1. Council Minutes - Regular Meeting - January 22, 2008A REGULAR MEETING of THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7: o0
P.M., TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR PAMELA B. KENNEDY PRESIDED. COUNCIL
MEMBERS TIM KLUESNER, BOB HAFFERMAN, RANDY KENYON, DUANE LARSON,
HANK OLSON, AND WAYNE SAVERUD WERE PRESENT. COUNCIL MEMBERS JIM
ATKINSON AND KARI GABRIEL WERE ABSENT.
Also present: City Manager Jaynes Patrick, City Attorney Charles Harball, City Clerk Theresa white,
Public works Director Jim Hans2, Finance Director Amy Robertson, Police Chief Roger Nasset, Fire
Chief Randy Brodehl, Planning Department Director Tom Jentz, Senior Planner Sean Conrad,
Planner II Nicole Johnson, and Recording Secretary Judi Funk.
Mayor Kennedy called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. AGENDA APPROVAL
Larson moved approval of the Agenda. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
B. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
1. Council Minutes — Re ular Meeting,Januar 7 2008
2. ordinance 1626 -- Initial Zornin — Lonnie and Kim_ Buchholtz — 2nd ReadinftjZ
The Buchholtz's have requested an initial zoning designation of R-4, Two -Family
Residential on one half of an acre on the west side of 7th Avenue West. ordinance 1626
passed unanimously on first reading January 7.
3. ordinance 1628 --- Zone Chan e -� Jeff and Karen Thiesen --- Znd Read*
Jeff and Karen Thiesen have requested a zone change from R-4, Two -Family Residential, to
B-1, Neighborhood Buffer District, on two properties totaling 1.19 acres located along the
western side of North Meridian Road near the intersection of Three Mile Drive. ordinance
1628 passed unanimously on first reading January 7.
4. Confirmation — Police officer
Jay Bullins has completed his one-year probationary period with the Kalispell Police
Department and confirmation is requested.
Saverud moved approval of the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
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January 22, 2008
Page 1
The motion carried unanimously upon vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
C. STUDENT ISSUES
Laura Sivertsen, 135 Highland Drive, proposed that recycling bins be installed in Woodland,
Lawrence, and Depot Parks from May to October.
Ben Holcomb, 4880 Highway 93 South; Tyson Decker, 3040 Trurnble Creek Road; Alicia Wagner,
137 west Reserve Drive, Matt Madieros, 674 Pebble Drive; and Dylan Evert, 496 Columbia Falls
Stage Road, spoke regarding their goal to get large tracts of parkland reserved from .Kalispell to
Whitefish.
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
Bryan Schutt, 614 2nd Avenue East, stated he is very concerned about traffic and remediation efforts
for Glacier Town Center and he understands that Wolford is spending a lot of money with park lands
and other amenities. He said if it will help address the traffic issues maybe the Council should
consider renegotiating the amount of park land.
Anne Biby, Citizens for a Better Flathead, addressed her concerns with Glacier Town Center
regarding the procedure. She said Citizens feels the three step process regarding annexation, zoning
and subdividing should not be handled all at once and she distributed a letter outlining her concerns..
Biby stated they feel there is a lot more public input that needs to be heard; for instance a certified
traffic engineer has reviewed raeger's study and has found some problems with it.
Mayre Flowers, Citizens for a Better Flathead, distributed a DVD copy of Dan Burden's presentation
on traffic issues, stating we have the tools to solve the traffic problems by using roundabouts and the
internal roads. Flowers commented the Council has a legal obligation to make a decision based on
sound findings of fact. She said we cannot afford to make a "major transportation blunder" at this
point and submitted a transportation report from Michael Wallwork of Alternate Street Design, P.A.
Flowers also handed out some information on roundabouts and a traffic calming report from the
Victoria Transport Policy Institute.
