04/07/08 City Council MinutesA REGULAR MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00
P.M., MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2008, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA, COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUANE LARSON PRESIDED.
COUNCIL MEMBERS JLVI ATKINSON, KART GABRIEL, RANDY KENYON, TINT
KLUESNER, BOB HA.FFERMAN, HANK OLSON, AND WAYNE SAVERUD WERE
PRESENT. MAYOR PAMELA B. KENNEDY WAS ABSENT.
Also present: City Manager James Patrick, City Attorney Charles Harball, City Clerk Theresa White,
Chief of Police Roger Nasset, Fire Chief Randy Brodehl, Finance Director Amy Robertson,
Community Redevelopment Manager Sandra wheeler, Assistant to the City Manager Katharine
Thompson, Planning Department Director Torn. Jentz, Senior Planner Sean Conrad, and Recording
Secretary Judi Funk.
President Larson called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. AGENDA APPROVAL
Gabriel moved approval of the Agenda. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote with Mayor Kennedy absent.
B. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
1. Council Minutes -- Regular Meeting.— March 17 2008
2. Police officer Confirmation
Stan ottosen has completed his one year probationary period with the Kalispell Police
Department and Council confirmation was requested.
3. Proclamation — Kalispell Council 1328 Knights of Columbus week — April 14-20 2008
Saverud moved approval of the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote with Mayor Kennedy absent.
C. STUDENT ISSUES
None.
Kalispell City Council Minutes
April 7, 2008
Page 1.
D, PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
E. PUBLIC HEARING — CDBG WORK FORCE TRAINING GRANT
President Larson explained this is the time for public comments concerning a grant application to the
Montana Department of Commerce for a Community Development Block Grant on behalf of
Flathead Valley Community College.
President Larson opened the public hearing.
Proponents
John Englebretson, FVCC Board of Trustees Chair, read a letter written by FVCC President Jane
Karas in support of the application for the block grant. (Letter is attached and by this reference is
made a part of the official record)
Susie Birch, 835 1st Avenue East, Director of Economic Development and Continuing Education at
FVCC, explained the funds would be used to assist the college in adding a higher technology
component to their existing metal manufacturing program. She read a letter from Vicki Billmayer,
Semitool's Human Resource Manager, in support of the grant application. (Letter is attached and by
this reference is made a part of the official record)
Charlie Wright, Regional Development officer for Montana Department of Commerce, also spoke in
favor of the application stating it will help bring skillful people into the workforce in the Flathead
Valley.
(Letter received from Joe Unterreiner, Chamber of Commerce President, is also attached and by this
reference is made a part of the official record)
Opponents
None.
President Larson closed the public hearing.
F. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUBSEQUENT COUNCIL ACTION
FII. RESOLUTION 5272 — CDBG WORK FORCE TRAINING GRANT
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to submit the application for a work force training grant
on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College.
Kalispell City Council Minutes
April 7, 2008
Page 2
Atkinson moved Resolution 5272, a resolution authorizing an application to the Montana
Department of Commerce for a Community Development Block Grant Workforce Training
Program to assist in funding equipment for Flathead Valley Community College. The motion
was seconded.
Wheeler gave a staff report explaining that FVCC had originally requested the grant application be
for $268,000.00 to include equipment costs, however, they are now asking that the amount be
reduced to $108,000.00 for just workforce development and training.
Atkinson offered a friendly amendment to the resolution to change "equipment" to "workforce
development and training". The second concurred. There was no objection.
Hafferman commented he normally votes against "training" block grants, but that this application is
different because it will meet the needs of the community; it is education and training that will be
beneficial to the entire community. He supports this 100%.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Mayor Kennedy absent.
F12. FINAL PLAT — MOUNTAIN VISTA PHASE 3
This is a request for final plat approval of Mountain Vista Estates Phase 3, a 40-lot residential
subdivision comprised of 32 single-family lots, 7 townhouse lots, and l lot for a future fire station on
approximately 10 acres located on the northeast side of the corner where Three Mile Drive turns into
Farm to Market Road.
Gabriel moved Council accept the subdivision improvement agreement and approve the final
plat for Mountain Vista Phase 3. The motion was seconded.
Jentz gave a staff report and answered questions.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote with Mayor Kennedy absent.
F/3. RESOLUTION 5273 —IMPACT FEES ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT
This resolution adjusts the fee schedule for Wastewater, Stormwater, Water, Police, and Fire impact
fees by 2.7 percent.
Atkinson moved Resolution 5273, a resolution adjusting the wastewater, Stormwater, water
System, Police and Fire impact fee schedules for construction costs inflation. The motion was
seconded.
Patrick gave a staff report and answered questions.
Atkinson commented the Montana Association of Counties has released that the inflation rate is
2.8% so an increase of 2.7% is actually conservative.
Kalispell City Council Minutes
April 7, 2008
Page 3
Kluesner stated he will vote against this because he has not seen any information regarding the
financial conditions of the impact fee funds and he has not seen any firm reasoning behind the
changes.
The motion carried upon roll call vote with Atkinson, Gabriel, Hafferman, Kenyon, Olson,
Saverud, and President Larson voting in favor, Kluesner voting against, and Mayor Kennedy
absent.
G. MAYO COUNCIL CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS No Action
Larson mourned the recent passing of Leroy "Mac" McDowell and he thanked his family for
allowing him to serve on the city police force for 21 years and as Mayor from 1982-1986.
