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06-29-26 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL KCITY OF WORK SESSION MINUTES ALISPELL June 29, 2026, at 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. The video was not working for about the first five minutes of the meeting; however the audio is intact. B. ROLL CALL Mao�yan Hunter: Present Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present Council President - Kyle Waterman: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Present Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present Council Member - Lisa Blank: Present Council Member - Wes Walker: Present Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Present Staff present included City Manager Jarod Nygren, City Attorney Johnna Preble, City Clerk and Communications Manager Aimee Brunckhorst, Police Chief Jordan Venezio, and Deputy City Attorney Andrew Clegg. C. DISCUSSION 1. Dangerous Driving Behavior [-� a City Manager Jarod Nygren explained that the City Attorney and Chief of Police were there to help facilitate a conversation regarding dangerous driving in the city. Nygren referred to related complaints received, where related traffic violations are listed within the code and the consequences for violations. 00:01:39 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion about what he hopes will be accomplished with the work session, and the types of law violations he is referring to. He then asked Police Chief Venezio and the City Attorney, how those current laws are being enforced, do the officers and the courts have what they need to deter repeat offenders. Page 1 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 00:03:06 Police Chief Venezio responded to a question about what he and his officers have been doing Friday nights including increased staffing, focusing on dangerous driving behavior, listing the types of infractions he is referring to, and how he has seen an impact. 00:04:10 Police Chief Venezio responded to a question about what qualifies reckless driving and explained the difference between reckless driving and careless driving. 00:05:03 Police Chief Venezio responded to a question whether they cite based on an ordinance prohibiting racing engines. He explained what types of behavior are considered within that ordinance and what the issue is. He then answered a question about when rolling coal is cited. 00:06:10 Police Chief Venezio responded to a question about what other dangerous driving behaviors they focus on. 00:06:40 Police Chief Venezio responded to a question about the number of citations given on a typical Friday night since May saying KPD has made roughly 180 traffic stops downtown and issued about 80 traffic citations, making multiple arrests for reckless driving and towed multiple vehicles. 00:07:11 Council Member Leftridge recited an instance when a driver placed pedestrians in danger, and that he has heard from constituents who do not feel safe on Main Street. He asked about injuries and whether these types of injuries are under -reported. Police Chief Venezio responded to a question speaking on under reporting, and options for reporting. 00:08:43 Police Chief Venezio responded to a question about repeat offenders and his views on whether the current penalties deter behavior. 00:09:27 Chief Venezio responded to a question regarding the ability for citizens to report unlawful driving behavior online or through 911 dispatchers, or if appropriate, the Kalispell Police non -emergency line at 406-758-7780, what will be expected of witnesses, the importance of reporting quickly, and how video evidence can be helpful. 00:12:01 City Attorney Preble answered questions about the judicial system process related to citations such as a careless or reckless driving ticket. She introduced Chief Deputy City Attorney Andrew Clegg who works closely with the prosecutors. 00:13:03 City Attorney Preble answered a question about when mandatory appearance is required. City Attorney Preble answered questions about the bond schedule and that it is based on the fines set by the Legislature within Montana Code Annotated. 00:13:42 Chief Deputy City Attorney Andrew Clegg spoke regarding the municipal system related to when mandatory appearance is required based on the driving citation and particular situation, the bond schedule, and options that the Municipal Judge has for sentencing. He answered questions regarding a defensive driving class that is one of the options available, and when they may be able to get a deferred sentence. Page 2 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 00:15:47 Council Member Leftridge asked further municipal judicial system questions and then about escalation for a second offense. Deputy City Attorney Andrew Clegg provided further information about escalation. 00:16:18 City Attorney Preble answered questions explaining mandatory jail time for reckless driving II, and case by case fines. 00:16:53 Deputy City Attorney Clegg and Attorney Preble answered questions about consequences for other types of driving behaviors cited and tracking and consequences related to second offenses. 00:18:47 Council Member Leftridge asked further questions about whether the current structure for citations is providing a deterrent for the behavior. The City Attorneys talked further about the court process including how slow steps progress, and the length of time it takes for people to experience the full effect of consequences. 00:20:28 Council Member Leftridge asked staff if they need further resources to strengthen their ability to address unsafe driving. 00:20:48 Police Chief Venezio explained that the City is not opposed to cruising but there are problems on Friday night with driving behaviors, and they need support from community members. 