[{"_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",6227205,"mediaKeyId","3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3","parentId",3494019,"title","Council adopts 2025 Columbia Falls housing study","audioSeconds",60,"startMs",5976000,"endMs",6036000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3&start=5976&end=6036","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3/thumbnail_5976000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6227205/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Council-adopts-2025-Columbia-Falls-housing-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227205-a691f947d61842c38ee5509342f9a531/orig.mp4?Expires=1776713198&Signature=kaVxzRiJrchmDIkWuP~Z4nI2pz9rKvuwFWCwNtSNw-Zl1FY-7V9xNLDveP-nbPhfnkxDhrTWOaG2bA578U0-g1PvxJf0thPMl3dyxT7lXym~M~ps3-nETMP5vjF5SrQImGeHJS~o7mhY45EZw8mH0dBY~gN5i-dhmJkSJcYEnEl~JZA7EYXupkh9~DdF~BotFr95u3YnfZB9USpPIU-C~rEOdWM~1xr4SWJrWTfQ7vz4dv4xUZw1QGaOc6Xusn4LWxDo9PI5OdqME3Rze~Orl7VJwkxyTVN36haIixHS8-5XTfr2RlnpCFamDP78WayIJuDI8lS5PaR2bOlZwUMW8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Columbia Falls, MT","date","2025-05-24T16:32:04.767Z","article","The Columbia Falls City Council voted to adopt Resolution 1940, officially accepting the 2025 Columbia Falls housing study.

City staff described the study as a comprehensive review of local housing needs that focuses on primary residences and employee/family housing rather than second homes or short‑term rentals. The staff presentation noted the study will inform future housing‑related policy and planning work.

Council moved and seconded adoption of Resolution 1940; a roll‑call vote recorded support from council members and the mayor and the resolution was adopted. Staff will incorporate the study into planning materials and the budget and policy work going forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 19, 2025 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Columbia Falls City Council adopted Resolution 1940 formalizing the 2025 Columbia Falls housing study. Council voted to adopt the study during the meeting; staff said the study focuses on local housing needs rather than second homes or short‑term rentals.","taxTitle","Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana","taxId",68806,"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},6227211,"Columbia Falls council approves staff health‑insurance contribution rates as medical costs rise",188,5752000,5940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3&start=5752&end=5940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3/thumbnail_5752000.jpg","/articles/6227211/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Columbia-Falls-council-approves-staff-healthinsurance-contribution-rates-as-medical-costs-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227211-512d34b389cd947be1326168d92ac961/orig.mp4?Expires=1776713198&Signature=MwUw6-fdCYCc57lZictKqfTz1d9S5bxMMbGJnHGRNOsHTpH3ZFZMB3SXktcseymqtPCpvtyls2B2Jd3-7Zh6N9UmwrYqQAzYYE1fDX0aaOX-EIpRRDzHjqN0hLBoWxAIsifHq5ZdrmpBwpis1RrRW3CrK6rD-Jq~p~Kh2U7EnxNfdfBSwZ2gqd88tRRqJhMg3oTmoqhLb6sMfn~ipjoBXRptsjU1aDBfm7dJi1IC2r8~E-1ls27FDHYJvWlTakNm8lhD8zI~dUDm30ijeUje9WZYThrQ8X~PN6DWNBng7F1qcD6gKbmRDIGf6F~6evwSvKG7G5QMvDKkeW0ag6i37g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia Falls City Council approved the city staff insurance committee’s recommended monthly contribution schedule for employee health insurance for fiscal year 2026.

City staff reported the medical premium adjustment for the upcoming year is a 12.2% increase; combined with a prior 9% increase the staff presentation described a total increase of roughly 21% over the last two years. The city staff insurance committee — composed of the city manager, finance director and representatives of bargaining units and non‑represented staff — recommended continuing the city’s contribution approach and setting certain complementary deferred‑compensation terms for employees who decline city coverage.

Staff said the city currently contributes about $645,000 per year toward employee insurance and that the recommended FY26 rates would raise that contribution to approximately $714,265. Staff also noted that the permissive medical levy contributes roughly half of the city’s insurance requirement.

