Whitefish meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Park Board Approves Depot Park Stage Plan; City Council to Weigh FY27 Budget

The Whitefish Park Board approved the Depot Park Stage Public Engagement Plan with amendments at its Aug. 11 meeting, the only formal decision among recent city meetings. The board also approved its June 9 minutes. Other meetings on the calendar were agenda-only, including a City Council session that will consider the FY27 budget and water and wastewater master plans.

Park Board

The Park Board approved the Depot Park Stage Public Engagement Plan with amendments to include “performance/events” and a definition of hardscape. The vote was all ayes. The board also approved the June 9, 2026 minutes, also all ayes. The board heard public comments on the stage survey and trail proposals for River Lakes Park, and received committee updates on tree replacement and other projects.

Climate Action Committee

The Climate Action Plan Standing Committee met twice on Aug. 10. The first was a tour of the Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship at Whitefish High School, led by coordinator Brigid Fray. The committee may have held a quorum during the tour, but no decisions or discussions were scheduled. The second meeting followed the tour and included discussion of the draft City of Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan, a recap of the tour, and updates on priority action items: building energy efficiency (BE-1.3/BE-1.5), public transit coordination, and wastewater treatment plant efficiency upgrades. The committee also reviewed follow-up items from July, including setting up a CAP meeting at the CSE, reviewing the 2030 Mountain Towns report, and integrating the City Hall employee comfort survey.

Lakeshore Protection Committee

The Lakeshore Protection Committee will hold a public meeting on Aug. 12 to consider three lakeshore-related applications: a construction permit for a gravel beach (WLP 26-19 Turner), a minor variance for a deck and construction area (WLV 26-21 Ducommun), and a construction permit for stairs and boulder relocation (WLP 26-22 Rizzolo). The committee will also approve minutes from the June 10 meeting and take public comment on non-agenda items.

Library Board

The Library Board of Trustees will hold its regular August meeting on Aug. 12. The board will take action on the consent agenda, which includes July 2026 minutes, financials, and a final edit of the Electronic Devices policy. They will also review the Lost/Damaged Policy, receive a budget report, and get updates on sprinkler heads, a Whitefish Credit Union account, and trustee recruitment.

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on Aug. 17 on FY26 budget amendments and the FY27 budget, tax levy, and special assessments, then vote on resolutions to adopt them. The council will also consider adopting the 2026 Water Master Plan and Wastewater & Stormwater Master Plan, review the FY27-FY31 Capital Improvement Program, and discuss forming a Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) for regional transportation planning. A request from Habitat for Humanity Flathead for resort tax funds to purchase properties at 1974 and 1982 Whitefish Avenue for two townhomes is also on the agenda.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a work session and regular meeting on Aug. 20. The main item is a public hearing on CPTA 26-01, a request by the City of Whitefish to amend the Vision Whitefish 2045 Community Plan, including a scenic resource survey, text amendments, land use map amendments, and an implementation section. The commission will also hear public comment and discuss general matters.

Coming up

The Whitefish Community Housing Committee will meet on Aug. 24 to outline the grant application process for the future Community Housing Grant Panel. The agenda also includes approving minutes from the June 1 meeting and receiving updates from housing organizations and project updates.

Whitefish Park Board approves Depot Park Stage plan; council to weigh FY27 budget adoption Monday

The Whitefish Park Board approved the Depot Park Stage Public Engagement Plan with amendments at its Aug. 11 meeting, the only substantive decision among recent city meetings. The plan, approved unanimously, will guide public input on the stage project and now includes language on "performance/events" and a definition of hardscape. The board also approved its June 9 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Mayor and City Council continued budget deliberations ahead of a scheduled vote to adopt the FY2027 budget at its Aug. 17 meeting.

Budget work continues

The council held two work sessions in August to shape the FY2027 budget. At an Aug. 3 special session, the city manager presented revised figures showing a need to cut $632,346 from property-tax revenue needs to stay within a 9.93% increase cap. Potential cuts discussed included the Ice Den Roof Replacement ($191,000), a Mini Fire Pumper ($31,872), and the Assistant Library Director position ($54,500). A capital levy of $191,000 per year (1.8 mills) was proposed for a ladder truck purchase. Resort tax relief would drop by $176,360 (a 3.18% increase), and carry-forward mills total 27.82 ($2.9 million) for budget flexibility.

