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03-09-26 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL KaT`°F WORK SESSION MINUTES ALISPELL March 9, 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.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 Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present Ma,, o�yan Hunter: Present Council Member - Wes Walker: Present Council Member - Lisa Blank: Present Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Present at 7:04 pm via video conference. Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Present Staff present included City Manager and Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Assistant Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen, and Planner II Donnie McBath. D. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened general public comment. 00:01:31 Mike Koopal, Public Comment Koopal, Director of Whitefish Lake Institute provided a written handout and background perspective on the septic issue. He explained in detail several natural resource studies that have been conducted in the area and with Cornell University and how they relate to septic systems, septic system failure, and septic leachate migrating to local water bodies. He explained in detail the written comments provided. He spoke regarding the importance of the lakes in northwest Montana and how they are economic drivers and hold lifestyle components and are worthy of our protection thus the importance of regulations that protect our waterbodies. 00:12:30 Russell Sias, Public Comment Sias of Columbia Falls suggested the addition of a safe haven baby box and spoke regarding their nature as a safe place for a new mom to deposit a baby. He spoke regarding belonging to Montanans for Life, and their goal of preventing abortion and taking care of newborns. He further spoke regarding his beliefs that babies are created at conception and why a safe haven baby box would be beneficial. Page 1 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 9, 2026 00:18:51 Donald Barnhart, Public Comment Barnhart, Mayor of Columbia Falls and Chairman of the Flathead City -County Board of Health explained that he was asked to provide an overview of the proposed changes. Barnhart explained that a Committee began looking at the county approval process and ways they could improve the public process for getting septic systems approved. He talked about his experience installing septic systems. He spoke regarding the number of septic systems within the valley. He explained they had 18 months of meetings and presentations regarding the septic process and hearing about different septic technology and regulations. He spoke in detail regarding the discussions that have occurred and why they reviewed what they did, and changes they made to the permit system. He talked about the history of the County moving away from permitting gravity systems in 2004 and explained why he was the dissenting vote to allow gravity septic systems and why he believes they should only be allowed through a deviation. 00:35:34 Mayre Flowers, Public Comment Flowers with Citizens for a Better Flathead provided a written handout regarding proposed changes to the Flathead County septic regulations and construction standards and explained it in detail. She talked about the value and importance of a pressure dose system and why they believe it should be the method of choice when possible. Flowers talked about why their recommendation to the County is to leave the regulations as is and not allow gravity -fed drain fields as is and why it is especially important in Flathead County. She spoke regarding deviations that could be administratively approved. She then talked about lakeshore setback regulation changes and their view that a higher level of treatment, level 2, should be required in areas that drain into impaired waterbodies. She talked further regarding practices related to impaired waterbodies. She spoke further regarding their specific recommendations for the County. She further spoke about why she believes this is a City issue as there are lots of septic systems along Ashley Creek which is used by the city for wastewater treatment effluent with septic systems adding non -source nutrient pollution to Ashley Creek. 00:49:07 Jenna Huff Public Comment Huff of Buffalo Stage spoke regarding housing policy and seeing city sprawl while living in Colorado and zoning regulations prohibiting affordable housing and why she believes four- plex's and other density should be allowed within single family neighborhoods. She talked regarding the inability of families to move into her neighborhood since COVID and the importance of infill and housing for median incomes. 00:51:59 Keeman Siebenaler, Public Comment Siebenaler of Whitefish and a member of the Board of Livable Flathead said the best way to present septic pollution is to shift more development in the cities on municipal sewer systems. He spoke in support of infill for middle housing types like four-plex's, townhomes, and cottage courts in residential neighborhoods and why he likes these housing types. He spoke regarding the importance of entry level starter homes, small homes on small lots — and talked about his view that they are not being built, and statistics that the age of buyers is increasing. He talked to his view that allowing apartments, and townhomes and 4-plexes makes housing accessible to more people. Redevelopment of a single-family home that can serve a few more families is easier to build. He further spoke to his support for four-plex's and support for an increase in units per acre and what he feels would be appropriate. Page 2 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 9, 2026 Public comment received in writing to the Mayor and Council can be seen at www.kalispell.com/publiccomment. