Loading...
05-13-26 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL KcmoF WORK SESSION MINUTES ALISPELL Wednesday May 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at: https://www.kalist)ell.com/MeetingVideos. See the May 11, 2026, Work Session Minutes for review of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget general overview, and the General Fund Administrative Departments, Development Services Departments, and Public Works Department. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hunter called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present at 6:06 p.m. Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Present Council Member - Wes Walker: Present Council Member - Lisa Blank: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Present Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Present Staff present included City Manager Jarod Nygren, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Treasurer Carrie Jones, Information Technology Director Erika Billiet, Fire Chief Jay Hagen, Assistant Fire Chief Ken Whitehair, Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher, and Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened public comments on this item and for general public comments. 00:01:41 Tanaia Puchta, Public Comment Puchta of South Foys Lake Drive, representing Abort Ignorance Montana explained their purpose and then spoke in support of a Safe Haven Baby Box. She spoke regarding the Safe Haven Law in place and talked about baby abandonment. She talked about her views on the reasons why the city should install a baby box at one of the Fire Stations. 00:04:35 Jody Skalet, Public Comment Skaltet of Bismark Street spoke in support of the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box in a Fire Department, explaining why she believes it is important. Page 1 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 00:06:16 Council Member Sid Daoud joined the meeting. 00:06:20 Russell Sias, Public Comment Sias spoke regarding the cost of a Safe Haven Baby Box and mentioned his previous support for installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box. Sias brought an article he wrote regarding viability of a newborn within the womb. 00:08:28 Rosie Apelskane, Public Comment Appleskane of Turnberry Terrace, in Columbia Falls spoke in support of the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Fire Department explaining why. 00:11:10 Vanessa Caravolo, Public Comment Caravolo of North Main Street poke regarding her many years as a resident of Kalispell and then referenced a letter she sent to Council in January regarding her concerns and negative experiences with off leash dogs charging her in Lawrence Park. She asked Council to prioritize more consistent enforcement and increased communication to the public regarding the leash law rules. She would like safety in the parks prioritized so they can be accessible to everyone. She explained she had seen animal control driving through the park but said she had not witnessed the person leaving the vehicle when dogs were off leash. She relayed that she has had negative experiences when she asks people to leash their dogs. 00:17:45 Mamie Arends, Public Comment Arends of Ashley Lake Road spoke in favor of the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box explaining why. 00:19:24 Susan Patae, Public Comment Patae of North Main Street spoke in support of the public comment provided by Vanessa Caravolo, saying she has also had negative experiences and an injury with off leash dogs. She then spoke regarding her experience with trees, and her concerns that she has noticed girdling on some of the trees in Lawrence Park. She relayed a conversation she had with the Parks and Recreation Department and an issue several years back about damage caused by a steel trimmer and her belief they are constantly nicked during mowing. She provided concerns about memorial trees. She talked about health issues trees have when girdling occurs and that she would like solutions examined to prevent the problem from happening again. 00:24:06 Joy Hunter, Public Comment Hunter of Columbia Falls spoke in support of the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box explaining why. 00:25:35 Terry Falk, Public Comment Falk spoke in support of the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box explaining why. He also spoke in support of trees. 00:28:36 Toni Robinson, Public Comment Robinson of Edgewood East in Whitefish explained she is getting a new grandson via adoption and spoke in support of the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box explaining why. 00:31:50 Robin Sertell, Public Comment Page 2 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 Sertell from Montanans for Life spoke in support of Safe Haven Baby Boxes and provided information about their organization and how they help get these devices installed. She spoke regarding the cost and about currently working with the City of Missoula on an installation. She talked about working with a state legislature and grants established for up to $20,000 per device. She explained further why she would be in support of the installation of a Box at the Fire Station, the training received and follow-up after. 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. D. DISCUSSION 1. Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Review a. Information Technoloa City Manager Jarod Nygren began the staff presentation beginning with Information Technology. 