E1. 06-20-16 Council MinutesKALISPELL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 20, 2016
View the minutes attached to the video of the meeting at:
http://www.kalispell.com/mayor and city council/meetin2s.php or by clicking the links
below.
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00
P.M., MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mark Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Jim Atkinson, Sandy Carlson, Kari Gabriel, Mark Johnson, Tim Kluesner, Rod Kuntz, Wayne
Saverud were present. Chad Graham and Phil Guiffrida were absent.
Also present: City Attorney Charles Harball, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Finance Director
Rick Wills, and Police Officer Tim Falkner.
C.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. AGENDA APPROVAL
Wayne Saverud moved to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion was seconded by
Rod Kuntz.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Chad Graham, and Phil Guiffrida
absent.
E. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Council Minutes - Regular Meeting - June 6, 2016
06-06 minutes.
2. Ordinance 1772 - Second Reading - Granting a Nonexclusive Franchise
Agreement to Northwestern Energy and Fixing the Terms of Facilities Use in
Public Right -of -Ways
This Ordinance grants to Northwestern Energy a nonexclusive franchise for the placement and
maintenance of utility facilities in the municipal right-of-ways.
Ord 1772
Jim Atkinson moved to approve Ordinance 1772, an Ordinance 2rantin2 to Northwestern
Corporation d/b/a Northwestern Enemy a Non -Exclusive Franchise and Fixing the Terms
thereof under which said company may deliver and sell Natural Gas and construct, equip,
lay, maintain and operate Natural Gas Delivery Facilities, in, under, upon, over and across
streets, avenues, alleys, highways, bridtes, municipal easements and other municipal places
in the city of Kalispell, Montana. The motion was seconded by Tim Kluesner.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Chad Graham, Phil Guiffrida
absent.
F. COMMITTEE REPORT - None.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTMayor Johnson opened general public comment.
Mayor Johnson opened public comment.
Jane Lopp, Public Comment
Ms. Lopp of 52 West View Drive, the Vice -Chair of the Imaginelf Library introduced fellow
trustee Michael Morton.
Michael Morton, Public Comment
Mr. Morton of 101 Lakeside Boulevard, Whitefish, and a Trustee of the Imaginelf Library spoke
regarding the board's goal of getting a new library for the County. Mr. Morton shared his
excitement that for the past few years the library has been sponsoring a successful Makers
Faire in conjunction with FVCC. This week the White House is sponsoring a National Makers
Faire conference. The library was called by the White House recently and the Assistant Director
was invited to the White House to be the only representative from Montana to attend the
conference.
JeffZauner, Public Comment
Mr. Zauner of 37 Glacier Circle spoke regarding his concerns about the Kalispell City
Airport. Mr. Zauner referenced budget numbers from the 2015 and 2016 city budgets and actual
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June 20, 2016
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expenditures as it relates to the airport. Mr. Zauner said these documents show the airport
is making money. Mr. Zauner also voiced concerns regarding how much money it would cost to
close the airport. He then voiced concerns about using tax increment financing to close the
airport.
Gary Colliard, Public Comment
Mr. Colliard spoke in support of keeping the airport open. He spoke regarding the history of the
airport and the people who have flown through the airport over time.
Dewey Swank, Public Comment
Mr. Swank of 275 Summerset Drive has an airplane and hangar and uses it weekly for business
in Billings and other areas. He spoke regarding the large amount of users of the airport and
mentioned the benefits of the airport. Mr. Swank said he feels the property is not very
developable. Mr. Swank spoke regarding deferred maintenance on the runway and the potential
costs and liability of these. He then read some of the budget numbers, saying he feels the airport
is actually making money and is a valuable asset.
Zack Anderson, Public Comment
Mr. Anderson, owner of Anderson Masonry, Inc. of Big Fork thanked the Council for their
service. He said he holds a sub -lease at the airport. Mr. Anderson explained he has 28 employees
in the Flathead Valley with 98 employees overall, and his construction company works in five
states, and all over Montana. He signed a twenty year lease with the city airport in 2008,
to transport his project managers to the jobs he has in other areas. Mr. Anderson then spoke
regarding the money his company spends in the city of Kalispell. He does not feel he has any
other options for his transportation needs, and asked that the Council not give up on the good
faith agreement the city has with the lease holders. He encouraged the Council to speak with the
stakeholders about solutions to any problems the Council is seeing with the airport prior to
considering closure.
