08-20-24 Business Improvement District Minutes 2017—2027 KALISPELL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Meeting date:August 20, 2024
Location: First Interstate Bank Building
2nd Floor Board Room
2 S. Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
Board members present: Kisa Davison, Gabe Mariman, Cara Lemire, George Giavasis, and
Jamie Keller, Executive Director
Board members absent: Jon Fetveit, Marshall Noice, and Nihcole Petersen
Public in Attendance: Officer Jay Gillhouse of the Kalispell Police Department
Call to Order: 8:33am Kisa Davison
Minutes and Agenda:
Motion:A motion to approve was made by Cara Lemire and second by
George Giavasis. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Review:
• Review and Approval
• The billing question from August 2024 has been resolved and is complete.
• The board has asked Jamie Keller to create a spreadsheet tracking
expenses with a budget comparison for the current fiscal year
Motion: A motion was made by Cara Lemire and seconded by George Giavasis to
approve the financials. The motion passed unanimously.
Coordinator Report:
• Jamie Keller presented her report for the month of August 2024 and pointed out
several points of interest to follow up on progress for FY24/25 Workplans.
Facade Improvement Grants:
• The BID has received one (1) completed application for a new fagade
improvement grant and will delay motion until TIF Grant Application has been
completed and submitted to the City of Kalispell and the Urban Renewal Agency.
Branding& Marketing:
• Branding is complete
• George Giavasis will approach Flathead Beacon concerning social media
passwords
• The board discussed issues with the website in detail and both George Giavasis and
Gabe Mariman will begin the vetting process to secure an independent contractor
Downtown Ambassador:
• Richard Dilka is currently evaluating city owned parking lots and areas of blight as
well as determining areas where trees need to be replaced or added for visual
appeal of downtown
Downtown Events &Sponsorships:
• Upcoming Events—The Monster Ball on October 2511, 2024, beginning at 8:00pm at
the Fraternal order of Eagles located on 1 st Street West, downtown Kalispell
• Some board members noted how much they enjoyed the"Komfortable in Kalispell"
event. Jamie Keller to discover the event details and discuss Block Party ideas with
Gabe Mariman
Downtown Action Committee:
• No update at this time
Report: City of Kalispell:
• No updated at this time
Safe Streets for All:
• Kisa Davison provided updates for Safe Streets for All with noting the current plan
has been approved by City Council and funding is being written for at this time
TIF Application Update:
• Jamie Keller has begun the process of completing the application for TIF funding for
the fapade improvement project and will follow up with the board for approval
• Discussion items:
o The BID intends to apply for$100,000.00 of funding to be divided over the
following five years to assist district constituents fulfill TIF funding
application obligations on design and engineering for district improvements
with the assistance of a local engineering firm.
o Goals:An empowered, informed, and active community.
■ BID to apply for$5,000 per property owner
■ BID to reach up to four property owners per year at a total of$20,000
per property per year
■ BID to diversify engineering firms to maintain aesthetic appeal
Public Comment: Board Discussion with Officer Jay Gillhouse of KPD
• Homeless and Vagrancy
• CIT(Crisis Intervention Training)—A program for officers focusing on compassion
and innovation in law enforcement
• Friday event downtown traffic safety—It was noted that officers are present
downtown on Friday evenings due to reports of safety concerns—Some people
noted that the BID could support the community by encouraging people with
concerns to please call local authorities
• A question was raised as to whether the KPD has a decimal meter to support their
efforts of increasing public safety and noise complaints.Additional questions were
raised as to whether a decibel meter would assist the KPD in issuing violations
• A question was raised about the KPD offering a series of press releases informing
the public that action is being taken, stating the consequences of witnessed
violations concerning public safety, theft of services and public nuisance infractions
• Some board members noted being in contact with KPD to discuss the issues and
impact on downtown businesses
• Jamie Keller will create a post card to be distributed downtown to encourage
business owners, property owners, residents and visitors to please call local
authorities with any concerns in partnership with Kalispell Downtown Association
Miscellaneous:
• Main Street America Annual Membership—Jamie Keller presented concerns over
the past several months raising concerns over the value of being a national member
of the organization in relationship to the changed quarterly reporting requirements
and expense. The board had asked Jamie Keller to compile the necessary
information for the board to make an informed decision via email and add this topic
to the agenda for August 2024. Jamie has informed the board via email with factual
data and has requested the board not make a motion at this time as we are still in
the discovery process on certain details. Jamie will keep this item on the agenda for
September with intent for update and motion.
Meeting Adjourned: 10:07am
A motion was made by Kisa Davison and seconded by Cara Lemire to adjourn
today's meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
P. O. Box 1997, Kalispell, Mt. 59903 (406) 201-9255 info(a)-downtownkalispell.com
www.downtownkalispell.com