00:37:35 Director of Information Technology Erika Billiet provided information on the deployment policies and process for staff computers, security replacements, details on an installation of a new IT structure at Ashley Creek Park, internet lift station connectivity, details on a new electronic timecard system project for the Police Department that will move into the Fire Department. She talked about a CityWorks application upgrade and migration, explaining what the program is used for and by whom. 00:40:29 Council Member Walker asked about the timeframe for the CityWorks application migration. Director Billiet answered timing questions and explained where that item is within the budget. 00:42:22 Director Billiet explained city website accessibility funds, populating the Police Department IT closets, and replacing acid batteries with lithium -ion batteries. 00:43:11 Council Member Nunnally asked about the phone migration process. Director Billiet answered questions about the recent phone migration process. 00:44:36 Mayor Hunter asked about costs related to Ashley Creek Park, 00:44:49 Director Billiet explained that staff time is the main factor involved in the costs to the city for installation of IT projects at Ashley Creek Park. The internet connectivity is paid for out of the city IT budget, with the cost of the cameras coming from the donor. 00:46:09 Manager Nygren explained future maintenance agreements will be coming related to the Park. Mayor Hunter thanked the Bibler Foundation related to Ashley Creek Park. Page 3 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 00:46:35 Council Member Nunnally asked about the costs related to the website and social media. Billiet explained that an accessibility project, the public records request portal, and social media archiving are within that line item. 00:47:14 City Clerk and Communication Director Aimee Brunckhorst explained that NextRequest, the public records request portal was within the City Clerk budget last year but has been moved to the IT budget. b. Police Department Manager Nygren began reviewing the Police budget. 00:48:26 Mayor Hunter asked for staff to consider gas costs further prior to the final budget. 00:49:16 Manager Nygren talked about the patrol vehicles within the budget. 00:50:00 Mayor Hunter asked about marked versus unmarked vehicles, learning all are marked except undercover vehicles. 00:50:29 Council Member Leftridge asked for clarification regarding the number of vehicles, learning an additional vehicle is budgeted within levy funds. 00:50:53 City Manager Nygren talked about changes related to a Special Service Officer position, the retirement of the Parking Enforcement Officer, and changes planned to Parking Enforcement, related duties and additional code enforcement expansion. 00:53:25 Nygren spoke regarding tracking currently happening across the organization regarding time spent tracking code enforcement duties that are complaint driven. 00:54:24 Council Member Walker asked for additional information about the parking tracking software planned. 00:54:28 Police Chief Venezio spoke regarding a planned digital LPR system to track parking more efficiently than the past physical chalking system and explained details such as, that it is not connected to the criminal justice network. 00:56:09 Council Member Leftridge asked about cloud storage and availability. 00:56:24 Council Member Waterman asked about hardware location. 00:56:57 Council Member Daoud spoke regarding upcoming parking work sessions to discuss parking in general. He asked questions about staff time depending on changes to the parking rules. 00:57:32 Manager Nygren spoke to questions posed further explaining that the software is able to be adjusted based on policy. He spoke to current parking rules. Page 4 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 00:58:58 Chief Venezio explained the digital system would also be used for city parking lots and the permit system and would be used for parking violations throughout the city. Manager Nygren further spoke regarding the uses of the software across the city. 01:00:11 Council Member Walker asked further questions about software capability. 01:00:27 Mayor Hunter asked about the use of this type of software in other communities and specific information about how it works. 01:01:02 Mayor Hunter clarified the position planned for the Special Service Officer and the combination of multiple duties. 01:01:30 Nygren explained the position further and talked about the software acquisition process. 01:04:02 Police Department Grants Police Chief Venezio explained grants within the budget. 01:04:10 StoneGarden Grant 01:04:50 Drug Enforcement Grant 01:05:05 DUI Grant 01:05:33 Chief Venezio further explained grants and what they are used for. 01:07:18 Opioid Settlement Chief Venezio explained this settlement is used for cost share with the county for the Crisis Assistance Team. A report on the team will be coming before Council soon. Manager Nygren explained numbers are estimates of what we may receive. 01:08:35 Council Member Daoud asked whether there are budgetary impacts related to the movement from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 for Cannabis. 01:08:59 Council Member Daoud asked about the ongoing maintenance and training costs related to drones. 01:09:28 Police Chief Venezio explained the costs are minimal and explained all are SWAT crisis based and not used for patrol. 