Mayor & City Council

WHITEFISH CITY COUNCIL June 2, 2025 SPECIAL SESSION AT 5:00 PM 1) Call to Order Mayor Muhlfeld called the meeting to order. Councilors present were Qunell, Caltabiano, Davis, Sweeney and Norton. Staff present were City Manager Smith and City Clerk Howke. 2) Interviews The City Council interviewed incumbent Ross Doty and Tara Zimmerman for the Police Commission. 3) Public Comment None 4) Appointments Mayor Muhlfeld re-appointed, with ratification from the Council Ross Doty to the Police Commission . 5) Adjourn Mayor Muhlfeld adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m. and opened the work session. /s/John Muhlfeld Mayor Muhlfeld Attest: /s/Michelle Howke Michelle Howke, Whitefish City Clerk  WHITEFISH CITY COUNCIL June 2, 2025 7:10 P.M. 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Muhlfeld called the meeting to order. Councilors present were Qunell, Feury, Caltabiano, Davis, Sweeney, and Norton. City Staff present were, City Clerk Howke, City Manager Smith, City Attorney Jacobs, Finance Director Gospodarek, Planning and Building Director Taylor, Public Works Director Workman, Parks and Recreation Director Butts, Police Chief Kelch, Fire Chief Hadley, Deputy Police Chief Conway, and Long-Range Planner Tiefenbach. Approximately 32 people were in the audience and 2 attended virtually. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Muhlfeld asked Dakota Whitman to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3) 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 1:30 Mayor Muhlfeld read aloud the Principles of Civil Dialogue as a reminder for the audience. Saundra Alessi shared concerns regarding mixed land use in the city’s growth policy. She noted the increasing trend of online shopping, citing the rise of delivery services from major retailers like Walmart and Costco, as well as the upcoming Amazon distribution center in Kalispell. Alessi expressed worry that expanding commercial development alongside residential areas could lead to urban blight, given the number of businesses closing and empty storefronts in downtown Whitefish. She urged the council to consider this shift in consumer behavior before adding more commercial space, acknowledging that while she may not personally favor this trend, it appears to be the direction of the future. Whitney Beckham, a member of the Community Development Board, expressed appreciation to the Council for the well-attended work session before the regular meeting. She emphasized the Board’s commitment to thoroughly reviewing materials and preparing the document as directed by MLUPA. Beckham commended Alan's efforts and highlighted the Board’s dedication to incorporating all public comments, noting the addition of three public comment sections in working groups. She reassured the Council and the public that they are actively listening and preparing, and she thanked the Council for their guidance and efforts. Michael Hein, 612 Lupfer Avenue, expressed concerns about an appointed board fully adopting recommendations from a single business interest, suggesting this could be problematic. He also noted that the resignation of a 15-year veteran of the planning process due to its inefficacy raises further concerns. John Heberling, a member of the Community Development Board (CDB), expressed appreciation for the council’s dedication in addressing key issues. He noted the distinct responsibilities of the CDB and the council, emphasizing that the CDB is tasked with preparing and proposing a growth plan, which the council may later adopt, revise, or reject based on the planning commission's recommendations.  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Heberling outlined key differences between the staff’s economic development goals and the Heart of Whitefish version, which largely supports staff work but introduces substantial changes:  No to adding 720 new business types: The staff's version proposes a full range of goods and services, implying rapid growth, which the Heart of Whitefish version rejects.  Yes, to moderate growth, no to rapid growth: Community visioning sessions indicated public concern over affordability, traffic, and growth levels, supporting a preference for moderation.  No to box stores: Community feedback showed little support for big box retail, while the staff version suggests regulating it, which Heberling views as a slippery slope. Mayor Muhlfeld acknowledged Heberling’s comments, stating that the council is familiar with the proposed changes and that further discussion should occur at the next CDB meeting. He thanked Heberling for his service. Leanette Galaz, 1447 11th Street West, Columbia Falls, a community organizer with Flathead Democracy, addressed the Council regarding the conflict in the growth policy. She emphasized the importance of local politics, as it directly impacts residents' lives. Galaz contrasted oligarchy—where a small group holds power—with representative democracy, which considers all constituents. She questioned the nature of Whitefish City Government and highlighted her organization's goal of empowering working families. She also inquired whether the public input process was being conducted again by the Heart of Whitefish or if it had been completed by the city. Stephen Butters noted that border tourism has declined by 20% since January, resulting in a $400,000 loss for the community. He urged the council to consider whether immediate attention should be given to the tourism industry or if longer-term priorities should take precedence. Dakota Whitman, 937 Kalispell Avenue, expressed concerns about the democratic process, arguing