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E1. 04-28-25 Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL KCITY OF DRAFT WORK SESSION MINUTES ALISPELL April 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at: https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meeiing:��. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Staff present included City Manager Doug Russell, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher, and Development Services Director Jarod Nygren. C. DISCUSSION Reservation and Recreation Fees �� <--j 00:00:48 City Manager Doug Russell provided an overview of this item. 00:01:35 Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher continued the staff report. 00: 0 1:23 Cost Analysis and Market Analysis Director Fincher explained how they conduct a cost analysis on their fees, and what items were considered in the cost analysis and recommendations. He then explained how they conduct a market analysis, how they compare that to their program, and what it reveals. He spoke regarding new proposed fees Parks and Recreation will need to pay to the school system for utilization of their facilities and how that has been considered. 00:03:50 Pool Costs Director Fincher spoke regarding a proposed 8% increase to pool fees. He talked about increased costs at the pool and efficiencies they have put into place related to staffing. 00:04:22 Park Reservation Fees Director Fincher spoke regarding changes to the matrix they use for park reservation fees to adjust to new software for online reservations. He explained what was considered when recommending adjustments to reservation fees at the parks. 00:06:34 Recreation and Reservation Fee Schedule Director Fincher explained the proposed fee schedule changes, and what park reservations will now be available to book online. 00:07:38 Mayor Johnson asked about the increased School District fees, and what would absorb those fees if the recreation fees were not increased. Page 1 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 00:08:49 Council Member Fisher asked about the possibility of negotiations with the School District. 00:09:35 City Manager Russell spoke regarding partnerships with the School District. 00:09:55 Council Member Fisher asked further questions about negotiations between the School District. 00: 10:24 Director Fincher spoke regarding the conversations and agreements that have occurred with the School District. 00: 12:21 Council Member Fisher asked about the upcoming school levy vote. 00: 13:43 Council Member Fisher provided discussion about increased costs at the school. 00: 14:33 Council Member Nunnally asked about user numbers and how they trend. Director Fincher spoke to user numbers being similar to past years and how online registration has helped keep the registration flow steady. 00: 15:31 Council Member Nunnally asked how in and out of city status is checked. 00: 16:14 Council Member Nunnally asked about the park reservation process. Director Fincher talked about how the Parks and Recreation software system works. 00: 17:22 Council Member Nunnally asked about tracking changes and in and out of city fee differences. 00: 18:23 Council Member Graham asked about program scholarships and whether anyone has wanted to start a scholarship program. 00: 19:28 Director Fincher explained they do have a scholarship program that is funded by photography of sports programs. He explained how kids qualify for scholarships. He then spoke regarding a local business that did fundraising for sports scholarships. 00:20:42 Council Member Fisher confirmed that donations can be made towards the scholarship program. 00:21:22 Council Member Fisher asked about and provided discussion related to cost savings realized in utilizing the school district facilities, and the costs to build a facility. 00:23:13 Council Member Fisher asked how many kids are served by Kalispell Parks and Recreation. 00:24:05 Council Member Fisher asked about length of programs and costs. Page 2 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 00:25:58 Council Member Hunter provided discussion that it is important to keep fees as low as possible while covering costs. He further spoke regarding how important these programs are to the community, and how popular they are. 00:27:18 Council Member Daoud asked about cost versus fees at the pool. Director Fincher confirmed that the costs continue to exceed the fees at the pool, but they are looking into efficiencies. 00:29:54 Council Member Daoud spoke further about pool costs. He then asked about the popularity of the new tennis program. Director Fincher explained the tennis program was brought back when a tennis pro came into the community and brought it back. 00:31:02 Council Member Nunnally asked about the number of tennis courts. 00:3 1: 10 Council Member Graham provided discussion about how the programs are a huge asset to the community. He spoke regarding concerns about the cumulative effects of rising costs on families. He asked about awareness of scholarships and how much the community and businesses are aware they can donate to help kids attend more programs. 00:32:54 Director Fincher spoke further about scholarship programs. 00:34:02 City Manager Russell spoke regarding the city being careful regarding solicitation of donations, and the difference between soliciting sponsorships versus donations. He spoke further regarding ethical considerations. 00:35:05 Council Member Hunter asked about the possibility of an online registration option for people to round up their payment when paying for a program to add to the scholarship program. 00:36:19 Mayor Johnson provided discussion about general rounding up solicitations. 00:36:50 Council Member Hunter provided further discussion about rounding up solicitations. 00:37: 10 Council Member Fisher spoke further about the importance and need for scholarships, and how important the programming is. 00:38:43 Council Member Carlson asked about the Flathead Electric Round -up for Safety funds and whether swimming lesson costs would qualify. 00:39:12 City Manager Russell spoke to the City receiving Flathead Electric Safety funds regularly. 