Kalispell council approves R4 zoning for North Meadows annexation; one councilor recuses

The Kalispell City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 19-45 on second reading to zone 12.13 acres at 1859 South Meadows Drive R4 residential, completing the annexation and establishing the city zoning that will govern future development.

City planner Michael Nygren summarized the item as part of the North Meadows development and said the item was placed on the regular agenda because the first reading had not been unanimous. "At the time of the first reading, it was not unanimous, so it is on the regular reports recommendations," Nygren said. He added that the conditional-use permit for the multifamily development had been denied and that the zoning action would allow the developer to later propose a project aligned with R4 zoning.

Councilor Gabrielle moved adoption of Ordinance 19-45, reading the ordinance title and legal description into the record. Councilor Dauman announced a recusal, saying he had met with neighborhood members about the project and would not participate in discussion or voting. After a roll-call vote the motion carried with the members present voting aye.

The ordinance rezones property legally described as the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 19, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, PMM, Flathead County, from county R1 suburban residential to city R4 residential. The zoning change does not itself approve a specific development; Nygren said the developer may return with a site-specific proposal consistent with R4 standards.

Council procedure notes: Dauman did not participate in the vote because of his earlier contact with neighborhood residents; no other conditions or amendments were recorded on second reading.

The council moved on to other business after the vote.