is no guarantee if duplexes are
built.
No one else wished to speak and the public hearing was
closed.
MOTIONS Atkinson moved and there was no second to adopt staff
report KZC-03-3A as findings of fact and, based on these
findings, recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the
zoning for this property should be amended from R-3, Single
Family Residential to R-4, Two Family Residential on Block
206 in the City of Kalispell.
MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND
Hinchey moved and Hull seconded to adopt staff report KZC-
03-3B as findings of fact and, based on these findings,
recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the zone
change for this property from R-3, Single Family Residential,
to R-4, Two Family Residential on Block 206 in the City of
Kalispell be denied.
BOARD DISCUSSION Atkinson asked if the design as shown on the site map
includes an alley, and asked where the garbage would be
picked up.
Jentz said that it is an alley, and the garbage would be
picked up there.
Taylor asked Jentz to go through the procedure to get an
alley if the zoning stays R-3.
Jentz said the city can get a utility easement or the developer
can put an alley in at his cost; if he chooses not to, the city
must condemn property in order to get it put in. He said that
alleys cost a bit, they lose land and must be built to city
standards, but they create front yards. A large part of the
cost for the developer is the asphalt.
Hull asked if changing the zoning to R-4 would be spot
zoning, since it would be isolated by itself.
Jentz said it would if it did not meet the growth policy, but
the land already exists as 12 parcels. He explained they
cannot favor one individual above others when zoning.
Hull asked Gelinas if they had decided to forego the office
space.
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Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
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Gelinas said that it is really up to the EPA and the asbestos
removal situation; they want to remove the building, but it
may require considerable cost.
There was a lengthy discussion about asbestos removal;
Gelinas explained where the asbestos was and the methods
they would have to use to remove it. He estimated the cost of
removing the asbestos could go over $1,000,000.
Taylor asked for the City's role in asbestos abatement.
Jentz said it was for the state and federal agencies to take
care of and that we don't have an inspector. He stated he
doesn't know how the building will come down.
Taylor asked the applicant to speak further about asbestos
abatement.
Gelinas said removing the asbestos requires a negative
pressure enclosure with the air exchanged every 15 minutes.
All workers wear a filter which is changed out every 8 hours
with the outside air monitored as well. When the abatement
is complete, another company must do a final air test. He
said there is no outside air exposure and the building is done
in sections.
Atkinson asked Jentz if the zoning was changed to R-4 there
would be sidewalks all around, but if it remained R-3 would
there be sidewalks?
Jentz stated with an R-3 there was no subdivision review
because lots would be sold individually, but that the city
could order sidewalks in. The power could be ordered
underground if it was changed to R-4, but not if it was R-3.
He said there are overhead power lines in the neighborhood
now and that an alley could be dedicated to the city if the
developer chose to. R-3 zoning could place garages in front
without an alley, since there is no subdivision review.
Atkinson also asked what the chances are that a builder
would purchase a lot without an alley.
Jentz said they would go like hotcakes, and he has no doubt
that single family homes would sell.
Atkinson stated that he agrees with a lot of the concerns of
the neighborhood, except he feels there will be less traffic
problems with duplexes than with the old building. He has
safety concerns without an alley and is concerned with cars
backing into the street, garages in the front and the looks of
single family homes. He stated he would rather see it as R-3,
but he knows that older folks want townhouses which have
less grass to cut and would not cause pressure on Hedges
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Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 7 of 14
School. In the long run, duplexes would be best, because of
the alley requirement, and he is going to vote against the
motion.
Hinchey stated that no developer would buy a lot and not
spend the extra money to pave the alley, and that he can't
see a developer doing that. He said any developer will want to
conform to the neighborhood. He stated the issues are not
traffic, etc., but they are risking setting a bad precedent by
spot zoning, which is inappropriate for the neighborhood.
Hull stated that there is overwhelming public opposition,
that the zone change is not beneficial for the community and
that he feels it is spot zoning, and that it is incompatible with
the neighborhood.
Taylor stated he feels they would be "creating an island in
the sky" if they were to approve this and it would be spot
zoning. He stated that zoning separates incompatible uses,
and is the only way to regulate density and character. He
feels that the asbestos is a real problem, and asked how do
we want Kalispell to develop. He feels the board needs to
protect the value of the properties and do what is best for the
community.