The council approved the recommendation by voice vote during the meeting. The city indicated open enrollment for the plans runs May 15–June 15 with coverage effective July 1.","Council approved city staff insurance committee recommendations for employee health insurance contributions for fiscal year 2026. The presentation cited a 12.2% medical premium increase for the year and a projected city contribution increase from $645,000 to $714,265.",{"_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},6227216,"Council authorizes nine‑hole disc golf course at Riverbend Park",1738,3976000,5714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3&start=3976&end=5714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3/thumbnail_3976000.jpg","/articles/6227216/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Council-authorizes-ninehole-disc-golf-course-at-Riverbend-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227216-015b74c37f65ac439ed2dd9f70034971/orig.mp4?Expires=1776713198&Signature=NFjGvmRYi98s1gANpCeAVlaBQSdOSOdWZ8774U2EAX~ddPDygOnI5SHTPlyZge0-UkLmheeD9YYzG4egtJPpHZFTG8CYYAO~-A1TLoSVIaqGimU1yGnpanJm7HawGaaCBLmhH5mnrlIwzW5zp-RdMneddZryA-z7HRzH56IDcjsSG-UXQgk6Jwn7BZWnqdgz5Vb1~zQIoFKvauZuxNBZYCMLEm11vX9AAUCYtOKZvJ1xrnP4gaWwpStBiJL0r4tANi7f3arInQnItvhfkRs8bxRy~dE0~AAL9kjDLApSt6R9kkCXWxbKy-Ku-sh2hMUKdsmJmWVAxH7S8AS1WhlGUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia Falls City Council authorized the Flathead Valley Disc Golf group to proceed with fundraising and construction of a nine‑hole disc golf course at Riverbend Park, following a parks‑committee recommendation to begin with a smaller, family‑oriented layout.

Julian, a Flathead Valley Disc Golf representative, presented a proposed nine‑hole layout designed to follow existing trails and minimize disturbance to the park’s natural character. He described the course as a family‑friendly option and said the group would fund the equipment and construction through donations and local sponsors.

\"We would like to provide them something here so they don't have to drive,\" Julian said, describing the goal of offering a nearby course so regional players would not need to travel to other communities. He explained baskets and tee pads would be installed to national‑style standards and said the club would coordinate construction with parks staff.

Council members and members of the parks committee raised questions about liability, parking and event impacts. Staff said park liability for general use is covered under the city's insurance similar to other park activities and that tournaments or special events would be handled through standard park permitting. The applicant said typical tournaments planned for the valley run small and that event organizers would work with the city on parking plans or carpool/shuttle options if needed.

The parks committee recommended starting with nine holes rather than the 18‑hole layout originally proposed; the design presented can later be expanded if the city and park staff support a larger layout. Council authorized the club to fundraise and construct the nine‑hole course and noted the city plans additional parking improvements in the park master plan.

The council requested a memorandum of understanding to define the club’s responsibilities (installation, periodic maintenance, event coordination) and the city’s responsibilities (mowing and periodic upkeep, permit oversight). The motion passed on a voice vote.","The Columbia Falls City Council authorized the Flathead Valley Disc Golf group to fundraise and construct a nine‑hole course at Riverbend Park, with parks staff to oversee maintenance and a memorandum of understanding to define responsibilities.",{"_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},6227221,"Columbia Falls approves Habitat for Humanity subdivision, zone change and growth‑policy amendment",3581,153000,3734000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3&start=153&end=3734","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494019-8f4a89c6ac467b8ae50447b764675ca3/thumbnail_153000.jpg","/articles/6227221/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Columbia-Falls-approves-Habitat-for-Humanity-subdivision-zone-change-and-growthpolicy-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227221-fe71486e365cf0f3ea8808b69c25b0f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776713198&Signature=lxv55wKuVxQmaVOnSUD~noUXdGHjriBs039jtFc0jMwDQ07iDYgDtqFynwwsGGJ8kDb2usONlB7HqQo2WpF0zoxbfGqXem4md-Q5tsdSYpoqls-2DcRpwPvleWBQx7qToOgwUJT3nEyrhXv0W4VoYm1UiqTVydVf0NoQZwg36FcjeqN8UPUjXxWcOVpZWpcY1iR-ffHKjE4O4Nosju94Lry7UDXAfZjt~CcG-N-iBhcX6iVCTXDwsnGy9JuHJx4OFMU7j7CbGYO-ezUYY2al8YNZoF4BIaM7Zaa4yHlVbohF0R6qKmhAV3AYQKJlBQLezsAkDWuWhOlYRZIQUlt-~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia Falls City Council voted to approve a growth‑policy amendment, a zone change and a preliminary plat allowing Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley to develop six single‑family homes on a city parcel adjacent to Railroad Avenue.

