08-13-96KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
AUGUST 13, 1996
CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Kalispell City -County Planning
AND ROLL CALL Board and Zoning Commission was called to order at 5:38 p.m. by
President Therese Hash. Board members present were Joe Brenneman,
Milt Carlson, Michael Conner, Jean Johnson, Robert Sanders, Fred
Hodgeboom, Walter Bahr, and Therese Hash. Pam Kennedy arrived at
7:00 p.m. The Flathead Regional Development Office was represented
by Narda Wilson, Planner II, and Steve Kountz; Senior Planner. The
City of Kalispell was represented by Diana Roche, Zoning Administrator.
There were approximately 30 people in attendance.
APPROVAL OF The minutes of the July 9, 1996 meeting were amended on page 3,
NIINUTES paragraph 3, to correct the spelling of Judy Hepper's name. The minutes
were approved as corrected, on a motion by Carlson, second by Bahr.
All members present voted aye.
President Hash declared a conflict of interest on the first agenda item
pertaining to the Syth Business Park. Since the Vice -Chair, Pam
Kennedy was absent, she asked for the Board's consensus to change the
order and hear the second agenda item first.
GLACIER TENNIS Hash introduced a request by Glacier Tennis Club for a conditional use
CLUB / permit to allow the construction of a four court indoor tennis facility
CONDITIONAL which would be approximately 122 feet by 226 feet in size and contains
USE PERMIT approximately 27,572 square feet. The proposed facility would be on the
same property as Northwest Healthcare's athletic facility known as "The
Summit". The property is zoned H-1, Health Care. The proposed tennis
facility will be on property located at 205 Sunnyview Lane which is on
the northwest corner of Sunnyview Lane and Windward Way in
Kalispell. The parcel contains approximately 5 acres, and can be
described as The Resubdivision of Simmons Addition, Lots 1 and 2,
located in Section 6, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M.,
Flathead County, Montana.
Staff Report Wilson noted some mathematical corrections pertaining to the parking in
staff report 4KCU-96-06 as follows: on page 3, paragraph 3, the number
of spaces should be 74, instead of 73; in paragraph 5, the total should be
353 parking spaces, instead of 348; on page 5, paragraph 2, it should be
74 instead of 73; 22 instead of 20; for a total of 107 spaces instead of 93.
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�7 Wilson proceeded with her presentation of report 9KCU-96-06. The
application is for a four court indoor tennis facility on property that was
slated for approximately 74 spaces as part of the conditions of approval
for The Summit. The conditional use permit for The Summit was
granted in 1994, and was evaluated under the same criteria as this
application. Wilson detailed the findings of her evaluation of the
application and recommended the conditional use permit be denied,
primarily because of the inability to provide adequate parking. If the
Board should consider granting approval of the conditional use permit,
ten (10) recommended conditions were attached.
This proposal was reviewed by the Site Development Review
Committee, and staff fully supports the facility. Mike Baker, Director for
Parks and Recreation for the City, felt that the location is good, as it is
tied in with The Summit. He encouraged the Board to find some
alternatives to provide off site parking.
Questions President Hash expressed concern that one of the reasons for staffs
recommendation for denial was the visual impact of the building, and felt
there should be a mitigating condition of approval added.
Brenneman asked if the open field to the west was available for parking?
C� It was used during the May Day Run.
Wilson responded that parking in that area was not an option for them.
The public hearing was opened to proponents of the project.
Public Hearing Ed Sanders, 1177 Montford Road, stated that he is a tennis player, and
In Favor is very much in favor of an indoor tennis facility. During the winter, he
often goes out of state to play tennis, and would like to stay here to play.
Mrs. Sanders, 1177 Montford Road, was in favor of the indoor tennis
facility, and was hopeful that the parking problem can be resolved.
