Terri Loudermilk

The council held a work session to review and discuss three infrastructure-related facility plans: the water facility plan, the wastewater system facility plan, and the advanced wastewater treatment plant facility plan. Public comment addressed homelessness, housing solutions, and concerns regarding wastewater treatment capacity and water quality standards. Staff and consultants provided an overview of the planning process, highlighting the consistency with the city's growth policy and the strategic importance of refreshing these plans to guide future infrastructure investments.

The meeting includes a public comment session and a post-event report regarding the Rumble in the Rockies event. The board will discuss the FY27 media plan and review staff reports.

The City Council meeting included a presentation on the work plan and budget from the Business Improvement District, emphasizing downtown maintenance, marketing strategies, and workforce initiatives. The discussion addressed the need for downtown improvements, indoor sports facilities, and strategies to handle tourist visitation fluctuations. Council also discussed a preliminary budget for the next fiscal year, set a public hearing date, and reviewed the acceptance of a grant from the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services for a public safety building backup generator project.

The council discussed several key topics, including the creation of an affordable housing and homelessness advisory committee, design standards for the Parkline Trail, the potential use of city-owned property for affordable housing construction, and statistics related to short-term rentals. The session included a detailed discussion on the role, purpose, and potential staffing requirements for a permanent advisory committee focused on housing and homelessness, as well as the current municipal funding landscape for affordable housing initiatives.

The agenda focuses on a work session concerning the Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley request for annexation, initial zoning, and Planned Unit Development approval for a residential project consisting of ninety-five units, including townhomes, cottages, and single-family residences.