04-09-24 - SignedKALISPELL CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
April 9, 2024
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL
The regular meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning
CALL
Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Board members present were Chad
Graham, Rory Young, Joshua Borgardt, Kevin Aurich and Tim Stocklin. Doug
Kauffman and Pip Burke were absent. Jarod Nygren, PJ Sorensen, Kari
Barnhart, and Kirstin Robinson represented the Kalispell Planning Department.
Keith Haskins represented the Public Works Department,
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Borgardt moved and Aurich seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the
February 13, 2024, meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Commission.
VOTE BY ACCLAMATION
The motion passed unanimously on a vote of acclamation.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
None.
KA-24-02 ANNEXATION
A request from Cindy and Steven Radosevich for annexation and initial
zoning of RA-1 (Residential Apartment) for property located at 255 Three
Mile Drive at the northwest corner of Three Mile Drive and North Riding
Road. The annexation would allow the property to connect to city sanitary
sewer.
STAFF REPORT
PJ Sorensen representing the Kalispell Planning Department reviewed Staff
Report #KA-24-02.
Staff recommends that the Kalispell City Planning Commission adopt Staff Report
#KA-24-02 as findings of fact and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that
the property be annexed and the zoning for the property be city RA-1 (Residential
Apartment).
BOARD DISCUSSION
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Brandon Thornburg —150 Tronstad Rd — Asked if they will connect to City water
& sewer. Haskins advised that they will be connecting to sewer but may stay on
their well.
MOTION — KA-24-02
Young moved and Aurich seconded that the Kalispell City Planning Commission
adopt Staff Report #KA-24-02 as findings of fact and recommend to the Kalispell
City Council that the property be annexed and the zoning for the property be city
RA-1 (Residential Apartment).
BOARD DISCUSSION
None.
ROLL CALL
Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
KGPA-24-01, KA-24-03, KPP-24-
Frank Garner and MT Seven Properties have submitted applications for Tronstad
01
Meadows and Whitetail Crossing, including requests for (1) a growth policy
amendment extending the city annexation boundary to encompass this property;
2 annexation; 3 initial zoning of R-3 (Residential); and 4preliminary plat
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024
Page II
approval for 380 lots on approximately 110.5 acres, including lots, roads, and
common areas. The property is located on the north side of Tronstad Road
between Highway 93 North and Whitefish Stage Road, opposite of Sirucek Lane.
STAFF REPORT I PJ Sorensen representing the Kalispell Planning Department reviewed Staff
Report #KGPA-24-01, KA-24-03, KPP-24-01.
(1) Staff recommends that the Kalispell City Planning Commission adopt
staff report #KGPA-24-01 and recommend to the Kalispell City Council
that the property be directly annexed pursuant to the City of Kalispell
Growth Policy Plan -It 2035 and the Annexation Policy, and that the
Kalispell Growth Policy Future Land Use Map be amended to include the
subject property within the annexation boundary.
(2) Staff recommends that the Kalispell City Planning Commission adopt
Staff Report #KA-24-03 as findings of fact and recommend to the
Kalispell City Council that the property be annexed and the zoning for
the property be city R-3 (Residential).
(3) Staff recommends that the Kalispell City Planning Commission adopt
staff report #KPP-24-01 as findings of fact and recommend to the
Kalispell City Council that the preliminary plat for Tronstad Meadows
and Whitetail Crossing be approved subject to the conditions listed on the
staff report.
BOARD DISCUSSION Conunission members and staff discussed county zoning, traffic impacts and
warrants, the mailing notification process, and infrastructure. Graham would like
the traffic light at 93N & Tronstad be installed prior to development.
PUBLIC COMMENT Brian Kelly — 220 Highland Dr — Opposes the project, feels that the houses would
not be affordable, that there would be too many cars, and stated that he did not
receive his notice until 7 days prior to the meeting. He also has concerns about
water rights and fire services.
Dan Munzing — 213 Tronstad Rd — Opposes the project and feels that it would be
too dense. He stated that the traffic study was conducted in February and he
doesn't believe that the infrastructure is in place.
Kyle Voigtlander — 840 41h St W — Opposes the project and feels that the density
of homes is not possible because services cannot be met. He has concerns about
fire station staffing, higher taxes, rising crime, traffic for first responders, and
would like the city to consider how this project would affect those outside of city
limits.
Brandon Thornburg —151 Tronstad — Opposes the project and has concerns about
contaminated water, water supply, and the current EPA Health Advisory. He
would like to know how a new subdivision can be approved with contaminated
water.
Colby Shaw — 89 Tronstad Rd — Opposes the project and asked if the Commission
can deny it. Has concerns about trees, the current growth rate of the city, county
zoning, loss of views, snow storage, construction traffic on Tronstad, impacts on
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024
Page 12
schools, fire access, and wildlife, and utility easements. He also feels that the
project does not fit the neighborhood. Mr. Shaw added that he was not notified
when the Quail Meadows subdivision application came through and that the
' subdivision's park amenity is short by 2 acres.
