09-08-25 Work Session Agenda and MaterialsCITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AGENDA
KALISPELL September 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
See the bottom of the agenda to learn how to provide public comment
and watch meetings live or later.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. DISCUSSION
Ownership Request from Northwest Montana History Museum for Central
School Property
2. Third Party Ambulance Billing
City Manager Recruitment
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. See the bottom of
the agenda to learn the protocol for providing comment.
E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS
F. ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Next Regular Meeting — September 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Next Work Session — September 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
PARTICIPATION
When addressing council please give your name and address, see the last page of the agenda for
the proper manner of addressing the council, and limit comments to three minutes. Comments
can also be emailed to publiccomment2kalispell.com.
To provide public comment live, remotely, join the video conference through zoom at:
httDs://us02web.zoom.us/i /87159501902?Dwd=DThSCP W 5UNOzlhxHn7a4DdDraeavtK.1.
Raise your virtual hand to indicate you want to provide comment. Due to occasional technical
difficulties, the most reliable way to participate is through in -person attendance. Electronic
means are not guaranteed.
Page 1 of 2
Kalispell City Council Agenda, September 8, 2025
Watch council sessions live with the agenda and supporting documents or later with documents
and time stamped minutes at: https://www.kalispell.com/MeetingVideos ideos or live or later on
YouTube at: www.kaliSDell.com/YouTube.
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employment practices. Auxiliary aids are available. For questions about disability
accommodation please contact the City Clerk at 406-758-7756.
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Adopted July 1, 1991
Section 2-20 Manner of Addressing Council
a. Each person not a Council member shall address the Council, at the time designated in the agenda
or as directed by the Council, by stepping to the podium or microphone, giving that person's
name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record, and unless further time is granted by
the Council, shall limit the address to the Council to three minutes.
b. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member of the Council or
Staff.
C. No person, other than the Council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into
any discussion either directly or through a member of the Council, without the permission of the
Presiding Officer.
d. No question shall be asked of individuals except through the Presiding Officer.
PRINCIPLES FOR CIVIL DIALOGUE
Adopted by Resolution 5180 on February 5, 2007
■ We provide a safe environment where individual perspectives are respected, heard, and
acknowledged.
■ We are responsible for respectful and courteous dialogue and participation.
■ We respect diverse opinions as a means to find solutions based on common ground.
■ We encourage and value broad community participation.
■ We encourage creative approaches to engage in public participation.
■ We value informed decision -making and take personal responsibility to educate and be educated.
■ We believe that respectful public dialogue fosters healthy community relationships, understanding
and problem solving.
■ We acknowledge, consider and respect the natural tensions created by collaboration, change, and
transition.
■ We follow the rules & guidelines established for each meeting.
Page 2 of 2
( - I' f � 4 77-
KALISPELL
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor Johnson and City Council
FROM: Jarod Nygren, Interim City Manager
201 ls' Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7700
SUBJECT: Ownership Request from Northwest Montana History Museum for Central
School Property
DATE: September 8, 2025
BACKGROUND: At the July 28, 2025, work session, Council discussed a request from the
Northwest Montana History Museum about their interest in acquiring ownership of the Central
School Property. The Northwest Montana History Museum is owned by the City of Kalispell and
is located at 124 Second Avenue East. The City has leased the property to the Museum since
1997 under the terms of the attached lease. Following the initial investment by the City of
Kalispell in 1997, the lease identifies that the Museum is responsible for the maintenance and
repairs of the premises.
Staff provided the provision within Section 7-8-4201 (3), M.C.A., that would allow the City to
transfer the property to the Museum. During discussion there were a number of questions in
regards to parking, open space, reversionary clause provisions, and how a loan would impact the
property in the future. Staff has researched the aforementioned discussion items and is prepared
to continue the discussion with representatives of the Museum Board also in attendance for
questions. At the meeting, it is recommended the Council further discuss the request and if there
is interest in transferring ownership of the property to the museum. If there is interest, it is
recommended the Council further discuss what the terms of that transfer would entail, such as
price, timeline, etc.
ATTACHMENTS: 1997 Lease Agreement
Letter Requesting Ownership
OPTION TO LEASE AGREEMENT
This Option to Lease Agreement, made and entered into on 1997, by
and between the City of Kalispell, a municipal corporation of the State of Montana, hereinafter
referred to as CITY and the Northwest Montana Historical Village and Museum, Inc., a Montana
Non -Profit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Montana, hereinafter
NMHVM,
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS,
The CITY for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar and other valuable consideration
($1.00 and ovc) paid by the NMHVM, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged,
does grant to the NMHVM the exclusive option to lease the within described premises owned by the
CITY and commonly known as the Central School, more particularly described as follows:
The East one-half (E '/z), Block 44, Kalispell Original Townsite, together with the
building located thereon, for the purpose of operating a museum, together with
exclusive concession right and privilege to charge admission, and to sell novelties,
gifts, memorabilia, food products, and refreshments, and all other activities incidental
to the primary purpose of operating a museum.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows.