Jentz reviewed a revised set of findings based on planning
board concerns and issues raised by the public during the
hearing process. These findings were acknowledged by the
planning board as the current findings before them and are
attached as Amended Staff Report KZC-03-3B.
There was further discussion.
Atkinson stated that he hopes everyone benefits from this,
and he will be voting for the motion.
ROLL CALL
The motion to deny the zone change from R-3 to R-4 passed
unanimously based on staff report KZC-03-3B.
MOTION
Atkinson moved and Taylor seconded to recommend staff
report KPP-03-18 be denied because it does not comply with
the underlying zoning.
BOARD DISCUSSION
There was no discussion.
ROLL CALL
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP
A request by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Helena for a zone
OF HELENA ZONE CHANGE
change from R-4, Two Family Residential, to R-5,
REQUEST
Residential/Professional Office, for property located at 29 8th
Street East in Kalispell.
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Page 8 of 14
CONTINUED TO DECEMBER MEETING (due to lack of a
standing quorum)
GLACIER VILLAGE GREENS A request by Glacier Village Greens Homeowner's Association
PHASE IIIC PRELIMINARY for preliminary plat approval of Glacier Village Greens, Phase
PLAT APPROVAL IIIC, a 4 lot residential subdivision on 1.3 acres of land lying
east of East Nicklaus Avenue and south of the Ritzman Lane
intersection.
STAFF REPORT KPP-03-13 Tom Jentz, with the Tri-City Planning Office, gave staff report
KPP-03-13, a request for preliminary plat approval of Glacier
Village Greens Phase IIIC, a 4 lot residential subdivision on
1.3 acres of land lying east of East Nicklaus Avenue and
south of the Ritzman Lane intersection.
Jentz showed a site plan. He said this is a four lot
subdivision in Village Greens, and is being reviewed as a
major subdivision because it is part of a larger subdivision.
He stated the property lies on the east side of Village Greens
on East Nicklaus Avenue with Ritzman Lane to the north.
There is one vacant lot to the south and the property is
surrounded by single family housing and backs on the
Whitefish River. On the plat it is shown as Neighborhood
Park B. The site is located in Village Greens Phase III which
received preliminary plat approval in 1991, this is the East
Side Homeowners Park. He.stated it is .74 of an acre, and is
a linear band along the river to Evergreen Drive.
Jentz explained that the applicants want to take the four lots
and plat them and that the Homeowners Association owns
the land. The Association voted by mail ballot to amend the
plat to reduce the size of the homeowner's park, sell the lots,
and use the proceeds to build a community center on the
west side.
Jentz stated that two questions were before the board, is this
an appropriate four lot subdivision and is it appropriate to
change a homeowner's park to a subdivision. He stated the
subdivision continues the pattern of single family
development and has water and sewer, street in front, etc.
The only things staff would ask for is sidewalks and street
trees, and that the subdivision must be developed to city
standards. Jentz said there is currently a 30 foot irrigation
access easement, which should remain as an access down to
the river and as a park. He stated the impacts were minor,
and the park would be reduced by .74 of an acre.
Jentz said the real issue is, should there be a subdivision
there at all? He said the issue is clouded because it is a
homeowner's park, and was developed in the county, which
gave the park to the Homeowner's Association. He explained
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Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 9 of 14
0
the Homeowner's Association voted to sell the land by a 3/4
vote, but there is dissent about the appropriateness of the
election. However, this is a homeowner's issue, and the city
is not an arbitrator. We are dealing with the request, not
with the vote.
Jentz read six points regarding whether the Homeowner's
Association request should be granted or not:
1. They are the owners of the parkland;
2. They requested the action by election;
3. The city should not be drawn in to arbitrate an election of
a local board;
4. Glacier Village Greens has more parkland than statutorily
required -- 30.6 acres in common parkland, not counting the
golf course or developer's parks; with 53 acres in lots
equating to approximately 60% of the area dedication.
5. The resulting proceeds are pledged to build a community
center for 12 month use;
6. The park has not been developed in the 10 years it has
been platted.
Jentz summarized by stating that staff recommends approval
of the subdivision as designed, and approval of the change
because the Homeowner's Association is requesting it.
