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06-26-23 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL KCITYOF 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/Meeting-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 Nunnallv: 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 a 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. Page 1 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 26, 2023 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 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. Page 2 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 26, 2023 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. Page 3 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 26, 2023 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 Page 4 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 26, 2023 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. Page 5 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 26, 2023 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. Page 6of8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 26, 2023 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 Horn'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 Horn'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. Page 7 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 26, 2023 Aim e Brunckhorst, CMC eLL� City Clerk �;�� ••bpi'• Minutes approved on July 3, 2023 0-) rig' U co UPCOMING SCHEDULE / FOR YOUR INFORMATION Next Regular Meeting- July 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. - Council Chambers CITY OFFICES CLOSED July 4, 2023 r 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"'4801Meeting-Videos. Page 8 of 8