Mayor & City Council

WHITEFISH CITY COUNCIL April 7, 2025 7:10 P.M. 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Muhlfeld called the meeting to order. Councilors present were Qunell, Feury, Caltabiano, Sweeney. Councilors Norton and Davis were absent. City Staff present were, City Clerk Howke, City Manager Smith, City Attorney Jacobs, Finance Director Gospodarek, Planning and Building Director Taylor, Police Chief Kelch, Fire Chief Hadley and Planner Macdonald. Approximately six people were in the audience, and one attended virtually. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Muhlfeld asked Nathan Dugan to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3) PRESENTATION a) Housing Whitefish Workforce Rental Assistance Program Update (p.16) (YouTube Video 3:09) Daniel Sidder, Executive Director of Housing Whitefish, provided an update on the Workforce Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Alpenglow Apartments Phase II. He reported that projected rents for Alpenglow II exceed typical rental assistance thresholds, raising concerns about affordability and the use of public funds. Due to funding limitations and rental market challenges, Housing Whitefish has decided not to proceed with Alpenglow II at this time. The Workforce Rental Assistance Program has supported 65 households and 125 individuals, helping many families remain in the community. The program initially received $200,000 from the city, with an additional $100,000 raised. Housing Whitefish is requesting increased city funding of $200,000 for FY26, $250,000 for FY27, and $300,000 for FY28, to be matched one-to-one by Housing Whitefish. Councilor Caltabiano inquired about funding sources, with Sidder confirming that city mills dedicated to affordable housing and resort tax revenues contribute to the program. Councilor Qunell sought clarification on funding access, with Sidder explaining a grant application was submitted to the Whitefish Community Foundation. Mayor Muhlfeld questioned whether committing mills to a three-year funding cycle is the best long-term strategy, given other potential affordable housing projects. Manager Smith noted that funding flexibility should be considered due to resort tax growth and potential delays in Alpenglow II. She highlighted that last year’s mills generated approximately $325,000, and funding RAP would take most of these resources. Smith recommended ensuring contract language allows adaptability in funding sources. Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Qunell to authorize the City Manager to negotiate an agreement with Housing Whitefish to support the rental assistance program on a one-to-one basis up to $200,000 in FY26; $250,000 in FY27 and $300,000 in FY28. The motion carried. 4) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC– (This time is set aside for the public to comment on items that are either on the agenda, but not a public hearing or on items not on the agenda. City officials do not respond during these comments but may respond or follow-up later on the agenda or at another time. The mayor has the option of limiting such communications to three minutes depending on the number of citizens who want to comment and the length of the meeting agenda) (YouTube Video 24:53)  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 2025 Nathan Dugan, 937 Kalispell Avenue, Vice Chair of the Local Government Review Study Commission. He updated the Council that they have been doing their work on how the local government is structured and functions in Whitefish. They are in an information gathering phase at this point to get all ideas of the community about things that might need to be improved or updated. They launched a survey that is online on Engagewhitefish.com. He asks the community to please consider participating in the survey. He also mentioned he is starting an Adult Men’s Baseball League in Whitefish. Games will be at Memorial Field starting on June 1st. If you are interested in playing visit flatheadadultbaseball.com. 5) COMMUNICATIONS FROM VOLUNTEER BOARDS None 6) CONSENT AGENDA (The consent agenda is a means of expediting routine matters that require the Council’s action. Debate does not typically occur on consent agenda items. Any member of the Council may remove any item for debate. Such items will typically be debated and acted upon prior to proceeding to the rest of the agenda.) (YouTube Video 28:44) a) Minutes from March 17, 2025, Special Session (p.27) b) Minutes from March 17, 2025, Regular Meeting (p.28) c) Minutes from March 31, 2025, Special Meeting (p.33) d) Consideration of a request from the City of Whitefish, for a Lake and Lakeshore Protection Permit to remove nonconforming pillars, deck, and boardwalk from city beach, and add steps for safety, located at 30 Lakeside Blvd (WLP 25-05) (p.37) e) Consideration of a request from Andy and Teri Feury, for a Lake and Lakeshore Protection Permit to remodel and restore the lakeshore and access paths from the private residence, located at 930 Pack Rat Lane (WLP 25-06) (p.59) f) Consideration of a request from the Houston Point HOA, for a Lake and Lakeshore Protection Permit to install a new beach access stairway and restore the dock access path (WLP 25-09) (p.88) Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Caltabiano to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilor Feury recused himself due to his Lakeshore Permit is on the Consent Agenda. The motion carried with Councilor Feury abstaining. 7) PUBLIC HEARINGS (Items will be considered for action after public hearings) (Resolution No. 07-33 establishes a 30- minute time limit for applicant’s land use presentations.) a) Consideration of a request from Mallory Hickethier/Trovare for a Conditional Use Permit to se1l beer and wine at chef’s dinners and classes, located at 317 Central Avenue, zoned WB-3 (General Business District) (WCUP 25-03) (p.116) (YouTube Video 29:20) Planning and Building Director Dave Taylor presented his report that is provided in the packet on the website. Staff has not received written public comments. Mayor Muhlfeld opened the Public Hearing. There being no public comment, Mayor Muhlfeld closed the Public Hearing and turned matters over to the Council for their consideration. Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by Councilor Qunell to approve WCUP 25-03, the findings of fact in the staff report and the two conditions of approval as recommended by the Whitefish Community Development Board. The motion carried. b) Ordinance No. 25-04; An Ordinance rezoning 6575 US Hwy 93 S. and 1325 Columbia Avenue in Section 1, Township 30 North, Range 22 West, P.M., M., Flathead County, Montana, zoned WB- 2/WPUD (Secondary Business District with a Planned Unit Development overlay) to WB-2 2  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 2025 (Secondary Business District) and adopting findings with respect to such rezone (First Reading) (WZC 25-01) (p.148) (YouTube Video 32:11) Planner Lauren Macdonald presented her staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Staff has not received written public comment. Mayor Muhlfeld opened the Public Hearing. There being no public comment, Mayor Muhlfeld closed the Public Hearing and turned matters over to the Council for their consideration. Councilor Qunell made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feury to approve Ordinance No. 25-04; An Ordinance rezoning 6575 US Hwy 93 S. and 1325 Columbia Avenue in Section 1, Township 30 North, Range 22 West, P.M., M., Flathead County, Montana, zoned WB-2/WPUD (Secondary Business District with a Planned Unit Development overlay) to WB-2 (Secondary Business District) and adopting findings with respect to such rezone (First Reading) (WZC 25-01). Councilor Caltabiano provided historical context, noting that City Council previously spent two nights deliberating on this agenda item during PUD approval. Councilor Caltabiano lamented the vacant lot and noted infrastructure gaps, including Columbia Avenue not extending fully and the absence of a 15th Street continuation. He is saddened to see an empty lot. The motion carried. 8) COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR a) Consideration to award construction contract for the East 6th Street Reconstruction Project (p.164) (YouTube Video 38:29) City Manager Smith presented Public Works Director Craig Workman’s staff report due to his absence. Director Workman’s staff report is provided in the packet on the website. Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by Councilor Qunell to award the construction contract for the East 6th Street Reconstruction Project to Watson Excavating in the amount not to exceed $1,927,737.35. The motion carried. 9) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER a) Written report enclosed with the packet. Questions from Mayor and Council? (p.176) None b) Other items arising between April 2nd through April 7th (YouTube Video 41:25) Manager Smith provided a brief update on the legislative session. Her staff report is provided in the packet on the website. c) Consideration of a request from proposed North Lake Fire District for the City to apply on their behalf for an easement on DNRC land (p.194) (YouTube 43:12) Joe Raudabaugh presented a request for the City to apply for an easement on DNRC land to support fire service improvements. He highlighted the challenges faced by the Whitefish Fire Service Area (WFSA), noting that the service area is too large and lacks adequate fire station coverage. Through GIS-driven analysis with Carnegie Mellon students, he identified optimal locations for two new fire stations north of town—one along Reservoir Road and another near Frisbee Golf on DNRC land. The North Lake station would serve as an unmanned resource center with water storage, fire equipment, and seasonal lodging. The proposed initiative seeks to establish a new fire district to cover underserved properties and fund the construction through private donations, avoiding tax levies. The district would 3  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 2025 contract with the City for management while ensuring all costs are borne by the neighborhood, not taxpayers. Raudabaugh requested Council endorsement for the proposal, including applying for the DNRC easement. The Council discussed the timing and implications, with City Manager Smith confirming DNRC's support and Fire Chief Hadley affirming the strategic importance of the initiative. Council members expressed concerns about potential costs but acknowledged that the district would be responsible for funding and maintenance. Mayor Muhlfeld and Council members deliberated on whether the district should be formed before securing the easement. Raudabaugh argued that parallel processing would expedite the timeline. Council members compared the proposal to prior fire district initiatives and recognized its potential benefits, including improved response capabilities and reduced city subsidization. The request includes City endorsement of the fire station plan, application for the DNRC easement, and collaboration with the Community Foundation to secure funding. If supported, the proposed district will proceed with outreach, secure necessary petition signatures, and work with the County for approval. Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Caltabiano to approve entering into and initiating an easement with DNRC and we form an agreement with the proposed North Lake District in which the city will be supportive but not burdened. Councilor Sweeney stated there has never been a similar proposal. For the city it is nothing but a win and could be a model to proceed. The motion carried. 10) COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILORS a) Letter from Project Whitefish Kids (PWK) requesting the City to match player fees on a yearly basis to solidify the park’s funding for Smith Fields (p.210) (YouTube Video 1:05:26) Councilor Sweeney emphasized the importance of supporting Smith Fields and Project Whitefish Kids, acknowledging the budget constraints but suggesting potential involvement to subsidize maintenance and upgrades, such as irrigation systems, to align with city standards. Councilor Caltabiano agreed, proposing in-kind contributions like mowing or maintenance using city resources. Mayor Muhlfeld inquired about discussions with Director Butts. Manager Smith recommended addressing this during the budget workshop, providing cost breakdowns and exploring resort tax dollars for irrigation installation. She highlighted staffing challenges, particularly during summer, and the need for additional hires to maintain Smith Fields. Councilor Qunell suggested reviewing Project Whitefish Kids' financials, which Manager Smith agreed to request. Councilor Feury expressed concerns about committing funds due to existing maintenance backlogs in city parks, emphasizing the need to prioritize current obligations while acknowledging the value of the facility. Councilor Comments (YouTube Video 1:14:32) Councilor Feury thanked Lauren Macdonald, Planner. She did an awesome job on his Lakeshore permit. Councilor Sweeney addressed Councilor Caltabiano’s comments pertaining to Ordinance No. 25-04. He stated he stands by his comments on the trees he hopes they preserve the trees. The reason that project did not move forward when it was conditioned was not because of the conditions. The developers could not find an investor. 4  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 2025 11) ADJOURNMENT (Resolution 08-10 establishes 11:00 p.m. as end of meeting unless extended to 11:30 by majority) Mayor Muhlfeld adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m. /s/John Muhlfeld Mayor Muhlfeld Attest: /s/Michelle Howke Michelle Howke, Whitefish City Clerk 5