[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6567111,"mediaKeyId","3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a","parentId",3195052,"title","Votes at a glance: Kalispell City Council actions, May 5, 2025","audioSeconds",6891,"startMs",195000,"endMs",7086000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a&start=195&end=7086","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a/thumbnail_195000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6567111/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Votes-at-a-glance-Kalispell-City-Council-actions-May-5-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567111-b0ac4245d7043e2160a13919796b7d7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149060&Signature=VBwdqSpoT0xnQDSC9-D-LjpVVK6lrQ0iV9rpfczZAQFrufulOPVaYIrTLDHqQ~bvLSZ3GxvPBozif1B2LbIRPJfxneY-VrStVXrog6WSPIWBRy6SP0Vv2EtNV0M0qkR1~03fAgIbZ2nWDAZ1rep811Dp1ZOT5h9ye9RXK5XKBaHNGMnCJ4JKkb-tfhsrwEyejgIhI0Pr0yMAf3EFSIISsr~Btfjp8FKMPoy7xUk6FoWJFN9z7bioHJ3bTCUO5d9~TXSZhpEGl-QQ9Y2p7jfWYMoQmPZZ1EfMJVRb8g8yC5bmAX46jsAtcPhZWmVLvpOpjaHK71-LgmzpEgvTg1FyOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kalispell, MT","date","2025-05-06T03:07:15.93Z","article","Below are the formal actions taken by the Kalispell City Council on May 5, 2025. Where available, motions, movers/seconders (as stated in the transcript) and roll-call vote tallies are included.

1) Consent agenda — Approved
Motion: Approve consent agenda (city council minutes from April 14 and April 21; bid award for Third Street East Improvement Project)
Details: Bid award for Third Street East Improvement Project to Knife River Corporation for $677,677 was included on the consent agenda and approved.
Mover/Second: Councilor Nunley moved; Mr. Fisher seconded (as recorded in the transcript).
Vote: Motion carries (ayes recorded aloud); no further roll-call recorded in transcript for consent.

2) Ordinance 19-35 — Junk vehicles (second reading) — Approved
Motion: Adopt Ordinance 19-35 amending Kalispell Municipal Code Chapter 19 (offenses miscellaneous) section 19-36 on junk vehicles on private property.
Mover/Second: Councilor Gabriel moved; Councilor Fisher seconded.
Vote (roll call): Hunter — No; Nunnally — Aye; Gabriel — Aye; Graham — Aye; Dowd — No; Dahlmann — No; Fisher — Aye; Mayor Johnson — Aye. Outcome: Approved.
Notes: Council heard concerns about enforcement impacts on low-income residents; councilors referred to county programs and local tow/wrecking-yard arrangements as mitigation.

3) Ordinance 19-36 — Community decay (second reading, amended) — Approved
Motion: Adopt Ordinance 19-36 amending Kalispell Municipal Code Chapter 11 (garbage, refuse and weeds) Article 5 (community decay), as amended to revise an exemption provision.
Mover/Second: Councilor Graham moved the ordinance; Councilor Gabriel seconded. An amendment by Councilor Hunter revised subsection f(2)(c) to read “maintained and cultivated gardens or landscaping”; the amendment passed by roll-call. The amended ordinance then passed by roll-call.
Vote (final roll call): Hunter — No; Nunnally — Aye; Gabriel — Aye; Graham — Aye; Dowd — No; Dahlmann — No; Fisher — Aye; Mayor Johnson — Aye. Outcome: Approved as amended.
Notes: Council debated notification/enforcement timelines and concerns about neighbor complaints and aesthetic standards.

4) Resolution 62-51 — Annexation (MDT site at 2905 Highway 93 North) — Approved
Motion: Adopt resolution 62-51 annexing Tract 2, Certificate of Survey 8673 into the City of Kalispell.
Mover/Second: Councilor Dowd moved; Mr. Fisher seconded.
Vote (roll call): Unanimous aye. Outcome: Approved.

5) Ordinance 19-37 — Zoning (first reading for MDT site) — Approved (first reading)
Motion: Zone the annexed property P-1 public (Ordinance 19-37), consistent with the Kalispell growth policy.
Mover/Second: Councilor Gabriel moved; Councilor Nunley seconded.
Vote (roll call): Unanimous aye. Outcome: First reading passed.

6) Conditional Use Permit KCU-25-02 (MDT combination facility) — Approved
Motion: Approve the conditional-use permit to allow construction of the MDT maintenance facility at 2905 Highway 93 North subject to nine conditions (amendment added on right-of-way dedication language and screening locations to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee).
Mover/Second: Councilor Gabriel moved; Councilor Graham seconded.
Vote (roll call): Unanimous aye. Outcome: Approved.