The option to lease granted herein is subject to the following terms and conditions:
The option to lease the premises hereby granted to the NN4 IVM shall become
effective upon the date of execution of this Agreement, and shall be subject
to the following terms and conditions:
a. This shall terminate one (1) year after execution hereof; unless sooner
exercised by NMHVM in the manner hereinafter set forth;
b. Any extensions hereof shall be effective only if made in writing by
mutual agreement of the NMHVM and the CITY;
The CITY must agree to invest the sum, not to exceed, Two Million
Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) for the purpose of
designing and reconstructing said premises for use as a museum, and;
d. CITY will not expend funds for other than architectural fees, unless
and until NMHVM, complies with e, and
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December 19, 1997
j jq-1()
e. The NMMTM, prior to exercising this Option, can demonstrate to the
CITY that it has the requisite financial capability of operating said
premises as a museum for a period of two years. For purposes of this
Option, NMHVM shall be considered to have met the financial
viability requirements of this paragraph if the NMHVM raises, and
places in escrow, the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($250,000) cash, and has said sum available and earmarked
only for the purpose of maintenance and operation of the museum.
2. If the NMHVM fails to exercise the option to lease within the time
prescribed, this Option shall lapse and the CITY may retain the above stated
consideration of One Dollar ($1.00).
3. NMHVM may not sell, transfer, assign or otherwise part with any or all of its
rights under this Option Agreement.
4. The Option herein granted shall be exercised in the following manner:
a. On or before the termination date above, the NMHVM shall execute
the Leasc .^igreement, attached hereto as Exhibit "A", and in the event
of such exercise the payment shall be applied to the consideration due
from the NMHVM under this Option Agreement,
5. It is further understood and agreed that time is of the essence in this Option
Agreement, and that the Option must be exercised on or before the
termination date, and if not so exercised, all rights of the NMHVM granted
by this Option shall cease, and the CITY may retain the above stated
consideration of $1.00 given by NMHVM for this Option.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the NMHVM and the CITY have caused this Option Agreement
to be executed on the day first above written.
ATTEST:
(i)q c: -
Debbie Gifford f
Clerk of Council
ATTEST:
I:iwpinmhvn.wpd
July 29, 1997
CITY OF KALISPELL
� f
Douglas). Rauthe - Mayor
NORTHWEST MONTANA HISTORICAL
VILLAGE AND MUSEUM, INC.
By:
Its:
STATE OF MONTANA )
) ss
County of Flathead )
On this L,: . day of , 1997, before me, a ]Notary Public in and
for the State of Montana, personally app ared Douglas D. Rauthe and Debbie Gifford, known to me
to be the Mayor and the Clerk of Council of the City of Kalispell, a municipality, that executed the
within instrument, and acknowledged that such Mayor and Clerk of Council subscribed, sealed and
delivered said instrument as the free and voluntary act of said municipality, for the uses and purposes
therein set forth, and that he was duly authorized to execute the same on behalf of said municipality.
`IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day
and yeax fir1 above written.
Notary Public, State of Montana
(SEAL Residing at Kalispell, MT
' C— 6 � My Commission Expires: c� 18hr
STATE OF MONTANA )
) ss
County of Flathead )
On this Z, N day of — , 1997, before me, a Nptary Public in and
for the State of Montana, personally appeared wes3 _ and.
known to me to be the �'� and r *c _ of the Northwest
Montana Historical Village and Museum, Inc., that executed the within instrument, and
acknowledged that such officers subscribed, sealed and delivered said instrument as the free and
voluntary act of said corporation, for the uses and purposes therein set forth, and that he was du1_y
authorized to execute the same on behalf of said corporation.
N, WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day
and year f rst above written. s y
No Public, State of Montana
Resi ng at Kalispell, MT
t, My ommission Expires:
f:\wp\i�vn.wpd
July 29, 1997 3
iqq-�35G I �-w
EXHIBIT "A"
LEASE AGREEMENT
This Lease made and entered into ;' - I � , 1991 is by and between the CITY OF
KALISPELL, a municipal corporation, hereinafter CITY, and the NORTHWEST MONTANA
HISTORICAL VILLAGE AND MUSEUM, INC. a Montana Non -Profit Corporation, organized
and existing under the laws of the State of Montana, hereinafter NMHVM:
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS,
The CITY is the owner of certain real property and the improvements situated thereon located
in the City of Kalispell, more commonly referred to as the Central School; and
The NMHVM is an organization created by citizens for the purpose of establishing and
operating a historical museum within the City limits of Kalispell; and
WHEREAS,
The NMHVM desires to lease from CITY the Central School premises in furtherance of its
goal of establishing and operating a museum within the City of Kalispell.
