Loading...
07-16-24 City Council Meeting Minutesr CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024, 7:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at: https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meeting-1 ideos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Mavor - Mark Johnson: Present Council Member- Kari Gabriel: Present Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Present Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present Council Chair - Chad Graham: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Present Council Member - Rvan Hunter: Present Staff present included City Manager Doug Russell, City Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, Senior Planner P.J. Sorensen, Andrew, Police Captain Ben Sutton, Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member - Karl Gabriel: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: A rave Council Member - Karl Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Apl2rove Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote. E. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Johnson opened general public comment. 00:03:26 Teresa Narduzzi, Public Comment Ms. Narduzzi of 1019 2'dAvenue East spoke with concern and frustration regarding drag racing, speeding and loud noises on Main Street every night. She is wondering about issuance of fix -it tickets related to loud mufflers. She asked whether a petition with signatures would make a difference. 00:05.12 Joe Biby, Public Comment Mr. Biby of I" Avenue East spoke with concerns and frustration regarding the large amounts of vehicles cruising on Main Street and doing laps and speeding on side streets every Friday night. Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Johnson closed public comment. Public comment received to Mayor and Council via email to publiccomment(cokalispell.com can be seen at https://time.ei.kalispelI.mt.us/WebLink/Browse.aspx'?id= I 28274&dbid=O&reo=Kalil ell. F. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION 1) Resolution 6213 - Potential Actia[i yin Conditional Use 1'crniit ot_Flaffi ad \farming C enter Potential action following a hearing on July 15, 2024. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. 00:07:11 Kyle Heineke, Public Comment Mr. Heineke, a member of the Flathead Warming Center Board and a Pastor of Fresh Life Church spoke regarding being a 51h generation native to Kalispell and on the weight of the decision before Council. He feels a decision to revoke the Center conditional use permit on the assertions that the Warming Center is culpable in increasing homelessness in the neighborhood of North Meridian suggests that this problem would remedy itself by shuttering the Center. If the Center is shut down and the problem persists, he feels any cold weather death and suffering would be the responsibility of the Council. He also believes that would send a signal to all other nonprofits that they are not welcome and on notice. He spoke further on these views. 00:10:00 Arlene Hamlin, Public Comment Ms. Hamlin of 7"' Avenue WN asked why the burden of the homeless is put on Kalispell residents and would like part of it go to Whitefish and Columbia Falls saying she does not want it in her back yard. Page 2 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 00:10:35 David Ravos Public Comment Mr. Ravos of 769 7`h Avenue WN near the Warming Center spoke regarding an incident that happened 7 months ago when he found a person in his home making it her own. The police explained that she was known to them and goes to the Warming shelter, and she has psychosis. She tried to argue with David that it was her home. After she left, he discovered $250 worth of damage in the bathroom. People store stuff in the bush in front of his home before going to the Warming Center. He asked that Council not put the burden on that area. 00:12 36 Rick Hights, Public Comment Mr. Hights of 619 Liberty Street said he has not seen any negative behavior or trash on his street and neither has his neighbor. He talked regarding working in homeless ministry in Vegas during a housing boom in Vegas and noticed that the homeless rose as housing prices rose. He then would like Council to ask who is responsible for people who are not in the homeless center. Asking, if the shelter is responsible for those in the Center, what is being done about those few who are causing the majority of the problem. He believes funds should be allocated to provide security in the neighborhood or the police should be responsible. He believes the problems will only get worse if the Center is closed. 00:14:43 Lisa, Public Comment Lisa, a local small business owner with a location less than a mile from the Warming Center talked about being respectful at the first Council meeting on this subject, but then when the first speaker was a Warming Center Board member, she then felt the topic was about money. She talked about her frustration regarding the number of comments received from and in support of the Warming Center. She talked regarding her view that the Warming Center had scared some customers away, and in the past year and half since being at her location, having to call the police to trespass individuals, having customers fearing for their safety, keeping the front door locked at times, and people who do not shop with her because of her location. She feels that if the Warming Center is not closed, she will have to relocate her business. She provided a story about an experience in 2022 talking with a woman who stayed at the Warming Center who suffers from schizophrenia. She talked about feeling sorry for her and her dog and paying for a hotel room for her for two weeks. She then talked about giving free clothing to a mother who was staying at the Abby Shelter. She spoke regarding not wanting to see people intoxicated, yelling at people passing throwing trash and drug paraphernalia, and defecating near her business. She spoke further regarding her views about how others view her and others. She spoke regarding dealing with someone with mental health issues sleeping behind her business since the Center closed. She talked about his use of the shower, etc. at the Center and how he should not be enabled. She then talked about the need for mental health facilities. She asked for consideration of the safety and well-being of those in the neighborhood and asked that the Warming Center be moved away from homes, businesses and schools. 