08-10-26 Work Session Agenda and Materials
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CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AGENDA
August 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
See the bottom of the agenda to learn how to provide public comment
and watch meetings live or later.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. DISCUSSION
1. Naming Policy for City-Owned Parks, Facilities, and Public Assets
2. Westside Parking Management Zone Update
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. See the bottom of
the agenda to learn the protocol for providing comment.
E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS
F. ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Next Regular Meeting – August 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
Next Work Session – August 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
PARTICIPATION
When addressing council please give your name and address, see the last page of the agenda for
the proper manner of addressing the council, and limit comments to three minutes. Comments
can also be emailed to publiccomment@kalispell.com. 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 on the day of
the meeting.
To provide public comment live, remotely, join the video conference through zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sUToYT-fRo6tqLx03xABxg.
Raise your virtual hand to indicate you want to provide comment. Due to occasional technical
difficulties, the most reliable way to participate is through in-person attendance. Electronic
means are not guaranteed.
Kalispell City Council Agenda, August 10, 2026
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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.
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Adopted July 1, 1991
Section 2-20 Manner of Addressing Council
a. Each person not a Council member shall address the Council, at the time designated in the agenda
or as directed by the Council, by stepping to the podium or microphone, giving that person's
name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record, and unless further time is granted by
the Council, shall limit the address to the Council to three minutes.
b. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member of the Council or
Staff.
c. No person, other than the Council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into
any discussion either directly or through a member of the Council, without the permission of the
Presiding Officer.
d. No question shall be asked of individuals except through the Presiding Officer.
PRINCIPLES FOR CIVIL DIALOGUE
Adopted by Resolution 5180 on February 5, 2007
We provide a safe environment where individual perspectives are respected, heard, and
acknowledged.
We are responsible for respectful and courteous dialogue and participation.
We respect diverse opinions as a means to find solutions based on common ground.
We encourage and value broad community participation.
We encourage creative approaches to engage in public participation.
We value informed decision-making and take personal responsibility to educate and be educated.
We believe that respectful public dialogue fosters healthy community relationships, understanding
and problem solving.
We acknowledge, consider and respect the natural tensions created by collaboration, change, and
transition.
We follow the rules & guidelines established for each meeting.
Development Services Department
201 1st Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www.kalispell.com/planning
REPORT TO: Jarod Nygren, Interim City Manager
FROM: Donnie McBath, Planner II of Development Services
SUBJECT: Naming Policy
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 (Work Session)
BACKGROUND: On December 8, 2025, the City Council held a work session regarding the
potential adoption of a naming policy for City-owned parks, facilities, and public assets. The
discussion was prompted by a request earlier in 2025 to rename the Kidsports facility in recognition
of Dan Johns and highlighted the absence of a formal policy governing naming and renaming
requests. During the work session, Council discussed whether a policy should be established, what
types of names should be considered, the extent of the review process, and the criteria that should be
applied to future requests.
Following the work session, staff reviewed naming policies from several jurisdictions, including
Baltimore, Maryland; Minneapolis and Elk River, Minnesota; and Marion County, Oregon. Common
themes among these policies included prioritizing geographic and historical names, establishing
criteria for recognizing individuals and organizations, providing opportunities for public input, and
requiring final approval by the governing body.
Based on Council direction and a review of comparable policies, staff has prepared the attached
Parks, Facilities, and Public Asset Naming Policy. The proposed policy establishes naming criteria
that prioritize geographic features, historical and cultural significance, functional or descriptive
names, and recognition of individuals or organizations with demonstrated and lasting contributions to
the Kalispell community. The policy also establishes standards for renaming existing facilities,
provides a process for public review and City Council consideration, and identifies alternative
methods of recognition when naming is not appropriate.
The intent of the policy is to provide a consistent framework for future naming and renaming requests
while ensuring that City-owned assets reflect Kalispell's community identity, history, and geographic
character.
RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction to staff regarding the proposed Parks, Facilities, and
Public Asset Naming Policy and direct staff to schedule a formal consideration of the policy.
ATTACHMENTS: Parks, Facilities, and Public Asset Naming Policy
c: Aimee Brunckhorst, Kalispell City Clerk
Planning Department
201 1st Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www.kalispell.com/planning
PARKS, FACILITIES, AND PUBLIC ASSET NAMING POLICY
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear direction for the naming and renaming of City-owned
parks, facilities, and public assets in a manner that reflects Kalispell's community identity, history,
and geographic character.
Applicability
This policy applies to all City-owned parks, recreation areas, open space, trails, public buildings,
facilities, and other civic assets.
Policy Statement
City-owned assets shall be named in a manner that promotes clarity, community identity, and long-
term relevance. Naming shall not be undertaken lightly and shall avoid political, promotional, or
frivolous considerations.
The City Council retains final discretion regarding the naming or renaming of City-owned parks,
facilities, and public assets.
Naming Criteria
Names shall be considered in the following order of priority:
1. Geographic Features
Natural features such as rivers, creeks, terrain, or landscape characteristics.
Established local place names, neighborhoods, or historically recognized areas.
2. Historical and Cultural Significance
Events, places, or features significant to Kalispell or the Flathead Valley.