Brent Hall, Lakeside, asked where Citizens for a Better Flathead were when all the stoplights went in
on the hill from the hospital to Reserve Drive. He said "we have a brain of our own" and he thinks
the majority of the people in the Flathead want this project and it's time to get the job done without
threats from lawyers.
Denise Smith, Flathead Business and Industry Association Executive Director, noted FBIA is 100%
behind the Glacier Town Center and reminded everyone the developer has wormed on this proposal
for eight years and has made numerous changes to satisfy the community. She said the developers of
Glacier Town Center and other businesses are not bringing growth into our community, they are
responding to growth, and she asked the Council stop the delays and move this project forward.
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Wayne Freeman, CTA Architects, spoke on the overall design concept for Glacier Town Center and
stated this is a plan that really works; it creates a development that is mixed use and mixed income
containing 72 acres of parks in the first phase. Freeman noted the developers do not agree with six of
the conditions recommended by the Planning Board and he asked the Council to take advantage of
the development team by asking questions during their deliberations.
Bob Herron, 249 White Pine, noted that in 2002 Ward 2 Council member Fred Leistiko made the
following comment in conjunction with the vote on Wolford's proposal in Evergreen, `{follow the
rule, follow the plan, follow the law". He said the Council made a land use decision in 2006 when it
identified this property as KN-1 and the only thing the W olford team has done is respond to that land
use decision.. Herron criticized Bryan Schutt, stating he never remembers a time when a planning
board chairman has spoken twice advocating his negative opinion on a project.
Brent Moore, CTA, spoke on the cost of services analysis. He said at full build out this project will
cost the City approximately $1.4 million in services, however, it will generate approximately $2
million in revenue along with approximately $7.6 million in impact fees.
Brian Beck, 2100 Mission way South, asked Council members to move ahead with this project
according to their consciences, adding the project will not create a "traffic blunder".
Lynn Stanley, Citizens for a Better Flathead board member, said they think there are the beginnings
of a great project here and it is not unusual for something of this size to take ten years to go "through
all the hurdles". She said this is the time for collaboration and it is very important that before the
project is approved the City adopt the transportation plan and take into consideration Dan Burden's
creative solutions.
Ken Kalvig, Wolford Development's legal counsel, said when the Supreme Court Decision came
down in the North 93 Neighbors case it opened up an opportunity to talk about this project and Where
we could compromise. He said in addition to the North 93 Neighbors, Wolford's development team
wanted to include Citizens for a Better Flathead and Mayre Flowers in the settlement process,
however, he was told that Forth 93 Neighbors refused to move forward in that fashion. Kalvig said
he was also told that Citizens for a Better Flathead would not participate and he thinks it is
"incredibly disingenuous" that they are saying they want to cooperate.
Sharon DeMeester, North 93 Neighbors, responded that Citizens for a Better Flathead was never a
part of the lawsuit; Citizens was only used "to take and funnel people's money through to us so that
they could take a tax break". She said in regards to the negotiations, they still don't have a signed
agreement. DeMeester also expressed her concern with the traffic, stating she drives Highway 93
every day and it is very, very dangerous.
Margaret Herron, 249 white Pine, said she is DeMeester's neighbor and also drives Highway 93
several times a day. She said she is originally from Akron, Ohio and there aren't any traffic problems
here.
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January 22, 2008
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Charles Lapp, 3230 Columbia Falls Stage Road, commented that combining the annexation, zoning,
and subdivision review at one time allows the Council to see the whole picture; the process works
very well. He encouraged the Council to move ahead with the project.
Rod McIver, 975 Rose Crossing, said he is a member of Citizens for a Better Flathead which is an
active participation organization and active citizen participation creates a viable community. He said
this project will create a large amount of traffic and adding stoplights will increase congestion.
Mayre Flowers, Citizens for a Better Flathead, rebutted that because Citizens was not a part of the
lawsuit they were advised by their legal counsel not to participate in the negotiations with North 93
Neighbors. In addition, Flowers stated "they do not accept and funnel money".
E. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUBSEQUENT COUNCIL ACTION
E/1. RESOLUTION 5256 — FIRE DEPARTMENT LADDER TRUCK FINANCING
Rocky Mountain Bank submitted the low bid rate to finance the purchase of a ladder truck at a fixed
rate of 3.95 % for a period of 10 years.
Kenyon moved Resolution 5256, a resolution authorizing the City Manager and Finance
Director to enter into a loan agreement with Rocky Mountain Sank for the purpose of
purchasing a fire truck. The motion was seconded.
Robertson gave a staff report and answered questions.
There was no further discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Atkinson and. Gabriel absent.
E12. ORDINANCE 1627 -- INITIAL ZONING -- BAY RIDGE DEVELOPMENT — 2ND
READING
Bay Ridge Development is requesting an initial zoning of R-3, Urban Single Family Residential on
approximately 19 acres of land located on the north side of Three Mile Drive. Ordinance 1627
passed on a vote of seven -to -one on January 7.
Larson moved second reading of Ordinance 1627, an ordinance to amend Section 27.02.010,
official zoning map, City of Kalispell zoning Ordinance, (Ordinance No. 1460), by zoning
certain real property more particularly described as Assessors Tracts 1B, 1BF, 1BD, and
1BDA. located within the south half of Section 2, Township 28 North, Range 22 West, Flathead
County, Montana (previously zoned County AG-80 (Agricultural) and SAG-5 (Suburban
Agricultural)) to City R-3 (Urban Single Family Residential) in accordance with the Kalispell
Growth Policy 2020, and to provide an effective date. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
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January 22, 2008
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The motion carried unanimously upon roil call vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
E/3. FINAL PLAT —DIAMOND RIDGE ESTATES
This is a request for final plat approval of Diamond Ridge Estates, a 23-lot single family residential
subdivision on approximately 12 acres located on the southeast corner of Three Mile Drive and
Stillwater Road.
Larson moved Council accept the Subdivision Improvement Agreement and approve the final
plat of Diamond Ridge Estates. The motion was seconded.
Johnson gave a staff report and answered questions.
There was no further discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
E14. RESOLUTION 5257 — ANNEXATION -- GLACIER TOWN CENTER
This is a request by Wolford Development for annexation of approximately 485 acres located north
of West Reserve Drive between Highway 93 North and Whitefish Stage Road.
Larson moved Resonation 5257, a resolution to provide for the alteration of the boundaries of
the City of Kalispell by including therein as an annexation certain real property, more
particularly described on Exhibit "A" and located in portions of Sections 19 and 30 of
Township 29 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, to be known as
Glacier Town Center Addition No. 401; to zone said property in accordance with the Kalispell
Zoning ordinance, and to declare an effective date. The motion was seconded.
Conrad gave a staff report on the annexation and zoning.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
E15. ORDINANCE 1629 — INITIAL ZONING -- GLACIER TOWN CENTER — 1ST
RF1ADING
Wolford Development is requesting four initial zoning districts on the property mentioned above; R-
3 (Urban Single Family Residential), R-4 (Two Family Residential), B-1 (Neighborhood Buffer
District), and B-3 (Community Business).
Saverud moved first reading of ordinance 1629, an ordinance to amend Section 27.02.010,
official zoning map, City of Kalispell zoning ordinance, (Ordinance No. 1460), by zoning
certain real property more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto located in
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January 22, 2008
Page 5
portions of Sections 19 and 30 of Township 29 North, Mange 21 West, Flathead County,
Montana (previously zoned B-2, County General Business, County SAG-10, Suburban
Agricultural, County SAG-5, Suburban Agricultural and County R-1, Suburban Residential)
to City R-3, Urban Single Family Residential, City R-4, Two Family Residential, City B-1
Neighborhood Buffer District and City B-3, Community Business in accordance with the
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020, and to provide an effective date. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent,
E/6.