00:20:54 Lori Public Comment Lori of Liberty Street said she has not seen any issues in the neighborhood despite walking the neighborhood every evening. She would like Council to seek expert advice and leadership conferences and learn how to solve community issues effectively, and to consider what they say Page 3 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 and her views that things said has divided the community. She does not feel closure of the Warming Center would stop homelessness and make the homeless issue disappear. 00:23:00 Rod Tinseth, Public Comment Mr. Tinseth said the Warming Center is currently closed except for a few hours several times a week. He talked about working near the Center and never seeing a homeless person walking around until the Center opened. He then talked about his negative experiences since the Center opened saying he has seen more trash, alcohol bottles, having to cover outlets, theft, etc., and experiencing the effects of that behavior. He spoke regarding the possibility of an expansion of the Center and people being dropped off from other places. He talked about his views on those in favor of the Center and would like the Center out of his neighborhood. 00:25:46 Rozer Hopkins, Public Comment Mr. Hopkins of Columbia Falls and a former Kalispell Mayor and former City Manager of Columbia Falls spoke regarding the ability of people at this meeting to people to go home after the meeting. He suggests that the Center is not creating the concerns expressed but rather is part of the solution and believes that revoking the CUP will not solve the issue. He then sympathized with the Centers neighbors and situation. He spoke regarding experiences in Seattle with similar issues near a shelter and the deployment of resources from the City Council which made the area safer. He talked in detail regarding how he would like to see a County and community wide deployment of resources and political will to address the underlying problem and asked people to ask all leaders how homelessness will be addressed. He urged the Council not to revoke the conditional use permit. 00:29:48 Aspen Shupa, Public Comment Ms. Shupa of Main Street spoke in support of the FWC maintaining their conditional use permit due to the invaluable service they provide to the community and does not believe their existence encourages houselessness and talked about the causes of houselessness. She spoke regarding people being in control of our reaction to houseless neighbors and in detail about the positive services of the Center, including resources so people can keep their employment. She talked further about why she feels the CUP should not be revoked and how people should show up for each other. 00:31:26 Marshall Taylor, Public Comment Mr. Taylor of 5t" Ave " talked about his family living there for 35 years and said he believes the shelter has had a direct negative impact on the health, safety, and comfort of people living and working in the area and said the parks, fairgrounds, etc., have been decimated by the transients. He spoke regarding his view that the Warming Center brings the homeless speaking in detail regarding why he feels this way and his believe that the majority tome from outside of the community. He talked regarding his view that people coming on the Whitefish train are being transported to the center and taking resources from members of the community who are in need of shelter. He would like council to revoke the conditional use permit saying he feels they have violated the CUP and negatively impacted the neighborhood. 00:33:40 Sage, Public Comment Sage spoke regarding his experiences being homeless and how difficult it is to stay presentable Page 4 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 and keep your clothing and yourself clean to keep a job and go to school especially when walking everywhere. He talked about how access to take showers and do laundry at the Warming Center allowed him to keep a job, allowing him to get out of homelessness. He spoke to community standards of cleanliness to be seen as a human and the effects of removing the resources to obtain that. He spoke to the strict rules at the Warming Center against loitering. He spoke to the dangers of being out in severe cold and heat. 00:36:20 Jay, Public Comment Jay living near the Warming Center, spoke to prior experiences with homelessness and the difficulties with trying to hold a job and go to school when in that situation and how resources like those offered by the Center allowed her to keep a job and go to school and now, she is a homeowner paying tax. She spoke to not choosing homelessness, just corning from a poor family, being young, and not being able to afford rent. She spoke regarding correlation versus causation. She urged Council not to close the Warming Center which would take away the resources people need to change their situation. 