Council extends Creekside preliminary plat two years; approves consent agenda items

The Kalispell City Council on Jan. 5 approved Resolution 6305 to extend the Creekside preliminary plat for two years. Staff reported the preliminary plat, originally approved April 3, 2023, covers about 24.5 acres and 66 lots (103 dwelling units when accounting for attached units). The extension request stems from ongoing coordination with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) over a roundabout tied to access points and from construction scheduling; the application has DEQ approvals for some utility expansions but must complete MDT reviews before the developer can advance infrastructure construction.

Dominic Goebel, the project engineer, told council that multiple developments are tied to the roundabout timing and that the owner prefers to wait for the roundabout before placing infrastructure. Council debate noted prior concerns about riparian buffer clearing required for bank stabilization; one councilmember reiterated opposition to the original plat on grounds related to riparian buffer impacts but said the council could not add new conditions to a plat extension. The extension passed with one recorded No vote from Mayor Hunter; the motion carried.

Separately, the council approved a three‑item consent agenda earlier in the meeting covering approval of December minutes, a three‑year Microsoft Office 365 license agreement with SHI, and selection of Marielle, Inc. (Marielle/Marielle, Inc. referenced in staff report) for engineering professional services on the 2 Mile Drive drainage improvement project.