Kalispell City Council considering appointment of interim municipal judge

Kalispell City Council will consider the nomination of Rich Hickel to fill the municipal judge vacancy, among other business, at its Monday meeting.

Council will weigh the Selection Committee’s recommendation of Hickel to fill the municipal judge role on an interim basis. The position has sat vacant since Oct. 4, and council is required by state law to fill the position until the next election for the role, which is scheduled for November 2023.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the City Hall, 201 First Avenue East.

In Hickel’s letter of interest for the position, he noted his experience as an attorney for the city, where he has served in various capacities since 1996.

“I am quite confident in stating that no attorney has more experience in presenting cases before Kalispell Municipal Court than I do,” wrote Hickel.

Hickel also wrote that he is enjoying his recent retirement, and has no desire to run for judge when the position is on the ballot again. The letter goes on to say that he is applying because of his desire for “stability and continuity” in the office.

The position comes with a salary of just over $100,000.

COUNCIL IS also deciding whether to apply for a loan in the amount of $212,950 for the Department of Public Works for the purchase of a new front-end loader. The city already purchased the vehicle, but staff is suggesting a loan from the Montana Board of Investments Intercap Loan Program. The resolution states that the loan’s interest rates are “advantageous” towards the city’s goal of managing its cash-flow in upcoming years.

Finally, the council will consider a resolution to approve four more plots of land for the Meadows Edge subdivision, which is located at 1120 Farm to Market Road. The new plat contains approximately 38 acres of land. During the original approval process, the developer voluntarily removed these plots, but is now requesting to add them back in.

If approved, this would bring the number of plots to be developed in the next phase of construction up to 98, and the total for the subdivision to 308.

The public is encouraged to submit questions or comments via email before the meeting at publiccomment@kalispell.com, or attend the meeting to comment in person.

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at aknowler@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4407.