01:10:14 Council Member Nunnally asked about an MOU agreement with the County regarding the SWAT Team. 01:10:27 Police Chief Venezio explained a shared policy agreement is in place. Page 5 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 c. Fire/Emergency Medical Services 01:11:21 Fire Chief Jay Hagen provided budget highlights via a presentation. See attachment. a 01:11:55 Chief Hagen explained ambulance billing has been switched to a third -parry billing system and related budget changes and the success of that switch. 01:13:11 Levy Implementation Update Fire Chief Hagen provided information about the new Fire Station, the work being done by the Architects, and a rough expected completion date of Summer 2028. 01:14:24 Apparatus Fire Chief Hagen provided information about two new E-1 Pumpers arriving this summer, a new ambulance on order, and associated equipment ordered. 01:15:08 New Staff Fire Chief Hagen provided information related to staff requests and talked about their staffing model, and current staffing numbers, and why two new positions are being requested. 01:17:07 Current Levy Impacts Fire Chief Hagen highlighted current levy impacts including; 2 training Captains in place, new training software, additional levy funded hires, a significant increase in the ability to meet community needs, reduced reliance on mutual aid and improved community incomes. 01:18:29 Chief Hagen explained that the additional staffing and other modifications have moved average response time pre -levy from 9.42 down to 7 minutes, and how they expect that to improve even more after the third station is built. 01:19:09 Why Response Times Matter Fire Chief Hagen explained why improved response times matter. 01:21:09 Equipment Replacement Chief Hagen explained equipment replacement funds needed and why they need specific equipment. 01:22:19 Firefighter Protective Ensemble Chief Hagen explained the gear that is needed to provide protective equipment and breathing apparatus. 01:23:04 Advances in Medical Technology Chief Hagen talked about advances in medical technology and how important and expensive medical units are. 01:24:18 Technology as a Force Multiplier Chief Hagen talked about the importance and costs of a power cot/stretcher and Stryker Lucas Device and explained their average run numbers are over 5,400 a year and rising. 01:25:31 Upgrades and Maintenance at Fire Station 62 Page 6 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 Chief Hagen explained the needs for specific upgrade and maintenance needed at Station 62. 01:26:36 Council Member Nunnally provided thanks for the report. He then asked about the public comments received related to the Safe Haven Baby Box and the possibility of installation. 01:27:11 Manager Nygren explained that a Safe Haven Baby Box is not within the budget. He talked regarding cost estimates provided by the design team at the new station on a similar type of vestibule solution. 01:28:40 Council Member Nunnally said he would support looking into ways to fund Baby Boxes and vestibules at all the stations. 01:29:14 Council Member Nunnally asked about challenges with electrical vehicle fires. 01:29:33 Assistant Fire Chief Ken Whitehair explained they have two electrical vehicle blankets. 01:30:03 Council Member Fisher asked about associated costs with a Baby Box. 01:30:18 Chief Hagen explained that there is ongoing monitoring costs related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes and why. 01:31:03 Council Member Waterman spoke regarding the Safe Haven Newborn Protection Act and the current ability for people to surrender a child to an agency for up to 30 days and asked about follow-up after. Council Member Waterman talked regarding his past experiences with underutilization at InterMountain Care. He provided discussion about ensuring continuing care and how that could be operationalized. He also asked about working with Braveheart Chaplain services. 01:35:40 Chief Hagen talked about ongoing services from Braveheart Chaplain Ministries. 01:36:17 Council Member Daoud provided discussion about the option of adding a Safe Haven Baby Box to the new Fire Station and his support to pursue a grant and his support for a domestic vestibule combination. 01:39:10 Council Member Leftridge asked about the funding timeline for a grant and talked about the related outreach for a Baby Box. 01:39:38 Council Member Walker supported the idea of looking at a Safe Haven Baby Box. 01:39:53 Mayor Hunter provided discussion about wanting additional information on utilization. 01:41:16 City Manager Nygren talked about a future work session to discuss this item. 01:42:20 Mayor Hunter asked about the idea behind a domestic violence vestibule. 01:42:57 Chief Hagen talked about an area of refuge. Mayor Hunter provided discussion about wanting more information. Page 7 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 01:44:19 Chief Hagen spoke regarding current policies to connect people to resources. 01:44:21 Fire Department Budget Manager Nygren continued review of the budget. 01:44:57 Chief Hagen explained the increase to contract services and the corresponding increase to ambulance collections. 01:46:04 Chief Hagen explained the increase within Line 940 related to tool expenses. 01:46:38 Assistant Fire Chief Whitehair explained increased costs within medical supplies. 01:47:51 Council Member Leftridge asked for details within the building maintenance expense line item. Chief Hagen explained the building maintenance expenses. Emergency Responder Levy Nygren explained the balance between using levy funds for building a fire station and the personnel to run the station. Public Safety Impact Fee Nygren explained funds being used from impact fees for the new fire station. 01:51:11 Council Member Daoud asked about a past personal apparatus grant. 