Comment for 5/13/24 from Terri Grace, Kalispell Vision ClinicJudi Funk
From: Kalispell Vision Clinic <office@ kalispellvisionclinic.com>
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 1:31 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Comment for 5/13/2024
I have worked at the Vision Clinic for a total of 15 years. The office has been located on Meridian Road since
2006. In 2019, we moved our office from north Meridian to our current location 580 N. Meridian Rd. Following
our move to the new facility we have noticed an increase in transient traffic. The following incidents are of
concern to both our staff and patients. Our mission is to serve our community with kindness and humility,
however with the increasing negative encounters it is becoming increasingly difficult.
Incidents of concern are as follows:
*Aggressive behavior towards staff after not allowing personal phone calls on our business line, threatening
with tire iron and ultimately a call to KPD.
*Harassing of staff leaving building at close of day
*Facilities being used for personal hygiene
*Human waste in our lawn area
*Use of outdoor electrical outlets
*Individual hiding in dumpster during business hours
*Public drunkenness and urinating in parking lot
*We have had to install a panic button for the safety of our staff
*Theft of articles out of vehicles
*Verbal intimidation of an optician demanding free services
I have noticed that these areas of concern started after the opening of The Warming Shelter. I feel like the
increase inconvenience and hardship on the businesses in our area is in direct correlation to the opening of
that shelter.
While wanting to help those in our community that need assistance, I do not feel that the Warming Shelter
does that. I feel it actually enables individuals with substance abuse to continue to indulge in their habits
without repercussions. There has to be a way to help those addicted to overcome their addictions.
Thank you
Terri Grace
Office Manager
Vision Clinic