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01-26-26 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL KCITY of WORK SESSION MINUTES ALISPELL January 26, 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://www.kalis-pell.con-t/MeetingVideos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hunter called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present 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 Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Present Staff present included City Manager and Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen, and Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION 1. Oath of Office — City Council Member Dustin Leftridge, Ward 3 City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst administered the oath of office to newly appointed Council Member Dustin Leftridge. Council and staff congratulated Leftridge and welcomed him to Council. D. DISCUSSION Montana Land Use Plan (MLUPA) P� a City Manager Jarod Nygren began the staff report with a general overview. 00:03:06 Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen presented the staff report. Bold titles correspond to presentation titles or themes within the following slides he presented. Da Page 1 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 Sorensen spoke regarding the current growth policy and spoke to the background regarding Senate Bill 382. 00:04:37 MLUPA - Who does it apply to? Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen talked about which municipalities within Montana are subject to MLUPA through Senate Bill 382. 00:05:27 When does it apply? Sorensen explained when MLUPA applies and deadline for implementation. 00:05:39 Planning Commission Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen explained Planning Commission responsibilities and touched on the current lawsuit pending. 00:06:51 Public Participation Plan Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen spoke regarding the public participation plan devised for MLUPA that the City has been implementing. 00:07:04 Parts of the Plan Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen talked about the parts of the plan including existing conditions, future estimations, and anticipated needs for housing, local services and facilities, economic development, natural resources and stressed that it is a policy document not a regulatory document. 00:07:43 Future Land Use Map & Implementation Plan Sorensen talked about the future Land Use Map and zoning and then touched on the implementation plan. 00:08:32 Zoning Regulations Sorensen explained what updates to the zoning regulations will need to made as a part of MLUPA. He touched on the requirement to adopt 5 of the 14 housing strategies identified in the statute. 00:09:02 Subdivision Regulations Sorensen explained subdivision regulations will need to be updated based on LUPA. 00:09:18 Community Outreach Sorensen began talking about the extensive outreach that has been happening throughout this process. 00:10:23 Stakeholder Groups Sorensen spoke regarding meeting with and presenting to about 40 stakeholder groups. 00:10:53 State Grant Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen explained that a grant was received to hire Logan Simpson to help with community engagement and a new website, EngageKalispell.com was created. He further spoke regarding public outreach. 00:11:29 Public Engagement Summary Page 2 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen provided a summary of the extensive engagement that was provided. 00:12:10 Community Ideas Sorensen showed a slide highlighting themes that emerged. 00:12:36 Engagement Dashboard and Questionnaire, Media Outreach Sorensen presented data related to community outreach. 00:13:30 Vision for Kalispell Sorensen talked about the vision for the land use plan that was crafted with the community. 00:14:10 Chapter 1: Existing Conditions & Growth Implications Sorensen talked about population and growth trends and what growth means for planning. Please note the video froze at this point in the meeting, with audio continuing. Please see the attached presentation for corresponding slides. 00:15:14 Chapter 2: Community Growth and Design Sorensen explained this chapter guides where and how Kalispell grows and explained quality growth principles considered. 00:16:28 Chapter 3: Housing (page 25 of the presentation) Sorensen spoke regarding affordability and availability as the number one housing issue currently faced and related projections. He touched on a housing strategy framework within this chapter. 00:17:33 Chapter 3: Housing Strategies Sorensen talked about the housing strategies that were supported by the Planning Commission out of choices provided by the state legislation, and which were not supported and explained that State legislation mandates that at least five are chosen. He then talked about parking, design standards and reductions. Please note — about 30 seconds of audio and video were lost at this point in the meeting, and then the video resumed with the audio. 00:20:05 Chapter 4: Local Services & Facilities Sorensen touched on considerations related to public safety, utilities, parks and schools. He explained that the cities facility plans are incorporated by reference throughout this chapter. 00:21:16 Chapter 5: Economic Development Sorensen talked about considerations made regarding commercial and economic development. 00:21:31 Chapter 6: Natural Resources & Hazards Sorensen explained this chapter covers environmental responsibility explaining this chapter reviews multiple aspects of the natural environment within the planning area and how they relate to growth. Page 3 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 00:22:07 Chapter 7: Future Land Use Map Sorensen talked about how the future land use map is a tool to guide how and where Kalispell grows in the next twenty years and what is considered in that map. 00:22:36 Chapter 8: Implementation Sorensen explained this chapter reviews zoning and subdivision regulation updates including specific housing strategies and the recommendation for a housing study. He talked about capital improvement plans, extension of service plans and how to update the plan as appropriate. 00:23:12 Chapter 9: Neighborhood, Area, and Issue Plans Sorensen spoke regarding existing plans to be incorporated. 