08-26-24 Work Session Agenda and MaterialsCITY COUNCIL
KCITY OF WORK SESSION AGENDA
ALISPELL August 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
See the bottom of the agenda to learn how to provide public comment
and watch meetings live or later.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. DISCUSSION
Kalispell Golf Association Lease Extension
2. Lead Line Replacement Costs
Three Mile Drive Speed Study Discussion
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. See the bottom of
the agenda to learn the protocol for providing comment.
E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS
F. ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
City Offices Closed — September 2, 2024 — Labor Day Holiday
Next Regular Meeting — TUESDAY, September 3, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Next Work Session — September 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
PARTICIPATION
Those addressing the council are requested to give their name and address for the record. Please
see the last page of the agenda for the proper manner of addressing the council and limit
comments to three minutes. Comments can also be sent to publi ccommentkkali spell. com.
To provide public comment live, remotely, register for the video conference through zoom at:
hiips://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/" 1vQH2-ZyRzCHACKQ-9arLA
Raise your virtual hand to indicate you would like to provide comment.
Watch City Council sessions live with the agenda and supporting documents or later with
documents and time stamped minutes at: https://www.kalispell.com/48O/Meeting-Videos.
Pagel of 2
Kalispell City Council Agenda, August 26, 2024
Watch City Council sessions live or later on Charter Cable Ch. 190 or via the City YouTube
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accommodation please contact the City Clerk at 406-758-7756.
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Adopted July 1, 1991
Section 2-20 Manner of Addressing Council
a. Each person not a Council member shall address the Council, at the time designated in the agenda
or as directed by the Council, by stepping to the podium or microphone, giving that person's
name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record, and unless further time is granted by
the Council, shall limit the address to the Council to three minutes.
b. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member of the Council or
Staff.
C. No person, other than the Council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into
any discussion either directly or through a member of the Council, without the permission of the
Presiding Officer.
d. No question shall be asked of individuals except through the Presiding Officer.
PRINCIPLES FOR CIVIL DIALOGUE
Adopted by Resolution 5180 on February 5, 2007
■ We provide a safe environment where individual perspectives are respected, heard, and
acknowledged.
■ We are responsible for respectful and courteous dialogue and participation.
■ We respect diverse opinions as a means to find solutions based on common ground.
■ We encourage and value broad community participation.
■ We encourage creative approaches to engage in public participation.
■ We value informed decision -making and take personal responsibility to educate and be educated.
■ We believe that respectful public dialogue fosters healthy community relationships, understanding
and problem solving.
■ We acknowledge, consider and respect the natural tensions created by collaboration, change, and
transition.
■ We follow the rules & guidelines established for each meeting.
Page 2 of 2
CllYOF City of Kalispell
ALISPELL Post Office Box 1997 -Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
Telephone (406) 758-7700 Fax - (406) 758-7758
MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor Johnson and City Council
From: Doug Russell, City Manager
Re: Kalispell Golf Association Lease
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
BACKGROUND: In 2009, The City of Kalispell and the Kalispell Golf Association (KGA)
entered into a 20-year lease for the operation of the Buffalo Hill Golf course. Nearing the end of
that lease, and seeking to potentially fund improvements at the course through lending
arrangements, the KGA has approached the City about a lease renewal for a new 30-year term.
Attached is a red -lined draft agreement that identifies potential changes in the lease agreement.
These include:
- Amending the lease to a 30-year term
- Incorporating language from the 2014 MOU providing for the KGA assuming capital
improvement responsibilities in exchange for retaining the lease payment
- Adding language for a pedestrian trail connection, if necessary, through the leased
property
- Increasing the threshold of improvements to the property from $25,000 to $75,000
without receiving City approval
- Increasing the threshold for changing rates from up to 10% to up to 20% without
receiving City approval
FISCAL IMPACTS: The KGA is responsible for the funding obligations for the operation and
management of the golf course.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council review and discuss the
proposed lease for potential future adoption.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Lease
Return to:
City Clerk
P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59903
KALISPELL CITY GOLF COURSE LEASE
THIS LEASE, made and entered into as of the day of , 20092024-3, by
and between the City of Kalispell, Montana, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter referred to as
LESSOR, and the Kalispell Golf Association, a Montana Corporation, hereinafter referred to as
LESSEE,
WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
I. PROPERTY: LESSOR hereby leases to LESSEE and LESSEE hereby leases and
hires from LESSOR those certain premises and all appurtenances thereto situated in Kalispell,
Flathead County, Montana, as follows:
All of that property owned by LESSOR and commonly known, referred to and
utilized as the Kalispell City Golf Course. Attached as Exhibit "A" is a map with
the subject premises outlined. Attached is Exhibit `B" which identifies the
boundary and fence line between the golf course and the north portion of the old
Lawrence Park. The total area consists of approximately 240 acres.
2. TERM: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above rented premises during the full
term of tweff �-th�(-2 30) years, which term shall begin upon the date above written or the
date on which the agreement is approved by the electors and shall terminate upon the expiration
of said full t-wen �-thirty_year term, unless terminated sooner as hereinafter provided.
3. GROSS RECEIPTS: For purposes of this Lease, "Gross Receipts" shall be
defined as all gross receipts obtained by LESSEE from the operation of the driving range (golf
ball rentals), membership fees (season passes), the sale of green fee punch cards and other green
fees. All other receipts shall not be defined as gross receipts under the provisions of this lease
and shall be and remain the sole income of LESSEE.
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease
4. RENT: LESSEE shall pay to LESSOR, as rent, a sum to be determined annually
as herein provided, payable for the preceding year, on or before the 30th day of June,
_ throughout the term
of this Lease.
The annual rent for the full term of this lease shall be based upon Gross Receipts, as
defined in Section 3, hereof, and be calculated as set forth in "Exhibit C", attached hereto and for
purposes of this Agreement made a part hereof.
Said rent payment shall be mailed or delivered to LESSOR at the Kalispell City Hall. A-4
I dtie by LESSEE to LESSOR tmder- tha� eeFtain lease dated April 1, 1997 aFe heFeby
Upon approval of
this agreement as provided in section 2, hereof, this lease shall supersede any and all Leases
between the Kalispell Golf Association and the City of Kalispell.
In accordance with a 2014 Memorandum of Understanding, +'�iLESSEE shall
retain the lease payment as identified in this Section of the Lease. In consideration for this, the
KGA shall assume responsibilities for anv and all obliszations that would otherwise be funded 1
the City of Kalispell as identified in Section 6(b) of this Lease.
5. USE OF LEASED PREMISES: LESSEE shall use the leased premises for the
primary purpose of operating a municipal golf course. In addition, on March 6, 2006, the City of
Kalispell City Council passed a motion to approve a Multiple -Use Policy for Buffalo Hill Golf
Course, attached hereto as Exhibit"E", which Policy is hereby fully incorporated herein by this
reference. LESSEE agrees to observe all Federal, State and municipal laws and regulations
including those related to human and equal rights and in particular Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation, or its successors, regulations.
