Kalispell City Council votes tonight on adopting a policies and procedures manual that includes a local code of ethics.

The proposed ethics code would require council members to file statements with the city clerk each year, disclosing their employers and the name of any boards they serve on.

At two prior work sessions, council members removed from the proposed code several disclosure requirements that are found in other Montana cities. Those include requirements to disclose property and business holdings; entities for which they are an officer, director or registered agent; and any past or present employers they are receiving benefits from.

Other sections of the ethics code deal with e-mail communications, communications outside of formal meetings, handling of confidential information, communications with city staff, ex-parte communications and representing official city positions on issues.

The proposed policies and procedures manual outlines Kalispell’s form of government, municipal powers, meeting procedures and the duties of various city officials.

“In addition to incorporating ethical components that complement the state policy, this document will also serve as an educational component for new elected members of the governing body,” Kalispell City Manager Doug Russell wrote in a memorandum to the City Council.

Council member Randy Kenyon has repeatedly pushed for the city to adopt a local ethics code in addition to the statewide ethics code put in place by the Montana Legislature.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, the City Council votes on a resolution to allow the Flathead Valley Hockey Association to apply for a special permit and hold a hockey and beer festival March 1-2 at its ice rink in Woodland Park.

Kalispell Municipal Code does not allow the city to issue permits for events with alcohol sales or consumption in city parks, unlike several other public properties where such events are allowed with a permit. City Council agreed to make an exception for this one event and review relevant portions of municipal code, to see if they should be amended.

Other items on tonight’s agenda include:

• A resolution amending the West Side Urban Renewal Plan to include the Core Area Revitalization Plan.

• Awarding a bid to General Fire Apparatus to pay $194,451 for a vehicle to transport the fire department’s hazardous materials personnel and equipment. The purchase is covered by a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.

• The first reading of an ordinance that would allow lodging properties located outside the Tourism Business Improvement District to become associate members on a voluntary basis.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 7 p.m. in Kalispell City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. It is open to the public.

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.