Rick Nys Greenlight Engineering Representing Sandy & Jeff Muller- Stated
that the Traffic Impact Study has numerous errors and omissions, including crash
data and the seasonal adjustment factor and that mitigation is required per the
results of the study.
Randy Chesler 425 Sirucek Ln Opposes the project due to water
contamination and the recent first responder levy.
Ming Munzing - 213 Tronstad Rd - Opposes the project as it is written and agrees
with the previous commentors. Has concerns about water contamination and the
2019 impact fees reduction; also feels that the Traffic Impact Study is inadequate.
Jessica Bubar 250 Highland Dr Opposes the project and has concerns for the
use of Highland Dr, turning onto Tronstad, lighting, and snow management.
Julie Campbell 889 Sirucek Ln - Opposes the project.
Dave Kaupp 236 Tronstad Rd Opposes the project and has concerns about
parking.
Michelle Weinberg - Representing Sandy & Jeff Muller - Gave comments
regarding conflicts with the growth policy, annexation petition, zoning, traffic,
services, wildlife, and the development not fitting within the neighborhood.
Stated that the project doesn't meet the review criteria with the growth policy,
annexation policy and preliminary plat laws.
Ken Dauenhauer - 161 Highland Dr Agrees with previous comments. Has
concerns about density, traffic along the 93 corridor, and feels that his well
affected by the well on site.
Tim Dalstrom - 399 Ponderosa Ln- Opposes the project. Has concerns about the
private roads, safety for pedestrians, and traffic impact.
Kari Mackin - 2200 Helena Flats Rd - Opposes the project and would like the
developers to step back and let people live in the Montana way of life.
Mae Osborne 67 Tronstad Rd Agrees with previous continents because it will
destroy the quality of life for others.
Dan Pierson 3307 Whitefish Stage Rd Agrees with previous comments and
has concerns about traffic and density.
Danielle Tuhy - 280 Highland Dr- Opposes the project and agrees with previous
comments. Stated that she has 2 petitions in opposition to this application and was
not notified of the project. Has concerns about water quality, water rights,
infrastructure, school impacts, affordability, and believes that there are many
inaccuracies in the traffic impact study.
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024
Page 13
Ryan Sanford 3553 Autumn Ct - Agrees with previous comments.
Roger Boulch - 44 Tronstad Rd - Opposes the project and agrees with all
previous comments. Has concerns for wildlife and traffic.
Eric Mulcahy Sands Surveying Representative for the applicants — Concurs
with the staff reports and is available to answer any questions. Advised that there
will be no access from the subdivision to Highland drive, that conditions of the
preliminary plat will be accepted, and that the Tronstad light will be put in phase
1 or as soon as possible and that the developer would provide a financial
mechanism, so funds are there when traffic warrants are met.
Frank Garner Part of the Development Group - Stated that he enjoyed meeting
with some of the people in the room and thanked them for the conversations.
Stated that he shares concern for construction traffic, trees, and buffers, and
believes that most of the discrepancies are cleared up in the staff reports.
Kristine Hursch 210 Tronstad Rd Opposes the project and agrees with
previous comments in opposition. Has concerns about lot sizes and fire access.
Kelly Witmer - 361 Sirucek Ln Would like the current zoning of SAG 2.5 to
remain.
Bernard Konkel 345 Sirucek Ln Opposes the project and agrees with previous
comments in opposition.
Merna Terry — 7 Meridian Ct Would like to build homes for friends and family
that can afford to stay in the valley and believes that the development may help
people attain housing.
Steve Tuhy 280 Highland Dr — Opposes the project and agrees with previous
comments in opposition.
Kelly Shaw 89 Tronstad Rd Opposes the project and agrees with previous
comments in opposition. Stated that the project doesn't fit the neighborhood.
Sandy Muller — 45 Tronstad Rd - Opposes the project and agrees with previous
comments in opposition.
Travis Taylor 1210 Birch Grove Rd Rejects the idea that growth is inevitable
and has concerns about water, sewer, and fire services.
Elizabeth May — 282 Drumlin Ridge Rd Opposes the project and agrees with
previous comments in opposition.
Carl Gross— 1655 Rose Xing Opposes the project and has concerns about traffic
on Rose Crossing and Reserve.
Jon Sonju MT Seven Properties —Member of the ownership group Stated that
the staff report speaks for itself and that the group has done a good job working
with the public.
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024
Page. 4
Doug Bennett — 310 Sirucek Ln — Opposes the project and has concerns for
wildlife and height requirements.
Kevin Hursch — 210 Tronstad Rd — Opposes the project and feels that the
notification distance is not enough.
Jackie Gray - 300 Tronstad — Opposes the project and feels that the project doesn't
fit the rural nature of the neighborhood. Has concerns for traffic.
Michelle Taylor —1210 Birch Grove Rd — Opposes the project and would like the
commission to consider the impact on schools and first responders. Stated that the
valley isn't ready for this kind of growth.