Dennis Winkle, a physician and property owner in the area, addressed
some of the issues brought up. First of all, the visual impact of the
building. The plans are to put a brick veneer on a metal building, and to
tie in the architectural appearance of the building in with the Summit
building. The actual size of the building is not a major issue due to the
fact almost all the building up there are much larger. There is no
problem with the 35 foot height limit, as our plans are to sink it down
into the ground. There has not been any negative comments from
adjacent property owners. This may, in fact, enhance property values.
The property to the west is currently unavailable, but may eventually
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become available for parking, but cannot be guaranteed, at this time.
The major concern about parking has been discussed, at length, with the
planning staff. We think that we can provide adequate parking and meet
the criteria as established. I have a letter from the Medical Arts Building
in support of the project, and their ability to reach an agreement with the
Tennis Association regarding the joint use parking agreement. In
addition, the Northwest Healthcare and Hospital own Pathways, where
there is a minimum of 60 spaces available immediately adjacent to the
Summit. The requirement would be that the employees of The Summit
park off site, so that users of the facility will be able to park on site. The
traffic flow should improve as more use if made of the northern entrance
at Meridian. The landscaping plans are to make it visually attractive and
consistent with the landscaping at The Summit. None of the conditions
listed on Attachment A cannot be met by the Tennis Association.
Debra Hendrickson, 55 Ainley Lane, supports the indoor tennis facility. I
have two children who have started playing tennis, and I think it is a
worthwhile family sport, not just in the summer. I look forward to
having a facility available in the winter. I went to an indoor tennis
tournament in Butte last winter, and I think it created a economic benefit
_ to the community, as people would shop between matches.
\� Fred Fisher, 244 4t` Ave East, was in favor, as the winters are long, and
he would like to play year round. We have some very good outdoor
courts, now, but that is only available a few months per year.
Becky Wiggin, read a letter on behalf of Bill Cooper, Superintendent of
School District ##5: "The college courts are proof that the entire
community benefits when the private and public sector work together to
solve problems. The courts that have been the most positive thing that
has ever happened to our student tennis players. We now have a chance
to build upon that success by adding an indoor tennis facility to further
meet our recreational, athletic, and economic needs. An indoor facility
would extend all the positives enumerated above, to a year round basis,
providing athletic and recreational benefits to our students and the entire
community. Public private cooperation is the surest way to provide
those benefits. I urge your support on behalf of the high. school students
of today and tomorrow. Sincerely, Bill Cooper.
Becky Wiggin, speaking for herself, endorsed the project.
Fran Fisher, 244 4 h Ave East, added to what everyone else has said, by
saying that The Summit is a magnificent facility and adding an indoor
/ tennis court would round out the athletic events that take place there.
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h1 Laidlaw, 1260 Columbia Falls Stage Road, representing the
Flathead Tennis Association, which is a separate identity than the Glacier
Tennis Club, and has over 120 members. For the past 15 years, it has
been the dream of the tennis community to have quality indoor and
outdoor facilities. Finally, two years ago, the City helped us get eight
outdoor courts. She submitted a letter from the Flathead Tennis
Association endorsing this project, along with a petition with
approximately 85 signatures, asking that the construction of the facility
be allowed. [The letter and petition were submitted to the Board and are
incorporated as part of the record.]
Jim Thompson, 160 Riverview Drive, assisted with the application for a
conditional use permit. The impact of this building is 16 parking spaces,
and the parking requirements for The Summit, is 337 spaces. To round
numbers and to avoid math problems, we are required to hae
approximately 350 spaces, and 250 will be on site. What is actually
happening in the course of this project, is now Meridian Road is
extending through, which is going to bring more access to The Summit.
This is actually shifting the majority of the parking north of The Summit.
The Pathways lot and the Two Medicine lot puts the parking in a more
appropriate location, where the actual access is coming onto the site.
We are going to make sure there are safe provisions for access through
the parking lots, with sidewalks and crosswalks. If they need to be
lighted, we want to make sure it is safe all year round. I do think this is a
classic example of good economy and planning in joint use of parking.
