E1. 04-06-26 Council MinutesCITYOF
KALISPELL
CITY COUNCIL DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
April 6, 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 Hunter called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent until 52 minutes into the meeting
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
Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Present
Staff present included City Manager and Development Services Director Jarod Nygren, City
Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Assistant Director of Development
Services P.J. Sorensen, Planner II Donnie McBath, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Deputy
Public Works Director Keith Haskins, and Planner II Kari Barnhart.
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. AGENDA APPROVAL
Motion to adopt the agenda with a modification of removing the (parking) item from the
agenda.
Council Member — Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member — Jed Fisher. 2nd
00:02:37 Council Member Daoud provided discussion as to why he would like this item removed
from the agenda.
00:04:02 Council Member Waterman provided discussion on the motion.
00:04:20 Council Member Nunnally asked for clarification.
Council Member Daoud provided further discussion.
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
Vote on the motion.
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnallv: Annr,
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Disapprove
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove
Ma.. o�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove
The motion failed on roll call vote with Council Members Fisher and Daoud in favor,
Council Members Waterman, Leftrid2e, Nunnally, Walker, Blank, and Mayor Hunter
opposed, and Council Member Gabriel absent.
00:05:41 Motion and Vote to approve the agenda as published.
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion
Council Member - Sam Nunnally.
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnallv: Annrove
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Disapprove
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove
MUor Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove
The motion passed on voice vote with Council Members Waterman, Leftrid2e, Nunnally,
Walker, Blank, and Mayor Hunter in favor, Council Members Fisher and Daoud opposed,
and Council Member Gabriel absent.
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 — March 2_ and March 9. 2026 na q�a
2. Award 2026 Asphalt Materials Bid to LHC, Inc. � a
This item considers awarding the contract to supply asphalt materials.
3. Award 2026 Milling and Paving Bid to LHC, Inc. � a
This item considers awarding the contract to support milling and paving projects.
4. Award 2026 Chip Seal Bid to Pavement Maintenance Services GR a
This item considers awarding the contract for chip seal projects in the amount of
Page 2 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
$196,408.
5. Award 61h Street West Water Main Replacement Project Bid to Mike Coleman
Construction Inc. 0 a
This item considers awarding this project in the amount of $613,441.95.
Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment on the consent agenda. Seeing none, he closed public
comment.
00:07:52 Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion
Council Member - Kvle Waterman: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Ma,, o�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Annrove
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove
The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Gabriel absent.
F. COMMUNITY REPORTS — None.
G. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Hunter opened general public comment.
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 public comment.
H. PUBLIC HEARING — Stormwater Facility Plan 9� a
Council will accept comments on a proposed updated 2025 Stormwater Facility Plan.
Mayor Hunter opened the public hearing.
00:09:20 Deputy Public Works Director Keith Haskins provided an overview of the Stormwater
Facility Plan.
Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment on the proposed 2025 Stormwater Facility Plan.
00:17:12 Ryan LaGrow, Public Comment
LaGrow asked what community standards were being referred to in the presentation.
Page 3 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment and the public hearing.
I. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION
1) Resolution 6320 - Tumbleweed Offices Annexation and Zoning 2 a
This item considers annexation and zoning of B-2, General Business for 4.2 acres at 1430,
1436, and 1440 U.S. Highway 2 West.
Planner II Donnie McBath presented the staff report.
00:22:58 Council Member Waterman asked for clarification regarding the resolution process.
00:23:44 Mayor Hunter asked for confirmation that Rails for Trails is south of the location.
Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
00:23:58 Larissa Van Riet, Public Comment
Van Riet with 406 Engineering, introduced herself and stated they and the applicant were
available for questions.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
00:24:36 Motion to approve Resolution 6320, a resolution to provide for the alteration of
the boundaries of the City of Kalispell by including therein as an annexation certain real
property described as Tracts 13CC, 13CCAA, and 13CB in Section 13, Township 28 north,
Ranee 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, and as more particularly described in
exhibit A, to be known as Tumbleweed Offices Addition No. 485, to amend section
27.02.010, official zoning map, City of Kalispell zoning ordinance 1677, by zoning said
property in accordance with the Kalispell zoning ordinance, and to declare an effective
date.
