8/10/26 Kalispell City Council Session

The City of Kalispell, Montana City Council held a work session on August 10, 2026, focusing primarily on two topics: the proposed naming policy for city-owned parks, facilities, and public assets, and an update on the Westside Parking Management Zone. The council discussed establishing a formal naming policy to provide consistent criteria and processes for naming or renaming city assets, including provisions for public input and council approval. They debated whether smaller naming recognitions, such as benches or plaques, should require full council approval or could be handled administratively, with no final decision made but a preference expressed to keep council oversight initially. Regarding the Westside Parking Management Zone, the council reviewed the history, enforcement challenges, and financial aspects of the residential parking permit program near Flathead High School. They considered whether proactive enforcement was still necessary given reduced complaints and enforcement costs exceeding revenue. Public comments focused heavily on privacy and policy concerns related to proposed license plate reader (ALPR) technology for parking enforcement, urging the council to establish clear policies and oversight before funding or vendor selection. Council members clarified that funding for ALPR technology would be considered in the upcoming budget, with policy development and vendor selection to follow, emphasizing data privacy and limited use. No formal votes were taken during this session, but the council indicated plans to bring the naming policy forward for formal consideration and to deliberate the ALPR funding and policies in the upcoming budget meeting.