Perhaps Jan. 6 is seared in your memory as the day protestors stormed the nation’s capitol five years ago. Or, maybe you celebrate the feast of Epiphany with the visiting three Magi. Well I’ll add another event to the list, for good measure, it’s the day this reporter was born, and I’m here to give you today’s Roundup.
Before I take off early for the day, I’ve got a brief debrief from Monday’s changing of the guard as Kalispell City Council gathered for the first meeting of the year.
It began with the new mayor and council swearing oaths of office and taking their seats. Mayor Ryan Hunter took over for Mark Johnson, Councilor Wes Walker replaced incumbent Sandy Carlson in Ward 1, Councilor Lisa Blank stepped in for Councilor Chad Graham in Ward 2, and Kyle Waterman (a former councilor from 2018 to 2022) took Jessica Dahlman’s seat in Ward 3. Graham and Dahlman opted not to seek reelection.
The council unanimously voted in Waterman as the council’s president. In the mayor’s absence, the president is responsible for presiding over council meetings and acting as mayor when the head of council is unable to.
Johnson likened stepping down from his position after 12 years to a graduation celebration.
“One of the things I will not miss is watching the vote go down and going ‘oh my gosh, this is 4-4,’” Johnson said, noting the mayor’s role as the ninth voting council member. “You know that in that audience half the people are going to be really upset with you and half are going to be really happy … But I will miss making policy, watching out for my city.”
Council also approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a 36-unit multi-family residential project at 95 Village Loop. The development includes a 12-unit and a 24-unit residential building, along with interior parking, sidewalks, and associated site improvements. The applicant, Neil Johnson, said that he wants to provide entry level housing for young families.
Neighboring residents say they are concerned about potential impacts from an increase of traffic in an already busy area. One of the permit’s 15 conditions will require the developer to coordinate with the city’s public works department to determine whether a crosswalk is needed at Whitefish Stage Road.
“I think it’s a beautiful spot to put more affordable housing if that is how this is going to end up being,” Councilor Kari Gabriel said.
The development passed with full support from the new council and mayor.
I’m Zoë Buhrmaster. Let’s see what else is happening around the Flathead Valley.
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