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed general public comment. C. DISCUSSION 1. County Septic Regulation Update ®Ca Mayor Hunter spoke on this topic providing discussion as to why he asked for this work session and summarized the reasons why in 2004 the County began requiring pressure dose systems. He talked regarding this issue affecting the City when we have to meet water quality standards at the wastewater treatment facility when septic systems upstream are contributing to water degradation. He provided further discussion about the City -County Board of Health discussions that have been happening on the regulations. He talked about the growth plan and the cost of developing in the County versus the City and how this may affect that. He spoke to appreciation for the email and conversation he had with the City board representative after contacting him. Mayor Hunter asked Council whether they would like to weigh in to the County and if so, what would that comment be. He then talked about the possibility of the City Council in Whitefish and Columbia Falls weighing in with the City of Kalispell. He then asked whether they would like to set an expectation for city representatives on advisory boards and committees reporting to Council annually and when controversial issues come up. 01:00:04 Council Member Daoud confirmed that septic systems are not allowed for new development within the city and asked about current septic systems in the City. Manager Nygren answered questions. 01:01:00 Council Member Daoud provided discussion as to why he views this is a County issue. He provided examples of when the City has recovered septic systems that came into the City. He provided further discussion on the matter and requirements the City sewage treatment must meet while the County does not. He provided discussion as to why he does not like requiring a specific system/product in a regulation and why he would not be in favor of submitting a letter to the County Commission. 01:05:24 Council Member Daoud talked about the Council hearing from the City -County Health Board at least once a year and would be in favor of city representative updates. O1:06:22 Council Member Leftridge thanked the public for commenting. He asked questions about septic issues and inventories on Ashley Creek. 01:07:10 City Manager Nygren answered questions. 01:07:58 Council Member Leftridge asked about septic inventory within the city limits and talked about an online map on Western Montana and sites he believes are unpermitted septic's within the City. Page 3 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 9, 2026 Manager Nygren continued answering questions. 01:09:43 Council Member Blank spoke regarding research she conducted and information on Gallatin and Park County and her view that septic systems and system density affect nutrient loading and nutrient plumes and that septic type can mitigate that. She provided discussion about the uniqueness of Flathead Lake, and how she views this issue affects the City in numerous ways. She encouraged Council to send a letter to the County to ask that the regulations are maintained as they are. 01:13:52 She provided discussion as to why she would be in favor of reports from city advisory board representatives especially when something of concern is happening and that she would have liked to have a conversation with the city representative on the City -County Board of Health. 01:14:35 Council Member Nunnally provided reasoning why he is not in favor of sending a letter to the County on this issue speaking on the scope of Council and jurisdictional matters. 01:16:05 Council Member Nunnally said he would like to hear reports directly from the Health Director. 01:16:30 Council Member Walker provided discussion about the importance of water quality and that this issue directly affects the health of our community. He talked about the uniqueness of the water sources in the area and his concerns on the matter and said he would be in favor of a resolution to the County and would likely be in favor of stricter regulations than are currently in place. 01:18:02 Council Member Walker provided discussion as to why he would be in favor of city advisory board representative reports and the ability to ask them questions. 01:18:43 Council Member Gabriel spoke to being a conservation educator. She talked about education the Council has received over the years on this topic from former Director of the City - County Health Board, Joe Russell, and the reports and the importance of reporting from the health board and that they usually do annually. She spoke regarding a decommissioned septic in her neighborhood. She does feel the regulation change is a step backward but provided discussion as to why sending the County a resolution on the matter is out of the jurisdiction of the City. She would be in favor of a joint letter with other area cities. She spoke to the issue of political caution. 