Proposed 'airport zone' taxis toward approval

Some civic ground rules for living near Kalispell City Airport appear to be headed toward City Council approval.

At a Monday workshop session, the Kalispell council voiced no objections about a proposed city law - which is required by a 2005 state law - to declare an oblong-shaped zone around the airport as an "airport affected area."

The zone would extend 10,000 feet from each end of the runway and one mile to each side.

The proposed law prevents people living within that zone from suing any person or agency connected with the airport for standard noises, fumes, vibrations, lights and other effects. A concern surfaced Monday about the possibility of small jets using the airport. The runway is not long enough to handle small jets.

The proposed law also says that people buying property within that zone must be informed that they are in an area affected by the airport.

The City Council will vote on the law soon.

Meanwhile, two 325-foot-tall KGEZ radio towers - owned by talk-show host John Stokes - appear to exceed a federally mandated 100-foot height limit in the oblong-shaped zone.

Patrick and airport Manager Fred Leistiko said the proposed law does not give the city extra powers in attempting to move those towers. Also, Patrick said the state-mandated "airport affected area" law is not aimed at Stokes' towers.

However, current laws give the city some powers in attempting to move the towers, whose heights and locations have prevented Kalispell from extending the runway 1,000 feet to the south. The city government has neither said it would take such an action, nor has it ruled out that possibility.

Stokes sent a Monday letter to the council, saying he would challenge legally any action taken by the city to force him to move the towers. Stokes wants compensation to be based on a 2006 or 2007 appraisal of his site. He said that the city is considering selling 3.44 acres to Gateway for $1.216 million.

Stokes wrote that he is willing to negotiate with four council members - one less than a quorum - on a deal for the towers. But his letter added that the offer would be withdrawn soon.

The council did not discuss Stokes' letter Monday.

Also during Monday's workshop session, the council:

-Appeared favorable toward a revised grass-roots plan to replace an aging gazebo in Woodland Park with a four-pillar, gazebolike structure. The pillars will be covered with at least 700 tiles created by residents, and community and school groups.

Reporter John Stang may be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at jstang@dailyinterlake.com.