**City Council Meeting Agenda and Updates: Key Discussions and Decisions Set for September 2, 2025**

Whitefish city Council to Address New Business Permits and Beach Access

Whitefish, Montana – The Whitefish City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 2nd, commencing at 7:10 p.m.at city Hall. The meeting agenda includes discussions regarding permits for new establishments and potential improvements to City Beach, promising a dynamic session for residents and stakeholders.

new Business Applications Under Review

Council members will consider a permit application submitted by Kemo Sabe, a well-established retail store, seeking permission to incorporate a bar and lounge area. This potential expansion aims to broaden the store’s offerings and enhance the customer experience. Simultaneously, the council will evaluate a proposal for the construction of a new carwash facility located near the Snowy Mountain subdivision, addressing the growing demand for vehicle care services in the area.

City Beach enhancement Project

A significant item on the agenda involves a request from the City itself to secure a lakeshore variance. This variance would allow for an extension of the City Beach boat ramp, designed to improve accessibility and accommodate increased recreational boating activity. According to a recent report by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, recreational boating contributed over $230 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, highlighting the economic importance of such infrastructure projects.

Agenda item	Description
Kemo Sabe Permit	Request to add a bar/lounge to existing retail store.
Carwash Permit	Proposal to construct a carwash near Snowy Mountain.
City Beach Ramp	Request for a variance to extend the boat ramp.

Did You Know? public access to waterfronts dramatically increases local property values and boosts tourism revenue, according to a study by the Waterfront Alliance.

Remote Participation Options Available

For those unable to attend in person, the Council meeting will be accessible remotely via Microsoft Teams. Work sessions will also be available for remote attendance. Detailed data, including access links and instructions, can be found on the city’s official website at www.cityofwhitefish.org,or by calling 863-2400.

residents are encouraged to submit writen public comment to City Clerk Michelle Howke at [email protected]. Submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on September 2nd, and can also be delivered to City Hall via the Utility Drop Box.

The council will also address any other pertinent matters that may arise between August 27th and september 2nd, ensuring a comprehensive approach to city governance.

Understanding Local Government Meetings

city Council meetings are a cornerstone of democratic governance, providing a public forum for discussion and decision-making. understanding the process and how to participate is crucial for informed citizenship.Many cities now offer online streaming and archived recordings of meetings, enhancing transparency and accessibility. Beyond agenda items, these meetings often offer a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities facing the community.

What are your thoughts on the proposed changes to City Beach? Do you believe the new businesses will contribute positively to the Whitefish community? Share your opinions in the comments below.

What are the proposed funding sources for Phase 2 of the Downtown Revitalization Project?

Downtown Revitalization Project – Phase 2 Funding Request

The most notable item on the September 2nd agenda is the funding request for Phase 2 of the Downtown Revitalization Project. This follows the successful completion of Phase 1, which focused on infrastructure improvements to Main Street. Phase 2 proposes a $3.2 million investment focusing on:

Facade Improvements: Grant programs for local businesses to update building exteriors, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the downtown core.

Public Art installations: Commissioning local artists to create murals and sculptures, fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Pedestrian Walkway Expansion: Extending the pedestrian-only zone on Elm Street, creating a more walkable and inviting habitat.

Green Space Progress: Adding pocket parks and landscaping to improve the overall quality of life downtown.

Council members are expected to debate the funding source, with options including a bond issuance, reallocation of existing budget funds, and pursuing state and federal grants.Public comment will be a crucial part of this discussion. Residents interested in downtown development and economic growth should attend or submit written comments.

Transportation Master plan – Public Hearing

A public hearing is scheduled to gather feedback on the proposed Transportation Master Plan. This complete plan outlines the city’s vision for transportation infrastructure over the next 20 years. Key components include:

Expanded Bus Routes: Increasing frequency and coverage of existing bus routes, and adding new routes to underserved areas.

Bike Lane Network: Developing a city-wide network of protected bike lanes, promoting cycling as a sustainable transportation option.

Traffic Signal Optimization: Implementing smart traffic signal technology to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Potential Light Rail Study: Initiating a feasibility study for a light rail system connecting the downtown area with the growing suburban communities.

The public hearing provides an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on these proposals and suggest improvements. The city is particularly interested in feedback regarding the potential impact of the plan on traffic patterns, parking availability, and accessibility for all residents.

Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Residential Density

The council will consider amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance regarding residential density. The proposed changes aim to address the growing housing shortage by allowing for increased density in certain areas. Specifically, the amendments would:

Allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permit homeowners to build small, autonomous living units on their properties.

Increase Density Bonuses: Offer developers incentives to include affordable housing units in new developments.

Reduce Minimum Lot Sizes: Allow for smaller lot sizes in designated areas, enabling the construction of more homes.

These amendments have sparked debate among residents, with some expressing concerns about potential impacts on neighborhood character and infrastructure capacity.The council will carefully weigh these concerns against the need for increased housing affordability and availability.

Parks and Recreation – Summer Program Evaluation

The Parks and Recreation Department will present an evaluation of the summer recreation programs. The report will cover:

Program Participation Rates: Analyzing attendance numbers for various programs, including summer camps, swimming lessons, and sports leagues.

Participant Feedback: Summarizing feedback received from participants and parents regarding program quality and satisfaction.

Financial performance: Reviewing the financial performance of the programs, including revenue generated and expenses incurred.

Recommendations for Enhancement: Proposing changes to improve program offerings and enhance the overall experience for participants.

This evaluation will inform the department’s planning for future summer recreation programs. The council will discuss the findings and provide guidance on priorities for improvement.

Local Business Support – New Grant Opportunities

The council will discuss and potentially approve a new round of grant opportunities for local businesses. These grants are designed to support economic recovery and growth in the wake of recent economic challenges. potential grant programs include:

Small Business Recovery Grants: providing financial assistance to businesses that have been negatively impacted by economic downturns.

* Marketing and Advertising Grants: Helping businesses promote their products and services to attract new