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E1. 07-07-25 Council Minutes CITY COUNCIL DRAFT MEETING MINUTES July 7, 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: https://www.kalispell.com/MeetingVideos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Mayor - Mark Johnson: Present Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present via video conference 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Present Staff present included City Manager Doug Russell, City Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Haskins, Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen, Planner II Donnie McBath, Fire Chief Jay Hagen, and Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion to approve the agenda as published. 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 Nunnally: Approve Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 2 of 13 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. 1. Council Minutes – June 2, June 9, and June 16, 2025    2. Award Depot Building Roof Replacement Project  This item considers awarding this project to Ace Roofing in the amount of $213,243. 3. Approve Work Change Directive and Change Order(s) for Fermenter Rehabilitation  This item considers allowing the City Manager to execute necessary changes to complete this project. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened consent agenda public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. Motion and Vote to approve the consent agenda as provided. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member - Ryan Hunter: 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. F. COMMITTEE REPORTS – None. G. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Johnson opened public comment. 00:02:50 Paula McDowell, Public Comment McDowell of Meadow Vista Loop said she appreciates the new flashing speed lights on Four Mile Drive as they do slow people down at that particular location. She also appreciates knowing a trail is being installed in front of Kidsport complex. She requested a tabletop be installed on Champion Way to slow drivers down. She told stories about dangerous driving events she has seen from her home happening on Four Mile Drive. 00:06:55 Roy Beekman, Public Comment Beekman of Commons Way spoke as a Board Member for KidsSports asking for the renaming of the Kidsport Youth Athletic Complex to include the name of Dan Johns. He then explained the Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 3 of 13 facilities attributes, features, and positive reviews. He provided details on the history of the vision for the complex and how it was created and expanded, saying the complex is due to the work and vision of Dan Johns. He then talked about the extent of the facility, and its use. He explained he began asking for this renaming in 2016. 00:11:44 Cheri Nelson, Public Comment Nelson of Express Employment Professionals asked that they be considered for professional placement services for the City Manager role and thanked the current City Manager for the work that he has done. She explained they have had a specific division for that service for three years. 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. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Johnson closed public comment. H. PUBLIC HEARING - Preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 Budget  Council will accept comments on the preliminary fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing and called for public comments. 00:13:10 Gracie Stogsdil, Public Comment Stogsdil of Colorado Avenue in Whitefish said she believes that the budget item for elections should be reduced to $0, as she does not believe the upcoming municipal election should be mail only. She asked that the Council change their decision from having the upcoming municipal election by mail ballot only to having polling place elections and that the City should advertise elections extensively providing reasoning why she believes that way including her views on voter fraud and laziness. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Johnson closed public comment and the public hearing. I. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION 1) Anderson Ranch Annexation, Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat  This item considers annexation and zoning of R-3 Residential for 11.7 acres, with a PUD Amendment, and preliminary plat for 166 residential lots on 42.5 acres. a. Resolution 6262 – Annexation b. Ordinance 1938 – PUD c. Resolution 6263 – Preliminary Plat 00:20:20 Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen provided the staff report. 00:34:56 Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Haskins spoke regarding the traffic impact study and subsequent requirements. 00:37:14 Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen continued the staff report. Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 4 of 13 00:38:23 Council Member Hunter asked questions about R-3 zoning and what would need further approval. He then asked about treatment of stormwater prior to entering wetland habitat. 00:40:21 Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Haskins spoke regarding water quality requirements. 00:41:26 Council Member Hunter asked further questions about previous stormwater approval. He then asked questions about the geotechnical study. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 00:43:10 Eric Mulcahy, Public Comment Mulcahy with Sands Surveying spoke on behalf of the applicant and said a representative from Civil Solutions was also in attendance. He said they concur with all the recommendations and that staff did an excellent job reviewing their project. He asked if Council has any questions. 00:43:49 Seeing no further public comments, Mayor Johnson closed public comment. 00:44:16 Motion to approve Resolution 6262, 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 situated, lying and being in the southwest quarter of Section 28, Township 28 North, Range 21 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, and more particularly described as follows to wit: parcel ‘A’ of Certificate of Survey 22969 (records of Flathead County, Montana) and containing 11.744 acres, subject to and together with all appurtenant easements of record, to be known as Anderson Ranch Tw o Addition 480, to zone said property in accordance with the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance, and to declare an effective date. Council Member – Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member – Kari Gabriel: 2nd 00:45:33 Council Member Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 00:46:31 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: 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: Absent Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 5 of 13 Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 00:47:19 Motion and Vote to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1938, an ordinance authorizing and adopting an amendment to the Anderson