Kalispell could impose penalty for feeding birds

The Kalispell City Council will decide whether to enact an ordinance against feeding waterfowl in Woodland Park at a virtual meeting scheduled tonight.

The council will meet via Zoom videoconference and take public comments remotely as well.

On the meeting agenda is the first reading of an ordinance that would forbid feeding birds in Woodland Park and impose a civil penalty for the infraction. The ordinance would also make it a civil offense to abandon domestic animals in city parks.

The council and Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department have been looking at ways to address issues with animals in Woodland Park — particularly the waterfowl — since early 2020. Through a community-led effort, all of the domestic birds were adopted in the spring, but the remaining migrant birds still create problems for the pond health, feces around the park and near the playground, and conflicts between animals and humans.

People also regularly abandon domestic animals in the park, causing further problems, so the council is now considering enacting an ordinance that would prohibit feeding and abandoning animals in Woodland Park through a civil penalty.

The meeting agenda includes a copy of the signage that would be put into place in the park. It reads: “Please do not feed the ducks, geese or other wildlife. Artificial feeding disrupts their natural behaviors and causes issues with both their health and habitat.

“Refraining from feeding the ducks, geese and wildlife helps in many ways: The wildlife stay healthy; the pond stays cleaner; it prevents behavioral issues such as aggression.”

IN OTHER business, WGM Group, on behalf of Silvermont Properties, LLLP, is requesting a final plat and Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Silverbrook Phase 2A-B, a one-lot commercial subdivision on 2.72 acres at the north end of the Silverbrook Estates development, abutting Church Drive.

The preliminary plat for the project was approved with 43 conditions in 2016 and amended in 2017. On Aug. 19 the plat was extended.

Now, the meeting agenda states, “All of the conditions have been met or otherwise adequately addressed.”

The request includes a Subdivision Improvement Agreement in the amount of $228,758.50, or 125% of the remaining cost for the development.

The council also will hold two public hearings on budget amendments during Monday’s virtual meeting.

Two items from the 2019-2020 budget were not adjusted appropriately when the budget was approved in August.

One is the Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Act Special Revenue Fund Budget, which exceeded the correct amount by $202,386 because the carryover amount from the previous year was incorrect.

The other is the 2020 Community Development Miscellaneous Special Revenue Fund Budget, which did not account for unanticipated closing costs related to the sale of property at the Old School Station.

Both budget amendments are expected to be considered for council action at a meeting on Oct. 5.

To register to view the meeting or offer public comment, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WVTCOTbaS5yNUq-1m8Bf8A.

Public comments will also be accepted via email at publiccomment@kalispell.com.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.