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01-12-26 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL KCITY01. WORK SESSION MINUTES ALISPELL January 12, 2026, 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://w-\vw.kalispell.com/MeetingVideos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hunter called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present via video conference Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Present Council Member - Wes Walker: Present Council Member - Lisa Blank: Present Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Present Staff present included City Manager and Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Fred Bicha, Parks Superintendent Colter Hanson, Recreation Superintendent Stephanie Brown, and Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. DISCUSSION 1. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update 9� G Presentation ® a Refer to the titles in bold to correspond with the presentation slides attached. 00:01:36 Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher began the staff report explaining that the update is 60% complete. 00:02:18 Mike Terrell, Landscape Architect Principal with MT LA began the presentation explaining that their team consists of Berger Partnership, WGM Engineering, and Nexus Planning Group. He provided an overview of the process to date and what is included in the plan at 60%. Terrell explained the attached presentation. Please refer to the titles in bold to correspond with the presentation slides attached. 00:03:06 What is a Parks and Recreation Plan? Page 1 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 Terrell explained what this plan consists of and why including assessing community needs, engaging the public, identifying service gaps, setting standards and policies, map priorities, implementation, recreation planning and funding and investment. 00:05:08 How the Parks and Recreation Plan Aligns with City Plans Terrell explained how this plan aligns with other city plans. 00:06:05 Our Community Terrell talked about current and projected population numbers and the area being considered including the growth policy boundary. 00:06:59 Community Engagement Terrell spoke regarding the public outreach they have undertaken including stakeholder inventories, multiple open houses, booths at local events, and a detailed community survey. Another open house will be held tomorrow evening. 00:08:40 Community Engagement Comments Terrell provided some example comments that were received, talked about themes, etc. 00:09:54 Specific Improvements Needed Terrell explained how people tended to respond to the questions about specific improvements wanted. 00:10:43 Further Development Terrell provided example comments that were received from the public regarding what things they would like to see further developed. 00:11:26 Summary of Findings Terrell provided a summary of initial findings. 00:12:11 4. Where We Are: Building on Success Terrell spoke regarding what has happened and been completed since the 2006 plan was adopted including multiple playground replacements and restroom remodel, and numerous facility improvements across city buildings. He also talked about the successes of the urban forestry department. 00:13:35 4. Where We Are Terrell talked about identifying level of service (LOS) standards associated with equitable provision service that is tailored to the community. LOS helps set attainable goals. 00:15:07 Access, Distribution Amenities, Needs Terrell presented a northern service area and a southern service area map that provided this information visually and provided related context. 00:16:43 Our Vision and Goals Terrell presented a draft vision statement and talked about related goals. 00:17:27 Goals 1-5 Terrell explained five goals presented. Page 2 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 00:18:30 Goals 6-10 Terrell explained goals 6-10. 00:20:11 Where We Are Going Terrell talked about draft priorities. 00:20:48 Where We Are Going Terrell further spoke further regarding draft priorities they have discussed. 00:23:42 How Do We Get There: Budget, Partnerships, User Fees, Special Improvement District Terrell spoke regarding areas they have looked at regarding how priorities could happen. These included looking at budget factors, partnerships, user fees, special improvement districts, and others. These items will be further explored between 60 and 90% of the draft. 00:26:12 Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. 00:26:10 Dillon Tabish, Public Comment Tabish with Fish, Wildlife and Parks thanked staff for the work they have done and said he was impressed with how much engagement was done and talked about all the community outreach he has seen. He then explained interest by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to partner with the City of Kalispell regarding Woodland Park Pond to turn the pond into a trout fishing pond. He talked about successful urban fishing ponds including Pine Grove Pond in this valley, and their goals for these ponds. Tabish said they would like to help revitalize Woodland Park pond, stock fish in the pond and utilize a fund specifically to support families fishing in Montana. He provided examples of other fishing ponds they have partnered to create and talked about the success they have seen. He talked about the possibility of paying for a study to look at the feasibility of the project. 