Kalispell council approves consent agenda: Lift Station 36 contract, nine firefighter confirmations and TBID appointment

The Kalispell City Council approved its consent agenda on Oct. 6, which included awarding the Lift Station 36 upgrade project to Stroud's Contracting for $3,099,048, approving a use agreement for the Flathead Valley Hockey Association, and authorizing an agreement amendment for emerging contaminant professional services related to water-source replacement or treatment alternatives.

Also on the consent agenda the council confirmed nine probationary firefighter/medics who began service with the city on Sept. 30, 2024. Chief Hagen recommended confirmation, saying the firefighters had completed an 18-week initial training academy and the balance of their probationary year while responding to emergencies and engaging in department duties. "These firefighters began their service with the city on 09/30/2024 and have now completed their 1 year probationary period," Chief Hagen said.

The nine confirmed firefighters are Sydney Becker, John Hegness, Seager Higgins, Mitch Klein, Jessica Lyles, Jeremy Odio, Vinnie Thompson, Ian Whalen and Michael Martinez (absent from the meeting but included in the confirmation). Hagen said the members have attained Firefighter I and II certifications, hazardous-materials operations training and other job-related trainings.

The council also approved an appointment to the Tourism Business Improvement District, confirming Nathan Black of the Hilton Garden Inn.

All consent-agenda items and the TBID appointment passed by voice vote; the minutes record the consent motion as carrying and the appointment as approved.