7) Resolution 62-52 — Aspen Creek West preliminary plat extension — Approved
Motion: Approve a two-year extension to the Aspen Creek West preliminary plat for 60 residential lots (31 detached single-family lots and 29 townhomes) at 523 Mile Drive.
Mover/Second: Councilor Graham moved; Councilor Gabriel seconded.
Vote (roll call): Unanimous aye. Outcome: Approved.

8) Resolution 62-53 — Intent to set public hearing for Main Street concept design (Safe Streets for All grant) — Approved (sets hearing)
Motion: Set a public hearing for May 19, 2025 to consider public input on the Main Street concept design and whether to proceed with a Safe Streets for All implementation grant application.
Mover/Second: Councilor Dowd moved; Councilor Gabriel seconded.
Vote (roll call): Unanimous aye. Outcome: Public hearing set for May 19.

9) Resolution 62-54 — Parks and Recreation fee updates — Approved
Motion: Amend park reservation and recreation fees (including an 8% increase to pool fees and structural changes to park reservation fee schedule) as presented in staff recommendations.
Mover/Second: Motion recorded; second recorded in transcript.
Vote (roll call): Unanimous aye. Outcome: Approved.
Notes: Staff said approximately 27,000 participants used recreation programs since July 1 of the prior year; council discussed fee frequency and impacts on families.

10) Recommendation to award 4 Mile Drive Path Project — Approved (contingent)
Motion: Authorize award of the base-bid contract to Straud's Contracting in the amount of $1,054,906 contingent upon MDT approval and TA grant funding availability.
Vote (roll call): Unanimous aye. Outcome: Award approved contingent on MDT action; city to provide approximately $46,000 additional local match from a combination of parks cash-in-lieu funds and general-fund contingency if required.

Votes taken at this meeting match the formal items on the agenda and recorded roll-call tallies where provided in the transcript. If additional documentation is needed (full minutes, ordinance text, or resolution exhibits) those are available in the city clerk’s official record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/5/25 Kalispell City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of council votes and formal actions at the May 5 meeting, including ordinances, resolutions, contract awards and planning approvals.","taxTitle","Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana","taxId",61441,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567114,"Kalispell awards 4 Mile Drive path contract despite bids above estimate; city to cover roughly $46,000 shortfall",612,6228000,6840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a&start=6228&end=6840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a/thumbnail_6228000.jpg","/articles/6567114/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Kalispell-awards-4-Mile-Drive-path-contract-despite-bids-above-estimate-city-to-cover-roughly-46000-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567114-5e39f4e3ad5879d1d25852b016c33b54/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149060&Signature=Jqd0rWQrg3zz0tmpoHux0clIwxZqMadmcf5829gh36jRt-5U10aR4dY1o29GdmDtPKdIu4GECCJ~s92fcvyKoXZ9SZ1Gs8gdBUcxKM8uk5cQpzcO9X-Xdr8w1aGFjGPNRq5zEa6tIlhemZDTDosGqw8SPpIrHcp54MjsQbJ-Qa6m88SES86HyflxvhrLB8povZBdlcHK1zbEZA0r1psORQQ7-1bcE4rwMyMxZSppIV8PVGxxE2B3PsoJVEJ31VXsS7VeS5DJBJNRjKVlQw3uTou3q4JIeXE8h02OA47nadVqFDgU0lyp6qqPe0zLhIQrd7sYid0FwwZbJBBMGgarvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Kalispell awarded the 4 Mile Drive Path Project Monday, approving a $1,054,906 base-bid contract to Straud's Contracting contingent on Montana Department of Transportation approval and availability of additional TA grant funding.

Bidding results exceeded the engineer’s estimate. City staff and the engineering consultant revised the engineer’s estimate upward to bring it within the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program’s allowable margin (15% of bids). The project includes curb-and-gutter work, a multi-use path, a retaining wall and handrail in constrained areas, plus a proposed raised crosswalk to calm traffic at Champion Way.

Why it matters: the project will connect an existing multiuse path at Kids Sports to 4 Mile Drive, close a gap that now forces pedestrians and bicyclists into a discontinuous route and create a safer, continuous connection for nearby neighborhoods. Staff said the work is particularly timely because recent subdivision development has increased pedestrian and neighborhood traffic in the corridor.

Costs and funding: public-works staff said the lowest responsive bid was roughly $1.055 million. The TA grant originally covered the majority of the project; the city must provide local match. Because the bids were higher than the earlier estimate, staff said MDT preliminarily indicated additional TA funds could likely cover the increase if the city provides an added local match of about $46,000. Staff recommended using a combination of unallocated parks cash-in-lieu funds (approximately $18,000) and general-fund contingency to cover the city share.

