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11-06-17 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 6, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Mark Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Mayor - Mark Johnson: Present Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Present Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Present Council Member - Wayne Saverud: Present Council Member - Chad Graham: Present President - Jim Atkinson: Present Council Member - Rod Kuntz: Present Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Present Council Member - Phil Guiffrida: Present City staff present included City Manager Doug Russell, City Attorney Charles Harball, City Clerk Aimee Brunckhorst, Planning Director Tom Jentz, Public Works Director Susie Turner, and Police Chief Roger Nasset. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion and Vote to approve the agenda as submitted. Council Member - Phil Guiffrida: Motion Council Member - Sandy Carlson: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Approve Council Member - Wayne Saverud: Approve Council Member - Chad Graham: Approve President - Jim Atkinson: Approve Council Member - Rod Kuntz: Annrove Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Approve Council Member - Phil Guiffrida: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote. Page 1 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 E. CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda will be accepted by one motion. If a council member desires to discuss an item separately, the item can be removed from the consent agenda by motion. r.. 1. Council Minutes — October 16, 2017 to 2. Acceptance of Operation Stonegarden Grant C� This item would accept as the sub -recipient $120,000.00 on behalf of the Whitefish Police Department, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Kalispell Police Department to enhance the cooperation and coordination between these agencies in a joint mission to secure United States' land borders. 3. Lifesaver Award Recocnition for Adam Smart. Todd Hawes. Jeremv Grad "a Jessica Kinzer, Doug Schwartz, Ian Miller, and Jason Schwaiger t� This item recognizes the above named individuals for saving a life on July 24, 2017. 4. Lifesaver Award Recocnition for Craia Fischer. Jake Felts. Adam Clifton. Josh "a Pipolo and Brent Councilor and Community Lifesaver Award for Jason Parce a This item recognizes the above named individuals for saving a life on May 23, 2017. Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment on the consent agenda. Seeing none, he closed public comment. Motion and Vote to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Council Member - Wayne Saverud: Motion Council Member - Tim Kluesner: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Approve Council Member - Wayne Saverud: Approve Council Member - Chad Graham: Approve President - Jim Atkinson: Approve Council Member - Rod Kuntz: Approve Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Approve Council Member - Phil Guiffrida: Approve The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Fire Chief Dave Dedman presented the LifeSaver Awards explaining why the awards were presented to the individuals. F. COMMITTEE REPORT - None. Page 2of9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 G. PUBLIC COMMENT Persons wishing to address the council on any issue not on the agenda are asked to do so at this time. Those addressing the council are requested to give their name and address for the record. Please see the last page of the agenda for the proper manner of addressing the council. Please limit comments to three minutes. Mayor Johnson opened general public comment. 00:07:59 Karlene Osorio-Khor, Public Comment Ms. Osorio-Khor reminded the public to vote in the City Council elections tomorrow. Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Johnson closed public comment. H. PUBLIC HEARING L:7 1. Downtown Plan a Council will accept public comment on the Downtown Plan amendment to the Kalispell Growth Policy as proposed by the Kalispell Planning Board. Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing on the downtown plan. 00:10:20 Sharon DeMeester, Public Comment Ms. DeMeester of 415 Chestnut Drive spoke with questions about where truck traffic is going through Kalispell and documentation of truck traffic being re-routed. She then spoke in favor of beautification of downtown but is concerned about taxes or SID's that may be needed to accomplish that. Ms. DeMeester spoke regarding frustration with current assessments. 00:13:53 Pam Carbonari, Public Comment Ms. Carbonari spoke regarding the process of creating the draft downtown plan saying it is truly a community document and she feels it is an excellent plan. She suggested that community members read the document. She spoke further about traffic down Main Street and talked about all the various elements within this visionary plan, and the work that needs to be done. She would encourage the Council to request that the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that is 24 years old prior to any decisions about traffic on Main Street. 