City Council Agenda

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA December 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East See the bottom of the agenda to learn how to provide public comment and watch meetings live or later. A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. DISCUSSION 1. Naming Policy D. PUBLIC COMMENT Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. See the bottom of the agenda to learn the protocol for providing comment. E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS F. EXECUTIVE SESSION – City Manager Recruitment Closed session to discuss employee matters that relate to individual privacy in accordance with Montana Code Annotated 2-3-203 (3). G. ADJOURNMENT UPCOMING SCHEDULE City Manager Recruitment Open House – December 10, 2025, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Next Regular Meeting – December 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers Next Work Session – January 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers PARTICIPATION When addressing council please give your name and address, see the last page of the agenda for the proper manner of addressing the council, and limit comments to three minutes. Comments can also be emailed to publiccomment@kalispell.com. To provide public comment live, remotely, join the video conference through zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7yROtxTnQ522HaMrpfV16g. Raise your virtual hand to indicate you want to provide comment. Due to occasional technical difficulties, the most reliable way to participate is through in-person attendance. Electronic means are not guaranteed. Watch council sessions live with the agenda and supporting documents or later with documents and time stamped minutes at: https://www.kalispell.com/MeetingVideos or live or later on YouTube at: www.kalispell.com/YouTube. Page 1 of 2  Kalispell City Council Agenda, December 8, 2025 The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, activities, and employment practices. Auxiliary aids are available. For questions about disability accommodation please contact the City Clerk at 406-758-7756. ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Adopted July 1, 1991 Section 2-20 Manner of Addressing Council a. Each person not a Council member shall address the Council, at the time designated in the agenda or as directed by the Council, by stepping to the podium or microphone, giving that person's name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record, and unless further time is granted by the Council, shall limit the address to the Council to three minutes. b. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member of the Council or Staff. c. No person, other than the Council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion either directly or through a member of the Council, without the permission of the Presiding Officer. d. No question shall be asked of individuals except through the Presiding Officer. PRINCIPLES FOR CIVIL DIALOGUE Adopted by Resolution 5180 on February 5, 2007 ◼ We provide a safe environment where individual perspectives are respected, heard, and acknowledged. ◼ We are responsible for respectful and courteous dialogue and participation. ◼ We respect diverse opinions as a means to find solutions based on common ground. ◼ We encourage and value broad community participation. ◼ We encourage creative approaches to engage in public participation. ◼ We value informed decision-making and take personal responsibility to educate and be educated. ◼ We believe that respectful public dialogue fosters healthy community relationships, understanding and problem solving. ◼ We acknowledge, consider and respect the natural tensions created by collaboration, change, and transition. ◼ We follow the rules & guidelines established for each meeting. Page 2 of 2  Development Services Department 201 1st Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.kalispell.com/planning REPORT TO: Jarod Nygren, Interim City Manager FROM: PJ Sorensen, Assistant Director of Development Services SUBJECT: Naming Policy MEETING DATE: December 8, 2025 (Work Session) BACKGROUND: Earlier this year, there was a request to rename Kidsports after Dan Johns, who had been passionate about youth sports and instrumental in the development of the Kidsports facility. During consideration of the request, it was noted that, while not necessarily prohibiting the naming of the facility, Kalispell, as most cities, does not have any specific written policy on the matter. The cities that do have policies approach the subject in a variety of ways. As examples, policies from Baltimore, Minneapolis, Elk River (MN), and Marion County (OR) are attached. There is typically a distinction between naming a park for a geographic feature, recognition of a historical figure/event, recognition of contributions from an individual and naming based on donations, with consideration criteria for each. While the specific process varies, there is usually a vetting process through staff and/or a board before being considered by City Council, sometimes with a waiting period after nomination. There are also provisions for other types of recognition, such as memorial plaques or events and letters of recognition. Naming based on donations typically have monetary thresholds and parameters on the specific design and use of the facility. Questions for the Council’s consideration would include: • Should Kalispell have a naming policy? • If so, what types of names should be considered? Should individuals be considered? Should naming based on a donation or similar contribution be considered? • How extensive a process should be utilized? • What criteria should be part of the review? RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction to staff regarding the potential adoption of a naming policy for city parks and other facilities. ATTACHMENTS: Naming Policies: Baltimore, Minneapolis, Elk River, and Marion County (OR) c: Aimee Brunckhorst, Kalispell City