00:23:35 Next Steps Sorensen wrapped up his presentation explaining that the Planning Commission recommends adoption of the plan and talked about next steps for the Council. 00:24:21 Mayor Hunter explained he would like to proceed with Council questions, then ask for public comment, followed by Council discussion. 00:24:37 Council Member Wes Walker asked what the role is for Council regarding these types of documents. 0025:28 City Manager Jarod Nygren talked about MLUPA building on existing plans the City had in place prior to the MLUPA legislation. He provided background on the legislative intent, how plans affect decisions, and spoke to the role of Council. 00:27:56 Council Member Wes Walker asked for further details. City Manager Nygren provided information on the process. 00:28:40 Mayor Hunter talked about having ideas, additions and alterations he would like to make and discussions he would like to have related to the plan. 00:29:28 Council Member Waterman asked about the time frame related to the plan and the nature of future revisions to the document. City Manager Nygren spoke to questions posed by Council and future studies and plans that will be reviewed. 00:30:15 Council Member Waterman confirmed with staff that City Council and the Planning Commission will still create the policy and review policy updates in the future. 00:30:52 Council Member Waterman asked about the state legislation as it relates to the housing strategies and what the consequences are for not adopting the plan by the state deadline. 00:31:35 Council Member Fisher asked about Council review timing and then asked about the pending lawsuit. 00:32:36 Sorensen talked about the lawsuit pending responding to Council questions. Page 4 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 00:33:54 Council Member Fisher asked about the possibility of state funding. 00:34:17 Sorensen talked about the reason behind the plan. 00:35:38 Council Member Fisher asked about future review of the plan. 00:35:53 Sorensen answered questions posed about how reviews of the plan can occur. 00:36:51 City Manager Nygren talked about the ways in which Council can review this draft plan and what has gone into the plan. 00:37:44 Fisher said he would like to discuss the plan in further depth at future meetings. 00:38:21 Mayor Hunter suggested talking about high level items tonight, with smaller items within specific chapters discussed at future work sessions, chapter by chapter. 00:39:12 Council Member Fisher asked the threshold set by the state for communities that are required to do this. 00:40:08 Council Member Daoud talked about mandated changes to the public process and asked what will and will not come before Council after this plan is adopted. 00:40:57 Sorensen explained which items would come before City Council and the Planning Commission and what would not come before Council after the plan is adopted and what is before the Supreme Court. 00:43:20 Staff provided an example of what would come before Council per state law. 00:44:13 Council Member Daoud asked for further clarification regarding public involvement and what would be done administratively. Staff and Council Member Daoud further discussed public comment and involvement as it relates to the state law related to MLUPA and the subsequent lawsuit pending. 00:46:54 Council Member Daoud explained the need for the public to be much more aware of planning items. Sorensen provided further examples of what would still come before Council and differences after MLUPA. Council Member Daoud spoke regarding the changes to the public process and the importance of the public being aware of those changes. 00:49:10 Manager Nygren talked about some of the challenges with MLUPA for the public and the developer. 00:50:34 Council Member Waterman talked about the states reasoning for MLUPA. Page 5 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 00:51:11 Council Member Nunnally asked about infrastructure capacity and how capacity could be impacted by changes to housing strategies. 00:52:09 Sorensen spoke to Nunnally's questions and talked about facility plan updates and factors. 00:52:48 Council Member Nunnally confirmed requirements per state law. 00:53:20 Staff answered questions and spoke further regarding state law trends. 00:54:12 Council Member Blank asked further about the public participation process changes and similar precedents in other communities across the nation. 00:54:33 Sorensen answered the question posed and talked further about public hearings. 00:55:44 Council Member Walker asked about adding additional notification. 00:55:42 Sorensen talked about notification and balancing of interests and law. 00:56:43 Council Member Gabriel confirmed the public's right to information. Sorensen talked further about changes to notification and the public hearing process. 00:57:12 City Manager Nygren talked about incorporating plans for notifications and public education in the zoning and subdivision text amendment updates. 00:58:18 Mayor Hunter provided discussion about the value of public participation and discussed the value of adding additional housing strategies and touched on infrastructure. 00:59:35 Mayor Hunter asked questions about lot setback requirements and row houses. Sorensen answered the questions posed and follow up questions. 01:02:00 Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. 01:02:14 Laura Katzman, Public Comment Katzman with Flathead Land Trust began by talking about the purpose of the Land Trust. She then referred to written public comment submitted. She talked in detail about an area in west valley north of Reserve, east of west valley, west of the Stillwater River and south of Church that is within the growth policy boundary and has ecological significance for wildlife including a migratory route for sandhill cranes and other species of birds. She spoke regarding the nature of sandhill cranes and why the area is so significant to them. They would request that area be removed from the future west growth boundary, and growth policy boundary area. 01:06:06 Erika Wirtala, Public Comment Wirtala with the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors asked about including reference and to an opportunity zone federal designation from 2018 that is within the southern portion of Kalispell, census tract 11, within the maps. She spoke further regarding the opportunities