00:22:41 Erika Wirtala, Public Comment Ms. Wirtala with the NW Montana Association of Realtors said they are in support of the plan with some caveats. They are especially in support of working towards improved parking opportunities. They feel that the MDT EIS needs to be updated to make a reasonable decision. She would ask that the city press hard on MDT to update that document. She feels this plan needs to work in conjunction with the Urban Core Plan and traffic improvements that need to be done elsewhere such as Willow Glen, the improvements to the bridge at West Reserve and the completion of the bypass (removing the roundabouts). 00:25:20 Eric Robbins, Public Comment Mr. Robbins with Aluma Glass asked whether we want downtown to be a place that traffic Page 3 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 comes to or a place where traffic goes through. Due to semis, fast trucks and trailers, families are not as trusting of downtown as could be. He spoke regarding decreasing the wrong traffic such as semis and haulers and increasing the right traffic. Limiting the semi -truck traffic will increase customer traffic downtown. 00:28:51 Joe Underreiner, Public Comment Mr. Underreiner spoke on behalf of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce saying they are generally in support of the provisions of the plan. He concentrated his comments on those they have received the most feedback from their membership. They held two luncheon programs attended by almost 500 members regarding downtown. They are consistently hearing about parking, and feel the plan outlines some alternatives. A recent walk around the city with staff identified 87 new potential parking spaces that could be found with obsolete curb cuts and repainting. They are also in support of prioritizing ways of getting more residential downtown such as urban, residential townhomes or condominiums and said the new B-3 zoning should help with that. Historic design standards are important as long as they are not overly onerous or overly regulatory. They would support ideas to streamline the approval process for downtown buildings that may be complicated, and having aging infrastructure. They feel it is important to coordinate the downtown and the core area plans. Tourism is a priority and keeping an attractive downtown that is pedestrian friendly is important. When they interviewed downtown business owners they heard that they wanted traffic slowed down on Main while keeping the sales lively. He would ask Council to find a way to be more certain about potential impacts lane designs would mean to traffic and businesses. 00:35:21 Diane Medler, Public Comment Ms. Medler with the Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau spoke on behalf of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board of Directors summarizing from the letter that she previously sent to Council. They feel that economic vitality can be further encouraged by creating a more pedestrian friendly and vibrant community in the downtown core. The TBID supports most of the proposed enhancements in the plan. They support directing truck traffic to the bypass while not discouraging locals or visitors from downtown. They support maintaining the courthouse couplet as a two lane traffic circle. They support improving pedestrian safety through traffic calming techniques and incorporating bicycle friendly facilities. Ms. Medler emphasized the importance of the businesses to the south of the couplet as well. 00:37:47 Dave Skinner, Public Comment Mr. Skinner said he feels traffic flow through Kalispell should not be slowed down saying that Main Street is the transportation hub of the entire county. He feels the interviews conducted by staff to gain input on the plan should have included people beyond the boundaries of the plan. He does not feel Main Street should be altered. 00:42:47 Maggie Doherty, Public Comment Ms. Doherty of 504 5th Avenue East, and co-owner of the Kalispell Brewing Company summarized the letter previously sent in to Council. She spoke regarding the investment they have made into Downtown and said they look forward to continued growth and excitement in downtown. She appreciates the pedestrian friendly attributes within the plan such as the scaled lights. She would like to see those improvements phased in prior to drastic lane changes. She spoke regarding the manufacturing side of their business and the semi -trucks that access their business. She is concerned with how traffic changes may affect customer levels and how semi - Page 4 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 trucks will be able to access the alley ways for deliveries. Largely Kalispell Brewing is in support of the plan but would like to see a little bit more details on what a traffic plan would look like, and how that construction would happen. She would like to be involved in future traffic plans and be part of those considerations. 00:46:56 George Giovasis, Public Comment Mr. Giovasis� Avenue West spoke in support of the plan as a resident and business owner downtown. As we improve downtown and as we make it a place where pedestrians and bicyclists and tourists want to be, commerce will increase. 00:48:19 Ken Yachachak, Public Comment Mr. Yachachak, majority owner of Depot Park Square spoke in appreciation of the Police Chief and his staff. Mr. Yachachak then said Depot Park Square Partners are adamantly opposed to the downtown plan as written. He referenced past plans and said he does not feel the new plan is well written saying it comes to conclusions and recommendations without documentation. He said he was not interviewed by staff on the plan. He read a denial letter from city staff regarding a proposal he submitted in the `90's. He asked for frequent updates on the progress of the plan. He would like references to the plans mentioned in the downtown plan within the document. He spoke regarding modernizing business practices such as online purchasing. 