08-24-26 Work Session Agenda and MaterialsPage 1 of 2
CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AGENDA
August 24, 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.City-Owned Downtown Parking Lot Rental and Residential Block Parties
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
Council Open House – August 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
City Offices Closed – September 7, 2026 – Labor Day
Next Regular Meeting – TUESDAY, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
Next Work Session –September 14, 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_5vBYt27yS9ChYirMn02NUg.
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 24, 2026
Page 2 of 2
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.
Office of City Manager
201 1st Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7703
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor Hunter and City Council
FROM: Jarod Nygren, City Manager
SUBJECT: City-Owned Downtown Parking Lot Rental and Residential Block Parties
DATE: August 24, 2026 (Work Session)
BACKGROUND: From time to time there have been requests for events in downtown city-
owned parking lots and the ability for residents to close down a city street for a residential block
party. Regarding city-owned downtown parking lots, the city does not have any clear guidelines
on whether they can be used for special events, and/or be rented, so we have not allowed such
requests. We have allowed vending permits for food trucks within city-owned lots on certain
occasions. In general, there is the opportunity for city-owned parking lots to be utilized for
events on weekends where there is not currently parking demand. Such a request could be
implemented similarly to our facility rental, special event, vendor, and alcohol permits.
Regarding residential block parties, many municipalities across the nation allow for residential
block parties where social gatherings in those neighborhoods foster a healthy and beneficial
aspect of living within an urban environment. Closure of portions of a city street in these
instances can facilitate a safe outdoor space for neighbors to gather. Currently, the city does not
allow for such a request. To be discussed is whether it is in the best interest of the residents of
Kalispell to have the opportunity to organize residential block parties that may include the
temporary closure of streets, subject to certain regulations.
In either case, allowing for such activities would be subject to an orderly administrative process,
including providing minimum liability insurance coverage.
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss the agenda item and direct staff as necessary.
ATTACHMENTS: Special Event Permit
City Alcohol Permit
Vending Permit
KMC 3-18