LESSEE shall not sublease or assign any portion of the leased premises without prior
written permission of the LESSOR. LESSOR shall not agree to any such sublease or use
agreement unless such lease or use is accessory to the management of a typical golf course. For
example, a restaurant or golf cart concession would be considered such a typical accessory use.
6. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF PREMISES: LESSEE agrees to maintain
the above described premises in as good a condition as the same are in at this time, or as good as
they may be put by LESSOR during the term hereof in case of a casualty loss causing repair or
reconstruction by LESSOR; and to return said property to LESSOR at the expiration of said
lease in said condition, reasonable wear and tear and damage by the elements alone excepted. In
the event LESSEE refuses or neglects to keep the above -mentioned premises in such order and
condition hereinabove mentioned, LESSOR shall have, after first giving ninety (90) days written
notice to repair, the right to declare this lease null and void and of no further force and effect. In
this case the annual payments of rent shall terminate and LESSEE shall not in any way be
responsible for any future rent payments. LESSEE agrees to maintain and keep in repair all water
lines and pumps on said golf course, and to attend to the shutting off of the water supply and
draining of all pipe lines in the fall, and to turn the water moron to said system in the spring.
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 2
a). Stormwater Regulations: The City of Kalispell, the LESSOR, is mandated by
the federal and state governments to monitor and enforce the Stormwater MS4 Standards within
the city limits of Kalispell. Because of the topography, watercourses and frequent, somewhat
extensive landscaping projects on the Kalispell City Golf Course, it is essential that the KGA
Superintendent or his designee closely cooperate with the Kalispell Public Works Department to
assure that the MS4 Standards are maintained. For this reason the KGA Superintendent or his
representative shall meet with a representative of the Kalispell Public Works Department for a
training session on an annual basis so that compliance may be maintained. The KGA shall
submit its project stormwater compliance plans to the Kalispell Public Works Department prior
to commencement of such projects. The KGA agrees to remain in full compliance with the MS4
Storm water standards.
b.) Representatives from the KGA and the City's Parks Department and
Department of Public Works shall meet prior to December 31, 2009 to draft a capital protection
program for the property covered by this lease. Items of deferred maintenance shall be identified
as well as any other assets suffering or threatened with damage or devaluation. Estimated costs,
revenue sources and priorities will be developed as a part of a plan to protect and preserve the
assets. In the event that the KGA determines to expend its funds for infrastructure improvements
that are on the capital protection program prior to that time scheduled and that are otherwise
scheduled to be funded by the City of Kalispell, it may apply for a credit of those funds against
its lease payments.
7. (a) City of Kalispell's Access to Golf Course: For the purpose of maintaining public
utilities, the City of Kalispell may from time to time require access to the golf course. In the
event such maintenance is required, the City of Kalispell shall provide adequate written notice to
Kalispell Golf Association by providing the KGA with the bid documents upon advertisement.
In no event shall this information be provided less than 60 days prior to scheduled work. The
written notice shall outline the nature, purpose, access dates, and areas affected on the golf
course. In the event that emergency maintenance is required for the purpose of providing city
utilities, the City of Kalispell shall, upon discovery of need for access/maintenance, provide
immediate written and verbal notice to the Kalispell Golf Association. Upon notice thereof,
Kalispell Golf Association will grant access for emergency maintenance as requested.
(b). The City of Kalispell has identified the need for a connection in the pedestrian trail
system along Highway 93 from Highway 2 going North. This may entail encroaching on the 1
Leas -leased property. Both pParties agree that this connection of
the trail may need to be constructed through the leased property, and that realignments
may need to occur on the golf course itself. While uncertain of what this alignment may be, it is
agreed that the pParties will strive to limit the impact on the existing layout, and place the
pedestrian trail within the existing Highway right-of-way if reasonably possible. &right-of-way if reasonably possible. &Costs
associated with a trail connection and any necessary ^ Feas cable realignment of the golf course
related thereto will be the responsibility of the City of Kalispell if it is in conjunction with the
installation of the pedestrian connection. Factors that will be considered for placement of the trail
include reasonableness of layout for both the community benefit of the trail and the operation of
the golf course. safety accessibility and cost. Should the maPartieds be unable to agree on the
connection layout, the final authority shall reside with the Kalispell City Council.
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 3
8. ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS: LESSEE shall not make any
alterations or improvements to the premises or the appurtenances located thereon in excess of
Twenty -Five Thousand Dollars ($7-25,000.00) at any one time without having first received
approval from the LESSOR of the intended alteration or improvement. LESSEE shall report to
LESSOR annually on alterations and improvements costing less than $-275,000.00.
9. UTILITIES: During the entire term of this lease LESSEE shall pay when due for
required utilities serving the leased premises, including but not limited to, electrical, gas,
telephone, water, sewer and garbage services. LESSEE shall also be entitled to continue use of
LESSOR's appropriated water right of the Stillwater River adjacent to the golf course premises
without charge. LESSEE in using the water from the Stillwater River under said water rights
shall operate and maintain the system and pump for such purposes.
10. PERSONAL PROPERTY AND FIXTURES: All personal property hereinbefore
or hereinafter obtained in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Kalispell City
Golf Course shall be the property of LESSEE; provided, however, that all fixtures that have been
or may be installed on the premises and attached thereto have or will become part of the
premises and are the property of LESSOR.
11. COST OF OPERATION: All costs of operation including the cost or providing
supplies, equipment, tools, labor and other such items and the entire cost of maintaining and
operating the golf course, the club house and other appurtenances shall be the sole responsibility
of LESSEE.
12. USE OF CLUBHOUSE BY LESSOR: Although LESSEE shall have the
exclusive use and supervision of all buildings on said premises including that structure known as
the clubhouse, it is agreed that LESSOR shall be entitled to use of the clubhouse at any
convenient time to LESSEE upon adequate notice with LESSOR reimbursing LESSEE for all
actual expenses incurred by LESSEE for the reason of any such use by LESSOR.
13. GOLF COURSE FEES: A schedule of membership fees (season passes), green
fees punch cards and other green fees shall be presented by LESSEE to LESSOR prior to the
first day of April of each year of this Lease. The schedule for such fees for the 249-9-2024 golfing
season is attached hereto as Exhibit D, and by this reference made a part hereof.
LESSEE, at its discretion, may from year to year, during the term of this Lease, increase
or decrease its Schedule of Fees, then in effect, up to ten percent (+20%) without prior approval
of such an increase from LESSOR. LESSOR shall not unreasonably withhold its approval of any
proposed Fee Schedule for which its approval may be required under this Lease.