00:39:34 Council Member Nunnally spoke regarding the possibility of an outside entity creating a 501c3 foundation to raise funds for scholarships. 00:40:24 Mayor Johnson asked for feedback from Council on the proposed fees. Page 3 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 City Manager Russell explained staff will bring the matter back to Council for further action. 00:41:05 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment on this item. 00:41:01 Arthur Fretheim, Public Comment Fretheim of 91h Street East provided support for the idea of people being able to round up their fee towards a scholarship program and that he does not believe that would be a conflict of interest. He believes some people would donate, and the City would not even know who was donating. He spoke regarding his experiences at Woodland Park Pool, and a friend that coaches hockey. 2. Main Street Saf�� Action Plan — Concept Design �� �- Visual Presentation (bold titles match presentation jftl�es 00:42:41 City Manager Doug Russell provided an overview of this item. 00:43:36 Development Services Director Jarod Nygren continued the staff report explaining the long process they have gone through and talked about the final concept design which is phase 2 of the Safe Streets for All Planning Grants. He talked about the Transportation Plan and other plans developed, previous discussions and extensive public outreach and how they have developed the subsequent concept designs. He introduced consultant Rachel Grosso and Andy Daleiden with Kittelson and Associates, and Bob Vosen with the Montana Department of Transportation who is available for questions. 00:45:24 Rachel Grosso, with Kittelson and Associates began a visual presentation explaining what she would cover. (See link above under agenda title.) 00:46:07 Safe System Approach Grosso explained in detail the safe system approach, which is what the concepts are based upon, and which is the basis of the grants and plans and how this approach is used both nationwide and statewide. She further explained the concepts based on safe roads and safe speeds. 00:47:38 Main Street Safety Action Plan & Concept Designs, Phase 1 and 2 Grosso explained the purpose and outcomes of phases I and 2. 00:48:07 Phase 1 — Planning Area Grosso explained the planning area utilized in both phases I and 2. 00:48:32 Project Process Grosso explained the project process that has been utilized, public outreach conducted, and associated timelines. 00:49:37 Concept Design Considerations Grosso spoke in detail regarding concept considerations and conversations throughout the process and when working on initial designs. 00:50:44 Key Safety & Mobility Treatments Page 4 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 Grosso provided images and detailed explanation related to roadway reallocation and curb extensions. 00:51:28 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and Raised Intersection Grosso provided images and detailed explanation related to these treatments. 00:52:24 Leading Pedestrian Interval and High -Visibility Crosswalks Grosso provided images and detailed explanation related to these treatments. 00:52:59 Main Street, Looking North towards lst Street Grosso provided a detailed explanation and a photo rendering of a conceptual design of Main Street looking north. 00:53:40 Main Street, Looking South towards 7th Street Grosso provided a detailed explanation and a photo rendering of a conceptual design of Main Street looking south. 00:55:45 Key Supporting Analysis Grosso went into detail regarding the analysis performed and considered related to: Safety, Mobility, Community Support, Final Design Considerations, and Concept -Level Cost Estimate. 00:55:54 Key Supporting Analysis — Safety Grosso went into detail regarding the technical analysis, numbers and concerns related to safety. 00:57:06 Key Supporting Analysis — Mobility Grosso went into detail regarding the traffic analysis completed looking at current conditions all the way to the year 2045. 00:59:51 Key Supporting Analysis — Community Support Grosso went into detail regarding how they analyzed and incorporated community feedback. 01:01:27 Key Supporting Analysis - Environmental Scan and Hydraulics Analysis Grosso explained how they examined these factors. 01:01:44 Key Supporting Analysis - Concept -Level Cost Estimate Grosso explained the concept -level cost estimate. 01:02:20 Council Member Graham asked about the concept design showing Main Street looking south towards 7 th Street and how snow would be stored, and the plow may be affected. Director Nygren answered questions about winter maintenance. 01:05:45 Concept Design Map for Main Street Grosso explained the concept design map in detail starting on the north and moving south. 01:11:50 Council Member Hunter provided discussion about the long process to get to this stage, and how this could transform, improve and enhance downtown and improve safety. He spoke to current concerns from people about noise, speed and complaints regarding reckless driving, and Page 5 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 how this concept would help with these issues. He provided discussion regarding predicted travel times, safety and behavior adjustments. 0 1: 15:13 Council Member Hunter asked about bicycle ordinances referenced. 01: 16:30 Council Member Hunter asked about bike lanes on Is'Avenue East and West. 0 1: 16:55 Director Nygren explained why separated bike lanes were not included in the concept designs. 0 1: 18:04 Council Member Hunter asked about north/south bike routes. Director Nygren further spoke about bicycle analysis and considerations. 0 1: 19:31 Council Member Hunter provided discussion on the proposed roundabouts. 01:20:05 Director Nygren spoke regarding preliminary engineering, long-term planning, future growth, historic design standards, and safety trade-offs. He talked in detail about things that would need to be considered and refined with further engineering. He went further into the process moving forward if the Council so chose that would include a resolution of intent to hold a public hearing, a public hearing for the community to share their thoughts, and then action on whether the Council would like to move forward with a grant application. 