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06-15-26 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY OF KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES June 15, 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: hqps://www.kalist)ell.com/MeetingVideos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hunter called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present Mao�yan 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 Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk and Communications Manager Aimee Brunckhorst, Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen, Community Development Manager Nelson Loring, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Deputy Public Works Director Keith Haskins, and Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDAAPPROVAL Motion and Vote to approve the agenda as presented. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 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 Ma o�van Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridg_e: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Blank absent. Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 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. Council Minutes — May 13, 2026 �; a 2. Change Order 1 for Lower Zone Storage Tank 2 Replacement Project 944z This item considers approving a change order for this project in the amount of $89,467. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on the consent agenda. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 00:03:47 Motion and Vote to approve the consent agenda as published. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: 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: Absent Council Member -Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Blank absent. F. COMMUNITY REPORTS Tourism Business Improvement District Work Plan and Budget O a Presentation from Executive Director of Discover Kalispell. 00:07:09 Diane Medler, Executive Director of Discover Kalispell provided a report on the Tourism Business Improvement District Work Plan and Budget for fiscal year 2027. Bold titles correspond with presentation page titles. � a Medler reported on her retirement in several weeks and began by explaining the main focus of the TBID for fiscal year 2027. The plan she presented is supported by bed tax and TBID funds. 00:07:51 Success means the right kind of growth 00:08:18 Marketing -Development -Stewardship Medler explained details related to topics such as sustaining visitations across all seasons, continuing to play a role in preserving natural assets, and being cognizant of pressures on local infrastructure, resident sentiment, and congestion during peak periods. Page 2 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 00:11:12 Winning the value equation in a cost-conscious market Medler explained the current travel market, concerns they are seeing, and the ways in which they are showing value in visiting Kalispell. 00:14:11 Show up in the AI -Driven Travel Journey Medler provided statistics regarding traveler's use of Al and ways in which Discover Kalispell is shifting to accommodate Al. 00:15:33 Be Prepared to Adapt Medler explained ways in which the climate is becoming a primary variable and how they are adapting and collaborating to be nimble. 00:18:02 Visitor engagement and management Medler explained they are enhancing the visitor center, implementing an Al web chat, and continuing to provide resources. 00:18:47 FY 27 TBID Budget Medler reviewed the TBID budget. 00:19:29 Council Member Daoud provided discussion about seeing less detail within the budget than he remembers seeing in the past. 00:20:28 Council Member Waterman thanked Medler for her leadership and congratulated her on her upcoming retirement. He then asked about the boundaries of the tourist district, and about marketing for events at Kidsports (Dan Johns Youth Athletic Complex). He then asked for her advice related to indoor sports facilities. Medler answered questions posed by Council Member Waterman. Medler talked about details within the feasibility study Discover Kalispell had completed regarding an indoor sports facility. 00:22:51 Council Member Waterman asked for general feedback about facility needs. Medler talked about the challenges related to winter traveling and the campaigns they have to assist with that. She provided further details on challenges and the importance of large events in shoulder seasons. 00:26:35 Council Member Waterman further thanked Diane Medler for her leadership. 00:26:06 Council Member Nunnally thanked Medler for what she has done for tourism in Kalispell. 00:27:54 Medler introduced Tourism Business Improvement District Board Members present at the meeting as Bryce Baker, Robert Hall and Nathan Black. 00:27:24 Council Member Daoud asked about Canadian tourism. Page 3 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 Medler spoke to spending by Canadians as compared to last year. 00:29:54 Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber spoke to the incredible leadership of Diane Medler throughout her years in the position. She spoke regarding the recruitment plan they developed to replace Medler and explained they were not able to recruit a replacement. The Kalispell Chamber and Discover Kalispell are working on a restructuring process and Clarno will take over leadership of both organizations and make staffing changes, using funds efficiently. 00:33:14 Mayor Hunter thanked Diane Medler for her work and congratulated her on her retirement. 2. Kalispell Business Improvement District Work Plan and Budget 0 a a Presentation from Kisa Davison, Board Chair 00:33:36 Kisa Davison, Board Chair and Marshall Noice of the Kalispell Business Improvement District Board presented their work plan and budget for fiscal year 2027. Bold text corresponds to page titles in the presentation. � 4m 00:35:31 KBID at a Glance Davison explained there are 175 entities downtown that are part of the KBID. 00:36:35 FY 27 Strategic Priorities Davison provided details regarding their 6 strategic priorities including stewardship and maintenance, beautification and streetscape enhancements, fagade improvements and property reinvestment, downtown development and partner coordination, communication and member engagement, and holiday lighting and downtown character. She spoke with details regarding changes in the budget related to staffing and working on collaborations and other ways to spend smarter. 00:40:29 FY27 Workplan: Goals, Actions, & Budget Alignment Davison explained the work plan follows the priorities and budget line items and highlighted a few expenses including staffing, and website development transitioning their online presence to Downtown Kalispell Forward. She explained what is being paid for with insurance, holiday decorations, flowers and trees. 00:43:07 Marshall Noice, BID Board member explained that the BID expires in April 2027, and so they will be asking property owners to renew the Business Improvement District. He talked about the assessment method in place, other sources of revenue, and details regarding the renewal process. 