NOW, THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants contained
herein the parties hereto agree as follows:
The CITY hereby leases to the NMHVM and the NMHVM hereby leases from the
CITY that certain real property situated in the City of Kalispell, Flathead County,
Montana, more particularly described as follows, to -wit: East 1/2 , Block 44, Kalispell
Original Townsite, excluding the parking lot on the North end of said 1/2 block,
together with the building situated thereon, commonly known as the Central School.
2. The term of this Lease shall be for a term of forty (40) years commencing
� 2 - 1-7 , 1997 and ending 1 -- -7 , .. C -),
3. NMI-IVM shall use the Premises only for purposes connected to and consistent with
the operation of a public historical museum and related services and programs,
including the exclusive concession, right and privilege to charge admission, and sell
novelties, gift, memorabilia, food products and refreshments, provided however, that
the NMHVM may use the Premises for any other lawful purpose with the CITY' S
advanced written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
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December 19, 1997 4
199121135G I ig1O
4. CITY and NMHVM acknnwledge that the premises will receive- major renovation at
CITY's expense, including structural, plumbing, heating and ventilation, air
conditioning, electrical, floor and wall covering, general lighting and other
renovation and improvements to bring the building on the leased premises to current
Kalispell building code requirements suitable for the building's use as a museum and
such other purposes as contemplated by Paragraph 3 of this Lease. NMHVM shall
be responsible at its expense for such interior improvements as display cabinets,
shelving specialized lighting, and other requirements unique to museum purposes.
The rent or rents to be paid to the CITY by the NMHVM are in the amounts and on
the basis and terms as follows.
a. NMHVM shall pay to the CITY as rent for the Premises the sum of ten
dollars ($10.00) per year t6r each year during the term of this Lease. The
rent shall be payable on or before 3Zw q ,in each year.
b. The NMHVM shall be solely responsible for the costs of any and all special
facilities, including City special assessments, equipment and materials, and
services required by the NMHVM, which by virtue of the NMHVM
occupancy of the premises, NMHVM deems necessary for operation and
maintenance of the premises as a museum. This however, does not grant to
NMHVM the right to make any structural alterations to the building or to the
premises in general without the express prior written consent of the CITY,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
NMHVM shall be solely responsible for all labor and services and materials
necessary for NMHVM's use of premises, exterior building maintenance,
grounds maintenance, including snow removal from sidewalks fronting l s`
Street East and 2"d Avenue East, and all interior building maintenance
including, but not limited to, heating systems, ductwork, electrical systems,
conduit, plumbing, sewer, and HVAC. CITY shall assign to NMHVM all its
rights under any warranties with respect to the renovation of the building,
including any warranties covering roofing, heating systems, ductwork,
electrical systems, conduit, plumbing, sewer, and HVAC.
d. NMHVM shall keep an accurate account of all monies received through its
operation upon the premises, and the CITY shall the right to audit such
accounts and any :;,cords pertaining to the accounts in conjunction with the
CITY' S normal auditing cycle, and at CITY expense.
6. Except as otherwise permitted by this Lease Agreement, the NMHVM covenants not
to do or suffer any demolition, waste or damage, disfigurement or injury to the
premises or the building or any part of it, or permit or suffer any overloading of its
structural members or floors.
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July 29, 1997 5
1997 3561 t
NMHVM shall permit the authorized representatives of CITY to enter the premises
or any part of it at all times during usual business hours after reasonable notice under
the circumstances prevailing for the purpose of making reasonable inspections.
7. All portions of the sidewalks and passageways, and all ways of access to public
utilities of the premises shall be kept ubstructed by the NMHVM and shall not be
used for any purpose other than ingress and egress to and from the premises. The
doors, stairways or openings into any place in the structure, including hallways,
corridors and passageways shall in no way be obstructed by the NMHVM.
8. Commencing with the date of NMHV1's occupancy of the premises, NMHVM
shall indemnify and save harmless the CITY from all losses, costs and expenses
(including attorneys' fees) arising out of any liability, claim of liability, for injuries
to persons or property sustained or claimed to have been sustained by anyone, by
reason of the use or occupancy of the premises, whether such use is authorized or not,
or by any act or omission of the NMHVM or any of its officers, agents, employees,
patrons, guests or invitees, and NMHVM shall pay for any damage to the property
of CITY, or loss or theft of property, &ne or caused by such persons.