01:21:37 Council Member Daoud provided discussion related to roundabout considerations. 01:22:27 Council Member Daoud asked about the north side lane convergence and how that would work. 0 1:22:44 Consultant Rachel Grosso spoke about the signage that would be incorporated, the length of the lane convergence and the reasoning behind the design in this area. 01:24:00 Council Member Daoud spoke regarding speeding as a factor between Idaho and Center Street. 01:24:37 Council Member Daoud asked about the Montana Department of Transportation's reaction to this concept. 01:24:53 Bob Vosen, District Administrator for Montana Department of Transportation Missoula District explained he and his family are Kalispell residents. He spoke to MDT's concerns with the timing but said the project itself has a lot of potential and they do not oppose the concept and would support it but would like the bypass to be complete prior to construction. He recognized the opportunities before us. He spoke about the Foys Lake project that was completed and the traffic that utilized Main Street. 01:27:47 Director Nygren explained that a grant application has been submitted for the RAISE Grant to complete the south half of the bypass, but award results will not be provided until after the Main Street grant is due. He explained the program they are applying for will likely not be available in the future. He further talked regarding grant amounts, grant and match requirements and timing issues. Page 6 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 01:31:34 Council Member Nunnally asked questions and provided discussion about noise complaints and abatement. 01:32:48 Council Member Hunter spoke regarding the noise contribution of passing trucks. 0 1: 3 3:21 Council Member Hunter asked about the increased capacity on the bypass. 01:33:46 Bob Vosen with MDT spoke to the remaining bypass work as the reconfiguration of the southern intersection of 93 and the bypass as well as the reconfiguration at Airport Road from a roundabout to four lanes with through traffic similar to the Foys Road area. He spoke regarding current conditions. MDT currently has these bypass projects separated into two projects unless the bypass grant is awarded. 01:35:57 Director Nygren explained that the RAISE grant the City has applied for included the whole bypass project. 01:36:11 If the City does not get the RAISE grant, MDT plans on reconstructing the intersection in 2028. The next phase would be out about six years. 01:36:36 Vosen said MDT is very appreciative of the City of Kalispell and the hard work that has been done with great grant writing. 0 1:36:59 Council Member Graham provided discussion about timing concerns and discussion about traffic on the bypass. He talked about having discussions for a long time about reclaiming downtown and how this project would do that. 01:39:14 Director Nygren explained how the traffic numbers were analyzed. 01:39:52 Council Member Daoud talked about public comment received and the work session regarding the Kalispell Kruise and concerns related to noise downtown, and speeding and reckless driving on the I't Avenues and how that was accounted for. 01:40:50 Director Nygren spoke to the safety measures that were taken on the I't Avenue's changing them from four lanes and how well that road diet has worked. 01:41:50 Council Member Gabriel asked about time needed for construction if this project was done. 01:42:15 Director Nygren spoke regarding the scenarios that were discussed related to construction and factors that would affect time frames. 01:43:53 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion that the design would shut down the racing currently happening now. She then talked about how great this project would be, but how hard it would be for everyone to get through the idea of change, and the construction. 0 1:44:3 8 Council Member Carlson asked about the Safe Streets for All Grant application timing, and the timeframe for award. 0 1:45: 10 Director Nygren spoke to grant details and award timing. Page 7 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 0 1:45:53 Council Member Hunter mentioned the road diet educational video that he sent to Council and believes that if the funding were available, producing our own video about the Main Street concept design would be beneficial. He provided discussion about how well road diets work but how misunderstood they are, and the importance of education. 01:47:51 Council Member Fisher spoke to the difficulties and concerns he has for businesses on Main Street during construction. He then spoke to concerns regarding impacts to I I th street and other streets that traffic might divert too. 01:49:45 Council Member Nunnally asked about the location of raised medians and then asked about considerations related to impacts on side streets where left turns are not currently allowed. 01:50:53 Grosso spoke regarding increased access to intersecting streets. Council Member Nunnally provided discussion about side street traffic and then asked how parades would work. 01:52:24 Director Nygren spoke to comments from the public related to the median design feature. He then spoke about the history of changes to Main Street and the long-term vision of this project as the reasoning behind building the bypass. 0 1:53:14 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion about the parades he is planning. 01:54:00 Director Nygren talked about timing considerations made and future considerations if awarded the grant. 0 1: 54:44 Council Member Nunnally confirmed that the City would be responsible for administration of the grant if awarded. 01:55:28 Council Member Hunter spoke to how the parades might work better. 01:56:06 Council Member Fisher asked how the grant would be awarded and managed if it came through. Director Nygren explained how the grant if awarded would be handled. 