01-09-24 Business Improvement District Minutes 2017 — 2027 KALISPELL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Meeting date: January 9, 2024
Location: First Interstate Bank— 2nd Floor Conference room
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Catharine Hooper, Jon Fetveit, Gabe Mariman, Marshall Noice,
Cara Lemire, George Giavasis, and Jamie Keller
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Kisa Davison
CITY ATTENDEES: Katharine King
PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE: Lorraine Clarno, Executive Director for Chamber of Commerce
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 8:38 by Marshall Noice
MOTION: To approve the agenda dated January 9, 2024 and the minutes of December 5, 2024 by
George Gervasis with a second from Cara Lemire - passed unanimously.
Financial Review— The board reviewed the financial report with limited discussion apart from the
possibility of purchasing QuickBooks software for the organization. Motion to accept the financials as
presented made by Jon Fetveit with a second from Catharine Hooper - passed unanimously.
Executive Coordinator Report — Jamie Keller submitted a written report of activities for the month of
December 2023 for the board to review. No questions or concerns were noted other than it being "a
long list" by Catherine Hooper.
City report — Katharine King announced a meeting with the URA is set for January 17t" to discuss a
multitude of city decisions including a welcome to Kalispell sign which George Gervasis stated he
would like to be part of. George will contact Catherine Hooper for additional details. There was
discussion on additional members desired on the board from both KBID and TBID. Cara Lemire noted
that her seat on the URA board is expiring soon.
Katharine King noted that Krista Lammers is leaving her role with City Hall, and they are currently
searching for her replacement. Jamie noted that they do already have someone who will be handling
financial reports for KBID.
HEARING OF THE PUBLIC:
Lorraine Clarno of The Chamber of Commerce noted:
• A meeting tonight that will impact the emergency levy where attendees will hear a presentation
on statistics.
• The upcoming meeting for State Chamber Days — focus on affordable housing and tax credits
for childcare.
• A meeting with Courtney Sprunger to review and discuss possible employer tax credits for
childcare grants.
• Next Tuesday January 16, 2024, is the Chamber of Commences Sports Facility Luncheon —
WiII discuss research on the possibility of bringing a quality indoor sports facility to Kalispell.
• January 17, 2024, will be the next Downtown Action Committee meeting held at the Chamber
of Commerce conference room on the 2nd floor where attendees will be challenged to create a
"wish list" of needs to keep downtown safe.
Discussion/Decision Items:
Main Street America Application: Jamie Keller has worked with Micky Zurcher to better understand
the application criteria and will forward that information to the board. It was noted that per Micky
Zurcher, there are no current grant or funding opportunities. Marshall Noice asked if this project is
worth the time invested and it was noted that it very much worth the investment so Jamie Keller can
become better acquainted with the organization for the future regardless of accreditation for FY2024.
Jamie is to send the board the application for review. It was noted during the discussion that Jamie
Keller should follow up on the fourth quarter reporting with MSA.
Safe Street for All — Funding is being worked on to complete the roughly $35,000,000 bypass road.
NEW BUSINESS:
• Marshall Noice noted that the bike rack needs to be adjusted as it is raised from floor level on
one side. Katharine King will inquire with the city to see if they will assist in repairs. It was later
noted that the city would not be able to assist, and it was decided to add this issue to the
Kalispell Downtown Association agenda for January 2024.
• George Gervasis noted that he has recently met the owner Melissa Bloom, of a new
thrift/consignment shop "The Sisters Bloom". George noted that they would like to hire 20-50
employees and begin an apprentice program in the future. Melissa is holding a "studio
warming" party on Saturday from 1pm-4pm.
• Logo/Branding: George Gervasis noted that the organizational website shared by both KBID
and KDA is not in great shape and needs attention in relationship to the current branding
project. Technical details were discussed amongst the board members and George will be
submitting an estimate for updates and repairs. In addition, Jamie Keller mentioned issues with
her webmail account and it is currently being addressed by Nathan Stoll and George Gervasis.
• Downtown Action Committee: Is looking for candidates for County Commissioner
• Some concern has developed in how Pam Carbonari is handling the transition in relation to the
submittal of KBID and KDA owned files and documents. Jamie Keller is to submit a list of
known items needed to the board by Friday. Jon Fetveit has offered to communicate with Pam
concerning this matter and follow up with the board.
• TIF Application: The application will be completed and submitted by Kisa Davison and Jamie
Keller near the end of next month. Kisa is working on estimates from engineering companies to
determine the final number of dollars KBID will be requesting from the TIF Fund to hire said
engineering consultant. It was noted that although it is often a challenge to secure TIF funding,
legislation and the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce are fighting that battle.
• Accounting: Jamie Keller discussed the benefits of purchasing an accounting software system
with hopeful launch by July 1, 2024 with board approval.
• Discussion Items — Board Retreat:
o Branding
o Long term organization vision and Strategic goals
o KBID/KDA Collaboration Vision and Finances
o All ongoing projects with a goal to prioritize
o Holiday decor
o Public relations & Image goals
o Collaboration with TBID and Chamber of Commerce
o Follow up on prior goals from FY22/23
■ List of constituents (to complete by August 2023)
■ Establish a KDA liaison to attend KBID meetings
■ Establish a cohesive brand for DTKP by May 2023-board to vote on proposals
■ Organize and sponsor a Friends of the Parkline meeting by July 1-Board to
submit and review names
ADJOURN: Motion to adjourn by Cara Lemire with a second by Jon Fetveit. Motion passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:16AM.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Tuesday, February 20, at 8.30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Keller
Executive Coordinator