00:30:09 Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 00:30:21 Council Member Fisher confirmed that Dry Bridge pond will continue to be stocked. 00:30:34 Council Member Fisher spoke regarding funding being the key to success and the importance of Parks and Recreation planning. He then asked about the status of the relationship with the School District. 00:31:37 Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher explained the fee structure and partnership they have with the school district to utilize school space and for the schools to utilize parks space. 00:32:44 Council Member Fisher asked questions regarding current federal grant funding. Director Fincher talked about a current grant they are working through related to improvements at the pool. Page 3 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 00:34:09 Council Member Fisher talked about his thoughts regarding an indoor sports facility. He asked who seeks and/or writes grants for the Parks and Recreation Department. Director Fincher introduced his staff and talked about how all have completed successful grant proj ects. 00:35:24 Council Member Nunnally asked about plans he had heard regarding indoor sports facilities in the area. 00:36:04 Manager Nygren explained there is still interest and efforts still being discussed. 00:36:59 Council Member Nunnally asked about Woodland Park pond. 00:37:30 Director Fincher talked about a biology survey and conversations that have taken place at Woodland Park pond, and the conditions at the pond including subsiding water. 00:3 8:13 Council Member Nunnally talked about a fundraiser he heard about in the 1970's that was used to improve the pond. He provided discussion that he believes the community would get behind a fishing pond and he would support that in some fashion. 00:39:08 Council Member Daoud said he is happy to see Woodland Park pond being discussed as a fishing pond. He would like winter hockey to be taken into consideration with any park pond revamping. He discussed the importance of public/private partnerships. He also talked about a community funded education campaign related to the ducks. He discussed the lack of a special needs playground and the possibility of partnerships. 00:42:25 Director Fincher talked about accessibility discussions they have had with accessible partners and explained that Ashley Creek Park currently being developed will be accessible. They are also looking at how to address those concerns when upgrades are made. He also talked about a goal by a partner at the Youth Athletic Complex related to accessibility and then talked further about concerns. 00:43:39 Council Member Daoud said he has heard many concerns regarding accessibility and support. He discussed possible partnership opportunities and would like to discuss the subject further. 00:44:47 Council Member Waterman thanked staff for all the outreach done. He then asked for an explanation related to the Spokane model. 00:45:06 Mike Terrell answered questions about a partnership between the city of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department and the School District related to a twenty-year levy that was passed. He talked about the model they are using with that funding mechanism and talked about the possibility of partnerships with the Kalispell School District. 00:48:09 Council Member Waterman talked about the possibility of different partnership programs and foundations and discussed how that could be brought together. He asked questions regarding bicycle paths and how that is included in transportation plans and how parks could be connected into that. Page 4 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 00:51:00 Council Member Walker talked about the comprehensiveness of the study. He asked about the small food truck court along the Parkline Trail off Highway 93. 00:51:33 Director Fincher explained that area is actually owned by the Mall. 00:51:57 Council Member Walker asked about leasing out parks areas. 00:51:53 Director Fincher explained the food truck activities they have had in the past and how they have incorporated food trucks into the Picnic in the Parks concert series. 00:53:10 Director Fincher explained how food trucks are handled within the parks. 00:54:32 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion in favor of partnering with schools and looking at other partnerships. She asked whether inventory around current parks has been looked at and how underutilized parks could be improved. 00:56:03 Director Fincher answered Gabriel's questions and the opportunities and challenges related to the specific parks she asked about. 00:57:12 Council Member Blank talked about the thoroughness of the masterplan and in appreciation for the outreach done. She asked questions related to the water trail concept presented. 00:58:01 Terrell talked about possible opportunities and partnerships that are being discussed internally related to a water trail concept and where possible put in and take out spots may be able to be developed. 00:59:01 Council Member Blank asked for further details regarding the possibility of a bike trail along the river. 00:59:22 Terrell talked about looking at north / south connectivity and the possibility of a recreation shuttle. 00:59:57 Council Member Blank asked about looking at the entire span of the waterway and partnerships with other communities. 