00:3S:38 Leena Olsen, Public Comment Ms. Olsen of 5th Avenue WN who works at Linderman Education Center talked about seeing direct impact on homelessness on the youth and their families who have been within the Kalispell public school district. She spoke to her experiences in education at Linderman and her view that facing challenges with homelessness and poverty cause many to drop out of school. She has not seen what other commenters in her neighborhood have seen, though she does believe them. She enjoys the Fairgrounds and takes walks and does not feel for her safety. She feels the lack of capacity at the Center is a problem, not the Center itself. She spoke in detail regarding her experiences helping a student who was kicked out of her house find housing and the Warming Center being the only place she was able to go after trying other avenues. She would like everyone to consider the impact on the youth in the community and the families that have raised their kids here and consider how they can be helped, saying it can't just be the Warming Shelter, 00:41:25 Carly Tuman, Public Comment Ms. Tuman of 5th Ave "AN talked about growing up in the neighborhood near the fairgrounds and then moving back to the neighborhood after College and her disappointment that transient loitering in the neighborhood and their decision to install security measures to their new home. She spoke to the neighborhood being historically busy with pedestrian and vehicle traffic but her view that the addition of transients is new and growing rapidly. She spoke regarding foot traffic increases in alleys, yards and streets and experiences with loitering in parks, finding needles at the park, a person receiving emergency medical services on the sidewalk and people having altercations and digging in garbage, and people sleeping in the post office. She spoke in detail regarding her views on why the conditional use permit should be revoked and to find a better location and solution for shelters in the Flathead valley. 00:44:25 Mandy Gerth, Public Comment Ms. Gerth of the NE side spoke regarding welcoming a Warming Center in her neighborhood. She spoke regarding the discussions of possible closure of the Warming Center causing anxiety for care workers in the social service field, as multiple resources have closed in the last four years and they are overworked and exhausted. She explained that in the last year, youth Page 5 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 homelessness has increased 12% nationwide and by 20% in Flathead County. She spoke regarding their roots in the community, knowing their stories and their families, and how they did not make a lifestyle choice. She said that the Warming Center is a tool in the toolbox that Kalispell could be building to be more resilient, kind and resourceful to face the housing and homeless crisis in the community. She talked in detail about the safety net that is the Warming Center and how important it is, and talked about how the community has paid for the Center, and volunteer there. She talked about the lack of a personal safety net available to those who are homeless and some of the details in which the Warming Center is the only option. She spoke regarding the need for potable water, trash cans and bathrooms in the community. 00:50:26 Hannah Lilly, Public Comment Ms. Lilly who lives near Peterson Elementary spoke regarding her positive experiences volunteering at the Warming Center and her view that this issue is political. She would invite anyone to volunteer at the Warming Center to be able to hear their stories. She spoke regarding her experience as a counselor and to the data that says the number one cause of homelessness is trauma. She talked in further detail about the effects of trauma and causes of homelessness. She spoke regarding her experiences with her son riding bikes on the trail and that the unhoused is a problem and that the Warming Center is one of the solutions. She spoke in detail regarding the complexities and the difficulties of finding and keeping a job and navigating helping people get out of homelessness and how the Warming Center helps with those issues and seeing people accomplish that. 00:55:24 Gracelynn Abel, Public Comment Ms. Abel of 4`h Street West, spoke regarding the severe budget cuts made in the state legislative session in 2017 to mental health services and the consequences she feels that has resulted in. She talked regarding growing up in the west side of Kalispell and seeing disadvantaged and vulnerable community members in the community her entire life and talked about where she has seen them take shelter. She talked about the narrative of seeing the unhoused as pests and not standing in the way of those putting in the work to provide people the dignity of being housed. 00:57:46 Gene Webel, Public Comment Mr. Webel of west Kalispell thanked Council for listening to everyone and then encouraged Council not to revoke the conditional use permit for the Warming Center. He talked about growing up in the area and the presence of homelessness in the valley and the service that the Warming Center offers the community, and how it is funded by the generosity of the community. He spoke regarding his personal experiences growing up, his personal ethics and volunteer experiences, and his hope that ethics of taking care of each other are still valid in the Flathead. He talked in detail about the health conditions that the homeless experience and the help they can receive at the Center before they become bigger issues. He talked regarding the Warming Center establishing `road maps' with guests and following up with help on the things they need to accomplish to move forward with their plans. 