07-15-15 Urban Renewal Agency MinutesKalispell Urban Renewal Agency
Work Session July 15, 2015
In Attendance: M. Rold; M. McMahon; J. Zauner; D. Girardot; T. Jentz; J. Nygren; D. Kuhl;
W.Freeman; K. Thompson
Presentation made by Wayne Freeman of CTA on South Kalispell Urban Renewal District Plan:
This presentation was the first opportunity of the initial draft South Kalispell Urban Renewal
District Plan underway by CTA as contracted by the City of Kalispell. The final draft will be
completed by late September 2015.
Extensive public outreach was conducted by CTA staff who discovered that significant
differences of opinion regarding the existing City Airport persist in the community. A number of
new uses for the area were brought forward including, but not limited to, two potential school
developments, city dog park, business park development, park and ride facility and the potential
of repurposing the city shop site.
The planning process took into account property owner input, projected traffic increases, water
issues related to Ashley Creek overflow. It was noted that road improvements are needed on
both Cemetery and Airport Roads; a trail system could be developed along Highway 93 to tie
into existing trails and grant funding might make this viable; welcome signage is needed on the
south side of Kalispell (identified location near Alternate Route access on Highway 93).
Four basic options were offered in this initial report:
1. Keep City Airport, operated and maintained with City funding;
2. Close the Airport and all associated functions;
3. Request FAA funding for current airport alignment and operation; or
4. Transfer airport ownership and operation to an airport authority.
Current return on investment for the airport was calculated at an annual loss of 300%. A
proforma for each alternative was calculated and briefly discussed, with the exception of
projections for the fourth or airport authority alternative. All scenarios discussed demonstrated a
financial loss to the City.
Following the presentation it was agreed that the Urban Renewal Agency would schedule a
meeting to review the presentation and report in the coming weeks to be arranged. CTA was
asked to return for a work session of the URA for in-depth discussion on August 19, 2015, from
4 to 6 pm. Meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm.