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05-18-26 City Council Meeting Minutes411111 CITY" OF KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 18, 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/MeetingVideos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hunter called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Absent Council Member - Sam Nunnallv: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present Mao�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 Jarod Nygren, City Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Community Development Manager Nelson Loring. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDAAPPROVAL Motion and Vote to approve the agenda as published. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnall.. 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 LeftridgeAApprove The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Gabriel absent. Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 18, 2026 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 — April 20, April 27, and May 4, 2026 2. Award Sewer Shop and Grandview Well Roof Replacements Project This item considers awarding this project to Ace Roofing, LLC in the amount of $93,471.12. 3. Award 8th St. W Drainage Improvements Project This item considers awarding this project to Wesco, Inc. in the amount of $920,326.75. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on the consent agenda. 00:01:50 James Taylor, Public Comment Taylor spoke in opposition of an encroachment notice that was provided by the City on 8th Street at his home. He provided history about his property. His fence is in the right-of-way, and he does not believe it should have to be moved. He talked about why he does not believe how the issue was handled was fair. 00:05:55 Wes Hula, Public Comment Hula explained that he also received an encroachment notice that his fence was encroaching on the right-of-way on 8th Street. He does not believe that 2 months' notice was enough and explained why he does not believe he should have had to move the fence. Seeing no further comments on the consent agenda, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 00:08:07 Motion and Vote to approve the consent agenda as presented. 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 Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge_Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Gabriel absent. F. COMMUNITY REPORTS — None. G. PUBLIC COMMENT Page 2 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 18, 2026 Mayor Hunter opened general public comment. 00:08:43 Joseph Biby, Public Comment Biby explained a color -coded map he created and the route that people are utilizing on Friday evenings as they cruise. See written public comment received. He referred to a Daily InterLake article in the paper today related to the application of the Safe Streets and Roads for all Grant and related roundabouts and referred to previous articles in the Inter Lake related to cruising, and articles related to council campaigns. He explained why he does not trust specific council members because of quotes that he referred to and explained why he believes they should not be able to vote on budget matters. 00:14:28 Teresa Narauzzi?, Public Comment The commenter reiterated the public comment received by Biby and explained why she believes council members should take action related to unsafe and loud driving behavior in their neighborhoods related to cruising. She said she believes some of the council members are not representing the majority. She referred to city ordinances related to noise (see written comment) and why she believes the ordinances are not being enforced. She asked why there is not a stop sign between 81" and 9tn 00:17:54 Tara Lee, Public Comment Lee of Kalispell spoke as an advocate for gun violence protection. She explained that Friday, June 5 is gun violence prevention day. She explained why the color orange has become a national symbol to live free from gun fire. She referred to shooting incidents within the community. She spoke regarding working together to come up with a solution for a safer Kalispell. She asked the Council and the public to wear orange in the month of June. 00:20:52 Melissa Wood, Public Comment Wood of Kalispell referred to a church shooting and fire at the church she previously attended as a child, and a relative and other church members that were shot and killed by a gunman. She referred to a recent murder/suicide that happened in the Silverbrook Subdivision and how difficult it was to talk with her son about it. She spoke further to gun violence and how everyone can make a difference on the issue. 00:23:35 Emily Casey, Public Comment Casey of Kalispell, a pediatric nurse spoke as an advocate of gun violence prevention She talked about how gun violence personally affected her family. She said firearms are the leading cause of death for American children. She explained she helped begin a firearm lock initiative giveaway program and explained they offer all patient families firearm locking items. She asked how gun violence has affected council members lives. She spoke further regarding how council members can promote gun violence prevention such as promoting initiatives to support safe storage and promoting gun violence prevention legislation. She asked people to wear orange on June 5, National Firearm Prevention Day. 00:27:10 Russell Sias, Public Comment Sias spoke regarding teaching children how to respect guns and advocated for teaching children about morality and responsible behavior and why he does not believe locking up a gun is the solution. He then talked regarding council discussion that occurred during the May 12, 2026, Page 3 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 18, 2026 budget work session related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, and to his views on the matter. He then referred to pharmaceutical waste and spoke in opposition to availability of abortion pills in the mail, and why he believes morality is out of control. He spoke further about why he believes a Safe Haven Baby Box should be installed and why people should be teaching kids morality and responsibility. 00:36:43 Walter Rountree, Public Comment Rountree of 51h Avenue East said he believes a diversity of opinions on council serves Kalispell. He talked about his philosophy of governance and how he believes decisions should be made. He talked in favor of making downtown safer and friendlier for pedestrians downtown, and his view that changes should be made in a big way for pedestrians and bicyclists and why. He further spoke to this view and how he would recommend decisions be made. 00:43:04 RoseAspviz Public Comment Aspvig spoke to attending a recent meeting at the Flathead Warming Center and said she believes they did a great job at the meeting. She explained that Ray, the neighborhood liaison at the Flathead Warming Center is no longer working there and that the Warming Center is seeking a new liaison. 00:43:54 Darla Provencio, Public Comment Provencio of Kalispell spoke in support of the Kalispell Cruise and that she hopes solutions can be found without canceling the event. 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. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION 1) Resolution 6326 -Support for Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Application This item considers supporting a grant submission for $25 million dollars for safety treatments downtown. City Manager Jarod Nygren provided an overview of this item and talked about previous discussions on this matter. 00:46:36 Community Development Manager Nelson Loring provided the staff report. 00:49:09 Council Member Waterman confirmed the current projects that are included within the grant application, and components that were within the previous grant application. Manager Nygren answered questions. 