We have oceans of parking in some places, which are generated by
somewhat arbitrary numbers from somewhere. With the medical parking
requirements on Buffalo Hill, which we have dealt with for years, we
have adjusted those numbers up and down. We are always dealing with a
paper tiger, and that is what this is. Part of The Summit falls into the
joint use category, because of the therapy services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
that has parking requirements. So, when that use shuts down, that
parking becomes available to support the athletic side, which gets the
majority of its use before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
The architecture of this building — we want this building to be compatible
with The Summit, with nice landscaping and detailed parking lots. We
want to be a part of, and not separate from, what is up there.
In the future, I would like to see the Planning Commission encourage this
type of joint use parking, so that we aren't committing so much of our
valuable real estate to parking lots. I think this is a win -win situation for
everyone. It is cost effective for the developers, and it is good for the
C-11 community, because we can consolidate some of our activities. Buffalo
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Hill Medical Complex is a series of large buildings, and this building is
not large in scale to what is up there. Properly sited and set into the
ground to meet the height limitations, it will blend in very well. It has a
sloping roof. It will only be that high at its absolute peak. I would
encourage you to look at joint use on other projects as well. Projects are
hard to put together from a cost standpoint. The Tennis association is
only creating a need for 16 additional spaces, so it is not a significant
increase in traffic.
Drew Smith, 124 Riverview Drive, President of Glacier Tennis Club,
Inc., explained the background of their business venture. The tennis
community recognized the huge financial commitment to replace the
existing tennis bubble at the Kalispell Athletic Club, and realized that
they couldn't do it by donations alone, nor was it a feasible project to
have the City participate in. We incorporated to try to raise the capital to
be able to accomplish this major undertaking. We have been successful
with that. We were invited to discuss our plans with the Bigfork Athletic
Club, and the Meadow Lake Golf Course, who wanted us to build our
facility there. We were delighted to work out an agreement with The
Summit, as we wanted it located in Kalispell. We think the Summit
provides many benefits to us and the community. We are convinced that
the project will work, and we will get the agreements in place for joint
�) use parking.
Brad Roy, 1110 Smith Lake Drive, Director of The Summit, commended
the Glacier Tennis Association for putting together a project like this.
Initially, they were proposing a three court structure. It was at our
request that they went to the four court, because we wanted more
community access. The Summit's mission is to provide opportunities in
the recreation, fitness and health for the community. During the
construction period, there were a lot of parking problems that the City
and Fire Department were concerned about. We had a double whammy
going on, and still have phases of construction happening in the building.
The clinical side is still under construction. So, the lower lot was not
available, at that time, there was still construction equipment on the
upper level, and as a result, Windward Way became congested. We will
require our employees to park off site, at Pathways, where there is
approximately 60 parking spaces available. There would be 40-50
employees working at any one time, that would utilize that parking. The
traffic flow will improve with Meridian coming through. The
architectural and landscaping layout will tie in with The Summit. Many
members of The Summit are members of the Tennis Club, so in some
ways, we are not adding cars, because they are already there
participating. This facility will simply add a new dimension of what The
Summit offers. We ask for your support.
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Russell Purdy, 539 Crestview Road, the tournament director of the tennis
tournaments we have had at the college courts. The people there were
appreciative of the design and thought that went into those courts.
Everyone he talked to were interested in having an indoor facility to help
to have year round use or can to play during bad weather. The sport is
growing in the area. I am also a member of both The Summit and the
Tennis Club, so that comment about duplicate use is a consideration.
No one else spoke in favor. The public hearing was opened to anyone
opposed to the project.
Opposition Stan Watkins, said that he had all due respect to current club members. I
have worked closely with all of these great people, and they have a good
project in mind. I believe that they intend to build a facility somewhere,
sometime. I don't think the City should compromise their parking
requirements for them to have that. I would like to see something built
on my site. We worked hard on it, at one time. Unfortunately, because
of The Summit's inception, we were unable to receive financing. I hope
to see that project come to fruition, someday, on my site. When people
say they want to have indoor tennis -- we already have that at the
Kalispell Athletic Club. You are not going to squelch tennis if this is not
approved. There is existing tennis at two indoor sites in Flathead
County. If this does not meet approval, a new site will be done properly
by these people, and someday, maybe I'll get financing and hopefully we
will become partners once again.