9. Commencing with the date of NMHVM's occupancy of the premises, NMHVM shall
provide the CITY a comprehensive liability insurance policy, including bodily injury
and property damage, written by a company approved by the CITY, covering
premises, operation and productions in amounts as stipulated below:
For any one person:-------- $750,000.00
For any one accident:------ $1,500,000.00
Property Damage:---------- $ 50,000.00
a. In the event the CITY is not named as an additional named insured on
NMHVM insurance policies, dice policies shall contain a provision waiving
all subrogation rights against the CITY.
b. Certified copies of above policy or a certificate evidencing its existence or a
binder shall be delivered to the CITY upon occupancy of the building by the
NMHVM. In the event a binder is delivered, it shall be replaced with 30
days by a certified copy of the policy. Each copy or certificate shall contain
a valid provision or endorsement that the policy may not be canceled,
terminated, or modified without giving 30 days' written notice to the CITY.
C. A renewal insurance policy shall be delivered to the CITY not less than 30
days prior to a policy's expiration date except for any policy expiring on or
after the termination date of this Lease Agreement.
I:lwpinmvn.wpd
July 29, 1997
I0. CITY shall, at its sole expense, procure and maintain throughout the term of this
lease a policy of insurance, insuring against loss to the building leased herein by fire
and all other risks of direct physical loss to the building and other improvements
comprising a part of the premises. The amount of insurance required shall be not
less than the full replacement cost of the building, as determined at the
commencement of the lease, and redetermined thereafter every three (3) years. The
policy of insurance shall be written with a reputable insurance agency licensed to do
business in the State of Montana. If the estimated cost of restoration of the building
following an insured loss exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the replacement cost, the
CITY shall not be obligated to restore the building. If the estimated cost of
restoration of the building following an insured loss is fifty percent (501/o) or less the
CITY shall restore the building.
11. In the event any portion w' d e Central School Museum leased to the NMHVM is not
vacated at the end of the term of this Lease Agreement, the CITY is authorized to
remove from the premises, at the expense of the tenant, all the property of any kind
which may be occupying a portion of the museum on which the terra of this Lease
Agreement has expired, and the CITY shall not be liable for any damages to or loss
of such property sustained either during its removal or storage and the CITY, its
agents, employees, and officials, are released from all claims for such loss or damage.
Upon termination of this Lease Agreement, the NMHVM will deliver to the CITY
the premises in as good condition as they shall be found at the beginning of the term
of this Lease Agreement, except for normal wear and tear.
12. It is agreed that all receipts and funds received by the NMHVM in operation of the
museum are the property of the NMHVM.
13. The CITY assumes no responsibility for any property placed in the premises, and the
CITY is released and discharged from any and all liabilities for any loss, injury or
damages to person or property that may be sustained by reason of the occupancy of
the premises under this Lease Agreement; and all guards or other protective services
desired are the responsibility of the NMHVM. Further, it shall be the sole
responsibility of NMH'v M to procure insurance against losses to any museum
contents, including but not limited to, fin-nishings and fixtures, equipment, museum
display items and artifacts, and any and all other property placed in the premises by
the NMHVM, its agents, employees, and representatives.
14. CITY shall have the power and authority to terminate this lease for any of the
following reasons:
a. Recission by mutual consent of the parties;
b. For violations of any of the terms and conditions of this lease;
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July 29, 1997 7
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C. For using the premises for any purpose other than those authorized by this
lease or for any other misuse of the premises.
15. If there is default or violation of any of the covenants or conditions in this Lease
Agreement involving the failure of the NMHVM to keep the premises in good
condition and repair in accordance with the provision of this Lease Agreement, or to
take any action required by the terms of the Lease Agreement, then the CITY shall
have the right to, but shall not be required, to make good any default of the
NMHVM. Nothing in this Lease Agreement shall imply any duty upon the part of
the CITY to do any work which, under any provisions of this Lease Agreement, the
NMHVM is required to perform, and the performance of it by the CITY shall not
constitute a waiver of NMHVM's default in failing to perform. it. The CITY may,
during the progress of any work elected to be performed by it on the premises or the
building, enter with contractors, agents, and employees and keep and store upon the
premises and in the building or any part of it all necessary materials, tools and
equipment. The CITY shall not in any event be liable for any inconvenience,
annoyance, disturbance, loss of business or other damage of or to the NMHVM by
reason of bringing materials, supplies and equipment into or through the building
during the course of work, and the obligations of the NMHVM under this Lease
Agreement shall not be a&Fected in any manner whatsoever, provided that the CITY
uses reasonable care under the circumstances prevailing to avoid unnecessary
inconvenience, annoyance, disturbance, loss of business or other damages of or to the
NMHVM.
16. To the extent not prohibited by law, all expenses, including reasonable attorney fees
and court costs, incurred by the CITY by reason of any default by the NMHVM
(whether or not any proceeding is instituted) or in connection with any action or
proceeding affecting this Lease Agreement or premises, shall be paid to the CITY
by the NMHVM on demand. Conversely, the NMHVM shall be entitled to similar
expenses incurred because of the CITY' S default, without default on the NMHVM's
part.
