06-27-16 City Council Work Session MinutesKALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
JUNE 27, 2016
View the minutes attached to the audio of the meeting at:
http://kalisl2ell.com/mayor and city council/meetin s.php
A WORK SESSION OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON MONDAY,
JUNE 27, 2016 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN KALISPELL,
MONTANA. MAYOR MARK JOHNSON PRESIDED. COUNCIL MEMBERS JIM
ATKINSON, SANDY CARLSON, KARI GABRIEL, CHAD GRAHAM, PHIL GUIFFRIDA,
TIM KLUESNER, ROD KUNTZ, AND WAYNE SAVERUD WERE PRESENT.
Also present: City Manager Doug Russell, City Attorney Charles Harball, Public Works Director
Susie Turner, Planning Director Tom Jentz, and Senior Planner Jarod Nygren.
Mayor Johnson called the work session to order.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Zoning for Short Term Residential Rentals (VRBOs - Vacation Rentals By Owner)
Russell introduced the topic and turned the discussion over to Jentz.
Jentz explained the proposed ordinance, including the recommendation that VRBOs be permitted by
an Administrative CUP, and answered questions.
There was lengthy discussion.
Guiffrida emphasized he wants council to look at density requirements.
Jentz commented that restricting VRBOs to 150 feet apart would allow one per block.
Jentz was tasked with bringing the proposed ordinance forward with some changes.
There was further discussion involving charging fees for the software and Administrative CUP.
Public Comment
Jeff Hutten, Kila, requested that council look at the same basic standards for long-term rentals and
VRBOs. He commented that density is more important for the dwelling than the neighborhood.
Dan Shepherd, President of Village Greens Homeowner's Association, stated this is a huge problem
for his neighborhood and they will feel the impact because they are on a golf course.
Erika Wirtala, NW MT Association of Realtors, noted that realtors are in favor of VRBOs; the
neighborhood will be watchdogs and the city can pull a problem permit since it is an Administrative
CUP. She noted they provide for property taxes and bed taxes but do not burden schools.
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June 27, 2016
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Pam Shepherd, Village Greens, requested council pay attention to the majority of constituents instead
of making it more convenient for the minority and noted their area is much different than other areas
of Kalispell.
Mayre Flowers, Citizens for a Better Flathead, suggested that another workshop be held because they
have not heard from the affordable housing people yet. She suggested council look at the distinction
between owner -occupied and non -owner occupied short term rentals and at interim zoning for short
term rentals.
Diane Medler, representing the Chamber of Commerce and Convention Center and Visitors Bureau,
stated they are in support of allowing the short term rentals and explained their reasons.
Ronalee Skees, 119 Sinopah Street, remarked this is a new market with new trends and a younger
group of users; however, council needs to value personal property rights as well.
2. Request for Sewer Treatment from a Property Owner Outside of the Evergreen Sewer
District
Russell reminded council this came up last month and council requested additional information.
Turner presented further information and options.
There was discussion regarding the options.
Council's general consensus was to change the service area boundary for Mrs. Fontaine and
properties to the west up to the Whitefish River.
Public Comment
Carol Fontaine, 135 West Reserve Drive, applicant, noted she appreciates the consideration and she
will pay all of the fees, remarking this will be good for the community and water table.
3. Water and Wastewater Facility Plan Update - South Kalispell Development
Russell gave some history and turned the discussion over to Turner.
Turner presented a brief PowerPoint presentation of the supplemental report and answered questions.
Public Comment
Zack Anderson, Anderson Masonry, described what the airport means to him and to his business. He
emphasized he needs the airport to remain open so he can fly to his meetings in North Dakota and
Washington and said it would be a reckless decision to close this airport.
Bob Schneller, Civil Air Patrol Squadron Commander, remarked that part of his squad's training is
in aerospace and his program lends credence to the airport.
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June 27, 2016
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Dave Hoerner remarked the airport has tried to be a good neighbor; the helicopters don't train over
town any more, this is good place for the aviation world to come and everyone wants to come here to
fly. He commented that businesses want to come onto the airport and there is lots of interest and
great potential.
Mike Herbert, business owner, commented that having a local airport means that young people can
follow their dreams and learn to fly and many would lose that opportunity if the airport were to close.
CITY MANAGER/COUNCIL/MAYOR REPORTS
Russell remarked that the firefighters' contract will be coming before council at the July 5 meeting
and the timeline for the airport vote should be August 1, as that will be the next meeting with a full
council.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Attest:
Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
Prepared by:
Judi Funk
Deputy City Clerk
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