Council Member — Kyle Waterman: Motion
Council Member — Jed Fisher: 2" d
00:26:08 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in favor of the motion.
00:26:40 Mayor Hunter provided discussion in favor of the motion.
Vote on the motion.
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion
Council Member - Jed Fisher: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
Ma.. o�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Page 4 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Gabriel absent.
2) Starling Subdivision Phase 4B Final Plat and Subdivision Improvement Agreement � a
This item considers approval of the final plat for 4.10 acres, with 13 residential lots off
Timberwolf Parkway and Stillwater Road, and an associated Subdivision Improvement
Agreement.
Planner 11 Donnie McBath presented the staff report.
Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
00:29:43 Motion and Vote to approve the Starling Subdivision Phase 413 Final Plat and the
associated Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion
Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Annrove
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve
MUor Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kvle Waterman: Annr
Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Gabriel absent.
3) Resolution 6321 - Pioneer Estates Subdivision Preliminary Plat Extension Request � a
This resolution considers extension of this plat located on the south side of Two Mile
Drive, west of Greenbriar, and east of the Highway 93 Bypass for an additional two years.
Planner 11 Donnie McBath presented the staff report.
00:32:50 Council Member Waterman asked about the past annexation on this property and
provided discussion in favor of the request.
00:33:39 Mayor Hunter asked about density.
00:34:14 Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
00:34:35 Motion to approve Resolution 6321, a resolution approving a two-year extension
to the Preliminary Plat of Pioneer Estates Subdivision.
Page 5 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
00:34:55 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion in favor of the motion.
Vote on the motion.
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion
Council Member
- Kyle Waterman: 2nd
Council Member
- Kari Gabriel: Absent
Council Member
- Sam Nunnally: Approve
Council Member
- Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member
- Sid Daoud: Approve
Ma.. o�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member
- Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member
- Kvle Waterman: Annrov
Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve
The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Gabriel absent.
4) Ordinance 1949 — First Reading - Westside Parkin _g Management Zone Amendment � aManagement Zone Amendment � a
This ordinance considers including 4th Avenue West between 5th Street West and 6th Street
West within this parking management zone.
00:36:46 Planner 11 Kari Barnhart presented the staff report.
Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
00:41:16 Council Member Nunnally asked a question about the signature document provided.
00:42:14 Council Member Waterman provided discussion on this item.
00:42:34 Council Member Fisher provided discussion on this item.
00:43:10 Motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1949, an ordinance amending
Ordinances 1759, 1817, and 1898 to include 4th Avenue West between 5th Street West and 6th
Street West within the Westside Parking Management Zone, declaring an effective date and
authorizing the City Attorney to codify the same.
00:43:44 Council Member Daoud provided discussion in opposition of the motion.
00:47:34 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in favor of the motion.
00:49:26 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion.
00:50:40 Council Member Blank asked questions about conversations with the schools.
The video froze, but audio is still accurate.
Page 6 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
00:52:25 Vote on the motion.
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion
Council Member - Lisa Blank: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent
Council Member - Sam Nunnallv: Annrove
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove
Ma.. o�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve
Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve
Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove
The motion passed on roll call vote with Council members Nunnally, Fisher, Walker, Blank,
Waterman, Leftrid2e and Mayor Hunter in favor, Council Member Daoud opposed, and
Council Member Gabriel absent.
Council Member Gabriel joined the meeting online.
5) Resolution 6322A, B, and C — Kalispell Land Use Plan — PLAN -IT 2045 P� a
These resolutions consider adopting, revising, or rejecting this Land Use Plan.
City Manager Nygren provided history of past council meetings held on this subject and the
process for this item.