Bidding options considered: staff outlined three options after the bids came in: (1) revise the engineer’s estimate and request additional TA funding (recommended); (2) reject and rebid (staff said the three lowest bids were within 9% of one another, suggesting market prices are consistent); or (3) reject and terminate the project (which would require repaying about $60,000 in federal funds already spent). Council approved option 1 and authorized award contingent on MDT approval.

Council comments: Councilors said the connection is a safety priority for growing neighborhoods near 4 Mile Drive, and several members expressed reluctance to delay the project. Councilor Hunter called the connection “a really important safety feature.” Several council members said they disliked tapping contingency funds but accepted it given the safety need and the unanticipated bid results.

Next steps: staff will negotiate minor value-engineering items (for example, reducing stamped-concrete details or using a lighter-gauge handrail subject to MDT approval) and finalize agreements with MDT on additional TA funding and any required easement or right-of-way adjustments. Construction timing will follow MDT approvals and contractor scheduling.

Provenance: Project background, bid results and staff recommendation appear in the transcript starting with the public-works presentation (transcript block starting at 6228.5903) and continue through the council motion to award and roll-call vote (transcript blocks from 6800.9497 to 7084.215).","Council approved awarding the Transportation Alternatives-funded 4 Mile Drive Path Project to Straud's Contracting for $1,054,906 after bids exceeded the original estimate; staff said the city will cover about $46,000 in additional local match if MDT approves the higher grant allocation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567117,"City annexes MDT site on Highway 93 North, approves P-1 zoning and conditional-use permit",811,3894000,4705000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a&start=3894&end=4705","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a/thumbnail_3894000.jpg","/articles/6567117/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/City-annexes-MDT-site-on-Highway-93-North-approves-P-1-zoning-and-conditional-use-permit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567117-f11ec10bf749cf4bacaeacf537142f01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149060&Signature=Np1NMfse5KdgrPQc~JqBwNGzn78ZmqV5npTRfJl1gPyORXMLxZn6HeiEUaDZNb~CdHoIXXYN9NoF7ZxzcjlJ8AlaoYCAPPCWIKIKtDIeoj8dI2UmQBcQSy71xCQySJZxchfCcHQ3i0d-GtPVvz-mQqAqsRtDySciptNvlYDGeQ~meSy2N6Aewqz5Li81lauG~xFd4m~cRsmKvAu40eYfNysmh4I8-I4nRoTR0nBpP5IZtEXBA1OhZYH~-yVUXvEAHQLPkgCG074zVOGxOP9LDhflkxd6TVScgTxVMPllA-nv2vjVB6c0t6rUbM6ouLH-V6F1BXn4oqCajoT5qWwCXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalispell City Council unanimously approved three related actions Monday to allow the Montana Department of Transportation to expand an existing maintenance facility at 2905 Highway 93 North: a resolution to annex the property, a first reading to zone the site P-1 (public), and a conditional-use permit to allow a new combination building.

The actions: Council voted to approve resolution 62-51 to annex Tract 2, Certificate of Survey 8673 into the city, passed ordinance 19-37 on first reading to change zoning from Flathead County SAG-10 to city P-1 public, and approved conditional-use permit KCU-25-02 to permit construction of an approximately 28,400-square-foot building combining equipment storage, mechanics and welding under one roof.

Why it matters: MDT’s plan will relocate mechanics and welding functions from the department’s downtown site to the new facility, consolidate maintenance operations and retain material storage (salt, sand) on the southern portion of the property. The proposal includes a public street extension (Quail Lane) to reduce direct access onto Highway 93 and a 30-foot landscape buffer and a 10-foot path along the highway frontage intended to satisfy entrance-corridor requirements.

Staff presentation: PJ Sorensen, assistant director of development services, described utilities available on three sides of the parcel and said the project’s design includes a 60-foot right-of-way for the Quail Lane extension, sidewalks and a landscape boulevard. Sorensen said MDT indicated legal staff had concerns about dedicating state land to the city and recommended a condition that, if state law prohibits dedication, a public road and utility easement be granted instead; that amendment was recommended by the planning commission and forwarded to council.

Council and commission considerations: Planning staff and the commission recommended maintaining or replacing existing screening fencing and having the Architectural Review Committee review screening locations. Councilors expressed regret the use is not a more aesthetically pleasing future development for that growth corridor but noted MDT has long-term operational needs and has been a reliable neighbor.

Vote and next steps: Each item passed by roll-call vote: annexation (resolution 62-51), zoning ordinance 19-37 (first reading passed), and the conditional-use permit (KCU-25-02) were all approved without recorded opposition. Technical design details (hydrant locations, stormwater, final right-of-way configurations and MDT legal dedication language) will be finalized through engineering and intergovernmental review before construction.