Patrick requested members of the viewing audience assist the city and apply for current board
openings.
Patrick announced the move to new City Hall is going well and the meeting of April 21 will be held
in the new chambers.
H. AI)JOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
r
Theresa white
City Clerk
Approved April 21, 2008
Kalispell City Council Minutes
April 7, 2008
Pate 4
Flathead Valley Gmmunity College
777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, TVIT 59901 • 406/756/3801 • Fax 406/756/3353
Office of the Presidmt
April 7, 2008
The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and Council Members
City of Kalispell
P.G. Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59901
Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members,
Flathead Valley Community College is very pleased to support the City of K.alispell's application for
Community Development Block Grant —Economic Development funds to assist in the development of
advanced curriculum in metal fabrication
The purpose of this CDBG-ED proposal is to expand upon the already successful Welding/Metals Fabrication
program by incorporating specific training on the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) aspects of the
manufacturing field. Existing classes make use of conventional manual mills, lathes, and grinders and provide a
solid basis in theory, set-up and operation upon which to build skills in more advanced technology techniques.
Adding the CNC program to the existing metal manufacturing program will add to the community's overall
quality as more highly -qualified workers are able to command higher wages and businesses are able to increase
their productivity and grow their businesses. Metals manufacturing is an emerging strength in our local
economy and the current availability of qualified workers is limited. The CNC program will enhance the
student's competitive position for good paying jobs in all aspects of the machining career field.
Flathead Valley Community College has earned our reputation for providing training and services which are
high quality, cost effective, customized to local needs, and convenient to the Flathead general population.
Recently FVCC developed and implemented an Electrical Technology training program to help satisfy local
electrical contractor's need for Apprentice electricians. By articulating our curriculum with the Montana
Department of Labor Training and Licensure Board apprentice requirements, graduating students receive an
advanced placement into the 24Ih month of a 48 month apprenticeship ensuring employer's immediate
productivity equivalent to an employee with two years experience. Employers can now double their employee
base every two years instead of the previous restriction of every four years.
FVCC has successfully developed and implemented similar accredited programs targeted at workforce shortages
in the health and related field including Radiology Technology, Surgical Technology, and Nursing.
The CDBG-ED funds to expand the metal manufacturing program at FVCC would enhance student success and
improve the availability of a qualified local workforce. We look forward to working with the City of Kalispell
and the Montana Department of Commerce to better meet local and state workforce needs.
Sincerely,
4
Or A. Karas
President
April 7, 2008
The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members
City of Kalispell
P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59901
Please allow this letter to express our enthusiastic support for the City of Kalispell's
application for a Community Development Block Grant for the proposed new curriculum
to incorporate machining in the FV CC vocational program. Sem itoo I. recognizes the
excellent job the college is currently doing with the WeldinglMetals Fabrication program
and believe this new program would produce the same results.
Semitool Currently employs 90+ production machinists and interviews every applicant
who applies with a background in this skill. In the past two years we have recruited,
interviewed, and offered over 50 machinists _Jobs. The majority of these individuals were
not from Montana. Our success rate of hiring them is not good and we attribute that to the
distance and expense associated with our area. They just don't know us. Our research has
shown that there is better retention if the individual is recruited within about 90--100 miles
of their- home base. or in the case of a big state such as Montana, if they are from rural
Montana they are excited to stay in Montana. Go to school here, stay here.
FVCC is a great resource in our own backyard. A machining program would be an
excellent benefit for many businesses in the Flathead Valley including Semitool. We are
in favor of the program!
If I can provide any additional information please contact me. I apologize I was not able
to attend in person.
Sincer ly,
F
Vicki B i l lmayer
Human resource Manager/
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS: 655 WEST RESERVE DRIVE • KALISPELL, MONTANA 59901 ■ 406. 752- 2107 + FAX 406. 752. 5522
Chamber of Commerce
Providing Economic, Community, and workforce Development Services
www.kalispelichamber.com
April 3, 2008
The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members
City of Kalispell
P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59901
RE: Support for Flathead Valley Community College's Community Development Bloch
Grant Proposal
Dear Mayor Kennedy and Members of City Council:
I would like to indicate the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce's support for the Flathead Valley
Community College's (FVCC) proposal to use community development bloc grant funds to
advance their curriculum offerings in the area of metals fabrication. Their proposal will expand
upon the already successful welding/Metals Fabrication program by incorporating specific
training on the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) aspects of the manufacturing field. This
proposal will yield multiple benefits for students and learning, business development and our
community. including:
To the student: Adding the CNC program to the existing program will enhance the
student's competitive position for good paying jobs in all aspects of the machining career
field.
To local business and industr : Adding the CNC program to the existing program will
improve availability of a qualified workforce pool to accommodate local growth for
expanding employers. Metals manufacturing is a growing industry in our local. economy
- an industry that traditionally provides for better than average wages for employees.
To the cotninun itv: Adding the CFTC program to the existing program will add to the
community's overall quality as more qualified workers are able to command higher
wages and businesses are able to increase their productivity and grow their businesses.
FVCC is well -experienced in the conceptualization, development and implementation of this type
of curriculum. I urge you to give your most serious consideration to the approval of their request.
This grant will provide important benefits for our community and all of Montana.
Sin rely,
i
Jo Unterreiner, President
alispell Chamber of Commerce
CC: Susie Burch, FVCC
OFFICE 406.758.2800 * 406.758.2805 FAX 9 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901