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E1. 03-16-26 Council MinutesCITY QF KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL DRAFT MEETING MINUTES March 16, 2026, 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. Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at: https://www.kalispell.com/MeetingVideos. ideos. 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 Council Member - Dustin Leftridue: Present Staff present included City Manager and Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, Deputy City Attorney Andrew Clegg, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Assistant Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen, Planner II Donnie McBath, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Finance Director Aimee Cooke, and Police Lieutenant William Appel. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion to approve the agenda as published. 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 Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote. E. CONSENT 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 — February 17, and February 23, 2026 � a � a 2. Reject Bid for a Forestry Chip Truck a This item considers rejecting the bid submitted for this trick and readvertise. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: 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 Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote. F. COMMUNITY REPORTS — Montana Department of Transportation - Kalispell Whitefish Access Management Plan W a 00:04:06 Jacquelin Smith, RPA Engineering presented the plan on behalf of Montana Department of Transportation. David McKay with Montana Department of Transportation was available via video conference. 00:05:40 Background & Objectives Smith provided information about what the access management is and why the plan was established. 00:07:15 Access management principles Smith talked about the access management principles within the plan and access management methods. Page 2 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 00:10:00 Implementation Timelines Smith explained that implementation will occur over time based on multiple factors. 00:11:04 Outreach Efforts Smith explained outreach efforts they have accomplished. 00:12:32 Table of Contents Smith talked briefly about the table of contents. 00:13:12 Access Management Recommendations Smith explained the legend provided in the plan sheets. 00:14:34 Access Management Recommendations Smith spoke regarding recommendations at the south end of the plan. 00:15:48 Council Member Blank asked about the Silverbrook/Tronstad area. Smith explained the recommendations they have made in that area. 00:16:24 Joel Boucher with the Montana Department of Transportation explained what is being reviewed at that intersection and what would be funded by the developer at that location during different phases of the project there. 00:17:52 Council Member Nunnally asked about the Tronstad project and phasing of the road intersection improvements. Assistant Development Services Director PJ Sorensen answered questions. 00:18:50 Joel Boucher explained it is similar to what is happening at North Town Center and other areas as milestones are reached in a development it triggers specific development funded infrastructure improvements. 00:19:19 Smith spoke regarding the area around Church Drive and then showed the map as it moved north. 00:20:01 Council Member Nunnally asked about concrete jersey barriers and learned that would be outside of this plan scope. 00:20:52 Next Steps & Implementation Smith explained next steps in the process including Resolution approval by the Transportation Commission. 00:21:24 Mayor Hunter provided discussion about appreciation of Vision Zero that relates to safety measures and discussion about intersection spacing as it relates to pedestrian safety. He then provided discussion about his vision for an urban evolution from Reserve Drive to Church and asked for MDT's vision for that area. Page 3 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 00:24:45 Smith explained this plan is focused on recommendations for access approaches. 00:25:19 Boucher with MDT provided discussion regarding how their focus is to maintain safe access to the highway. G. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened general public comment. 00:27:14 Paula McDowell, Public Comment McDowell of Meadow Vista Loop spoke regarding her concerns at 4 Mile Drive giving thanks for the path that was recently installed from the Hwy 93 Bypass going down to Kidsports and the flashing light on the west entrance to Kidsports and her disappointment in people's driving behaviors. She talked about discussions with Engineer Keith Haskins regarding traffic calming studies. She talked with appreciation for traffic enforcement that she has seen happening in the area and provided further discussion about unsafe driving and speeding she sees on Four Mile Drive and her ongoing safety concerns. She is hoping that two tabletops will be installed in front of Kidsports. 00:32:27 Russell Sias, Public Comment Sias spoke to public comment he gave at the last meeting. He talked about pollution concerns he has on Ashley Creek. He then talked about the Safe Haven Baby Box he spoke about at the last meeting and mentioned he would contact the Fire Chief. He then spoke to his views regarding abortions and provided reference to handouts he brought with him. 00:37:11 Ryan LaGrow, Public Comment Lagrow talked about safety concerns during the yearly cleanup on the highway between the Bypass and the new Costco. 00:3 8:03 Kierra Richey, Public Comment Richey of Fairway Boulevard spoke with appreciation of staff within the Building Department and the Public Works Department saying she teaches a construction contracting class at Flathead Valley Community College and had asked for materials and received further suggestions and guidance from staff. 