12/11/74 SP City Council Minutes233
SPECIAL MEETING
0j
• "IN THE HEART OF THE NATION'S PLAYGROUND"
KALISPELL, MONTANA 59901
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF C09NCIIHM
CITY OF KALISPELL, MONTANA
Gentlemen:
There Will be a Special Meeting of the City Council, Wednesday, December 11, 1974,
at 7:30 P. M. at the Conrad National Bank for the following purpose:
ConsiderMansionAgreement
We, the undersigned, being all of the members of the City Council, do hereby waive
notice of the date and purpose of the Special Meeting of the City Council to be held
Wednesday, December 11, 1974, at 7:30 P. M. at the Conrad National Bank, and consent
Councilman Miron absent. All other councilmen present.
Mayor Bjorneby opened the meeting and set forth ground rules limiting presentations
by individuals to 3 minutes and to one presentation. Presentations to be made
following motion by council to accept the Conrad Mansion.
234
RESOLUTION NO. 2994
Councilman Schwartz moved adoption of Resolution No. 2994 A Resolution to accept
the Conrad Mansion. Seconded by Councilman Slater.
- Letters from Members of the Board -
Councilman Sliter read letter from Citizens Committee member James E. Murphy - a
letter supporting the city acceptance of the Conrad Mansion.
Mayor Bjorneby read letter from Sam Bibler supporting city acceptance of the Conrad
Mansion.
- Persons questioning the city acceptance of the mansion:
John Crowley - llth St. West - like few more answers before the city considers
taking mansion.
Leonard Vadala - inquired if there had been an official estimate as to the cost of
restoration - cost of heating plant - cost of utilities - questioned private
apartment in mansion - does council have authority to change the $35,000.00 amount
in the future - and other questions concerning the city acceptance of the mansion.
Tom Flynn said it is still a democracy and questioned how 8 or 9 people can make a
decision against a vote without going back to the people for a vote.
H. V. Turner indicated he was not in favor of city acceptance of the mansion.
- Favoring acceptance in addition to Mayor Bjorneby and Councilmen:
Bob Wood, artist, spoke of the Russell collection at the Mint Saloon in Helena, and
that it was purchased for $10,000.00 and now has an estimated value of $245,000.00.
He said it would be real expensive to lose the Conrad Mansion and commended Sam
Bibler for his efforts to preserve the mansion for a museum.
Chuck Mercord asked if we were overlooking investment - sometimes you have to
support property in order to make it become valuable - look at it as an invest-
ment - elected officials are elected to make judgments, even though not popular.
Bill Walterskirschen said the City is limited to $35,000.00 additional expense and
In the event it does not work out, the mansion can be put to other public use, and
If no other use can be found, can be sold and proceeds used for youths. He said
that Yellowstone and Glacier Parks were opposed at the time they were proposed. The
City is getting such a bargain that I feel not only should the City accept the
mansion, but Mayor Bjorneby and Councilmen have an obligation to proceed with the
mansion.
Dr. Douglas Wood spoke favoring acceptance of the mansion by the City.
Councilman Knapp, Sliter and Schwartz made statements in support of the acceptance
of the mansion.
Question called -
Roll Call Vote. Each councilman voted aye. Resolution No. 2994 adopted.
Meeting adjourned by Mayor Bjorneby.