01/04/12 SP City Council Minutes. / 1 ImPhIMMINVIo
Also present: Outgoing Council Member Duane Larson, City Manager Jane Howington, City Attorney
Charles Harball, City Clerk Theresa White, Chief of Police Roger Nasset, Acting Fire Chief Dave
Dedman, Planning Director Tom Jentz, Finance Director Amy Robertson, Parks Director Mike Baker,
Revolving Loan Fund Manager Wade Elder, Community Development Manager Katharine Thompson,
and Deputy City Clerk Judi Funk.
Mayor Fisher called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
Howington announced the appointment of Dave Dedman as Fire Chief.
Eugene Thomas, 733 3rd Avenue East, commented that he supports the city airport and it needs to be
made safer. He said his business is on the final approach to the airport and the noise does not bother him.
Pam Carbonari, 14 3rd Street East, remarked that Duane Larson has done a phenomenal job for the City
of Kalispell over his years of service and he deserves all of our thanks. She also thanked Howington for
her service.
1 1 1
The Urban Renewal Agency forwarded four projects on to the City Council with the recommendation that
the West Side Urban Renewal Plan be amended.
Howington gave a report and staff answered questions.
Public Comment
Dale Haarr, 80 Buffalo Hill Drive, remarked that he was concerned that the private sector has not stepped
up because Main Street and the adjacent area need help. He suggested giving one-half of the money in the
fund back to the taxing entities each year.
Kalispell City Council Special Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2012
Page 1
Joe Unterreiner, Chamber of Commerce President, said his board supports the URA recommendations to
expand the district, adding the infrastructure projects are a good idea and worthy of investment. He did
caution against acquiring property specifically for a parking lot.
Kellie Danielson, representing Flathead County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and
Montana West Economic Development, said this is a good opportunity to be business friendly and both
organizations stand ready to support TeleTech's parking needs and the proposed TIF projects.
Pam Carbonari, 14 3rd Street East, remarked TIF monies are essential for demolition and remediation of
blighted areas and requested that council approve the list of projects.
Jerry Begg, 220 Woodland Avenue, spoke about his property for sale and noted it is important to fulfill
the city's parking obligations to TeleTech.
Marc Rold, 704 6th Avenue West, Urban Renewal Agency Chairman, explained the URA's reasoning
behind each project recommendation.
Sharon DeMeester, 415 East Evergreen Drive, Main Street property owner, said she is concerned there
are no projects listed that would benefit the downtown.
Nicholas Malonack, 248 5th Avenue East, stated he supports the projects and encouraged council to take
the next step.
Atkinson moved council create a Revolving Loan Fund of up to $750,000 for the demolition and
remediation of under-utilized or vacant structures/lots. The motion was seconded.
Council Discussion
Hafferman commented this is a fishing expedition or "slush fund" and questioned where the tax
increment is and when will it be passed on to taxpayers. He said the goal of the TIF has been completed.
Larson remarked the TIF is continuing to serve its purpose and has created many jobs. He encouraged
council to vote in favor of the motion.
Zauner agreed, stating he believes in the TIF concept. He said the revolving loan program is a good
program and the banks are not lending.
Atkinson commented this is building a better community for all of us.
Kenyon and Saverud also spoke in favor of the motion.
Mayor Fisher stated the city has been very deliberate in how the TIF funds were used and it is not a slush
fund or piggy bank. She said we need to support businesses and look at the TIF district for the long term,
however, she agrees the city should consider some type of annual distribution.
Kluesner also requested council commitment for an annual redistribution.
Kalispell City Council Special Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2012
Page 2
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Gabriel, Kenyon, Kluesner, Saverud, Zauner,
and Mayor Fisher voting in favor, and Hafferman voting against.
Atkinson moved council approve the URA recommended public infrastructure improvements with
the exception of the Hawthorne/Two Mile Drive water main. The motion was seconded.
Hafferman said if this is approved the water rates should be lowered in this area, otherwise it is double
taxation.
There was discussion about the traffic problems at Appleway and Meridian.
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Gabriel, Kenyon, Kluesner, Saverud, Zauner,
and Mayor Fisher voting in favor, and Hafferman voting against.
Atkinson moved council purchase the Begg Property for potential development of public parking.
The motion was seconded.
Hafferman noted this property is worth considering as an investment for the Community Land Trust,
although he can't support it simply as a means of extending the TIR
Zauner remarked he is not in support of purchasing any property and the parking issue should be dealt
with when the TeleTech lease is renegotiated.
There was further discussion.
The motion failed upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Hafferman and Saverud voting in favor, and
Gabriel, Kenyon, Kluesner, Zauner, and Mayor Fisher voting against.
Howington gave her farewell remarks, thanking council and staff for their continued support during her
tenure.
Council thanked Howington for her service and wished her well.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
Theresa White
Approved January 23, 2012
City Clerk
Kalispell City Council Special Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2012
Page 3