Council considers growth policy

On Tuesday night, the Kalispell City Council will consider a resolution of intent to adopt a Growth Policy that the city planning board has been reviewing and updating over the last year. 

The policy would guide city growth through 2030 and replace a plan that had been in place through 2020. City planning staffers have met with more than 40 community groups about the policy, which includes information about land use, demographics, economics, transportation, environment and infrastructure.

The council is expected to set a public hearing on the proposed growth policy amendments on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

The council also will consider repealing an ordinance that would impose more restrictive land use planning around the city airport and adopt an ordinance that establishes land-use regulations that are consistent with the current and apparent future use of the airport. 

The changes are being considered in light of city voters rejecting a plan to expand the airport last year. More restrictive land uses were considered necessary if expansion had proceeded.

Also on tonight’s agenda is a preliminary plat approval request for the Bright View Subdivision from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. 

The approval would allow for 12 commercial-professional office lots, a utility tract and a segment of public right-of-way on 24 acres off of Timberwolf Parkway and east of Old Reserve Drive (formerly Reserve Loop) and west of the northern segment of the U.S. 93 bypass. 

The council meets at 7 p.m. in City Hall on First Avenue East.