Dave Horner, Public Comment
Mr. Horner of 740 Gosby Lane, Columbia Falls, part owner of Red Eagle Aviation, spoke
regarding the history of the airport. He then spoke regarding the FAA money that was available
for airport improvements that the city did not utilize. Mr. Horner explained the services that Red
Eagle provides. He spoke regarding the money spent in the city due to the airport. He also
explained that Red Eagle has been working with Flathead Valley Community College on a pilot
certification program where students can receive college credits through the airport, and
explained that veterans can also utilize benefits to train to be pilots. Mr. Horner listed some of
the many user groups and the 24 companies that utilize the airport, including firefighting crews.
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Ken Benesch, Public Comment
Mr. Bennesch of 67 Overlook Ridge, Manager and Administrator for two of the large hangars at
the airport. He said those who lease the hangars are local pilots who will be displaced and lives
gravely impacted if the airport closes. Mr. Bennett feels the airport has a positive impact on the
community.
Gina Benesch, Public Comment
Ms. Benesch spoke saying the airport is an incredible asset and she feels closure of the airport
would be a short -sided decision explaining why she feels that way. Ms. Benesch mentioned that
there is a shortage of pilots in this country, and spoke regarding a training program through the
Community College. Ms. Benesch spoke about the annual airport appreciation day and how
beneficial it is for the community. Ms. Benesch also spoke regarding the reasonable cost of
sight-seeing from planes out of the city airport and the benefit to the community. She then spoke
regarding the ability for small planes to fly in and out of towns that are not major airline ports.
Ms. Benesch compared the traffic impacts of Hutton Ranch with the impacts of the airport.
Jeffrey Ross, Public Comment
Mr. Ross, an attorney from Missoula, spoke on behalf of his client Zach Anderson. He is also an
ex -pilot. Mr. Ross spoke saying he feels airports as incredible assets to the community. He
specifically spoke regarding the businesses that rely on small airports. He feels the airport could
create more opportunities in the future. He said the Council needs to look at what is happening at
the airport before you entertain the idea of closing the airport, and what the actual costs of
closure would be. He mentioned client Zach Anderson's contribution to the economy through
jobs, tax revenue, and investments at the airport. Mr. Ross spoke regarding Mr. Anderson's long
term lease with the city. He spoke regarding the intended use of tax increment finance district
funds. He would ask the Council to reach out to Mr. Anderson about solutions.
BJHolman, Public Comment
Mr. Holman of 177 Swan Retreat, Big Fork, is a retired major with the Air Force and is co-
owner and vice-president of Red Eagle Aviation. Mr. Holman spoke regarding his experiences
with his first flight at the city airport when he was six, and how it influenced his flight career. He
then spoke regarding the benefits of the flight school, and working with Flathead Valley
Community College for student credits and the ability for veterans to use the GI Bill to become
pilots at the school at the city airport.
Dan Cassidy, Public Comment
Mr. Cassidy of 565 Summers Ave, Whitefish, spoke on behalf of the Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation as the Fire Program Manager. They leased a hangar from 2007 to
2015, and then purchased it in 2015. They house a Cessna fixed wing aircraft for detection of
wildfire and a helicopter to spot wildfires throughout the area. They also use the helicopter for
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initial attack and need the ability to get in the air in a very timely manner, which is not often
possible at a large airport. They have eight employees housed at the airport on a seasonal basis
from late April into October as the fire season dictates. The city airport offers greater flexibility
about when and how fast they can get the aircraft off the ground. They also have the ability to
bring other aircraft in such as National Guard helicopters. The local fire departments have
also utilized their aircraft to suppress local fires quickly.
Joe Metulivich, Public Comment
Mr. Metulivich spoke regarding the history of zoning on his mother's property on Airport Way as
it relates to the airport. He referenced the South Kalispell Urban Renewal Plan study that the city
hired with CTA Architects with TIF funds to perform and spoke regarding his frustration with
the Council saying they did not reference the study in the previous work session about the
airport. Mr. Metulivich spoke to some of the benefits of the airport to the average Kalispell
resident, including its low impacts.
Mark Tudahl, Public Comment
Mr. Tudahl of 70 Big Cedars, Big Fork, and a pilot and business owner with Red Eagle Aviation
spoke regarding how much of an asset the airport is. As the owner of a construction company, he
is able to use the airport to fly to numerous job locations across the state. He owns two hangars
and runs four businesses out of the airport, including Red Eagle Aviation that he purchased a
year ago knowing that he had nine years left on his lease, with several five year options. He
spoke regarding the businesses and number of people he employs that would be greatly affected
if the airport closed. He feels if the city properly backed the airport; it would make enough
money to take care of itself, and become an even better asset to the community.