17. All sums advanced by the CITY pursuant to § § 14 and 15 and all necessary incidental
expenses, and attorney's fees in connection with the performance of any acts shall be
deemed additional rent and shall be promptly payable by the NMHVM, in the
respective amounts so advanced by the CITY. This reimbursement shall be made on
demand. Conversely, the NMHVM shall be entitled to receive from the CITY
prompt payment or reimbursement on any sum due and owing from the CITY to the
NMHVM.
18. Any notice which the CITY may desire to give the NMHVM shall be deemed
sufficiently given if the notice is in writing and sent by certified mail addressed to the
NMHVM, at 8 - IST Street East, Rm 213, P.Q. Box 2293, Kalispell, MT 59903-2293
or at the latest substituted address by the NMHVM in writing to the CITY, or left at
such address or delivered to the NMHVM representative at the premises; and the
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July 29, 1997 8
199,23,56 t i q-1(D
time of giving of the notice shall be the time when the notice is mailed, Ieft or
delivered as proved herein. Any notice from the NMHVM to the CITY shall be
validly given if sent by certified mail addressed to CITY MANAGER, P.O. Box
1997, Kalispell, MT 59903-1997, or at such other address and the CITY shall
designate by notice to the NMHVM.
19. Time is of the essence in this Lease Agreement.
20. Upon termination of this lease, NMHVM shall peaceably yield up and surrender the
possession of the premises to CITY or its agents, or to subsequent lessees or grantees.
21. NMHVM waives all claims against the City for compensation for any loss or damage
sustained by reason of any defect, failure, or impairment of the water or sewer
system, leading to or on the premises. In the event the premises or any part thereof
is damaged by fire or if for any other reason, including failure of utilities or any act
of God which, in the judgement of the CITY, renders fulfillment of this Lease
Agreement by the CITY impossible, then at the option of the CITY this Lease shall
terminate, upon reasonable notice to NMHVM.
22. Traffic control and parking on or near the premises under this Lease Agreement shall
be subject to approval of the CITY'S Public Works Department and the Kalispell
Parking Commission,
23. NMHVM shall be responsible for arranging any paying for electrical, heating, water,
sewer, and any other customary utility charges.
24. This Lease Agreement snail and its terms and conditions shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the respective parties their heirs, successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the CITY and the NMHVM have caused this Lease Agreement
to be executed the day and year first above written.
ATTEST:
AJ 1 gad
Debbie Gifford
Clerk of Council
ATTEST:
1:1wpVunhvn. wpd
July 29, 1997
Le
CITY OF KALISPELL
Dougla§JD. Rauthe - Mayor
NORTHWEST MONTANA HISTORICAL
VILLAGE AND MUSEUM, INC.
By: emu' ✓t:r ..,: _
Its:
STATE OF MONTANA )
) ss
County of Flathead )
On this /7 914 day of , 1997, before me, a Notary Public in and
for the State of Montana, personally appeared Douglas D. Rauthe and Debbie Gifford, known to me
to be the Mayor and the Clerk of Council of the City of Kalispell, a municipality, that executed the
within instrument, and acknowledged that such Mayor and Clerk of Council subscribed, sealed and
delivered said instrument as the free and voluntary act of said municipality, for the uses and purposes
therein set forth, and that he was duly authorized to execute the same on behalf of said .municipality.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day
and yCa r f rst above written.
r
Notary Public, State of Montana
Residing at Kalispell, MT
My Commission Expires: Y/') � Zw
STATE OF MONTANA )
) ss
County of Flathead )
On this day of 1997, before me, a Notary Public in and
for the State of Montana, personally a peared p Z and
known to me to be the and Vile, of the Northwest
Montana Historical Village and Museum, Inc., that executed the within instrument, and
acknowledged that such officers subscribed, sealed and delivered said instrument as the free and
voluntary act of said corporation, for the uses and purposes therein set forth, and that he was duly
authorized to execute the same on behalf of said corporation.
IN WITNESS V TIEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and axed my Notarial Sea! the day
and year first above written.
1:lwpinmhvn. wpd
July 29, 1997 10
Northwest Montana
History Museum
=r' nwmthistory.org 1406-756-8381
124 Second Ave. East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Mr. Douglas Russell
Kalispell City Manager
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Dear Mr. Russell,
May 22, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to pursue further discussion with the city about otir interest in acquiring
ownership of the Central School property, at 124 Second Ave. E., in Kalispell. As proud stewards of the
iconic 1894 Central School, we consider the structure and site our flagship exhibit. a precious artifact of
Kalispell's history.