00:53:30 Council Member Nunnally asked questions about prior conversations with staff and
then recent correspondence received from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Staff answered questions.
00:55:47 Mayor Hunter asked about an email from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks received
last year regarding cranes. He then explained a conversation he had with Fish, Wildlife, and
Parks on the crane issue.
00:58:22 Mayor Hunter spoke regarding concerns that have been voiced about conflict of interest
in regard to his participation and asked the City Attorney to review relevant codes with him.
00:59:03 City Attorney Johnna Preble read aloud comments made by Mayor Hunter during the
January 26, 2026, council meeting and then reviewed Council Policies, the Kalispell Code of
Ethics, and the Montana State Code of Ethics that she believes are relevant to whether the
comments made constitute a conflict of interest.
01:06:38 Mayor Hunter addressed the comment that was referenced providing discussion on his
position. He then asked the City Attorney to further review specific state law with him.
City Attorney Preble read through particular sections of the state code of ethics with Mayor
Hunter.
Page 7 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
01:12:23 Mayor Hunter disclosed again that he works for Flathead Land Trust and the work they
have done to preserve land in west valley.
01:12:49 Attorney Preble read aloud state ethics codes that Mayor Hunter referenced, and Mayor
Hunter provided related statements per code item.
01:17:49 Attorney Preble read aloud relevant Kalispell Council Policy.
01:18:41 Mayor Hunter provided statements related to his position as an employer of Flathead
Land Trust and his views related to these codes and policies and why he does not believe he has
violated these provisions. He then provided reasons why he believes that another Council
Member was treated differently in relation to an ethics code question.
01:23:10 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on this matter.
01:24:03 Council Member Fisher asked Mayor Hunter questions related to this matter.
01:24:04 Mayor Hunter provided further discussion on his position.
01:25:31 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on this matter and asked staff about
liability risk.
01:26:29 Council Member Daoud called for the order of the day.
01:26:49 Council Member Waterman asked for clarification about the resolutions provided.
01:28:11 Council Member Gabriel asked for further clarification regarding the resolutions.
Note: The meeting video froze, but the audio continued.
Public Comment
Mayor Hunter opened public comment.
01:29:55 Kindee Nelson, Public Comment
Nelson of Kalispell spoke to views that discussions about private property outside city limits
should not have been discussed. She provided reasons why she believes Mayor Hunter should
recuse himself from the vote on this item.
01:31:07 Rose Askvi,-, Public Comment
Askvig referred to her written comments provided to Council regarding why she believes Mayor
Hunter should recuse himself.
01:31:38 Mark Lalum, Public Comment
Lalum spoke regarding his experience on boards and perceived conflict of interest and the
potential for a conflict and that he believes Mayor Hunter should reconsider his position on the
matter.
Page 8 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment.
01:33:26
Motion to accept Resolution 6322B, a resolution revising the proposed Kalispell Land Use
Plan — Plan -It 2045, and Future Land Use Map and adopting such revision to be known as
the Kalispell Land use Plan - Plan -IT 2045" to accept with revision to include the Fish,
Wildlife and Parks map with sandhill crane usage provided to Council in letter to Council
dated March 16, 2026.
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Motion
Council Member - Wes Walker: 2nd
01:34:14 Council Member Blank provided discussion on her motion.
01:35:31 Council Member Leftridge asked for clarification on the motion.
01:35:42 Council Member Blank spoke to the intent of her motion receiving confirmation and
clarification from staff.
01:38:08 Council Member Fisher asked for further clarification.
01:39:04 Staff brought the letter and map up on the screen that was referred to in the motion.
01:39:21 Council Member Fisher referred to a second letter received from MT Fish, Wildlife and
Parks.
01:40:11 Council Member Daoud provided discussion in opposition to the motion.
01:41:35 Council Member Watennan provided discussion in favor of the motion.
01:43:14 Council Member Walker provided discussion in favor of the motion.
01:43:44 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on the motion.
01:45:18 City Manager Nygren clarified initial information received by staff from Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks.
