01-05-26 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY OF
KALISPELL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 5, 2026, 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at:
https://www.kalispell.com/Meetin Vg ideos.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mark Johnson called the meeting to order.
B. ROLL CALL
Mayor - Mark Johnson: Present until item D2.
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present
Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Present until item D2.
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present
Council Chair - Chad Graham: Present until item D2.
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present
Council Member - Jessica Dahlman: Present until item D2.
Ma, or - Ryan Hunter: Present
Council Member - Wes Walker: Present after item D 1.
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Present after item D1.
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Present after item D1.
Staff present included City Manager Jarod Nygren, City Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk
Aimee Brunckhorst, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Public Works Deputy Director Keith
Haskins, Assistant Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen, Planner II Donnie McBath, and
Police Chief Jordan Venezio.
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION
1. Outgoing Council Presentation
00:01:22 City Manager Jarod Nygren thanked the outgoing Mayor Mark Johnson, Council
President Chad Graham, and Council Members Carlson and Dahlman for their service and
presented them with plaques of appreciation.
00:02:52 Council Member Dahlman thanked staff for their professionalism and thanked the
Council body and urged people to run for office and participate. She then thanked the public.
Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
00:04:02 Council Member Graham thanked staff for their work. He spoke regarding his views
that he held true to his values over the past twelve years and that it was his honor to represent the
people of Ward 2. He thanked Mayor Johnson for his time on Council. He thanked his friends
and family for supporting him. He thanked the people of Ward 2 and said it means a lot to be
able to serve.
00:06:46 Council Member Carlson thanked staff and said it has been an honor to serve Kalispell
for the past twelve years.
00:07:19 Mayor Mark Johnson thanked staff and said it's been an honor working with staff. He
thanked and talked about the various councils that he has had and spoke to the twelve years he
has served. He spoke about the difficulties of having the last vote when the vote is 4 to 4, and
spoke further about the work he has done. He talked about looking forward to watching the new
Mayor and Council move forward. He thanked the public and his family and said he was ready to
move on.
The audience stood and clapped for the outgoing Mayor and Council Members as they left
council dais for the last time.
2. Oath of Office for Newly Elected Officials
City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst gave the oath of office to newly elected Mayor Ryan Hunter, re-
elected Council Member Jed Fisher, and newly elected Council Members Lisa Blank, Wes
Walker, and Kyle Waterman. They then took their seats at the council dais.
3. Council President Election
00:14:30 Council Member Waterman put his name forward as Council President. He then said he
would abstain from voting.
00:15:43 Motion to appoint Council Member Waterman as Council President.
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Motion
Council Member - Wes Walker: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Ma, oy r - Rvan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lira Blank: Approve
Council Member - K,, le Waterman: Abstain
The motion passed unanimoush- on voice vote with Council Member Waterman abstaining.
E. AGENI) AAPPROVAL
Motion and Vote to approve the agenda as submitted.
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
Council Member - Sam Nunnallv: Motion
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Mao�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
C Kvle'A',*cnnan: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on voice vote.
F. CiO'."a SENT AGENDA
All items on the consent agenda will be voted on with one motion. If a council member
desires to discuss an item separately, the item can be removed from the consent agenda
by motion.
Council Minutes — December 1, December 8, and December 15, 2025
2. Award Microsoft Office 365 License Agreement
This item awards SHI a three-year agreement for these licenses.
3. Award Engineering Professional Service Agreement for Two Mile Drainage Project
This item selects Morrison Maierle, Inc. as the Professional Consultant for the Two Mile
Drive Drainage Improvement Project and allows the City Manager to execute the
professional service contract.
Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment on the consent agenda. Seeing none, he closed public
comment.
00:17:46 Motion and Vote to approve the agenda as published.
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Motion
Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Memt,.r - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Memh 2r - Kyle Waterman: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on voice vote.
G. COMMITTEE REPORTS — None.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
Mayor Hunter opened general public comment.
00:18:15 Erika lirtala, Public Comment
Wirtala spoke on behalf of the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors. She apologized
about remarks that were printed in the Daily Inter Lake newspaper about `third -grade behavior'
in an article about the Downtown Forward Coalition. She explained it was a light-hearted
conversation, and the comment was taken out of context and had nothing to do with the
Downtown Forward Coalition. She spoke to her appreciation for the work that Council does and
the many hours of service and dedication they put in.