Clerk MINNEAPOLIS PARK & PUBLIC POLICY RECREATION BOARD Approval Date: 3/5/2025 Naming Policy Effective Date: 3/5/2025 Deputy Superintendent Date of Last Review: 3/5/2025 Frequency of Review: Every 5 years Comprehensive Plan Strategy: Goal 1. Strategy 1 Page 1 of 3 Naming Policy Background The naming or renaming of a park or facility should not be undertaken lightly or for political or frivolous motivations. There should be a sense of permanence and solemnity to the act of naming a park. Park components which are part of a larger whole, such as the Grand Rounds Parkway system, should not be renamed, and any new components added to such systems should be named in a manner in keeping with the existing pattern. For example, when the parkway gap is completed between Main Street and the University of Minnesota, it should be called East River Parkway. More latitude is given to the naming of smaller facilities or sites within a larger amenity. For example, a new pavilion within Theodore Wirth Park could be named the “Smith Pavilion,” but Theodore Wirth Parkway should not be renamed the “Smith-Wirth Parkway” or the “Smith Parkway.” Policy for Establishing Names 1. Park sites, centers, shelters or other special facilities may have a geographic or historic name appropriate to the park or building site. 2. Park sites, centers and special facilities may also be given a name which depicts their function. 3. Park sites, centers, shelters or other special facilities may also be named after an individual whom the Board has determined to have made a substantial contribution to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. 4. Park sites, centers, shelters or special facilities may also be named after an individual at the local, state, national or international level who, in the Board’s judgment, put forth significant effort or substantially promoted causes which furthered the goals and objectives which the Board has for the Minneapolis Park System. 5. Naming after any individual may not take place until at least two years after the person’s name has been nominated in writing. SUPERINTENDENT APPROVAL: Date: 03/10/2025 Resolution 2025-39 Board Adopted: 3/5/2025 MINNEAPOLIS PARK & PUBLIC POLICY RECREATION BOARD Approval Date: 3/5/2025 Naming Policy Effective Date: 3/5/2025 Deputy Superintendent Date of Last Review: 3/5/2025 Frequency of Review: Every 5 years Comprehensive Plan Strategy: Goal 1. Strategy 1 Page 2 of 3 PROCEDURES A. The procedure for nominating a facility or park name is as follows: 1. The dated, written nomination should: a. Identify the person or organization submitting the nomination, as well as several means of contact (i.e., phone, fax, address, and/or email). b. The nomination should identify the park site, center, shelter, or special facility to be named or renamed. c. If the nomination is to name a park after an individual, the nomination should document the significant, enduring contributions made to the Minneapolis Park System by the person after whom the park or facility is to be named. d. If the nomination does not include the name of an individual, the nomination should document the significance of the proposed name, community support for the name, and process for identifying the name. The nomination should also consider if the name will result in any un- intended consequences such as creating an unwelcoming space for visitors, aiding un- welcoming or mocking language. 2. Copies of the nomination should be given to the Commissioners, the Secretary to the Board, the Assistant Superintendent for Planning, the Council Member from the affected ward, the neighborhood organization in which the property or facility is located, and the neighborhood organizations of each abutting neighborhood. 3. The nomination will be under the jurisdiction of the Administration and Finance Committee of the Board of Commissioners to review and to recommend a next step to the Full Board. The Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee retains the discretion as to when and whether the Committee considers the nomination and no public hearings will be held until the Committee and the Full Board directs. Next steps may include: a. All materials are accurate and meet the intent of naming as identified in Section B and is ready to proceed with the naming procedure; b. The nomination should be returned to the nominator for more documentation to address the items identified in Section B; or c. The nomination should not be considered because if fails to meet the items identified in Section B. 4. Once the nomination is approved by the Administration and Finance Committee and the Full Board for consideration, the proposer will work with MPRB staff to hold two public hearings after the nomination is submitted. These hearings are intended to elicit reaction and response to the proposed renaming. They must be well-publicized, with neighborhood organizations and residents from the affected neighborhoods notified. The first public hearing should be held within six months of the nomination being approved by the Board, and the second should be held two months before a final vote is made by the Board. The Board vote must be taken no sooner than two years after the original nomination is submitted, if naming after an individual is considered by the nomination. Resolution 2025-39 Board Adopted: 3/5/2025 MINNEAPOLIS PARK & PUBLIC POLICY RECREATION BOARD Approval Date: 3/5/2025 Naming Policy Effective Date: 3/5/2025 Deputy Superintendent Date of Last Review: 3/5/2025 Frequency of Review: Every 5 years Comprehensive Plan Strategy: Goal 1. Strategy 1 Page 3 of 3 5. The at-large Commissioners and the Commissioner from the affected district are required to attend both public hearings. If these Commissioners do not attend, the public hearing for the nomination is held open until the next meeting. 