14. LESSEE'S FINANCIAL REPORTS: Annually, on or before the 30th day of June,
in conjunction with the payment of the annual rent, LESSEE shall present to LESSOR for review
a copy of LESSEE's annual financial report completed in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. The Association's financial records will be subject to an audit conducted
by, and at the option of, the City (internal staff or contract auditor). The cost of such audit shall
be paid by the City.
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 4
15. LESSEE'S LIABILITY INSURANCE: LESSEE shall obtain and keep in full
force and effect during the term of this lease, full general liability insurance in the amount of One
Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) with a company licensed to do
business in the State of Montana; and said policy of insurance shall name LESSOR as additional
named insured. In the event the Montana legislature increases the limitations on government
liability for damages in tort LESSEE agrees to increase its liability coverage appropriately.
LESSOR shall be furnished with a certificate that such insurance is in force and the same shall
provide for reasonable notification to LESSOR prior to the same being canceled. LESSEE agrees
to hold LESSOR harmless from any and all liability of any nature, whatsoever, arising from or
out of LESSEE's possession, use, maintenance, improvement or occupancy of the property
herein described; LESSEE further agrees to defend, at LESSEE's expense, any action brought
against LESSOR arising out of LESSEE's possession, use, maintenance, improvement or
occupancy of said property.
16. FIRE INSURANCE: During the full term of this lease, LESSOR shall maintain
its own fire insurance adequate to cover replacement costs on the improvements on said
premises. Should the premises during the term of this lease suffer damages which are covered by
said fire insurance policy, LESSOR agrees to utilize all insurance reimbursements therefore,
toward rebuilding or repairing the damaged premises, or toward providing adequate replacement
facilities. The contents of buildings and fixtures located on the premises shall be insured by
LESSEE and shall be in such amounts as to assure replacement. The parties mutually agree as to
waiver of subrogation rights each with the other.
17. DEFAULT AND BANKRUPTCY: In the event that:
(a) LESSEE shall default in the payment of any installment of rent or other sum
herein specified and such default shall continue for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof,
or
(b) LESSEE shall default in the observance or performance of any other of
LESSEE's covenants, agreements, or obligations hereunder and such default shall not be
corrected within ninety (90) days after written notice thereof, or
(c) LESSEE shall be declared bankrupt or insolvent according to law, or, if any
assignment shall be made of LESSEE's property for the benefit of creditors;
LESSOR shall have the right thereafter, when such default continues, to re-enter and take
complete possession of the leased premises, according to law, and to declare the term of this
lease ended, and to remove LESSEE's effects, without prejudice. In doing so no additional rent
payments may be collected from LESSEE; however, if LESSEE shall default, after reasonable
notice thereof, in observance or performance of any conditions or covenants on LESSEE's part
to be observed or performed by virtue of any of the provisions in any article of this lease,
LESSOR, without being under any obligation to do so and without thereby waiving such default,
may remedy such default for the account and at the expense of LESSEE.
18. NOTICE: No notice from LESSOR to LESSEE relating to the leased premises or
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease
the occupancy thereof, shall be deemed duly served unless personally served upon or mailed to
LESSEE, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to
LESSEE at its address as follows:
Manager, Kalispell City Golf Course
Post Office Box 1116
Kalispell, Montana 59903
Any notice from LESSEE to LESSOR relating to the leased premises or the occupancy thereof,
shall be deemed duly served, if personally served upon or if mailed to LESSOR by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to LESSOR at the address
as follows:
Cijy-Manager
City of Kalispell
201 First Avenue East
Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
19. EXISTING LEASE: It is mutually understood and agreed between the parties
hereto that no actions taken or not taken by either party in the negotiation or execution of this
agreement shall constitute a waiver of any rights that either parry may now have or hereafter
have relating to or arising out of the existing Lease between the City of Kalispell and the
Kalispell Golf Association dated April 1, 1997; and, and each party specifically reserves the right
to present any claim or defense to any claim relating to or arising out of said Lease.
20. TIME OF ESSENCE AND BINDING EFFECT: It is mutually agreed by and
between the parties hereto that the time of payment shall be an essential part of this lease
agreement, and that all of the covenants and agreements herein contained shall extend to and be
binding upon the parties hereto, and their successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this lease as of the date first above
written.
ATTEST:
Ther-esa A :-
City Clerk
CITY OF KALISPELL
City Manager
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 6
ATTEST:
Ter-t-y Will,
Association Secretary
KALISPELL GOLF ASSOCIATION
President
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease
STATE OF MONTANA )
) ss.
County of Flathead )
On this day of , 2009, before me, a Notary Public for the State of
Montana, personally appeared inne A4. Hoivington and
Theresa 3x1 respectively, proved to me to be the persons whose
names are subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that they each executed
the same in their respective authorized capacities as City Manager and City Clerk of the City of
Kalispell.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day
and year hereinabove first written.
SEAL
STATE OF MONTANA )
) ss.
County of Flathead )
Printed Name:
NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana
Residing at:
My Commission expires:
On this day of 2009, before me, a Notary Public for the State of
Montana, personally appeared Doug KauffmaH and
and proved to me to be the persons whose names are
subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that they each executed the same in
their respective authorized capacities as President and Secretary of the Kalispell Golf
Association, a Montana not for profit corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day
and year hereinabove first written.
SEAL
Printed Name:
NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana
Residing at:
My Commission expires:
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 8
Exhibit "AL
MAP WITH THE SUBJECT PREMISES OUTLINED
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease
Exhibit `B"
BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE GOLF COURSE AND THE NORTH PORTION OF THE OLD
LAWRENCE PARK
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 10
EXHIBIT LC—'
Formula for Calculating Annual Lease Payments
1. In determining lease payments the parties shall utilize a rolling average of"Gross Receipts"
over the previous three years in calculating the lease payment for a particular year.
2. A minimum base lease payment $13,000 shall be payable so long as the rolling average of
the "`Gross Receipts" as defined under section 3 of the Agreement do not exceed
$750,000.00.
3. In the event the rolling average of "Gross Receipts" exceed $750,000.00 but do not exceed
$850,000.00, the Lease Payment shall be two percent (2%) of s the AGross Receipts.
4. In the event the rolling average of "Gross Receipts" exceeds $850,000.00 the Lease
Payment shall be two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) of sad -the "Gross Receipts".
Example
Rolling Average Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Gross Revenue Base Lease
$0 — $750,000 $13,000
$750,001 — $850,000
$850,000 +
2%
2.5%
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 11
Exhibit "D—
Buffalo Hill Golf Course
240-9-2024 Schedule of Fees
*Membership (Season Pass) 2024 2023
Adult — All 27 holes $1,050 $990
Adult — Cameron 9 $635 $600 N/A
Student (Full -Time College) $265 $250
Junior (High school Sr & below) $185 $175
**Green Fees
18 Hole Championship Course $ 82 $ 78
9 Hole Cameron Course $ 35 $ 32
*Above adult season pass rates reflect "regular season" prices. An "early bird" discount rate was
offered in 2023 of $869, and $915 in 2024. Note that a "capital fee" of $125 was assessed to
each adult member included in the pass price above.
