Kalispell city councilors reviewed a conditional use permit (CUP) for Montana Prime Steakhouse – a full-service restaurant and bar with a sectioned-off gambling space (known as an accessory casino) – intended to be developed in downtown Kalispell at 214 South Main Street.

The steakhouse designs don’t include any major exterior changes to what was previously the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) building, with all architectural changes focused on the interior. The steakhouse is another planned downtown business by Tony Tran, owner of the Blue Samurai Sushi Bar & Grill.

Kalispell council has discussed casinos in the past, hearing from the public about their dislike for the “gaudiness of large casinos.” PJ Sorensen, assistant director of development services, noted that because of the price of a liquor license, which he’s heard now can cost around $1.5 million, many restaurants have opted to add an accessory casino to help offset the fiscal load.

“If you want restaurants that come in and rely on a liquor license, you almost have to have some gaming associated with it,” said Sorensen. “A lot of those are really comfortable with having that accessory area and not being the primary focus that’s there. That was kind of the compromise that was struck a number of years ago when council looked at our casino ordinances.”

Councilor Ryan Hunter said he was concerned about the ethics of having casinos in town, which can “get people hooked on addiction or losing money they can’t afford to lose.”

Councilor Sid Daoud acknowledged Hunter’s concerns, but added that if everything fits the conditions of the CUP, then “we should go forward with it.”

“It’s important to note that it’s not our job up here to determine whether something right or not,” said Daoud. “I won’t say anything pro or con about casinos, but I will say I support people’s right to choose.”

Councilors pointed out the flawed state liquor laws, acknowledging the support that accessory casinos provide and a need to “work to change our antiquated liquor laws.”

The mayor and all seven councilors present approved the steakhouse’s CUP.

I’m Zoë Buhrmaster, here to guide you through the rest of highlights from last night’s council meeting.

City council members voted down a resolution that would have increased police and fire impact fees. The proposal would have raised fire department impact fees for residential housing per unit from $483 to $782, apartments per unit from $367 to $626, and commercial from $350 to $1,168.

“It’s another line item that goes into the cost to build,” said Councilor Chad Graham. “Developers do not pay impact fees, just the same as developers do not pay to put the roof on. It passes on to the end user.”

All voted against the proposed increases, except for Hunter.

Without the approval, impact fees will remain unchanged. City Manager Doug Russell said the city will look elsewhere for any additional funding that could be used for the police and fire departments, noting that it would be in addition to funding from the public safety levy that passed last year.

Finally, with the announcement of Russell’s departure from his position come August, councilors got the ball rolling on identifying a sub-committee of four councilors to focus on looking for a replacement. The sub-committee will be tasked with hiring a recruitment firm and the process is expected to take awhile. Russell suggested the city consider selecting an interim city manager until his replacement is found. Mayor Mark Johnson said he intends to elect a member from each ward to the sub-committee.

Now, let’s get to the rest of the Daily Roundup.