Kalispell OK’s downtown banner policy

Kalispell has created guidelines for displaying banners in its downtown core.

The new policy approved at Tuesday’s City Council meeting allows for banners to advertise events sponsored by the city and those that highlight activities, general messaging or seasonal display occurring in or around Kalispell. Banners can hang on Main Street and along the Parkline Trail.

“It’s been narrowed down to the city of Kalispell and its component units rather than opening it to all nonprofit organizations,” Kalispell Development Services Director Jarod Nygren said.

The component units are the Kalispell Business Improvement District and Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District.

A banner review committee consisting of representatives from the city Parks and Recreation Department and the two business districts, along with the city clerk, will approve the banners and schedule display dates. Banners can’t contain business names or sponsors, and cannot be used for advertising or promoting political candidates, parties or issues.

Councilor Sam Nunnally voted in favor of the guidelines, but said he would be watching closely to see which banners gain approval for display from the committee.

“I have heard from some community groups and organizations that could potentially want to hang banners,” he said. “We want to make sure that we’re not focusing solely on Kalispell as [Main Street] is a federal highway. I’ll support this policy, but I will certainly be watching this.”

COUNCIL on Tuesday also approved two requests regarding housing developments.

Lupine Meadows, an 18-lot subdivision located at 40 Valley View Drive, earned approval for annexation, initial zoning of R-4 (residential) and major subdivision approval. The subdivision includes 18 townhouse units with nine sets of attached units on about 4.5 acres.

The property is located near the intersections of Valley View Drive with boy Foys Lake Road on the north end of the property and Lupine Drive near the southern end.

Council approved a two-year extension for Phase 5 of the Meadows Edge subdivision. The expiration date for the plat for the project is in November and portions of the subdivision have been delayed while waiting for Montana Department of Transportation approvals.

Council approved 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 city and MWED are looking to enter into a mutually beneficial arrangement that enables MWED to expand its loan program offerings in the city to benefit small businesses and eliminate duplication of services, according to Kalispell Development Services Director Jarod Nygren.

Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com.