The issue here is parking. When I hear that they are going to provide
parking off site, that makes me wonder what about the off site parking
during the day, as those sites have parking requirements, too. The idea is
that parking is going to be shared throughout the day. The clinic
facilities were not done at The Summit this last year, and if any of you
have used The Summit this last year, parking was a dire issue. Now with
the clinic open, there will,be more on site parking requirements, as it will
be busier. As a personal observation, that although we are going to work
out, we don't want to walk any further than we have to. When I used
the facility last winter, I didn't see any obvious indications that there was
off site parking. The snow was plowed up and around the parking lot of
The Summit. I did some mileage checks from Pathways, and it was a
minimum of 4/10's of a mile to walk to the front door of the facility. I
don't think you are going to get people to use that off site parking.
When they say the majority of the business will be after 5 p.m. when the
shared parking will be available, it is the job of the tennis pro for a facility
like this, to keep those courts busy all day long. I have a schedule of
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some of the clinics, lessons, and that type of thing that we keep our
facility busy with. [He submitted a copy of the schedule.] Also, in the
mornings, when Pathways and Two Medicine are open, that is when the
majority of the aerobics classes are held. There is a dead period from 12-
5. It is the nature of the business to keep it busy all day long. The
elderly and disabled using the clinic, will keep The Summit busy during
the day. So, I think this shared parking is a fallacy.
As far as the community is concerned, we currently have a community
college class taught at KAC. We welcome Bill Cooper and the schools.
Our club pro has taught many of the State champions that have come and
gone in the Flathead. We also welcome the Parks and Recreation
Department to utilize the Kalispell Athletic Club, because we are a
participant.
When we approached this Board with our project a year ago, the same
people got up and said the same things as tonight. We asked for some
compensation on parking, and we didn't receive any. I respectfully ask
that we all be treated the same, whether it is a large business or a small
business. I would appreciate fair treatment.
�1 No one else spoke in opposition to the proposal. The public hearing was
J closed and the meeting opened to Board deliberation.
Board Discussion Conner asked about the extension of Windward Way that would serve
the PUD to the north. He feels that road would eventually serve many
people north of there.
Hash noted that Windward Way would be improved with curb and
gutter, and the majority of the access would then be off of North
Meridian. The PUD in place there, has a meandering road, and if that
becomes a real issue, I am sure that he could obtain the proposed layout
of the PUD.
Hash had concerns about the staff report and the summary. I don't find
it consistent. In your findings, you indicate that the parking lot and
surrounding lots appear to be underutilized. The applicants have
demonstrated that there are somewhat higher night time use of The
Summit facility, and probably there will be early morning and late
afternoon peak use. I agree with Mr. Watkins that a pro is going to
work hard to keep those courts busy most of the time. You make a
statement that "it cannot be demonstrated that there would not be a
substantial conflict in the hours of operation between the joint use
/l` J parking lots." And yet you indicated that it appears as though there is a
higher night time use as opposed to the day time use of these outlining
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parking lots. In order to succeed, the applicants will have to have a fairly
watertight agreement with the other buildings. If that is in existence and
meets any legal requirements, I don't see how you can say there is a
conflict, when less than 50% of the required parking will be met by off
site, how can you conclude there is a conflict.
Wilson addressed the day time/night time use. She based her conclusions
on calculations that I did for the parking needs. I did some calculations
on the requirements for Pathways, which according to their building
permit, are required to have 60 parking spaces. The Two Medicine
Building, approximately 181 parking spaces. The Medical Arts building
has been existence for quite awhile, so I couldn't get the parking
calculations from that. These facilities operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
hence being a full time day time use. Under the Kalispell Zoning
Ordinance, it talks about parking up to 50% being allowed for primarily
night time uses, and gives some examples. Because these facilities have
the same hours of operation between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., it doesn't
constitute a day time vs a night time use. Hence, there is a substantial
conflict in their hours of operation, and their peak hours of use.
