E1. 06-26-23 Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL
KCITY OF DRAFT WORK SESSION MINUTES
ALISPELL June 26, 2023, 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.
Please see the bottom of the agenda for instructions to watch the meeting live.
Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at:
https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meetin2-Videos.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Mayor - Mark Johnson: Present
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present
Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Present
Council Member - Chad Graham: Present
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present
Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Present via video
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present
Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Present
Staff present included City Manager Doug Russell, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Public Works
Director Susie Turner, Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, Senior Planner P.J.
Sorensen, and Deputy Director Keith Haskins.
B. DISCUSSION
1. Montana Department of Transportation Speed Study Review — US Highway 2
Da
Public Works Director Susie Turner began the introduction of this item.
00:02:14 Rebecca Franke, Traffic and Safety Specialist with the Montana Department of
Transportation from the Missoula/Kalispell office continued the presentation beginning with the
process that MDT is taking to gather input on this speed study and next steps. She then
presented site characteristics of the area, speed zone history, crash and citation history,
contributing circumstances, travel speed and contextual characteristics, and provided conclusions
and recommendations. (See the attached document for specific recommendations.)
00:13:41 Councilor Dahlman relayed her experiences driving this section of road and would
support the findings.
00:14:13 Councilor Hunter would support slower speeds. He then talked about road design as a
component of speed and asked about a review of the road design.
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00:15:12 Ms. Franke answered Councilor Hunter's question saying no projects are planned in
this area at this time.
00:15:47 Councilor Gabriel relayed her experiences driving Highway 2 and would support a
slower speed. She asked whether MDT would provide public information that will help with the
process of educating drivers about the new speed limit.
00:16:36 Ms. Franke said she would be willing to work with the city and the county regarding
education. She talked about the possibility of orange flags attached to the signs to alert drivers of
the change. She then explained the public comment process with MDT and the Transportation
Commission process.
00:18:35 Councilor Nunnally relayed his experiences utilizing the roadway and said he fully
supports the change.
2. Legislative Land Use Bills &a PowerPoint Presentation ' a
City Manager Russell began the presentation with the process.
00:19:57 Development Services Director Jarod Nygren provided a PowerPoint presentation
about the bills that have passed that affect land use. (See PowerPoint presentation attached
above.)
00:21:35 SB 245
00:24:02 City Manager Russell provided further clarification about how the city will handle
conflicts in legislation.
00:24:52 Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
00:25:24 Councilor Graham asked about current city regulations related to commercial zones and
how public comment will be solicited.
00:26:54 SB 407
Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
00:28:14 Councilor Graham provided discussion about the possibility of changing advisory
board sentiments as a result of the legislation.
00:28:50 SB 528
Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
00:30:26 Councilor Graham asked questions about accessory dwelling units and homeowner
associations.
00:30:49 SB 528
Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
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00:31:03 Mayor Mark Johnson provided discussion about accessory dwelling units and impact
fees.
00:32:08 SB 323
Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
00:33:39 Councilor Graham provided discussion.
00:34:48 Development Services Director Nygren responded to discussion.
00:35:31 Senior Planner P.J. Sorensen provided further clarification.
00:36:02 Mayor Mark Johnson provided discussion.
00:36:29 Councilor Nunnally asked questions about how legislation will affect utilities such as
water.
City Manager Russell spoke to discussion and questions of Council.
00:38:01 Development Services Director Nygren spoke to discussion and questions of Council.
00:38:28 SB 382
Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
00:46:27 Councilor Graham asked process questions.
00:47:40 Councilor Fisher asked about staffing to carry out the legislation.
City Manager Russell talked to questions raised.
00:48:39 Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
00:49:36 Councilor Fisher asked how the legislation determined which jurisdictions would be
required to implement this legislation.
00:50:24 Councilor Hunter asked about the intent of the legislature.
00:52:51 Councilor Hunter asked further questions.
00:53:51 Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
00:56:33 Councilor Dahlman asked questions about coordinating with school systems.
Development Services Director Nygren talked about current coordination with school systems.
00:58:14 Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation.
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01:05:57 Development Services Director Nygren continued his presentation speaking about the
process the city will need to undertake under the new land use planning act.
01:11:01 Councilor Gabriel asked about public comment processes.
01:12:09 Councilor Gabriel continued questions about the public process.
Senior Planner Sorensen answered questions related to the public process.
01:13:25 Councilor Gabriel asked about jurisdictional areas related to the County.
Development Services Director Nygren answered questions about the process.
01:14:36 Councilor Gabriel asked further questions of staff.
01:15:24 Mayor Johnson provided discussion about process and the public.
