Opposition to KGPA-24-01 Important to consider Montana statutes in amending KGP Public Comment from Ming MunzingAimee Brunckhorst
From: Ming Lovejoy <minglovejoy1 @gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 9:12 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Opposition to KGPA-24-01 Important to consider Montana statutes in
amending KGP
Dear Honorable Mayor Johnson and Members of the Kalispell City Council,
Firstly, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the dedication and integrity you bring to your decision -
making roles. The commitment to our community's welfare and future that each of you demonstrates in your
work is both recognized and deeply valued. Navigating the complexities of governance requires a great deal of
care and diligence, and it is evident that you approach this responsibility with earnestness and thorough
consideration.
Reflection on Recent Council Discussions
During the City Council meeting on June 3rd, PJ Sorensen highlighted that our growth policy, while guiding, is
not strictly regulatory but requires substantial compliance with state laws. This distinction underscores the
importance of meticulous scrutiny and thoughtful consideration as we approach potential changes to our
growth policy.
Statutory Obligations and Due Diligence
Montana statutes, specifically MCA 76-1-601(3)(c), mandate a comprehensive analysis of potential
environmental impacts and the safeguarding of natural resources within our growth policies. These statutory
guidelines are essential for ensuring informed and sustainable decisions regarding land use and development.
Given the insights shared by Mr. Sorensen, it is crucial that we view these statutes not merely as guidelines but
as foundational to our governance, ensuring that any proposed amendments align with these legal frameworks
to avoid potential repercussions.
Critical Environmental Concerns
Concerns regarding the impact of development on local water resources, particularly with the Tronstad
Meadows / Whitetail Crossing project, need urgent attention. Historical instances, such as the adverse effects
of the Koenig irrigation well on reducing neighboring water supplies, exemplify the potential risks of further
development.
The residents relying on these wells must not have their water security compromised. The effects of the city of
Kalispell drilling a new well to service the city must be investigated and studied in advance of a vote to amend,
annex, and develop.
Growth Policy Integrity and Decision -Making
It is vital to preserve the integrity of our growth policy by ensuring amendments are not influenced solely by the
interests of a single developer or by pressures from certain parties. The presence of valuable water resources
on the proposed property raises significant questions about the motivations behind the rapid push for
amendment and approval.
Decisions must be made with the entire community's welfare in mind, based on thorough environmental and
social impact assessments. Otherwise, we risk compromising not only the statutes that underpin our growth
policy, but also public confidence in our city management and decision -making processes.
Concerns Regarding PFAS Contamination
Additionally, the handling of water resources by the City of Kalispell, particularly the ongoing issue of
combining PFAS-contaminated water with uncontaminated supplies, demands immediate action. It is public
knowledge that the city of Kalispell has chosen and continues to practice mixing PFAS-contaminated and
uncontaminated water and distribute it to resident households.
The city currently has no ability to prevent this from happening. This situation poses a severe risk to public
health and compromises the trust our community places in its leaders to safeguard our environment. The city
has stated its intention to connect this new well to the existing city infrastructure.
Yikes. Does the city understand and has it investigated the potential impact of hooking this new well up to
existing city systems?
Can the developer ensure that Tronstad Meadows / Whitetail Crossing can deliver uncontaminated water to its
new residents? This IS a BIG deal.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In light of these significant issues, I urge the City Council to prioritize a thorough environmental impact
analysis and robust community input and vote NO on KGPA-24-01, for now. For now does not mean forever.
It is imperative that we approach these amendments with the seriousness they warrant, ensuring that our
development strategies protect and enhance Kalispell's quality of life and maintain public confidence in both
the city's motivations and actions.
Please note that this particular amendment to the growth policy may NOT be like other amendments to the
growth policy, where the decision -making process might appear more simple and relatively easy to assess and
judge.
This decision is not that. Your decision -making calculations would be wise to consider this truth as evidenced
by the quantity and volume of public outcry and feedback you're receiving. Please hear us. Slow your roll, and
proceed with care and wisdom.
Your current decision is fraught with issues as evidenced by an unusually high volume of vocal concerns and
legal implications from safety and traffic issues and sole access/egress on a narrow, unimproved county road
that will be a patchwork of city -county -city -county, (take a look at the mess on 2-Mile to see how that's being
maintained), concerns over the ability of emergency services to provide adequate service, the creation of an
"island" of development in a largely rural agricultural area where the neighborhood to the north, south, east,
and 99% of the western boundaries are county, with no interest to be annexed to the city, no assurance of a
traffic light to be installed on hwy 93, and potential Whitefish Stage improvements estimated at 5-10 years.
This is simply NOT the right time or place for the proposed amendment, annexation, re -zoning, and
development until all the aforementioned valid concerns can be adequately and wisely investigated and
addressed.
I trust that your decisions will reflect not only a strict adherence to our legal obligations but also a genuine
commitment to the sustainable future of our community.
Thank you for considering these critical concerns. Your leadership and decisions at this juncture are crucial.
Please vote NO on amending, annexing, rezoning, and approval of a preliminary plat fraught with issues that
need to be addressed.
Sincerely,
Ming Munzing 213 Tronstad Rd. Kalispell