**Above Green fees reflect peak season rates. Discounted rates offered to allow for non -peak
conditions, promotions, and package rates. A $5 capital fee is included for each 18-hole _green
fee on the Championship 18, and a $3 capital fee is included for each 9-hole green fee.
**Gr-eeff Lees
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 12
.'J.ISM
•
�Mmnvftw.
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 13
Exhibit LE"
Kalispell Golf Course Multiple Use Policy
The Kalispell Golf Association (KGA) leases the golf course from the City of Kalispell for the
purpose of providing the best possible golfing conditions for its paying members and guests. As
a result, the KGA and the City of Kalispell must be responsible for controlling access to the golf
course for both golfers and non -golfers. Personal safety is highest priority.
Definitions:
For purposes of this Lease, the following definitions apply:
1. Golfers: Golfers include people using the golf course for golfing purposes including
people golfing, guests of people golfing, spectators watching golfing activities,
employees of KGA, and others granted explicit access by KGA to the golf course during
the golf season.
2. Non -Golfers: Non -Golfers include people who are using the golf course for purposes
other than golfing (e.g., joggers, walkers, bird watchers, cross-country skiers, sledders,
etc. .
Golfer Access:
1. Golfers are allowed on the course only during "open tee time" periods as posted in
the Clubhouse
Rational: There are predictable periods of time when the course is closed for maintenance;
consequently, there are no "open tee times" during these periods of time.
2. Golfers are allowed on the course when the course is safe and ready to play as
determined by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff.
Rational: There are environmental conditions that occasionally occur that result in the closure
of the course. For example, heavy rains can cause dangerous soil conditions for golfers and
traffic during saturated soil conditions, resulting in soil compaction, which is detrimental to the
playability of the turf. Frost covered turf can die if trafc is allowed; consequently, the course is
closed until the frost melts. High winds can result in dangerous debris and hazardous trees on
the course; consequently, the course maybe closed until the dangerous conditions have been
corrected. The Goff Course Maintenance Staff is responsible for making the course playable,
and as a result, making the determination when the course is safe to play,
3. Golfers are not allowed on the course when lightning is in the area, as determined
by the Pro Shop Staff.
Rational: Lightning kills golfers every year. The Pro Shop Staff will do it best to close and clear
the golf course when lightning is threatening. The Pro Shop Staff will also determine when the
lightning appears to have left the area, and then re -open the golf course for play.
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 14
4. Golfers are not allowed on the course during the nighttime hours when the course is
"open for the season."
Rational. The golf course is irrigated during the nighttime hours. The golf course irrigations
system operates at high pressure (up to 120 PSI). Anyone hit by this high-pressure. high -velocity
water can sustain significant injury and possibly even death, consequently, the course is closed
to non golfers during the nighttime hours when the course is "open for the season. "Buffalo Hill
Golf Course has significant elevation changes throughout its grounds, and the limited light
during the nighttime hours can impair one's ability to accurately judge the terrain, consequently,
the course is closed to non -golfers during the nighttime hours and when the course is "open for
the season. "
5. Golfers are not allowed on the course when the course is closed for the season" as
determined by the General Manager.
Rational: Once the course is "closed for the season,=' other non -golfer activities begin such as
jogging, sledding and skiing. These non -golfers are not aware of the risks golf balls pose and will
not be prepared to look -out for flying golf balls; consequently, when the course is closed for the
season, golfers may not play on the course.
Non -Golfer Access:
1. Non -Golfers activities sueh as jogging and walking are encouraged when the golf
course is "closed for the season," subject to hours governing city parks, generally
open at 6:00 a.m. and closed at 11:00 p.m.
Rational: Non -golfing activities such as walking and jogging are encouraged when the golf
course is closed for the season, and during hours consistent with other City of Kalispell parks,
2. Skiing and sledding is encouraged when adequate snow cover exists as determined
by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff.
3. Non -Golfers are not allowed on the course during the daylight hours when the
course is L open for the season."
Rational: Golf balls have been clocked at over 150 mph, and typically land with a velocity of
over 50 mph, consequently, flying golf balls pose a significant danger to tNonga�(ems-Gol ers
who may stray into landing zones.
4. Non -Golfers are not allowed on the course during the nighttime hours when the
course is "open for the season."
Rational: The golf course is irrigated during the nighttime hours. The golf course irrigations
system operates at high pressure (up to 120 PSI). Anyone hit by this high-pressure, high -velocity
water can sustain significant injury and possibly even death; consequently, the course is closed
to non golfers during the nighttime hours when the course is ='open for the season.=' Buffalo Hill
Golf Course has significant elevation changes throughout its grounds, and the limited light
during the nighttime hours can impair ones ability to accurately judge the terrain, consequently,
the course is closed to HaHNonga�(e F-s-Gol ers during the nighttime hours and when the course
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 15
is "open for the season., "
5. Non -Golfers are not allowed on the course when frost covered turf conditions exist
even when the course is L'closed for the season."
Rational: Frost covered turf can die if traffic is allowed; consequently, the grounds are closed to
all traffic until the frost melts as determined by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff.
Rational: Skiing and sledding can cause damage to the turf when there is inadequate snow
cover, consequently, the course will be closed to skiing and sledding during periods of limited
snow cover as determined by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff.
6. Consistent with other public golf courses in the area, dogs are not allowed on the
grounds at any time, whether with gel-fer-s-Golfers or HenNon-golfer-s-Golfers.
Rational: For purposes of liability and safety ofpedestrians, dogs are not allowed on the golf
course at any times Additionally, fecal deposits pose significant health risks to skiers and
sledders as well as for the Golf Course Maintenance Staff during the turf maintenance seasons,,-_
Damage to turf is also a common result of dog waste. Finally, like a baseball field or football
field, golf course turf is intended for a specific use, as such, dogs and their waste do not belong
on the golf course because both can negatively impact the competition.
This policy is for the benefit and welfare of both the golfing and non -golfing community.
Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 16
CITY OF
KALISPELL
To: Doug Russell, City Manager
From: Susie Turner, Public Works Director
Re: Primary Drinking Water - Lead and Copper Rule Review
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
Background:
Kalispell operates a Community Public Water Supply and is required to follow the drinking
water rules and regulations set forth by the State of Montana Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On January 15, 2021, the EPA
promulgated the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), with a compliance deadline of
October 16, 2024, for water systems to meet the initial revised requirements. The LCRR
introduced new regulatory requirements for lead service line inventory, monitoring, action levels,
replacements, and public outreach.