01:17:30 Councilor Hunter provided discussion and then asked questions.
01:19:30 Senior Planner Sorensen responded to questions raised.
Development Services Director Nygren responded to questions raised.
01:23:00 City Manager Russell responded to questions raised.
01:23:25 Councilor Hunter continued questions for staff.
01:27:19 Councilor Nunnally provided discussion about the unintended consequences of this
legislation including the possibility of increased costs to the municipality.
01:28:39 Mayor Johnson asked questions of staff.
01:29:09 City Manager Russell answered questions.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Johnson opened public comment.
01:29:52 Sean O'Neill, Public Comment
Mr. O'Neill, Community Services Director with Community Action Partnership of NW
MT and the Collaborative Housing Solutions of NW MT Chair spoke regarding the
devastation that is being felt related to the tragedy that happened June 25, 2023, with the
death of Scott Bryan and the charge of deliberate homicide for two individuals. He spoke
regarding the current state of homelessness and the narrative within the community. He
spoke to changes they are seeing in the population over time and external challenges to
the accuracy of the 2022 point of time survey of the homeless. He spoke regarding
perceptions related to recently passed city ordinances dealing with public safety and
negative community narratives on social media surrounding homelessness. He relayed
that vulnerable homeless people on the street are reporting being targeted and the fear
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they are feeling. He then spoke about Collaborative Housing Solutions goals that have
been determined and the strategic plans they have come up with to implement the goals.
He would like to see the city and the county come to the forefront of the narrative to help
make change and be a part of the conversations and solutions.
01:37:16 Kathy Folden, Public Comment
Ms. Folden spoke to her religious views and warned against a host of tragedies that she
feels will be coming to the world including economic crisis, famine and water crisis,
army occupation, etc. She talked in detail about how these tragedies will occur and spoke
further to her religious views.
01:42:43 Tonva Horn, Public Comment
Ms. Horn, Executive Director of the Flathead Warming Center spoke to being
heartbroken and to the fear the homeless have been feeling for some time. She spoke to
the tragedy of a member of the homeless community losing his life. She asked the
community to stop, take a step back and consider what is being said and done and said
homeless individuals are reporting multiple accounts of attacks that have been happening
for weeks. She reported that service providers are advising the homeless not to go
anywhere alone. She feels the leaders within the community should set the tone and
direct the narrative within the community. She spoke to the divisiveness within the
community and the need to come together to find real solutions. She expressed
appreciation for those that have reached out to have conversations with members of the
homeless community. She talked about being inspired by the homeless community and
provided examples of why. She provided examples of how when people feel valued, the
homeless community hold each other accountable. She asked elected officials to establish
a homeless council made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness and
explained why she feels that way. She thanked Braveheart Ministry and other community
agencies for their support today to the guests of the Warming Center during this difficult
time. She spoke to the conversations and education that were had. She asked elected
officials to set the narrative and lead on this issue.
01:49:35 Cassidy Kipp, Public Comment
Ms. Kipp with Community Action Partnership spoke in agreement with the other
speakers and talked about the devastation being experienced by the strong narrative
criminalizing people experiencing homelessness that needs to change. She spoke to a
video she says was taken of Mr. Bryan's attack and the negative messaging within the
community. She asked leadership to help set a unified tone for the community.
01:52:27 Steve Luak, Public Comment
Mr. Luak, a volunteer with the Warming Center spoke to the stories that each homeless
individual has and the traumas they have endured. He said he did not hear city leaders
speak out about the letter the County Commission wrote about homelessness. He
encouraged people to talk with the homeless and listen to their stories. He spoke
regarding factors that can lead to homelessness and the family and systems that have
failed them. He talked about why he feels school shootings happen. He feels there has not
been a proper police response to harassment experienced by the homeless and would like
to see others present during the attack on Mr. Bryan identified. He spoke regarding an
increase in people experiencing homelessness and the view that it will continue to grow.
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He feels the city should come up with a plan moving forward to help the homeless. He
talked further about the research and actions he feels should be taken.
02:01:30 Jamie Quinn. Public Comment
Ms. Quinn, Director of the Flathead Food Bank spoke to the tragedy that occurred over
the weekend and how it is affecting people. She talked about a road rage incident that left
a man with severe injuries and the thought that these types of violence have somehow
become acceptable. She talked about the need for messaging within the community and
how Scott Bryan's life mattered. She spoke to the need for leaders and the community to
say this is not acceptable behavior and how she feels the city and county should be part of
solutions along with the social services community. She mentioned community education
events and meetings around this issue that have been offered but not attended.
D. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS
City Manager Doug Russell provided the following report:
• Taxable valuations were sent out by the state to property owners without an
explanation of how state taxes work in Montana and can give the owner the
impression that their taxes will be higher than reality. One factor is that the city is
limited to one-half the rate of inflation for increases in evaluation. The state will
be holding a public hearing to educate the public.
• The public hearing for the city budget will be opened during the July 3 meeting
and continued to the July 17 meeting for publication purposes.
02:08:18 Councilor Daoud said he has seen a trend for months with the language used to
describe those in Kalispell who are unhoused and that the descriptive words have gotten worse as
time goes on. He spoke to how this serves to dehumanize the population. He spoke to the rights
of everyone and asked people to come back to that. He said he would support a plan for how to
tackle these problems for the long-term. He talked about the possibility of private partnerships as
well.
02:10:39 Councilor Dahlman provided condolences to the friends and family of Scott Bryan and
spoke to remembering the dignity of people and to remember kindness.
02:11:25 Councilor Graham said he agreed with Councilor Daoud. He said there are things that
Council has done in regard to homelessness and helping social service partners. He spoke
regarding approvals and zoning changes for the Samaritan House, and an emergency zoning
change and approval for the Warming Center as well as pass through grants. He spoke to the
differences in what the Council can do compared to service agencies. He mentioned there are
other communities in the valley whose resources could also be used to help out with
homelessness. He said Whitefish and Columbia Falls do not have any uses in their zoning for
homeless shelters, and perhaps that could be looked into. He provided his condolences to the
homeless community.
02:14:13 Councilor Nunnally offered agreement with all that had been said and talked about
comments he made at the last meeting that we all need to check ourselves about what we say and
how we say it.
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Councilor Nunnally then spoke regarding the letter that went out from the state about the tax
valuation and the concerns and comments he has heard from the community about that and also
about the cities letter that went out about proposed water rate adjustments and the uncertainty in
the economy. He spoke regarding unfunded increased costs related to legislation passed by the
state and attempting to keep those increases as low as possible.
02:16:02 Councilor Carlson offered condolences and spoke to her employment experiences in
the Red Cross Office and how hard it is to tell people that come in for assistance that the location
is only a blood center. She thanked the service providers for all they do for the community.
02:16:34 Councilor Gabriel said she agrees with a lot of what has already been said by Council
and the importance of giving and receiving kindness. She offered condolences and spoke
regarding her experiences working with a nonprofit for ten years and how hard it can be.
02:17:41 Councilor Hunter acknowledged the public comment received and expressed
appreciation for much of the public comment received about the tragic situation that occurred
over the weekend. He spoke to the commentary particularly online that has been stimulated by
frustration over disruptive behavior that has been seen by the growing homeless population. He
spoke to all segments of the population (housed or not) having persons exhibiting bad behavior.
He spoke to the repercussions of trauma on people's lives. He spoke to the unacceptability of
stereotyping any population and that vigilante action is absolutely unacceptable and leads to
tragic consequences and that the appropriate short-term response is by law enforcement. The
long-term response is to address the crisis in our community of homelessness. He said he would
support Tonya Hom's suggestion and would like to see a permanent Housing and Homelessness
Advisory Committee consisting of homeless individuals and experts in the social service
community and others impacted by the issue including local businesses to identify more areas in
which the city can contribute. He talked about other communities that have made progress.
02:21:20 Mayor Johnson acknowledged how heavy this situation is weighing on service
providers and offered condolences. He talked about comments he had made during the council
meeting last week asking the community to provide more grace and patience to each other and
understand that these are other human beings. He said he will not use social media and can only
speak from the dais and to the people he knows and hope that the message gets out that he would
continue to ask for that grace and for the community to step back. He spoke to the recent event
where homeless people were stepping up and cleaning up areas within the community. He spoke
to the rash of suicides in the community after COVID. He questioned how the environment could
result in two people (allegedly) taking another's life. He spoke to parents talking with their
children about the value of a human life. He talked to the divisiveness within the community and
country and asked people to focus on the family talking further on this subject He said he
thought Tonya Hom's idea was a good one and would be happy to talk to her about that. He
asked people to think about the rhetoric they put out into the world and the detrimental impact
words can have on another person's life.
E. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m.
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Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
Minutes approved on 2023
UPCOMING SCHEDULE / FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Next Regular Meeting — July 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
CITY OFFICES CLOSED — July 4, 2023 — Independence Day Holiday
Next Work Session — July 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Watch City Council sessions live or later on Charter Cable Channel 190 or online at
https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meeting-Videos.
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