Ranch Planned Unit Development enacted by Ordinance 1926. Council Member - Sandy Carlson: 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. Motion and Vote to approve Resolution 6263, a resolution conditionally approving the preliminary plat of Anderson Ranch, more particularly described as a tract of land situated, lying and being in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and in the southwest quarter, all of Section 28, Township 28 north, Range 21 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, and more particularly described as follows to wit: Tract 1 of Certificate of Survey No. 22969 (records of Flathead County, Montana) and containing 42.500 acres, subject to and together with all appurtenant easements of record. Council Member - Sid Daoud: 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 2) Resolution 6264 - The Reserve at Johnson Ranch Growth Policy Amendment Intent  This resolution considers hearing from the public on July 21, 2025, on the intent to adopt, revise or reject a growth policy amendment to create a neighborhood business and high- density residential node at the northwest corner of the intersection of Old Reserve Drive and Stillwater Road and an additional portion at 1053 Stillwater Road. City Manager Russell explained that this item sets the public hearing date. Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 6 of 13 00:51:03 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. Motion and Vote to approve Resolution 6264, a resolution of intention to adopt, revise or reject a proposed amendment to the Kalispell Growth Policy – Plan It 2035 to amend the designation of property described as (1) Parcel B of Certificate of Survey No. 14346, located in the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 26, Township 29 north, Range 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana; and (2) the east half of the southeast quarter of section 26, township 29 north, range 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, excepting therefrom that portion deeded to Flathead County for road purposes, recorded December 5, 1899, in book 30, page 582, and also excepting therefrom that portion deeded to the Montana department of transportation for highway purposes, recorded June 28, 2007, as Doc. No. 2007-179-14150, and to call for a public hearing. Council Chair - Chad Graham: 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 3) Mountain Prime Steakhouse Conditional Use Permit for Accessory Casino  This item considers allowing for accessory casino use in conjunction with a full-service restaurant and bar at 214 South Main Street. Planner II Donnie McBath provided the staff report. 00:56:06 Council Member Hunter asked about requirements and policy regarding accessory casinos. Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen answered questions. 00:58:06 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. 00:58:18 Patrick Conover, Public Comment Conover of PCA Architects spoke on behalf of the applicant. He spoke regarding applicant Tuyen Tran’s success at the Blue Samurai Restaurant. He spoke regarding the casino aspect of the project, and the traffic impact study. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Johnson closed public comment. Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 7 of 13 00:59:50 Motion to approve a request from Tuyen Tran for Conditional Use Permit KCU- 25-03, a conditional use permit to allow an accessory casino, subject to ten conditions of approval, located at 214 South Main Street and more particularly described as Lots 3, 4, 5, and the Southerly 5 feet of Lot 2, Block 55 of Original Townsite of Kalispell, Montana, according to the map or plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Flathead County, Montana. Council Member – Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member – Sandy Carlson: 2nd 01:00:46 Council Member Hunter provided discussion on the motion. Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. 01:03:17 Council Member Graham provided discussion on the motion. 01:05:05 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion on the motion. 01:06:06 Council Member Nunnally asked a question regarding conditions. 01:07:48 Mayor Johnson provided discussion. 01:08:31 Council Member Daoud provided discussion. 01:09:52 Vote on the motion. 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 Nunnally: Approve Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 4) Corwin Motors Expansion Annexation and Initial Zoning  This item considers annexation and zoning of B-2, General Business for property at 2585 and 2577 US Highway 93 North containing 7.183 acres. a. Resolution 6265 – Annexation b. Ordinance 1939 – Zoning Planner II Donnie McBath provided the staff report. 01:15:16 Council Member Hunter asked questions about the adjacent waterway. Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 8 of 13 Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen answered questions. 01:16:50 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 01:17:03 Motion to approve Resolution 6265, 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 Tract 1 and Tract 2 of Certificate of Survey No. 20513, that portion of Government Lots 3 and 4, Section 30, Township 29 north, Range 21 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, to be known as Corwin Motors Addition No. 479, to zone said property in accordance with the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance, and to declare an effective date. Council Chair – Chad Graham: Motion Council Member – Sandy Carlson: 2nd 01:17:58 Council Member Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 01:19:12 Vote on the motion. Council Chair - Chad Graham: 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 01:19:53 Motion to approve Ordinance 1939, an ordinance to amend Section 27.02.010, official zoning map, city of Kalispell Zoning Ordinance No. 1677, by zoning certain real property, described as Tract 1 and Tract 2 of Certificate of Survey No. 20513, that portion of Government Lots 3 and 4, Section 30, Township 29 north, Range 21 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana (previously zoned County B-2 (General Business)) to City B-2 (General Business), in accordance with the Kalispell Growth Policy Plan – It 2035, and to provide an effective date. Council Member – Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member – Jed Fisher: 2nd Mayor Johnson provided discussion on the motion. 01:21:17 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 9 of 13 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 5) Resolution 6266 – Setting Police and Fire Impact Fees  This resolution considers revising police and fire impact fees per report recommendations. City Manager Doug Russell provided the staff report and explained a mistake on the historical component of the table for the fire impact fees on the 2015 calculated allowable and 2015 council adopted. He provided the correct numbers. 