Kalispell City Council poised to adopt downtown banner policy

Kalispell City Council on Tuesday is expected to vote on a resolution adopting a banner policy affecting the downtown core and its multi-use Parkline Trail.

Discussion about a codified policy addressing banners in the downtown area began in January, resulting in a set of rules and regulations the Council reviewed during an August work session. The effort is intended to help promote community events and city interests, according to a memo written by Development Services Director Jarod Nygren.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers inside City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. It is being held on Tuesday to account for the Labor Day holiday on Monday.

Under the proposed policy, which comes with Nygren’s endorsement, a banner review committee consisting of representatives from various stakeholder entities will be charged with approving and scheduling display dates. Banners are limited to highlighting events sponsored by the city or associated entities, like the Kalispell Business Improvement District.

Business names are forbidden from adorning the banners and the displays cannot be used for political purposes under the proposed policy.

Council also is expected to approve transferring its Community Development Block Grant and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development Intermediary Relending programs to Montana West Economic Development. The measure has been previously discussed by Council and Nygren has recommended the move.

TWO RESOLUTIONS on the agenda address development projects: Lupine Meadows and Meadows Edge.

One request asks for the annexation, residential initial zoning and major subdivision approval of Lupine Meadows, an 18-lot subdivision located at 40 Valley View Drive. Council reviewed the request for approval at its Aug. 8 meeting and senior planner PJ Sorensen has recommended approval.

Another proposal would extend the preliminary plat for Phase 5 of the Meadows Edge subdivision. Council granted the preliminary plat approval for Meadows Edge phases 2 and 5 in November 2020 and the developers are requesting a two-year extension due to common improvements in other phases that need to be completed. Sorensen recommended Council approve this resolution.

Council’s consent agenda for Tuesday includes awarding $232,835 to Jackson Group Peterbilt for a tandem axle dump truck for the city’s Water Division. Money for the vehicle was set aside in the fiscal year 2023 budget and carried into fiscal year 2024, according to a memo written by Joe Schrader, utility management superintendent.