Mayor & City Council

WHITEFISH CITY COUNCIL October 6, 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, Public Works Director Workman, Parks and Recreation Director Butts, Police Chief Kelch and Fire Chief Hadley. Approximately 27 people were in the audience and 6 attended virtually. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Muhlfeld asked Ray Boksich 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 Part 1 1:24) Dave Martin, 816 Texas Avenue, expressed strong opposition to the Council’s recent approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a bar within the Kemo Sabe retail store. He referenced a letter to the editor by Andree Larose published in the September 17, 2025 edition of the Whitefish Pilot, stating it accurately reflects his views. He thanked Councilors Norton and Qunell for voting against the CUP and criticized the remaining Council members for prioritizing business interests over residents. He questioned the sincerity of a campaign slogan “Honor our residents,” suggesting the decision to allow liquor sales in a retail store contradicts that message. Ray Boksich, 223 Columbia Avenue, spoke in support of his written request to temporarily close Columbia Avenue on Halloween night from 4-9 PM to ensure pedestrian safety. He emphasized the high volume of trick-or-treaters-estimated at 1,000 children plus accompanying adults-and described traffic concerns, including moving vehicles and delivery trucks, posing risks. He noted prior attempts to address the issue with City Halland the Police Department, praising increased police presence but stating it did not resolve traffic hazards. Boksich proposed closing Columbia Avenue from Second Street to Sixth Street, possibly including Somers and Park Avenues, while still allowing residents access. He urged Council to consider the request, citing safety as the primary concern and offering to collaborate on a workable solution. Janice McCann, 340 Somers Avenue, supported the request to close Columbia Avenue on Halloween, citing precedent for street closures during city events for safety. She emphasized accessibility concerns, sharing that uneven sidewalks prevented an elderly neighbor from safely participating. Closing the street would allow safer access for individuals using mobility aids. McCann noted Columbia draws significantly more trick-or-treaters than surrounding streets and suggested parking on Somers and walking in. She stressed that street closures would also protect drivers unfamiliar with the event, reducing the risk of accidents. She urged the Council to consider the safety of both pedestrians and motorists. Paul McCann, 340 Somers Avenue, expressed support for the proposed Halloween street closure, noting the energetic nature of children during the event. He thanked the Council and praised the city, staff, and planning board for creating a vibrant, well-maintained neighborhood. He highlighted Columbia Avenue’s aesthetic appeal, including its trees and corner bulbouts.  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 6, 2025 Nicole Harris, 425 Columbia Avenue, expressed support for closing Columbia Avenue on Halloween to foster a safer, more community-oriented environment. She noted her household hosted 1,326 trick-or- treaters las year, including visitors from Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish. Harris emphasized that reducing traffic would enhance enjoyment and allow neighbors to interact more freely. Keegan Siebenaler, 306 Lupfer Avenue, expressed serious concerns regarding the Planning Commission’s handling of the growth policy process. He criticized the Commission for disregarding public input and city staff efforts, stating that their actions reflect narrow interests and a lack of respect for civil dialogue principles. Siebenaler recounted an August meeting where most public comments supported the staff’s original draft of the economic development chapter, yet the Commission selectively engaged only one individual afterward, leaving others feeling unheard. He emphasized that such incidents have been frequent and problematic throughout the year. Shelter WF believes that transportation, land use, and housing elements require broad community involvement, which they feel the Commission has failed to support. With the transportation section expected to be reviewed in November, Siebenaler urged the City Council to take action, especially now that it holds the authority to appoint Planning Commission members. Marti Brandt, 575 Armory Road, expressed strong concerns about the Planning Commission’s conduct during the growth policy review process, echoing earlier comments by Keegan Siebenaler. While she acknowledged that most commission members are reasonable and that differing votes are acceptable, she criticized a few individuals for rigidly pushing their personal vision, which she believes undermines the integrity of the process. Brandt referenced a detailed letter she submitted outlining specific issues, some of which she feels border on ethical or legal violations. She noted that despite past attempts to address these concerns—such as implementing timing guidelines—problems persist and continue to erode public trust. Brandt emphasized that repeated revisions and questionable additions to the growth policy resemble a “wish list” rather than actionable items. She urged the Council to act swiftly, warning that delays will further damage confidence in the process. Brandt also praised city staff for their dedication and expertise, stating they deserve respect that she feels is currently lacking. She concluded by urging the Council to uphold values of transparency, fairness, and respect, and to draw a clear line to preserve these principles. Nathan Dugan, 937 Kalispell Avenue, addressed concerns about the Planning Commission’s conduct during the drafting of Whitefish’s new land use plan, which will guide city growth for the next 20 years. He believes the current process is