2. Third and Fourth Avenues EastREPORT TO:
City of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7700 Fax(406)758-7758
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chris A. Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Discussion Regarding 3" and 4' Avenue East
MEETING DATE: August 12, 2002
BACK GROUND: Over the past several years complaints from residents who live on 31 and 41 Avenue East have
steadily increased. Traffic and all of the associated problems of increased traffic have been the focus of the frustration.
Lex Blood, a resident of the neighborhood, approached me with a petition that had several dozen signatures. The petition
asked the City to work collaboratively with the neighborhood regarding their concerns. Some of the concerns include,
increased danger to pedestrians, particularly children, increased crime, and decreased property values. In working with
Jim Hansz and Chief Garner and talking to local Realtors, it appears that all of these concerns are truly legitimate. Implicit
in the expressions of concern is a question: "What is the City willing to do to help mitigate the problem?" The
maintenance of strong neighborhoods, particularly those that are key to the community's rich history is essential to
realizing the City's vision and mission statements.
On June 26' Jim, Frank and I met with neighborhood residents at Hedges School. I would speculate that the
attendance easily reached 65 individuals in spite of it being a beautiful summer evening. The meeting was not intended
to resolve issues, rather it was meant to open a dialogue and gain an understanding of what lies at the core of the
neighborhood's concerns. A few days after that meeting Jim, Frank and I meet with Lex Blood and Dan Savage. We
and agreed that the next step in this process is to get the Council involved.
For this reason, we are coming before the Council Monday evening with the intent of continuing the dialogue.
I would like Jim Hansz and Chief Garner to give you the history of the two streets and then discuss the options you see
as being viable to deal with this challenge.
RECOMMENDATION: None at this time.
FISCAL EFFECTS: None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the Council.
Respectfully submitted,
0�4r
Chris A. Kukulski
City Manager