6. The impacts of a name change, particularly of a park road name, need to be thoroughly assessed and conveyed to affected residents. A change in park road name would require residents to alter legal documents, checks, driver’s licenses, billing addresses, and other documents. Changes to names of park roads should accompany a change in the name of a park. 7. If the site or facility falls within the regional park system or serves a city-wide function, all neighborhood organizations that represent abutting residents must notified. Nominations that involve regional parks should be forwarded to the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, and the State Historic Preservation Office in order to solicit their opinions on the proposed name change. 8. If a renaming is proposed, MPRB staff will research the history of the original name, and this information should be evaluated as part of the renaming process. Resolution 2025-39 Board Adopted: 3/5/2025 MINNEAPOLIS PARK & PUBLIC POLICY RECREATION BOARD Approval Date: 3/5/2025 Naming Policy Effective Date: 3/5/2025 Deputy Superintendent Date of Last Review: 3/5/2025 Frequency of Review: Every 5 years Comprehensive Plan Strategy: Goal 1. Strategy 1 Page 4 of 3 B. The Board will consider the nomination in light of the following factors: 1. The enduring quality of the individual’s contribution to the park system in comparison with those of other historically significant individuals after whom park facilities have been named, including William S. King, Charles M. Loring, Joel B. Bassett, Theodore Wirth, Eloise Butler, Portius C. Deming, and James Stinson. 2. The opinions and responses of local residents and neighborhood organizations, as well as MPRB staff research and recommendations. 3. For regional facilities, the Board will take into account the comments of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, and State Historic Preservation Office. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN This policy will be posted on the MPRB’s website. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA) STATEMENT Under Title II of the ADA, the MPRB makes reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the MPRB can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity. A person seeking any such reasonable modification can make the request through the MPRB event coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Supervisor, or ADA Administrator. Resolution 2025-39 Board Adopted: 3/5/2025  Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Manual 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 763.635.1000 ElkRiverMN.gov  Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreation assets and facilities. Objectives  Ensure parks, recreational areas, and facilities are easily identified & located.  Ensure given names to parks, recreational area and facilities are consistent with the values and character of the area or neighborhood served.  Encourage public participation in the naming, renaming and dedication of parks, recreation areas and facilities.  Encourage the dedication of lands, facilities, donations, or sponsorship agreements by individuals and/or groups. Definition Parks, recreation assets and facilities – includes all property assets under the city’s ownership and the Parks and Recreation Department control including buildings, structures, open spaces, public parks, natural areas, wetlands, environmental habitat, and land. Naming Criteria Priorities to be considered in naming all city facilities, including parks and recreation facilities (in order of importance) shall be as follows: Historic Names  Names of historic events, groups, organizations, or persons at the local, regional, or national level of major significance with special consideration given to Elk River’s own history. Places and Feature Names 2|Page   Recognizable area or neighborhood . Names that aid in locating a facility are acceptable. If the facility is located on a park or school site, the facility need not share the name of the park or school site.  Assumed Names . Assumed names should be used only if the area has been known by that assumed name for an extended period. An example is the parcel of land known for decades as “Bailey Point,” located near downtown at the south end of Morton Avenue at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers.  Natural Features . Natural features, such as rivers, creeks, and terrain.  Horticultural Features. Horticultural features characteristic of a particular area. Individual, Groups, or Organizations The following criteria will be used in evaluating the use of names of persons (whether living or deceased), groups and organizations. General Criteria . Names of persons, groups or organizations having a longstanding affiliation with the city of ten (10) or more years of significant community service, involvement, or contributions beyond the ordinary interest level whose efforts have:  Enhanced the quality of life and well-being of city residents.  Contributed to the preservation of the city’s history or culture.  Made exemplary or meritorious contributions to the city or its residents; or contributed to the acquisition, development, or conveyance of land, buildings, structures, or other amenities to the city or community. Deceased Persons. Such individuals may include:  Person of historic significance.  National and/or local heroes. Those who have given outstanding service to mankind or who have worked over and above any ordinary interest level. An Elk River area resident, who has attained local, state or national recognition for parks and recreation work or work in the areas of public safety or public health, as appropriate to the facility, would be highly acceptable. 3|Page   Living Persons. Facilities may be named after living persons only after a study has been completed relative to the individual’s background and qualifications pursuant to the criteria in this policy.  