01:51:28 Nygren talked about looking at grant opportunities as they arise. d. Parks and Recreation 01:52:45 Parks -in -Lieu Director of Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher explained the Parks in Lieu Program. He then explained how those funds are currently being utilized and plans for future upgrades. General Parks 01:55:37 Mayor Hunter asked how the gas budget was determined. 01:55:52 Staff said they will re-evaluate the gas budget with current conditions in mind. 01:56:07 Council Member Fisher asked questions about the upcoming Parks and Recreation Master Plan and planning for long term goals for parks. 01:56:25 Director Fincher explained this budget is operating at status quo, and how cash reserves were utilized to balance the budget. Page 8of13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 01:57:10 Director Fincher talked about what the upcoming Parks and Recreation Master Plan will include and then Council conversations can look at how to prioritize and subsequent funding. 01:58:00 Council Member Fisher asked about the inclusion of a recreation feasibility study and asked about utilizing information in related studies already done within the community. 01:59:05 Manager Nygren spoke to questions raised and the funds that would need to be allocated by Council to fund it. 01:59:59 Council Member Leftridge talked about his interest in proposing an allocation for a recreation feasibility study and work done by others. 02:00:55 Manager Nygren spoke regarding looking at grant opportunities and asked for further direction. 02:01:46 Council Member Fisher provided further discussion about a recreation feasibility study and what a study may encourage from the community. 02:02:25 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in support of a feasibility study and looking at the recommendations within the Parks Master Plan and looking at the funding over the next year. 02:03:41 Mayor Hunter talked about looking at priorities and proposals within the Parks Master Plan as it comes before Council. 02:04:49 Council Member Leftridge provided further discussion about current budget allocations. 02:05:21 Mayor Hunter talked about room within the 21% reserve and possible adjustments to the budget. He talked about Council interest in a Public Information Officer hire, and details about his interest in additional planning staff, and staffing options he would be interested in. He provided discussion about deferred maintenance proposals, and the idea of a feasibility study. He spoke regarding a future work session to discuss priorities if further items can fit within the budget. 02:07:11 Nygren spoke regarding the path forward for discussing additional staff. 02:09:15 Mayor Hunter asked about Traffic Calming Policy timing, discussed public comments received regarding traffic safety, and discussion regarding his vision for the addition of a Transportation Planner. 02:12:09 Nygren talked about considerations related to a Transportation Planner, the hurdles with hiring engineers and having related discussions when a Traffic Calming Policy is discussed by Council. 02:13:09 Council Member Walker talked about having larger conversations around planning and transportation and prioritizing the addition of a Public Information Officer. Page 9 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 02:13:45 Nygren talked further about the discussion related to a recreation feasibility study coming after approval of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 02:14:13 Mayor Hunter asked about other needs identified in the Parks Master Plan that would require funding. 02:14:44 Director Fincher talked about Parks Master Plan recommendations that will be coming forward when that Plan is finalized including an Aquatics Study, and a long-term plan for Woodland, and Lawrence Parks. He also spoke regarding deferred maintenance. 02:17:12 Director Fincher spoke further regarding the Parks Master Plan and community sentiment they have seen during the process. 02:17:40 Mayor Hunter asked questions about timing related to priorities. Director Fincher provided discussion about a recreation feasibility study. 02:19:18 Mayor Hunter asked about the costs of a feasibility study. 02:19:30 Nygren spoke to cost estimation questions and what a study would provide. 02:20:21 Mayor Hunter talked about budget prioritizing. 02:20:57 Council Member Leftridge provided further discussion in favor of prioritizing a feasibility study and how he believes that would move the community conversations forward. 02:21:44 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion about private sector interest in opening recreation facilities the money invested in the study completed by the Chamber of Commerce, and the high cost of a facility. He talked about other needs and priorities and costs for maintaining current parks. 02:23:57 Mayor Hunter asked about the status of a private facility proposed north of Silverbrook. 02:24:10 Nygren talked about the realities of funding a facility. 02:25:13 Council Member Fisher provided discussion about previous County support and the need for partners and his reasons for wanting a regional recreation facility and desire to continue the discussion. 02:28:25 Council Member Waterman talked about looking at priorities after reviewing the Parks Master Plan and the possibility of setting aside money towards implementation of a discussed priority within the Parks Plan. 02:29:59 Nygren spoke regarding the study needed for Woodland Park. 02:31:27 Mayor Hunter confirmed the idea of reserving $20,000 for implementation of something within the Parks Master Plan. He provided discussion about wanting further clarity about how a recreation study would be approached. Page 10 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 02:32:11 Council Member Nunnally asked about a foundation system for Parks. 