Council to hold hearing on county grant application

The Kalispell City Council tonight will hold a public hearing on Flathead County’s grant application in search of funding for upgrades to the county fairgrounds.

The county is seeking the city’s 2016 slot in applying for a Community Block Development Grant from the Montana Department of Commerce.

A study completed on the fairgrounds late last year determined the fairgrounds did not meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, specifically access to the grandstands, food services building and restroom facilities.

According to memo from City Attorney Charles Harball to the City Council, there are currently no other public facilities projects eligible for the state grant, and upgrades to the fairgrounds, located in city limits, would still serve city residents.

After the public hearing, the council will vote on a resolution authorizing the county to use the city’s slot for a grant application.

The council also will hear consider several development requests, including one from Jacob Ek to build four townhouses at 117 Northwest Lane. The city Planning Board reviewed the request on May 10, finding the proposal met zoning and growth policy requirements.

The board sent the request to the council with six conditions, including a requirement that Ek must begin development within 18 months of authorization.

The council also will vote on the final plat for phase two of the Spring Prairie Phase Four development south of Costco. The 25.9-acre site is located on the southwest corner of Old Reserve Drive and U.S. 93. The council approved the preliminary plat in April 2015.

The council will vote on the second reading of a set of zoning amendments proposed by the city planning department. The amendments include increasing the building height maximums in five different designated zones, reducing the required off-street parking in the Core Area and clarifying the existing language on casinos.

The first reading passed the council on a 7-1 vote on May 16.

In other business tonight, the council will consider:

n A resolution to approve a mitigation plan to protect a city-owned bank along the Stillwater River. The plan includes planting trees and shrubbery as well as adopting a covenant of dedication to protect the river in the future. Adoption of the plan will provide credits to the city for protection efforts along the Stillwater River in other areas, according to a memo from Harball.

n Hold first reading on an ordinance allowing NorthWestern Energy to construct and lay natural gas lines through public right of way. The non-exclusive franchise agreement would last 10 years and automatically renew after the agreed timeline unless either party decides to end the franchise.

n Hear a request from Thursday!Fest organizers for the sale and consumption of alcohol at the events, which are slated to begin on June 23 and run through Aug. 25.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.