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07-06-26 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY OF KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 6, 2026, "7:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East Video of this meeting with time stamped minutes can be found at: https://www.kalispell.com/Meetin Vg ideos. A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hunter called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Present Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present after 7:02 p.m. 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 and Communications Manager Aimee Brunckhorst, Director of Development Services P.J. Sorensen, Finance Director Aimee Cooke, Public Works Director Susie Turner, Deputy Public Works Director Keith Haskins, and Police Chief Jordan Venezio. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion to approve the agenda as published. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnally. 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Absent Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridge_ Approve Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Members Daoud and Fisher absent. E. CONSENT AGENDA All items on the consent agenda will be voted on with one motion. If a council member desires to discuss an item separately, the item can be removed from the consent agenda by motion. Council Minutes — May 18 and May 26, and June 1, 2026 &a D a F-%' a 2. Fire Station 63 Professional Services Agreement Task Order 2 with LSW Architects, PC Oa This item approves this agreement which includes design, permitting, procurement, and construction phase services for the new station at 490 Mountain Vista Way. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on the consent agenda. Seeing none, he closed public comment. Council Member Sid Daoud joined the meeting. Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member - Kari Gabriel: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Present 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 Fisher absent. F. COMMUNITY REPORTS — Glacier Art Museum — Director Alyssa Cordova 0 a Glacier Art Museum Exutive Director Alyssa Cordova provided a community report on the Glacier Art Museum. She introduced Board Members Eric Hummel, Rebecca Maxie, and Miffa Morehead. Cordova expressed gratitude to the City for its ongoing support in preserving the historic 1903 Carnegie Library building, where the museum has operated for over 57 years, and highlighted its recent recognition as Discover Kalispell's Nonprofit of the Year. During a 2025 review, Cordova shared key metrics including over 18,000 visitors, 4,600 youth served, support for 350 artists, and 24 new additions to their 3,500-piece permanent collection. Serving a 250-mile radius, the museum provides ten rotating annual exhibitions, low-cost Page 2 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 community art classes, and regional educational initiatives like the Traveling Medicine Show. She also highlighted key community events, including the Plain Air Glacier program and the annual Arts in the Park festival, which draws over 8,000 visitors to Depot Park. Emphasizing the economic value of cultural infrastructure, Cordova noted that arts and culture generate $2.2 billion statewide while driving traffic and tourism to downtown storefronts. She encouraged council to view the museum as a vital civic investment and announced the formation of a new expansion committee to plan for the organization's long-term growth. G. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hunter opened general public comment. Russell Sias, Public Comment Sias of Columbia Falls spoke about his views regarding books about sexuality and racism and why he believes the family is under attack and misled. He talked about his ideas to avoid giving tickets to youth related to traffic enforcement. Public comment received in writing to the Mayor and Council can be seen at www.kalispell.com/publiecomment. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS Preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Q-k p Council will accept comments on the preliminary Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. Mayor Hunter opened the public hearing. City Manager Nygren provided background on this item referenced previous work session discussions, explained an additional work session will be held on the budget next week, followed by final adoption consideration on August 17, 2026. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment and the hearing. 2. Water Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment Facility Plans L� a Council will accept comments on these facility plans. Mayor Hunter opened the public hearing. City Manager Nygren provided background on this item explaining a previous work session was held on these items. Deputy Public Works Director Keith Haskins provided a high-level overview of the facility plans with a visual presentation. Page 3 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 Public Comment Mayor Hunter called for public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment and the hearing. I. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COUNCIL ACTION 1) Parking Updates and Off -Street Parking Fees d a a. Resolution 6331 — Off-street Parking Fees This resolution considers amending parking permit fee and parking ticket infraction fee schedules. b. Ordinance 1952 — First Reading - Parking Updates This ordinance considers removing a 30-minute parking spot south of the public safety building and incorporating a "rolling rule". City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the staff report. 00:49:37 Council Member Waterman asked about permitted on -street parking on 1st Avenue East learning they would continue to be permitted and considered within the `lots'. 