01:22:01 Council Member Fisher spoke regarding his preference to have the Department Head report to Council as opposed to one board member. Council Member Fisher talked about being an outdoorsman and caring but leaving these decisions up to the people who spent months researching and discussing the issue and let the County process move forward. He provided discussion about pushing education and staying within jurisdictional boundaries. 01:25:50 Council Member Daoud spoke to battling septic systems on Council and how the City appreciates annexing properties on the fringe of the City to bring them on to City services when their septic fails. He provided discussion about the unintended consequences of increasing Page 4 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 9, 2026 regulations in relation to raising housing costs. He spoke further to the importance of bringing septic systems on to City services when able. 01:28:18 Council Member Waterman spoke to previously being on the Health Board, the complexity of this issue, and previous Board discussions about septic regulations. He spoke regarding a conversation with Mr. Kuntz and their wish that more people were aware of these types of issues and unique situations in this area. He talked about the difficulties with pressure systems in extreme places in the County. He thanked Mr. Kuntz for the work and the time that went into the board discussions. 01:30:37 Council Member Waterman would appreciate reports from the Department Head on a regular basis, and email notification from our representatives when an important vote is imminent. He would be supportive of a joint letter with other municipalities. He would like to see heightening education around these issues and the education about the uniqueness within the Flathead. 01:32:09 Council Member Fisher spoke about education and people caring about our waters and wanting to collaborate on education. 01:32:30 Council Member Blank would be in favor of having a conversation with the other cities. 01:32:47 Mayor Hunter provided discussion talking about the justification he has heard for going away from current rules was reliance on the DEQ Four regulations. However, the DEQ Four regulations say the best system is the pressure dose system, so that should be the rule and have a deviation for anything where that doesn't work. He spoke to Gallatin County moving away from gravity systems due to environmental problems (as mentioned by Council Member Blank). He would support a letter but does not know if it's practical timewise to get a joint letter together with the other cities. He sees that the Council is split on the issue of sending a letter but was appreciative of the discussion that has been had. 01:35:07 Mayor Hunter would appreciate an alert when there is an important or controversial issue so Council can consider it. 01:35:25 Council Member Daoud asked about the longevity of gravity versus pressure system. Donald Barnhart, with the County Health Board provided discussion about gravity versus pressure septic systems and why in his view the pressure systems provide superior treatment. 01:38:31 Council Member Blank spoke regarding gravity systems not working well in steep environments. 2. Kalispell Land Use Plan — PLAN -IT 2045 Draft Review F�I a 01:39:30 Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen presented the draft changes that were discussed at the last meeting. 01:43:11 Mayor Hunter asked questions based on the public comment given about the number of dwelling units per acre. Page 5 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 9, 2026 01:43:44 Sorensen provided information and answered questions about how number of dwelling units are viewed and the variables at play. 01:47:30 Sorensen continued review of draft changes starting on page 152 related to the housing strategies and previous council discussion about four-plex's. 01:49:26 Mayor Hunter provided detailed discussion regarding why he would like to specifically include 4-plexes as a housing strategy. 01:58:54 Council Member Fisher asked for clarification. 01:59:26 Sorensen answered questions and spoke to cumulative effects of the housing strategies. 02:00:26 Council Member Fisher provided discussion regarding 4-plexes. 02:04:12 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion in favor of 4-plexes with specific standards and controls. 02:08:05 Council Member Nunnally asked questions related to calculating number and size capacity related to water and sewer. 02:09:05 Sorensen provided information about how facility plans consider density. 02:09:54 Manager Nygren spoke further to density factors within facility plans and how the housing strategies will affect that. 02:11:02 Council Member Nunnally asked about parking requirement changes being factored in. Manager Nygren spoke regarding factors related to services. Council Member Nunnally asked further questions. 02:15:23 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion in opposition to 4-plexes. 02:19:01 Council Member Daoud asked questions of staff related to where 4-plexes are allowed now with a conditional use permit. He then asked questions related to the future of conditional use permits. 