01:01:51 Arthur Fretheim, Public Comment Mr. Fretheim spoke to the support voiced yesterday for the Warming Center and his support of the Center. He spoke in detail regarding the private investments made by entities based on receiving a pen -nit and following the rules from the City and the uncertainty that could be caused Page 6 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 if a permit is then revoked. He spoke regarding uncertainty by other service agencies that they could be targeted next. He spoke regarding the private investment nature of the Warming Center and how those investments could be lost. He spoke to the complaints heard of negative behavior being about people who are outside of the Center and his view that closure of the Center would increase that, and the lack of an alternate solution being offered. He spoke regarding the implications if the Center closes. He would urge Council to keep the conditional use permit. 01:10.08 Greta Punshad, Public Comment Ms. Punshad spoke regarding unhoused individuals throughout the city being in the way of businesses saying the problem is not just in one area. She spoke to her view that many have become unhoused due to the loss of low-income housing and in detail regarding how difficult housing can be to obtain even when employed and how difficult it is for families to stay together when help is not provided. She spoke regarding the lack of mental health and addictive services in this area of the state and the need for the governments and nonprofits to work together to solve these problems. She talked to the need for more resources including a day center and how with resources more people could be valuable, contributing members and said closing down the Warming Center, further closes the opportunity for people to have a life. 01:14:49 Christina Nelson, Puhlic Comment Ms. Nelson, who stays at the Warming Center asked who has been there and who has had a tour. She said she is blessed she can stay there as she has had a surgery and needs another and without the Center would be on the streets. She spoke regarding being egged by children and being treated like dirt. She talked about people being one paycheck from homelessness. She spoke regarding living in the valley since 1966 and not being a drug addict or alcoholic and not being treated badly until an article came out and the assumptions people are making about others. She spoke on her view that closing the Warming Center will increase crime and people freezing to death. She spoke regarding being a guest volunteer and the lack of help for mental health issues. 01:18:15 Unnamed person, Puhlic Comment Unnamed person is opposed to the Warming Center as a low barrier shelter. She spoke to her view that those who are opposed to the Warming Center are being judged. She said the people living in the neighborhood are the ones suffering. She said she does not have a problem with people who are not using drugs or alcohol or being a danger to those in the neighborhood. She talked regarding nightmare stories she has heard from people in their neighborhoods and how she does not feel it is an appropriate place for a low barrier shelter. She further spoke on property values being lowered, and not feeling safe at home or at work. She does not feel expectations have been met by the Warming Center. She talked about negative experiences she has had within the neighborhood with individuals since the facility located there. She spoke to her view that more people in the neighborhood are being harmed than are being helped and spoke to lack of quality of life since the facility moved in. 01:24:00 Mark Flateau, Public Comment Mr. Flateau thanked Council for the opportunity to provide input. He spoke regarding his positive volunteer experiences at the Warming Center and how that has changed him and given him a deep sense of gratitude that is expressed by the guests of the Center. He spoke regarding the concerns of the neighbors and how those concerns must be addressed. He spoke to witnessing Page 7 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July lb, 2024 a person who was denied access to the Warming Center based on past behavior and the kind, but firm behavior in which that situation was handled. He spoke in detail regarding the moral imperative to ask for County Commission involvement and bring together the best thinkers and community leaders to make a wholistic long-term plan addressing mental health, addiction, and homelessness issues. He spoke to his view that closing the Center would not solve the issue and the need to work together to address the issues. 01:28:39 Ken Young, Public Comment Mr. Young of the east side spoke regarding his volunteer experiences at the Warming Center. He spoke about his religious beliefs around those less fortunate, his experiences seeing the homeless in other areas of town, and a religious accountability to help those who are less fortunate even if they do not deserve it. He spoke regarding he and his wife feeling blessed after volunteering at the Center. He talked about different ways to handle conflict, and the need to learn to work together and accept that none of us is perfect and we all make mistakes. He spoke further regarding the experiences he has had and the people he has met at the Center and seeing people who have been helped to get jobs, permanent housing, and with the broader aspects of life. He would advocate the continuation of the Warming Center with further accountability and working together with the municipality and as a larger group to come together in a bigger way. 01:35:53 Ton yaAtlee, Public Comment Ms. Atlee owner of North Meridian Salon near the Warming Center said she likes the idea of a hand up not a handout and said she sees a need. She said she sees those that get into the Center being helped but said it is the people that do not get into the Warming Center that affect the neighborhood. She does not believe the Warming Center has been a good neighbor. She talked further about the lack of control the Warming Center has of the people they do not let in. She spoke regarding text conversations she has had with Tonya Horn regarding behaviors she has seen. She does not feel that the Warming Center has followed guidelines of the permit. She spoke with fear and worry regarding plans she had heard that the Warming Center would like to expand. She feels the problem is with the fluctuating people coming into the Center do not know the rules and leave trash, etc. She spoke regarding the negative impact to her business including being in fear when she leaves her business at night. 