Re Monday's Meeting re the CUP for the Warming Center from Tony RiffeJudi Funk
From: Tony Riffe <astriffe@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 9:17 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Regarding Monday's meeting regarding the CUP for the warming center
Mr. Graham,
I wanted to thank you for contacting me regarding my concerns I had brought up in my email
prior to the meeting and encouraging me to come to the meeting to see the process for
myself. I was quite surprised so many showed up and sadly I had to leave before it was over
due to the lateness. I have some comments and in the end, an idea as I was taught in the
military that when I reported to my commander with a problem, he also wanted a solution as
anyone can complain but coming up with a possible solution takes more thought.
Public safety is a priority. You, the council and the Mayor heard it all over and over what is
going on. One person that was there was a board member of the Alano club on Meridian and
she left in anger as she felt that the locals were not being heard. She stated that many of the
volunteers that testified were from Whitefish or not in the immediate area. The Mayor made
it clear that he wanted to hear from the people in the area, yet they still forced their way up to
the podium. Ms. Horn took too much time, I was the one that raised my had to ask the Mayor
to limit her time. I intended no disrespect to the Mayor or the process, but to those of us that
sat around me (they were really upset), it appeared she was given preferential treatment and
the rules were bent for her. I do believe the Mayor is concerned and I believe he is very
reasonable, I did vote for him and will do so again, so my apologies to the Mayor, I did not
mean to upset the process, only to point out that others wanted to speak.
It is obvious that Ryan, Ward 3, has no grasp of what is going on in this area of Kalispell or the
data in general, whilst you do, Mr. Graham. I heard a lot of anger directed towards him when
he was speaking where I was sitting. There should not be multiple calls for service for the
same homeless individual doing the same things. The data is not skewed. If he or anyone has
any doubt, just come and live in this area of town for three months. The tune may change.
Ok, I do have a possible solution, or thought on maybe how to deal with this. The Mayor and
council may or may not consider it, and that is ok, but I just want to put it out there.
1.) Suspend the CUP for the warming center while the city does its fact finding.
2.) An ideal place for a warming center is not appropriate for a medium density
residential/commercial setting.
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3.) A warming center would be ideal on the Logan campus for several reasons. If there are
drug/mental issues, they are not just shoved back out on the street, the hospital is right
there.
4.) Logan has its own security, so if there is an issue, they are right there. They can assess
the situation and call KPD if necessary.
5.) Logan could also make that a non-profit in conjunction or in agreement with the
warming center so they would receive tax credits and government funds to operate it as well
as treat those that need it.
6.) This could also be a two tier system. The warming center on Meridian could be used
exclusively for the elderly, individuals or families that are temporarily displaced whilst the one
on the Logan campus would be used for those with substance/mental issues.
These ideas could help control the situation occurring in this area of the city. I understand
that the warming center is not the sole reason there are issues, but it is a substantial cause in
this particular area of the city. The "if you build it, they will come" adage applies.
Lastly, I want to thank you and the Mayor for giving the public the opportunity to comment on
this serious issue that is affecting us all on this end of town. Thank you for your time.
Anthony Riffe
10 Appleway Dr. Apt. 1
Kalispell
406-212-2972
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