undermining needed community changes and that a more complete draft would help the Council make informed decisions. Dugan criticized the length and frequency of Planning Commission meetings—now held twice monthly—as discouraging public engagement and straining city staff resources. He noted that public input from broader visioning sessions, particularly from younger residents advocating for affordability and quality of life, is not reflected in the draft. Instead, drafting influence appears concentrated among a few commission members and select individuals. Dugan expressed concern over one member of the public who, despite not being appointed to the commission, is allowed extended participation and interaction with staff outside public comment periods, creating a perception of bias and impropriety. He stated that the Commission has previously been reprimanded by the Council, yet problematic behavior—including hostility toward staff—persists. Dugan believes some commissioners are obstructing 2  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 6, 2025 progress on housing affordability and other community priorities. With key chapters on transportation, land use, and housing approaching, he urged the Council to take action to ensure the Commission can complete its work with integrity and impartiality, and to restore public trust in the process. Leanette Galaz, 121 Mill Avenue, speaking as a leader and founder of Flathead Democracy, urged the City Council to protect the integrity of the public input process in the growth policy plan. She called for the removal of Planning Commission members who she believes are subverting and dishonoring that process. Emphasizing that public input is a vital form of direct democracy, Galaz warned that continued disregard for community voices could discourage future participation and harm the reputation of democracy in the Flathead Valley. She asked the Council to take swift action to address the issue before further damage occurs. Simon Roston, 306 Lupfer Avenue, a recent college graduate who recently returned to Whitefish, expressed support for earlier comments and shared personal concerns about housing affordability and community representation. He noted that most of his peers could not afford to return and now live in Kalispell, while he is only able to remain in Whitefish due to a remote job. He emphasized his desire to be involved in local issues but questioned the value of participation if public input is disregarded by government structures like the Planning Commission. He criticized the Commission for appearing to prioritize the interests of wealthier residents and retirees over long-term community members and younger generations. He urged the Council to ensure that public voices are genuinely heard and reflected in decision-making, stating that continued exclusion will lead to widespread disillusionment and disengagement. “Z” began her remarks by honoring women she has lost to breast cancer and domestic violence. She then addressed comments from the previous Council meeting, expressing concern over the detention of a local student, Fergie, by ICE during Freedom Week. She referenced Montana House Bill 278, which allows state and local law enforcement to conduct immigration status checks, and criticized its implications for racial profiling. “Z” also revisited her prior request for the Whitefish Police Department to limit cooperation with Customs and Border Patrol and expressed disappointment in the Council’s handling of past issues, including Beker and Pride Month. She criticized the recent opening of a retail store with a name she described as racially insensitive. In closing, she urged the Council to issue a proclamation for Indigenous People’s Day and to take bold action in support of marginalized communities, emphasizing that the public—and especially children—are watching. YouTube video 34:31 Bella Brown expressed interest in learning more about the city’s growth development plan and how outreach is being conducted. She emphasized her efforts to make civic engagement accessible for young people but noted she feels uninformed about the current planning process. Brown also raised concerns about the state of public transportation in the valley, describing it as the worst she has experienced and not accessible. She expressed a strong desire to contribute input on improving transportation in future planning efforts. 4) COMMUNICATIONS FROM VOLUNTEER BOARDS (YouTube Video Part 1 32:49) Nathan Dugan reported that the Climate Action Plan Committee had invited the City Council to participate in the nationwide "Week Without Driving" challenge, held from September 29 to October 5. The 3  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 6, 2025 initiative aimed to help policymakers better understand the daily experiences of residents who cannot drive due to age, disability, income, or other barriers. Dugan shared his own experience, noting that while he drove more than he preferred due to scheduling conflicts, weather conditions, and his work as a home health physical therapist, he was able to make several local trips by walking or using a scooter. He highlighted the absence of snow bus as a significant obstacle to car-free mobility in Whitefish, especially during poor weather. He encouraged Council members to reflect on their participation and share any insights from the challenge. Mayor Muhlfeld called for a recess at 7:50pm to attend to technical difficulties. Mayor Muhlfeld reconvened the meeting at 7:55pm. (YouTube Video Part 2 4:35) Councilor Norton reported the Tree Committee will be meeting at the corner of East 6th Street and Pine Avenue on October 15th at 5:00pm to discuss new trees now that the reconstruction has been completed. 