The board's issue is does the impact to the immediate
neighbors overrule the wishes of the entire community?
Atkinson asked how many voters there were in the
Homeowner's Association.
Jentz answered 312.
PUBLIC HEARING The public hearing was opened to those who wished to speak
on the issue.
APPLICANTS/AGENCIES Erica Wirtala, Sands Surveying, representing the applicants,
stated that this is a four lot subdivision which is zoned City
R-4, with 6,000 square foot lots. She stated there are 280
homes built in the Glacier Village Greens complex, and the
mostly northern portion is yet to be built out (Phases 14-22).
She said that the lower portion was developed to county
standards, but that Phases 14-22 were (or will be) built to
city standards and have sidewalks, curb, gutter. There has
been parkland dedication required in every phase of the
development, and there are 32 total acres in parkland, with
75 acres in lots; lands that were not final platted were
included in her total. She said she also included Lot 167
which is owned by the Homeowner's Association and is the
proposed community center. It is currently used as parkland,
and has playground equipment, which will remain when the
community center is built. The golf course was not included
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in her total. There are 273 acres in total with 32.77 acres of
parkland - by statute, only 8.8 acres are required.
Wirtala stated that, contrary to the application, the
community center will be constructed, then those four lots
will be deeded to the builder in exchange for the center. She
said that no funds will be given to the developer and that the
assessment of the four lots will be the parameters for the
developer to build the community center. She explained that
at full build out, there will be over 1,000 residents in that
area and that a community center will be tremendous asset.
She said that the developer of the community will be a
liaison between the community center committee and the
builder.
She said that the four lot parcel is about one acre, and that
approximately 1/2 will remain as parkland with the 30 foot
access strip to the river. She said that the existing
homeowners will see landscaped, single family homes, with
mountains in the background instead of a view of the
plywood plant. There will be no reduction in property values.
Wirtala said that the lower portion of the development has no
sidewalks because it was built to county standards, and they
would rather not have to install sidewalks on those four lots;
they will, however, bring in street trees and have curb and
gutter. She said the developments on either side of the parcel
have no sidewalks.
Wirtala stated that the Homeowner's Association did meet
with the County Commissioners, held a public meeting, and
did sign off on the plat, but they do not have an official letter
from them yet. She will be getting it as soon as possible.
PUBLIC COMMENT Attorney Rich DeJana, representing the dissenting
homeowners, stated that the Homeowner's Association
election is not the board's issue tonight. He said that Phase
IIIA was approved by the County Commissioners in 1993,
and that the lots in acreage are 10.94, not 4.9. He said that
there is a four acre park within the subdivision, which
should have been developed, but the developer did not do it.
He said the preliminary plat stated that a homeowner's park
was to be provided, and that it was a requirement on the
developer, but that they no longer have a park. According to
the plat, it dedicates the parkland forever, for the sole use of
the owners and their successors and interests. It is
understood that the value of the surrounding property is
enhanced by the parkland. He said that the developer did not
do what they were supposed to do, now they are taking it
away, but they don't even know how much they will be
getting for the property. He implored the board to keep the
contract and deny the preliminary plat.
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Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 11 of 14
Donald Milo, 101 Palmer Drive, proponent, stated they have
been trying to get a community center for many years, but
everything goes back to the golf course. He said they will get
a great community center for the property, and that 80% of
the homeowners want a community center, and the trade will
clean up an open lot. He said this is an asset for Village
Greens in exchange for land that needs improving.
Rachel Hanson, 134 East Nicklaus (and Great Falls),
opponent, stated that Village Greens is a perfect fit for them,
and they have purchased a townhome. She said she voted
yes for the center, but now she wants to rescind her vote,
because she does not want to send her grandkids to the west
side of the community. She said she sent three letters to the
Homeowner's Association to take back her vote and she
never heard back from them. She stated that four lots will
add more traffic, and wants to keep the park where it is. She
feels the voting procedure was invalid and the townhouses
need a park close by.
Dick Christensen, 84 East Nicklaus, opponent, presented a
letter from two of his neighbors, and they all live across from
the park. He stated they have not.pushed for development of
the park and liked it as vacant. land; he bought his property
specifically because of the park. He said he is disturbed by
the talk of "his view", that no one can walk by the river or
use it, contrary to what was said, and that the land they are
counting as parkland is wetlands and steep slopes that are
unusable. He stated there are only two usable parks in the
community and it is important to have both with the number
of residents.