00:45:56 Council Member Waterman asked whether funds would need to be utilized prior to sunsetting. Page 4 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 00:46:42 Davison spoke further to the renewal process and timing of expenditures and revenue within the budget. 00:47:38 Davison spoke regarding the discussions that are happening with the city related to replacement of benches and garbage receptacles. 00:48:32 Mayor Hunter thanked the Business Improvement District for the insurance covering the flags on Main Street. G. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened general public comment. 00:49:20 Darla Provencio, Public Comment Provencio of Crestview Road encouraged Council Members to stay actively engaged within their wards and reflect the voices of their ward members. She encouraged council members to actively reach out to people in the wards. She talked about advisory committees informing the process not replacing the voices of the people. Public comment received in writing to the Mayor and Council can be seen at www.kalis-pell.com/publiccomment. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. H. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION 1) Motion to Authorize Limited Expenditure of Funds within the Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Budget & Call for a Public Hearing 0 a This item considers authorizing limited funds from this budget and calling for a public hearing on July 6, 2026. City Manager Jarod Nygren provided a brief description of this item and explained the budget process still remaining. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 00:53:43 Motion to authorize the expenditure of funds from the Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary budget necessary for day-to-day operations of the City and schedule a public hearing for Monday, July 6, 2026. Council Member — Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member — Wes Walker: 2nd Council Member Waterman provided discussion on the motion. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member - Wes Walker: 2nd Page 5 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Approve Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Ma oT�r - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Blank absent. 2) Resolution 6328 — Intent to Hold Public Hearing on updated Water System, Wastewater Collection System, and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plans Ra This resolution considers holding a public hearing for these plans on July 6, after the plans are presented at the June 22, 2026, council work session meeting. City Manager Jarod Nygren provided a brief description of this item. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 00:56:32 Motion to approve Resolution 6328, a resolution of intent to call for a public hearing on the 2026 updates of the City of Kalispell's Water Facility Plan, the Wastewater Collection System Facility Plan, and the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWWTP) Plan. Council Member — Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member — Sam Nunnall 00:56:59 Council Member Waterman provided discussion on the motion. 00:57:46 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sid Daoud: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnall 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: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Blank absent. Page 6 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 3) Resolution 6329 —Acceptance of Grant for a Public Safety BuildingBackup Generator Hazard Mitigation Project &G This resolution considers accepting a grant from Montana Disaster & Emergency Services in the amount of $284,075 and obligating $94,692 for the required cost share. City Manager Jarod Nygren provided a brief description of this item. Council Member Waterman confirmed the match obligation. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. Seeing none, he closed public comment. Motion to approve Resolution 6329, a resolution accenting an award from the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services Resiliency Fund Grant to fund the purchase and installation of a permanent backup generator for the City of Kalispell public safety building. Council Member — Kari Gabriel: Motion Council Member — Jed Fisher: 2nd 01:01:27 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion. 01:01:52 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Kari Gabriel: 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: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Blank absent. 4) Resolution 6330 —West Side Core Area Tax Increment Finance Loan Execution to Station Kalispell, LLC � a This resolution considers authorization to execute a loan of up to S 113,700 for TIF Assistance for a project at 40 Appleway Drive. Community Development Manager Nelson Loring provided the staff report on this item. 01:13:31 Manager Nygren provided explanation as to why this is a loan not a grant and summed up the project further. Page 7 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 01:14:30 Council Member Fisher asked about the interest rate. Manager Nygren answered questions and provided further information about the loan process. 01:15:48 Council Member Daoud asked about loan term lengths. 01:16:16 Council Member Nunnally asked about the volunteers needed for the Economic Revolving Loan Fund Committee. 01:16:54 Mayor Hunter asked further questions about loan terms. Nygren answered questions about the loan. 01:17:18 Mayor Hunter asked about the possibility of connecting the parking to the adjacent parking to reduce the number of entrances. 01:17:40 Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen answered questions related to parking. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. 01:18:19 Jodie Cross, Public Comment Cross, Executive Director of Northwest Montana United Way spoke in favor of this item and explained that the United Way previously owned this building and had utilized this loan on this property when they purchased it. She spoke in favor of the use of this loan for this project. 01:19:41 Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:19:46 Motion to approve Resolution 6330, a resolution authorizing the Kalispell Urban Renewal Agency and the Kalispell Revolving Loan Fund Committee to determine the use of up to $113,700 of West Side -Core Area Tax Increment Funds to assist the redevelopment of bliLyhted property at 40 Appleway Drive, Kalispell, Montana. Council Member — Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member — Kari Gabriel: 2nd 01:20:16 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on the motion. 01:20:40 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion on the motion and asked about further utilization of TIF funds. 01:21:16 Manager Nygren answered questions about the loan program, policy, requirements, and the desire for further utilization by private owners. 01:22:17 Council Member Waterman provided discussion on the motion and further utilization of Tax Increment Financing. 01:23:35 Council Member Daoud asked what happens to remaining TIF funds when it sunsets. Page 8 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 01:24:05 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: 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: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Blank absent. 