Whitefish continues to chip away at a list of improvements planned for Armory Park.  

City Council on Monday will consider awarding a construction contract to Lipka Excavating for the fourth phase of improvements planned for the park. The contract is $153,880 for a foundation for a storage garage, grading and development of a new well.  

City Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E. Second St.

Armory Park is the city’s largest park at 30 acres. The city Park Board updated the park’s master plan in 2019 to identify phases of improvements for the park.  

The Parks and Recreation Department plans to complete, in fiscal year 2025, the installation of a small child playground and some identified park amenities. Completed engineering on drainage improvements around the Armory building, well development for the dog park and a storage garage foundation have been completed, notes Parks and Recreation Director Maria Butts.  

“We continue to work on engineering for the reconstruction of one softball field, the removal and associated drainage improvements to the second existing softball field, restrooms, playground paths and benches, and an additional south parking lot,” Butts said in a memo to Council.  

Council is also expected to approve applying for Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance through the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the next phases of development of Armory Park. Changes have an estimated cost of $1.6 million. 

The city will seek about 45% funding for the cost of the project.  

AN UPDATE of the city’s ordinance on snow and ice removal is on the agenda for Monday. Council will consider updating the ordinance to include additional commercial zones and adding bulb-outs to the list of areas cleared in the business district. The administrative fees for those not in compliance will be changed from 20% to a $60 minimum and $300 maximum.  

In addition, language in the ordinance will be revised to state that all sidewalks and paths be reasonably clear of accumulations of snow and ice and passable for pedestrians. The ordinance now says free and clear of all accumulations.  

“This revision is meant to address the feasibility of clearing snow and ice in Montana’s climate and lessen the city’s risk by creating a more reasonable and achievable expectation for property owners,” Butts said in a memo to Council.  

The city’s Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Planning and Building departments recently reviewed the ordinance to revise it, addressing any ongoing challenges associated with the ordinance.  

During a work session at 5:30 p.m., Council will hear an update on the 2045 Vision Whitefish Growth Policy. 

Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].