Names reflecting local history, heritage, or cultural identity.
3. Functional or Descriptive Names
Names that reflect the use, function, or character of the facility.
4. Individuals or Organizations
Demonstrated significant and lasting contribution to the Kalispell community.
Contribution directly related to the facility, park, or public service.
Broad community recognition and support.
Preference shall be given to individuals who are deceased or whose contributions can be
evaluated over time.
General Standards
Names shall be clear, concise, and easily identifiable.
Names shall not duplicate or closely resemble existing names within the City.
Names shall not be offensive, discriminatory, or divisive.
Commercial naming is prohibited unless approved by the City Council through a formal
agreement.
Naming decisions should consider the long-term significance and public interest associated
with the proposed name.
Donations and Sponsorships
Financial contributions, donations, sponsorships, or fundraising efforts should not be considered
when naming a park or facility, but may be considered for benches, trees, plaques, memorial gardens,
commemorative markers, and similar site amenities. Any naming associated with a donation or
sponsorship shall be subject to approval by the City Council and any applicable agreement approved
by the City.
Renaming
Renaming of existing parks, facilities, or public assets is strongly discouraged due to the importance
of established community identity and continuity.
Requests for renaming must demonstrate:
A clear and compelling public interest.
Consistency with this policy.
Broad community support.
A justification that outweighs the value of retaining the existing name.
Procedure
1. Application
Requests may be submitted by a resident, organization, board, commission, City department,
or other interested party.
Requests shall be submitted in writing and include the proposed name and justification.
2. Staff Review
Staff shall review the request for consistency with this policy and coordinate review with
applicable departments.
Staff may request additional information as necessary.
3. Public Input
A minimum fifteen (15) day public notice of the proposed naming or renaming shall be
provided prior to holding a public hearing at City Council.
4. Final Action
Final approval of the naming or renaming of a City-owned park, facility, or public asset shall
be made by the Kalispell City Council.
The City Council may approve, deny, modify, or refer a naming request for additional review.
Satisfaction of the criteria contained within this policy does not obligate the City Council to
approve a proposed name.
Agency and Non-City Facilities
This policy applies only to City-owned parks, facilities, and public assets.
The naming of facilities, infrastructure, or assets owned by other governmental agencies, school
districts, special districts, nonprofit organizations, or private entities shall not be subject to this
policy. Requests for naming assistance or coordination involving non-City facilities may be reviewed
administratively by staff and forwarded to the appropriate agency or property owner for
consideration.
Recognition Alternatives
When naming is not appropriate, recognition may be provided through plaques, memorials,
commemorative features, dedication ceremonies, commemorative events, or other forms of
recognition approved by the City.
Implementation
This policy shall apply to all future naming and renaming decisions upon adoption by the Kalispell
City Council.
When naming is not appropriate, recognition may be provided through plaques, memorials,
commemorative features, dedication ceremonies, commemorative events, or other forms of
recognition approved by the City.
Implementation
This policy shall apply to all future naming and renaming decisions upon adoption by the Kalispell
City Council.
Development Services Department
201 1st Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www.kalispell.com/planning
REPORT TO: Jarod Nygren, City Manager
FROM: PJ Sorensen, Development Services Director
SUBJECT: Westside Parking Management Zone
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 (Work Session)
BACKGROUND: The Westside Parking Management Zone was established by Ordinance 1759 in
August 2015 and has been in place for 11 years. At that time, it was found that within the vicinity of
Flathead High School the demand for curbside parking far exceeds the curbside space available resulting
in limited availability of curbside parking for residents, congested streets and compromised roadside
safety. The Kalispell City Council found that it was in the best interest of the public to regulate curbside
parking within areas next to Flathead High School. Accordingly, residents now get two free parking
permits (can purchase unlimited guest passes) and students/teachers now must purchase parking permits
in order to park on street within the Parking Management Zone. Student-teacher-employee parking is
limited to one side of each Street or Avenue within the Parking Management Zone.
Exhibit A shows the boundaries of the zone along with the specific block faces within the zone where
parking is restricted. Ordinance 1759 allows for additional block faces within the zone to become
restricted. That has been done after receipt of a petition signed by 75% of the property owners of the
facing avenue or street face three times since the original adoption in 2018, 2023, and 2026.
The tables below show the number of permits issued/sold to residents and students/staff on a yearly basis.
The third table shows the number of tickets issued for not having a valid permit during that time.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Kalispell City Council discuss the parking zone
and provide direction to city staff.
FISCAL EFFECTS: There are no anticipated fiscal impacts at this time.
ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A – Current Westside Parking Management Zone Map
Ordinance 1759 (created the Zone)
c: Aimee Brunckhorst, Kalispell City Clerk
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¯Westside Neighborhood Parking Management Zone
Updated 02-17-2026
Austin Bachurski
Data Sources:
City of Kalispell GIS
Flathead County GIS
Exhibit A
0 0.04 0.09 0.14 0.180.02
Miles
Roadway
Block Footprint
Management Zone Boundary
Regulated Area Adopted in 2026
Regulated Area Adopted in 2023
Regulated Area Adopted in 2018
Regulated Area Adopted in 2015
ORDINANCE NO. 1759
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER CURB
PARKING REGULATIONS WITHIN A DEFINED AREA IN THE CITY OF
KALISPELL ADJACENT TO FLATHEAD HIGH SCHOOL TO BE KNOWN AS THE
WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKING MANAGEMENT ZONE, DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO CODIFY THE
SAME.