00:40:04 Arthur Dunn, Public Comment Dunn of Lower Valley Road spoke regarding past public comments he has provided regarding his views that Kalispell should cooperate with ICE and border control and further elaborated on his views on immigration. 00:43:40 Ron Gerson, Public Comment Gerson said poppycock to the last public comment received. 00:44:09 Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. Public comment received in writing to the Mayor and Council can be seen at www.kalisPell.com/publiccomment. Page 4 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 H. PUBLIC HEARING — Kalispell Land Use Plan — PLAN -IT 2045 � a Council will take public comments on this draft plan prior to consideration. Mayor Hunter opened the public hearing. 00:44:41 Assistant Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen presented the staff report. 00:55:05 Mayor Hunter called for public comments on the plan. 00:55:12 Council Member Nunnally asked Council if they had a chance to read the letter that just came in from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 00:55:38 Kindee Nelson, Public Comment Nelson asked Mayor Hunter to recuse himself and spoke to her views that he has a conflict of interest and should recuse himself from any votes on the plan. 00:56:18 David Allen, Public Comment Allen spoke regarding living where Church Road intersects Hwy 93 and safety concerns he has entering the Highway from Church Drive and his view that a merge lane be added as he feels he will be rear ended as he enters the highway. He then talked regarding his view that the area after the Bypass should be seen currently as a highway and should not be moved to urban standards. 00:59:25 Ryan LaGrow, Public Comment LaGrow spoke to the Public school system closing down for a day for a potential natural disaster and said that the State voted in marijuana taxes for state land. Public Hearing Closed Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comments and the public hearing. L REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION 1) Autumn Creek Subdivision Final Plat and Subdivision Improvement Agreement � a This item considers final plat and agreement approval for an 8.43-acre, 28 lot subdivision located along Hathaway Lane north of Highway 2 West and west of the Bypass. Planner II Donnie McBath provided the staff report. 01:03:22 Council Member Gabriel asked a question about a nearby pond. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01 -04-35 Motion to approve the final plat and subdivision improvement agreement for Autumn Creek Subdivision as well as the subdivision improvement agreement and performance bond. Page 5 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 01:05:23 Mayor Hunter explained he voted against this item in the past, so he will keep consistent with his vote. 01:06:04 Council Member Daoud explained this item has been reviewed and discussed by Council in the past. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member - Kyle Waterman: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Abbrove Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Disapprove Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed on roll call vote with Council Members Daoud, Walker, Blank, Waterman, Leftridge, Fisher, Gabriel, and Nunnally in favor, and Mayor Hunter opposed. 2) Resolution 6316 -Water System Revenue Bonds for Water Storage Replacement Tank 2 Da This resolution considers amending Resolution 6315, for the issuance of $6,000,000 in bonds from DNRC with forgiveness of $3,000,000 with satisfaction of certain conditions. City Manager Jarod Nygren presented the staff report. 01:07:47 Council Member Waterman asked for clarification on the error within Resolution 6315. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:08:21 Motion and Vote to approve Resolution 6316, amending Resolution 6315 to correct inadvertent scrivener errors. Council Member - Sid Daoud: 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 Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Abbrove Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Page 6 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 3) Resolution 6317 - Alternative Proj ect Delivery Contract Findings for Water Supply Improvements � a This resolution considers use of a General Contractor Construction Manager contract for the Emerging Contaminants PFAS, Water Supply Improvements Project and authorizes execution of documents. Public Works Director Susie Turner presented the staff report. 01:10:58 Project Description Turner explained this project and the background regarding design. 01:12:12 Design -Bid -Build vs. GCCM Turner explained the difference between these two methods and when GCCM is allowed per state law and the benefits of GCCM. 01:14:52 Adoption of GCCM Model Turner explained the Montana Code Annotated findings required to use this method and that the Resolution before Council contains those findings. 01:18:39 Council Member Daoud confirmed that the City of Kalispell is ahead of the time frame mandates from the EPA to address PFAS. 01:19:04 Council Member Daoud asked when the media used in the PFAS filter units will exhaust in the future and how often those may need to be replaced. 01:19:20 Director Turner explained they are hoping this construction project is complete before the media is spent and answered further related questions. 01:20:33 Council Member Waterman asked for further clarification as to why this process is being used for this project. Staff spoke further regarding the benefits of this process. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:21:55 Motion to approve Resolution 6317, a resolution by the city of Kalispell, Montana, related to the use of an alternative proiect delivery contract for the Kalispell Emerging Contaminant PFAS — Water Supply Improvements Proiect. Council Member — Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member — Dustin Leftridge: 2" d 01:22:31 Council Member Daoud provided discussion in favor of the motion. 01:23:11 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion in favor of the motion. 01:23:22 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in favor of the motion. Page 7 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 01:23:39 Mayor Hunter provided discussion in favor of the motion and referred to previous discussions regarding this method. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: 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 Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed on roll call vote. 4) Resolution 6318 —Authorize Signatories on City Bank Accounts W� a This resolution considers authorizing the names of signatories on various City accounts. City Manager Jarod Nygren presented the staff report. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:26:15 Motion to approve Resolution 6318, a resolution amending Resolution 6103, authorizing the City Manager, Finance Director, and Assistant Finance Director to execute checks, drafts or other orders withdrawing funds from City accounts with Glacier Bank. 01:27:29 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Lisa Blank: Motion Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd Council Member Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. 5) Resolution 6319 —Intent to Hold Public Hearing on a 2025 Stormwater Facility Plan �' a This resolution provides notice of the intention to consider adoption of this proposed plan and hold a work session on March 23, 2026, and a public hearing for public comment on April 6, 2026. Page 8 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 City Manager Nygren provided the staff report. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:30:02 Council Member Daoud asked about timing for this plan as it relates to the Land Use Plan. 01:29:29 Motion to adopt Resolution 6319, establishing April 6, 2026, as the public hearing date for the consideration of the proposed 2025 Stormwater Facility Plan. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: 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: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed on roll call vote. J. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) City Manager Nygren provided the following report: • Nygren explained why action item 3 was on the action agenda and explained it will be placed on consent in the future. • He will be out of the office starting Wednesday and Director Susie Turner will be Acting City Manager will he is out. • A presentation and discussion of the Stormwater Facility Plan will be before Council next week. 01:32:26 Council Member Nunnally spoke about the public comment received that asked Mayor Hunter to recuse himself. Nunnally asked Hunter to consider going through the process of having staff ask Hunter review considerations related to whether recusal would be appropriate. 01:33:23 Council Member Waterman referred to public comment received commending staff and then thanked staff for their leadership in that regard and in other areas. 01:34:31 Council Member Leftridge also referred to the quality of staff. Council Member Leftridge asked if there have been any new comments on the Engage Kalispell website related to the Land Use Plan since Council has been reviewing. He spoke to possible reasons why more public comment has not been received during this portion of the process and to what a major shift the Land Use Plan will have. Page 9 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 He then wished everyone a Happy St. Patty's Day and mentioned the Parade. 01:36:03 Council Member Fisher thanked the public for coming forward and providing their comments and how important public involvement is. 01:36:48 Council Member Daoud spoke to his appreciation for the public comment regarding Four Mile Drive concerns and to other roads they commonly receive complaints about. He talked about the challenges in changing driving behavior. He spoke further to changes that may happen in the future on Four Mile Drive. 01:38:28 Council Member Daoud spoke to public comment received at the north end of Kalispell on Hwy 93 and future considerations regarding the entrance corridors. 01:39:03 Council Member Daoud spoke to the public comment received regarding cooperation with Federal Law Enforcement and how he views how state law and the Montana Constitution plays into it, and City support of the Sheriff. 01:40:44 Mayor Hunter said he spoke with James Pike, Director of the Crisis Response Team and his interest in presenting to Council on changes to that program and provide an update about state funding for mental health. 01:41:15 On March 30, Mayor Hunter explained he will hold a town hall in Council Chambers and invited the public to attend and have informal discussions. 01:41:55 Mayor Hunter spoke regarding public comment received related to Four Mile Drive and the plan to adopt general traffic calming standards city-wide. Manager Nygren talked about a future work session discussion on that. 01:42:43 Mayor Hunter referred to the public comment on recusal and said he'd be happy to have the City Attorney speak to that on April 6, when it comes out for a vote. K. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m. Aimee Brunckhorst, City Clerk Minutes approved on UPCOMING SCHEDULE Next Work Session Meeting — March 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Page 10 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, March 16, 2026 Next Regular Meeting — March 30, 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. 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 cityclerkgkalispell. com. Page 11 of 11