Deanna Bennett — 310 Sirucek Ln — Opposes the project and has concerns with
traffic, pedestrian safety, and the current lack of health care services.
Jill Davis — 1250 Birch Grove Rd —Feels that housing is a critical issue and that
people are in support of housing but not near their neighborhood. Feels that the
city needs to address housing.
MOTION — KGPA-24-01 Young moved and Stocklin seconded that the Kalispell City Planning
Commission adopt staff report #KGPA-24-01 as findings of fact and recommend
to the Kalispell City Council that the property be directly annexed pursuant to the
City of Kalispell Growth Policy Plan -It 2035 and the Annexation Policy, and that
the Kalispell Growth Policy Future Land Use Map be amended to include the
subject property within the annexation boundary.
BOARD DIISCUSSION Young stated that the traffic comments are addressed in conditions 17 & 18, the
Growth Policy Map was last amended between 2021-2022, the notification
process is designated by state law, the fire access is assessed by the Fire Chief per
the International Fire Code, that a second access is required to provide service,
and that the maximum height for R-3 zoning is 35 feet. Young confirmed with
Haskins that the facility plan does not include this project. Haskins advised that
Public Works investigated service to Silverbrook, Stillwater Village, Kalispell
North Town Center, Dusty Acres, Tronstad Meadows, and included a 3% growth
rate and the results were that the services will last 20 years. Haskins advised that
DNRC would monitor neighboring wells for changes to determine water rights.
Young confirmed with Sorensen that the state of Montana does not allow
developments to be rejected solely based on school impact. Nygren added that
school taxes will be paid by the subdivision homeowners. Sorensen confirmed to
Borgardt that the 2 roads in the subdivision are to code and meet the subdivision
regulations and that it's typical in new subdivisions to install roads up to the
property line for possible future development. Sorensen confirmed to Borgardt
that the water rights would be transferred through DNRC. Haskins clarified the
traffic review and phasing processes to Borgardt. Haskins and Sorensen clarified
street access and parking to Stocklin. Nygren added that leaving the potential for
a connection to Highland Drive is to the benefit of the neighbors should they need
to connect to city services in the future. Sorensen clarified the Growth Policy to
Borgardt and Nygren added that the annexation boundary is not a state
requirement. Sorensen clarified the parks cash in lieu process, fencing across the
north border, and wildlife with Borgardt.
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024
Page15
Graham stated he supports the project but expressed concerns for safety and
would like to see the traffic light at Tronstad put in before construction. Borgardt
and staff further discussed MDT's traffic impact warrants. Graham and the
commission discussed growth, road improvements, and load restrictions.
ROLL CALL
Motion passed 4-1 on a roll call vote.
MOTION — KA-24-03
Aurich moved and Young seconded that the Kalispell City Planning Commission
adopt Staff Report #KA-24-03 as findings of fact and recommend to the Kalispell
City Council that the property be annexed and the zoning for the property be city
R-3 (Residential).
BOARD DISCUSSION
The commission briefly discussed current county zoning for the area.
ROLL CALL
Motion passed 4-1 on a roll call vote.
MOTION -- KPP-24-01
Young moved and Stocklin seconded that the Kalispell City Panning
Commission adopt #KPP-24-01 as findings of fact and recommend to the
Kalispell City Council that the preliminary plat for Tronstad Meadows and
Whitetail Crossing be approved subject to the conditions in the staff report.
BOARD DISCUSSION
None.
MOTION — KPP-24-01
Graham moved to amend the conditions of KPP-24-01 to change condition # 18
AMENDMENT
to "prior to final plat of phase 1, a signalized intersection at Tronstad and 93 shall
be completed."
ROLL CALL — KPP-24-01
Motion failed as there was no second.
AMENDMENT
BOARD DISCUSSION
The commission discussed the ramifications of the plat not being approved if the
conditions were not met.
MOTION — KPP-24-01
Graham moved and Borgardt seconded to amend the conditions of KPP-24-01 to
AMENDMENT
change condition #18 to add the language "in order to ensure that the signal is
ready to be installed when allowed by MDT, an approved design and financing
mechanism shall be in place prior to final plat approval of the first phase of
development."
ROLL CALL — KPP-24-01
Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
AMENDMENT
BOARD DISCUSSION
The commission and staff discussed road improvements and phasing.
ROLL CALL — KPP-24-01
Motion passed 4-1 on a roll call vote.
OLD BUSINESS
Sorensen updated the commission on the February 13, 2024 agenda items and
provided the status of the MAID lawsuit in Bozeman that affects recent land use
bills
NEW BUSINESS
Sorensen updated the board on the upcoming May 14, 2024 Planning
Commission Meeting.
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024
Page; 6
ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:14 PM.
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Prt Gr
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APPROVED as submitted/amended: May 14, 2024
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Kirstin Robinson
Recording Secretary
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024
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