On December 6, 2023, the EPA published the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
(LCRI), which aims to significantly reduce exposure to lead through drinking water once
finalized. The EPA plans to finalize the LCRI before the LCRR compliance date of October 16,
2024. The LCRI proposal builds upon the LCRR.
Meeting Discussion:
This meeting will provide an update on the current LCRR and the upcoming LCRI rules, along
with the City's compliance status for both the existing and proposed regulations. The proposed
LCRI rule mandates that water systems replace at least 10% of the service lines in their
replacement pool each year, averaged over a 3-year period, and complete this within 10 years
where applicable. Several funding options will be presented to the Council for review, and staff
will seek guidance on the funding applications necessary for the required service line
replacements.
CllYOF City of Kalispell
ALISPELL Post Office Box 1997 -Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
Telephone (406) 758-7700 Fax - (406) 758-7758
MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor Johnson and City Council
From: Doug Russell, City Manager
Re: Three Mile Drive Speed Study Discussion
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
BACKGROUND: At the August 19 meeting, The City Council heard a report from the
Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) regarding a Three Mile Drive speed study.
At the report's conclusion, MDT requested that Council provide comments in one submission
versus individual councilors submitting comments. Subsequently, Council requested a work
session to discuss the speed study and decide if they desired to submit any comments related to
the study.
The work session on Monday night is to identify comments the Council desires to provide to
MDT. The August 19 agenda materials, including the Three Mile Drive Speed Study, are
attached to this memo.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council discuss the speed study and
identify comments they would like to submit to MDT.
ATTACHMENTS:
Agenda Item from August 19
CITY OF
KALISPELL
MEMORANDUM
To: Doug Russell, City Manager
From: Susie Turner, PE, Director of Public Works
Re: Montana Department of Transportation Speed Study Review
Meeting Date: August 19, 2024
Enclosed: Three Mile Drive Speed Study (Three Mile Drive / Farm to Market Road
(U-6706 / S-424) — Kalispell)
In July 2022, the City of Kalispell requested a study for safety and service improvements on
Three Mile Drive. After discussions, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the
city agreed on a speed study, rather than a full corridor study, due to current and future new
development work in this area. The speed study encompasses the area from Meridian Road to
milepost 6 near Old Reserve Drive, including key school zones, to assess speed variations and
recent changes since the previous study.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has completed the speed study and will
present the findings and recommendations to the Council. Their goal is to keep local government
and the public informed and to gather feedback. Comments from the public and local agencies
will be submitted to the Montana Traffic Commission as part of MDT's process for officially
considering and adopting the report's recommendations.
Rebecca Anderson, MDT District Traffic Engineer for District 1 out of Kalispell, will be
presenting a summary of the study and available for questions.
201 1st Avenue E Phone (406)758-7720
Po Box 1997 Public Works Department Fax (406)758-7831
Kalispell, MT 59903 1 1 www.kalispell.com
Montana Department of Transportation
PO Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001
ONTA A
Department of
Transportation
Memorandum
To: Bob Vosen, P.E. — Missoula District Administrator
From: Stan Brelin II, P.E. — Traffic Operations Engineer
Date: July 24, 2024
Subject: Speed Limit Recommendation
Three Mile Drive / Farm to Market Road (U-6706 / 5-424) — Kalispell
Please present the following report to the City of Kalispell and Flathead County for review and
comment. Inform them that we would prefer to receive all comments in writing within the next 60
days. Comments not received within 120 days will be regarded as concurrence with the findings
of this report. Their comments along with the Department's final recommendation will be
presented to the Montana Transportation Commission for action.
Introduction
In July of 2022, the City of Kalispell requested a speed and corridor study be performed on
Three Mile Drive from Meridian Road to 800-feet west of the approach for the Meadows Edge
subdivision "for necessary safety and service level improvements for capacity, intersection
controls, and access controls". After multiple discussions, MDT and the city came to an
agreement to perform a speed study on Three Mile Drive and Farm to Market Road. Safety
would investigate crashes along Three Mile Drive focusing on some of the intersections. An
actual corridor study was determined to be inappropriate due to work already being completed by
MDT and the City of Kalispell as well as existing plans to improve the road. After reviewing the
study area and previous speed studies, it was determined this speed study would begin at the
intersection of Meridian Road and continue west and north to milepost 6 near the intersection
with Old Reserve Drive. This would allow for the review of the varying speed zones throughout
the study area, as well as the Kalispell Middle School and West Valley Elementary School
Zones, all of which have seen substantial changes since the last study.
Site Characteristics
Three Mile Drive and Farm to Market Road became part of the state secondary highway system
in the early to mid-1930s as an improved gravel road. The existing alignment appears to have
been surfaced as early as 1956. The last improvements were resurfacing projects which occurred
in 2004 and 2009. Most of the study area was improved through project STPS 424-1(6)0 from
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milepost 0 to milepost 5.6. Project SFCS 424-1(5)6 resurfaced the study area from milepost 5.6
to the end of the study area. There was one project, NH 15(108), that reconstructed a portion of
Three Mile Drive when Alternative 93 (ALT-93) was built in 2018.
Within this speed study, Three Mile Drive is part of the urban highway network (U-6706) and
Farm to Market Road is part of the state secondary highway system (5-424). Both segments are
classified as a major collector. Typical sections for the study area consist of two 12-foot travel
lanes (one in each direction) and varying shoulder widths. The urban highway segment has 0 to
2-foot shoulders except around Alternative 93 and approximately between Cottage Drive and
Heavens Peak Drive where the shoulders are 4-feet. There are primarily no shoulders on the
secondary highway segment, however, in some areas up to a 2-foot shoulder exists. There are
left -turn lanes for Alternative 93 and Heavens Peak Drive. Right turn lanes exist for Meridian,
southbound Alternative 93, and Camp Crook Avenue. An adequate clear zone is provided for
most of the study area except for approximately Four Mile Drive to Snow Camp Road. Although
a clear zone is provided, it is not always free of all fixed objects. Sight distance is considered
adequate on and along the roadway as the alignment is primarily both tangent and flat. There are
four curves and some shrubbery that may create some sight obstructions, but all approaches
appear to have adequate sight distances for the posted speed limit. No shoulder rumble strips
exist within the study area. There are centerline rumble strips for the majority of the study area
except from Meridian Road to Wyndover Hill Drive and around the intersection with Old
Reserve Drive. Passing is not permitted until west of Blue Crest Drive. There is approximately
1.9-miles of passing zones for both eastbound and westbound traffic, approximately 32-percent
of the study area.
