An upcoming vote by the City Council will determine whether Kalispell will broaden and streamline abatement procedures for two ordinances related to junk vehicles and tall grass. The effectiveness of these changes remains uncertain, as city officials have previously indicated the lack of resources necessary to enforce existing codes. Currently, responsibility for code enforcement is scattered across multiple city departments, none of which prioritize it as their main focus.
The council meeting is scheduled for April 21 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, located at 201 First Ave. E. During a March meeting, the Council decided against hiring a dedicated code enforcement officer. Some council members expressed concerns about increasing the city’s budget without data on municipal code complaints to justify a full-time position. Notably, Kalispell remains the only large city in Montana without dedicated code enforcement staff.
One proposed amendment to the ordinance defining junk vehicles aims to include a more comprehensive description. Currently, a junk vehicle is identified as a motor vehicle that is discarded, ruined, wrecked, or dismantled and incapable of being driven. The amendment suggests expanding this definition to include eight specific characteristics, and meeting any one of these would constitute a violation. Examples include the absence of an engine, wheel, tire, or a properly installed battery, as well as inoperability due to missing structural parts like fenders or doors. Exceptions exist for vehicles undergoing repairs, given the maintenance is completed within 60 days.
The proposed change to the community decay ordinance targets tall grass and updates abatement processes. Any vegetation considered unsightly or offensive, including weeds and grasses over eight inches, would be in violation. Exemptions apply to properties over 15,000 square feet, those inaccessible for maintenance, or properties with maintained gardens. Property owners notified of violations would have 10 days to comply. The community decay ordinance also addresses public nuisances like debris, junk, or vegetation that poses health risks or is offensive to the senses.
Additionally, Mayor Mark Johnson is expected to make several appointments to various city boards that have vacancies or positions nearing expiration. New appointments are anticipated for the Tourism Business Improvement District, Urban Forestry Committee, Conrad Mansion Board, and the Architectural Review Committee.
The consent agenda for the upcoming meeting includes the expected hire of Pavement Maintenance Solutions to chip seal streets at an approximate cost of $192,000. The Council will also likely approve the hiring of Michael Terrell Landscape Architecture to complete the Parks and Recreation’s Master Plan, which will guide the department for the next decade. Acceptance of a state grant of roughly $560,000 for taxiway and beacon maintenance at the Kalispell Airport is anticipated, along with an $18,000 grant for a network intrusion detection system.