Kalispell council approves consent agenda; residents urge action on mail‑in ballots, code enforcement, policing and city transparency

The City of Kalispell council approved the consent agenda as presented at its July 21 meeting. The motion to approve was made by a member identified in the meeting as "Mister Natalie" and seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded Councilor Dowd, Councilor Dahlmann, Councilor Fisher, Councilor Nunnally, Councilor Carlson, Councilor Gabrielle, Councilor Graham and Mayor Johnson voting "aye." Mayor Johnson announced the motion carried.

During the public‑comment period, multiple residents pressed the council on separate but related issues: election procedures and mail‑in ballots, low voter participation, code enforcement and weed control, sidewalk repair, speeding and traffic safety, police staffing and compensation, snow removal, vagrancy and challenges for small businesses navigating permitting.

Gracie Stogsdale of 957 Colorado Avenue addressed mail‑in ballots and voter participation. She said she had previously testified about election‑promotion…