00:20:56 Chrysta Bourne, Public Comment
Bourne congratulated Ryan Hunter for becoming the Mayor of Kalispell and then congratulated
the other new council members.
00:21:33 Neil Johnson, Public Comment
Johnson, owner of Tetra Holdings spoke as a representative of Village Loop action item I.2
presenting himself to Council for questions and letting them know the engineering firm was also
present.
Public comment received to Mayor and Council via email to publiccomment�kalispell.com or
other written means can be seen at www.kalispell.com/PublicComment.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
I. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION
1) Fatt Boys Bar & Grille Accessory Casino Conditional Use Permit
This item considers allowing an accessory casino within the existing establishment at
1307 U.S. Highway 2 West.
Planner II Donnie McBath presented the staff report.
00:29:20 Council Member Waterman asked for clarification on what triggered the need for a
conditional use permit.
00:30:04 Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment.
00:30:2' � Motion to approve a request from FU LLC for conditional use permit KCU-25-06,
a conditional use permit to allow an accessory casino, subject to eleven conditions of
approval located at 1307 U.S. Highway 2 `Vest and more particularly described as lot 4 of
the resubdiyision of Lots 1 and 3 of Gibson Addition 41 to Kalispell, Montana, according to
the map or plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the clerk and recorder of
Flathead County,
Council Member — Sam Nunnallv: Motion
Council Member — Jed Fisher: 2"'
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
00:31:13 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion in favor of the motion.
00:31:20 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in favor of the motion and the
additional sidewalk within the conditions.
00:31:32 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion.
00:32:21 Vote on the motion.
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion
Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Mayor - Rv_an Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kv le V"aterman: Arnrov
The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote.
2) Village Loop Multi -Family Project Conditional Use Permit ®a
This item considers allowing the development of a 36-unit multifamily residential project
at 95 Village Loop.
Planner II Donnie McBath presented the staff report.
00:42:21 Council Member Blank referenced written public comment received and asked what
would warrant a traffic impact study.
00:42:37 Deputy Director of Public Works Keith Haskins answered the question posed.
00:43:16 Council Member Walker asked whether staff would determine what type of crosswalk
would be put in and whether a crosswalk will be required.
00:43:21 Deputy Director of Public Works Keith Haskins answered the question posed.
00:45:00 Mayor Hunter asked whether a flashing beacon would be appropriate and if so, could
be required as a condition.
00:45:26 Deputy Director of Public Works Keith Haskins answered the question posed.
00:46:24 Mayor Hunter asked about considerations regarding pedestrian counts.
00:46:58 Deputy Director of Public Works Keith Haskins answered the question posed.
00:47:56 Public Comment
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
Mayor Hunter opened public comment.
00:48:02 Walter Rountree, Public Comment
Rountree spoke in favor of additional housing units and then spoke regarding geo-engineering
L-
and his concerns related to the bluff and how landscaping can affect stability. He would suggest
that landscaping is not added to the bluff to reduce concerns.
00:49: 14 Ron Gerson, Public Comment
Gerson asked about the school across the street and asked if that has been considered related to
pedestrian counts.
00:50:14 Tyler Tonjum, Public Comment
Tonjum with Jackola Engineering spoke on behalf of Village Loop regarding working with the
geo-technical engineer specifically related to the slope and watering issues and said that the idea
of the crosswalk came from the presence of the school across the road.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
00:51:20 Motion to approve a request from Tetra Holdings LLC for conditional use permit
KCU-25-07, a conditional use permit to allow a 36-unit multifamily residential
development, subject to 15 conditions of approval, located at 95 Village Loop and more
particularly described as Lot 1B of the Amended Plat of Lot 1 of V illaQe Heiahts
Professional Center Subdivision and Lot 2 of Village Hei,2hts Professional Center
Subdivision, City of Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, according to the map or plat
thereof on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Flathead County,
Montana.
Council Member — IL�-le Waterman: Motion
Council :Member — Sam Nunnally:
00:52:22 Council Member Gabriel offered a friendly amendment to clarify the address.
00:52:51 Council Member Nunnally spoke in favor of the motion.
00:53:17 Council Member Gabriel spoke in favor of the motion.
00:53:38 Mayor Hunter spoke in favor of the motion and then provided discussion about his
views on pedestrian standards.
Vote on the motion.
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote.
3) Northwestern Energy Expansion Conditional use Permit Oa
This item considers approving an expansion to an existing utility building at 890 North
Meridian Road.