00:22:02 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion regarding his support for KPD and the Attorney's Office, and that he is hopeful that sustained enforcement will make drivers think before endangering the lives of others, and the consequences if they do not. 00:22:33Council Member Daoud provided discussion that the conversation is not about the official Kalispell Cruise organization, or those with classic cars driving lawfully. He provided further discussion about balancing rights to drive down the street and illegal behavior, and public perception about the response of the city. 00:25:14 Council Member Daoud asked whether the Police Department gets assistance from the Sheriff s Office and Highway Patrol on busy nights and how that works. 00:25:28 Police Chief Venezio explained they do receive help upon request. 00:25:44 Council Member Daoud provided discussion about the increase in the number of law enforcement since the emergency responder levy passed and asked about statistics pre and post levy hiring. 00:26:28 Police Chief Venezio provided information about changes that have been implemented since passage of the levy, including a crime analyst, a data approach to patrol and the results they are seeing. He provided statistics about the increase in pro -active stops, and decreases in violent crime, property crimes, and motor vehicle accidents. He then talked about the increase in police presence downtown on Friday nights. Page 3 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 00:27:17 Council Member Daoud asked whether an increase has been seen in motor vehicle accidents on Friday nights. 00:27:56 Police Chief Venezio answered questions about what constitutes reasonable suspicion to make contact, and what constitutes probable cause. 00:28:32 Council Member Daoud provided discussion about how law enforcement officers are being assigned to areas in town and the benefits, and his views about community involvement as a deterrent to illegal behavior, and the deterrent within the hassle of going to court, and dealing with sentencing. 00:31:28 Council Member Nunnally talked about his observances on Friday nights and thanked police staff for their efforts. He then asked about the number of people attending the defensive driving course. 00:32:15 Council Member Nunnally asked about messaging and related negative attitudes. 00:32:� 1 Chief Venezio answered questions about how he has heard that some people perceive government overreach. He provided discussion about the realities of laws that will keep the roads safe with enforcement, and the need for people that enjoy cruising to recognize that not everyone is driving safe, or being a good neighbor and community member, and those experiencing noise to understand that there are a lot of good people enjoying cruising and not breaking the laws. 00:34:01 Council Member Blank asked how staff are determining that things are getting better and then asked about quantitative feedback in relation to the complaints being received. 00:34:33 Chief Venezio answered questions about the time needed to see measurable results. 00:35:12 City Attorney Preble explained that people receiving citations this summer may not be seeing full consequences until mid -winter. 00:35:29 Council Member Blank provided discussion about communicating what is helpful and the time frame in which to except changes. She then asked about costs related to managing weekend reckless driving and the resources being dedicated. 00:36:13 Chief Venezio answered questions regarding the overtime costs to the city and further questions about use of related resources including grant funding and alternative funding if it is not available in the future or run out. 00:39:21 Council Member Blank provided discussion about businesses being harmed, individuals struggling with their neighborhoods and her hope that a conversation can be had about communicating what is working and what is working well and where the gaps are. He asked for feedback about communication efforts, and what people can do to speed reporting. 00:41:34 Chief Venezio answered questions about education on how to report, and community policing in a safe way having a positive impact. Page 4 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 00:42:20 Council Member Blank asked about the online reporting form and the possibility of a specific form, increased options on the form, or other possibilities of simplifying reporting. 00:43:40 Council Member Waterman asked about community policing options such as a downtown neighborhood watch. 00:44:06 Chief Venezio answered questions about community reporting and the importance of positive community interaction. 00:44:43 Attorney Preble spoke regarding what the attorney's office needs from those reporting illegal behaviors for municipal court to be able to follow through including the possibility of testifying. 00:45:21 Council Member Waterman asked about the defensive driving course. 00:45:46 Attorney Clegg answered questions about the new defensive driving course that will be provided periodically, and the Alive at 25 course that has been offered for a long time. 00:46:20 Deputy Attorney Clegg answered questions from Council Member Waterman regarding the use of mandatory community service as an option and the findings needed on a person's ability to work. 00:47:32 City Manager Nygren explained the staff resources that would be required to manage a community service program outside of the partners utilized. 00:48:44 Council Member Gabriel talked about the information provided about the use and limitations of videos taken by the public and encouraged people to be willing to follow through after submitting videos. She then asked about additional resources from the Highway Patrol, and Flathead Sheriff s Office learning that they are willing to help when needed. 00:50:02 Council Member Fisher talked about observing cruises and asked about bicycles he has seen weaving in and out of traffic in a dangerous manner. 