At an Aug. 6 work session, council reviewed alternatives to reduce the property tax levy by 2.476 mills or capture 5.0 or 10.0 forward carry mills. The Water Fund budget includes $1,200,000 for cast iron water main replacement and a $100,000 carryover for the Haskill Creek Remote Telemetry Project. Resort tax property tax relief is projected at $2,439,028 for FY27 (30% of collections). Certified taxable value for 2026 is $121,346,206, up 16.5% from the prior year.

No votes were taken at either session; the council is scheduled to adopt the budget and tax levy at its Aug. 17 meeting.

Other recent meetings

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee met Aug. 3 with no substantive decisions on its agenda. The Climate Action Plan Standing Committee held two meetings Aug. 10: a tour of the Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship at Whitefish High School, and a discussion of the draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan, along with updates on building energy efficiency, public transit, and wastewater treatment upgrades. The Library Board met Aug. 12 to review policies, budget, and facility updates, including a final edit of the Electronic Devices policy and a Lost/Damaged Policy review. The Lakeshore Protection Committee met Aug. 12 to consider three permits: a gravel beach (WLP 26-19 Turner), a deck and construction area variance (WLV 26-21 Ducommun), and stairs and boulder relocation (WLP 26-22 Rizzolo). No decisions were recorded for these meetings.

Coming up

The Mayor and City Council will hold public hearings and vote on the FY27 budget, property tax mill levy, and special assessments at its Aug. 17 meeting. The agenda also includes adoption of the 2026 Water Master Plan and Wastewater & Stormwater Master Plan, a request from Habitat for Humanity Flathead for resort tax funds to purchase properties at 1974 and 1982 Whitefish Avenue for two townhomes, and discussion of forming a Transportation Advisory Committee.

The Planning Commission will hold a work session and regular meeting Aug. 20, with a public hearing on CPTA 26-01, amendments to the Vision Whitefish 2045 Community Plan, including a scenic resource survey, text amendments, land use map amendments, and an implementation section.

Whitefish council weighs $632K budget cut as property-tax cap looms

The Whitefish Mayor and City Council met Aug. 3 for a special session to review revised FY2027 budget figures, facing a required $632,346 reduction in property-tax revenue needs after the council capped the increase at 9.93%. The council discussed potential cuts to services and equipment, but no final votes were taken.

Budget work session

The council received a closed litigation update from the City Attorney, then heard the City Manager present revised budget figures. The property-tax revenue increase is capped at 9.93%, requiring a $632,346 cut. Potential cuts discussed include the Ice Den Roof Replacement ($191,000), a Mini Fire Pumper ($31,872), and an Assistant Library Director position ($54,500). A capital levy of $191,000 per year (1.8 mills) was proposed for a ladder truck purchase. The Resort Tax Relief drop of $176,360 (3.18% increase) offsets new revenue. Carry-forward mills total 27.82 ($2.9 million) for budget flexibility.

Housing Authority

The Whitefish Housing Authority board met July 29 to discuss the Section 18/RAD conversion and potential parcel splitting for Mountain View Manor. The agenda included a review of the Housing Choice Voucher voluntary transfer process, consideration of a HUD Older Adults Home Modification Grant application, technical assistance for a multi-family cooperative conversion, and a request for proposals for monthly bookkeeping services. No minutes have been published.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

The committee met Aug. 3 for a routine meeting with no substantive decisions. Members reviewed past minutes, heard staff reports, and allowed public comment. No ordinances, contracts, or funding actions were listed.

Coming up

• **Aug. 10:** The Climate Action Plan Standing Committee will tour the Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship at Whitefish High School, led by coordinator Brigid Fray. A quorum may be present, but no decisions are scheduled.
• **Aug. 10:** The same committee will meet to discuss the draft City of Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan and receive updates on priority action items, including building energy efficiency, public transit coordination, and wastewater treatment upgrades.

