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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 -
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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