Loading...
03-03-25 City Council Meeting Minutesary O� KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 3, 2025, 7:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at: hqps://www.kalispell.com/480/Mecting-Videos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Mayor - 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 via video conference Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Present Staff present included City Manager Doug Russell, City Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, Assistant Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Haskins, and Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDAAPPROVAL Motion and Vote to amend the agenda to add an executive session at the end to discuss litigation. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari 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 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote. E. CONSENT AGENDA All items on the consent agenda will be voted on with one motion. If a council member desires to discuss an item separately, the item can be removed from the consent agenda by motion. Council Minutes — February 18, and February 24, 2025 2. Award Bid for 2025 Milling and Paving Contract This item considers awarding this bid to LHC, Inc. 3. Award Bid for 2025 Asphalt Material Contract This item considers awarding this bid to LHC, Inc. 4. Bid Award for Police Evidence Building Locker Storage System This item considers awarding this bid to AADS Office Solutions in the amount of $121,900. 5. Confirmation of Police Officers Chris Olsen and Cat Edson This item considers confirming these Officers as they have completed their one-year probationary employment period. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment on the consent agenda. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 00:02:43 Motion and Vote to approve the consent agenda as presented. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member - Kari Gabriel: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari 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 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote. 00:03:01 Police Chief Jordan Venezio presented newly confirmed Officers Chris Olsen and Cat Edson explaining their backgrounds and what they enjoy in their free time. He spoke saying their work ethic, integrity and character align well with the mission of the Kalispell Police Department. Page 2 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 00:04:46 Mayor Mark Johnson pinned badges on the newly confirmed Officers and spoke a few words to each. 00:06:17 Officer Cat Edson spoke regarding enjoying working for a community that supports Officers and how it makes her work harder and feel proud of the Department and co-workers. 00:06:42 Officer Chris Olsen thanked the Kalispell Police Department for the opportunity and spoke with praise for the Department, co-workers, and the community and thanked everyone in the City of Kalispell and said he looks forward to a good career. F. COMMITTEE REPORTS G. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Johnson opened general public comment. Paula McDowell, Public Comment McDowell of 205 Meadow Vista Loop said thank you for all the work that has been done at Four Mile Drive at the Meadows. She referred to the results of a speed study done by City employees in 2024. She spoke regarding three different accidents that happened in front of or near Meadow Vista subdivision speaking with frustration regarding the high rate of speed many drivers use when driving down Four Mile Drive and her fears related to the possibility of future injuries. She said she spoke to City Engineer Keith Haskins and the speed feedback signs were installed today on Champion Way with a raised crosswalk to be installed on the other side in the spring or summer. A speed hump is also planned for the east side of Champion Way. She said she would like to see more police presence in the area. McDowell then referred to tabling library restrictions and said she was glad the Warming Center will remain open. Seeing no further comments, he closed public comment. Public comment received to Mayor and Council via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com can be seen at https://time.ci.kalispell.mt.us/WebLink/Browse. aspx?id=128274&dbid=0&repo=Kalispell. H. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION 1) Vista Ridge Cottages Annexation, Zoning, PUD, and Preliminary Plat This item considers annexation, initial zoning of RA-1 (Residential Apartment) with a Planned Unit Development overlay and Preliminary Plat approval for 96 residential units on 15.78 acres at 489 Two Mile Drive a. Resolution 6241 —Annexation b. Ordinance 1934 — First Reading — Zoning and Planned Unit Development c. Resolution 6242 — Preliminary Plat Assistant Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen presented the staff report. Page 3 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 00:26:49 Council Member Hunter asked questions related to reasoning behind FEMA flood plain regulation. 00:27:15 Sorensen spoke to FEMA flood plain regulations. 00:28:05 Council Member Hunter spoke to views related to flood plain behaviors. 00:28:48 Sorensen spoke to views related to flood plain behaviors. 00:29:45 Council Member Hunter and Assistant Director Sorensen further spoke regarding flood plain behavior and FEMA regulations and approval process. 00:31:34 Development Services Director Jarod Nygren explained that the City does not have jurisdiction for approving flood plain changes and would rely on applicants' submission and approval for changes to FEMA. 00:32:21 Council Member Fisher confirmed that the adjacent apartments went through FEMA for flood plain adjustment. 00:33:14 Mayor Johnson confirmed the time frame assumed for FEMA flood plain approval. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Guy Hatcher, Public Comment Hatcher with the Development Team said staff have been awesome to work with and then spoke to the vision for the project. He spoke about the lack of housing in the area and the vision to have efficiency in pricing and time. He spoke to the use of a modular and talked about the product, and then to the vision to add landscaping and fencing into the price of the homes for consistency. He spoke further regarding the village look and feel for this project. 00:40:02 Paula McDowell, Public Comment McDowell asked about current affordable housing price points. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Johnson closed public comment. 00:40:39 Motion to approve Resolution 6241, a resolution to provide for the alteration of the boundaries of the City of Kalispell by including therein as an annexation certain real property described as a tract of land located in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 12, township 28 north, range 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, and more particularly described as tract 2 of Certificate of Survey no. 20690, records of Flathead County, Montana, containing 15.78 acres, more or less, subiect to and together with any easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, or agreements of record or apparent, to be known as vista ridge addition no. 477, to zone said property in accordance with the Kalispell zoning ordinance, and to declare an effective date. Page 4 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 00:42:02 Council Member Hunter provided discussion related to what he supports about this project and then provided discussion in opposition to the motion as it relates to the floodplain. 00:44:54 Council Member Graham provided discussion in favor of the motion speaking to affordable housing and the proposed design elements. 00:46:09 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion in favor of the motion speaking to the proposed design and asked whether staff have heard about any insurance issues related to adjacent land that was previously located in the floodplain. 00:47:45 Sorensen said he is not aware of any issues. 00:48:00 Council Member Daoud provided discussion in favor of the motion speaking to the proposed design. 00:48:22 Mayor Johnson provided discussion in favor of the motion and his concerns over the time needed to go through FEMA approval and how that affects affordability, and in favor of the proposed design concepts. 00:51:27 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Motion Council Member - Sandy Carlson: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari 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 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Disapprove The motion passed on roll call vote with Council Members Gabriel, Carlson, Nunnally, Graham, Fisher, Dahlman, Daoud, and Mavor Johnson in favor and Council Member Hunter opposed. 00:51:48 Motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1934, an ordinance to amend section 27.02.010, official zoning map, city of Kalispell zoning ordinance 1677, by creating a Planned Unit Development overlav to be known as Vista Ridge Cottages PUD over certain real_property more particularly described as a tract of land located in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 12, township 28 north, range 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead Countv, Montana, and more particularly described as tract 2 of Certificate of Survey no. 20690, records of Flathead County, Montana, containing 15.78 acres, more or less, subject to and together with any easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, or agreements of record or apparent, in accordance with the Kalispell growth policv - plan it 2035, and to provide an effective date 00:53:13 Council Member Hunter provided discussion related to floodplain area. Page 5 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 00:53:52 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari 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 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Disapprove The motion passed on roll call vote with Council Members Gabriel, Carlson, Nunnallv, Graham, Fisher, Dahlman, Daoud, and Mavor Johnson in favor and Council Member Hunter opposed. 00:54:10 Motion and Vote to approve Resolution 6242, a resolution conditionally approving the Preliminary Plat of Vista Ridge Cottages, more particularly described as a tract of land located in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 12, township 28 north, range 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead Count-, Montana, and more particularly described as tract 2 of certificate of survev 20690, records of Flathead County, Montana, containing 15.78 acres, more or less, subject to and together with any easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, or agreements of record or apparent. 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 Nunnallv: 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: Disapprove The motion passed on roll call vote with Council Members Gabriel, Carlson, Nunnallv, Graham, Fisher, Dahlman, Daoud, and Mavor Johnson in favor and Council Member Hunter opposed. 2) Resolution 6243 —Alternative Project Delivery Contract Findings for Biosolids Project This resolution considers findings demonstrating the criteria are met to utilize the General Contractor Construction Manager method to design and construct the Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Treatment and Disposal Project. Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Haskins provided the staff report referring to the 02-24- 25 work session on this subject. Page 6 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 00:57:40 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 00:57:46 Motion to approve Resolution 6243, a resolution by the City of Kalispell, Montana, relating to the use of an alternative proiect delivery contract for the Kalispell Wastewater Treatment Plant biosolids treatment and disposal pro*ect. 00:58:16 Council Member Daoud provided discussion in favor of the motion. 