01:00:10 Terrell spoke regarding the limited scope of the plan. 01:00:41 Council Member Fisher talked about Flathead County's goals related to water access and discussed the opportunities and challenges. 01:01:18 City Manager Nygren talked about the importance of creating vision and tying planning documents into that vision. 01:01:58 Council Member Daoud asked about scholarship programs. 01:02:29 Director Fincher explained that sports program photography is utilized for scholarships and a fund is set aside so that people can donate for scholarship funding. Page 5 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 01:03:15 Mayor Hunter spoke to his interest to have a prompt when payment is made that would ask the registrant if they would like to donate to the scholarship fund. 01:03:49 Director Fincher talked about discussing if council would like to add that feature during the next fee discussion. 01:04:22 Council Member Waterman provided input that he heard from a user of the skate park that it is `wickedly cool' for more advanced skaters but from a parents' perspective lacks an area for novice, younger users. 01:05:19 Mayor Hunter provided discussion in favor of the water trail and recreation opportunity ideas. He also provided discussion in favor of walkability, leveraging partnerships, and spoke regarding the possibility of a Parks Board. He provided discussion about the importance of engaged community members and would like to cultivate community leadership. 01:07:46 Mayor Hunter talked about homeowner association parks and the limits he has seen. He asked about the idea of revising HOA standards. 01:08:32 Terrell talked about possibilities related to revising HOA park standards and further discussions that need to take place with planning staff in relation to requirements. He talked about the variation in HOA parks within the community. 01:10:53 Mayor Hunter talked further about HOA parks, standards and provided discussion related to parks -in -lieu funding. 01:12:09 City Manager Nygren explained what can be done related to development park requirements and the council discussions that would be needed related to policy and funding to make changes. 01:13:25 Mayor Hunter provided further discussion about development funds. 01:13:56 City Manager Nygren explained state law related to parks and how staff views development parks and funds. 01:14:36 Mayor Hunter asked questions about the current water park and how that would compare to an indoor water park. 01:15:29 Director Fincher provided information and discussion about the difficulties in maintaining the current water park and the maintenance issues of any water park. He talked about the possibility and need for a water park study to evaluate the current water park, learn what the public would like, evaluate costs and look at possibilities regarding funding. He spoke further about challenges at the current water park. 01:20:23 Mayor Hunter asked about the fishing pond idea presented by Fish, Wildlife and Parks and how that might affect skating. 01:20:49 Director Fincher talked about the Woodland Park pond and the challenges they have been seeing related to skating, how it relates to the skating rink, and things to consider related to Page 6of10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 the possibility of pond changes and a partnership with Fish, Wildlife and Parks. He talked about the possibility of a Woodland Park Master Plan to vet these ideas. 01:24:47 Mayor Hunter provided further discussion related to Woodland Park pond and the possibility of looking at hydrology. 01:25:44 Mayor Hunter asked about pickleball opportunities. 01:26:33 Director Fincher talked about adding pickleball lines to courts as they are refinished and identifying potential areas that may be suitable for pickleball, funding, and leveraging partnerships. 01:28:12 Mayor Hunter talked about disc golf wayfinding. 01:28:59 Mayor Hunter talked about concerns expressed related to the Dan Johns Youth Athletic Complex scheduling. 01:29:17 Director Fincher explained how scheduling occurs at the complex and meetings with the Youth Athletic Complex group to work through some of those issues. 01:32:00 Mayor Hunter talked about riparian setbacks and wanting consistency with code. 01:32:14 Mayor Hunter talked about references made in previous plans to specific parks. 01:32:36 Director Fincher spoke to previous plans. 01:33:39 Mayor Hunter provided discussion about homeless use within the parks and the possibility of bathrooms being open 24 hours and winter options. 01:34:57 Director Fincher explained that porta-potties are available in Woodland and Lawrence Parks in the winter and talked about the high rate of vandalism in the bathrooms after regular hours and other challenges related to park bathrooms. He talked about discussions they have had related to bathrooms. 01:38:21 Mayor Hunter asked about notice and social services being included in camp clearing. 01:38:54 City Manager Nygren explained the process currently being utilized for camp clearing. 01:39:58 Mayor Hunter discussed the possibility of having someone on police staff who could connect with social services when police officers clear homeless camps. 01:41:07 Council Member Gabriel asked about the process of changing policy. 01:41:26 Manager Nygren confirmed the process to change policy. 