Pedestrians strolling through Kalispell's downtown could soon enjoy a few refurbished amenities.  

Kalispell City Council on Monday will consider a request to use tax increment financing funds on new benches, trashcans and planters for the downtown neighborhood.   

Council meets at 7 p.m., Nov. 2 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

The Kalispell Business Improvement District submitted a request for $508,650 in tax increment financing funds to procure at least 63 benches, 55 trash receptacles and 54 planters. The benches would be fitted with center armrests, a feature typically intended to deter people from sleeping on them.   

The exact location of each item has not been identified yet, but 10 benches and nine trashcans would be installed in Depot Park, according to the application.  

The existing benches, trashcans and planters downtown are deteriorating, and new ones will improve accessibility, cleanliness and pedestrian comfort, according to the application.  

Swank Enterprises has offered to remove and replace the items for free, which would reduce the total project cost to $408,490, the application stated. 

The Urban Renewal Agency, a board tasked with reviewing redevelopment projects, voted in support of the proposal on Oct. 15. 

The downtown tax increment financing district would cover 80% of the project's cost, with the westside district funding the remainder. Both have sufficient revenue to support the project, according to Community Development Manager Nelson Loring.  

The downtown district has about $1.7 million on hand, with $745,000 in revenue budgeted for fiscal year 2027. The westside district has roughly $10.8 million available, with another $5 million in revenue budgeted.  

Tax increment financing allows local governments to fund improvements in designated areas with struggling or undeveloped properties. As the blighted property is improved and property values increase, the additional tax revenue generated is set aside and can be used by developers to make future upgrades. 

In its application, the Business Improvement District also asked the city to fix downtown curbs and streetlights that are in significant disrepair.  

COUNCIL WILL also consider fast-tracking construction of a new city equipment garage. 

Historically, when the city undertakes projects, it waits to hire a construction contractor until design plans are complete. But the alternative method Council is considering would lock in a contractor earlier in the design phase, shrinking the construction timeline. 

City officials say a new garage is needed soon to accommodate Kalispell's growing fleet of vehicles and equipment. To quickly move the project forward, Council last month approved using tax increment financing funds to cover the cost as opposed to budgeting for it through a capital fund.  

The city is seeking $10.4 million from the westside tax increment financing district to build the new storage and maintenance garage. 

As Kalispell's fleet has grown, city officials said the existing facility near Legends Stadium has become increasingly inadequate. Larger vehicles can't be serviced inside the building and are instead repaired outdoors and exposed to the elements.  

The Public Works Department is eyeing county-owned property at 815 W. Wyoming St., directly north of the Flathead County Fairgrounds for a new facility.  

ALSO ON the docket, Council will consider hiring Wesco Inc. to make improvements on West Montana Street and part of First Avenue West North.  

The project will include removing existing pavement, reconstructing the roadway, replacing curb and gutter, constructing sidewalks and replacing sidewalk ramps, according to a memo from City Engineer Ryan Luzzi.  

The city will pull $528,000 from the westside tax increment financing fund for the project.  

Council is also expected to accept a $30,000 state grant for network hardware and cyber security training for the Information Technology staff.  

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is intended to strengthen cybersecurity practices and public sector networks, according to a memo from IT Director Erika Billiet.  

COUNCIL IS also expected to appoint people to two city boards.  

Kalispell Public Schools Director of Business Chris Campbell is looking to represent the school district on the Urban Renewal Agency Board.  

Due to a new state law, a representative from the county and school district must join the board. Flathead County Administrator Pete Melnick was appointed to the body last month.  

Council will consider appointing Marshall Unger to the Impact Fee Advisory Committee. Unger is a project manager for Montarise Developments and serves as a volunteer firefighter for the South Kalispell Volunteer Fire Department.  

Council will also give a second reading of two housing-related ordinances to fall in line with state-wide building codes as well as construction standards for tiny homes.  

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.