01:45:54 Council Member Fisher provided discussion on the motion.
01:48:35 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion.
01:49:17 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on the motion.
01:50:49 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion explaining he will be making
amendments to the subdivision and zoning regulations related to public notification and why.
01:54:51 Council Member Gabriel asked questions about the maps and provided discussion on
the motion.
Page 9 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
01:57:06 Staff reviewed the map referenced in the motion and how it differs from the other maps
within the document.
01:58:12 Council Member Fisher asked for clarification about the size of the area indicated in
the map. He then provided discussion in opposition to the motion.
01:58:50 Vote on the motion.
Council Member - Lisa Blank: Motion
Council Member - Wes Walker: 2nd
Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Disapprove
Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Disapprove
Council Member - Jed Fisher: Disapprove
Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove
Ma,, o�yan Hunter: Approve
Council Member - Wes Walker: Annrove
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 Blank, Walker, Waterman,
Leftrid2e, and Mayor Hunter in favor, and Council members Daoud, Fisher, Nunnally, and
Gabriel opposed.
J. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action)
City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report:
• Nygren confirmed that Council would be willing to have the Montana Local Government
Center provide a training to Council.
• Nygren spoke with the Director of the Prerelease Center about providing a report to
Council at an upcoming meeting.
• Staff is working on budgets, with budget work sessions in mid -May.
• Next Monday's work session will include discussion regarding subdivision and zoning
updates based on the Land Use Plan.
• Nygren spoke regarding the Westside Parking Management Zone that was discussed
during action item 4 and how successful that has been. He said staff will again provide
annual updates, or other information to Council going forward with a possible work
session as time allows.
An upcoming meeting will include discussion of the Safe Streets 4 All funding
opportunity as the application will be due at the end of May. This was discussed last year
in regard to Main Street.
02:01:48 Council Member Daoud suggested a work session in the future on the Westside Parking
Management Zone after budget discussions.
Council Member Daoud spoke regarding the opportunity for the public to send comments to
Council via email at publi ccommentgkali spell. com.
Page 10 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
02:02:46 Council Member Fisher asked for information about new Federal standards related to
plastics or other water monitoring concerns.
02:03:26 Council Member Leftridge commended and thanked staff, the Planning Commission
and the public regarding the Land Use Plan and talked about how comprehensive it is.
02:03:55 Council Member Waterman echoed the comments provided by Leftridge and spoke
regarding how the land use plan will substantially change the public process and committing to
the public process that will remain.
02:04:29 Council Member Waterman referred to the consent agenda and that construction season
has begun and the challenges Public Works will face repairing streets.
02:04:54 Council Member Blank thanked Council, staff and the public for their efforts and time
on the Land Use Plan and emphasized the need for supporting public information.
02:05:52 Council Member Blank spoke regarding her higher education and science education
background and provided further discussion on her motion and vote on the Land Use Plan.
02:06:59 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on his vote regarding the Land Use
Plan.
02:07:51 Council Member Walker provided thanks to the staff for their work on the Land Use
Plan and provided further discussion on the Land Use Plan and to supporting public education
and outreach and urged the public to continue to participate.
02:08:57 Mayor Hunter spoke to the long, challenging process to get through the Land Use Plan
and emphasized that it is a living document if changes are needed in the future. He spoke
regarding tackling the subdivision and zoning regulations next.
02:09:37 Mayor Hunter spoke to hearing future Community Reports on upcoming agendas from
Habitat for Humanity, the Crisis Response Team, and Volunteers of America. He spoke to the
mission of Volunteers of America, their recent grand opening in Kalispell, and the services they
provide the community.
K. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Aimee Brunckhorst, City Clerk
Minutes approved on
Page 11 of 12
Kalispell City Council Minutes, April 6, 2026
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Next Work Session Meeting —April 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Next Regular Meeting —April 20, 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: hLtps://www.kalispell.com/Meetin_ Vg ideos.
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 ci . clerk e,kalispell.com.
Page 12 of 12