Planner II Donnie McBath presented the staff report.
01:02:22 Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment.
01:02:49 Motion to approve a request from NorthWestern Energy for conditional use
permit KCU-25-08, a conditional use permit to allow the expansion of an existing legally
established non -conforming utility vard, subject to eight conditions of approval located at
890 North Meridian Road and more particularly described as Lot 1 of Montana Power
Addition No. 139, according to the map or plat thereof on file and of record in the office of
the Clerk and Recorder of Flathead County, Montana.
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Mao�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote.
4) Resolution 6305 Creekside Subdivision Plat Extension �; a
This resolution considers extending this plat at 1111 Farm -to -Market Road for two years.
Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen provided the staff report.
01:05:56 Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment.
01:06:03 Dominic Goble. Public Comment
Goble with Morrison-Maierle Engineering spoke on behalf of the project and explained why the
extension is needed for this project.
��L _7:06 Motion to approve Resolution 6305, a resolution extending the Creekside
Subdivision preliminary plat for the additional two years.
Council Member Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member — Kari Gabriel: 2°d
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
01:07:35 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion explaining why he will be voting in
opposition to this item.
Vote on the motion.
Council Pvleinber - Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Disapprove
Council Member - Wes Walker: Annrove
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council 'Member - KN 1C Waterman: Approve
The motion passed on roll call vote 7-1 with Council Members Gabriel, Nunnally, Fisher,
Daoud, Walker, Blank and Waterman in favor, and TN'lavor Hunter opposed.
I CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action)
City Manager Jarod Nygren presented the staff report:
• The partial draft of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be presented at the next
work session.
• An orientation for the new Council Members related to the Parks and Recreation
Department will be held prior to the next meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
• The Ward 3 council seat has received five letters of interest for the vacant Ward 3
position. Manager Nygren presented options for moving forward with consideration of
the appointment.
01:11:09 Mayor Hunter asked questions about the process.
01:11:47 The Mayor and Council discussed asking those interested in serving on Council for
Ward 3 to present the evening of January 12.
01:12:31 Council Member Daoud reaffirmed his commitment to Ward 4 and provided the pledge
he gave at the beginning of his term.
01:14:04 Council Member Waterman said it is an honor to join Council and represent Ward 3. He
thanked his neighbors for selecting him as their representative and for Council for selecting him
as their Council President.
Lr ; -`3 Council Member Blank thanked Ward 2 for their trust and said she is excited and ready
to do the work for the ward and the entire city, and the valley beyond. She encouraged people to
reach out.
01:15:15 Council Member Nunnally said he looks forward to the next few years. He encouraged
new Council Members to do ride-alongs with Fire, Police, and Solid Waste.
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
01:16:10 Council Member Walker said he is honored and humbled to be selected for this position
and talked regarding his excitement to get to work.
01:16:27 Council Member Gabriel said she is excited to work with everyone and wishes
everyone well.
01:16:52 Mayor Hunter thanked the outgoing Mayor and Council Members for their service to
the community. He congratulated and welcomed new council members and spoke to his
excitement for the opportunities ahead.
He asked the public to join council after the meeting for a reception with cake.
During this section of the meeting several council members mentioned the Montana State
University Bobcat Championship game that was currently being played wishing them well in the
game.
K. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
-O fN .
L. RECEPTION
1
AimeV Brunckhorst, City Clerk
Minutes approved on January 20, 2026
A reception with cake was held for outgoing Mayor Mark Johnson, Council President Chad
Graham, and Council Members Sandy Carlson, and Jessica Dahlman to thank them for their
service, and congratulate newly elected Mayor Ryan Hunter and re-elected Council Member Jed
Fisher, and welcome newly elected Council Members Lisa Blank, Wes Walker, and Kyle
Waterman.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
City Offices Closed — Thursday, January 1, 2026 — New Year's Holiday
Next Work Session — January 12, 2026 - 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
City Offices Closed — January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Next Regular Meeting — TUESDAY, January 20, 2026 - 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
PARTICIPATION
Watch council sessions live with the agenda and supporting documents or later with documents
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Kalispell City Council Minutes, January 5, 2026
and time stamped minutes at: https://www.kalispell.com/MeetingVideos or live or later on
YouTube at: www.kalispell.com/YouTube.
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, activities, and
employment practices. Auxiliary aids are available. For questions about disability
accommodation please contact the City Clerk at 406-758-7756, or cit c� lerkkkalispell.com.
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