against the idea that a single person can represent hundreds of people, as it privileges certain groups over others. He emphasized that participation should be individual, urging members of organizations like Heart of Whitefish or Citizens for a Better Flathead to engage directly rather than relying on group representation. Whitman also questioned the credibility of data used in recent discussions. He pointed out that Heart of Whitefish's claim of a median per capita rent of $800 was based on an inaccurate assumption that all two- bedroom apartments have tenants evenly splitting $1,700 rent. He emphasized the need for critical data analysis in decision-making. Additionally, he challenged Heart of Whitefish’s unsupported statement that the housing crisis “may reverse” due to remote workers returning to offices, calling for claims to be backed by credible sources to ensure a truly data-driven process. Terry Falk, Representative for House District #10 in Kalispell, addressed concerns related to the Border Patrol and Whitefish Police Department. He reflected on the values of law and obedience instilled by past generations and expressed unease about societal shifts where traditional perceptions of good and bad seem to have reversed, potentially leading to chaos. He emphasized his respect for the Council and acknowledged their difficult position in responding to these issues. Falk urged elected officials to prioritize the safety, peace, and protection of citizens, asserting that maintaining order requires living within societal bounds. He advised against apologizing for actions taken in the interest of preserving stability and doing what he believes is right. 2  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Trand Seymour of Kalispell raised concerns about racial bias in the Del Castillo case, urging reevaluation. He also criticized the economic development plan, arguing it overlooks local residents and affordability issues. He noted that many workers live outside Whitefish due to high costs, questioned who the plan benefits, and expressed frustration over longtime locals feeling excluded. On tourism, he highlighted economic disparities and opposed revisions that remove references to financial hardship, advocating for transparency in public documentation. Cameron Dexter, representing Citizens for a Better Flathead (CBF), voiced support for the Heart of Whitefish, commending its incorporation of stakeholder input. She emphasized the importance of transparency in the process, noting that CBF submits comments like all other stakeholders and carefully reviews them. Dexter expressed concern about access to individual stakeholder comments, stating she has submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request but has yet to receive the public comments. She urged that all submitted feedback be made available before meetings to ensure meaningful discussion and collective problem-solving. Drew Rafkin, 723 Fifth Avenue East, Kalispell, voiced concerns about collaboration between the city council, Border Patrol, and police, citing the targeting of Latino community members. She shared that her husband, a naturalized citizen, has left the country out of fear for his safety and lack of legal protection. Rafkin emphasized historical parallels and urged the council to consider the broader implications of discriminatory policies, warning that such targeting could expand to others in the future. She stressed the need for safeguards to protect vulnerable community members. Ron Gerson, of Kalispell, addressed the Council, expressing deep concern for the preservation of civil rights and due process in Whitefish. He shared his personal connection to immigration, recalling how his parents, fleeing the Nazi regime, were welcomed into the United States. He emphasized their reverence for democratic principles and conveyed his distress over current events in the country. Gerson urged the Council to ensure that all branches of city government act in unity to protect and respect all members of the community, warning against complacency in the face of injustice. He highlighted Whitefish’s tradition of supporting vulnerable neighbors and called for continued clarity, commitment, and action in maintaining these values. Leanette Galaz of Columbia Falls presented a video to the Council showing the detainment of Noam Berios in Maryland by ICE without a warrant. ICE agents forcibly broke her car window while her daughter cried out for her mother. Berios, an asylum seeker from El Salvador with current work authorization, has no criminal record. DHS alleges an association with MS-13 but has provided no evidence or detention order. Galaz highlighted similarities to the case of Whitefish community member Rengifo Del Castillo, who was detained by ICE without a warrant or charges. Galaz expressed frustration with the hypocrisy of how Latino individuals contribute to the community yet face discrimination when advocating for equal rights. She criticized the actions of Border Patrol, calling them politically motivated and authoritarian. Galaz urged the Council to act, stating that many community members have expressed opposition to these events. She and others demanded that the City of Whitefish immediately stop contacting or collaborating with Border Patrol for any non-felony interactions. Additional demands included access to Whitefish PD training materials on racial bias, an investigation and possible disciplinary action against Officer Hingiss, improved immigration training for officers, and regular and frequent training to ensure proper identification of lawful immigration status. Lastly, they called for an official apology from Chief Kelch and the Whitefish City Council to Becker Rengifo Del Castillo and the broader community for failing to prevent harm due to inadequate training and prioritization of the issue. 