Loading...
04-06-26 City Council Meeting Minutes-0r%"%0Ak4 CITY of KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL 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 Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Present Council Member - Wes Walker: Present Council Member - Lisa Blank: Present Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Present Council Member - Dustin Leftridae: 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. 2°d 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: Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Disapprove Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Ma oy r - Ryan Hunter: Disapprove Council Member - Wes Walker: Disapprove Council Member - Lisa Blank: Disapprove Council Member -Kyle Waterman: Disapprove Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Disapprove The motion failed on roll call vote with Council Members Fisher and Daoud in favor, Council Members Waterman, Leftridge, 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 - Kvle Waterman: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Disapprove Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove Mayoryan 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 voice vote with Council Members Waterman, Leftridge, Nunnallv, 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. 1. Council Minutes — March 2, and March 9. 2026 n a ® a 2. Award 2026 Asphalt Materials Bid to LHC, Inc. O a This item considers awarding the contract to supply asphalt materials. 3. Award 2026 Milling and Paving Bid to LHC, Inc. O a This item considers awarding the contract to support milling and paving projects. 4. Award 2026 Chip Seal Bid to Pavement Maintenance Services A 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 6°1 Street West W Construction Inc. lJ 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 - Kyle Waterman: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent 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 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 D 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 Citv of Kalispell by including therein as an annexation certain real property described as Tracts 13CC, 13CCAA, and 13CB in Section 13, Township 28 north, Range 22 west, P.M.M., Flathead Count-, 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: 2nd 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 Mayor - Ryan 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 o 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 II 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: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Ma o� r - 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 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 II 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 - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Gabriel absent. 4) Ordinance 1949 — First Reading - Westside Parking Management Zone Amendment [� Ca This ordinance considers including 4th Avenue West between 5th Street West and 6th Street West within this parking management zone. 00:36:46 Planner Il 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 4t" Avenue West between 5tn Street Nest and 6th Street Nest within the Westside Parking Management Zone, declaring an effective date and authorizing the City Attorney to codifv 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 Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove Mayor -Ryan 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, Leftridee 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 &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 RoseAskvig, 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 8of12 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 Waterman 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 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 with Council Members Blank, Walker, Waterman, Leftridge, and Mayor Hunter in favor, and Council members Daoud, Fisher, Nunnally, and Gabriel opposed. I 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 publiccomment2kalispell.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. Aim e Brunckhorst, City Clerk Minutes approved on May 4, 2026 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: 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 cityclerk e kalispell.com. Page 12 of 12