01:40:12 Cassy Congdon, Public Comment Ms. Congdon of 530 West Wyoming Street, a long-time resident, homeowner and business owner explained why she does not feel this issue is political. She spoke regarding written comments she has submitted based on personal experience as a young family wanting to maintain their quality of life. She is in favor of rescinding the conditional use permit, especially as it pertains to low barrier and what is happening with the behavior of people who are introduced into the area. She spoke to the proximity of the Warming Center to her home. She spoke to the public comment received stating problems in the neighborhood in comparison to statements made by the Warming Center. She talked in detail regarding her belief that Tonya Horn has stated false narratives, and she feels her statements will be viewed as false and her frustration regarding how public comments were made. She provided reasoning why she did not feel comfortable reporting problems to the Warming Center. She spoke further to the public comment she has heard and in sympathy with many of the stories of people that need to utilize Page 8 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 the warming center but spoke regarding the inability to reason with someone on methamphetamine and the fact that when someone is rejected from the Wanning Center they are being introduced into the neighborhood. She spoke further regarding her views on the Warming Center's testimony and to her view that homeless have been introduced into the area providing a story of a negative experience a friend had with a person sleeping in the post office. She spoke regarding sleeping, loitering and defecating at the nearby green electrical box as the new normal. She spoke regarding crime being introduced into the neighborhood and referred to the data maps provided by the City, lack of transportation for the guests, and fear of people being out of control. She spoke further regarding negative behaviors they have seen by people within the area and the fear she has for her child, and the security measures her family and people in the area have taken. She talked about ways in which her family helps others. She spoke regarding fears of falling property values. She spoke in detail regarding her frustration and fear of living in the neighborhood. Ms. Cogdon talked about her views on how people locate shelters. She spoke regarding reasons why she feels judged. She spoke further about why she believes the Wanning Center conditional use permit should be revoked. 01:5f-::"4 Jan Woods, Public Comment Ms. Woods on Airport Road talked about her experiences growing up poor in Kalispell and her experiences finding work. She talked about an experience many years ago befriending a homeless person who chose that life. She then told a story about recently befriending a homeless man and providing him a job and buying him a camper to live in. She spoke in opposition to the Warming Center due to the lack of infrastructure to maintain control of the few that have bad behavior. 02:03:36 Jamie Quinn, Public Comment Ms. Quinn of 729 6t" Avenue spoke regarding the long-time discussions that have been happening related to the problems with homelessness long before the Warming Center opened. She referred to statements made by Council Member Nunnally and Mayor Johnson related to homelessness prior to the Center opening. She said she is in agreement with a letter to the editor in the paper today that said Council Member Sam Nunnally should recuse himself from the vote because of his employment by the County and the statement made by the County Commissioners asking for their peers serving on city councils to not permit or expand warming shelters. 02:05:40 Renee Dimler, Public Comment Ms. Dimler of West Wyoming Street spoke to previous public comment she has provided and to her experience defending children and to her past experiences with trauma. She spoke regarding her view on solutions for addiction and the need for addiction and mental health resources. She feels there is more harm than good being done. She spoke regarding security measures she has taken, and to vehicles being broken into. She spoke regarding the importance of rules. She spoke to her empathy for those in need of help. She spoke regarding loss of quality of life in the neighborhood and property investments and the right to have her property protected. She provided further reasoning why she feels that the conditional use permit be rescinded, pointing out the location and low barrier status but saying she would like something else in its place. Page 9 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 02:11:07 Colton Middle, Public Comment Mr. Middle of 3195 MT Hwy 206 thanked Council for their time and talked about the shared goal of reducing suffering for everyone. He then spoke about personal experiences within his family with homelessness and the importance of family to fall back on and the lack of those resources for many. He spoke regarding people experiencing struggles with housing stability, and the increasing need for affordable housing in the area. He spoke of the difficulties with identifying who is or is not homeless and how those attempts and other assumptions feed into biases. He hopes everyone can work together to find a solution for many of the problems that we have. 02:18:32 Sue Manson, Public Comment Ms. Manson spoke to perceptions she has heard about public comment received. She asked council to concentrate only on a decision on the validity of the conditional use permit. She told a story she heard about a Warming Center volunteer asking a store for food donations and frustration that they continue to ask after being told that it is against store policy. 