3  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Lena Camero expressed frustration at allowing others to speak on her behalf, emphasizing that she and Leanette Galaz are among the most visible people of color in the valley. She shared that she feels unsafe in Whitefish and takes measures to minimize her visibility to avoid racial profiling, which she stated is present in the town despite the Council's reluctance to acknowledge it. Camero urged the Council to act, stating that while she cannot make herself or her children safer, they have the power to do so. She called for an investigation and the release of existing body cam footage. She highlighted the experiences of others in the community, particularly those without strong networks or visibility, and referenced an incident in which her Blackfeet friend was assaulted in a parking structure. She concluded by insisting that the Council take responsibility and do what individuals in the community cannot. Rebecca Miller, an immigration advocate from Kalispell, addressed the City Council regarding the traffic stop of Mr. Rengifo Del Castillo. After reading the police report—now publicly available—she expressed disbelief at how confidently some council members had dismissed concerns about the incident. She pointed out that the report does not indicate any clear reason for Border Patrol involvement and emphasized that Mr. Del Castillo had proper documentation and was pulled over for a broken taillight. Miller highlighted the broader implications of calling Border Patrol, explaining that once an officer makes that call, they lose control over the outcome. In this case, Mr. Del Castillo was detained for six days, an experience Miller described as "terrifying." She noted that while there was empathy expressed for the police officer involved, there was little discussion about the hardship faced by the detained individual. She acknowledged the existence of unconscious bias in society, including her own, and stressed the importance of resisting and addressing it. Her key request to the council was for transparency regarding police training on reasonable suspicion and probable cause in immigration-related stops. She reiterated her call for the city to stop involving Border Patrol in such cases. Stephen Butters, a resident of Columbia Falls, addressed the council, highlighting his family's deep- rooted service in military and law enforcement. He shared personal anecdotes, including his grandfather’s role in the Iwo Jima landing and his own involvement in anti-human trafficking work. He expressed concerns regarding ICE's actions and government policies, stating his father, a longtime government worker, now wants him to leave the country. Regarding Mr. Del Castillo’s detainment, Butters noted discrepancies in police reports and accounts, particularly regarding Border Patrol’s role in translation and its reason for being called. He emphasized the lack of body cam footage and questioned the motives behind the reported immigration violation. He also reflected on his personal experiences with language and identity, suggesting racial differences might influence how individuals are scrutinized. Jenny Paatalo, 476 LaBrie Drive, expressed strong support for local law enforcement, citing her positive personal experiences with officers in the community. She addressed concerns related to protests over the detention of Mr. Del Castillo, criticizing activist groups in Whitefish for leveraging concerns without full facts to push political agendas. She referenced past incidents from 2016, arguing that similar tactics are being used to influence local governance. Paatalo urged the Council to resist pressure to adopt activist narratives, warning against what she called efforts to undermine law enforcement. She criticized social intimidation and political influence exerted by activist groups, suggesting that they manipulate public discourse for control. Councilor Qunell called a point of order, stating that Paatalo’s comments violated the Principles of Civil Dialogue. Mayor Muhlfeld agreed and asked her to conclude her remarks. Paatalo reiterated her support for law enforcement before ending her comments. 4  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Kim Morisaki, a longtime resident of the Flathead Valley, shared her personal experience of being a foreigner while living in Japan for eleven years. She compared this to the recent tragic incident in Whitefish, expressing concern about how immigrants and non-native English speakers are treated in the community. She highlighted her fears for her Japanese-born husband, who is now a U.S. citizen, noting that his appearance and language skills make him vulnerable to discrimination. She emphasized that no community member should feel unsafe or required to carry proof of citizenship at all times. Morisaki also mentioned canceling a trip to Mexico due to concerns about re-entry into the U.S., urging the Council to consider the broader implications of these issues in their discussions about Whitefish's representation. Patty Johnson, 405 Blanchard Lake Drive, spoke about the situation with Becker, emphasizing her support for law enforcement, the City Council, and respectful dialogue. As a longtime educator, she highlighted the concept of growth mindset, stressing that mistakes should be seen as opportunities for learning and development rather than reasons to shut down