New stop signs approved for Windward Way intersection

Following numerous requests, the intersection of Windward Way and East Meridian Road in Kalispell is becoming a three-way stop.

Kalispell City Council members on Monday voted to add two stop signs to the intersection, a move supported by public works staff and Police Chief Roger Nasset.

The existing sign stops eastbound traffic prior to entering Windward Way.

“Windward Way is a busy roadway and the area is conducive to a large amount of pedestrian traffic from the Kalispell Middle School, the Summit, medical facilities and apartment complexes,” Nasset wrote in a memo to Kalispell City Council members.

On- and off-street parking in the area can impair vision for both drivers and pedestrians, he added. “Accident numbers from this intersection are low, however, observed near-collisions and citizen complaints about this intersection are very common.”

The new signs should be installed within a week.

IN OTHER BUSINESS on Monday, council members approved a $64,900 contract for Northwest Power Systems LLC to replace an old and out-of-service backup generator at the Armory Well.

The well is one of five production sites for the city’s lower water zone and must stay operational during power outages to meet water system demands, public works staff said.

The council also approved a $58,318 contract for TRC Solutions to install audio and video upgrades at the Kalispell Municipal Court.

Planned upgrades include a new video conference system for the judge to see defendants in jail, an electronic sign to display scheduled hearings and electronic drawing tablets for attorneys and witnesses.

The contract includes installation, training and one year of support.

The council also approved two-year preliminary plat extensions for phase one of Starling Subdivision and phase four of Mountain Vista Estates.

The upgrades are being funded by court technology fees and money left over from a Bureau of Justice grant used for other technology upgrades in the Public Safety Building.

Council members also approved two-year preliminary plat extensions for phase one of Starling Subdivision and phase four of Mountain Vista Estates.

An annexation request submitted by Joshua and Shelby Farnham was tabled for a second time.

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.