Planning board backs annexation proposal
The Kalispell City Planning Board on Tuesday voted unanimously to recommend that the city annex 1.35 acres on U.S. 93 that would be developed into a residential treatment facility for people with eating disorders.
The property sits across from Big Mountain Golf Club, south of Ponderosa Estates.
The annexation, conditional use permit and R-2 residential zoning requests were submitted by NorthStar Associates.
The eating disorder facility could treat about 20 longer-term patients at a time, with a staff of 10 during the day and one or two at night.
It would occupy and expand an existing commercial structure on the property and connect to city water and sewer services.
“This is a nice win-win for our community,” said Ken Williams, the architect working on the project for NorthStar Associates.
A cost-of-services analysis prepared by city planning staff showed the property generating about $12,492 a year of net revenue for the city.
The project also would pay an estimated $61,769 in one-time city impact fees for sewer, water, storm water, police and fire services.
Planning Board members voted 7-0 to recommend the annexation to Kalispell City Council.
THE PLANNING board voted 4-3 to recommend against the annexation of a 3.5-acre property at the corner of Three Mile Drive and West Spring Creek Road.
The request was submitted by Joshua and Shelby Farnham, who live on the property and want to open a small drive-through coffee shop.
The property would not connect to city water or sewer service because of the high cost. But under a proposed planned unit development, that would be required if more commercial development ever occurred on the property.
A cost-of-services analysis prepared by city planning staff showed the property having a net cost of about $241 a year to the city.
Both annexation requests now will go before the Kalispell City Council for consideration.
IN OTHER business, planning board members appointed nine people to a Core Area Steering Committee.
The committee will work with city planning staffers and consultant CTA Architects Engineers to develop a Core Area Revitalization Plan for Kalispell’s railroad corridor.
Developed over the next three to five months, the plan will develop revitalization goals and strategies for the area. That includes possibly removing the railroad tracks and relocating the two businesses — CHS Kalispell and Northwest Drywall & Roofing — that still use rail service.
The plan eventually will go through a series of public hearings and before the Kalispell City Council for approval.
“We’re looking for people to add the reality to the vision. Does it fit Kalispell, is it real, can we do it? That is the test,” Kalispell Planning Director Tom Jentz said.
Members of the committee are:
Joe Matulevich, a designer with APEC Engineering.
Pam Carbonari, coordinator of the Kalispell Business Improvement District.
Kellie Danielson, director of Montana West Economic Development and Flathead County Economic Development Authority.
Tom Lund, president of Rocky Mountain Bank and vice-chairman of the Kalispell Urban Renewal Agency.
Mike Mower, co-owner of Northwest Drywall & Roofing, a business in the core area.
Jim Ness, vice president of Glacier Bank, president of Kalispell Downtown Association.
Matt Springer, resource development coordinator at Flathead Valley Community College.
Diane Yarus, a property owner in the core area. Yarus co-owns Airworks.
Blake Sherman, member of the Kalispell City Planning Board.
Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.