[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6477376,"mediaKeyId","5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675","parentId",5711648,"title","Council approves school short‑term parking permits and authorizes SRF reimbursement resolution","audioSeconds",11891,"startMs",1928000,"endMs",13819000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675&start=1928&end=13819","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675/thumbnail_1928000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6477376/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Council-approves-school-shortterm-parking-permits-and-authorizes-SRF-reimbursement-resolution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477376-dcbd3c75e6cc4dfe89ec57e68b6b8271/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448384&Signature=Q3bYIDfXzIWOI9Yq3ri10z1z6aEclhZtLbd-GASQp9pucj-JVawUNP1PY7R0FzfUtcuCLFP518XKB5EOwjKl7wx7JRD0fXL5-SbWNzqCgRXjotr7LU1S9y3LgHcI1dTKOgjZVs1tIS1DYi3K-iCixtgZBbTrb-X9hfeEzUoPhpXjbhBoqShWo0m9TaLhdUphuk6rP94sMmXTmOR2bDM29O6l900BIPLSXlLPeMhzxwEICTn85obDdrIyljYLqWuMoXvGS73rI7xB-VsJKE7zYG~XwZSW5fJ7U4df9eC3EC0QYNilogaZx6sRDeOyla4TSZEdQCx4q70dt8DYBpIZVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kalispell, MT","date","2025-09-03T05:24:49.66Z","article","Kalispell — The council unanimously adopted an ordinance to allow administrative short‑term parking permits for K–12 schools and approved a resolution authorizing the city to incur preliminary expenditures for water system projects that may be reimbursed from a future State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing.

Ordinance 19‑42: City staff said the ordinance clarifies the definition of \"school\" (K–12, including private schools) and enables staff to permit short‑term loading/unloading zones administratively rather than requiring council action for each request. The ordinance also removes certain parking restrictions in front of hedges to allow the permit process in those locations. Council members described the change as a procedural streamlining to make government more efficient; the ordinance passed by roll call.

Resolution 62‑92: The council also approved a financing resolution that allows the city to incur project costs in advance of issuing SRF tax‑exempt bonds and later reimburse those costs from loan proceeds when bonds are issued. Staff said the measure mirrors a prior SRF authorization for wastewater dewatering and lets the city proceed with early work while final financing is arranged. The resolution passed unanimously by roll call.

Ending: Both measures passed without public opposition at the meeting. Staff will proceed with implementing an administrative permit process for school short‑term parking and continue SRF financing preparations for water system projects.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","9/2/25 Kalispell City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted Ordinance 19‑42 to allow administrative short‑term parking permits for K–12 schools and passed a resolution authorizing preliminary expenditures to be reimbursed by a future State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan for water system projects, both by unanimous roll call.","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},6477381,"Kalispell council names youth athletic complex for longtime volunteer Dan Johns",222,192000,414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675&start=192&end=414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675/thumbnail_192000.jpg","/articles/6477381/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Kalispell-council-names-youth-athletic-complex-for-longtime-volunteer-Dan-Johns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477381-f2a8098a22ba06b131e64a71e1ba95bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448384&Signature=js9oxDKu9~yrTqVeChiegXB~~kp0dsL6FE7jSJQ1qAVtVt500oWRP76I54KTF0aDz-rBhnb9ZOCV~aZ5Avt5bE9WJsWKrWKiIqOPpULQtu-f9qDj2xBXGbCilJXT17quzY3No0R9gs5wfRPryUG9QzVK50pXQoRbmOoOPSrg9l7LhlwEhmOSL66-4eJ4AUYePQ36JHUiMttUpDvtUICRz8UYcP5RC7itGw-Lskc8gzqAwWjQ2zzpfZxEjw51b1ZVE4kpryqC5vcbgWsTTAdk~qfX1ZLg65mrk3VQ8uAfIBIyEEVqokfNY2F81MaUxeyBRfbhicoKEh~7ZC28I-TvVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kalispell — The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution renaming the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex to honor longtime volunteer and contributor Dan Johns.

Why it matters: The renaming recognizes an individual the kids sports board and community members credited with years of work on the complex; a number of residents and councilors offered praise before the roll‑call vote.

City staff introduced Resolution 62‑89 following a prior work session and a formal request from local youth‑sports representatives. Staff noted the measure would \"cement\" the facility’s name change in city records. A public commenter, Roy Beekman (241 Commons Way), asked the council to pass the resolution; he told councilors that Dan Johns was in poor health and that the family was following the meeting.

Councilor Hunter moved adoption of the resolution, saying, in part, that \"Mister Johns gave his heart and soul to the youth athletic complex,\" and urged colleagues to vote affirmatively. The council voted by roll call; every member present voted aye and the mayor declared the motion carried.