PRESENTATION --- PLANNER UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY AND
PRELIMINARY PLAT — GLACIER TOWN CENTER
Conrad presented a brief staff report for the two planned unit development overlay zoning districts
on Glacier Town Center and detailed the first phase of the preliminary plat.
Council discussed the six conditions in question and asked the staff and the development team
questions.
There was discussion as to which conditions have to be addressed in the PUD and which ones can
handled in conjunction with the preliminary plat.
E/7. ORDINANCE 1630 —PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY —GLACIER
TOWN CENTER — 1ST READING
Wolford Development has requested a commercial PUD with the underlying zoning district of BW3,
and a mixed residential/commercial PUD with the underlying zoning districts of B-1, R-3, and R-4.
Kluesner moved first reading of Ordinance 1630, an ordinance an ordinance to amend Section
27.02.010, official zoning map, City of Kalispell zoning ordinance, (Ordinance No.1460), by
creating two Planned Unit Development Overlay zones over certain real property more
particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and located in portions of Sections 19
and 30 of Township 29 North, Range 21 West, Flathead County, Montana zoned with City R-
3, Urban Single Family Residential, City R-4, Two Family Residential, City B-1 Neighborhood
Buffer District and City B-3, Community Business in accordance with the Kalispell Growth
Policy 2020, and to provide an effective date. The motion was seconded.
Larson moved to amend Condition 4(A) to read: "Four 60-foot local right-of-ways typically
2 per quarter section along the 3 northerly quarter sections of the project site allowing an
average spacing of a street every feet shall be provided'. The motion
was seconded.
Larson said he feels two connections on the northern side of the project is adequate and he would
hate to lose two -to -three acres of open space.
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January 22, 2008
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Hafferman stated he feels the road connections should be resolved with each phase of the plat,
however, if the decision has to be made now then the connections to the north should be limited to
four.
Olson asked if the six connections could be changed to four later if we find we don't need that many.
Mayor Kennedy suggested the amendment be worded as, "a minimum of four"
Larson moved a friendly amendment to add a "minimum of' four. The second did not concur.
The motion to amend failed upon vote with Hafferman and Larson voting in favor, Kenyon,
Kluesner, Olson, Saverud, and Mayor Kennedy voting against, and Atkinson and Gabriel
absent.
Hafferman moved that Condition 4(A) be eliminated from the PUD. The motion was seconded.
Hafferman stated there is too much uncertainty with what will be happening to the north and it does
not affect what we are doing tonight.
Olson responded he cannot support the amendment because the planning staff and developers need a
footprint to work with.
The motion to amend failed upon vote with Hafferman and Larson voting in favor, Kenyon,
Kluesner, Olson, Saverud and Mayor Kennedy voting against, and Atkinson and Gabriel
absent.
Kluesner moved that Condition 4(A) be amended to read: "A minimum of four and a
maximum of six 60-foot local right-of-ways....". The motion was seconded.
Olson said we need to vote this down and accept the Planning Board's recommendation, or the
developer's proposal.
Mayor Kennedy commented the Council is trying to provide a measure of flexibility.
Hafferman moved to amend the amendment by striking "allowing an average spacing of a
street every 560-660 feet shall be provided" after the words "project site". The motion was
seconded.
The motion to amend the amendment failed upon vote with Hafferman, Kluesner and Larson
voting in favor, Kenyon, Olson, Saverud, and Mayor Kennedy voting against, and Atkinson
and Gabriel absent.
The main motion to amend failed upon vote with Kluesner and Larson voting in favor,
Hafferman, Kenyon, Olson, Saverud, and Mayor Kennedy voting against, and Atkinson and
Gabriel absent.
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January 22, 2008
Page 7
Kluesner moved to amend the third sentence in Condition 14(C) to read: Monument signs shall
have a maximum building envelope of approximately 7'-6" hi h and 11'-4" wide �'-
including architectural embellishments". The motion was seconded.
