Kevin Fitzgerald

The committee held discussions on public input regarding requirements for EV charging infrastructure in new construction, watershed maintenance for Whitefish Lake, and funding for park chargers. The committee elected new officers, including a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary. A vote was passed to change the future meeting schedule to the second Monday of each month. Other updates included the status of the Integrated Resource Plan public comment period, progress on the solar project at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, the initiation of a parking study for the FY27 budget, composting statistics, and concerns regarding the safety and viability of electric and hybrid vehicles for the city fleet.

This Growth Policy outlines a framework for guiding land use decisions in Whitefish. It focuses on five key pillars: focusing growth inward, providing diverse housing options and affordability, preserving community character and quality of life, ensuring environmental stewardship and climate readiness, and supporting a resilient local economy. The plan aims to accommodate an estimated 2,100 new housing units by 2045 and manage growth in a manner that reinforces the city's identity and fiscal stability.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes reviewing and updating the Priority Action Item Tracker, receiving project updates on outstanding actions from the previous meeting, and addressing committee member updates on chosen projects. The committee will also discuss upcoming events and proposed projects, and receive other committee status updates. A previous meeting involved electing a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary, as well as voting to change future meeting dates. Discussions at the previous meeting also covered updates on the solar project at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, the necessity of a parking study for FY27 budget inclusion, and concerns regarding the city purchasing electric and hybrid vehicles.

Key discussions included the reading and subsequent division of opinion regarding a Proclamation Supporting Solidarity With The City And Citizens Of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Public comments addressed concerns about the draft land-use plan's impact on housing capacity, updates on trail planning, and support for the Minneapolis proclamation. Other agenda items involved adopting an ordinance concerning membership qualifications for the Convention and Visitor Bureau Committee. Public hearings were held regarding an increase in the public usage fee for the Whitefish City Beach boat launch to support the aquatic invasive species program, and an amendment to the lease agreement with the Glacier Twins concerning Memorial Park stadium land. Further council actions included approving Urban Forestry educational banners for the downtown district, authorizing bidding for the Armory Park Parking Lot and Open Space project, and approving the conceptual design for the Armory Road project. The council also approved the tentative Fiscal Year 2027 Budget calendar.

The agenda for the Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Commissioners included the approval of the January 2026 meeting minutes and the overall agenda. Continuing business items slated for discussion encompassed an updated Personnel Manual (Resolution #301), updates regarding the RAD/Section 18 Conversion, and discussion on the HUD Compliance Review/Corrective Action Plan. New business focused on the Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Payment Standards (Resolution #303). The agenda also reserved the option to enter a Closed Session for legal or personnel discussions.