that the Page 6 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 designation brings, including things like tax breaks for new development or re -development in that area. She then talked about her positive experiences watching sandhill cranes at the west valley wildlife viewing area. 01:07:45 Adam DeYounz Public Comment DeYoung representing Climate Smart Glacier Country referenced written comments previously submitted and explained they are interested in the natural resources and environment section of the plan. He spoke regarding a flood awareness project they are undertaking and to flood concerns. He spoke regarding the importance of education and preparation about the potential for significant flooding. He explained in detail proposed amendments made within this section including information on hazards related to flooding. He offered specific suggestions they would recommend be added within the plan. 01:11:11 Kisa Davison, Public Comment Davison spoke to being a resident and local builder and explained why she supports the growth plan specifically regarding public comment saying this is an opportunity to rework the process to make it easier to predict the path for new residential, commercial, and infill properties. She provided further views regarding the importance of predictability to improve the cost of living. She referred to sections related to public comments and viewing that differently. She suggested the addition of a digital technical review portal that people could view plans and submit comments and data to ensure better engineering and take out some of the emotions. She would also suggest universal cost impact statements or analysis related to added requirements. She further spoke to changes to the public comment process and improvements that can be made through this plan. 01:16:26 Coby Gierke, Public Comment Gierke, Executive Director of the Flathead Lakers began by talking about their purpose and who they represent. He referenced prior written comments. He talked about the growth of the Flathead Lakers and impacts to the entire watershed. He spoke in detail about the opportunity to help protect clean water that is the backbone of the region's economy. He encouraged a revision of the vision statement and goals to better reflect water quality and ecological health and opportunities to grow sustainably. He spoke further to these views and concerns, and amendments he would suggest. 01:19:29 Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment 01:19:36 Mayor Hunter disclosed he works for the Flathead Land Trust and said he did not participate in crafting the comments submitted on this topic, has not been instructed on this and he will not face repercussion if he goes against the position of the organization. 01:20:27 Staff and Council discussed the process for review of the plan. 01:21:16 Council Member Blank asked questions related to wanting an overview of how Kalispell is meeting housing needs at this time referring to page 43. 01:21:53 Sorensen talked about 2.5% growth rate projections, past growth rates, the number of housing units that have been entitled and the number of housing that has been built. He spoke regarding zoning designations and other map designations and how that affects the numbers. Page 7 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 01:23:44 Manager Nygren talked about the need for a housing study to show specific gaps and a federal grant received for that which has not yet been funded and talked about related goals for the depth of the study and how they came up with current projections. 01:25:18 Mayor Hunter provided discussion and asked questions regarding the growth rate chosen. 01:25:42 Sorensen spoke regarding how the growth rate was projected. 01:26:38 Council Member Daoud provided discussion that he would like to revisit height restrictions and why he believes height increases should be reviewed. 01:29:09 Sorensen answered questions related to current height restrictions in various zones. 01:30:26 Council Member Daoud provided further discussion related to height. 01:30:53 Mayor Hunter provided discussion related to commercial zone height. Staff and Council Members talked further about height restrictions. 01:33:34 Council Member Walker said overall he likes the plan and appreciates the work that has gone into it, then provided discussion that he does not believe the plan goes far enough and that he favors freedom and flexibility for developers. He provided discussion in favor of the expansion of urban mixed -use zoning. 01:34:46 Staff spoke to the differences between the land use map and the land use plan and related factors to consider. 01:36:59 Mayor Hunter provided discussion in relation to the land use map. 01:41:20 Staff and Council further discussed the land use map. 01:43:04 Sorensen answered questions about land use density and adjustments made within the plan. 01:44:07 Manager Nygren talked about a public process to review and amend the land use map and the extensive public processes that have occurred in the past and related considerations that should be taken. 01:46:39 Council Members and staff further discussed review considerations related to the land use map and zoning. 01:53:28 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion regarding the importance of zoning providing specific examples and talking about his experiences on Council and as a long time resident. 01:56:36 Council Member Daoud provided discussion regarding density, public participation and sentiment and lot sizes. Paue 8 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 01:59:55 Mayor Hunter provided further discussion about flexible zoning and mixed use. 02:01:39 Council Member Nunnally provided further discussion about zoning and public comment. 02:02:25 Manager Nygren and Sorensen provided further input on the planning and land use process. 02:04:28 Mayor Hunter and Council Member Walker provided further discussion about zoning. 02:05:24 Council Member Waterman talked about incremental change. He then provided discussion about public comment received and supporting ways to bolster Chapter 5 related to economic development including adding items regarding opportunity zones and tax increment financing options beyond the tourist district that already exist in the City related to economic development. He also talked about citing economic partnerships. 