5) Resolution 6331 — Creation of a Housing Study Advisory Committee U p This resolution creates a temporary committee for the purposes of developing an RFP for a housing study and assisting in development of a housing plan. City Manager Jarod Nygren provided a brief presentation on this item. 01:27:07 Council Member Nunnally asked about the grant for the housing study and the likelihood that we will still receive the grant funds awarded. 01:27:15 Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen provided an update on the grant funds and the steps that need to happen for the City to receive funds. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. 01:29:14 Kisa Davison, Public Comment Davison of 61" Avenue East, and owner of Iron Star Construction spoke regarding being on a casual housing task force working together to problem solve the land and affordability challenges happening in Kalispell. She encouraged Council to utilize information and feedback from the existing committees, organizations and collaborations that are already working on these issues. She talked about bringing people to the table that are knowledgeable and working on these issues such as the Collaborative Housing Solution Task Force, United Way, Samaritan House, Warming Center, and Flathead Building Association and using the Kalispell Committee to strengthen coordination and collaboration of what is already there and producing actionable recommendations. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:31:42 Motion to approve Resolution 6331, a resolution to establish a temporary Housing Study Advisory Committee. Council Member — Kyle Waterman: Motion Page 9 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 Council Member — Wes Walker: 2" 01:31:59 Council Member Waterman provided discussion on the motion. 01:32:51 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion on the motion. 01:33:49 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 01:34:30 Mayor Hunter asked for a motion to amend to have seven members instead of five. 01:35:29 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion in favor of the amendment. 01:35:52 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on the motion and asked Davison questions about the members on the Housing Task Force she was referring to during public comment. 01:37:10 Kisa Davison explained there are builders and developers on the Housing Task Force saying some of the more active members are Merna and Miles Terry, Westcraft Homes, Cate Walker, Mike Brodie from WGM Group, and several other developers. They are also consulting with bankers and loan officers. She explained they have been working on a breakdown of what it costs to build. 01:38:41 Council Member Nunnally asked about representation from area cities. 01:38:46 Davison explained how the task force was created and how they have divided it into four categories. One of the committees is looking at landscaping ordinances with the City of Kalispell. 01:39:19 Mayor Hunter asked who facilitates the group. 01:39:27 Davison further explained why and how the task force was created. 01:39:55 Council Member Fisher asked about involvement in a city committee. Davison further spoke to the conversations and purpose of the task force. 01:42:11 The Mayor and Council provided further discussion on the motion. 01:53:23 Motion to amend to increase from five to seven persons. Motion to amend Section 2 to increase from five to seven persons. Council Member — Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member — Wes Walker: 2nd 01:53:32 Council Members further discussed the motion to amend. Page 10 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 01:56:17 Development Services Director P.J. Sorensen provided information about timing related to a housing study. 01:56:33 Manager Nygren provided discussion about what the city committee could offer. 01:57:17 Council Members provided further discussion on the motion. 01:58:22 Manager Nygren answered a question about staff facilitation. 01:59:10 Vote on the amendment to the motion. 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: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove The motion to amend passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Blank absent. 01:59:33 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the main motion. 02:00:43 Vote on the motion as amended. 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: Absent Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Blank absent. I. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report: • Next Monday's work session will include presentations and discussion on the Water System, Wastewater Collection System, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plans. Page 11 of 12 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 15, 2026 • Nygren explained that the state has requested an application for an Opportunity Zone Census Tract related to Federal tax law that re-incentivizes development. He described the benefits of the Tract and plans to partner with other interested parties to develop an application. A resolution of support will come before council if time allows. • Nygren explained staff are working on submitting a SAFER Grant with the Fire Department that would pay for 75% of the cost of a firefighter. 02:04:02 Council Member Leftridge spoke regarding the public participation portal that was linked to the City Manager report and wanting to make sure it remains accessible. 02:05:04 Council Member Waterman spoke with appreciation about how Council has been working together. He referred to public comment received this evening about ward involvement and suggested that Wards have their own meetings within their Wards during the next fifth Monday, August 31, explaining his vision on how that would work. 02:07:02 Council Member Nunnally announced that there are City Boards and County Boards that are still needing volunteer members and talked about the benefits of getting involved. 02:07:55 Council Member Walker said he was pleased with the progress made tonight. 02:08:18 Mayor Hunter spoke in support of Council Member Waterman's suggestion related to talking with specific wards and working with staff on the details. He then thanked Council for their support related to the Housing Committee. J. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m. Aiihee Brunckhorst, City Clerk U Cj�� Z Minutes approved on July 20, 2026 UPCOMING S DULE ��.`� Next Work Session E<'tM% June 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers ADDITIONAL Work Session Meeting — June 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers City Offices Closed — July 3, 2026 — Independence Day Holiday Next Regular Meeting — July 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers PARTICIPATION Written public comments received by the council at least one day prior to the meeting can be seen at www.kalispell.com/publiccomment. Council may not have the opportunity to review written public comment received the day of the meeting. 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 cityclerkkkalispell.com. Page 12 of 12