Kalispell council approves consent agenda: $3.10 million lift-station contract and confirmation of nine firefighters

The Kalispell City Council on Oct. 6 approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from September meetings, awarding the Lift Station 36 upgrade to Stroud’s Contracting for $3,099,048, approving a Flathead Valley Hockey Association use agreement, authorizing an amendment for emerging contaminant professional services related to water source replacement or treatment alternatives, and confirming nine firefighter medics who completed their one-year probationary period.

The council approved the package by voice vote after no public comment on the consent items. Fire Chief Hagen introduced the nine firefighters and described their training and certifications, including Firefighter I and II and hazardous materials operations, and recommended council confirmation. The nine named as having completed probation were Sydney Becker, John Hegness, Seager Higgins, Mitch Klein, Jessica Liles, Jeremy Odio, Vinnie Thompson, Ian Whalen and Michael Martinez (absent at the meeting but included). Mitch Klein, speaking for the class, said: “This is the best job in the world,” and thanked the department and community.

Council also approved the appointment of Nathan Black of the Hilton Garden Inn to the Tourism Business Improvement District by voice vote.

Staff additionally reported on upcoming work sessions: a hazard mitigation plan review with county staff and further work on a Safe Streets for All demonstration grant (award received; grant agreement still being finalized with federal highways). The city manager said no grant agreement had been signed yet and staff would schedule work sessions and notify adjacent property owners for projects affecting rights-of-way and neighborhoods.