But we also must focus on the future_ Presently, there are many issues with the building that we as a
board are willing to tape on. We will he happy to provide you with a list if requested.
Nonprofits have access to foundations and other preservation -focused funding sources. Tax-deductible,
well-defined capital campaigns attract benefactors. But we are confronted with the reality that we don't
own the facility and our tenure here is not ensured. We often do not meet eligibility criteria. Private
donors are scarce for capital improvements to leased facilities o«ned by go-,emnwrits.
Ownership of the property will help the museum apply for grants to maintain, preserve, and improve the
structure, enable fundraising for a museum -owned permanent asset, and put the nonprofit on a more
stable foundation.
The minutes of the museum's board of directors formal resolution showing unanimous support for this
request, dated May 8, 2025, are attached. Thank you for considering our proposal to accept the property
(assessor no. E038913) from the city. We are grateful for the opportunit% and hope that the City of
Kalispell will be amenable to this transfer of ownership.
Laurie Rapp, President of Board of Directors
A.J. K' g, Boar tuber
Margaret . Davis, ExecutiNe I)irector
Northwest Montana Historical Society, Inc.
Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting
May 8, 2025
Northwest Montana History Museum
124 2nd Ave. East
Kalispell, Montana 59901
MINUTES
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order a, 3:59 PM by Vice President Alex Berry. Board members
in attendance were: Sally Hash, Margaret LeKander, Rod Wallette, Sharon Bristow, Mike
Hayes, Elaine Graber, Scott Wheeler, Bob Brown, Bill Dakin and Jim Atkinson. A.J. King,
Donna Danz, Laurie Happ and Art: Burch were absent. Director Margaret Davis was also
in attendance.
AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
Approval of Meeting Minutes Approved as presented.
Financial Report as of March 31, 2025 Approved as presented
Director's Report
Director's Report May 6, 2025 (for May 8 board meeting)
Exhibits and Collections
a. Met volunteer Mary Miers early April re supplementing aerial -photo exhibit;
met with Mary. Nancy Hart. Jane Renfrow and Sharon *iris"ow re new lobby
exhibit and bookstore changes
b. Still looking to connect with Missoula rock expert Sara Scott about the Herron
Rock; display stand constructed by Jennifer Li and working on label
2. Fundraising and Grants
a. Slowly filing completion report with Humanities Montana for $4 174 grant for
Nov. 17 book festival and Big Sky Reads grant; luckily all our funding . ompleted
for programs with them
b. Submitted application April 25 for fourth entry into the Great Fish Community
Challenge; submitted required grant completion report for 2024 campaign on April
30
3. Programming
a. Toured around StoryCorps's Latojia Dawkins and Montana Public Radio's
Michael Marsolek for a site visit April 17; FVCC site chosen but we. tried; Michael
offered us two slots, needs to know them by Friday (May 9); met with volunteer
Paul Triantafibs to plan robust participation
b. Completed contracts for events with Linda Robbin, Flathead Demo Women,
Sons of Norway
c. Brought in loaner guitar for performer Jeff Warner on March 18 to test for April
24 gig; tested AV and discussed room layout with him April 22
4. Technology
a. Website and other online sites/calendars updated as needed
b. Gave AV training to Rick Hull on April 21 for Westerners events (backup to
Jacob/Tim C.)
5. Education and Outreach
a. Rustled up Daily Inter Lake coverage for Jeff Warner performance April 24
b. Presented to Kalispell Women's Connection on April 15
c. Arranged April 15 engagement of Daily Inter Lake writer Heidi Desch and
photographer Casey Kreider for confab marking total completion of train layout,
including involved KPS students
d. Completed video -editing course April 23 to May 7 (three evening sessions) at
FVCC
e. Stopped at Ninepipes museum for rack cards April 12 and to meet Jo Cheff
f. Edited Scout Atreyu Oxford's article re Lone Pine project April 16 for newsletter
g. Summer quarterly newsletter went to press and the post office May 5
h. Wrote article April 23 re the museum for Three Rivers Heritage Club newsletter
6. Volunteers and Staff
a. Held volunteer and all staff meeting per usual May 8
b. Ongoing training/consulting with Jennifer Li on membership, deposits, exhibits
etc.