00:59:05 Council Member Fisher provided discussion in favor of the motion. 00:59:29 Council Member Nunnally spoke regarding the report and discussion had on this topic during the work session last week. 00:59:49 Mayor Johnson provided discussion in favor of the motion. 01:00:30 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Motion Council Member - Sandy Carlson: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari 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 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. 3) Resolution 6244 — Spring Creek Park Phase 1 Preliminary Plat Extension This resolution considers extending this preliminary plat located to the east of West Springcreek Road between Two Mile Drive and Three Mile Drive for two years. Assistant Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen presented the staff report. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 01:04:42 Bill Goldberg, Public Comment Goldberg of 208 First Avenue East spoke as the applicant apologizing for the lack of understanding of the extension request and being thankful for the consideration of the extension. 01:06:22 Motion to approve Resolution 6244, a resolution approving a two-year extension to the Preliminary Plat of Spring Creek Park Phase 1 Subdivision, located to the east of West Spring Creek Road between Two Mile Drive and Three Mile Drive in section 11 township 28 north, range 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. Page 7 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 01:06:57 Council Member Nunnally thanked the applicant for their apology. 01:07:15 Council Member Hunter spoke to the design features he appreciates about this project. 01:07:47 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari 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 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. 4) Resolution 6245 — Resolution of Intent to Issue Revenue Bonds for Immanuel Living This resolution considers notice of a public hearing and intent to issue conduit revenue bonds for refinancing previously issued bonds and financing improvements to the Immanuel Living at Buffalo Hill Campus. City Manager Doug Russell provided the staff report. 01:09:25 Attorney Johnna Preble provided further information. 01:09:49 Council Member Hunter asked questions related to why this bond is coming through the City and then asked why other entities do not and confirmed that the City would not have financial risk. City Manager Russell answered questions. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 01:11:24 Motion to approve Resolution 6245, a resolution relating to issuance of conduit revenue bonds, the proceeds of which will be loaned to Immanuel Living at Buffalo Hill in order to 0) refinance certain revenue bonds previously issued by the City of Kalispell and Ob finance certain capital improvements to be made to the Campus of Immanuel Living at Buffalo Hill; calling for a public hearing with respect to the issuance of such conduit revenue bonds; granting preliminary approval to the issuance of such conduit revenue bonds; establishing compliance with certain reimbursement regulations under the internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, and taking certain other actions with respect thereto. 01:12:26 Council Member Hunter confirmed that a default would not reflect on the City's credit rating. Page 8of10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 01:13:17 Vote on the motion. Council Chair - Chad Graham: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnallv: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari 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 Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Approve Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) City Manager Russell reported on the following: • Senate Bill 204, the legislation to sunset all voted on levies was tabled last week indefinitely and then brought up and passed on Saturday with an amendment to exempt Police, Fire, and EMS services. Our newly passed Emergency Responder Levy will be exempted. • A work session will not be held next week as several people will be at the League of Cities' meetings. 01:15:07 Council Member Hunter asked about what other items would be affected by SB 204. City Manager Russell spoke to levies he assumes will be affected across the state by Senate Bill 204. Council Member Nunnally confirmed that school levies were also exempted. 01.16:09 Council Member Graham spoke regarding keeping an eye on upcoming legislation. 01:17:12 Mayor Johnson spoke to public comment received tonight related to speeding on Four Mile Drive and to his own related frustrations in that area. 01:17:48 Mayor Johnson provided discussion regarding Senate Bill 204, sponsored by representative Hertz and the antagonistic approach currently being taken at the legislature. J. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor, Council and staff left the room at 8:21 p.m. to have a closed executive session to discuss litigation strategy. K. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at about 8:50 p.m. after returning from a closed executive session. Page 9 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 3, 2025 ea�rs�a1� r. 0 �-: SEAL °. 1892 Q ' °6 ` , Aim e Brunckhorst City Clerk Minutes approved on March 17, 2025 UPCOMING SCHEDULE Next Work Session — March 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers (No Work Session March 10, 2025) Next Regular Meeting — March 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. — 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/Meetin2-Videos or live or later on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@cityofkalispellmontana9632/streams. 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 city c�(&kalispell.com. Page 10 of 10