discussion. She urged the community to approach this issue with openness and a willingness to grow rather than adopting a fixed mindset. Johnson expressed concerns about transparency, particularly regarding the Daily Interlake report referencing immigration issues in Flathead County. She found the language biased and advocated for more open conversations between the Police Department, City Council, and the community. Additionally, she addressed land use and growth, encouraging the Council to prioritize business expansion that benefits local residents rather than focusing solely on tourism. Cameron Dexter, 309 Hawthorne Avenue, expressed concern about the immigration violation situation, stating she was not fully informed before public comments. As a lawyer with extensive experience in civil procedure and immigration, she emphasized that issues such as police brutality and misconduct are ongoing concerns. She urged the council to take a stand, especially under the current administration, and show support for the community members who attended the meeting. Isabella Brown addressed the Council, emphasizing concerns about transparency and systemic biases. She noted her experience as a veteran, acknowledging certain privileges while highlighting the challenges of interacting with law enforcement. Brown shared personal experiences, including housing insecurity and financial constraints, which contribute to heightened stress. She expressed concern over racial disparities in the community and urged the Council to implement implicit bias training. She also called for an official apology, citing public dissatisfaction with the Council’s handling of recent issues. Danielle Tuhy, owner of Subway in Whitefish, addressed the City Council to express concerns regarding racial bias within the Whitefish Police Department and its past relationship with Border Patrol. She criticized the department’s handling of Becker’s case, stating that newly released evidence contradicts previous claims of probable cause for involving Border Patrol. She called for a full public apology from the police department and a commitment to preventing such incidents in the future. Tuhy also recounted her experience during a First Amendment audit at Border Patrol, where she overheard officers attempting to pressure Whitefish Police into violating constitutional rights. While acknowledging Officer Hingiss’s refusal to comply in that instance, she warned of broader patterns of federal agencies intimidating local law enforcement into doing their work. She emphasized that Whitefish has a strong and growing grassroots movement opposing such practices, citing past successes in resisting white supremacist influence. Tuhy urged the Council to take a firm stance against Border Patrol’s tactics and uphold constitutional protections. Her demands include a public apology from the police department and a commitment from both the city and law enforcement to hold each other accountable in preventing future rights violations. She warned that if the Council does not act, the community will continue to fight back, growing stronger in their efforts. 5  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 John Ratka Skinner, of Marion, raised concerns regarding police training materials and procedures, questioning whether officers receive proper training beyond merely acknowledging policy updates. He urged the Council to inquire about the availability of real training materials. He addressed previous remarks by Deputy Mayor Sweeney, clarifying that while there may not be explicit evidence that an individual was stopped due to their race or language, the discretionary decision to involve Border Patrol suggests racial profiling. Skinner emphasized that this distinction is critical. Referencing Councilor Qunell’s prior question about why Border Patrol was contacted during a routine traffic stop, Skinner asserted that the incident report suggests racial profiling. He stressed the need for a review of bias policies and immigration enforcement procedures, stating that the officer involved violated established policies. Skinner highlighted disparities in enforcement, citing a separate traffic stop in which an officer chose not to involve Border Patrol, underscoring inconsistencies in police procedures. He called for greater transparency regarding Border Patrol’s training sessions for officers and advocated for community involvement in future training. He urged the Council to take substantive action, review police stop footage and conduct a thorough evaluation of policies governing law enforcement’s collaboration with Border Patrol. He emphasized the importance of ensuring such incidents do not recur. Jake Courtney, 535 Colorado Avenue, spoke at the meeting despite not initially planning to. He expressed deep commitment to social justice and concern for changes in Whitefish, where he grew up. Reflecting on his childhood, he described the town as welcoming and inclusive, but noted shifts over time, including concerns about racial disparities in policing. He addressed housing challenges, pointing to financial influences shaping the town's development and the struggles of working-class residents. He highlighted past restrictions on busking and referenced Kalispell’s approach to homelessness, arguing that financial interests have hindered efforts to support lower- and middle-class residents. Regarding policing, Courtney recounted witnessing racial harassment, criticizing law enforcement’s response. He urged the community to resist external pressures and uphold values of inclusivity and fairness. Concluding his remarks, he emphasized collective