01:56:53 Mayor Johnson provided discussion about how roundabouts in the area have been working well. He then provided discussion related to long-term discussions and visions about the interconnectivity of the bypass and changes to Main Street and discussion and reasoning in favor of this design. He provided discussion related to what the Council and City are charged with. 02:00:44 Bob Vosen with the Montana Department of Transportation talked about a lane diet that was put in place in Missoula and how it has worked well. The only concerning areas are the approaches to the lane diet area that should be considered in the final design. Vosen also talked about right-of-way acquisition concerns. D. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Page 8 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 02:03:45 Kisa Davison, Public Comment Davison, of 6 1h Avenue East and Board Chair of the Kalispell Business Improvement District (BID) spoke to how excited they are about the Safe Streets Concept and what it will mean to downtown far into the future. She talked about what a $25 million dollar grant would do for the community, especially if it was in conjunction with the bypass grant if awarded. She explained the BID is in full support of submission of the grant and will do what they can to support that. They have heard concerns related to the construction process and spoke to the difficulties it will entail. She would ask that participation continue in a deliberate manner throughout the process including during construction. She then spoke regarding ongoing concerns regarding downtown cruising and how dangerous it has become from a safety perspective and to the health of the downtown businesses. She spoke regarding the extremely high noise level all the way to her home on 6 th Avenue. She asked that Council facilitate a conversation between businesses and other people concerned and the cruise participants. 02:08:51 Cameron Dexter, Public Comment Dexter of Hawthorn Avenue, Director of Policy with Citizens for a Better Flathead, referred to written public comment she will provide regarding Ashley Creek as it relates to the Safety Plan. (See link at end of public comment.) She referred to a review currently being done to Ashley Creek and details within the review. She talked about utilizing the Main Street Safety Action Plan as an opportunity to better the community's environmental footprint. Dexter said CBF encourages the City to maintain Ashley Creek's current classification and adopt the long-term goal to rehabilitate Ashley Creek. She further spoke to concerns regarding wastewater runoff and in detail regarding what they believe the City should consider in the Main Street design. They also asked for greater public participation throughout the process. Dexter then spoke regarding a press release from CBF regarding their concerns with the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District's recent approval for a facility upgrade and a groundwater infiltration permit. 02:12:50 Susan Wizzinton, Public Comment Wigginton of 3 d Avenue East spoke regarding she and her husband working and living downtown for the past ten years. She spoke to her view that the level of incidences mentioned is low, and does not see a high safety concern. She then spoke regarding her concerns related to 5 1h Street and Main Street and how dangerous it is to cross, speeding between 4 th and 6th Street, and safety concerns with blind intersections. She relayed the solutions that she thinks should be utilized and why. She talked regarding her negative experiences with change in New York City, and the problems businesses had during construction, and the behaviors she feels the community would have. She spoke to her views that community involvement has not been sufficient. She spoke regarding her negative views of safety on the bypass. She believes the Council should completely abandon this plan and utilize smaller methods to improve safety. 02:19:03 Jamie Ouinn, Public Comment Quinn of 6 th Avenue West spoke in opposition to this plan speaking in detail why. She talked regarding the high cost and wanting to see cheaper solutions. She then spoke regarding her view on the drinking water. She spoke to her view that there are not places downtown to shop and it is not a fun place to be, and believes this plan subsidizes a few businesses. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Johnson closed public comment. Page 9 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 28, 2025 Public comment received to Mayor and Council via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com can be seen at hLtp://www.kalispell.com/publiccomment. 02:21:01 City Manager Russell explained the next step in the process is passage of a Resolution of Intent to hold a public hearing. He talked about the long process and the numerous public outreach completed for many years on this project and the future opportunities for the community to provide input. E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS City Manager Doug Russell provided the following report: Budget work sessions on Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday May 7 at 6 p.m. in addition to the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday May 5, at 7 p.m. 02:21:58 Council Member Daoud said he was approached by a service club about the sign in Lions Park related to the service clubs in the area and who to contact regarding. 02:22:35 Council Member Graham responded to public comments about intersection concerns and the warrant process that is required to put stop signs in place. He spoke regarding his appreciation for public comment but pointed out it is not always accurate. He responded to public comments received about water quality and how the drinking water is entirely under EPA limits. F. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m. Aimee Brunckhorst, City Clerk Minutes approved on UPCOMING SOHIEDULE Next Regular Meeting — May 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Budget Work Sessions — Tuesday & Wednesday, May 6 & 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. — Council Chambers PARTICIPATION Watch City Council meetings live with the agenda and documents or later with time stamped minutes at: hllps://www.kalispell.com/MeetingVideos or live or later on YouTube at: hlt2s://www.kalis]2ell.com/Youtube. 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. Page 10 of 10