Average annual daily traffic volume from 2022 range from almost 2,300 vehicles in the rural
secondary segment to over 6,000 vehicles within the urban highway segment. Peak AADT was
primarily observed in 2021 at about 6,600 vehicles in a portion of the urban segment and around
2,800 on the secondary segment. There was a segment on the urban highway segment that
peaked in 2022 (Northern Lights Boulevard to Mountain Vista Way). The last segment of the
study north of Old Reserve Drive also had a peak AADT substantially greater (4,037 vehicles)
than the rest of the secondary highway segment. There has been between a 1.5 and 13 percent
increase in traffic volumes on the urban highway within the past 5 years. On average there has
been about a 16 percent increase in traffic volumes on the secondary highway portion but most
of the route has seen around a 25 percent increase over the past 5-years. It should be noted that
traffic volumes during the summer months increase by about 16 percent on the urban highway,
about 39 percent between Mountain Vista Way and West Valley Drive, and about 22 percent
between West Valley Drive and milepost 6.
The roadside environment starts out as urban and then transitions to a more rural setting. Near
the intersection with Meridian Road the development can be considered commercial with about a
dozen businesses or commercial buildings. Immediately west of this intersection until Alternate
93 the land use becomes suburban residential on small to medium sized lots. West of Alternate
93 the development is still residential suburban, but homes are on small to large lots depending
on the subdivision with some vacant land. West of Morning Eagle Drive for the rest of the study
the land use is a mix of primarily residential and agricultural development. There is some
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commercial between Four Mile Drive and Snow Camp Road and institutional development in the
form of the West Valley Schools around the intersection with Old Reserve Drive.
Speed Zone History
The last recorded speed studies occurred in 2018 and 2003. On Three Mile Drive from Meridian
Road to Stillwater Road the speed zones were last reviewed, and changes approved by the
Transportation Commission in 2018. From Stillwater Road to US 93 on 5-424 or the rest of
Three Mile Drive and Farm to Market Road was last reviewed and approved by the
Transportation Commission in 2003. The approved speed limits are as follows:
A 35-mph speed limit beginning at the intersection with Meridian Road and continuing
west to a point approximately 200-feet west of Garland Street, an approximate distance of
1,800-feet.
A 40-mph speed limit beginning about 200-feet west of Garland Street and continuing west
to a point approximately 100-feet west of Empire Loop, an approximate distance of 2,700-
feet.
A 50-mph speed limit beginning about 100-feet west of Empire Loop and continuing west
to a point approximately 2.6-miles west of Stillwater Road, an approximate distance of 2.7-
miles.
A statutory 70-mph speed limit beginning about 2.6-miles west of Stillwater Road and
continuing to a point approximately 50-feet east of milepost 5, an approximate distance of
2.4-miles.
A 45-mph speed limit beginning about 50-feet east of milepost 5 and continuing west to a
point approximately 700-feet east of Reserve Drive (Old Reserve Drive), an approximate
distance of 900-feet.
A 35-mph speed limit beginning about 700-feet east of Reserve Drive (Old Reserve Drive)
and continuing west to a point approximately 400-feet west of Reserve Drive (Old Reserve
Drive), an approximate distance of 1,100-feet.
A 45-mph speed limit beginning about 400-feet west of Reserve Drive (Old Reserve Drive)
and continuing west to a point approximately 1,300-feet west of Reserve Drive (Old
Reserve Drive), an approximate distance of 900-feet.
A 70-mph speed limit beginning about 1,300-feet west of Reserve Drive (Old Reserve Drive)
and continuing west to a point about 1,700-feet east of the intersection with US 93, an
approximate distance of 11.5-miles.
A 45-mph speed limit beginning about 1,700-feet east of the intersection with US 93 and
continuing to the intersection with US 93, an approximate distance of 1,700-feet.
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A 25-mph school zone active during school hours exists in the 35-mph speed zones for the
Kalispell Middle School and West Valley Elementary School. The Kalispell Middle School
speed zone is approximately 400-feet on either side of Hawthorn Avenue. A description of
the West Valley School Zone was not found.
The posted speed limits within this study are as follows:
A 35-mph speed limit beginning at the intersection with Meridian Road and continuing
west to a point approximately 200-feet west of Garland Street, an approximate distance of
1,800-feet.
A 40-mph speed limit beginning about 200-feet west of Garland Street and continuing west
to a point approximately 100-feet west of Empire Loop, an approximate distance of 2,700-
feet.
A 50-mph speed limit beginning about 100-feet west of Empire Loop and continuing west
to a point approximately 850-feet west of Four Mile Drive, an approximate distance of 2.3-
miles.
A 55-mph speed limit beginning about 850-feet west of Four Mile Drive and continuing to a
point 1,570-feet east of Old Reserve Drive, an approximate distance of 2.3-miles
A 45-mph speed limit beginning about 1,570-feet east of milepost 5 and continuing west to a
point approximately 790-feet east of Old Reserve Drive, an approximate distance of 780-
feet.
A 35-mph speed limit beginning about 790-feet east of Old Reserve Drive and continuing
west to a point approximately 570-feet west of Old Reserve Drive, an approximate distance
of 1,360-feet.
A 45-mph speed limit beginning about 570-feet west of Old Reserve Drive and continuing
west to a point approximately 1,080-feet west of Old Reserve Drive, an approximate
distance of 500-feet.
A 55-mph speed limit beginning about 1,080-feet west of Old Reserve Drive and continuing
west to a point outside the study area approximately 900-feet east of milepost 16, an
approximate distance of 9.9-miles.
A 45-mph speed limit outside the study area beginning about 900-feet east of milepost 16
and continuing to the intersection with US 93, an approximate distance of 1.3-miles.
The Kalispell Middle School Speed Zone is active from 7:00am to 5:00pm and is as follows:
A 25-mph school zone speed limit beginning about 100-feet east of Northwest Lane and
continuing to a point approximately 140-feet west of Northern Lights Boulevard, an
approximate distance of 780-feet.
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The West Valley Elementary School Speed Zone is assumed to be active during school hours but
not documented and is as follows:
A 25-mph school zone speed limit beginning about 790-feet east of Old Reserve Drive and
continuing west to a point approximately 570-feet west of Old Reserve Drive, an
approximate distance of 1,360-feet.
Crash and Citation History
Crash history was reviewed for a three-year period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021.
A total of 45 crashes were reported along the study segment - 2 suspected serious injury, 2
suspected minor injury, 2 possible injury, 38 no apparent injury, and 1 unknown injury crashes.
The average crash rate was 2.5 crashes per mile per year. Many of these crashes occurred at the
beginning and end of the study from milepost 0.0 to milepost 1.5 and from milepost 4.0 to
milepost 6.0. These two regions had crash rates of around 3.1 and 3.8 crashes per year per mile.
The two most common crash types were rear -end (15) and wild animal (13). There was also a
noticeable number of right-angle crashes (8). The rear -end and right-angle crashes were
concentrated between milepost 0.0 and milepost 2.5 whereas the wild animal crashes were
concentrated from milepost 3.5 to milepost 6.0. Of these 45 crashes, only 13 crashes occured
under adverse road conditions (ice/frost, snow, slush, wet). Similarly, only 19 occurred under
low light conditions (night, dawn, dusk). However, nearly half (21 of 45) of the crashes were
related to intersections. Four were driveways or alley ways. The intersections with the most
crashes related to them were Mountain Vista and Alternate 93.