02:07:32 Council Member Waterman talked about finding ways to enhance education outreach and citing new processes related to communicating and providing good, related technology. 0108:33 Council Member Waterman provided discussion regarding public transportation and citing what public transportation authorities might look like. 02:09:34 Council Member Waterman asked about the broken window standard mentioned and provided discussion about the lack of other enforcement policies cited. He talked about other recognized standards. 02:12:31 Sorensen spoke to the broken window theory in law enforcement and community engagement. He provided discussion about the intention of the plan and exploring broader language and the balance between specificity and recognizing that the plan is not all encompassing. 02:14:02 Manager Nygren provided discussion about the origin of the broken window standard and looking into the environmental design standards mentioned. 02:14:36 Council Member Leftridge thanked staff and the Planning Commission for all the work they have done putting the draft together. He spoke to the humbling nature of the future projections in the plan, and to both the specificity and ambiguity within the plan. He provided discussion about what he loves about Ward 3 and what he believes makes a community. He talked about the various zones being discussed and how he would envision future growth. He spoke regarding public participation and the district court opinion that went to the Supreme Court and the public participation being found unconstitutional and asked for a legal opinion regarding that case and the need to revise what public participation looks like. 02:18:05 Staff referred to what other jurisdictions are doing, the district court case, unknowns with the Supreme Court case and ruling and what state legislation has changed and is expected to be discussed for modification. Page 9 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 02:20:02 Mayor Hunter spoke in detail regarding the public comment received to leave a section out of the growth policy boundary for habitat protection within the northwest area. 02:23:33 Council Member Fisher provided discussion regarding the habitat protection requested and the need for a conservation easement in the area. 02:24:39 Mayor Hunter, Council and staff further discussed the request received from Flathead Land Trust and related considerations. 02:36:43 Mayor Hunter provided discussion related to the 100-year flood plain and related public comment. 02:37:01 Mayor Hunter provided discussion regarding entrance corridor changes he views would be appropriate regarding setbacks. 02:41:33 Council Member Fisher asked process questions related to reviewing the draft plan. 02:41:45 Manager Nygren explained that the next work session will discuss water, sewer and wastewater facility plans. He will then plan on discussing MLUPA at the next few work sessions thereafter. 02:42:13 Council Member Blank asked further questions about the plan revision process. Staff spoke further about the review process. 02:43:21 Council Member Blank offered procedural suggestions — clarifying questions first, and then possible edits. 02:43:44 Council Member Daoud provided further discussion about the process for reviewing the draft plan. Council and staff further discussed the process. 02:47:40 Council Member Walker asked for clarification related to a specific map. E. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened general public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. Public comment received in writing to the Mayor and Council can be seen at w,,rtiv.kalispell.com/publiccomment. F. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report. • Manager Nygren and Mayor Hunter will be traveling to a meeting in Helena on Wednesday with other City Managers and Mayors coordinating priorities regarding the next legislative session. Page 10 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 • Planning applications will be during the next regular meeting. • A group Council picture will be taken prior to the next meeting. 02:51:20 Council Member Gabriel and Walker spoke further to the MLUPA review process. 02:51:52 Council Member Blank thanked staff for the work done on the MLUPA plan and suggestions related to time blocking to create structure with the review. She talked about the importance of opportunities related to public education and managing public expectations related to changes. 02:53:54 Council Member Waterman thanked staff for the years of work that went into putting the draft MLUPA together and the extensive public engagement that was done. He provided discussion related to moving forward with educating about what the land use plan process will be in the future. He welcomed Council Member Leftridge to Ward 3 representation. 02:55:14 Council Member Leftridge thanked Council for letting him join them on Council and talked about looking forward to working with other Council members on challenges and opportunities in the community. 02:55:30 Council Member Fisher talked about City Manager Jarod Nygren as a resource, and the importance of attending National conferences to provide further context for educated decision making. 02:56:19 Council Member Daoud provided discussion about perspective regarding items that need to be dealt with by Council this year. 02:57:43 Mayor Hunter thanked staff for the work that has been done on the MLUPA draft plan and the value it has. 02:58:28 Mayor Hunter proposed a work session to discuss design standards on the Parkline Trail and why. He then talked about his vision to create an affordable housing/homelessness advisory committee and having a related work session. 03:00:25 Mayor Hunter explained in addition to the meeting in Helena mentioned by the City Manager, he will also be attending a Montana League of Cities and Towns Board meeting on Thursday as he is a new member on that board. G. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. 01 Brunckhorst, City Clerk ✓�'p A,GN,�Q,, e . �� Minutes approved on February 17, 2026 Fs��'ffarsi►e►`���� UPCOMING SCHEDULE Next Regular Meeting — February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Page 11 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 26, 2026 Next Work Session — February 9, 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 12 of 12