Provenance: The staff presentation and planning details appear in the transcript beginning with a staff handoff to PJ Sorensen (transcript block starting at 3894.7952) and continue through council votes on the annexation, zoning and conditional-use permit (transcript blocks around 4682.655 and 4767.915 and 5027.48).","The council unanimously approved annexation of MDT’s property at 2905 Highway 93 North, rezoned it to P-1 public and granted a conditional use permit for a combined maintenance facility that will consolidate mechanics, welding and material storage.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567119,"Kalispell council sets public hearing on Main Street Safe Streets plan after mixed public comments",4883,747000,5630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a&start=747&end=5630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195052-fcaf969f0d1f422b18021ce30db45d0a/thumbnail_747000.jpg","/articles/6567119/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Kalispell-council-sets-public-hearing-on-Main-Street-Safe-Streets-plan-after-mixed-public-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567119-047f1794c766fd79b6074b0b484589ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149060&Signature=iJQ7~CB0ULRADvZ4K6lVXbm0Efp-WxpvtbKG-4YtohIhBolxUlBK8b6kZl5Peby~g-15fJjEe7BrPyehZ814ObNfbEZAjH7vZdQ5Vn4RLug~vEH9gi02gsrZhvzkHox-PhwaTpIDYM7THo4W7MIfd837avD0A8nIgIHUBB6dLikzMhMZnLMAvNlhyFAuAWpLCtY568mqiOB1bW-hn2zkG~LuzcPtGnFddMUcfgZx77JfRj~5XyJ8oYXeKuY3-jGtm68eTJjx1k3rEg35SmEgykMabGUi1CjsIs1KQKL7zDlY876hYP4gGVy0mSRbEZ-x7jYFici6STjv3zFtpTzQAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalispell City Council voted unanimously Monday to set a public hearing for May 19 on the Main Street concept design and whether to pursue a Safe Streets for All implementation grant.

The hearing follows extensive public comment both supporting and criticizing parts of the plan, including proposed lane reductions, widened sidewalks and snow-removal concerns. Supporters said the design could make downtown more walkable and help local businesses. Opponents warned of construction impacts, reduced access for deliveries and uncertain snow-management plans.

Why it matters: the grant would fund safety and design work on downtown Main Street that proponents say could improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and help revitalize downtown. Council members said a formal hearing will allow the city to collect public input and put concerns on the record before any application decision.

Several downtown business owners and residents spoke during the public-comment period. Amber Roper, owner of Nature Baby Outfitter at 35 South Main, said she supports accepting federal funds to make downtown more “safe and accessible” for families and seniors and to help local businesses. Roper said narrow sidewalks and limited parking make downtown “uninviting” and that reinvestment is needed to prevent more small businesses from closing.

Paul Roybal, who identified himself as an owner of several downtown properties including Stockman Bank and The Lemon Tree, urged the council to separate safety goals from broader revitalization goals and suggested alternative uses of grant funds — for example, installing fire-suppression lines in older downtown buildings so they can be used for restaurants and upstairs housing.

Property owners and long-time residents expressed doubts about lane reductions and wider sidewalks. Dale Harr, a former council member, said years of past Main Street reconstruction were financially painful for merchants and warned that narrowing four lanes to two and expanding sidewalks could stress existing businesses. Ken Yakachek, owner of Depot Park Square, said downtown has not substantially changed since the late 1990s and urged careful consideration before major redesigns.

Speakers raised operational concerns that the council and staff say were addressed in a recent consultant presentation. Councilor Gabrielle encouraged residents to review the consultant work session materials online, saying the meeting addressed snow-removal strategies, sidewalk-width rationale and parking options. Council members and staff repeatedly noted that diagonal parking is not part of the current plan and that the grant can be used only for transportation- and pedestrian-safety-related improvements.

What council said: Council members from both sides of the issue urged residents to attend the May 19 public hearing to record their views. Councilor Hunter said he is interested in hearing more from the public; Councilor Dowd and others pressed residents to review the consultant presentation before the hearing.

Next steps: The council will hold the public hearing May 19, then decide whether to proceed with a grant application. If the city applies and is awarded funds, the grant would be restricted to the stated Safe Streets for All purposes and must be used according to the grant terms.

Provenance: The public comments on Main Street appear in the transcript beginning with Dale Harr’s remarks about Main Street history (transcript block starting at 747.295) and continue through staff and council discussion about setting the public hearing and describing the consultant presentation and snow-removal questions (transcript block at 5592.145).","Council set a May 19 public hearing on a Safe Streets for All implementation grant for a proposed Main Street redesign after more than a dozen citizens and business owners commented for and against aspects of the plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Kalispell City Council actions, May 5, 2025

Kalispell awards 4 Mile Drive path contract despite bids above estimate; city to cover roughly $46,000 shortfall

City annexes MDT site on Highway 93 North, approves P-1 zoning and conditional-use permit

Kalispell council sets public hearing on Main Street Safe Streets plan after mixed public comments