Crashes 2019-2021
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■ Fixed Object
1
1
1
■ Wild Animal
1
1
3
3
3 2
Roll Over
1
■ Rear -End
3
4
2
2 1
1
2
Right Angle
3
1
1
1 1
1
Other
1
■ Sideswipe, Same Direction
1
■ Left Turn, Opposite Direction
1
■ Left Turn, Same Direction
1
■ Domestic Animal
1
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Speed played a role in at least four of the recoded crashes. The primary contributing
circumstance was wild animal in the roadway (14) followed by failure to yield right of way (8).
There were also a significant number of careless driving (7) and following too closely (7) related
crashes. All of the following too closely related crashes were rear -end crashes when the lead
vehicle was navigating an intersection. Winter road conditions (snow/ice) were present for all of
the crashes where driving too fast for conditions was the contributing circumstance. There were
also four reckless driving related crashes.
Right of Way, 8
CONTRIBUTING CIRCUMSTANCES
Domestic Animal, 1
P—Ld cc A
Wild Animal, 14
Too Fast for
Conditions, 4
ollowed Too Close,
During the same period, the Montana Highway Patrol made 65 traffic stops and issued 90
citations. Thirty-four percent (31 of 90) of the citations involved speeding throughout the study
segment. Speeding citations were primarily concentrated from milepost 3 to milepost 4 with 10
citations per mile and from milepost 5 to milepost 6 with 13 citations per mile. On average there
were about 7 speeding citations per mile. There were about 3 speeding citations per mile
excluding the high -density speeding citation locations. On average speeding citations were
written for approximately 12-mph over the posted speed limit. The highest citations, greater than
15-mph over the posted speed limit, were written in the 25-mph, 35-mph, and 55-mph speed
zones. In general, however, there were about 12 citations written per mile. About 38-percent of
these citations were secondary offences. There were three areas with a concentration of citations:
from milepost 0.5 to milepost 1.0, from milepost 2.5 to milepost 4.0, and from milepost 5.0 to
milepost 6.0. These areas account for approximately half of the study area but nearly three
quarters of the citations.
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Citations 2019-2021
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■Insurance
3 2
1
1
1
3
■ Seatbelt
1 1
2 7
Speeding
3
1 1
5 5 2
1
5 8
■ Alcohol
2
1
Reckless
1
Registration
1 2
1
■ License
2 1
2
1 2
■ Drugs
1
2
■ Careless
1
1 1
2
1
■ Accident
2
1
■ Other
4
1
■ Following Too Close
2
IN Right of Way
2
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Travel Sneed Characteristics
Vehicular travel speeds were sampled directionally at ten locations to develop a speed profile of
the 85t' percentile speeds and the pace of the traffic stream from which to evaluate the speed
limit configuration of Three Mile Drive / Farm to Market Rd. The following spot speed sample
statistics begin at the intersection of Meridian Road with a 35-mph speed limit and continues
west to the 55-mph speed limit just past the intersection with Old Reserve Drive. Data was
collected in May.
Location
50tb
85tb
Pace of Traffic Stream
Percentile
Percentile
Speed
Speed
700-ft West of Meridian Rd
32-mph WB
36-mph WB
(26-mph
— 36-mph)
75%
(RP 0+0.13)
35-m h Speed Zone
31-mph EB
36-mph EB
(26-mph
— 36-mph)
80%
100-ft West of Northern Lights
33-mph WB
38-mph WB
(28-mph
— 38-mph)
70%
(RP 0+0.28)
35-m h Speed Zone
33-mph EB
39-mph EB
(27-mph
— 37-mph)
60%
250-ft West of Garland St
38-mph WB
43-mph WB
(32-mph
— 42-mph)
77%
(RP 0+0.36)
35/40+0 h Speed Zone
39-mph EB
43-mph EB
(33-mph
— 43-mph)
74%
500-ft West of North Riding Rd
33-mph WB
41-mph WB
(31-mph
— 31-mph)
45%
(RP 0+0.66)
40-m h Speed Zone
34-mph EB
40-mph EB
(30-mph
— 40-mph)
68%
150-ft West of Empire Loop
41-mph WB
47-mph WB
(35-mph
— 45-mph)
66%
(RP 0+0.85)
40/50+0 h Speed Zone
43-mph EB
48-mph EB
(37-mph
— 47-mph)
68%
200-ft West of Blue Crest Dr
50-mph WB
55-mph WB
(45-mph
— 55-mph)
66%
(RP 1+0.16)
50-m h Speed Zone
49-mph EB
54-mph EB
(44-mph
— 54-mph)
69%
800-ft West of Meadows Ln
50-mph WB
55-mph WB
(45-mph
— 55-mph)
65%
(RP 1+0.39)
50-m h Speed Zone
50-mph EB
55-mph EB
(45-mph
— 55-mph)
69%
700-ft West of Heavens Peak Dr
50-mph WB
54-mph WB
(44-mph
— 54-mph)
70%
(RP 1+0.74)
50-m h Speed Zone
49-mph EB
54-mph EB
(44-mph
— 54-mph)
62%
400-ft West of Mountain Vista
53-mph WB
58-mph WB
(48-mph
— 58-mph)
63%
(RP 2+0.15)
50-m h Speed Zone
53-mph EB
58-mph EB
(47-mph
— 57-mph)
65%
250-ft East of Spring Creek Rd
56-mph WB
61-mph WB
(51-mph
— 61-mph)
67%
(RP 2+0.67)
50-m h Speed Zone
54-mph EB
58-mph EB
(48-mph
— 58-mph)
73%
850-ft West of Four Mile Dr
56-mph WB
61-mph WB
(50-mph
— 60-mph)
71%
(RP 3+0.09)
50/55-m h Speed Zone
55-mph EB
60-mph EB
(49-mph
— 59-mph)
68%
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1,000-ft East of West Valley Dr
57-mph WB
62-mph WB
(52-mph
— 62-mph)
71%
(RP 3+0.59)
55-m h Speed Zone
57-mph EB
62-mph EB
(52-mph
— 62-mph)
69%
400-ft West of Pines Blvd
57-mph WB
62-mph WB
(52-mph
— 62-mph)
67%
(RP 4+0.20)
55-m h Speed Zone
57-mph EB
63-mph EB
(53-mph
— 63-mph)
68%
1,000-ft West of Four Mile Way
54-mph WB
58-mph WB
(48-mph
— 58-mph)
74%
(RP 4+0.72)
55-mph Speed Zone
56-mph EB
61-mph EB
(50-mph
— 60-mph)
69%
1,000-ft West of Snow Camp
47-mph WB
55-mph WB
(41-mph
— 51-mph)
55%
(RP 5+0.28)
55/45+0 h Speed Zone
49-mph EB
55-mph EB
(42-mph
— 52-mph)
59%
400-ft East of Old Reserve Rd
38-mph WB
48-mph WB
(34-mph
— 44-mph)
38%
(RP 5+0.45)
45/35-mph+0.4 Speed Zone
42-mph EB
51-mph EB
(37-mph
— 47-mph)
50%
600-ft West of Old Reserve Rd
43-mph WB
49-mph WB
(37-mph
— 47-mph)
67%
(RP 5+0.70)
45/35+0 h Speed Zone
41-mph EB
48-mph EB
(35-mph
— 45-mph)
53%
At Milepost 6
54-mph WB
59-mph WB
(49-mph
— 59-mph)
64%
(RP 6+0.00)
55-m h Speed Zone
53-mph EB
59-mph EB
(49-mph
— 59-mph)
66%
Contextual Characteristics
Recently, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) completed new
research for setting appropriate speed limits on rural and urban streets. NCHRP report 17-76:
Development of a Posted Speed Limit Setting Procedure and Tool considers contextual aspects
of the roadway environment and how it influences operating speed and safety (crashes). The
procedure of the tool uses fact -based decision rules that consider both driver speed choice and
general safety associated with the roadway. This means the roadway classification, speed,
AADT, and other contextual aspects are accounted for when determining an appropriate speed
limit.