Fred Kirkpatrick, 80 East Nicklaus, opponent, agrees that
the river parkland is inaccessible and he bought his property
because it was across from the park.
Wink Hanson, 134 East Nicklaus (and Great Falls),
opponent, stated that he has density concerns because of the
townhouses and if they lose the park land, there are no other
parks close by, they will have to walk clear to the community
center.
Don Peterson, 113 Trevino, proponent, stated the parkland
is in name only and it has no other function and there is
overwhelming support for a community center. They want to
use the parkland as a vehicle for funding for the betterment
of the whole community.
Pat Brown, 201 West Nicklaus, vice president of the
Homeowner's Association board, stated they have been trying
to get a community center for years, there are limited winter
activities and a community center will be beneficial for many
Kalispell City Planning Board
Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 12 of 14
residents. She said the park is weedy and nasty looking and
it will be well landscaped if it is sold as lots. She said the
land exchange is the only way they can afford a community
center without adding additional charges to their $10 month
homeowner's dues.
Tom Denham, 167 Ritzman Lane, board member, gave a
history of their attempts to get a community center. He said
they had a law firm look at their by-laws and write a ballot.
He said there were 240 out of 312 responses in favor, which
is a 76.9% approval. He said there are six homes across the
street from the park and he hoped they would have some
compassion for the 80% who want this project.
Jim Connelly, 231 West Nicklaus, president of Homeowner's
Association, stated that the members did not want a club
house, because they wanted to control it themselves, they
did not want the golf course to own it. They wanted it to
become a center for the community and they have a piece of
property ideally suited for the site. He said they don't know
what it will look like. He honors the will and effort of the
minority, and they have a right to protect themselves,
however, there is a difference of opinion, and dissention is
normal. He said the homeowners made their intent clear,
and this is the will of the Homeowner's Association. It is his
responsibility as board president to see that their wishes
become a reality.
Wirtala clarified her acreages, and said she did not include
any of the developer's park area, except for Lot 167. Lot 167
is dedicated to the Homeowner's Association.
DeJana clarified that the issue is the dedication on the plat
to the lot owners, not to the Homeowner's Association. He
said that this amounts to a taking of their property.
No one else wished to speak and the public hearing was
closed.
MOTION Hinchey moved and Atkinson seconded to adopt staff report
KPP-03-13 as findings of fact and, based on these findings,
recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the preliminary
plat approval of Glacier Village Greens Phase IIIC be
approved subject to the 14 conditions.
BOARD DISCUSSION Hull asked Connelly if the developers were a majority of the
Homeowners Association.
Connelly said there were 22 lots owned by developers, so
they are not the majority.
or asked DeJana if the easements were in
Kalispell City Planning Board
Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 13 of 14
DeJana stated the certificate of survey creates an easement,
and the statement on the face of the plat creates an
easement to the lot owners. The expectation is given to each
lot owner, and each owner must give it up. The easement
belongs to the lot owner and the Homeowner's Association
cannot take it away.
Taylor stated it looks like this is an issue only a court of law
can decide, and we are not a court of law.
Hinchey asked if we can strengthen the 30 foot access so
that it is more park like?
Jentz said they can put whatever they want in a condition,
but that it needs to have a hook. It will still be a
Homeowner's Park, and it can require a path, etc.
AMENDMENT
Hull moved and Hinchey seconded to amend condition 9: In
addition, the 30 foot access and irrigation strip shall be
developed with an established minimum 5 foot wide path
with a minimum travel surface of gravel from East Nicklaus
to the linear remainder part to accommodate all seasonal
traffic.
ROLL CALL (AMENDMENT)
The amendment passed unanimously upon a roll call vote.
ROLL CALL (MAIN MOTION)
The main motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business except for the Roman Catholic
Bishop of Helena matter, which will be continued until
December 9.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:09 p.m. The
next meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning
Commission will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2003.
APPROVED as submitted/corrected: \
Judi Funk
Recording Secretary
Kalispell City Planning Board
Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2003
Page 14 of 14