Montana Commissioners Approve Support for Lakeside Water District and Kalispell Bypass Grant

The Flathead County Commissioner meeting held on January 2, 2025, addressed several key agenda items focused on community support and infrastructure development. The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding a letter of support for the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District's groundwater pollution control system permit. County Administrator Pete Mellon highlighted the partnership with Lakeside to treat 30,000 gallons of effluent produced in the valley. The open comment period for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) permit has been extended until February 10. Following a motion and a second, the commissioners unanimously approved the letter of support.

The next item on the agenda involved the adoption of Resolution Number 2626, which pertains to the City of Kalispell's application for a RAISE grant aimed at the Kalispell Bypass project from US 93 to Airport Road. Pete Olnick explained that this resolution is a reapplication for funding, as the city did not receive the grant in the previous year. After a brief discussion emphasizing the collaboration between federal, state, and city entities, the resolution was also approved unanimously.

The meeting concluded with the consideration of an employment agreement for Kathleen Rosenthal, who will fill a nurse practitioner position within the Flathead City County Health Department's family planning clinic. This position is a replacement for a vacancy rather than a new addition. The commissioners moved to approve the employment agreement without further discussion.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to environmental management and infrastructure improvement, alongside addressing staffing needs within public health services.