2. FRDO Planning Staff DiscussionREPORT 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: Senior Planner Discussion
MEETING DATE: April 24, 2000
BACKGROUND: Over the past several months CAB ( Countywide Administrative Board) with
the assistance of six elected officials (two from each city) have been wrestling with the
reorganization of FRDO (Flathead Regional Development Office). The ability to utilize FRDO staff
in a future planning mode rather than simply project applications processing was the top concern.
Last year FRDO processed 488 applications, this breaks the previous records from the early 1990's.
The first quarter of this year is on pace to either meet or exceed last years productivity, and March
saw 56 applications which is the second highest month ever. This is good news for those who want
to see our economy expand. However, it requires FRDO staff to drop planning projects in favor of
immediate demand on application processing. After a number of productive sessions, the group
agreed that two additional staff members, dedicated to planning, (UNAVAILABLE FOR
APPLICATION PROCESSING) are needed.
How do we guarantee that the additional staff doesn't end up being sucked into application
processing? We make them accountable to the three cities who are in desperate need of planning
guidance. Under the current funding formula, the County pays 72% and the three cities 28% of the
costs which is directly proportional to application activity. The cities felt that this formula could not
be used if the cities expected the two planners to be accountable to them. Therefor, we are
recommending that Whitefish and Kalispell split the Senior Planner cost 50/50 and Columbia Falls
pay 1/3 of the cost of the Planner II. This should guarantee results in planning activity. The
remaining cost (2/3 Planner II) will be covered by an increase in fees which was approved
unanimously at our last CAB meeting.
What is the cost to Kalispell? $25,000/year. What do we get in return? A two person team of
Planners who are focused on planning (Master Plan, Growth Plans, Redevelopment plans etc.) One
half of the Senior Planners' time is dedicated to Kalispell while he/she will have a Planner II to offer
assistance. This two person team will also work with our dedicated Senior Planner (Narda Wilson)
on planning projects.
I think it is important to remember that at our priority session this Spring, the clear message from
Council was that the Master Plan (planning) is the #1 priority. Second is annexation/utility
extensions and third is Economic Development. I believe that funding our share of this new two
person team will greatly help the staff in accomplishing the goals that we have set forth.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager to commit an additional
$25,000 towards FRDO in order to hire a Senior Planner and a Planner II. Both planners will be
focused on future planning projects and 50% of the Senior Planners time is directly accountable to
Kalispell.
FISCAL EFFECTS: An additional $25,000 will be budgeted in the 2000/01 budget. Our share of
FRDO's cost are split 50150 between General Government and Tax Increment.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the Council.
Respectfully submitted,
r
Chris A. Kukulski
City Manager
Report compiled April 21, 2000