Kalispell gets first bite on Old School Station property

The Kalispell City Council agreed to accept the first purchase offer on one of its six Old School Station properties during Tuesday night’s meeting.

Haig Ermoian submitted a buy/sell agreement for Lot 6 of the industrial park south of town, making him the first buyer of a city-owned site in the subdivision. The lot was listed for just over $166,000.

The city purchased Old School Station in 2015 after the subdivision went into arrears. The area is part of a tax increment financing district that gives buyers a 10 percent reduction in purchase price if capital improvements are completed within 18 months.

“It’s the first one out of the block,” City Manager Doug Russell said of the sale. “It’s been three years plus, so this is a good opportunity to take advantage of this offer.”

Council members also passed a resolution to amend an Evergreen sewer agreement, extending services for Trumble Creek Subdivision phases 4 and 5.

A resolution to call a public hearing regarding design and construction standards for on-street parking also passed. The hearing will be March 18.

Other parking-related matters were approved, including a first reading of an ordinance to remove two-hour parking caps on designated blocks of Fifth Street West, Third Street East, Third Street West and First Street West.

A first reading of an additional ordinance that includes an amendment to remove a $15 per month charge for permitted parking spaces for taxis, buses and delivery vehicles.

Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson said he was happy with the plan.

“I like this ordinance. As Kalispell is growing, there is more and more traffic downtown and any way we can encourage the use and efficiency of public transportation goes a long way toward achieving goals for the future,” he said.

Another ordinance receiving its first reading updates regulations for permitting private encroachments on public right of way. Public Works Director Susie Turner said the ordinance was prompted by a situation in which a downtown business needed to connect to a stormwater system a block from the business. The conduit extended through a right of way, which was difficult to allow under current code. The amendment allows public works to permit utility changes in necessary circumstances.

The council meets next for a work session on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m, followed by a regular meeting on March 4.

Reporter Heidi Gaiser may be reached at 758-4438 or hgaiser@dailyinterlake.com.