00:50:37 Council Member Daoud asked about the Central School Museum alley lot learning it would stay a city lot. 00:50:40 Council Member Nunnally asked about staff thoughts on this item since the work session discussion on this item. 00:51:02 City Manager Nygren answered questions. 00:52:14 Mayor Hunter asked about the color coding on the map. He then asked questions about the parking spaces on the street north of Depot Park, learning they are not currently included in this plan. 00:53:27 Council Member Daoud asked about the policy that the Police Department will be developing around the use of license plate reader technology, referring to the Montana Constitution. 00:54:49 Police Chief Venezio explained that a policy will be developed regarding the License Plate Reader Technology, with the policy and intention being solely for the use of parking. He spoke further regarding what it would be utilized for and not used for. 00:55:26 Council Member Daoud and Chief Venezio further talked about the state codes related to this technology and the policy that will be created. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. Mike Smith, Public Comment Page 4 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 Smith of Glacier Bank on Main Street explained the bank currently has 34 spots for employees within the permitted lot. Smith provided reasons why has concerns that permit lot system changes under consideration would cause inefficiencies to his staff and the company, if they would no longer have permitted spots within the lot at 2°a and Main Street. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 01:00:50 Motion to approve Resolution 6331, a resolution amending Resolution 5676, amending off-street parking fees within the City of Kalispell pursuant to the powers granted to Municipal Governments by the Montana Constitution and in accordance with the Kalispell City Ordinance 1738 and setting an effective date. Council Member — Dustin Leftridge: Motion Council Member — Wes Walker: 2nd 01:01:36 Council Member Leftridge asked a follow-up question related to the public comment received as it relates to the ability to have a business account to purchase permits for employees. 01:01:50 Nygren answered questions about the ability to set up a commercial account, with registered license plates. 01:02:28 Council Member Daoud provided discussion related to the public comment received as it relates to permits within a specific lot. 01:05:18 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion related to permit parking and the amount of office space on Main Street versus retail shops and wanting to see data to understand issues. 01:08:37 Council Member Daoud and Nunnally provided further discussion. 01:10:06 City Manager Nygren provided clarification about the resolution under consideration. 01:10:53 Police Chief Venezio explained the LPR software could be utilized as the lots are currently permitted. 01:11:34 Council Member Nunnally provided further discussion. 01:12:27 Council Member Leftridge asked for clarification about data usage desired, and the comprehensive nature of the proposal from Downtown Forward. 01:14:12 Council Member Nunnally provided further discussion about the public comment received. 01:15:43 City Manager Nygren offered an alternative to address public comment regarding the status of the Valley Bank lot, leaving it for now as a permitted lot. 01:16:36 Council Member Waterman provided discussion about the nature of the changes between previous and proposed enforcement methods. Page 5 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 01:18:00 City Manager Nygren provided information on how the resolution exhibit could be modified based on discussion and what is handled through Police Department permit management and not within the resolution. 01:20:27 Council Member Walker provided discussion in favor of the motion. 01:21:16 Mayor Hunter provided discussion regarding the Valley Bank Lot, the public comment received, increasing permit costs and parking fines. 01:25:46 Council Member Daoud asked a question about the Valley Bank Lot confirming that changes to the Valley Bank Lot would be handled administratively if council desired. He then provided discussion in favor of gathering data prior to removing permitted parking from the Valley Bank Lot. 01:28:30 Council Member Leftridge asked about data collection that can be done with the license plate reader technology and how often once implemented. Police Chief Venezio and City Manager Nygren answered questions. 01:30:41 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion about why she would be in favor of phasing the plan based on the public comment received. 01:32:40 Council Member Waterman asked for further clarification. 01:33:53 Council Member Gabriel provided clarification in favor of increasing rates. 01:34:32 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion about the Downtown Forward study results and the issue regarding employees parking on the street and providing an alternative place for them to park. 01:37:17 Council Member Daoud asked questions about past parking ticket pricing changes and further clarification about actions under consideration. 01:39:59 Amendment to the motion to change the first parking ticket offense to $20. Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Motion Council Member — Sid Daoud: 2nd 01:4C _u__ Council Member Leftridge provided discussion regarding his amendment. Council Member Daoud seconded the amendment to the motion. 01:42:33 Mayor Hunter asked questions about standard parking fines and then discussed the amendment. 01:43:45 Council Member Walker provided discussion in support of the amendment and suggested modifying the third offense to $60. Page 6 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 01:44:30 Council Member Leftridge provided further discussion on the amendment. 01:45:01 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the amendment. 