c. Interviewed potential new museum staffer Emma Hawkins by Zoom on April 14
d. Arranging with Atlas Jaques and Elie Eberts-Robocker for added event/desk
coverage
e. Accountant Kim Orr says she will work with us thru 2025 and 2026 but put us on
notice that any new accountant will be more expensive and handle fewer tasks
than she does
f. Ongoing recruitment and training of volunteers
7. Buildings and Grounds
a. Reposted Craigslist ad April 14 for basement rental space, fielding queries,
showed space April 18 and 24
b. Met with Linda Robbin and Bruce Mollberg on April 17 re celebration of life for
Rand Robbin on May 25
c. Carpenter Ally Pike coming in mid -May to install picture rail for north temporary
gallery; Jane Renfrow painted
d. Electro Controls' Darin Price and Josh Gruber continuing work on HVAC
upgrade; deadline for work completion is June 30
e. Called elevator inspector Kevin Thompson, 406-439-4988, to re -up permit April
18 and 28; he and Jason of Kone came April 30 (Evan will be Jason's successor);
paid license fee May 5
Respectfully submitted to the board by email 5/6/25 by Margaret E. Davis
NEW BUSINESS
Long range facility task force (AJK, JSW, AB (x2)), review draft proposal (JSW)
Scott reported that AJ had met with Doug Russell about the possibility of the museum
board acquiring the building and was met with a modicum of interest. Scott felt that a
resolution by the board to pursue such an action would show the city that we are
serious about pursuing such an action. Jim moved and Michael seconded that the
board proceed with the pursuit of acquiring the museum property from the City.
Motion passed unanimously.
June board meeting —can change? (MD has conflict)
Margaret had a conflict with the next board meeting and asked if we could hold the
meeting at another date. The board agreed to hold the nex+ board meeting June 11 at
4:00 PM.
Investment committee (ML)
Margaret reported that our investments are down 7% although we did get dividends of
$315.11. Jean Luckey suggested and Margaret recommended that we sit tight and
make no changes at this time. The ooaro concurred.
Depot model update (BD)
Bill reported that the mall directors don't look like they are ps inter -steel in the depot
model as Judy Cross is, however, Sam Nunnley from the Fairgrounds is interested in it.
We will pursue that exchange.
July 4 parade entry (EG)
Elaine re[orted that Doug Rauthe has agreed to drive his 1949 Cadillac in the 4th of July
Parade with a museum banner on it. Elaine is contacting the parade sponsors to see
what regulations are needed to enter. Other ideas were to have young people carry
signs. Jim may ride his scooter also. It was suggested we contact Dale Duff, who has a
1927 Cadillac to represent the museum in the parade
Movie night license
Margaret mentioned that a regulatory organization had approached her stating that we
needed a license to show movies. The board discussed itF- options.
Feedback on charging adult on school tours
There has been an issue about the number of parents that also attend the school tours.
There is a need to have chaperones for the tours so the board agreed upon a policy to
allow two chaperones for free but require that all other adults must pay for the tour.
Saturdays?
We would like to have the museum open Saturdays during the summer but we will need
to fill 28 time slots in orde, to do so. Several board members volunteered to take some
of the slots. It was also suggested that we have some of the paid staff fill slots.
Other business.
Alex had a conversation with Colleen Unterreiner who stated that the nPw executive
director of the Glacier Symphony is interested in locating same smaller venues to
perform in. The museum may be a prime venue for them
Meeting was adjourned at 5:14 PM. Next meeting: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 4:00 PM
,r.���+4lw�
KALISPELL
REPORT TO: Jarod Nygren, Interim City Manager
FROM: Jay Hagen, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Third Party Ambulance Billing
MEETING DATE: September 8, 2025 (Work Session)
Kalispell Fire Department
312 lst Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7700
BACKGROUND: The Kalispell Fire Department currently manages ambulance billing in-
house and would like to procure third party ambulance billing for more efficiency. Kalispell is
the only Class One city in Montana still performing this function internally. Currently, billing is
done with one full-time employee. With call volumes expected to surpass 5,000 billable alarms
in the coming year, moving towards third party billing will ensure the City is taking the
necessary steps to improve collection rates through specialized expertise, software, and
compliance processes.
Attached is the payer mix/incident types for ambulance calls, which is comprised of 77% federal
and state coverage paid. Currently, the City receives approximately 37% of billed charges and
write-offs the uncollected balance (approximately 63%) for those types of coverage. It is
expected that moving towards 3rd party ambulance billing will result in more revenue collected.
RECOMMENDATION: Provided Council agrees with procuring third party services, staff will
provide a recommendation for services at a future Council meeting.
ATTACHMENTS: Payer mix chart / Incident types
1 • ��, � 2. iiaxerdous Condltiarn �Na 3 •False Alarm i. False Call,
Firef, T8 �
i.7'• IsuhGc. Asslatl Good
Intent Call, S6Q 4.8erere YMeatherf
■ i - Fire
- HATtrdous Wndltlall (NU Fire)
3- False Alarm & False Call
■,l- Severe Weattw & N a tlf rat Disaster
■ 5 • Service Call
■£ Sp %: cl Incident Type
■7.1 he Cue& Emergency Medical 5eNce
- 6 c 7, .-.i ;'7 Good Intent Ca It
pa
71112
Mertii. Are Trmllbr IAl Wl. rAr IkAfe Advmlt.►ge 4S°. e. tifi, ad IrY, VAillum,wr%Xjt h.atilwA y.,, 5:, CN lv Atr "irry 1w,
FTF City of Kalispell
LL Post Office Box 1997 -Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
YLAILISPETelephone (406) 758-7700 Fax - (406) 758-7758
MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Michel, Director of Human Resources
Re: City Manager Recruitment
Meeting Date: September 4, 2025
BACKGROUND: In August, the City of Kalispell retained GMP Consultants for the executive
search of the City Manager position.
