02-18-25 Business Improvement District Minutes2017 — 2027 KALISPELL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Meeting date: February 18,2025
Location: First Interstate Bank Building
2nd Floor Board Room
2 S. Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
Board members present: Kisa Davison, Gabe Mariman, Marshall Noice, Nihcole Peterson,
Cara Lemire and Jamie Keller, Executive Director
Board members absent: Jon Fetveit and George Giavasis
Public in Attendance: Lorraine Clarno, Veronica Duens and Nelson Loring
Call to Order: 8:36am — Kisa Davison
Public Comment:
Veronica Duens shared some basic information about her company that imports organic
goods and would love to get her products in stores downtown.
Minutes and Agenda:
• Review and Approval
Motion: A motion to approve was made by Marshall Noice and second by
Nihcole Peterson. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Review:
Review and Approval
Motion: A motion to approve was made by Marshall Noice and second by
Cara Lemire. Motion passed unanimously.
Facade Improvement Grants:
• No new applications at this time
Branding & Marketing:
• The website has been worked on again to alter the directory page. Jamie Keller noted
that repairs need to be made to the facade improvement page, and she has received
one estimate from the design company that she has been working with for other
repairs. The estimate was a total of $375.00 and Jamie requested approval.
Motion: A motion to approve spending $375.00 was made by Cara Lemire and
seconded by Nihcole Peterson.
The motion did not carry, and approval was not granted with the recommendation
that Jamie correct whatever immediate errors are presenting.
Some board members noted the need for an entirely new website> Jamie Keller
noted that she is in the process of getting estimates and this project over the coming
years in partnership with the Kalispell Downtown Association.
Downtown Ambassador:
• A discussion took place on the candidates who have submitted bids for the 2025
season. Kisa Davison and Jamie Keller discussed checking references on the
landscape company and a vote has been tabled until the next board meeting in
March 2025.
Downtown Flowers:
• A discussion took place on the flowers for downtown for 2025. Gabe Mariman noted
that because the baskets have been slightly reduced by the number of flowers to
meet the budget constraints, the need for watering twice a day in the hot summer
months may be reduced as well.
• Jamie Keller discussed the new pole banner program and noted that she is in the
process of creating a portfolio with graphics and information about the new
program. Jamie plans to speak with Public Works over the coming weeks to discuss
size and placement options. It was noted that there is no funding in place for this
project and due to the time constraints and lack of funding, this will likely be a
spring 2026 launch to further beautify downtown.
Downtown Events & Sponsorships:
• Jamie Keller noted that KDA's annual Ladies Night would be moved to the Thursday
evening before Mother's Day in the effort to avoid a similarly unpleasant experience
for attendees last year given the Friday evening traffic issues downtown.
• Gabe Mariman noted that Frosty the Brewfest was not as well attended as hoped.
• The Spring Mixer event is slated for May 1, 2025, and the committee is still looking
for a venue and will follow up with other board members for catering and drinks.
Chamber of Commerce:
• Lorraine Clarno noted the Education luncheon is today.
Safe Streets for All & City Update:
• Nelson Loring noted that the open house for the program took place and went well,
and the city is expecting a notice on funding in March 2025.
• Nelson Loring also noted that grant activity is still currently on hold at the federal
level.
Holiday Lights & Decor
• Holiday decor has been taken down throughout downtown.
• Cara Lemire noted she is in the process of purchasing new holiday decor for the
Depot Park tree and some additional lighted garland for the light poles downtown
and confirmed the approved amount.
• A discussion took place on the color and type of lights that the BID would purchase.
Jamie Keller noted her conversation with Parks & Recreation where she was told
their department would prefer colored lights given that the wreaths they hang on
their building are colored. Cara Lemire will reach out to Chad to further discuss.
TI F Update:
• The board was provided with printed copies of the rough draft of both the mailer and
postcard for the new program and Jamie Keller noted some changes that need to be
made and included the estimated cost for printing and mailing. Upon review, it was
noted by some board members that some additional language should be added to
the effect of what this program is not, and a statement should be added to note to
applicants that this is not a guarantee of further TIF funding or project approval.
Jamie Keller will make this edit and some additional graphic changes prior to
printing and program launch.
Motion: A motion was made by Kisa Davison to use $750.00 from the Newsletter
budget and any additional expenses from the Development budget. The motion was
seconded by Marshall Noice. The motion passed unanimously.
• A discussion took place on the wording and extensive program verbose in the
current RFP and RFQ. Jamie Keller will set a meeting with Kisa Davison to discuss
the documents presented by the city development department and Kisa Davison in
the effort of reducing the language to efficiency and clarity.
Meeting Adjourned: 10:21 am
Motion: A motion was made by Marshall Noice and seconded by Cara Lemire to
adjourn today's meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Next board meeting: March 18, 2025
P. O. Box 1997, Kalispell, Mt. 59903 (406) 201-9255 info(aD-downtownkalispell.com