Hash stated that what is before us is a tennis facility. For whatever
reason, because the tennis facility is taking up parking that would be used
by the Summit and had been slated for that. You are overlaying the
Summit hours and uses, and times of uses, under the tennis facility. The
applicants have demonstrated that the bulk of the time, is probably going
to be the beginning of the day and the end of the day, dovetailing with
the primary day time uses.
Wilson said that I don't see how we can separate them when we are
looking at the parking requirements as a whole, and the tennis facility has
the impact that it does in displacing parking that was required under The
Summit permit. I believe I can stand behind my findings.
Hash referred to staff report, where Wilson concedes that there is an
excess of parking in the area. Here, is a use that is compatible with the
existing use. They can use the "sea of concrete" which constitutes the
parking lot surrounding the facilities. If shared parking agreements can
be struck with the other buildings, then I believe this is an opportunity to
work in concert to provide for the required parking. The upgrade of
Windward Way with curb and gutter will presumably eliminate the
scrunched parking. Sunnyview Lane will be very little used for access to
the Summit, simply because it won't be that convenient.
Motion Bahr moved to recommend to City Council, approval of the conditional
use permit as referred to in report #KCU-96-06, with the recommended
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conditions in Attachment A. Conner seconded.
Bahr felt that if all the conditions are met, they would negate and cause
the findings be in error.
Discussion on Motion Wilson proposed changing the findings as follows: #1. The 107 required
off site parking spaces appear to be adequately addressed through cross
easement parking agreements with nearby properties. #2. It appears that
the applicants can meet the requirements for joint use parking, because it
can be demonstrated that there is a situation which would allow the day
time use of night time parking or vice versa, in that, it has been
demonstrated that the peak use of the athletic complex of the Summit,
and the tennis facility, occurs at times when the peak use hours do not
conflict with the peak use of the off site parking.
Johnson wanted to add that inasmuch as the applicant has apparently
assured us there is ample off site parking, I would like to have it so
stipulated that those parking spaces that are going to be used for the
tennis court be identified and not conflict with patients of the facilities.
That could be addressed in the conditions of approval_ How to identify
the parking arrangement was discussed.
(� Add to condition 42, that this information be provided to members of -the
tennis club, The Summit athletic facility, and their employees.
Carlson noted that the parking is to be provided within 300 feet, as
stipulated in the Zoning Ordinance. It would make the most sense to be
300 feet from the entrance, as that is where people are walking to.
Discussion followed on where do you measure the 300 feet. Hash felt
that it was a better approach to say that it is subject to approval by the
Zoning Administrator, as it is not clear how one measures the 300 feet
distance.
Wilson felt that it would be better to resolve the issue, rather than to put
the burden on the Zoning Administrator. I would offer that the parking
that is being displaced, hence provided to an off site Iot, is for the
purpose of the members of the Summit. Sixteen spaces are required for
the tennis court, which is a private membership, whose fees would be
paid in addition to the dues to the Summit. The parking being displaced,
was parking required for the Summit.
Brenneman asked where the parking study numbers, in the report, came
from? Doug Sheflo of the Glacier Tennis Association, conducted the
-� parking survey last summer. (June 20-July 2) He noted that if we are
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debating the requirements for the Summit based on the number of units
required per square foot, the reality of what is seen there has more
bearing than on what is going to be needed. It seems there are 100 extra
spaces during the day, and then off site parking at Medical Arts. It
appears we have a workable solution.
Johnson pointed out that it is not up to the Board to determine the
number of parking spaces. The City Code says they need that much. If
they want to deviate from that, it goes to the Board of Adjustment or a
text amendment, or some other device. It seems to me that the Summit's
conditional use permit is not in compliance, because they intend to take
property designated for parking spaces, and use it for a building. So, it is
the requirement of the Summit to go and prove to us that they need a
certain number of spaces. There seems to be no problem meeting the
50% requirement. Placing the parking within 300 feet is somewhat of a
challenge.
