A2. Council Minutes - Regular Meeting June 1, 19981
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00
P.M. MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1998, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR WILLIAM E. BOHARSKI PRESIDED. COUNCIL
MEMBERS JIM ATKINSON, NORBERT DONAHUE, JOHN GRAVES, DALE HAARR,
DUANE LARSON, GARY NYSTUL, RON VAN NATTA, DOUG SCARFF AND CITY
ATTORNEY/ACTING CITY MANAGER GLEN NEIER WERE PRESENT.
Mayor Boharski called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
AGENDA APPRO-VAL
Haarr moved approval of the Agenda as presented. The motion was
seconded by Nystul.
There was discussion.
Atkinson moved a substitute motion to add 1st Night Flathead as
Agenda Item #15. The motion was seconded by Larson.
The substitute motion carried unanimously upon vote.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
A. Council Minutes -Regular Meeting May 18, 1998
B. Approval of Claims per Payables Register-$481,846.48
C. Proclamations - National Flag Day
Kalispell Aviation Week
Nystul moved approval of the consent agenda as presented. The
motion was seconded by Van Natta.
Boharski questioned Ross Plambeck, PECDD, about a $2,000.00 payment
from Community Development to FRDO.
Plambeck answered the payment was a commitment from the UDAG budget
for an update to the Master Plan.
Boharski proclaimed June 14, 1998 as National Flag Day and the week
of June 12-8,1998 as Kalispell Aviation Week.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Cliff Collins, 302 Salish Court, said he takes offense to remarks
made at recent meetings that the past Council pushed through the
Central School Museum.
Alex Hilton, 425 Main Street, Kila, stated since City Manager
Clarence Krepps' firing, the only concern he has now is what is best
for the City. He said he has two proposals for the City Council: 1)
that no employee be terminated during the tenure of an Interim City
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Manager and, 2) that Mayor Boharski resign immediately.
Therese Fox -Hash, 490 Kookosint Trail, speaking on Agenda Item #10,
asked the City to support the Master Plan Update and contribute
$500.00 toward the project, the same amount being asked from the
County.
Doug Denmark, 815 Rose Crossing, speaking on Agenda Item #4, stated
he proposes to buy the National Flood Service building and would be
available to answer any questions.
Jim Thompson, 160 Riverview Drive, speaking on Agenda Item #5, said
he and his partners are interested in the KDC site and would also
be available to answer any questions.
Jerry Begg, 220 Woodland Court, commended the Council for leading
the City in a "new direction" and said he disagrees with the
comments Mr. Hilton made.
Roger Pales, 375 V-� Avenue WN, criticized the Council for recent
actions and said they should listen to the people.
'UPDATE ON CENTRAL SCHOOL. PROJECT - JAMES R- MCa0NALD; R $TT r. T
McDonald, of James R. McDonald Architects, explained the Central
School Museum project began in December, 1997 and was anticipated
to take about one year. He said the project is a little under 50%
complete and should be finished around the first of October.
Paul Filicetti of JRMA showed slides.
Boharski asked if there was any truth to the rumor that they struck
water while digging the elevator shaft.
McDonald answered they did, and because of the water, the elevator
had to be changed from hydraulic to piston.
AWARD BID --NATIONAL FLOOD SERVICE BUILDING
Neier explained that bids were opened on May 19� with proposals
being submitted from Doug and Debbie Denmark, Gilliland Enterprises
and Meridian Industrial Partners, Inc. The Kalispell Development
Corporation Executive Board has recommended the City enter into a
Development Agreement with Doug and Debbie Denmark for $275,000.00,
with a net to the City of $250,000.00 following a credit for
development of a parking lot on Lots 1 and 2.
Larson moved the acting City Manager to execute the Purchase and
Development Agreement with the Denmarks. The motion was seconded
by Graves.
There was discussion.
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Doug Denmark showed plans for the development, which he said should
coincide with construction surrounding the area.
Boharski asked that assuming the motion passes, at what point in
time would they be complete with all of the signage and the parking
lot.
Denmark answered within 45 days on the building, and probably by
August for the parking lot.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
AWARD BID - KALISPELL DOWNTOWN CENTER
Neier explained that one proposal was submitted for the Kalispell
Downtown Center Site. He said Meridian Industrial Partners, Inc.
has offered $406,450.00 for Lots 4-16, and the south 11 feet of Lot
3, Block 36, and Lots 1-4, and the north 7 feet, Block 45. He said
his office has just finished a draft of the Development Agreement
and he hopes to have the draft finalized by Monday, June 8th.
Thompson commented he would like to see the Development Agreement
signed as soon as possible to enable construction on the first
building to start right after the 4th of July. He said the tenants
would like to be in the building by November for the Holiday
Season.