Groups and Organizations. Facilities may be named after groups or organizations pursuant to the criteria set forth in this policy or groups and organizations that wish to pursue a sponsorship agreement with the City of Elk River at a city owned asset under control of the Parks and Recreation department. EXCEPTION: The exception to this policy in its entirety is a sponsorship agreement entered into between the city and a group or organization for a section within a city owned property asset under control of the Parks and Recreation department, such as a concession stand, ice sheet, ballfield, Rivers Edge Commons upper plaza, multi-purpose room, etc. Procedure Naming of Parks, Recreation Assets and Facilities  A request for naming of a park, recreation asset or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Parks Department.  The submission shall show how the proposed name is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy. When naming after a person or persons, the application will describe their contributions to the city. Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honored (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal. Staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request.  The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a public meeting for naming of a park, recreation area or facility shall be posted and published in the city’s official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. 4|Page   The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision.  The Parks and Recreation Commission can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the city.  In the absence of any naming requests, the Parks Recreation and Commission shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of name. Renaming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities Renaming of parks, recreation areas and facilities carries with it a much greater burden of process compared to initial naming. Tradition and continuity of name and community identification are important community values. Each application must meet the criteria in this policy but meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming.  A request for renaming of a park, recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission, through the Parks and Recreation Department.  The request shall include the proposed name change, the purpose of the change, and how the proposed name change is consistent with the criteria established. When renaming after a person or persons, the application will describe their contributions to the city. Written documentation approval by next of kin to be honored (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request.  The recognized Neighborhood Association will be notified of the proposal when the Parks and Recreation Department receive a complete application.  The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a public meeting for naming of a park, recreation area or facility shall be posted and published in the city’s official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. 5|Page  The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. Parks and Facilities Naming Policy History 6|Page Adopted by: On (date) Item # City Council November 19, 2012 8.2 7|Page  BEFORE THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR MARION COUNTY, OREGON In the matter of adopting a parks naming ) policy. ) ORDER No. This matter came before the Marion County Board of Commissioners at its regularly scheduled public meeting on January 4, 2022. WHEREAS, Marion County currently does not have a park naming policy; and WHEREAS, the Marion County Parks Commission formed a subcommittee to formulate a parks naming policy, and that subcommittee has formulated a parks naming policy based on policies and procedures from park systems throughout the United States, including Oregon State Parks, City of Salem Parks, and the National Parks Service; and WHEREAS, the Marion County Parks Commission has recommended the attached parks naming policy for adoption by the Marion County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the attached parks naming policy is to guide future parks naming recommendations to the Marion County Board of Commissioners by the Marion County Parks Commission; and WHEREAS, the Marion County Board of Commissioners wishes to adopt the attached parks naming policy; now, therefore, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Marion County Board of Commissioners adopts the parks naming policy attached hereto as Exhibit A to guide parks naming recommendations //// //// //// //// //// to the Marion County Board of Commissioners by the Marion County Parks Commission. DATED at Salem, Oregon, this day of 20 . MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Chair Commissioner Commissioner  Marion County Parks Commission – Naming Policy Draft version – October 7, 2022 PURPOSE: To establish criteria for use in the naming of Marion County Parks and Facilities; other types of recognition. PROCEDURE: The naming of parks and park lands is by decision of the Marion County Board of Commissioners. Likewise, the act of naming facilities, sites within parks, and other types of recognition is by decision of the Marion County Board of Commissioners. The Marion County Parks Commission shall make recommendations to the board on the naming of parks and park lands, facilities, sites within parks, and other types of recognition in accordance with the following policy guidelines. The continuation of recognitions previously made which do not precisely fit with these guidelines is subject to the discretion of the board but shall not serve as further precedent for recommendations made by the Parks Commission. POLICY GUIDELINES: A. NAMING MARION COUNTY PARKS AND MARION COUNTY PARK LANDS The term “parks” for this policy may include parks, park facilities, general facilities, buildings, and other properties or meeting facilities as decided by the Marion County Board of Commissioners. The Parks Commission shall apply the following criteria on a case-by-case basis as park naming opportunities arise: 1. The Marion County Parks Commission shall recommend names of parks and park lands after: a. area geographical features, natural resources, recreation attractions; b. terms of historic or cultural significance, or local names of long- standing common usage for a particular area; or c. deed or covenant restrictions placed by the donor and accepted by the county if property is donated. 