00:54:38 Karen Sanderson, Public Comment Ms. Sanderson, owner of Brix Bottle Shop, and owner of 115 and 117 South Main Street referenced a letter provided to Council. She said she loves the plans long term vision and focus on land use, parking, mixed use, creating an entertainment district, with the overall goal to revive our character and offers financial tools to assist. She would like to see less semi traffic (except deliveries) and loves the idea of reducing the lanes from four to three. She shared that the addition of Coffee Traders next store has increased her sales and is looking forward to other empty spaces downtown becoming filled thus expanding on critical mass. She spoke with several other business neighbors who are in support of the plan. She spoke regarding the changes in Missoula on Higgins and how the reduction in lanes there actually helped businesses and the character downtown. 00:59:23 Debbie Snyder, Public Comment Ms. Snyder owner of the building at 128 Main Street said she loves the vision in this plan. She asked whether Kalispell wants to be a destination or a thorough fare. Ms. Snyder said that when trucks go by you can't hear anyone and the windows rattle. She wants a destination. 01:00:19 Richard Turbiak, Public Comment Mr. Turbiak with Citizens for a Better Flathead, and resident of downtown Kalispell read a letter provided to City Council. The group supports the plan as a way to revitalize Kalispell's core. They believe in keeping the historic character of downtown while preserving it through smart, high quality, design standards. He spoke about how the downtown plan is one piece of the larger picture within the Kalispell Growth Policy 2035 and other planning documents and how the visions and plans can work together to address many of the concerns raised. He provided reasoning why they are in favor of much of the plan and emphasized what areas of the plan they would support and enhance and looks forward to being a part of ongoing conversations for Page 5 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 implementing the plan. They favor re-routing Hwy 93 traffic saying the downtown core should be designed for happy people, not happy cars fostering pedestrian and bicycle use and safety. 01:06:46 Mike Merchant Public Comment Mr. Merchant of 288 4 thAvenue EN spoke regarding the increase in his home value and says he sees that happening within the city of Kalispell. He said he is on the Citizens Steering Committee for the AARP Age Friendly Flathead. He referred to cities that have adopted similar plans that have seen success. He would like to see Kalispell become a destination city for visitors, raising a family, and retirement. Mr. Merchant completely supports the plan knowing that some details will still need to be worked out. 01:10:20 Jon Fetveit, Public Comment Mr. Fetveit spoke as the Chair of the Kalispell Business Improvement District Board of Directors, and as a homeowner on 5th Avenue East and owner of buildings downtown. The Board supports the process staff went through to gather feedback and also support their conclusions when creating the plan. They are in favor of the affective routing of traffic, safety of pedestrians and revitalizing historic downtown. This plan is the best way to start that process. 01:12:17 David Peterson, Public Comment Mr. Peterson, Executive Vice -President of Goodale and Barbieri Company (Kalispell Center Mall) said he is encouraged by the city's commitment to downtown and are proud of the work they've prepared towards the downtown plan and agree with most of its components. Their businesses rely heavily on traffic. They would request that the Council modify the plan to support increasing traffic lanes around the couplet, saying Hwy 93 is a major economic highway to this entire community. Mr. Peterson spoke regarding visitor spending studies. He would like to make sure there is access to the community for all retailers throughout the community including those north and south of downtown. He spoke regarding the importance of traffic counts to businesses. He feels that reducing Main Street to three lanes will create frustration and reduce sales. 01:20:41 Lynn Heebs, Public Comment Mr. Heebs said he appreciates the effort, time and thought going into the plan but has a lot of unanswered questions regarding how reducing traffic from four lanes to three lanes will make the traffic go faster. He spoke about his concerns of truck traffic through residential areas if Main Street is changed and feels a reduction in lanes will decrease business. 01:27:29 Eric Peterson, Public Comment Mr. Peterson, Manager of the Kalispell Center Mall, spoke regarding why retailers locate on highways. He spoke regarding the public comment letters Council has received from many business owners in Kalispell and how reduced traffic flows would decrease sales throughout areas of town. Mr. Peterson spoke regarding what draws people to a successful downtown. He talked about tax abatement tools to create downtown housing to create a live/work/play atmosphere. 