02:20:54 Kathy Sykes, Public Comment Ms. Sykes of 125 Jubilee Court, a block from the Center spoke regarding seeing public sex and homeless sleeping in the bushes at the community garden in the neighborhood and her related fears. She spoke to her understanding about the conditional use permit. She talked regarding her past volunteer work at the food bank. She asked what would be done to keep the neighborhood safe if the Warming Center does stay open. She talked about her additional fears if the Warming Center expands and her view she would then have to relocate. 02:23:49 Mrs. Rosko, Puhlic Comment Mrs. Rosko of 1509 South Woodland Drive described her family and talked in detail about taking homeless individuals into her home. She spoke regarding her experience in research and writing and in detail about fiscal matters she analyzed at the Warming Center and her belief that they are not managing funds the way they should. She spoke to her belief that religious organizations should be housing the homeless, and that other area cities should have shelters. She spoke to her belief that people from out of town should not be allowed into the Center and that she feels people come from out of town to stay at the Warming Center and why she feels that way. She would ask Council to rescind the conditional use permit as she feels it is dangerous and further speaking in detail why she feels that way. She further spoke regarding her views on what will happen if the Center is not shut down. 02.31:17 Ken DanAllen, Public Comment Mr. DanAllen of 390 61h Avenue WN spoke regarding living across from Washington Park and witnessing people sleeping in the park, walking across his yard on the way to the Warming Center, sleeping on his porch, digging through the garbage, and trespassing but said he is in favor of the Warming Center continuing. Ile does not believe closure of the Center will remove the homeless. He spoke regarding past experiences working with the homeless in other communities. I le talked about possible solutions with resources from the community and the City to encourage people to disperse from the neighborhood who are rejected by the Center or choose not to use it. He spoke against alarmist behavior and asked that Council consider everyone's testimony and find a solution that balances the needs of people in need that are going to be here in the Page 10 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 community with the needs of the homeowners in the area. He spoke further to possible solutions to abate the problems. 02:37:47 Donna McKiernan Public Comment Ms. McKiernan spoke to the years she has lived in Kalispell and spoke regarding her experiences volunteering at the Warming Center, her experience with the mentally ill as an RN, and having a family member with mental illness who causes problems. She asked Council to remember that crime occurs throughout the valley, and it's not just the homeless committing crimes. 02:39:18 Brita Sago, Public Comment Ms. Sago, of the south end of Kalispell spoke of her experiences occasionally bringing her children with her as an employee at the Warming Center. She talked about people stoking fear and violence when they make statements such as that homeless people are rapists and murderers. She further spoke to feeling safe at the Warming Center and about past experiences working with many FWC guests previously at a mental health facility that is now closed and to the issues that the closure of mental health facilities and services including a day facility has caused. Now the Warming Center is helping support some of those mentally ill in staying on medication. She spoke regarding talking with children about mental illness and to the need for professionals who can help with supportive services for the mentally ill. She would ask that Council assist with finding a solution. 02:43:29 Ruth Provert Public Comment Ms. Provert of 946 1/z 6'h Street West talked about her experiences with domestic violence and subsequent homelessness and about her ex-husband's role in the construction of the Warming Center and her view that her ex-husband creates a false sense of righteousness. 02:45:01 Pam Carbonari Public Comment Ms. Carbonari of 21 Honeysuckle Lane mentioned her previous roles as a Kalispell Mayor and Council Member and then to the complexity of this issue. She then spoke to the testimony provided by the Warming Center July 15, the services they offer, and the guidelines they use to meet the requirements of the conditions of the use permit. She urged Council to reject the resolution before them saying this is not a local problem, but a national issue and how the issue of homelessness has been talked about for years in the community. She talked about the lack of working together to find solutions to homeless issues and how local citizens committed to offer one segment of an approach talking about the services and dignity that the Center provides. She spoke to conversations had in 2012 about the transient populations along the river, downtown, at Woodland and Lawrence Parks and about the continuing complaints in those areas. She heard about the issues with the homeless regularly for the past 15 years as the past Executive Director of the Business Improvement District and the Downtown Business Association and previous to that when serving on Council. She talked about her view that elimination of the Flathead Warming Center is not going to help and will cost our city an enormous amount of legal funds and continue to create a negative and hostile environment. She asked that we work together to discuss the issues at hand and find solutions we can all be proud of and asked the City to collaborate with the Warming Center and look to other communities for solutions. 