There are three segments along the study corridor selected for analysis: the urban, suburban and
the rural environments.
The urban environment begins at the start of the study area at the intersection of Meridian and
ends approximately near Stillwater Road just west of the ALT-93 interchange area. The roadway
is primarily two lanes with left -turn lanes at the ALT-93 interchange with two traffic signals at
each access. The travel lanes are 12-foot, and the shoulder width varies between 0 to 4 feet, with
most of the section having no shoulders. There is a shared use path located on the north side of
the roadway that does service pedestrians/cyclists and is separated from the roadway by a buffer
zone. Considering the shoulder width does not meet current design standards, there is an elevated
access point density and there is elevated pedestrian/cyclist activity along the shared use path,
the rounded down 85t' percentile should be used when determining an appropriate speed limit.
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The suburban environment begins approximately in the area around Stillwater Road and ends
near the new development around the area of Morning Eagle Drive. The roadway is primarily
two lanes with left -turn lanes located at the intersection with Heavens Peak Drive. The travel
lanes are 12-foot, and the shoulder width varies from 0 to 4 feet, with most of the section having
2-foot shoulders. Considering the shoulder width does not meet current design standards the
rounded down 85f' percentile should be used when determining an appropriate speed limit.
The rural environment begins approximately past Morning Eagle Drive and ends at milepost 6.
The roadway has two lanes with no turn lanes present along this section. The travel lanes are 12-
foot, and the shoulder width varies from 0 to 2 feet, with most of the section having no shoulders
present. There is an elevated all crash rate for this section, however, there is not an elevated
injury crash rate. Considering the shoulder width does not meet current design standards and the
elevated all crash rate, the closest 50fl' percentile should be used when determining an
appropriate speed limit.
Conclusions and Recommendations
A review of the spot speed samples shows that the prevailing speeds along Farm -to -Market Road
match with the set speed limits. The 85 h percentile speeds and upper limits of the pace are for
the most part within ±5-mph of the 35-mph and 40-mph posted speed limits. Within the 35-mph
special speed zone about 71 percent of drivers are all within 10-mph of each other and for the 40-
mph speed zone the percentage is around 66. Within the 35-mph and 40-mph speed zones, the
pace and 85 h percentile show that speeds are currently set appropriately. The 85 h percentile and
upper limits of the pace are for the most part within ±8-mph of the 50-mph and 55-mph posted
speed limits. Within the 55-mph speed zone about 69 percent of drivers are within 10-mph of
each other and for the 50-mph speed zone the percentage is around 67. Within the 50-mph and
55-mph speed zones, the upper limits of the pace and 85 h percentile are elevated above the set
speed limits, however, the percentage within pace is considered within range of current guidance.
The prevailing speeds and in conjunction with the varying roadway contexts show that the
current speed limits are reasonable and prudent. Utilizing the rounded down 85 h for the urban
and suburban environments yields no change to the existing speed limit configuration. Utilizing
the closest 50'' percentile or the rounded down 85 h percentile for the rural environment would
yield the same recommendation of no change to the existing speed zone configuration. The
current speed zones are in line with the roadway context and speeds slowly increase as the
environment transitions to a more rural setting and traffic volumes taper off. However, the speed
zone transitions near the West Valley Elementary School are too short compared to current MDT
guidance. The 45-mph transition on either side of the West Valley Elementary School speed
zone should be extended to 1,600ft for each 45-mph speed zone.
Based upon these observations and NCHRP report 17-76: Development of a Posted Speed Limit
Setting Procedure and Tool MDT recommends maintaining the existing speed limits in both the
urban, suburban and rural sections of the roadway. MDT recommends extending both 45-mph
transitional speed zones near West Valley Elementary School to meet current MDT guidance for
transitional speed zone lengths. MDT recommends no -change on all other speed zones with the
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study segment. Citation data indicates law enforcement is present and targeting those motorists
traveling outside the norm.
We recommend the following speed limits:
A 55-mph speed limit beginning approximately 850-feet west of Four Mile Drive (straight-
line station 163+00) and continuing west for an approximate distance of 2.05 miles,
approximately 250 feet west of the intersection with Sow Camp Road (straight-line station
271+50)
A 45-mph speed limit beginning approximately 250 feet west of the intersection with Sow
Camp Road (straight-line station 271+50) and continuing west for an approximate distance
of 1,600-feet, approximately 790-feet east of intersection with Old Reserve Drive (straight-
line station 287+50)
A 45-mph speed limit beginning approximately 570-feet west of Old Reserve Drive
(straight-line station 301+00) and continuing west for an approximate distance of 1,600-
feet, approximately 50-feet west of milepost 6 (straight-line station 317+00)
A 55-mph speed limit beginning approximately 50-feet west of milepost 6 (straight-line
station 317+00) and continuing west to a point outside the study area for an approximate
distance of 9.7 miles.
e-copies:
attachment:
Gabe B. Priebe, P.E. — Traffic & Safety Engineer
Rebecca Anderson, RE — Kalispell District Traffic Engineer
Brenden Borges, P.E. — Investigations Lead Worker
2022_C000424_000.0_SLD00 I .pdf
2022_C000424_000.0_SLD002.pdf
2022_C000424_000.0_SLD003 .pdf
2022_C000424_000.0_SLD004.pdf
2022_C000424_000.0_MAP00 I .pdf
2022_C000424_000.0_MAP002.pdf
2022_C000424_000.0_MAP003 .pdf
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