WHEREAS, the City of Kalispell has the general powers authority granted to it by the state of
Montana enumerated at MCA 7-1-4124 and more specifically at 7-14-4103, 7-14-
4104, 7-14-4501 and 7-14-4628 to regulate the parking of motor vehicles and
trailers within the right-of-ways and municipal properties of the city; and
WHEREAS, it has been the finding of the Montana State Legislature at MCA 7-14-4601 in
establishing the municipal authority to regulate motor vehicle parking that
excessive curb parking of motor vehicles in urban and metropolitan areas and the
lack of adequate off-street parking facilities in some cities is against the public
interest; and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City Council finds that within the vicinity of Flathead High School
the demand for curbside parking far exceeds the curbside space available resulting
in limited availability of curbside parking for residents, congested streets and a
compromise to roadway safety; and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City Council therefore further finds that it is in the best interest of
the public to regulate the curbside parking within a certain defined area adjacent
to Flathead High School.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Kalispell hereby establishes certain parking regulations
on those City right-of-ways identified in Exhibit "A", attached
hereto and incorporated fully herein by this reference and as
enumerated in Exhibit `B" attached hereto and incorporated fully
herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. The parking fee schedule for those City right-of-ways identified in
Section 1 shall be established and amended by resolution.
SECTION 3. Violations of this Ordinance are declared to be civil infractions,
and shall be processed in accordance with Kalispell Municipal
Code Sections 1-11 through 1-18 as authorized by MCA 7-1-4150
through 7-1-4152, or as subsequently amended.
SECTION 4. The City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to codify this
Ordinance under Chapter 17 Motor Vehicles and Traffic of the
Kalispell Municipal Code.
SECTION 5. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its final
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF
THE CITY OF KALISPELL THIS 3RD DAY OF AUGUST, 2015.
Mark Johnso
Mayor
ATTEST:
Ai ee Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
EXHIBIT `B"
Ordinance No. 1759 establishes an on -street permit -only parking zone to be known as the
Westside Neighborhood Parking Management Zone as set forth and illustrated on Exhibit
A„
1.1. The permit resident only parking restrictions shall be limited to
1.1.1. 2nd Avenue West, between 6th and 9`h St. West,
1.1.2. 3rd Avenue West between 5th and 9th St. West,
1.1.3. OAvenue West between 8th and
9th
St. West,
1.1.4. and all streets between 4th Avenue and 2nd Avenue West,
2. The cost of administration of the resident only parking restrictions shall be borne by the
users, based on a fee per permit as established by resolution by the City Council.
3. The City shall be responsible for the placement and maintenance of required signage
notifying the public of the existence of parking restrictions.
4. The permit parking restrictions shall be in effect from 8 AM to 3 PM from Monday to Friday,
on days when school is in session.
5. The School District may request from the City a "special events exclusion" to accommodate
several high volume events that occur throughout the year at Flathead High School. In this
case the neighbors/property owners would be notified by the school in advance and the
parking restrictions would be suspended for that day.
6. Parking permits shall be clearly displayed in the front window of the vehicle. If no permit or
an improper permit is displayed a parking citation shall be issued by the Kalispell Police
Department.
7. Contractors engaged in providing service to a resident in the zone shall be exempt from the
permit resident only parking restrictions.
8. General provisions for resident on -street parking:
8.1. Each resident in the Zone is entitled to two free parking permits.
8.2. Proof of residency and/or property ownership is required to obtain an on -street resident -
only parking permit.
8.3. Proof of vehicle ownership and current registration is required for each on -street
resident -only parking permit.
8.4. A resident or owner may purchase one or more guest passes separate from a registered
vehicle permit. There is no limit to the number of guest passes that a resident or owner
may purchase.
9. General provisions for student -teacher District 5 employee on -street parking:
9.1. Student -teacher -District 5 employee permits may be purchased each year from the City
for parking within the Zone.
9.2. A permit allows on -street parking; it does not ensure a parking space.
9.3. Student -teacher -employee parking shall be limited to one side of each Street or Avenue
within the Zone as signed.
9.4. The specific side of the Street or Avenue shall change yearly on January 1St as signed.
10. The Parking Management Zone boundaries may be amended:
10.1. The city, in its discretion as the governing body, may amend or reduce the
Westside Neighborhood Parking Management Zone boundaries after holding a hearing
before the Kalispell City Planning Board.
10.2. Requests to be added to or removed from resident -only parking restrictions shall
be done at the block face level meaning both sides of a facing avenue or street.
10.3. A petition signed by 75% of the property owners of the facing avenue or street
face within the Westside Parking Management Zone shall be presented to the city on a
form approved by the City of Kalispell.
E=xhibit A
Westside Neighborhood Parking Management Map
Parking Regulated Area