Donahue moved the bid be accepted and that the City Attorney
finalize a Development Agreement with Meridian Industrial Partners,
Inc. by Monday, June 8th. The motion was seconded by Larson.
There was discussion.
Atkinson said past requirements of builders included a provision
that if the project wasn't built in certain amount of time, they
would have to pay the taxes in lieu of the building.
Neier answered that requirement was never included on this
property. He said it was required for Rosauers, Haven Field and
the Kalispell Center Mall because the City was concerned that bonds
may have to be sold to complete the projects, but it doesn't appear
any bonds have to be sold for this site.
Atkinson asked about requirements on materials and density.
Neier said there are no requirements on those items in the
Agreement. He said the density and the buildings proposed meet the
zoning requirements.
Atkinson stated he will vote against the motion because he doesn't
feel the proposal meets the standards of the "highest and best use
of the property."
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Nystul noted a condition included the texturing of the alley
surface and asked whether the City will be required to do that.
Plambeck, PECDD, said the texturing is designed to tie in with the
"Plaza" effect. He said it would cost approximately $7,500.00 to
do the entire alley. Plambeck added it would be a "handsome
addition" to the project and funds are available in the budget.
Nystul moved an amendment to direct the Acting City Manager to get
a proposed change order from the contractor to incorporate the
alley texturing in the Agreement. The motion was seconded.
The amendment carried upon vote with Atkinson voting against.
The amended motion carried upon vote with Atkinson voting against.
RESOLUTION 4403 - BUFFALO STAGE -PHAGR III ANNEXATION
The properties proposed for annexation are located west of
Whitefish Stage Road approximately 1,000 feet.
Neier explained the property is currently zoned County RA-1,
Residential Apartment. Buffalo Chip Partners have requested that
if the property is annexed, it receive two different zoning
classifications, RA-1 on 13 Lots and R-5 on a single three -acre
Lot.
Atkinson moved Resolution 4403, a resolution to provide for the
alteration of the boundaries of the City of Kalispell by including
therein, as an annexation, certain real property described in
Exhibit A, to be known as Buffalo Stage Phase III; to zone said
property Low Density Residential Apartment, RA-1, and
Residential/Professional Office, R-5; to amend the City Zoning Map
accordingly, and to declare an effective date. The motion was
seconded by Graves.
There was discussion.
Nystul opposed the annexation, stating he feels the City is
stretching its services.
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Donahue,
Graves, Haarr, Larson, Scarff, Van Natta and Boharski voting in
favor and Nystul voting against.
ORDINANCE 1288 - BUFFALO STAGE INITIAL ZONING - 15- READING
Neier explained that in accordance with the resolution annexing the
property, the Council should also pass the ordinance zoning the
property as RA-1 and R-5.
Atkinson moved Ordinance 1288, an ordinance to amend Section
27.02.010, Official Zoning Map, City of Kalispell Zoning Ordinance,
(Ordinance No. 1175), by zoning certain real property described in
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Exhibit A (previously zoned County RA-1, Low Density Residential
Apartment), City RA-1, Low Density Residential Apartment, and R-5,
Residential/Professional Office, in accordance with the City -County
Master Plan, and to provide an effective date. The motion was
seconded by Nystul.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Donahue,
Graves, Haarr, Larson, Nystul, Scarff, Van Natta and Boharski
voting in favor.
SIGNAL. UPGRADE PROJECZ AGRRFMENTS/RESOLUTION 4404-CITY MAINTAINEn
ROUTES & RES0LUTI0N 4405_STAT_EMAIN AIN .D ROUTER
Neier said the agreements deal with the updating of certain traffic
signals at various locations in the City of Kalispell. One
agreement focuses on traffic lights on Highway 93, with the other
agreement concentrating on traffic lights on streets or avenues
adjacent to Highway 93. He added both resolutions are required by
the State and all Council members must sign if passed.
Nystul moved Resolution 4404, which states; It is hereby resolved
by the City Council of Kalispell that the City Agreement of Federal
Aid Project No. NH-STPHS 6799(18) with the State of Montana, acting
by and through the Department of Transportation, is adopted by this
Council; and the Mayor of Kalispell is hereby empowered and
authorized to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City Council
of Kalispell. The motion was seconded by Scarff.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Donahue,
Graves, Haarr, Larson, Nystul, Scarff, Van Natta and Boharski
voting in favor.
Haarr moved Resolution 4405; It is hereby resolved by the City
Council of Kalispell that the City Agreement of Federal Aid Project
No. NH-STPHS 6799(18) with the State of Montana, acting by and
through the Department of Transportation, is adopted by this
Council; and the Mayor of Kalispell is hereby empowered and
authorized to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City Council
of Kalispell. The motion was seconded by Scarff.
There was discussion.