01:46:48 Friendly amendment to modify the third offense per year to $60. Vote on the amendment to the motion to change the first parking ticket offense to $20 per year and the third offense per year to $60. Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Motion Council Member — Sid Daoud: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent 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 to amend passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Fisher absent. 01:48:17 Council Member Waterman provided discussion on the original motion. 01:49:28 City Manager Nygren provided additional information about Police Department management of the Valley Bank lot, and Skyline lot. 01:50:29 Council Member Nunnally asked a question related to corporate permit sales. 01:51:48 Vote on the motion as amended. Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Motion Council Member - Wes Walker: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent 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 as amended passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Fisher absent. 01:52:26 Motion and Vote to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1952, an ordinance amending Chapter 17, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article 4, Stopping, Standing, and Page 7 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 Parking Generally, of the Kalispell Municipal Code, declaring an effective date and authorizing the City Attorney to codify the same. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member - Kari Gabriel: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Mq o�yan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Fisher absent. 2) Resolution 6332 — Support for the Creation of an Opportunity Zones a This resolution supports the application to the Montana Department of Commerce for an Opportunity Zone. City Manager Nygren provided a brief overview of this item. Manager Nygren answered questions from Council. 01:56:41 City Council Waterman provided discussion. 01:57:23 Council Member Daoud asked questions about the reasoning for this resolution. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. 01:58:27 Lorraine Clarno, Public Comment Clarno with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Forward and Discover Kalispell thanked staff and partner organizations for their work on this item. She highlighted the benefits of the application's IRS status in attracting private equity and offering capital gains tax deferrals, emphasizing that there is no financial risk to the City or its six collaborative partners. Clarno noted support for the application through letters from developers regarding projects at the mall and the Conrad Hotel. She stated that the application includes 22 viable, shovel -ready projects to help Kalispell stand out among statewide applicants and expressed appreciation to the council and staff for their efforts to accelerate local investment. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 02:00:01 Motion to approve Resolution 6332, a resolution authorizing an application by the City of Kalispell to the Montana Department of Commerce with a request for a recommendation to be forwarded to the Governor's Office for review and approval of the Page 8of15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 creation of an Opportunity Zone for Census Tract 30029001000 in the City of Kalispell, Montana. Council Member — Lisa Blank: Motion Council Member — Sam Nunnally: 2" d 02:00:45 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in favor of the motion. 02:01:40 Mayor Hunter provided discussion on the motion. 02:02:36 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Lisa Blank: Motion Council Member - Sam Nunnallv: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Mao�yan 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 Fisher absent. 3) Appointments to the Housing Study Advisory Committee D to This item considers the appointment of up to seven members to this temporary committee. City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the staff report. 02:03:41 Council Member Gabriel asked questions about residency requirements. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. Council Member Daoud asked applicants present to introduce themselves. 02:05:24 Erika Wirtala, Public Comment Erika Wirtala, representing the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors, addressed the Council regarding her application for the committee position. Wirtala highlighted her professional experience in the real estate industry, noting her previous work with the City of Whitefish on housing inventory and affordability studies, as well as serving on committees focused on housing strategies and inclusionary zoning. Additionally, she shared that she is serving her third term on the board of the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, where she supports efforts to provide affordable housing options in the region. Mark Friedline, Public Comment Friedline, Executive Officer for the Flathead Building Association, and previous Recreation Superintendent for the City of Kalispell introduced himself as an applicant for the Committee. Page 9of15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 02:07:41 Dina Rose, Public Comment Rose introduced herself as an applicant for the Committee, highlighted her background, noting that she holds a PhD in sociology from Duke University and brings over 25 years of research experience studying poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and crime. She expressed her focus on creating a vibrant community accessible to residents across all stages of life. Additionally, Rose detailed her local civic involvement, including serving as former board chair for the Abbie Shelter, briefly serving on the board of the North Valley Food Bank, and working with Habitat for Humanity on family selection