responsibility in shaping the town’s future. Ian Fleming (249 Reserve Place, Kalispell) initially attended to discuss government policy and procedure but decided to participate in broader discussions. He acknowledged the complexities and challenges the community faces and urged everyone to consider the potential scale of failure when making decisions. Fleming emphasized the importance of being mindful of errors, whether small—like misspelling a name—or more significant, as they all impact people's lives. He expressed appreciation for Long Range Planner Tiefenbach’s presentation on Missoula’s approach to illustrating different community planning areas, highlighting the necessity of shared language in discussions about the community’s future. Fleming encouraged incorporating similar methods into local planning efforts to facilitate more informed and productive dialogue. YouTube Video 1:30:34 6  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Mayor Muhlfeld temporarily switched up the agenda. There is somebody in the audience that would like to present on item 9b) Letter from Glacier Nordic Club regarding Big Mountain Trailhead Grooming Barn Site (p.104) Jenny Bender, Executive Director of Glacier Nordic Club, provided an update on the club’s activities and ongoing projects. The club grooms’ numerous trails, offers youth Nordic programs, and operates the rental and lesson shop at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course in winter as a nonprofit. Groomer Barn Project: Bender reported progress on the groomer barn project, a collaboration with Whitefish Legacy Partners and the city, located on the city easement at the Big Mountain Trailhead. After years of discussion dating back to 2018, they have finalized the site selection. Infrastructure work, including electrical and gravel installation, was completed in 2019, and temporary grooming equipment storage has been in place since. Following a leadership transition, the project is resuming with site analysis, with the next steps involving lease and construction agreements, as well as addressing recreational impact considerations. Councilor Qunell expressed appreciation for the persistence and dedication shown in advancing this project despite challenges. Councilor Feury, having followed the project through various committees over seven years, commended the Nordic Club’s thorough site analysis despite the conclusion aligning with their original site selection. He emphasized the importance of securing funding to move forward with construction. Mayor called for a recess at 8:46 pm and reconvened at 8:55 pm. YouTube Video 1:43:42 Britt Cooper, residing at 1400 Wisconsin Avenue, addressed the Council regarding law enforcement. He acknowledged the differing perspectives on the issue and noted that many of those who spoke were not residents of Whitefish. He emphasized the Council's responsibility to respect and support the local law enforcement agency, expressing concerns about a faction advocating for defunding the police and dismantling federal enforcement agencies. Cooper stated that law enforcement plays a vital role in maintaining safety and order. He also shared his personal experience of being labeled a racist, asserting that he does not see racism within the Whitefish community. Ultimately, he urged the Council to stand by local law enforcement and stated that an apology is unnecessary. Z acknowledged that no one had yet mentioned it and wished everyone a Happy Pride Month, raising concerns about the absence of the Pride flag and a proclamation. As a prominent local activist, she noted that visitors often ask about the town's political climate, and she has traditionally described Whitefish as "the blue island of sanity." However, in light of the Council’s response to recent bias-based policing concerns, she is reassessing that characterization. She addressed individual council members, commending Councilor Qunell’s initial remarks but noting his later shift, recognizing Councilor Norton’s empathy but describing her as conflict-averse, and observing Councilors Davis and Sweeney as carefully navigating the issue. She characterized Councilor Caltabiano’s stance as historically misguided and noted Mayor Muhlfeld’s lack of engagement. Z emphasized that the town is at an inflection point. While other community members have presented specific demands, she simply urged the Council to uphold its values, to be better, and to truly embody the blue island of sanity it has been known for. 7  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Mayor Muhlfeld closed the Public Comment portion of the agenda. 4) COMMUNICATIONS FROM VOLUNTEER BOARDS None 5) 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 1:48:48) a) Minutes from May 19, 2025, Special Meeting (p.54) b) Minutes from May 19, 2025, Regular Meeting (p.55) c) Resolution No. 25-06; A Resolution to authorize application for Land & Water Conservation Fund assistance (p.61) Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by Councilor Sweeney to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried. 6) 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) Ordinance No. 25-06; An Ordinance amending Title 7, Chapter 2, Section 2, Snow and Ice Removal of the Whitefish City Code (First Reading) (p.81) (YouTube Video 1:49:04) Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Maria Butts presented her staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. 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 Caltabiano to adopt Ordinance No. 25-06; An Ordinance amending Title 7, Chapter 2, Section 2, Snow and Ice Removal of the Whitefish City Code (First Reading). The motion carried. 