Council gives initial nod to city budget

The Kalispell City Council on Monday approved:

n The 2011 Fiscal Year Preliminary Budget and set a public hearing for July 19;

n First reading of a zoning update, its first comprehensive review since 1993; and

n Accepting a $103,300 energy and conservation block grant for energy upgrades at the Public Safety Building. The city earlier received a $96,700 grant for energy upgrades. The new grant will be used to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system along with controls and duct work.

City Manager Jane Howington notified the council that Parks and Recreation Director Mike Baker found a way to use Community Transportation Enhancement Program money to eventually build a sidewalk along U.S. 93 near Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

The city could have as much as $70,000 a year to put toward the project, which it believes will cost more than $300,000.