The Kalispell City Council’s Monday night work session brought consensus on all 3-agenda items.
The Council seems to agree with transferring ownership of the Central School building to the NW Montana History Museum. This, according to the Museum Board of Directors, will aid is getting grants currently not available to them without ownership of their facility.
The Kalispell Ambulance Service is handled by the Fire Department. City Staff presented alternatives to the billing for services, which is currently handled internally. Fire Chief Jay Hagen expressed concern with upwards of 5,000 ambulance responses annually are projected in the coming years. City Staff will begin searching for a 3rd party solution.
Finally, the Council seems willing to drop the requirement that the next City Manager live within the City Limits. That, apparently with the salary that’s being offered, is hanging-up efforts to attract top candidates for our next City Manager. That search is being conducted by GMP Consultants out of Seattle. In an email exchange with Interim City Manager Jarod Nygren, he tells us that in order to make this happen, a change to the City Code will be needed and voted on at a future City Council Regular Session.
It should be noted that Work Sessions are open discussions between Council Members, City Staff and citizens. No votes are taken, no official actions are taken.