00:50:44 Chief Venezio explained they have had related issues and are looking into laws related to bicycles, e-bikes, motorcycles, and e-motos. 00:51:40 Mayor Hunter talked about the Big Shindig Classic Car Event and a route that had been advertised by the event, a last-minute change and related public comment received. 00:53:11 Mayor Hunter asked about the frequency of citations for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). 00:53:20 Chief Venezio explained DUI enforcement has increased significantly. 00:53:41 Mayor Hunter provided discussion about loud noise in neighborhoods and around downtown and a state ordinance that addresses decibel levels for vehicles and motorcycles and about related enforcement. Page 5 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 00:55:08 Chief Venezio explained that other vehicle violations are often found in conjunction with noise violations that are easier to cite and prosecute. 00:56:34 Mayor Hunter provided a scenario and asked about decibel reading equipment and had discussion with Chief Venezio about enforcement and related issues. 00:59:19 Council Member Daoud talked about his experiences with loud vehicle noises at his home off Willow Glen and general traffic noise and the barriers to citing noise violations. He spoke to his views related to community involvement to curb behavior versus enforcement. 01:04:38 Council Member Fisher provided discussion that the laws that are on the books are adequate for the illegal behaviors that the Police are trying to deter. 01:05:12 City Manager Nygren provided discussion about the challenges related to the increase in population within Kalispell as it becomes a regional destination during events and for job related activities. 01:05:38 Council Member Fisher asked whether staff are hearing complaints from downtown businesses. 01:07:06 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion regarding the importance of the notification process to law enforcement and encouraged people to report and the ownership everyone has in taking care of the community. 01:09:07 Mayor Hunter thanked Kalispell Police for the increase in enforcement on Friday nights and that there is still work to do. D. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened public comment. 01:09:31 Dan Black, Public Comment Black of 4th Avenue East spoke regarding his frustrations with excessive noise and belligerent behavior within his neighborhood and asked the City to find a way to enforce that issue. He talked about the difficulties with reporting when it happens. He talked about his past community leadership advocating for the bypass and his views that the noise issues are worse now. 0 1: 13:17 Katie Larson, Public Comment Larson of 1st Avenue East spoke to previous public comment given and seeing increased law enforcement on Friday nights. She suggested that the city close nearby parks on weekend evenings and close off some of the streets such as 1 st Avenue East on Friday nights and why she believes that would help the issue. She talked regarding her negative experiences living in her home in the summer and the driving behaviors she sees and hears that contribute. She talked further about her views about being more strategic to make downtown more of a destination, and the reasons for living in a downtown neighborhood because it is quaint, with a historic purpose. She talked about community leaders being more in control on weekend nights. 01:18:40 Terry Richmond, Public Comment Richmond of 2nd Avenue East spoke to his experiences with various origins of loud noise over the years from the airport, and Legions Stadium and not being bothered by those noises. He Page 6 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 explained the car noise does not bother him but believes it goes on too long. He explained he and his wife have called every year about their frustrations with fireworks going off late into the night and has talked to his neighbors about it with no success and would like the fireworks ordinance to be enforced more. 01:23:19 Joseph Biby, Public Comment Biby of lst Avenue East spoke to a map he has provided previously and to the route drivers take going south around the courthouse, turning at 1 O'h Street or park in the lot nearby. He talked about speeding and burning out that happens when they leave and go up 1st Avenue East and the illegal, reckless behaviors he is seeing while drivers speed through the side streets on weekend evenings. He said he does appreciate the law enforcement officers, but that he believes the adolescents are in control on Friday nights. He said they do not call law enforcement anymore, because they have become cynical. 01:27:53 Jodie Cross, Public Comment Cross, Executive Director of the Northwest Montana United Way, explained they own the Gateway Community Center, and they have issues with adolescent drivers coming into the parking lot and spinning brodies and how difficult that has been. She explained they have had some progress dealing with that behavior. She talked about her belief that what law enforcement is doing and what Kalispell Forward is working on will work with time. She then talked about the statistics she has seen related to the low number of kids attending drivers' education and the high number of kids having accidents and fatalities. She explained her experiences in drivers' education and the importance of that experience. She talked about the high cost of driver's education and that drivers education is no longer required and the consequences she believes that is having. 