Jim Thompson pointed out that parking can be provided 600 feet away if
it is on your own property, so this is, again, somewhat of a paper tiger.
I've interpreted it to mean 300 feet from the existing parking lot.
Conditions of approval were added: 11. "]Lighted pedestrian access in
�) the form of a crosswalk be provided between the off street parking, and
the Summit and tennis facility." 12. "That the building be constructed in
a manner to be compatible with buildings in the area, by providing
exterior treatment and landscaping along Sunnyview and Windward
Way." 13. "That the roof be sloped, and void of mechanical devices."
Restated Motion Bahr restated his motion to recommend approval of the conditional use
permit, adopting the amended findings of fact in report #KCU-96-06,
subject to the 13 conditions as discussed. Conner seconded.
Discussion on Motion Carlson reminded the Board that the original conditional use permit
issued to the Summit, required 400 parking spaces. We knocked it down
to 337. The impact of density in the area was extreme, not only in the
winter, but before they tore down the Second Wind building. An
additional building would eliminate open space, we would lose any
intended effect of the PUD for the medical and health care facility in the
70 acres plus the acres where the Summit exists. The traffic has increased
from the proposed office buildings, apartments on Windward Way, the
extension of Meridian would tie in with additional traffic on Windward
Way. It was a necessary condition we put on the Summit. The impact
on the area from density is more than the property can handle. It is too
much in that area.
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Hash interjected that if there is not a building there, it will be a parking
- lot, so any open space of green was lost before we even began.
Carlson replied that with proper landscaping, it gives the effect of being a
class place, rather than being just a bunch of warehouses thrown in there.
Hash countered that the applicants do not want the building to look like a
warehouse. With the proposed upgrades, traffic will be pulled off
Sunnyview onto Meridian. Windward will be constructed to
accommodate. This is a perfect example of in fill using a space to
maximize its potential. The idea of having a sports facility north of town
is an unrealized dream, as yet.
Roll Call Vote There being no further discussion on the motion, a roll call vote was
taken. Brenneman, Hodgeboom, Sanders, Bahr, Conner, Johnson and
Hash voted aye. Carlson voted no. The motion carried on a 7-1 vote in
favor.
It was noted for the record that Pam Kennedy arrived at 7:00 p.m. and
was present to preside over the 'rest of the meeting. President Therese
Hash declared a conflict of interest on the Syth Business Park and left. It
was requested that the agenda be shifted to address a conservation
C) easement. The Board agreed by consensus.
PETERSON Kennedy introduced a review of a proposed conservation easement from
CONSERVATION Don and Marilyn Peterson to the Montana Land Reliance to be placed on
EASEMENT approximately 64 acres of property located near the Flathead River. This
property is located south of Holt Stage Road approximately 800 feet and
west of the Steel Bridge Road. The property can be described as a
portion of Assessor's Tracts 3+ in Government Lot 5 and 6A located in
Section 10, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead
County, Montana.
Staff Report Wilson presented an overview of the proposed conservation easement on
64 acres being donated by Don and Marilyn Peterson, on property as
described in the report #FCE-96-2. It furthers the goals of the Master
Plan by preserving open space, and agricultural land, and staff fully
supports the conveyance of the conservation easement.
Board Discussion Conner commented that the Petersons have been actively involved with
the Flathead River Partnership, and this sets another precedence to
encourage protection along the Flathead River.
Carlson also commended the work of the Petersons and the three land
U trusts in this jurisdiction to continue to further the open space and
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(� voluntary conservation easement act.
Brenneman echoed those sentiments. Don has allowed us to farm this
land now, for a number of years, and I would like to see this property be
preserved as open space.