7) COMMUNICATIONS FROM PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR a) Consideration to award the construction contract for the Armory Park Master Plan Phase IV project (p.88) (YouTube Video 1:52:42) Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Maria Butts presented her staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by Councilor Sweeney to award the Armory Park Master Plan Phase IV project to Lipka Excavating not to exceed $153,880. The motion carried. 8) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER (YouTube Video 1:55:17) a) Written report enclosed with the packet. Questions from Mayor and Council? (p.94) None b) Other items arising between May 28th through June 2 nd 8  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Manager Smith reported that the City received their audit report for Fiscal Year 2024. Once again, we have received a clean audit opinion with no findings thanks to Finance Director Gospodarek and her staff. c) Consideration of a request from Northwest Montana Community Land Trust for funds from the City’s Affordable Housing Fund to facilitate the purchase of 405 Trailview Way, and to release the deed restriction (p.96) (YouTube Video 1:55:48) Kim Morisaki, Executive Director of Northwest Montana Community Land Trust (NWMTCLT) made an exceptionally large request from the city. As usual, when the opportunity for the land trust to purchase a home in Trailview comes available, they try to do that because taking a deed home and turning it into a land trust home allows them to bring the purchase price down further and guarantee that it will stay affordable in perpetuity. Today 405 Trailview is available. She is asking the Council to lift the Deed Restriction and asking for $100,000 to bring down the purchase price from $476,000 to $376,000. Councilor Davis expressed concerns regarding the request, citing the limited availability of affordable housing funds and the absence of matching funds, which previously allowed the city to extend its resources further. He emphasized that using taxpayer dollars directly to reduce home prices is a costly method and suggested a more holistic approach for future buy-down programs. Councilor Caltabiano inquired about a revolving loan program, and Manager Smith noted that while this could be explored for future funding, it would not be viable for the current property purchase. Kim supported Davis’s concerns, explaining that past projects benefited from external grants and federal funds, which are currently unavailable. She stated that she intends to seek federal funds again when they become accessible later in the year but viewed this as a one-time opportunity. Councilor Sweeney stressed that NWMTCLT has historically contributed more funds than the city and supported the request, highlighting its significance in sustaining affordable housing. Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Norton award $100,000 to NWMTCLT and release the Deed Restriction for 405 Trailview Way. Norton affirmed the importance of perpetual affordable housing. Caltabiano argued that a broader distribution of funds could support multiple homes rather than a single exception. Councilor Feury expressed surprise at the request but supported funding at $30K per lot for land leases. The motion passed 4-2, with Councilors Davis and Caltabiano voting in opposition. 9) COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILORS (YouTube Video 2:16:59) a) Consideration appointing a Council representative to the Community Development Board Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by councilor Norton to appoint Councilor Sweeney to complete Councilor Qunell’s term on the Community Develop Board, and appoint Councilor Norton as the alternate. The motion carried. b) Letter from Glacier Nordic Club regarding Big Mountain Trailhead Grooming Barn Site (p.104) This agenda item was moved earlier in the meeting. Council Comment 9  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 During the council meeting, Mayor Muhlfeld emphasized the need for Council to authorize a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consultant for the land use element of the Growth Policy update. Manager Smith confirmed that staff would bring the request to Council for consideration. Councilor Davis inquired about the potential cost, which was estimated between $100K and $200K, funded by available grant money. Councilor Davis also asked about previous consulting experience on the economic development chapter and whether it would expedite the process. Manager Smith explained that the land use consultant would focus more on community engagement and public outreach, unlike the data-driven economic development report. Director Taylor added that previous consultants had specialized in economic development and that securing a qualified consultant would depend on scope and availability. The Council ultimately directed staff to initiate the RFP process for hiring a consultant to assist with the land use chapter. Councilor Caltabiano addressed Councilor Norton’s concerns regarding the safety of train cars carrying liquid nitrogen. He shared his findings that, in the event of a plane crash into such a train car, the liquid nitrogen would not cause fire or air pollution, though it would result in the destruction of the plane and loss of life. He contrasted this with a Tesla or electric car collision at a rail crossing, which could trigger a significant fire. Additionally, Councilor Caltabiano discussed visitor spending data from Explore Whitefish, clarifying discrepancies in public comments. He