John Mezinnis, Public Comment
Mr. Mcginnis of 415 Windward Way, is the founder and CEO of Synergy Aircraft LLC, a local
business, with international clients. They have hired twelve new employees this year, and has
plans for creating over 100 jobs in the next three years. His business is highly independent on the
airport. He spoke to the money that is brought into the valley by the airport and the businesses
that utilize the city airport. He argued that the city airport is critical infrastructure to the valley
and a valuable public utility. Mr. Mcginnis spoke to the users of the airport, including investors
flying in. He referred to the economic impact a closure of the airport would have on all the
businesses that rely on it.
Karla Levengood, Public Comment
Ms. Levengood of 275 Somerset Drive, and the owner of Scotty's Bar located near the airport
spoke to the positive impact the airport has on her business.
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June 20, 2016
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Public Comment
Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Johnson closed public comment.
H. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND SUBSEQUENT COUNCIL ACTION
1. Resolution 5763 - Salary - Nonunion Employees
This resolution would adjust salary and compensation of nonunion employees, adjust the method
of pay increase for the Municipal Judge, adjust the hours of the GIS Specialist position, fill the
position of Assistant Director of Community Development, and increase hours of one Public
Safety Crime Analyst/Records Clerk.
Reso 5763
City Attorney Charles Harball provided a presentation on this item.
Councilor Atkinson began questions for staff.
Mayor Johnson continued questions for staff.
Public Comment
Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment.
Jim Atkinson moved to approve Resolution 5763, a Resolution adiustin2 the salary and
compensation of public officials, supervisors, and all other nonunion employees pursuant to
Title 7, Chapter 4, Part 42, M.C.A., repealing Ordinance no. 1517 and adiustin2 the
method of pay increase for the municipal iud2e, adiustin2 the hours of the GIS specialist
position and filling the position of assistant director of community development, increasing
hours of one public safety crime analyst/records clerk position within the AFSCME
bar2ainin2 unit, all commencing on the dates indicated herein. The motion was seconded
by Rod Kuntz.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Chad Graham, and Phil Guiffrida
absent.
2. Motion to Authorize Limited Expenditure of Funds within the Fiscal Year 2017
Preliminary Budget & Call for Public Hearing
This is a request for authorization to expend funds from the FY2017 preliminary budget
necessary for city operations and schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, July 5.
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June 20, 2016
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motion
City Attorney Charles Harball provided a brief presentation on this item.
Public Comment
Mayor Johnson opened public comment, seeing none he closed public comment.
Wayne Saverud moved to approve the expenditure of funds from within the fiscal year
2017 preliminary budget necessary for day-to-day operations of the city and schedule a
public hearing for July 5, 2016. The motion was seconded by Sandy Carlson.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Chad Graham, Phil Guiffrida
absent.
3. City Representative Recommendation for the Flathead County Solid Waste
District Board
Council will consider recommending a council member to represent the city on the Flathead
County Solid Waste District Board.
board
Public Comment
Mayor Johnson opened public comment. Seeing none, he closed public comment.
Tim Kluesner volunteered to represent the Council on this board.
Rod Kuntz moved to approve Tim Kluesner as the city representative to the Flathead
County Solid Waste District Board.The motion was seconded by Kari Gabriel.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Chad Graham, and Phil Guiffrida
absent, and Tim Kluesner abstaining.
I. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action)
City Attorney Charles Harball spoke regarding an increase in public safety issues in the summer
and encouraged the public to be alert.
He then spoke regarding questions the city has been receiving regarding the agenda on July 5,
and asked that the Council discuss how they would like to handle the July 5, agenda during the
work session next week.
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Councilor Kari Gabriel announced that she will be attending the Montana League of Cities and
Towns Board meeting Thursday in Helena, and for the first time it will be a joint meeting with
the boards of MACO, JPIA, and MMIA.
Mayor Johnson reported that the 911 Center has hired a team to come in and review the
operations and staff levels at the 911 Center, as requested by the Center's Board of Directors.
Mayor Johnson reported recent communications with Senator Tester's office and Zinke's office
related to the TIGER grant and the process as we move forward implementing those funds, and
related conversations with some of the property owners.
Mayor Johnson will have a meeting with Pam Carbonari and several distributors/license
owners regarding liquor license laws and related liquor license issues and the possibility of
introducing legislation at the state level to fix some of the issues with those laws.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m.
Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
Minutes approved on:
Kalispell City Council Minutes
June 20, 2016
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