Donahue asked why two resolutions have to be passed since they say
the same thing.
Jim Hansz, Public Works Director, explained one resolution has to
do with lights that are on the State route, the other with lights
on City streets. He said it's nothing more than an agreement that
shows the Federal government that the City will continue to
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maintain those lights the way we have been.
Neier added even though the resolutions are exactly the same, they
have to do with two different locations and are all one part of a
State contract that will probably be awarded to one contractor.
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Donahue,
Graves, Haarr, Larson, Nystul, Scarff, Van Natta and Boharski
voting in favor.
APPROVAL - FRDO__ADMAL WORK PROGRAM
Neier explained FRDO is asking for Council approval of its 1998
Work Plan which includes updating the City -County Master Plan and
the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance.
Van Natta moved to approve the Work Plan as presented by FRDO. The
motion was seconded by Atkinson.
There was discussion and Narda Wilson answered questions.
Boharski asked when the updates would be completed.
Wilson said the Master Plan should be scheduled for a public
hearing during the Fall of 1998, or the start of 1999. She added
the Planning Board is working through the Zoning Regulations a
topic at a time, and those should go before the public around
December. Wilson asked for input from the Council on any changes or
comments they may have on the Zoning Ordinance.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
FUNDING REO SF�ST _FROM CITY -COUNTY PLANNING BOARD TO T PDA DR MASTER
PLAN
Neier explained the Planning Board is asking for $500.00 to help
assist with the hiring of a Facilitator to develop a Consensus
Document from three documents on the Master Plan. He added the
Planning Board is also asking for $500.00 from the County which
would provide the $1,000.00 needed to hire the Facilitator.
Nystul moved the City of Kalispell appropriate $500.00 toward the
hiring of a Facilitator as requested by the City -County Planning
Board. The motion was seconded by Haarr.
There was discussion.
Donahue objected to the request, stating FRDO should be able to
find $1,000.00 in its budget. He said the City already contributes
"quite substantially" to FRDO.
Scarff asked whether the County has agreed to donate and why the
Planning Board can't complete the process.
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Steve Kountz, Senior Planner, said the request will go before the
Commissioners on June 2nd. He explained the Facilitator will look
at the three different documents, which contain substantial
differences, and provide one consolidated document.
Atkinson explained the initial drafting of the plan was created by
three separate committees acting independently of one another. He
said the next step is for the Facilitator to assemble one committee
from the three to pull all of the findings together to form a
consensus which he feels provides a credibility to the process.
Scarff said he would like to make an amendment that the City
appropriate the $500.00 as long as the County also contributes.
Nystul agreed to incorporate the requirement in the main motion.
Haarr suggested that possibly the $1000.00 should be budgeted.
Kountz answered the first meeting is scheduled for June 15, prior
to the budgeting process.
Van Natta said the Council should move forward with the
appropriation and set an example for the Commissioners.
The motion carried upon vote with Donahue, Haarr and Boharski
voting against.
RESOLUTION 4406 --PUBLIC- HEARING NOTICE=_ BUDGET AMENI.N=
Neier stated the budget amendment is needed to cover severance
costs for the retirement of Police Chief Addison Clark and
Assistant Chief Donald Hossack, as well as the departure of City
Manager Clarence Krepps. He said the exact payoff amount is not
available yet, so he suggested the Council notice the maximum
amount allowed, which is $60,000.00.
Nystul moved Resolution 4406, a resolution calling for a public
hearing to amend the annual appropriations of the City of
Kalispell, Montana, as set forth in the 1997-98 Budget adopted by
the City Council for the purpose of appropriating funds for
severance benefits. The motion was seconded by Haarr.
There was discussion.
Nystul said he wanted to point out that the money is coming from
cash reserves, and not other sources.
Donahue moved an amendment to Section I adding, after the
$60,000.00, "for lump sum benefits to retiring Police Officers
Addison Clark and Donald Hossack, and City Manager Clarence
Krepps." The motion was seconded by Haarr.
There was discussion.
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Larson asked whether the budget amendment would affect the purchase
of a fire truck.
Neier stated the money allocated for a fire truck would not be
touched.
The amended motion carried upon vote with Atkinson voting against.
The main motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Donahue,
Graves, Haarr, Larson, Nystul, Scarff, Van Natta and Boharski
voting in favor.
Neier noted that he appointed Frank Garner as Interim Police Chief.
Garner said he greatly respects Clark and Hossack and assured the
Council the Police Department will continue to meet the same
standards of Police services the City has become accustomed to.
TN FRT, AT A =R .MRNT - CITY-COtTNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Neier explained the agreement has now been finalized and includes
a provision for two appointed members from the City and six from
the County. He said a motion approving the agreement would be
appropriate.