The motion to amend carried upon vote with Hafferman, Kluesner, Olson, and Mayor
Kennedy voting in favor, Kenyan, Larson, and Saverud voting against, and Atkinson and
Gabriel absent.
Olson moved to amend the fourth sentence in Condition 23 to read "The city council may
grant multi le successive one year extensions for each phase of the project". The motion was
seconded.
The motion to amend carried unanimously upon vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
Olson moved to amend the second sentence in Condition 25 to read: "It shall be designed with
a 2 way — Z lane design with a three-quarter (314)._movement ". The
motion was seconded.
Kenyon said the Planning Board was very specific about the right in right out. He feels it's a safety
issue and it should remain.
Larson said several sources feel the three-quarter movement is as safe, or safer, than the right in right
out option.
The motion to amend carried upon vote with Hafferman, Kluesner, Larson, Olson, and Mayor
Kennedy voting in favor, Kenyon and Saverud voting against, and Atkinson and Gabriel
absent.
Kluesner moved to amend the last part of Condition 25 to read: "The road design shall
support . a n 8'
bike path with a minimum 5' landscaped boulevard on one side of the road. The northernmost
and southernmost accesses alongHi hwa 93 will include si alined intersections". The motion
was seconded.
Larson questioned the inclusion of the signalized intersections.
Kluesner made a friendly amendment to exclude the sentence on signalized intersections. The second
did not concur.
The motion to amend failed upon vote with Hafferman and Kluesner voting in favor, Kenyon,
Larson, Olson, Saverud, and Mayor Kennedy voting against, and Atkinson and Gabriel
absent.
Hafferman moved to amend the Ordinance by removing Condition 26 from the PUD. The
motion was seconded. (Condition 26 reads: "The applicant shall reserve lots 15 and 16 at the
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January 22, 2008
Page 8
intersection of Rose Crossing and Highway 93 for a period not to exceed three years from
preliminary plat approval for phase 1 for the purpose of allowing the city to undertake in
concert with MDOT a corridor preservation study. If a junior interchange is recommended,
the applicant shall reserve the necessary land. If the study is not pursued or if the study
concludes a junior interchange is not feasible, the restriction over lot 15 and 16 shall be lifted
at that time or three years from preliminary plat approval").
Hafferman said he wants Condition 26 removed because MDOT is going to made a decision shortly
and if they want an interchange they will handle it exactly the same way they did the Willow Creek
project; they will buy the land.
Kenyon said if these lots are not set aside now and are built on, it will cost the taxpayers a lot more
money if the State has to buy them for an interchange.
Saverud agreed that it only makes good sense to leave this in as an option.
There was discussion as to the City's authority with the road design. I Iarball said the State is always
open to input from the cities.
Kluesner remarked he supports the amendment because the developer understands the issue and he
doesn't believe the lots will be built out until the issue is resolved.
The motion to amend carried upon vote with Hafferman, Kluesner, Larson, and Mayor
Kennedy voting in favor, Kenyon, Olson, and Saverud voting against, and Atkinson and
Gabriel absent.
Kenyon moved to amend the ordinance by removing Condition 1(G) which allows a maximum
building height of 60 feet and instead require the developer to apply for a conditional use
permit if they want a higher building than the current 40 feet allowed in the B-3 zoning
district. The motion was seconded.
Mayor Kennedy clarified that would mean the developer would have to apply for a conditional use
permit for every building that may exceed 40 feet.
The motion to amend failed upon vote with Kenyon, Olson, and Saverud voting in favor,
Hafferman, Kluesner, Larson, and Mayor Kennedy voting against, and Atkinson and Gabriel
absent.
Conrad answered questions concerning Condition 27.
The main motion, as amended 4 times, carried upon roll call vote with Hafferman, Kluesner,
Larson, Olson, Saverud, and Mayor Kennedy voting in favor, Kenyon voting against, and
Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
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January 22, 2008
Page 9
EI8. RESOLUTION 5258 --- PRELIMINARY PLAT — GLACIER TOWN CENTER PHASE
1
The first phase of Glacier Town Center is located on the west side of the project site along Highway
93 North and would consist of approximately 191 acres divided into 37 lots, 36 for commercial and
one for a future community center.