Ending: The council’s vote designates the facility as the Dan Johns Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex in city records. Staff will update signs and official references in coordination with the parks department.","Council adopted Resolution 62‑89 to rename the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex as the Dan Johns Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex to honor his longtime volunteer service; the resolution passed unanimously after public comment and brief council remarks.",{"_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},6477386,"Council annexes Ashley Creek acreage, rezones parcels to create Ashley Creek Park",750,2146000,2896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675&start=2146&end=2896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675/thumbnail_2146000.jpg","/articles/6477386/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Council-annexes-Ashley-Creek-acreage-rezones-parcels-to-create-Ashley-Creek-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477386-e2dce5edfec55b18702eee7e9a315188/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448384&Signature=EvG5Q5MbAxITI-po9TwPBYx2XTcDMod0IfSgE5OxJIUswEd5MwIGabaNmvhuJPQEMbl3H1C3dRCZ64Z7l1cCsKltkJpcysonqi5WiQ4rvgf-A84hscMcfebcqzC2hz4EYCEyClZ~i4y6f94b6-9vlvZATwEMgsJral495osFGziWHrxwl6uVp5cScRaCJY7gHfo~giOymBQDhns1sFwhRjlOicP~J~LlJPVp16X2q8dBsy3ukPgmuj~OgmuHpXbCih-pBsW7Eh6gTgtmAmjiIq6UADXwABEv~MIBg6gIVNxevQo1h-HVQVQN7t7d6wxYOTvkwBlcgTjITo3F8o8GdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kalispell — The City Council voted to annex 25.7 acres along Ashley Creek and to rezone roughly 10.5 acres to P‑1 (public) to create what city staff and property owners described as a contiguous Ashley Creek Park and riparian corridor protection area.

Why it matters: The annexation and rezoning put land into city jurisdiction and dedicate it for public park uses that staff and the planning commission say align with the city’s growth policy and conservation goals. Public comment focused on maintenance funding, impacts on city services, and concerns about homeless encampments and public safety.

City staff described the joint application from Bibler Resources Company and the City of Kalispell. Planner Donny McBath said the land includes the Ashley Creek corridor, formerly industrial mill property that now functions as open space, and that the P‑1 zoning would allow permanent public parkland, trails and related civic uses.

Staff recommended annexation and initial P‑1 zoning for parcels identified at 301 Fenway and adjacent Bibler parcels; the planning commission forwarded a positive recommendation subject to findings of fact. McBath told the council that utilities are adjacent and that the city expects minimal new day‑to‑day service demand because the land will remain open space. He also noted the city purchased part of the YTAC property and that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) exists covering future integration of some city‑owned parcels into the park plan.

Public comments were generally supportive but included questions about who will fund ongoing maintenance and long‑term repairs. Speaker Kyle Voitlander thanked the council and supporters for moving the park forward but asked who will fund maintenance in 10 years if the park is constructed with private funds. Several residents raised similar questions about future responsibility for trails, maintenance and public‑safety resources. Staff said the details of permanent funding and endowments are still being worked out and that, to date, the Bibler family or associated private funding would provide initial development while the city holds an MOU covering future uses.

Councilors said this action is a first step to protect the riparian corridor and allow the city to coordinate trails and stewardship; further action on funding, park design and agreements will follow. The council adopted Resolution 62‑90 (annexation) and approved Ordinances 19‑43 and 19‑44 (initial P‑1 zoning and rezoning) by roll call votes.

Ending: The annexation and rezoning create a legal framework for Ashley Creek Park and riparian protection; staff and the property owners will return with details on funding, management and the park design before construction of trails or public amenities.","The council approved annexation of about 25.7 acres and rezoned an additional 10.5 acres to P‑1 public to create a contiguous Ashley Creek Park; the project is planned to be privately funded with an MOU for use of some city‑owned property, and council and residents discussed long‑term maintenance funding and public‑safety concerns.",{"_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},6477391,"Kalispell council approves Silverbrook Village PUD amendment allowing 198 condos, mixed commercial space",1234,482000,1716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675&start=482&end=1716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675/thumbnail_482000.jpg","/articles/6477391/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Kalispell-council-approves-Silverbrook-Village-PUD-amendment-allowing-198-condos-mixed-commercial-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477391-9aaa08b21b507beecaecdfdbe4735b78/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448384&Signature=A7lhZniuPMjBdOctBjnzYAGvmhCGHKF7IiFKTuQjLDYh-iGWOpQRLodQbVWGlQnSSHt60HOQVT9bBpyZMj3jFA1bK33oiPrbF9YyFN1oE35cOhgozDaCCoRw0sP82BDXg7ERz7h4pfolhpzcpIRe8wbvnIqPhAn7SjOroC1NQJfRNnDTkO8tnXD9erzfi50-RmWOyz1EiVwcY9SVHmraAuaiT3Zqs7W3LeGmlfuDMMzPP05Xs~7AkEK5rcNjRZiUh86nzGXPMtErKJIQkgDbhRDv0ucfYLoR3fD9vum1HfSqGjU9s3NN-vxX9fmKNayLH337efV392WGTM4BFt1tvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kalispell — The City Council voted to approve an amendment to the Silverbrook Village Planned Unit Development that increases allowed density on two lots to accommodate roughly 198 condominium units and neighborhood commercial uses, after staff and a project consultant said services and access are available and after residents raised concerns about drainage, emergency access and neighborhood character.