01:41:55 Council Member Waterman talked about coordinated entry and a collaborative housing solutions model and the related group within the community and provided discussion about partnerships and collaboration. Page 7 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 01:43:34 Manager Nygren provided further discussion and challenges. 01:44:06 Council Member Waterman talked about the importance of parks facilities being well - lit, well -utilized areas that can be easily patrolled so they are safer. 01:45:16 Council Member Nunnally asked whether city government can direct a foundation and what the legal separations need to be. 01:46:21 Council Member Daoud explained he will need to leave at 9 p.m. but will watch the recording. 2. Council Member Ward 3 Vacancy 0 a City Manager Nygren provided the staff report on this item. 01:48:09 Mayor Hunter asked for feedback on the process for this item. 01:48:44 Mayor Hunter asked each applicant to provide a presentation in alphabetical order. 01:48:53 Madison Evans, Applicant for Ward 3 Evans talked about why she has applied for the vacant Ward 3 position talking about how the community has helped shape her. She talked about her goals, education, and work experience and how those skills and information could be utilized if given the opportunity to serve in this manner. 01:51:30 Arthur Fretheim, Applicant for Ward 3 Fretheim talked about why he applied for this position talking about the opportunity to serve his community. He spoke regarding his work experience and talked about his previous experiences coming to council meetings and providing public comments. He talked about his residency, and regarding ideas he has had regarding snow removal. 01:54:44 James Haring, Applicant for Ward 3 Haring talked about being a homeowner in the ward for many years, and his work and leadership experience. He talked about what he has learned as a leader and spoke about the importance of communication, and being informed. He spoke regarding his goals if he were to be appointed to council and the understanding he has related to making decisions. He provided discussion about valuing public service and his vision related to council. 02:00:40 Karlene Khor, Applicant for Ward 3 Khor talked about transitions within the city and within the community and the importance of stability. She talked about her experience serving in various capacities within the community. She talked in detail about her views regarding ward 3 and the uniqueness of the ward because of the business community on Main Street. She talked further about her interest in serving. 02:05:23 Cassidy Kipp, Applicant for Ward 3 Kipp talked about her experience as a child raising funds for Woodland Park as part of a collaboration between the city and the school district and how that positively affected her. She referred to her application and her professional background and how that relates to land policy and social service collaboration. She talked about why she came back to this community and the Page 8 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 importance of managing growth and things she would consider if appointed to the vacancy. She talked about issues facing the population and goals she believes are important. She spoke further about why she applied for this vacancy. 02:10:59 Dustin Leftridge, Applicant for Ward 3 Leftridge introduced himself and provided details about his work and volunteer experience and what he has learned from his professional and personal experience that would benefit the position. He talked about his involvement in the Downtown Forward Coalition, the Get Out the Vote campaign for the High School levy, and how he would show up to this position. He talked regarding local government stewardship and the values he has. D. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. Public comment received in writing to the Mayor and Council can be seen at www.kali spell.com/publiccomment. E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report: • Conversations are being held with MDT regarding another grant application for the Federal Highways BUILD Grant for the south half of the bypass. • City offices will be closed next Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The Council meeting will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 02:15:48 Council Member Blank thanked the ward 3 applicants for applying and presenting before Council. 02:16:06 Council Member Waterman spoke to his appreciation for the applicants and his hope that those not chosen find other ways to engage. 02:16:58 Council Member Fisher asked about the possibility of an executive session for this item and learned from City Manager Nygren that it would not be appropriate. 02:18:18 Mayor Hunter talked about the complexities with ranking candidates in a public forum. 02:19:38 Mayor Hunter thanked all the applicants for stepping forward and how difficult the decision will be and talked about a vote on the position happening next week. F. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m. [ A'4 / rrr .0TF : Aim e Brunckhorst, City Clerk 1,392 r— Minutes approved on February 2, 2026 Page 9 of 10 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 12, 2026 UPCOMING SCHEDULE City Offices Closed — January 19, 2026 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day Next Regular Meeting — TUESDAY, January 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Next Work Session — January 26, 2026, 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. Page 10 of 10