Proposal for new planning department unveiled

Kalispell City Manager Jim Patrick this week unveiled a proposal for a new planning department to replace the Tri-City Planning Office, which dissolves June 30.

Patrick's plan calls for two new full-time positions in addition to moving many of the current Tri-City planning employees over to the city payroll.

His proposal also would combine the building department with planning services and will cost $13,000 more each year.

"I think it will meet the needs of our city," Patrick said.

The two full-time positions would be a building inspector and a code enforcement officer. The department would consist of 13 full-time employees and one part-time worker.

The building department currently is under the direction of the fire chief. Having the new planning director oversee the building department makes more sense, Patrick said.

"Those issues are more closely tied to planning and zoning than they are to fire," he said.

Kalispell will cover the extra $13,000 each year by increasing zoning fees, Patrick said.

The city shares expenses for the Tri-City Planning Office with Columbia Falls and Whitefish. That office will dissolve June 30 because Whitefish is withdrawing from the three-city arrangement.

The City Council has asked Patrick for additional information on the dollars that go along with his proposal, but the council largely expressed support for the plan Monday night.

Patrick plans to finalize the proposal and will present it to the council later. The council doesn't have to vote on it, so official approval would come when the new department is included in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Reporter Camden Easterling can be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at ceasterling@dailyinterlake.com