02:51:05 Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Johnson closed public comment Page 11 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 Public comment received to Mayor and Council via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com can be seen at https:,"time.ci.kalispel1.int.Lis/WebLintc/Browse.aspx?id=I 28274&dbid=0&reyo=KaliVcll. 02:51:42 Mayor Johnson provided discussion regarding his concerns with compliance with the conditional use permit. He provided discussion as to why he would ask Council to consider a 60- day postponement to provide the Flathead Warming Center time to work with the community and talk with the neighbors to come up with measurable solutions to answer their concerns. He asked Mark Flateau to accept the task of bridging the gap between the staff at the Warming Center and work with the Meridian area neighborhood. 02:58--.' Council Member Sam Nunnally asked the City Attorney regarding her opinion on whether she feels he has a conflict of interest in this matter as it relates to his employment. 02:58:49 City Attorney Preble went through the City and Montana Code of Ethics asking Councilor Nunnally whether he believes specific sections of Title 2, Chapter 2 of the code apply to him in relation to this matter. He responded that he did not believe the code did apply other than in disclosure. 03:03,10 Council Member Nunnally disclosed that he is a paid employee of Flathead County as the Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager and said he does not communicate with County Elected Officials related to his vote nor would they have direct impact over his vote. 03:04:13 Council Member Daoud made a motion that in order to give the Flathead Warmin2 Center time to collaborate with the North Meridian corridor Community this ap_enda item referred to as Resolution 6213, potential action on conditional use permit of Flathead Warmina Center be postponed until the next available Council meetin at least 60 days after this date. Council Member — Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member — Sandy Carlson: 2nd 03:04:53 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on his motion. 03:06:38 Council Member Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 03.07:34 Council Member Fisher asked about the request that the Mayor made of Mark Flateau, 03:07:44 Mark Flateau responded he is willing to have conversations but reminded Council he is retired. 03:07:55 Council Member Fisher provided discussion on the motion. 03:10:12 Mayor Johnson provided discussion. 03:10:' 7 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on his motion. 03:11:19 Council Member Fisher provided further discussion. 03:11:42 Mayor Johnson provided discussion. Page 12 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 03:12:44 Council Member Dahlman asked Warming Center officials if they were interested in the motion. 03:12:56 The Flathead Warming Center chose not to comment. 03:13:07 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion. 03:17:25 Mayor Johnson provided discussion. 03:18:22 Council Member Fisher provided discussion. 03:19:48 Council Member Hunter provided discussion. 03:20:00 Mayor Johnson provided discussion. 03:20:08 City Manager Russell asked for direction. 03:21:20 Council Member Hunter provided discussion. 03:22:58 Mayor Johnson provided further discussion. Council Member Hunter provided further discussion. 03:24:50 Council Member Fisher provided further discussion. 03:25:24 Council Member Graham provided discussion. 03:31:09 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion. 03:33:17 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member - Sandy Carlson: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnall : Approve Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. G. CITY MANAGER COUNCIL AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) City Manager Russell explained the Council will meet next Monday, July 22, 2024, but will not meet July 29, as Council does not meet on fifth Mondays of the month. 03:34:04 Council Member Hunter provided discussion about wanting to discuss and address the public comment received regarding cruising and asked what can be done about it. Page 13 of 14 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 16, 2024 03:35:06 City Manager Russell explained enforcement has been increased in response to concerns that came in. He explained challenges with the cruising issue and asked for Council direction. 03: ; 7:1.-� Council Member Hunter provided further discussion. 03:37:36 Mayor Johnson indicated he would like further discussion on the matter. Council Member Graham asked questions about property destruction. City Manager Russell said staff could take a further look at the issue. 03:38:39 H. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:39 p.m. O ' • SEAL —� : W: _ 189� - Ai ee Brunckhorst, CMC I= City Clerk •��,NTP��'• a` Minutes approved on August 5, 2024 UPCOMING SCHEDULE Next Work Session - July 22, 2024 - Council Chambers Next Regular Meeting - August 5, 2024 - Council Chambers PARTICIPATION Watch council sessions live with the agenda and supporting documents or later with documents and time stamped minutes at: https://www.kalispell.com/480/Mectipg--Vide,os. The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, activities, and employment practices. Auxiliary aids are available. For questions about disability accommodation please contact the City Clerk at 406-758-7756, or cityclerk(a?kalispell.com. Page 14 of 14