Whitefish Council Set to Finalize FY2027 Budget; Recent Meetings Outline Fire Station, Tourism, and Housing Plans

Whitefish's most consequential upcoming item is the Aug. 3 special City Council session, where members will deliberate on a revised FY2027 budget that caps the property-tax revenue increase at 9.93% and requires an estimated $632,346 reduction. The City Manager will present revised figures, and council will weigh service cuts against alternative revenue options.

FY2027 Budget Deliberations

The Aug. 3 work session follows a closed litigation update from the City Attorney. Council will consider potential cuts including $191,000 for the Ice Den Roof Replacement, $31,872 for a Mini Fire Pumper, and $54,500 for an Assistant Library Director position. A capital levy of $191,000 per year, equivalent to 1.8 mills, is proposed for a ladder truck purchase. The budget also includes a Resort Tax Relief drop of $176,360, representing a 3.18% increase that offsets new revenue. Carry-forward mills total 27.82, or $2.9 million, for FY27 budget flexibility. No vote had been recorded as of the agenda publication.

Second Fire Station Proposal

On July 20, the City Council discussed a proposal to build a second fire station on donated land from the Iron Horse Golf Club, located at the southwest corner of the property along East Lakeshore Drive. The project would use a public-private partnership to address emergency response delays caused by the BNSF railroad corridor. Estimated operational costs range from $1.95 million to $2.25 million for 12 additional firefighters/paramedics and supplies. The current impact fee balance of $787,698 is available for construction, and the Iron Horse HOA proposed a capital campaign to fund the station and apparatus. The council also held its annual goal-setting session. Minutes were not yet published.

Sustainable Tourism Committee

The Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee met July 21 to discuss a community survey that had gathered 154 responses toward a goal of 250. The committee planned to prepare two City Council presentations — one in November and one in the spring — covering survey results, the fall tourism report, and concrete recommendations. Members also discussed extending the survey deadline through the July 4 weekend, coordinating with Dr. Melissa Weddell of ITRR for a fall town-hall appearance and related budget compensation, promoting the survey through flyers, Instagram, QR-code posters, and Chamber of Commerce outreach, and reviewing the Green Business Award after receiving only one application. Minutes were not yet published.

Resort Tax Review

The Resort Tax Monitoring Committee met July 22 to review June 2026 resort tax collections totaling $590,966 and May 2026 revenue by period. The committee also reviewed public works projects including Amory Road and the South Water Storage project, plus parks and recreation updates on Armory Park and bike path maintenance. Minutes from the June 17, 2026, meeting were slated for approval. Minutes were not yet published.

Housing Authority Discussion

The Whitefish Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met July 29 to discuss the Section 18/RAD conversion and potential parcel splitting for Mountain View Manor. Items included a review of the Housing Choice Voucher Program Voluntary Transfer Process, consideration of a HUD Older Adults Home Modification Grant application, technical assistance for a multi-family cooperative conversion, and an RFP for monthly bookkeeping services. The status of the ED office was also discussed. Minutes were not yet published.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Mayor & City Council:** Special session and work session on the FY2027 budget, including the 9.93% property-tax cap and proposed cuts.
• **Aug. 3 — Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee:** Routine meeting with no substantive decisions, ordinances, contracts, or funding actions listed on the agenda.

All recent meeting summaries are based on published agendas; minutes had not been posted as of this report. Readers can consult the official city documents for finalized decisions and vote tallies.

Park Board approves Depot Park stage engagement and Armory Park softball field design; City Council to weigh second fire station

The Whitefish Park Board voted July 14 to begin a public-engagement process for a proposed stage at Depot Park and to move forward with backstop and dugout designs for a future softball field at Armory Park — the most concrete decisions among recent city meetings, most of which remain in agenda-only form with minutes not yet published.

Park Board: Depot Park stage and Armory Park softball field

The Park Board swore in new member Maria Erbes and unanimously appointed Emily Butler as the WAG Board representative. The board approved May 12, 2026 minutes with all ayes.

Members voted to have Director Butts and long-range planner Alan Tiefenbach begin a community public-engagement process for the Depot Park stage proposal (all ayes). The board also reached consensus to proceed with a net backstop, galvanized steel posts, chain-link dugouts, and a 6-foot green fence for the future softball field at Armory Park. The meeting adjourned with all ayes.