01:25:36 Council Member Hunter asked questions about how expenses would be covered if this item were not passed as recommended. 01:26:30 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 01:26:55 Motion to approve Resolution 6266, a resolution amending Resolution Numbers 5744 and 5745 to adjust the Police and Fire Impact Fee schedules pursuant to the recommendations of the Impact Fee Committee and Senate Bill 133. Council Member – Ryan Hunter: Motion Council Member – Kari Gabriel: 2nd 01:27:24 Council Member Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 01:27:59 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. 01:28:49 Council Member Graham provided discussion on the motion. 01:31:25 Council Member Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 01:33:31 Council Member Graham provided discussion on the motion. 01:36:33 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Motion Council Member - Kari Gabriel: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Disapprove Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Disapprove Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Disapprove Council Chair - Chad Graham: Disapprove Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 10 of 13 Council Member - Jed Fisher: Disapprove Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion failed with Council Member Hunter in favor and Council Members Daoud, Graham, Fisher, Nunnally Carlson, Gabriel, and Mayor Johnson opposed, and Council Member Dahlman absent. 6) Resolution 6267 – Reimbursement of Expenditures on Biosolids Dewatering Project  This item considers declaring city intent to reimburse expenditures related to the equipping of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant from State Revolving Fund Bonds. City Manager Doug Russell provided the staff report. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. Motion and Vote to approve Resolution 6267, a resolution declaring the official intent of the city of Kalispell, Montana to reimburse certain original expenditures related to the equipping of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant from the proceeds of tax-exempt bonds to be issued by the city after the payment of such original expenditures. 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 Nunnally: Approve Council Chair - Chad Graham: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 7) Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Association of Firefighters Local 547 This item considers approving this agreement.  City Manager Doug Russell provided the staff report. 01:41:52 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 01:42:06 Motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Kalispell and IAFF Local 547. 01:42:40 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 11 of 13 01:43:01 Mayor Johnson provided discussion on the motion. 01:43:55 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 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: Absent Council Member - Ryan Hunter: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Dahlman absent. 8) Identifying Sub-Committee for City Manager Recruitment  This item considers identifying Council members to facilitate the process of recruitment for the next City Manager. City Manager Doug Russell provided the staff report. 01:48:14 Mayor Johnson provided discussion. 01:48:31 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion. Council Member Hunter provided discussion. 01:49:24 Council Member Daoud provided discussion. Council Member Carlson provided discussion. Council Member Gabriel provided discussion. Mayor Johnson provided discussion. 01:51:07 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion. Council Member Graham provided discussion. 01:52:39 Council Member Hunter provided discussion. City Manager Russell provided discussion. J. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 12 of 13 City Manager Doug Russell provided the following report: • Next week nothing is scheduled for the work session. • The July 28 work session includes a discussion regarding a request from the Northwest Montana History Museum to purchase the City building they occupy. • Manager Russell asked whether discussion regarding the renaming of Kidsports Athletic Complex could be added to the July 28 work session. Council agreed. • Final numbers for assessed valuation is expected in August but with changes in state law there will not be a way for the City to predict the tax bill for individual homeowners. It will change again in the next few years as well. The City has concerns that the Department of Revenue may not have those numbers available in early August as they have in the past. He spoke regarding an upcoming training webinar on those changes. 01:56:48 Council Member Daoud congratulated his wife on their 45th wedding anniversary today. 01:57:38 Council Member Hunter provided discussion regarding the public comment received about elections explaining that the 4% voter turnout mentioned was not accurate, as he believes that was the in-person turnout, with the overall turnout much higher. He then spoke regarding the research conducted extensively refuting voter fraud. 01:59:12 Council Member Graham thanked the person who provided public comment related to the upcoming election for staying to the end of the meeting to hear what Council has to say. He then refuted the percentage mentioned wondering what that percentage refers to. He spoke regarding the 2023 election problems and how that might have affected that race. He explained that he would like to maintain in person voting and appreciates knowing that a voter can choose to vote in person at the Election Department. Mail ballots can also be handed personally to the Elections Department instead of placed in the mail. He confirmed with staff that the money in the budget for elections is used to pay the Flathead County Elections Department to run the election. 02:03:38 Council Member Nunnally spoke regarding conditions in the last municipal election. 02:04:03 Council Member Nunnally thanked the Fire Department for their rapid response in a wind event at the Fairgrounds. 02:04:46 Mayor Johnson spoke regarding the lack of public participation on most items, especially on the annual budget. He talked about elections and the importance of people being engaged in local government. He spoke regarding his views related to the importance of participation and the obligation to be engaged in governance and recognizing the sacrifices made in the past. He spoke about his beliefs related to making participation too convenient. 02:10:19 K. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 7, 2025 Page 13 of 13 _____________________________ Aimee Brunckhorst, City Clerk Minutes approved on UPCOMING SCHEDULE Next Work Session – July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers Next Regular Meeting – July 21, 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/MeetingVideos or live or later on YouTube at: www.kalispell.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, or cityclerk@kalispell.com.