0 1: 33 :40 Hugh Good, Public Comment Good of Kalispell spoke to his views that noise is not an issue, kids are not being raised correctly, and that the focus should be on the fact that kids want to drive their vehicles, and provided ideas related to the city setting up drag strips or other avenues for kids. He provided multiple stories about his experiences over the years. Ol :40:50 Terry Solomon, Public Comment Solomon of I' Avenue East referred to public comment she provided a year ago about this issue and her frustration at that meeting. She said she has noticed increased police presence but is concerned about reliance on witnesses. She said she made several calls reporting dangerous behavior, but she is not willing to testify out of fear of retaliation. She spoke about the increase in aggressive, divisive behavior, and the lack of respect. She explained they try to be out of town on Friday nights because First Avenue becomes a drag strip. She relayed a story about returning and seeing a cloud of black smoke over the city while returning on a Friday night. She would like to see the council support the police department in issuing tickets, not warnings and imposing full penalties through the courts for violations and her views that defensive driving courses don't change behaviors with the kid that has no respect for the community. 01:48:05 Nicole Schubert, Public Comment Schubert of Treeline Road said she substitutes at the High School and sees the pride kids take in their engines and that she is in support of allowing kids to roll coal as that is the culture. She said she believes the kids feel disrespected and that is why they do it. She suggested that instead of community service, kids could be asked to help people with their cars. Page 7 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 01:52:07 Russell Sias, Public Comment Sias spoke regarding the importance of teaching kids' responsible behavior. He told a story about his experiences as a teenage driver. He talked further about the lack of respect and his view that it is a family issue. He referred to written public comment submitted about his views on abortion. He talked about the importance of organizing community activities that teach kids respect for others and enhance community respect. 01:56:57 Teresa Narduzzi, Public Comment Narduzzi of 2nd Avenue East thanked the police for their work. She said she sees drivers almost every night making a loop and racing down 1st. She would like to see a stop sign placed in front of the park. She asked why the parking lot next to Zinke's office is open and suggested it be closed. She talked about trucks parking in the bike lane on Main Street. She asked why driver's education isn't free. 01:59:09 Trevor Menducino, Public Comment Menducino spoke to his social media platform owning Gearshift Garage. He spoke as an advocate of cruising responsibly, and the importance of messaging. He talked about his views on the history of cruising in Kalispell. He referred to a post he made on Facebook, speaking with kids about what they would like to see. He talked about kids being bullied by other kids at the High School rolling coal. He believes messaging is important and would offer his voice and YouTube channel. He talked about a graphic he made and posted on his page related to a cruise route. He suggested a separate Facebook page for the Kalispell Police Department, and other messaging. 02:08:06 Mary Beth Bowman, Public Comment Bowman, who works at the Corner Shop Business and lives on 5tn Avenue said she would like to see some organization and have cruising activities planned so they are on specific nights at specific times. She talked about the right to enjoy her home and open her windows in the summer and the right for people to enjoy their cars. She talked about concerns people have about retaliation for speaking up. She asked people in the community not to be divided and respect one another. 02:13:07 Mrs. Roskos, Public Comment Roskos of South Woodland Drive said she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren during cruising events and seeing businesses open and being thankful for the cruise. She talked about the police force spending more time on the east side catching speeders especially on cruise night. She then talked about her views on whether open meeting laws may have been violated. 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/publiecomment. 02:16:36 Council Member Blank discussed concerns regarding local car culture and community safety, noting the need to balance personal freedom with civic responsibility and the social compact of living in a community. Blank expressed frustration over city taxpayers bearing the financial burden of police overtime to manage reckless driving behaviors, particularly from non- residents. She suggested exploring temporary strategies, such as restricting access to certain public or commercial gathering spots, to observe their effectiveness and gather data. Council Page 8 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 Member Blank noted that while community members can manage the culture aspect of local cruising, the council is responsible for ensuring safety and addressing reckless driving. Council Member Blank concluded by requesting that Council and city staff establish a clear, phased action plan with defined metrics for success so law enforcement has a direct objective focused on curbing reckless driving and prioritizing resident well-being. 02:22:45 Council Member Leftridge discussed community efforts regarding local car culture, thanking Downtown Forward for facilitating conversations with the car community. noted the distinction between legal, inherently loud vehicle cruising and illegal, unsafe driving behavior by individuals being poor neighbors. He expressed support for continued police enforcement and advocated supporting the city's judicial system to ensure meaningful legal consequences, suggesting potential increases in fines, mandatory court appearances, or community service to build stronger deterrents. Leftridge acknowledged that establishing deterrence and changing behavior through law enforcement and judicial outcomes will take time, shared personal understanding as a local resident, and urged staff to focus on available actions to deter lawless behavior. 