As part of the ongoing recruitment process for the City Manager position, this item seeks City
Council's input and recommendations regarding three key elements:
Recommended Salary Range
Recommended Starting Range
Residency Requirement for the City Manager
Based on a review of current wages for City Managers in six comparable cities across Montana,
the following salary structure is proposed:
• Salary Range: $195,000 - $219,007
• Starting Salary Range: $195,000 - $207,003
This recommendation ensures the City remains competitive in attracting and retaining high -
quality candidates while maintaining equity with similar jurisdictions.
As part of the profile development, GMP would prefer to know if residency requirements are
required. City codes are contradictory in this regard as code 2-36 refers to residence
requirements for the City Manager and code 20A-1 allows all city employees to live outside city
limits. This could also be negotiated during contract development with potential hire.
Considerations of this requirement may include:
Talent pool limitations
Community presence and engagement
Housing availability and cost within and outside city boundaries
Your guidance on these matters will ensure clarity and consistency as we move forward with the
recruitment profile development.
ATTACHMENTS: Salary range comparison
Code 2-36
Ordinance 1872 repealing Code 20A-1
City Manager Salaries
Kalispell
$
187,512
Billings (population 123,290)
$
219,007
Helena (population 35,944)
$
1983594
Belgrade (population 13,721)
$
2123529
Whitefish (populatin 10,035)
$
1983266
Livingston (in Nov) (population 9,196)
$
1953000
Great Falls (population 60,406)
$
2073757
Average:
$
2053192
Midpoint:
$
2073003
Salary Range:
$1953000 - $2193007
Starting Salary Range:
$1953000 - $2073003
8/27/25, 8:10 AM City of Kalispell, MT Residency of City Manager.
City of Kalispell, MT
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Chapter 2. Administration
Article 6. OFFICERS
§ 2-36. Residency of City Manager.
The City Manager must reside in the City of Kalispell; provided, however, the City
Council may by motion authorize the Manager to reside outside the City limits,
temporarily, pending annexation of the Mana er's residence to the City.
(Ord. 1166 § 2-36; amd. Ord. 1245, 8-5-19461
https://ecode360.com/print/KA4946?guid=42627369 1 /1
ORDINANCE NO. 1872
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1582, CODIFIED AT KMC SECTION
20A-1, RELATING TO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES FOR
EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL, DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO CODIFY THE SAME.
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City that its ordinances regarding city employee
requirements and restrictions be reassessed and updated from time to time to ensure
that the purposes of the employee requirements and restrictions are consistent with
other existing laws and properly serve the interests of the public; and
WHEREAS, on September 5, 2006 the City enacted Ordinance 1582, setting forth residential
restrictions and preferences upon employees hired by the City such that all
employees are required to live in Flathead County and receive a hiring preference
if residing within the city limits and "any employee of the City of Kalispell who,
as a requirement of his or her job description, must be able to promptly respond to
emergency situations within the City of Kalispell, should reside within three air
miles from the City of Kalispell, or a farther distance, only if able to respond to the
City of Kalispell with fifteen minutes from his or her residence''; and
WHEREAS, all employees of the City are required, pursuant to the directives of the City of
Kalispell Personnel Handbook, to reliably keep to their scheduled worktimes in a
punctual and timely manner, which directives operate to effectively guide the
employees where they may reasonably reside and keep their work obligations with
the City; and
WHEREAS, the available affordable residential housing within the unrestricted area defined by
Ordinance 1582 for new city employees has become significantly restricted making
it difficult for the City of Kalispell to hire the necessary personnel to fill job
vacancies as they arise within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City Council therefore finds that the residential restrictions and
preferences currently mandated pursuant to Ordinance 1582 do not meet the desired
purpose of reliably maintaining an effective city work force and that it is in the best
interests of the public served by the City that Ordinance 1582 be repealed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Ordinance No. 1582 enacted by the Kalispell City Council and
codified in the Kalispell Municipal Code at 20A-1 is hereby
repealed.
SECTION 2. The City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to recodify this
Ordinance.
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its final
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF
THE CITY OF KALISPELL THIS 7TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2022.
Mark John
Mayor
ATTEST:
r
Ai a Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
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