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 September 15, 2025, Regular Meeting (p.22) b) Ordinance No. 25-10; An Ordinance amending Title 11, Zoning Regulations, of the Whitefish City code (Second Reading) (p.29) c) Ordinance No. 25-11; An Ordinance amending Title 2, Chapter 15 of the City Code pursuant to the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA) to designate the Whitefish Community Development Board as the Whitefish Planning Commission (Second Reading) (p.39) (YouTube Part 2 Video 5:34) Councilor Davis made a motion to remove agenda item 5c) Ordinance No. 25-11 from the Consent Agenda. Davis expressed concerns regarding Section 2-15-5 of the ordinance (page 43 of the meeting packet), which outlines the procedure for removing a Planning Commission member. He highlighted that the process requires written charges, a public hearing, and a majority vote by the City Council—criteria not typically applied to other city boards. Davis criticized the provision as overly formal, likening it to a jury trial, and suggested it may be unnecessarily burdensome. He recommended revising the ordinance to align the Planning Commission’s removal process with that of other boards to promote consistency and efficiency. Councilor Davis made a motion, seconded by Councilor Caltabiano to amend Section 2-15-5 REMOVAL OF MEMBER: A member of the planning commission may be removed from the commission by a majority vote of the city council., for cause upon written charges and after a public hearing. Councilor Qunell advocated for a written explanation, such as findings of fact, when removing a Planning Commission member. Councilor Davis emphasized fairness and noted that other boards lack similar provisions. He described the “for cause” requirement as vague and recommended that Council members publicly state their reasons if removal occurs, clarifying that he would not include the provision in his proposed amendment. Councilor Norton expressed support for listing all expectations. The motion to approve the amendment to Ordinance No. 25-11 carried. Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by Councilor Sweeney approve the Consent Agenda as amended. The motion carried. 4  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 6, 2025 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) Resolution No. 25-32; A Resolution amending Resolution No. 18-14, and establishing a new fee schedule for public records requests (p.46) (YouTube Video 12:14) City Attorney Angela Jacobs 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 Norton made a motion, seconded by Councilor Sweeney to adopt Resolution No. 25- 32; A Resolution amending Resolution No. 18-14, and establishing a new fee schedule for public records requests. The motion carried. b) Ordinance No. 25-12: An Ordinance adopting amendments to Title 10, Chapter 2, Building Regulations-Impact Fees, of the Whitefish City Code (First Reading) (p.51) i) Resolution No. 25-33; A Resolution approving amendment to the rates and policies for impact fees assessed by the City of Whitefish (p.62) (YouTube Video Part 2 18:42) City Manager Dana Smith presented her staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Both the Ordinance and the Resolution will be held as one public hearing. Council will need to provide two separate motions. Mayor Muhfeld 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 Sweeney to adopt Ordinance No. 25-12: An Ordinance adopting amendments to Title 10, Chapter 2, Building Regulations-Impact Fees, of the Whitefish City Code (First Reading). The motion carried. Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by Councilor Sweeney to adopt Resolution No. 25-33; A Resolution approving amendment to the rates and policies for impact fees assessed by the City of Whitefish. The motion carried. 7) COMMUNICATIONS FROM FIRE CHIEF a) Consideration of approval to proceed with the purchase of an aerial ladder truck and to select vendor through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program (p.75) (YouTube Video Part 2 23:08) Fire Chief Cole Hadley presented his staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Councilor Caltabiano made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feury to the selection of Pierce Manufacturing as the vendor for the City’s first ladder truck, with procurement conducted through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program at a quoted price of $1,883,565.00, and an anticipated delivery timeline of 39 to 44 months. 8) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER a) Written report enclosed with the packet. Questions from Mayor and Council? (p.78) 5  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 6, 2025 None b) Other items arising between October 1st through October 6th (YouTube Video Part 2 25:20) Manager Smith reported that the Flathead County Election Department will mail ballots on October 17th. Voters will receive instructions on how to submit their ballots. This year, there will be no ballot drop boxes in the city; all ballots must be either mailed or hand-delivered directly to the Election Department. c) Consideration of a request from Northwest Montana Community Land Trust Deed Restriction Release and funding request for 410 Trailview Way (p.79) (YouTube Video Part 2 29:43) Manager Smith presented her staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Kim Morisaki, NWMTCLT Executive Director attended virtually, shared updates following her letter to Dana. She confirmed a $40,000 matching grant from the Beverly and Bob Braig Family Foundation via the Whitefish Community Foundation, along with an additional $5,000 grant from the Montana Women’s Foundation. These contributions reduce the home’s purchase price to $322,000, making it more affordable. Morisaki expressed interest in placing the home into the land trust. She and Riss Getts from WHA are sending certified letters to Trailview homeowners with updates on deed restrictions and land trust efforts. This will be the 11th home in Trailview included in the project. Councilor Norton made a motion, seconded by Councilor Caltabiano to approve the request from the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust to contribute $40,000 from the city’s affordable housing fund to facilitate the purchase of 410 Trailview Way, replace the existing Deed Restriction with a ground lease and authorize the City Manager to execute the sixth agreement between the City of Whitefish and the NWMTCLT. The motion carried. d) Reconsideration of WCUP 25-05 to add a condition limiting the hours of operation of the bar within Kemo Sabe retail store (p.87) (YouTube Video Part 2 39:15) Manager Smith presented her staff report that is provided in the packet on the website. Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Qunell to add a condition to limit the hours of operation of the bar within Kemo Sabe from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. The motion carried 5-1 vote, Councilor Qunell in opposition. 9) COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILORS a) Appointing a Council member to serve as an alternate to the Community Development Board/Planning Commission (YouTube Video Part 2 42:31) Councilor Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Councilor Qunell to appoint both Councilor Davis and Councilor Feury as alternates to the Planning Commission. The motion carried. b) Letters requesting the closure of Columbia Avenue from 2nd Street to 6th Street on Halloween night (p.120) (YouTube Video 44:06) Council discussed safety concerns related to Halloween on Columbia Avenue, a popular trick-or- treating area. Manager Smith explained that road closures require a Special Event Permit, insurance, and city resources, with liability shifting to the city if not covered. Attorney Jacobs emphasized the need for insurance, and Chief Kelch raised logistical and safety concerns, recommending hard barricades if a full closure is pursued. 6  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 6, 2025 Councilors Caltabiano, Qunell, Davis, Feury, Norton, and Sweeney supported finding a solution that balances tradition, safety, and staff capacity. Ideas included soft closures with signage and police presence, city sponsorship, and long-term planning. Staff clarified that no block party permit exists and that closures must follow the special event process. Mayor Muhlfeld urged consideration of staff workload and supported less burdensome safety measures. Council agreed on the need for immediate action this year and a long-term strategy moving forward. c) Letters from the public regarding frustration and concerns with the Community Development Board/Planning Commission (p.126) (YouTube Video 1:15:18) Councilor Norton reflected on her two terms on the Planning Board and her efforts to prioritize updating the city’s growth policy, which she later added to the City Council goals. She noted the challenges in initiating the process and suggested aligning it with monthly Planning Board meetings to ensure progress. Corridor planning efforts were helpful, and while the process remains complex and sometimes divisive, she expressed confidence in the direction and praised the work of staff, especially Alan. She emphasized the importance of patience and kindness within the community, acknowledging the varied backgrounds of participants and the inherent messiness of governance. With the addition of land use consultants, she is optimistic about completing the work on time and encourages continued engagement and resilience. Councilor Qunell responded to Councilor Norton’s comments by expressing concern over the early confusion regarding the Community Development Board’s role. He noted that some members consistently acted beyond their scope, which, along with behind-the-scenes issues, undermined public trust in the board, staff, and Council. He thanked community members for submitting letters and affirmed that Council is aware of the concerns and intends to act accordingly. He emphasized that the core issue has been the persistence of viewpoints not aligned with professional guidance or appropriate for the growth policy. Due to the board’s dysfunction despite his efforts as chair, he ultimately stepped away from the role. Council comment (YouTube Video Part 2 1:21:40) Councilor Qunell addressed ongoing technical issues, expressing frustration and requesting that virtual meeting attendees’ names be visible again during Zoom sessions. He also proposed exploring live streaming Council meetings on YouTube to improve accessibility. He thanked Mayor Muhlfeld for highlighting Indigenous People’s Day and suggested preparing a proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging Council members to wear pink or ribbons in recognition. Lastly, he accepted Nathan Dugan’s bike challenge, noting his regular biking to meetings and encouraging fellow Council members to consider biking as a sustainable alternative. Councilor Davis commented on the resort tax discussion from the earlier work session, noting the need for changes in light of recent state legislative shifts that may redirect tax relief to second homeowners. He expressed support for Option 1, which ties relief to owner-occupied primary residences, and reiterated his preference for a flat-share or hybrid model that distributes resort tax funds equally among primary residents. He emphasized the shared burdens of the visitation economy across all residents, regardless of housing type, and advocated for equitable relief. Davis acknowledged the challenges of including renters due to administrative hurdles but agreed with Mayor Muhlfeld that renters also experience the impacts. He suggested waiting to see how the state and county define primary residency before advancing the conversation further. Mayor Muhlfeld thanked the Community Development members who attended the meeting tonight and observing this board. 7  CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 6, 2025 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 9:23 p.m. /s/John Muhlfeld Mayor Muhlfeld Attest: /s/Michelle Howke Michelle Howke, Whitefish City Clerk 8