Kalispell City Council on Monday will consider a proposal to develop a commercial subdivision in South Kalispell.  

Council meets at 7 p.m., May 4 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

The Planning Commission earlier this month supported Todd Gardner’s request for major preliminary plat approval to subdivide 36.99 acres zoned B-5 (industrial business) into 10 lots for commercial/light industrial use. 

Located at 2295 U.S. 93 South, the South Town Plaza Subdivision is part of a 95-acre planned unit development approved by Council in September 2024 that will see both commercial and residential areas and includes an Amazon distribution warehouse.  

The project runs along the east side of the highway between Clark Hyundai to the north and Fred’s Appliances to the south. United Drive will be extended north and connect with a road that will access the highway, according to the developer's conceptual plans.  

COUNCIL WILL also consider adopting increased salaries, including an annual step increase, for appointed officers and non-union employees.  

Every year before Council delves into the upcoming budget, the body reviews recommendations to adjust wages for employees not represented by any of the city’s three collective bargaining units, according to City Manager Jarod Nygren.   

The recommended plan includes a base increase of about $500,000, spread across several city funds. 

Council is also expected to renew its bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.  

The union represents public sector employees, including maintenance, construction, secretarial, clerical and non-sworn police and fire employees, according to the agreement. 

The new agreement runs through 2029 and includes a 4% base-salary adjustment for fiscal year 2028 along with a 1.3% step increase.  

The estimated increased financial impact for the agreement is $673,489 for fiscal year 2027, $304,263 for fiscal year 2028 and $322,147 for fiscal year 2029.   

COUNCIL WILL vote on whether to approve the second reading of the sweeping zoning and subdivision reforms, as is protocol.  

Councilors adopted on first reading the final two provisions of the Montana Land Use Planning Act, a 2023 state law requiring 10 cities — including Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls — to approve a new land use plan and changes to land use regulations that encourage higher-density development.  

One provision shifted subdivision approvals to city staff, ending the Planning Commission and Council review process, which included public hearings.  

OPERATIONS MANAGER Jim Sanderson will provide a report to Council about the Flathead Valley Reentry Center.  

The facility accepted its first residential inmates in October. Prerelease centers are used by the state to transition offenders back into society. Residents are required to find employment and are expected to stay for six to nine months.  

Council will consider appointing some new faces to the Economic Revolving Loan Fund Committee, Architectural Review Committee and the Urban Renewal Agency Board.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.