The plan commission reviewed the three related applications on May 8 and “recommended approval of these 3 applications unanimously,” City Planner Eric McKayheed said during the council presentation. The council subsequently adopted the staff reports as findings of fact and approved the amendment, zone change and preliminary plat by roll‑call votes with no recorded opposition.

The applications change the growth‑policy map designation from open space to urban residential, rezone the site from CB‑2 (general business) to R‑5 (residential two‑family classification) and establish a six‑lot preliminary plat. McKayheed told the council the change would “match much of what’s around it” and that the proposed single‑family lots match the density of surrounding blocks. He also summarized that the site is an infill parcel within city limits with no wetlands, floodplain or other environmental constraints identified in staff review.

A Habitat for Humanity representative told the council the organization plans modest, energy‑efficient houses and that the units would be priced in the $315,000–$400,000 range. “The houses that we will build … are 2 bedroom to 4 bedroom houses between 315 to $400,000 each,” the representative said, and added that Habitat homeowners participate in volunteer build hours and a mentorship program.

Staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to 15 conditions attached to the preliminary plat. Conditions listed by staff include construction substantially consistent with the preliminary plat, installation of a 5‑foot sidewalk along C Street East North and Fourth Avenue East North per Columbia Falls Public Works standards, securing public works permits for new access points, creation of a homeowners association responsible for long‑term maintenance of the common area, review and approval of water/sewer/stormwater plans by the Public Works Director and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, appointment of a certified engineer to inspect public infrastructure, utility installation requirements, and a three‑year expiration for the preliminary plat if final platting does not occur.

Council members asked staff to clarify stormwater and sidewalk expectations. McKayheed said no curb and gutter is required along C Street because the existing street lacks curb; the applicant must submit an on‑site stormwater management plan that ensures post‑development runoff does not exceed pre‑development rates. On maintenance questions, staff said the developer will maintain the park and common areas until buildout and turnover to the homeowners association, and that the city will not assume maintenance of the HOA pocket park unless otherwise agreed.

During public comment, several neighborhood residents and representatives praised Habitat’s work and raised questions about street conditions, snow storage and parking. Planning Commission Chairman Darren Fisher, who attended the commission meeting, reiterated the commission’s unanimous recommendation and emphasized that several commissioners had personal or direct connections to housing work in the community.

The council adopted the staff reports (GP‑25‑01, CZ‑25‑01 and CPP‑25‑01) as findings of fact and approved the growth‑policy amendment, zone change and preliminary plat. The council directed the city manager to prepare the appropriate resolutions and ordinances for subsequent meetings and to carry the 15 conditions forward into final plat review.","The Columbia Falls City Council approved a growth‑policy change, a zone change from CB‑2 to R‑5 and a preliminary plat to allow Habitat for Humanity to build six single‑family residences on a city parcel along Railroad Avenue. The plan commission recommended unanimous approval and the council attached standard conditions to the preliminary plat.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts 2025 Columbia Falls housing study

Columbia Falls council approves staff health‑insurance contribution rates as medical costs rise

Council authorizes nine‑hole disc golf course at Riverbend Park

Columbia Falls approves Habitat for Humanity subdivision, zone change and growth‑policy amendment