Why it matters: The approval increases the overall maximum unit count allowed in the Silverbrook PED from the existing approvals and will bring more ownership‑style housing into a growth node near Highway 93 and Church Drive. Council and staff said the proposal is substantially consistent with the city’s growth policy but must meet a list of conditions, including traffic mitigation tied to Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) criteria.

Assistant Director PJ Sorensen and staff described the proposal and its consistency with Kalispell’s growth policy and zoning. Sorensen said the 11.7‑acre parcel (addresses listed in staff materials) is already zoned B‑1 neighborhood business with a PUD overlay; the amendment would keep the underlying zoning and increase approved residential density, adding mixed‑use buildings with commercial on the ground floor and housing above.

Staff noted the property lies within the Whitefish School District, the project would provide about 16.9 units per acre overall for the amended area, and that the PED allows higher densities in its “neighborhood commercial/high‑density residential node.” The project layout shows smaller two‑unit buildings toward the single‑family edge and larger buildings adjacent to Highway 93, with pedestrian connections and a proposed tie‑in to a nearby bike path.

A traffic impact study prepared by WGM Group (June 2025) recommended constructing an eastbound right‑turn lane at the US‑93 southbound ramp and Church Drive intersection based on MDT criteria; staff said approval from MDT would be required to construct that improvement. The applicant is also required to implement any mitigation necessary to maintain city service levels at impacted intersections.

Public comment included opposition to higher density from several residents and neighborhood stakeholders citing past drainage, snow‑storage and emergency‑vehicle concerns. Kyle Voitlander, a local candidate who lives in the West Side/Ward 3 area, urged councilors to reject denser development in areas “that can’t handle it,” citing local flooding and snow storage issues in parts of Silverbrook. Multiple residents echoed concerns about stormwater and emergency access.

Mike Bridal, deputy with Gem Group and a project consultant, clarified that the application is an amendment to the PUD and does not seek a zone change. He said the residential proposal would actually yield less impervious surface than the previously proposed commercial plan for those lots. Bridal also noted the applicant’s traffic analysis found residential trips comparable to the earlier commercial scenario, with a small difference in morning/evening peak trips.

Council members discussed PUD flexibility and the role of private applicants bringing projects forward. After questions to staff about drainage complaints and fire response, the council adopted the ordinance amending the Silverbrook PUD (Ordinance 19‑41) by roll call vote; the planning commission had forwarded a recommendation of approval subject to 21 conditions.

Ending: The council approved the PUD amendment; the approvals are conditioned on the planning commission’s listed conditions, future design review, public‑works review of drainage capacity and any MDT‑required traffic mitigation. The project will return to staff for building permits and infrastructure review under those conditions.","Council approved an amendment to the Silverbrook Village Planned Unit Development to allow about 198 residential condominium units and roughly 20,400 sq ft of neighborhood business space on roughly 11.7 acres, subject to the planning commission’s 21 conditions and future traffic mitigation coordinated with MDT.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6477395,"Kalispell council annexes North Meadows parcel but rejects proposed 99‑unit apartment plan",141,3156000,3297000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675&start=3156&end=3297","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711648-e2df4a8503d35944b3b63bb7a1c8d675/thumbnail_3156000.jpg","/articles/6477395/Kalispell/Flathead-County/Montana/Kalispell-council-annexes-North-Meadows-parcel-but-rejects-proposed-99unit-apartment-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477395-9707159bd169febb0b9f9312f4b746e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448384&Signature=oZRIj~S8XC3b1o2rNwn-DKjQtG5aUlEdv7rJOvMj-R3FshLk0NUoknrHCOv9nKbkQwZxXbSPnyfD8yjcya8WI7WfiqUib4DW3GpKdIL-PF8hWYggRMw6BZ18CiCWrm-sudmlPA8VMTmUVkcT~4a0z8~uAU8u9jB~aytVDSmVyaeh5Q-Siq9XlRfR8HqxNwGTJeRnueWX~kXLB0QrkK~ZmuFzCixWhSVIoCYrJ2Sn8jhbsnA6~9BPf~ZdCkcL5-rlIUclIVwG5futTEIDOomudeqFCwXSzPiE0cz-Kb2Rlpd9LkmWtBpYE9BtfxLtbCkSz3yW4IhHHJUg2y3l6EwGqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kalispell — The City Council voted to annex a 12.13‑acre parcel known as North Meadows and to adopt residential zoning that favors single‑family/duplex development, but the council denied a conditional use permit for a proposed 99‑unit apartment development after more than three hours of public comment and technical testimony.