01:30:28 Doc Harkins, Public Comment Mr. Harkins lives on the east side of town and he is not in support of the downtown plan. He has been in the community over 30 years, and there are very few businesses downtown that he utilizes. Page 6 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 01:36:33 Michelle Mussman, Public Comment Ms. Mussman who lives on First Avenue West, would encourage the Council to support the downtown plan saying she walks to multiple businesses and making downtown pedestrian and bicycle friendly is very important. She referred to other vibrant towns that are pedestrian friendly. 01:39:01 Cindy Anabnit, Public Comment Ms. Anabnit, lives on the east side of town and is the owner of Budget Framing on the west side of town. She likes a lot of the plan but is not in favor of narrowing Main Street. She feels the pedestrian friendly path that will be created in place of the railroad tracks will accomplish the vision of the plan. She feels the current sidewalks are good. She referred to experiences in other towns and feels traffic changes would kill our traffic for business. Sharon DeMeester, Public Comment Ms. DeMeester spoke regarding mixed use housing in downtown and the issues that could arise if requirements that are too restrictive are placed on developers. 01:43:07 Susan Wigginton, Public Comment Ms. Wigginton said she recently purchased her home at 502 3rd Avenue East and was thrilled when 3rd Avenue East was turned into a two way as it has dramatically reduced traffic. She is however opposed to reducing traffic on Main Street saying it is already pedestrian friendly. She fears that reducing Main Street traffic will push the traffic into the residential areas. She is in favor however of a reduction in truck traffic downtown. 01:45:47 Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing. 2. West Side Interceptor Budget Amendment a Council will accept public comment regarding an amendment to the annual appropriations of the City of Kalispell, as set forth in the 2017-2018 sewer operations fund budget adopted by Council to advance the construction of the West Side Interceptor sanitary sewer project. Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing on the west side interceptor budget amendment. Seeing none, he closed public comment. I. REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND SUBSEQUENT COUNCIL ACTION Persons wishing to address the council on individual agenda items will be asked to do so following staff reports. Please see the last page of the agenda for the proper manner of addressing the council. Please limit comments to three minutes. Appointment of Emilv Schroeder to the Tourism Business Improvement District Board of Directors (TBID) a This item would confirm the appointment of Emily Schroeder with the Hilton Garden Inn to the TBID as a large property representative. 01:47:37 Public Comment Mayor Johnson opened public comment, seeing none, he closed public comment. Page 7 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 Motion and Vote to appoint Emily Schroeder to the Tourism Business Improvement District Board of Directors. President - Jim Atkinson: Motion Council Member - Wayne Saverud: 2nd Mayor - Mark Johnson: Approve Council Member - Kari Gabriel: Approve Council Member - Sandy Carlson: Approve Council Member - Wayne Saverud: Approve Council Member - Chad Graham: Approve President - Jim Atkinson: Approve Council Member - Rod Kuntz: Approve Council Member - Tim Kluesner: Approve Council Member - Phil Guiffrida: Approve The motion passed unanimously on voice vote. J. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS (No Action) City Manager Doug Russell provided the following report: Attending the Local Government Interim Committee this week addressing statutes related to regional fire district's authorities, entitlement funding education including the history and origins of the funds. He spoke regarding the Legislative Special Session that has been called in Helena. • Next Monday night work session: Per a request from Councilor Kuntz - Municipal license plates and related revenue sources. Another agenda item may be added. 01:50:51 Mayor Johnson reported on the following: • Mayor Johnson said he appreciates the public comment received this evening. He feels it is also imperative for the public to become involved in budget and tax issues and meetings. • The Governor has called a special session for November 13, and 14. Mayor Johnson will be talking with several local legislatures, and has a call in to the Governor. • Nationally, he would ask everyone to pay attention to the tax reform bill introduced to Congress. He feels additional public comment would be helpful, and talked about his views on the bill. • City Council Election Day is tomorrow. K. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. Page 8 of 9 Kalispell City Council Minutes, November 6, 2017 Minutes approved on November 20, 2017 UPCOMING SCHEDULE / FOR YOUR INFORMATION Next Work Session — November 13, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers Next Regular Meeting — November 20, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers ®yy Lisp,& '✓0ie fI�ON� Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to attend this meeting. Please notify the City Clerk at 758-7756. Watch regular City Council sessions live on Charter Cable Channel 190 or online at the Meetin s on Demand tab at www.kalispell.com. Page 9 of 9