and other community projects. Mike Brodie, Public Comment Brodie, Senior Project Engineer with WGM Group introduced himself as an applicant for the Committee and mentioned his experience working with the City on housing projects. Cassidy Kipp, Public Comment Kipp spoke to her enthusiasm to serve on the Committee, highlighted her professional background working with local housing initiatives and existing programs, and her familiarity with alternative housing strategies and tools that could benefit the area. 02:10:41 Darla Provencio, Public Comment Provencio expressed concern that the applicants for the committee lean heavily toward development firms and non-profit housing organizations and could underrepresent renters, homeowners, taxpayers, and residents impacted by rapid growth and municipal service demands. Provencio urged the Council to include independent members without financial or organizational ties to development to build public trust, increase transparency, and ensure balanced, sustainable recommendations, while thanking them for considering her own application for the committee. Sean Patrick O'Neill, Public Comment O'Neill referred to his Committee application and his extensive background, work experience, lived experience and education and his willingness to serve. Seeing no further comments, Mayor Hunter closed public comment. 02:14:10 Mayor Hunter provided discussion in appreciation of the high number and quality of applicants, and the level of interest. 02:15:24 Mayor Hunter made the following recommendations for appointment providing his reasoning for each. Mike Smith, Cassidy Kipp, Casey Wyckoff, Jill Davis, Sean O'Neill, Peter Hagen and Nikki Lintz. 02:19:36 Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments as listed. Council Member — Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member — Wes Walker: 2°d 02:19:43 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in support of the motion. Page 10 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 02:20:19 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on the motion related to preferring Kalispell residency, and representation from the retired/older demographic. 02:23:05 Council Member Nunnally provided discussion on the motion related to residency, and representation from the realtor demographic suggesting Wirtala or Freidline. 02:24:37 Council Member Walker provided discussion on the motion addressing residency concerns. 02:25:41 Council Member Gabriel provided discussion on the motion related to residency preference and suggesting candidates such as Wirtala or Brodie, and Morisaki. 02:27:15 Mayor Hunter provided discussion. 02:27:42 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion on the motion in support of the Mayoral recommendations. 02:28:14 Council Member Blank provided discussion on the motion in favor of representation from the mental health field and businesses, suggesting candidate Mark Freidline, and representation for seniors. 02:30:24 Mayor Hunter provided discussion. 02:30:48 Vote on the motion. Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Motion Council Member - Wes Walker: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Disapprove Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Disqpprove Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Disapprove Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Disapprove Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin Leftridg_e: Approve The motion failed on roll call vote with Council Members Walker, Waterman, Leftridte, and Mayor Hunter in favor, and Council Members Gabriel, Nunnally, Daoud, and Blank opposed, and Council Member Fisher absent. 02:31:23 With discussion Mayor Hunter said he would be willing to substitute Wyckoff with Wirtala, Nikki Lintz with Dina Rose, and Kim Morisaki instead of Peter Hagen. 02:34:45 Motion and Vote to approve the amended slate of candidates provided by the Mayor. Mike Smith Cassidy Kipp Erika Wirtala Page 11 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 Jill Davis Sean O'Neill Kim Morisaki Dina Rose Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Motion Council Member - Wes Walker: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Ma o�yan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Council Member - Dustin LeftridgeApprove The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote with Council Member Fisher absent. 4) Appointment to the Evergreen Water & Sewer District 1 Advisory Committee a This item considers appointing Susie Turner, Director of Public Works to this Committee. City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the staff report. 02:37:46 Council Member Daoud provided discussion on this item. Public Comment Mayor Hunter opened public comment on this item. Seeing none, he closed public comment. 02:37:58 Motion to appoint Susie Turner, Director of Public Works for the City of Kalispell to the EverLyreen Water & Sewer District 1 Advisory Committee. Council Member Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member — Lisa Blank: 2nd Council Member Nunnally provided discussion in favor of the motion. 0"':38:49 Council Member Waterman provided discussion in favor of the motion. Vote on the motion. Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Motion Council Member - Lisa Blank: 2nd Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sam Nunnally: Approve Council Member - Jed Fisher: Absent Council Member - Sid Daoud: Approve Mayor - Ryan Hunter: Approve Council Member - Wes Walker: Approve Council Member - Lisa Blank: Approve Council Member - Kyle Waterman: Approve Page 12 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 Council Member - Dustin Leftridge: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote with Council Member Fisher absent. I CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) City Manager Jarod Nygren provided the following report: Preliminary Budget discussions are scheduled for the July 13, 2026, work session. Based on council direction, staff will keep the Valley Bank Lot a permitted lot but given the central location, staff expect high demand. 