Donahue moved the City adopt the proposed Interlocal Agreement to
create the City -County Board of Health and to authorize the Mayor
to sign the agreement and to direct the City Attorney to prepare
adequate copies for signature and filing as required by Section 7-
11-107, MCA, and to authorize the Mayor to make the appointments as
provided therein. The motion was seconded by Larson.
There was discussion.
Nystul stated he feels the new agreement clarifies the budget
procedure for the Board of Health.
Donahue agreed, saying it "polishes up" some of the procedures that
were in doubt under the old agreement, and will give the Council a
chance to look at where the City's money is going.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
DISCUSSION - DOWNTOWN -PLANNING WORKSHOP
Neier explained three consultants, or consulting firms, appear to
be available for a Downtown Revitalization workshop; Kennedy Smith,
Dan Burden and HyettPalma, Inc.
Boharski stated downtown business owners are working hard at trying
to revitalize Kalispell and would like some help from the Council.
Nystul said he would like input from the downtown business owners
as to which consulting group they feel would be the most
beneficial.
Plambeck informed the Council that a conference is scheduled in
Butte, June llth, to discuss a Main Street Program in Montana. He
said the meeting may give the Council a better direction as to how
the City may tie into that program.
Haarr said he feels the downtown business owners should decide on
the group they want for the workshop with the City authorizing an
expenditure for half the cost. He said by matching City funds, the
business people will also have an investment in the project.
Nystul suggested the Council wait until after the June llth meeting
before deciding what to do.
Van Natta stated the consulting firms should submit proposals to
the Council and downtown business owners before any money is
allocated.
Larson and Nystul suggested a member from the Council attend the
Butte meeting.
AWARD BID ` DIGESTER AND FFRMENTER REH_ARTT.TTATTON PROJECT
Nystul told Council members that bids for the project were opened
May 29'th with three bids received.
Hansz explained F.D. Thomas from Medford, Oregon was the low bidder
and recommended the Council accept the bid at a price to be set by
negotiation. He said the Engineer, after looking over the bid,
feels the contractor may have overestimated the difficulty of a
portion of the job, specifically the removal of existing ballast
shelf tie rods. Hansz said the bidder has agreed to go over the
bid June 3rd.
Atkinson moved the City accept the bid of F.D. Thomas for the
Wastewater Treatment Plant Digester and Fermenter Rehabilitation
Project for a price not to exceed Three Hundred and Fifty Two
Thousand and Seven Hundred and Sixty Three Dollars ($352,763.00).
The motion was seconded by Graves.
There was discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
DISCUSSION - 1ST NIGHT FLATHEAD
Atkinson said the Council has received several requests from Tatsy
Guild requesting Council's endorsement of 1st Night Flathead and he
feels the Council should support the New Year's celebration.
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Atkinson moved the Council direct the Mayor to write a letter
endorsing the 1st Night Flathead proposal. The motion was seconded
by Graves.
There was discussion.
Donahue said he doesn't know anything about Tatsy Guild or 1st Night
International. He commented you often see groups getting
endorsements for various things, collect money and then disappear.
Donahue suggested the Council research the program prior to getting
"tangled up in it."
Boharski said he could look into the event, draft a letter and
bring it back to the Council at the next meeting.
Atkinson withdrew the motion.
.ACTING CITY MANAGER'S- REPRT
Neier informed the Council that he has contacted Al Thelen, past
Kalispell Interim City Manager, and was told Mr. Thelen would be
willing to work for the City again, but would not be available
until late August or early September. Neier said Thelen did give
him two names of possible candidates: Tom Palmer from Estes Park,
Colorado and Dick Larson of Billings. He said Palmer is available
immediately for around $6,500.00 a month. Larson would also be
available but could only work part time. Neier added he also
contacted an organization in Seattle and was informed an Interim
City Manager could be provided within a short period of time for a
cost of approximately $46.00 per hour or $7,800.00 per month.
COUNCIL COMMENTS/INFORMATION/OUESTTONS
Van Natta asked when the Council will be looking at the budget for
next year.
Boharski said the preliminary budgets should be ready for the work
session scheduled for June 8.
Finance Director Amy Robertson said in the past the Council, after
receiving the budgets, has scheduled work sessions with each
Department Head. She said the Council can schedule the work
sessions however it wants.
Boharski said he apologizes if recent comments he made concerning
the economic development in Evergreen were taken the wrong way. He
said he meant them as a compliment.
Donahue informed the Council that the Solid Waste Board is looking
at a new fee schedule and he hopes when the fees are set, it will
give the citizens of Kalispell a better deal on their assessment
for the landfill.
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Several Council members thanked Ad Clark and Don Hossack for their
many years of service and wished them well.
Atkinson moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Nystul.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
Wm. E. Boharski, Mayor
ATTEST:
Theresa White
Clerk of Council