02:25:37 Council Member Waterman talked about Council support for actions and solutions. He talked about partnerships related to fostering responsible car culture. He talked about enforcement of laws, increasing fines, increased traffic enforcement or changes on 1st Avenues, and a timeline for deliverables. 02:28:14 Council Member Fisher talked about full enforcement of the law, and full consequences distinguishing between law-abiding car enthusiasts and those who break the law. He talked about the lack of activities for kids to do, and the importance of building a recreation center to keep kids busy doing lawful activities. 02:30:09 Council Member Daoud discussed the balance between personal liberty and individual responsibility regarding local car culture and community concerns. He expressed a desire to work with all residents, including those impacted by noise and after-hours activity, while emphasizing that law enforcement alone cannot change behaviors or enforce respect. He noted that while data reflects progress in enforcement efforts, long-term solutions require community cooperation rather than excessive government intervention. Council Member Daoud agreed on the need for positive local youth activities and encouraged community members to reach out directly to council members to collaborate on solutions. 02:39:56 Council Member Nunnally expressed appreciation and full support for the police chief and law enforcement officers. He agreed with Council Member Blank on the importance of establishing clear parameters and metrics to measure progress on the issue. Nunnally concluded by voicing strong support for utilizing public communication assistance, such as web or social media outreach proposed by a community member, to help engage and inform the public. 02:41:23 Mayor Hunter responded to several public comments including comments related to Drivers Education and clarified that the Council does not have any authority over the school district, and that the idea of a city sponsored drag strip would not be practical. He asked about the possibility of closing parking lots on either side of the courthouse, learning that one of them is a private lot, and one is public. He talked about the comments presented about a stop sign on 1 Sr Page 9 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 02:43:59 Manager Nygren explained that a stop sign would not be warranted per regulations, but that a traffic calming work session is scheduled for later in the year. 02:45:14 Mayor Hunter continued discussion regarding increasing fines. 02:45:34 City Attorney Preble explained the fine is set by the Judge. A separate penalty by ordinance could be created to set a minimum. 02:46:44 Council and staff discussed the possibility and appetite of an ordinance setting a minimum fine. 02:50:40 Police Chief Venezio responding to a request for final feedback agreed with the discussion regarding defining what success looks like and responding back to Council on whether progress is being made. 02:51:04 Mayor Hunter asked for further discussion about Council desire to bring forth an Ordinance to increase fines. 02:51:56 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion about having further broader conversations about possible solutions. 02:54:00 City Manager Nygren explained the issues with community service. He explained that staff are considering traffic control ideas on local routes, related messaging, and resources that would be needed. E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS City Manager Nygren provided the following report: • Fourth of July — city offices will be closed on Friday. • The meeting on July 6 will include parking updates. • An open house will be held at the Search and Rescue Office regarding Fire Station 63 in two weeks. 02:56:31 Council Member Walker thanked everyone for the discussion tonight and the work of staff. 02:56:55 Council Member Waterman spoke in support of ebike enforcement. He asked the public to be safe around fireworks, with a reminder that fireworks are illegal within city limits. He announced that the public library will be reading the Declaration of Independence after the Fourth of July parade and encouraged attendance. 02:57:49 Council Member Daoud provided further discussion about the agenda item noting that compared to a discussion held a year and a half prior, the city now has increased enforcement resources to demonstrate that existing laws are taken seriously as an initial step toward a broader solution. He pointed out that if a federal grant for the downtown plan is received, a planned roundabout at 13th Street may naturally alter driving patterns by allowing drivers to turn around and head back up Main Street. Daoud wished everyone a safe Fourth of July and drew a comparison between traffic law enforcement and city firework ordinances, expressing hope that Page 10 of 11 Kalispell City Council Minutes, June 29, 2026 existing city regulations prohibiting fireworks within city limits would also see active enforcement and deterrence. 02:58:36 Mayor Hunter wished everyone a happy Fourth of July and wished everyone a safe and happy holiday and talked about his desire for enforcement of the ban on fireworks. F. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m. SEAL"" --.Aim e Brunckhorst, City Clerk 1892 `. ?p Minutes approved on August 3, 2026 '..� e.f r��t�ett�ittttee UPCOMING SCHEDULE City Offices Closed — July 3, 2026 — Independence Day Holiday Next Regular Meeting — July 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Next Work Session — July 13, 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. Page 11 of 11