02:40:55 Council Member Daoud thanked Mayor Hunter for compromising on the Committee applicants. Council Member Daoud expressed continued support for the public's freedom to cruise Main Street as an individual right and emphasized that freedom requires personal responsibility and respect for fellow citizens. Cruising becomes indefensible when individuals infringe upon the rights of others, and Daoud stated an intention to support cracking down on those who violate that principle while maintaining support for responsible participants. 02:43 :10 Council Member Leftridge provided discussion related to the parking agenda item and expressing support for designating the Valley Bank lot as public parking rather than permit parking. Leftridge stated that having a central location on Main Street is essential for downtown visitors and employees. He referred to work session discussion indicating other nearby lots have sufficient capacity to absorb drivers displaced from the Valley Bank lot. Leftridge raised concerns that underutilization in secondary lots would worsen if the city does not open up permits to an unlimited applicant pool. He advised that continuing to limit overall permits would fail to resolve the underlying parking issue. 02:44:53 Council Member Waterman echoed support for transitioning the Valley Bank parking lot to a two-hour public parking lot when appropriate. Waterman referenced points raised by the mayor, noting that the lot is targeted for eventual removal from the city's inventory, and the public and staff must prepare to adjust to its absence. Waterman suggested that city staff find a comfortable timeframe to implement the two-hour limit, acknowledging that following the process, full implementation may not occur until the following year or fall. 02:45:42 Council Member Waterman thanked applicants for the Housing Study Advisory Committee and commended the Mayor for guiding the decision -making process. Waterman appreciated the civil discussion regarding adjustments to show support, emphasizing that the selection process was challenging due to a high volume of qualified applicants rather than a reflection on anyone's qualifications. Finally, Waterman expressed satisfaction with how the council balanced the outcome. 02:46:08 Council Member Blank shared highlights from a recent community economic development forum attended by workforce leaders, Chamber of Commerce representatives, city managers, and county officials. Blank reported that key forum takeaways emphasized leadership and regional communication, noting that effective leadership requires regular collaboration Page 13 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 among Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Bigfork, Evergreen, and Flathead County. Countering prior assumptions of disinterest, Blank reported strong enthusiasm from other jurisdictions for joint dialogue to solve shared challenges. Blank urged Council to consider participating in proposed intergovernmental meetings, such as utilizing fifth -Monday schedules, with administrative details being explored further by city managers. 02:48:25 Council Member Blank expressed support for public participation while raising concerns about the length of meetings, noting that extended comments from individuals cause other attendees to leave due to the late hour. Blank suggested adhering more closely to a three - minute time limit to ensure the Council remains accessible to a broader range of citizens. 02:49:14 Council Member Nunnally stated his appreciation for the discussion that happened at tonight's meeting. He expressed support for regional intergovernmental discussions including communities like Bigfork and Somers in long-term planning to address future transportation and infrastructure challenges over the next 50 years. Highlighting that Flathead County is Montana's largest county with the highest population of unincorporated residents, Nunnally stressed that municipalities must do their part. 02:51:02 Council Member Walker provided discussion in appreciation of the number and quality of applicants for the Housing Study Advisory Committee and for the compromises that occurred. 02:51:29 Council Member Gabriel stated her appreciation for the mayor's flexibility in relation to the Housing Study Advisory Committee and the discussions that occurred tonight. She talked about her frustration that loud firecrackers are still going off in her neighborhood all night long. 02:52:31 Mayor Hunter expressed support for transitioning the Valley Bank parking lot to two- hour parking, noting that the recommendation came from a dedicated community group after thorough study and emphasizing the importance of encouraging well -reasoned public engagement. Addressing fireworks enforcement concerns, Mayor Hunter agreed with Council Member Gabriel regarding current difficulties in enforcing the citywide ban. To improve enforceability, Mayor Hunter suggested establishing specific permitted dates, times, and types of fireworks —such as around the Fourth of July or New Year's Eve with a 10:00 p.m. cutoff —so that police officers can take enforcement action with greater confidence. K. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hunter adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m. Ai e Brunckhorst, City Clerk Minutes approved on August 3, 2026 Page 14 of 15 Kalispell City Council Minutes, July 6, 2026 UPCOMING SCHEDULE City Offices Closed — July 3, 2026 — Independence Day Holiday Next Work Session Meeting —July 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Next Regular Meeting — July 20, 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 ci , clerk( calispell.com. Page 15 of 15