Session looks at alcohol in Kalispell parks

During a work session tonight, members of the Kalispell City Council resume their talks about allowing special events with beer or wine in at least some city parks.

Under municipal code, Kalispell offers permits for events with alcohol only at the Hockaday Museum of Art, Conrad Mansion, Kalispell City Airport, Museum at Central School and Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Building.

Organizers must plan events with city officials and buy adequate insurance coverage to protect the city from liability.

After a successful one-time Flathead Valley Hockey Association event involving beer sales and consumption at the ice rink in Woodland Park in March, city council members are discussing if or how and where they want to allow such events in the future.

Proposed municipal code changes drafted by City Attorney Charlie Harball would offer special public event permits for events with beer or wine in Depot Park, Lions Park, pavilions at Woodland and Lawrence parks and in any city street or right-of-way.

Under those draft changes, permit applications would have to be filed with the city clerk at least three weeks before a proposed event.

The city manager would make a determination about the permit application and put that decision before the city council for final approval or disapproval.

City council members cannot take formal action at tonight’s work session.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in Kalispell City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. and is open to the public.

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