02:32:24 Director Fincher explained past groups specifically formed for particular projects. 02:32:53 Council Member Nunnally spoke regarding having discussions at the County level. Athletic Complex 02:34:05 Director Fincher spoke regarding upgrades to the wells and subsequent increased electrical costs. Fertilizers and paint have also increased. Recreation Director Fincher noted that line item 354 — Contract Services should be $53,477 and explained that includes program bussing and Picnic in the Park contracted services. Youth Camps Director Fincher explained ways that staff has worked through many efficiencies throughout the year. Aquatics Director Fincher explained the LWCF grant is winding down with the installation of the coating on the Lazy River, and that no capital projects are planned for FY27. 02:39:15 Director Fincher explained the liner that was installed on the lap pool. 02:40:17 Council Member Leftridge asked about the scholarships line item within revenue and what it would be used for. 02:40:33 Director Fincher explained how that revenue is collected and how scholarships are utilized. 02:42:01 Council Member Leftridge asked about the adequacy of the scholarships fund. 02:42:10 Director Fincher answered questions about scholarship funding explaining funds have slowed down and the need to look into other opportunities to provide more scholarships. 02:43:20 Council Member Leftridge talked about the importance of parks and recreation programming for youth. 02:43:38 Director Fincher answered questions from Council Member Fisher about participant levels and explained facility constraints. 02:45:21 Council Member Fisher asked Director Fincher to rate his Department at the current budget level. Director Fincher answered the question raised. 02:48:18 Mayor Hunter asked about the ability to do a voluntary round -up option on the online registration form for a scholarship fund. Page 11 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 Council discussed support and options. 02:49:56 Staff will research related options. Parkline Trail Manager Nygren said there is one full-time employee for maintenance. Nygren talked about the time Parks and Recreation staff spend reviewing new developments and the expertise needed for that. Forestry 02:52:09 Nygren talked about the tree assessment that began in 2016. 02:52:39 Director Fincher spoke regarding the number of young trees within the community due to growth and how that may affect the forestry assessment funds within the future. 02:54:26 Manager Nygren explained the component units — the Tourism Business Improvement District, and Downtown Business Improvement District will provide a presentation in June. 02:54:46 Council Member Nunnally asked about signage within the Parks regarding the leash law. 02:54:52 Director Fincher talked about signage. 02:55:37 Council Member Nunnally asked about the public comment regarding tree girdling. 02:55:44 Director Fincher talked about the maintenance around the trees and following up. 02:57:03 Council Member Leftridge asked about enforcement of the leash law and coordination with the Police Department. Director Fincher explained he refers leash law complaints to the Police Department. 02:57:45 Manager Nygren spoke about enforcement. 02:58:08 Council Member Daoud applauded Director Fincher for the detail within the Parks and Recreation Budget. E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report: • Budget discussions and the budget adoption process will continue with a public hearing in June. • A Resolution of Support for Safe Streets for All will be on the next agenda. 02:59:32 Council Member Daoud provided discussion about the Safe Haven Baby Box. Page 12 of 13 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 13, 2026 03:00:21 Council Member Leftridge spoke with appreciation to staff for putting the budget together and the coordination. He applauded Russell Sias for his advocacy and coordination of citizens for a common cause. 03:00:48 Council Member Waterman spoke to the due diligence of city staff throughout the budget process and reporting. 03:01:26 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion in agreement with Council Daoud on the Safe Haven Baby Box. 03:01:34 Council Member Nunnally said that Flathead County Commissioner Brodehl's wife passed away and asked everyone to please keep him and his family in their prayers. He explained Brodehl was the Kalispell Fire Chief for many years. 03:01:58 Council Member Walker thanked staff for all their work on the budget. 03:02:11 Mayor Hunter thanked staff for a great budget process. Mayor Hunter offered condolences to Brodehl on his loss. 03:02:41 Mayor Hunter provided further discussion about the need for more data regarding a Safe Haven Baby Box in the community. F. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. vN�%%, 11111j/ \ c .. G: I � /I - -• `� j4- C? �• o Airiee Brunckhorst, City Clerk s Minutes approved on June 15, 2026 UPCOMING SCHEDULE Next Regular Meeting — May 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers City Offices Closed — May 25, 2026 — Memorial Day Holiday Next Work Session — TUESDAY, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers PARTICIPATION 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 13 of 13