2. Marion County Parks are public places owned by the citizens of Marion County, Oregon. The naming of parks or park lands after individuals may imply ownership is held by someone other than the general public. Before recognizing an individual by the naming of a park, full consideration should be given to the other types of recognition listed in Section C below. As a general rule, the Marion County Parks Commission will not recommend a name for a park or park lands based on the name of an individual. However, the Marion County Parks Commission may elect to consider exceptions Page 1  Marion County Parks Commission – Naming Policy Draft version – October 7, 2022 to the general rule based on a consideration and weighing of the following criteria (not all of which are required) at the discretion of the Commission: a. the honored individual was instrumental in the creation of the park; b. the honored individual has made long-term contributions to Marion County Parks; c. there is demonstrated, significant support for naming a park after an honored individual; d. the honored individual has made a lasting contribution with a significant and historic impact to Marion County Oregon; e. the honored individual has been deceased for at least one year; and f. all suitable alternatives for honoring the individual are not available or more appropriate. 3. Monetary or In-Kind Donors - the Marion County Parks Commission may recommend non-historic or new facilities, structures, or appropriate rooms within a structure be named in recognition of a donor when the donor has funded greater than 50% of the cost of construction of the facility, structure or room or has established a significant endowment for management of the park or facility. 4. Subordination-where the naming of any facility, structure, or appropriate room within a structure in recognition of a donor or individual, (as described above) is deemed appropriate by the Marion County Parks Commission, the Commission’s recommendation for recognition shall be secondary or subordinated to names that describe purpose or application, historic names, or common usage. 5. Permanence - donors should be advised that where naming is recommended, permanence cannot be assured, and the name may be removed and replaced within an established time frame, when the facility is being renovated, if facility uses change, if there are problems of vandalism or other maintenance concerns, and at the discretion of the Marion County Board of Commissioners. 6. For parks where staff has determined there may be a cultural affiliation with the park, staff shall consult with appropriate tribes and/or other interested parties during the name recommendation process in order to propose names for the Marion County Parks Commission to consider. Page 2  Marion County Parks Commission – Naming Policy Draft version – October 7, 2022 B. OTHER TYPES OF RECOGNITION The Marion County Parks Commission considers the following as preferred alternatives to naming a Marion County Park, facility, or site after an individual, group, or donor, subject to the discretion of the Marion County Parks Commission. Whenever a naming proposal is made, the Parks Commission shall consider these types of recognition first before making a recommendation to the board. The Public Works Director or his/her assignee shall advise the Marion County Parks Commission of any recognitions approved by the board. Other opportunities to honor an individual will include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Letter of Recognition - The Director may recognize and honor an individual or group for their contributions to a park or the Marion County Park system in a formal letter of recognition. 2. Interpretive Materials - The individual or group may be recognized and honored in a park’s printed interpretive materials and program or on the Marion County Parks website. 3. Memorial Event - The individual or group may be recognized by naming an event held at the park in their honor. 4. Memorial - The individual or group may be recognized by placement of a memorial object or planting at the park in their honor. Such memorials shall only be recommended when consistent with the following criteria: a. the memorial object fits with the scenic values of the park and does not detract from peoples' enjoyment of the landscape due to its size, shape, location, material make- up, or proximity to other memorials or objects; b. there are no significant objections received regarding the memorial, and it is not expected to nor becomes a distraction from the primary purpose of the park and peoples' enjoyment of the park; c. the memorial will not result in a significant expense, liability, encumbrance, or administrative or maintenance burden to Marion County Parks. 5. Memorial Recognition Wall or Plaque- at parks where significant interest arises to recognize individuals who meet the general criteria for recognition, a memorial recognition wall or plaque may be recommended to contain any potential distractions or scenic impact created by honoring many individuals in a limited space. Page 3 Marion County Parks Commission – Naming Policy Draft version – October 7, 2022 6. Resolution of the Commission - The Marion County Parks Commission may recognize and honor an individual or group for their contributions to a park or the Marion County Park system in a formal resolution of the Commission. 7. Waiting List - In recognition of the possibility of numerous individuals who meet the criteria set forth in the Naming Policy, and who aren’t accommodated at a certain time, Marion County Parks staff shall maintain a waiting list of individuals to be considered when naming opportunities arise in the future. Page 4