Motion Conner moved to authorize the Planning Director to act on behalf of the
Planning Board, supporting the conservation easement as described in
report #FCE-96-2, finding that the conservation easement would further
the goals and policies of the Master Plan. Johnson seconded. On a roll
call vote Hodgeboom, Conner, Carlson, Bahr, Brenneman, Sanders,
Johnson and Kennedy voted aye.
SYTH BUSINESS Kennedy introduced a request by Associated Planning Consultants on
PARK behalf of Noreen Syth for preliminary plat approval of a 14 unit
PRELEVQNARY commercial condominium subdivision which will be known as "Syth
PLAT Business Park". The property contains 1.207 acres and is in a B-2,
General Business, zoning district. The property is currently being
developed and is located between Airport Road and I" Avenue West,
south of 12t` Street West approximately 400 feet. The property address
is 1340 Airport Road, Kalispell.
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Staff Report Wilson gave a detailed presentation of report #KPP-96-2. The
application was reviewed as a major subdivision in accordance with the
statutory criteria, and the Kalispell Subdivision Regulations. Based on
the evaluation, staff recommended ten (10) conditions of preliminary plat
approval, with a minor revision to condition 92, changing final plat to
"revised preliminary plat". Add condition #11. "All uses in the building
shall comply with the Zoning Ordinance." Condition #12. `Directional
signs shall be posted at both ends of the parking lot to show
ingress/egress."
A copy of the draft covenants was submitted to Board members for their
perusal.
Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to those in favor of the project.
In Favor Brian Wood, Associated Planning Consultants, 2220 Dillon Road,
Columbia Falls, representing the applicant Noreen Syth, spoke in favor.
He explained the history of the project. Jerry Syth intended to lease and
manage these units as income property. Upon his death, his wife has no
interest in the property, and very little knowledge of the project. She
lives in Fortin and is trying to dispose of these excess projects that Jerry
had. By converting the structures from lease units to owner occupied
units, it will actually be a net benefit to the City. There will be an
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�) owner's association with covenants that will ensure maintenance and
upkeep of the property. We have, no problems with the 12 recommended
conditions.
There was no one else wishing to speak in favor. The public hearing was
opened to those opposed.
Opposition Robert Goertz, 2041 Mission Trail, owner of the Gables Office Plaza
right across the road from this project, on Airport Road. I have been
watching this from its inception. Originally, the two buildings on Airport
Road were going to have parking on Airport Road. The plans have
changed since I saw them initially. I am in favor of the project, however,
have concern about an additional 450 vehicles per day. Most come out
on Airport Road. I have access to Highway 93 out Airport Road. My
property has a fence on the south end, and it is signed "Private Road -
No Trucks", as cars were using it. I've seen how people drive through
Cattlemen's and I have concern about that many additional vehicle trips
going out on Airport Road.
There were no other speakers in opposition. The public hearing was
closed and it was opened to Board discussion.
(�) Board Discussion The Board discussed the project, and the traffic flow onto Airport Road.
�.J
Johnson commented that it had already been approved by the Public
Works Department, so will yield his concern about how it will work.
The Board felt that the whole area needs to be addressed with regards to
the traffic flow, but cannot be done with this project.
Motion Bahr moved to adopt report #KPP-96-2 as findings of fact, and forward
a favorable recommendation to City Council with the conditions of
approval as presented. Brenneman seconded. On a roll call vote the
Board voted 8-0 in favor of granting preliminary plat approval for Syth
Business Park.
SAMARITAN Wilson announced that the public hearing on the Samaritan House
HOUSE conditional use permit to allow the construction of a homeless shelter in
CONDITIONAL the RA-1, Low Density Residential Apartment district, has been
USE PERMIT postponed indefinitely. They need to meet certain criteria in order to
qualify in the grant arena, which caused them to substantially alter their
design. Their money will be refunded, and we may be seeing an
application from them this winter.
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KALISPELL CITY- Steve Kountz, Senior Planner, introduced himself to the Board. He has
COUNTY MASTER been assigned to assist Narda on the Kalispell City -County Master Plan
PLAN UPDATE update, which was last updated in 1986.