Iluesner moved resolution 5255, a resolution conditionally approving the preliminary plat of
Glacier Town Center Phase 1 subdivision, located in portions of Sections 1.9 and 30 of
Township 29 North, Range 21 west, Flathead County, Montana more particularly described in
Exhibit "A" attached hereto. The motion was seconded.
Hafferman, in a written statement, declared "there are those that want to delay consideration of this
project until the transportation study is complete and road impact fees are implemented. Businesses,
housing and other requests should not be held hostage while government studies and analyzes". He
recommended the developers consider "company housing" in order to retain good employees; he
urged that some of the storm water be used in catchments designed into the vegetative landscape; and
he suggested the synchronization of traffic lights when all improvements are completed. In
conclusion, Hafferman said he feels the proponents have followed the City's rules, regulations, and
procedures and he is satisfied with the overall proposal and phase 1 of the preliminary plat.
Kenyon moved to table Resolution 5258 until February 4, 2008. There was no second.
Kenyon noted that policy 10 on page 4 of the growth policy reads: "Affordable housing should be
recognized as a primary consideration in the community when adopting or amending land use
regulations. The ability of the average wage owner to either buy or build a home is an essential
component of the standard of living, quality of life, and general welfare in our community."
Kenyon moved an amendment by adding a condition stating: "at the time of submitting a residential
preliminary plat, any polices or regulations regarding affordable housing will apply to the submitted
plat''.
Before asking for a second, Mayor Kennedy questioned whether the motion applies since phase 1 is
strictly commercial.
Kenyan withdrew the motion.
Harball said even if this was a residential plat, the Council should first establish a policy that would
apply across the board.
Hansz answered questions from Kenyon concerning the city's sewer capacity; stating service to this
project has already been planned for.
Olson remarked that he counted 19 traffic lights on Highway 93 between Rosauer's and Nest
Reserve. He said we have traffic problems that we let happen and we can't chastise the developer for
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January 22, 2008
Page 10
something that is already there. Olson said he doesn't think an additional two traffic lights will be the
"end of the world".
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Hafferman, Kluesner, Larson, Olson, Saverud, and
Mayor Kennedy voting in favor, Kenyon voting against and Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
E19. RESOLUTION 5259 -- RESERVE LOOP SPEED LIMIT - GLACIER HIGH SCHOOL
Municipalities are allowed to adopt a school speed zone 10 miles per hour less than the posted limit
and staff is recommending the speed limit on Reserve Loop approaching and past the school be set at
35 miles per hour.
Saverud moved Resolution 5259, a resolution to establish and post speed limits on new Reserve
Loop roadway and to set an effective date. The motion was seconded.
Han.sz grave a staff report and answered questions.
There was no further discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent.
El10. BOARD APPOINTMENT -- TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Three letters of interest were received for one opening; on the Technical Advisory Committee.
Gordon Pirrie, Marc Rold, and Art VaDeraa are interested in the seat vacated by Virginia Sloan.
Mayor Kennedy recommended that Gordon Pirrie be appointed to the Technical Advisory
Committee.
Olson moved that the Council accept the Mayor's recommendation and appoint Gordan Pirrie
to the Technical Advisory Committee. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote with Atkinson and Gabriel absent,
P. MAYO COUNCIL CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS o Action
Mayor Kennedy read a proclamation for Martin Luther King Week.
Larson requested that staff research whether transportation impact fees could be used to build
plarking structures.
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January 22, 2008
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SaverudI in response to a recent letter received from DEQ, asked that an update be provided at a
work session on the State superfund facilities.
G. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 11:48 p.m.
ATTEST:
Theresa White
City Clerk
Pamela B. Kennedy
Mayor
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