The action on annexation (Resolution 62‑91) and the zoning ordinance (Ordinance 19‑45, amended on the council floor to R‑4 residential) clears the property to be served by city utilities while blocking the developer’s requested RA‑1/multifamily configuration. The council then voted to deny the conditional use permit for a 99‑unit multifamily project.

Why it matters: Residents said the site’s single access, neighborhood street widths, documented groundwater and drainage problems, and proximity to Ashley Creek and a wildland‑urban interface create unacceptable public‑safety and environmental risk for a high‑density project. Councilors said they wanted a development path that better matches the surrounding single‑family neighborhood and preserves options for trail connections and riparian protection.

City planner Donny McBath presented staff analysis and the planning commission’s recommendation, telling the council, “Tonight, we are presenting the annexation and conditional use permit request for the North Meadows multifamily.” McBath said the planning commission recommended approval of annexation, zoning and the CUP subject to 20 conditions after receiving supplemental traffic and geotechnical materials.

Staff and consultants outlined technical findings: an independent traffic impact study found the project would generate about 667 trips per day (the consultant’s distribution was roughly 70% eastbound and 30% westbound), increasing average daily traffic on Bluestone Drive from about 1,000 vehicles to roughly 1,500 vehicles per day. Public‑works figures cited an available fire flow of about 2,300 gallons per minute at the nearest hydrant and downstream sewer capacity described by staff as having roughly 167 gallons per minute remaining; the project was estimated to add under 50 gallons per minute during peak hour. A geotechnical report said 11 borings encountered groundwater about 12–15 feet below grade and recommended slab‑on‑grade foundations with a design bearing capacity around 2,000 pounds per square foot.

Dozens of neighbors and technical witnesses urged the council to deny the multifamily plan. Common concerns included narrow local streets without sidewalks, seasonal drainage and standing water, prior slope movement and bank erosion along Ashley Creek, the neighborhood’s single ingress/egress, and school capacity.

“Rankin Elementary…is over capacity,” resident and educator Ricky Moffett told the council, adding the district already faces staffing and space pressures. Multiple speakers said Bluestone Drive lacks sidewalks and that adding hundreds of daily trips will create pedestrian safety hazards for children and trail users. Several residents also cited past localized flooding and a nearby historic slope failure as evidence the site has geotechnical risk.

The applicant’s technical representative, Toby McIntosh of Jacola Engineering, told council members that many of the CUP conditions are standard and intended to ensure the project built as reviewed, and he noted the development would provide impact‑fee payments the applicant estimated at roughly $414,000 to offset service impacts.

After lengthy council discussion, members proposed an amendment to the zoning ordinance changing the requested RA‑1 designation to R‑4 (single‑family and duplex residential) to better match neighborhood character. The council adopted the amendment by roll call and then approved the zoning ordinance as amended. The council subsequently voted to deny the conditional use permit for multifamily housing as incompatible with the newly adopted R‑4 zoning.

Council votes and motions (reported from roll calls): Resolution 62‑91 (annexation) passed (Yes: Nunnally, Carlson, Graham, Hunter, Mayor Johnson; No: Dahlmann, Fisher). Ordinance 19‑45 was amended on the floor to R‑4 and passed as amended. The conditional use permit for the 99‑unit multifamily project was denied on a roll‑call motion.

What’s next: Annexation and R‑4 zoning are now in place; any developer wishing to pursue housing on the site would have to submit proposals consistent with the R‑4 zone (subdivision or duplex/townhome designs would require separate review). Council members and residents said they want to pursue pedestrian and trail improvements, stormwater protections, and riparian buffers in future planning steps.

Ending note: The council’s actions preserve the city’s ability to extend services while rejecting a high‑density multifamily configuration for the site. Multiple residents and several councilors urged follow‑up work — including sidewalk planning and riparian protections — before future development applications are accepted.","City Council voted to annex the North Meadows site and adopt an R‑4 residential zoning amendment but denied a conditional use permit for a proposed 99‑unit apartment complex after extended public testimony raising traffic, drainage, wildfire and school‑capacity concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves school short‑term parking permits and authorizes SRF reimbursement resolution

Kalispell council names youth athletic complex for longtime volunteer Dan Johns

Council annexes Ashley Creek acreage, rezones parcels to create Ashley Creek Park

Kalispell council approves Silverbrook Village PUD amendment allowing 198 condos, mixed commercial space

Kalispell council annexes North Meadows parcel but rejects proposed 99‑unit apartment plan