00:51:07 Council Member Fisher asked about prioritization within the grant. Manager Nygren answered questions. Page 4 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 18, 2026 00:52:04 Council Member Fisher asked whether County Commissioners need to sign on to the grant application prior to submission. Manager Nygren answered questions. 00:52:46 Council Member Walker asked questions about the money that would be requested and what would be included. Manager Nygren answered questions. 00:53:34 Council Member Leftridge asked about feedback from the Montana Department of Transportation related to this grant application. Manager Nygren spoke to conversations and support from the Montana Department of Transportation. 00:55:02 Council Member Fisher spoke to the importance of the project at 13th, and to viewing that item as a priority. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. 00:55:41 Walter Rountree, Public Comment Rountree spoke to his experience in New Zealand with roundabouts and seeing them slow traffic. 00:56:16 Motion to approve Resolution 6326, a resolution of approval for the submission of an application to the United States Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) 2026 Discretionary Grant Program. Council Member — Lisa Blank: Motion Council Member — Dustin Leftridge: 00:56:45 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on the motion. 00:58:07 Council Member Fisher provided discussion on the motion. 00:58:47 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. 00:59:44 Council Member Waterman provided discussion on the motion. 01:01:49 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion on the motion. 01:03:02 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 01:05:47 Vote on the motion. Page 5 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 18, 2026 Council Member - Lisa Blank: 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 MaoRyan 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. 2) Appointment to the Architectural Review Committee This item considers the appointment of Paul Ronald Gerson to this committee. 01:06:15 Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. 01:06:28 Paul Ronald Gerson, Public Comment Gerson spoke to his interest in architecture and his desire to contribute. Seeing no further public comment on this item, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:08:22 Mayor Hunter recommended the appointment of Paul Ronald Gerson to the Architectural Review Committee. 01:08:31 Motion and Vote to approve the Mayoral appointment of Paul Ronald Gerson to the Architectural Review Committee. 01:08:53 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. 01:09:36 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: 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: 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 Page 6 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 18, 2026 The motion gassed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Gabriel absent. I. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report: • City offices will be closed next Monday for Memorial Day, and the council work session meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26, discussing parking recommendations. • The Bibler Family requested that the City fund a portion of the consultant services for development of the Wye Tract property alongside Ashley Creek Park which is currently under design. • Manager Nygren, Council Members Nunnally, Walker, and Mayor Hunter will be going to Washington D.C. tomorrow, and City Attorney Johnna Preble will be Acting City Manager in his absence. 01:11:11 Council Member Daoud spoke regarding the talk among the community related to the cruising on Friday nights. He spoke to why he was opposed to the ordinances that were presented during the original meeting related to cruising. He provided information about increased enforcement of traffic violations in that section downtown and acknowledged the role of the emergency responder levy that allowed additional officers to be hired. He talked about the illegal nature of the activities that complaints are being received about. He talked about the issue as social in nature and the need for activists and compromise to get better. He explained council does listen to public comments and talked about the many times council has talked about this issue. 01:15:00 Council Member Fisher said that Kalispell Cruise only holds three organized events each year and that the Friday night issues are not related. He talked about the social media posts from the official Kalispell Cruise event that encourages people to behave lawfully. He spoke further about his views on the issue. 01:17:09 Council Member Leftridge referred to comments made, "Keep the cruise, cut the chaos." He talked about the sustained, active efforts by law enforcement to enforce current ordinances, and said things take time. 01:17:59 Council Member Waterman said he would like to have conversations with council about the differences between a communications officer and a compliance officer and related issues coming up in public comments received. He said he would like council to have additional conversations about those issues to give guidance to staff. 01:19:12 Council Member Waterman said that when talking about Kalispell Cruise there is a lot of responsibility and hoping neighbors can be good neighbors. 01:19:45 Council Member Waterman talked about mental health access and suicide and that 988 is a local call center and having a local call center does help with suicidality. He talked about the high number of suicides in Montana and talked further about the service available through 988 for those in high crisis, and for people and family members who are not in immediate crisis. Page 7 of 8 Kalispell City Council Minutes, May 18, 2026 01:21:05 Council Member Blank spoke to walking around downtown Friday night and relayed the unsafe driving behavior, parrying, and the feeling that she was not welcome or safe. She spoke to the numerous public comments received regarding unsafe driving and loud behavior related to people driving around Main Street in the evenings. She spoke further to her views on the matter and encouraged the Council to review what can be done in another work session. 01:25:54 Council Member Nunnally spoke to time spent reviewing behavior downtown and throughout the City and his view that problems with irresponsible driving behaviors are community wide. He talked about the importance of enforcement of laws and previous enforcement actions. He further spoke regarding his views on the matter. 01:30:11 Council Member Walker supports having more conversations about this issue. 01:30:27 Mayor Hunter spoke to seeing dangerous behavior several weeks ago on Main Street on a Wednesday evening, and the impossibility of law enforcement being everywhere. He talked about the hours of constant noise, reckless driving, and drinking when cruising is occurring. He talked further about his views on the issue and would be in support of hearing ideas that would justify a council meeting. 01:34:54 Mayor Hunter spoke regarding himself, Council Members Nunnally, and Waker, and City Manager Nygren traveling to Washington D.C. to meet with representatives and talk about funding for the Safe Streets for All grant, the bypass grant and water quality infrastructure. J. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m. ,��16lIIAg� 'CjSE Ai ee Brunckhorst, City Clerk 1892 p N� ;. Minutes approved on July 6, 2026 e UPCOMING SCH16UL,IK �►�`°��`� City Offices Closed — May 25, 2026 — Memorial Day Holiday Next Work Session Meeting — TUESDAY, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Next Regular Meeting — June 1, 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/MectingVideos. Page 8 of 8