Council agrees to pursue DNRC easement to support proposed North Lake fire district

The Whitefish City Council unanimously approved a motion to allow the city to apply for an easement from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) on behalf of residents seeking to form a new North Lake Fire District.

Joseph, a resident leading the petition drive, asked the council to apply for the easement because a municipal applicant is required for DNRC land transactions and because forming a district could take years. “We're not asking you to pay for anything and we don't want to be a burden,” Joseph said, explaining neighbors intend to fund the build and operations, then transfer the easement to the district once formed.

Joseph told the council the proposed site would serve as a strategic unmanned north‑lake resource with a 30,000‑gallon cistern, equipment bays and seasonal lodging for DNRC crews; the facility would support local response and refilling during wildfires. Whitefish Fire Chief Hadley said the location would be useful as a refill and staging point and would not increase the city’s current response obligations.

Councilors pressed for clarity on financial and maintenance responsibilities. Joseph said residents intend to cover survey, appraisal and application costs and to form a nonprofit vehicle to raise capital; they would contract with the city for services and return assessed costs via a mill rate once a district is formed. City staff said an agreement could be drafted to make the city’s responsibilities explicit while the parcel and easement are in the city’s name.

Councilor Frank moved to initiate the easement application and to direct staff to prepare a forward‑looking agreement that protects the city from maintenance or financial burdens; Councilor Giuseppe seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Staff said future steps will include drafting an MOU for fundraising and a formal DNRC application for council approval.