Mayor & City Council

WHITEFISH CITY COUNCIL August 18, 2025 7:10 P.M. 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Muhlfeld called the meeting to order. Councilors present were Qunell, Feury, Davis, Sweeney, and Norton. Councilor Caltabiano was absent. City Staff present were, City Clerk Howke, City Manager Smith, Deputy Attorney Fairchild, Finance Director Gospodarek, Planning and Building Director Taylor, Public Works Director Workman, Parks and Recreation Director Butts, Police Chief Kelch, Fire Chief Hadley, Deputy Chief Conway, and Senior Planner Compton-Ring. Approximately six people were in the audience, and one attended virtually. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Muhlfeld asked Lyn Bennett 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) “Z” began by noting the absence of Councilor G-Man. They referenced A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, highlighting the theme of social injustice. The speaker described participating in a ride- along with Sergeant Seth Stratton on August 8th, commending his respectful and community-oriented approach to policing. In contrast, the speaker expressed concern over a prior incident involving Officer Hingiss and a Spanish-speaking individual, quoting both the officer’s radio communication and lyrics from Rage Against the Machine to underscore perceived systemic issues. They referenced a previous request for the council to acknowledge and apologize for the incident involving an individual named Beare, stating that the council instead “closed ranks.” The speaker addressed Councilor G-Man directly, referencing online discourse and a legal complaint naming the City of Whitefish, Officer Hingiss, and Chief Kelch as defendants. She urged the council to consider settlement and emphasized that justice should not be determined by social media sentiment. “Z” concluded with a call for consistent, respectful treatment of all individuals by law enforcement, expressing sadness and frustration over the disparity in experiences. She titled her remarks “Same Shit, Different Uniform,” and closed by stating, “We are better than this.” Richard Hildner, 104 5th Street, expressed appreciation for the recognition of Don Spivey, describing it as appropriate and well-deserved in light of his and his family's contributions to the community. Mr. Hildner commended the Parks and Recreation Department for the recent stonework at Riverside Park, particularly the section on the west (or south) side of the river. Described the work as “stunning” and likened it to sculpture, praising its aesthetic quality.  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 18, 2025 He reflected positively on the evening’s work session, noting it was highly productive. Highlighted the importance of initial steps taken regarding fire safety and bike path regulations. 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.) a) Minutes from August 4, 2025, Special Meeting (p.36) b) Minutes from August 4, 2025, Regular Meeting (p.37) c) Ordinance No. 25-08; An Ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 18-01, 19-02, 21-14, and 23-09, which approved and subsequently amended the 95 Karrow, LLC Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development, to develop a mixed-use development on the former Idaho Timer property located at 95 Karrow Avenue, Whitefish (Second Reading) (WPUD 25-01) (p.44) Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Norton 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. 25-09; An Ordinance amending Title 12, Subdivision Regulations, of the Whitefish City Code (First Reading) (WSUB 25-01) (p.48) Senior Planner Wendy Compton-Ring 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 consideration. Councilor Feury made a motion, seconded by Councilor Davis to adopt Ordinance No. 25-09; An Ordinance amending Title 12, Subdivision Regulations, of the Whitefish City Code (First Reading). The motion carried. b) Resolution No. 25-16; A Resolution amending the 2025 fiscal year annual budget to increase appropriations in two funds of the City (p.117) Finance Director Lanie Gospodarek 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 Feury made a motion, seconded by Councilor Sweeney to approve Resolution No. 25- 16; A Resolution amending the 2025 fiscal year annual budget to increase appropriations in two funds of the City. The motion carried c) FY26 Budget, Tax Levy, and Assessments Public Hearing (p.121) i. Resolution No. 25-17; A Resolution accepting and approving the municipal budget for the City of Whitefish for the 2026 Fiscal Year Commending July 1, 2025 in its final form (p.126) 2  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 18, 2025 Budget Changes Since Preliminary FY2026 Budget (p.128) FY2026 Final Budget (p.130) ii. Resolution No. 25-18; A Resolution establishing the method of levying voted mills as required by Laws 2025, Chapters 674 and 767 passed in the 69 th Montana Legislative Session (p.277) iii. Resolution No. 25-19; A Resolution (1) budgeting property tax revenue, (2) determining the property tax mills to be levied on all taxable property within the corporate limits of the city of Whitefish, and (3) levying and assessing all special improvement assessments and other assessments on real estate within the Districts for the 2026 fiscal year (p.279) iv. Resolution No. 25-20; A Resolution levying and assessing a tax on each lot or parcel of land in the city lying within the boundaries of the City’s Street Maintenance District to defray the costs of street improvements (p.282) v. Resolution No. 25-21; A Resolution levying and assessing tax upon all real estate in Special Improvements Lighting District No. 1 in the City of Whitefish, Montana to defray the cost of improvements in said Special Improvement Lighting District (p.284) vi. Resolution No. 25-22; A Resolution levying and assessing a tax upon all real estate in Special Improvement District No. 4 in the city of Whitefish, Montana, to defray the cost of improvements in said Special Improvement Lighting District (p.286) vii. Resolution No. 25-23; A Resolution levying and assessing a tax on each lot or parcel of land in the City lying within the boundaries of the City’s Parkland and Greenway Maintenance District (p.288) viii. Resolution No. 25-24; A Resolution levying and assessing a tax on each land or parcel of land in the City lying within the boundaries of the City’s Stormwater Improvement and Maintenance District (p.290) ix. Resolution No. 25-25; A