There are two issues to look at: (1) what the scope of the project should
be; (2) and the process of doing it. An outline was included with the
packet. The outlined options were explained and reviewed. He asked
the Board what direction they would like him to take.
Board Discussion The Board felt that we have a workable plan that we could improve on
by identifying areas of tension and update it that way.
They wanted staff to identify the problems in the current Master Plan and
bring that to the Board.
Carlson felt that the City would be well served to go out the maximum
allowable jurisdiction, since 18% of the voting populace of the County
has a lack of desire to have a Master Plan update. Number one, we
should attempt to work out a vision for Kalispell and its surrounding
area, which would require a public process to implement. I would
recommend a professional facilitator to get that done. What can help
people relate to the implementation of the plan is the GIS system. People
(� can look at their property on the map, where they stand in their
neighborhood, where their neighborhood conforms with the rest of the
system in which they live. The City and surrounding the City, as a
whole. Identify the things that are working, things that are not working,
and what we need to change. Plan what it will be 10 and 20 years from
now.
Conner contributed his vision for the Kalispell community to preserve
open space, address water quality issues, infrastructure needs for
pedestrian/bike paths and other modes of transportation other than our
arterial highways.
Kountz was instructed to: (1) look at existing Transportation Plan
attached to the Master Plan; (2) research the jurisdictional boundaries;
(3) expand on identifying polices such as for open space and water
quality; (4) identify the changes that have occurred in the past 10 years,
what are the shortcomings of the existing Master Plan. It was agreed
upon that providing GIS information was important.
Carlson asked Steve to provide information from his experience with
Whitefish and other communities, and felt that the time frame should be
kept under two years.
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OLD BUSINESS Wilson gave an update on the South Woodland/ Greenacres
Neighborhood Plan meetings. The neighborhood became aware of the
City's plan to annex the area, and that has affected the tone of the
meetings. I have tried to keep the meetings focused on neighborhood
plan issues, rather than annexation issues, however it is difficult to keep
those separated. These people see themselves as a community, united by
their community water system, that serves Greenacres 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Kennedy explained that there has been conversation about excluding part
of the area from annexation. The purpose is solely because we do not
have waivers from any of those people. It is a way that the City is
gerrymandering it, so that we can annex that property without the
waivers. We do not have enough waivers to get it annexed. So, if we
eliminate that area, we can then come back later and annex it, because
they would be totally surrounded. That is factual. They will be annexed
any way. Greenacres has major problems with the slough. There is raw
sewage in their yards, which is a major health issue. The County
Commissioners have sent them to the City to bail them out. City
taxpayer dollars are paying for that. If the City is going to pay for their
problems, then they should pay their fair share. It is an environmental
issue, as well as health issue.
Conner stated that this development should never have happened. It has
been a problem for the 18 years I have lived here. I feel the County has
equal responsibility; financially and morally.
Carlson commented that what came out of the County Master Plan
update process, was the neighborhood identification and people talking
with each other. The more you take in, the less load in the long run. He
felt that the best for the neighborhood and the City, is to take in the
entire neighborhood as they identify themselves,
Johnson, as an engineer who has worked in that area, stated that the
slough is not the issue, the septics are. If we stop putting effluent into a
restrictive clay layer, the slough may go away. Geologically, the whole
cty's drainage goes there. Politics aside, the health issue is a time bomb
waiting to happen. The State is aware of the problem.
Wilson stated that she would keep the Board updated on the progress ,of
the neighborhood meetings. There has been a good return on the
surveys, and a draft plan will be drawn up. There could be a work
session scheduled for the next meeting on the draft plan. After
formalizing the plan at subsequent neighborhood meetings, this will come
before the Board for a public hearing.
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There was no further old business.
NEW BUSINESS There was no new business.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
APPROVED:
Therese Fox Hash, President ' �eth Ontko, Recording Secretary
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