02:21:55 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the public opinion he gathered within his ward on this subject. He would be in favor of the draft language as suggested by staff. 02:26:36 Council Member Walker provided discussion in favor of 4-plexes. 02:29:49 Council Member Waterman provided discussion supporting the general language provided by staff and further discussion supporting 4-plexes. Page 6 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 9, 2026 02:30:45 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion in support of 4-plexes in new developments but in opposition to 4-plexes within current single-family neighborhoods without standards. She is in favor of the general wording provided by staff. 02:32:46 Council Member Blank confirmed the purpose of the wording provided by staff. 02:32:59 Staff spoke to the realities of the state law if a 4-plex is added as a specific strategy in the land use plan. 02:40:32 Mayor Hunter provided further discussion about wanting to move forward with 4- plexes with design standards. 02:41:28 Council Member Blank asked for clarification. She provided discussion regarding the importance of design standards for 4-plexes. 02:44:48 Mayor Hunter provided further discussion about standards and responded to other discussions provided. 02:49:30 Staff spoke regarding zoning text amendment change review procedures and wording options. 02:52:07 Sorensen continued reviewing draft changes on page 158. 02:52:41 Council Member Gabriel asked a question about Chapter 4.1.2 related to expanding on reference to Emergency Services. 02:54:06 Mayor Hunter provided discussion in favor of calling out items that need further discussion. 02:55:27 Staff provided information about future revision options. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. D. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report: • The Land Use Plan public hearing is scheduled for the next meeting. • A presentation on the US 93 North Hwy Access Plan is scheduled from Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is also scheduled for the next meeting. • Nygren is looking into the Washington DC trip further and getting meetings scheduled. 02:59:48 Council Member Walker thanked staff for the work they do. 03:00:22 Council Member Nunnally said he has had some community requests for an update from the pre-release center. Page 7 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 9, 2026 03:01:02 Council Member Nunnally spoke regarding a fatality accident on the north end of the 93 Bypass. He would like to find out from the Montana Department of Transportation about safety upgrades on the Bypass. He mentioned jersey barriers that went up in another location on the bypass after serious accidents there. 03:02:11 Council confirmed they would like to schedule a report on the prerelease center. 03:02:20 Council Member Blank thanked staff and Council and talked about appreciation for everyone talking through issues and the complexity of the issues. She asked the public to come to the land Use Plan public hearing and provide input. 03:03:23 Council Member Waterman thanked everyone for the opportunity to join via zoom. He thanked staff and the Planning Commission for all their work on the Land Use Plan and also to Council for thoughtful conversations as they want to put a quality document forward. He then thanked Rod Kuntz for sending the (City -County Board of Health septage regulation) report and sitting in on 18-months of conversations on septage. He would appreciate ways to have more conversations and education in the City and community about the issue. 03:04:30 Council Member Leftridge thanked the Mayor for his leadership in tonight's conversation. He spoke regarding concerns related to Ashley Creek and the investments being made in the Solid Waste Plant without knowing the degradation upstream referring to a map. 03:04:59 City Manager Nygren spoke regarding a study and scientific analysis that has been done and is ongoing around Ashley Creek and a future update. 03:05:56 Council Member Leftridge spoke regarding appreciation for board updates from advisory board representatives and the and the importance of having them as conduits to the Council. 03:06:26 Council Member Leftridge would like to receive community reports often. 03:06:48 Council Member Daoud invited people in Ward 4 to reach out if they have opinions about 4-plexes and in appreciation of the discussion about them. Council Member Daoud thanked Mr. Nygren and Chief Venezio for configuring an incident report around cruising activities. He spoke regarding the statistics looking better since the emergency responder levy and thus hiring of additional staff. 03:08:54 Mayor Hunter thanked everyone for the process and patience working through the land use plan. 03:10:04 Mayor Hunter responded to public comment received about his approach to meetings and how he handles work session discussion. E. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 10:11. Page 8 of 9 Kalispell City Council M�iples, March 9, 2026 o®gee &Lj� 0 0E Ai ee Brunckhorst, City Clerk �� °'•.° ='. mA Minutes approved on April 6, 2026 "f. O N\P UPCOMING SCHEDULkl//, Next Regular Meeting — March 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Next Work Session — March 23, 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 9 of 9