Resolution levying and assessing a tax on each lot or parcel of land lying within the boundaries of Special Improvement District No. 166 (JP Road) to defray the cost of creation of said District and the Improvements therein (p.292) x. Resolution No. 25-26; A Resolution levying and assessing a tax on each lot or parcel of land within the boundaries of Special Improvement District No. 167 (Downtown Parking Structure) to defray the cost of creation of said District and the Improvements therein (p.305) xi. Resolution No. 25-27; A Resolution levying and assessing costs from certain properties within the City for the extermination and removal of noxious weeds pursuant to Title 4, Chapter 3, of the Whitefish City Code; and for the removal of ice, snow, slush or other impediments pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2, of the Whitefish City Code (p.312) xii. Resolution No. 25-28; A Resolution levying and assessing costs from certain properties within the city for the collection of utility service charges pursuant to Title 8, Chapter 1 of the Whitefish City Code (p.315) City Manager Dana Smith presented her budget memo that is provided in the FY26 Final Budget on the website. Resolution Nos. 25-17 through 25-28 will be one hearing. 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 consideration. Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Norton to approve Resolution No. 25-17; A Resolution accepting and approving the municipal budget for the City of Whitefish for the 2026 Fiscal Year Commending July 1, 2025 in its final form. The motion carried. Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Norton to approve Resolution Nos. 25-18 thru 25-28. The motion carried. 3  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 18, 2025 7) COMMUNICATION FROM PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR a) Consideration the authorization to Bid the Armory Park Restroom and Playground Paths (p.319) Parks and Recreation Director Maria Butts presented her staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Councilor Qunell made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feury to authorize staff to Bid the Armory Park Restroom and Playground Paths. The motion carried. 8) COMMUNICATION FROM PLANNING AND BUILDING DIRECTOR a) Consideration to award the contract for the Land Use Chapter for Vision Whitefish 2045 (p.347) Planning and Building Director Dave Taylor presented his staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Councilor Davis made a motion, seconded by Councilor Sweeney to award the czb, LLC. The contract for the Land Use Chapter for Vision Whitefish 2045, not to exceed $149,700.00. The motion carried. 9) COMMUNICATION FROM FINANCE DIRECTOR a) Review and adoption of FY26-FY30 Capital Improvement Program (p.373) Finance Director Lanie Gospodarek presented the FY26-FY30 Capital Improvement Program that is provided in the packet on the website. Councilor Sweeny made a motion, seconded by Councilor Qunell to adopt the FY26-FY30 Capital Improvement Program. The motion carried. 10) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER a) Written report enclosed with the packet. Questions from Mayor and Council? (p.435) None b) Other items arising between August 13th through August 18th Manager Dana Smith discussed an upcoming CDBG Grant Request for Alpenglow I Apartments. Homeword, the developer of Alpenglow I (38-unit complex), has requested that the City of Whitefish apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds on their behalf to replace inadequate heat pumps in the facility. The current heating system is not suitable for northern climate conditions. They would schedule a public hearing for September 2nd. The application deadline is September 17th. The requested grant amount is $250,000 (well below the $750,000 maximum). Homeword will prepare all application materials and present at hearings. The City would act as a pass-through entity. Sweeney questioned how the incorrect heat pumps were selected, noting that local weather conditions have not changed. Dana responded that this would be addressed by Homeword during the September 2nd hearing. Norton confirmed with Dana that Homeword constructed the buildings. Asked about warranty coverage; Dana clarified it was a performance issue not covered by warranty. Davis expressed concern that the issue may stem from a construction defect. While inclined to support the grant application, he emphasized 4  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 18, 2025 the need for more information and noted that contingency planning would be necessary if the grant is not awarded. 11) COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILORS Councilor Qunell raised concerns about the strong odor from the seal coating applied near Geddes Avenue. Public Works Director Workman explained it's an oil-based product used annually, with more odor complaints this year than usual. Possible factors: dry weather, no rain before/after application, and a “hotter batch.” The alternative would be to chip seal, which is rougher for bikes and pedestrians but less odorous. Qunell suggested exploring alternatives due to public discomfort. Mayor Muhlfeld suggested pausing the wildfire ordinance discussion until October/November. Councilor Davis expressed concern about overreach and recommended focusing on large, high-risk properties (e.g., Iron Horse, Lion Mountain). He proposed involving HOAs in enforcement and tailoring regulations to high-risk zones. Fire Chief Cole Hadley noted the CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan) may offer better guidance for future ordinances. Councilor Norton supported proactive fire prevention but emphasized creating a hardship fund for residents unable to comply due to financial or physical limitations. Councilor Feury agreed, stressing the importance of helping vulnerable residents rather than penalizing them. Former Fire Chief Scott emphasized that property size isn’t the key factor— any overgrown lot poses a risk. Councilors Sweeney and Feury thanked staff for their work on the budget. Feury noted that most homeowners are paying less in taxes than five years ago, while the city maintains a strong 35% cash reserve. Mayor Muhlfeld reminded everyone of the next meeting on September 2nd and gave kudos to Public Works. 12) 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 8:12 p.m. /s/John Muhlfeld Mayor Muhlfeld Attest: /s/Michelle Howke Michelle Howke, Whitefish City Clerk 5