noted that, while international spending increased by $100,000 in 2024 compared to 2023, total visitor spending dropped by $900,000 due to a $1 million decline in domestic spending. In the subsequent year-to-date comparison (2025 over 2024), international spending declined by $300,000, but domestic spending rose by $3 million, resulting in a net increase of $2.7 million. He emphasized the importance of monitoring international spending while welcoming all economic contributions. Councilor Qunell acknowledged the testimony heard during the meeting and emphasized the importance of transparency. He requested an update from City Attorney Jacobs regarding Mr. Del Castillo’s situation. Attorney Jacobs explained that an initial brief incident report was released, followed by a more detailed case report in response to public inquiries. She confirmed that relevant policies and training records are publicly available and can be requested through a public records request. Regarding body cam footage, she stated that its release is prohibited by law and ethical obligations unless ordered by a court. Councilor Qunell inquired whether a closed-door session was necessary. City Manager Smith clarified that allegations of racial profiling and bias-based policing are taken seriously and investigated per policy, but such investigations and outcomes remain confidential to protect individual privacy and limit liability risks. Councilor Qunell expressed his concern for public trust and urged patience, reiterating that the city is committed to addressing concerns while upholding transparency. He acknowledged the impact of the incident but cautioned against misplaced anger, affirming that Whitefish is a welcoming community and that discussions should remain constructive. Councilor Sweeney emphasized the importance of a growth mindset in addressing the issue at hand. He acknowledged a comment made earlier by Patty, an educator, who highlighted this approach. He stated that the incident has brought attention to a problem and an unfortunate circumstance, but the path forward lies in embracing a growth mindset. He underscored the need for open communication, ensuring that all perspectives are heard and understood. He reassured attendees that staff members are actively engaged in this process and are committed to listening and learning. 10  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 2, 2025 Councilor Davis shared his concerns about the process followed in adopting the Heart of Whitefish version of the Growth Policy. He acknowledged the edits made, noting that while some were beneficial, others he disagreed with, but emphasized the importance of public participation. He suggested that individual comments on the document be made public rather than aggregated to ensure a broader range of perspectives. Regarding the Community Development Board, he expressed that adopting any single version of a document is not ideal. He supported a more detailed process that consolidates feedback issue by issue to create a more refined working draft. He noted the challenges of managing competing opinions and suggested that reopening public comment could be worth considering. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of both Board members and community participants in the process. Councilor Norton expressed agreement with Councilor Davis and supported the decision to assign the matter to the Community Development Board, recognizing it as a noble approach to developing a growth policy for the town. She acknowledged significant progress and recommended revisiting Alan’s corrections for further improvements. She thanked Councilor Qunell for clarifying matters for the public, noting the widespread fear among residents regarding travel, civil rights, and safety. She inquired whether the City Attorney or Police Chief could provide guidance on improving public safety and perceptions of security. Manager Smith, speaking on behalf of the Attorney and Police Chief, emphasized that all individuals—regardless of immigration status or appearance—should feel secure when interacting with law enforcement. He assured that police interactions do not automatically lead to immigration checks or deportation, reaffirming the department’s commitment to unbiased policing. City Attorney Jacobs reiterated confidence in local law enforcement, stating there have been no complaints of racial profiling or discrimination based on identity during her tenure. Additionally, Councilor Norton noted that the Riverside Park Bridge has been fortified with rock and praised its improved appearance. Councilor Feury shared his thoughts on the work session, agreeing with Councilor Davis. He highlighted that the primary concern was not the additions to the document but rather the number of deletions, which removed important context about current realities. While these deletions may not significantly impact policy decisions, they do shape public understanding of local conditions. He emphasized the need to balance retail restrictions with consumer needs, noting that while chain stores are avoided, certain goods—like affordable underwear—are only available through large national retailers. Feury acknowledged that wholesale changes made by the Community Development Board left some people feeling blindsided. He also pointed out similarities in the arguments presented in public comments, urging everyone to recognize that such patterns occur on all sides as discussions progress. 10) 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 9:56p.m. /s/John Muhlfeld Mayor Muhlfeld Attest: /s/Michelle Howke Michelle Howke, Whitefish City Clerk 11