Tree Advisory Committee: Approved species list unchanged

The committee decided to keep Allegheny Serviceberry and Quaking Aspens on the approved tree species list for specific uses. Members also discussed upcoming Arbor Day plantings of Elms and Honeylocust at Armory Park Playground.

City Council: FY27 budget and invasive species review (agenda only)

The City Council held a July 6 work session to review the Whitefish Lake Institute's annual Aquatic Invasive Species report and the FY27 budget request for the Our Lake Our Future water quality program. Items included 2025 watercraft inspection data, Eurasian Watermilfoil removal in Beaver Lake, and discussion of the Institute's approximately $18,000 annual staffing cost-share. Minutes have not yet been published, so no votes or outcomes are confirmed.

Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee (agenda only)

The committee was set to review the Riverbend/Miles Avenue Path Project and the Connect Whitefish Plan, with revised cost estimates. Members also planned to discuss forming a new Transportation Advisory Committee and review a future project list including Whitefish River Trail segments — Snowy Mountain/Goguen Property (1,561 ft) and Walgreens & Duck Inn (1,332 ft) — both facing easement issues. Minutes are not yet published.

Impact Fee Advisory Committee (agenda only)

The committee was scheduled to discuss a recommended Water Impact Fee rate change based on an updated Tischlerbise study, review capital improvement projects funded by impact fees, and discuss use of fees collected before the program was discontinued. No minutes are available yet.

Other meetings (agenda only)

The Library Board planned to elect FY27 officers and approve June 10, 2026 minutes. The Climate Action Plan Standing Committee was set to review a revised parking study letter for City Council. The Planning Commission scheduled public hearings on two variance requests: WZV 26-11, a home at 109 Miles Avenue seeking to encroach 5 feet into the south side-yard setback, and WZV 26-10, a deck at 840 Birch Point Drive seeking to encroach into the side yard and Lakeshore Protection Zone setbacks. Minutes are not yet published for any of these.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Mayor & City Council:** Discussion of a proposed second fire station on donated land from Iron Horse Golf Club at the southwest corner of the property along East Lakeshore Drive. Estimated operational costs run $1.95 million to $2.25 million for 12 additional firefighters/paramedics and supplies. The current impact fee balance of $787,698 is available for construction, and the Iron Horse HOA has proposed a capital campaign to fund the station and apparatus. The council will also hold its annual goal-setting session.
• **July 21 — Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee:** The committee will discuss a community survey with 154 responses toward a goal of 250, plan two City Council presentations for November and next spring, and coordinate with Dr. Melissa Weddell for a fall town-hall appearance.

Whitefish meeting roundup: Recent agendas out, minutes pending; Park Board and Planning Commission votes ahead

Recent meetings: agendas available, outcomes not yet public

Four Whitefish advisory and council meetings were scheduled in the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them. What follows is drawn from the posted agendas only — no decisions, votes, or dollar approvals can be confirmed until minutes are released.

City Council — FY27 budget and Whitefish Lake invasive species

The Mayor & City Council agenda for July 6 listed a work session on the Whitefish Lake Institute's annual Aquatic Invasive Species report and the FY27 budget request for the Our Lake Our Future water quality program. Agenda items included review of 2025 watercraft inspection data and Eurasian Watermilfoil removal in Beaver Lake, and discussion of the Whitefish Lake Institute's approximately $18,000 annual staffing cost-share. A public comment period was scheduled with a 3-minute limit per speaker. No vote tally or budget figure is confirmed.

Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

The July 6 agenda included updates on the Riverbend/Miles Avenue Path Project and the Connect Whitefish Plan, with revised cost estimates. The committee was set to discuss forming a new Transportation Advisory Committee and review a future shared-use path project list, including Whitefish River Trail segments at Snowy Mountain, the Goguen Property (1,561 ft), and the Walgreens & Duck Inn area (1,332 ft), where easement issues were noted.

Impact Fee Advisory Committee

On July 7, the committee agenda included discussion of a recommended Water Impact Fee rate change based on an updated study by Tischlerbise, review of capital improvement projects funded by impact fees, and discussion of impact fees collected before the program was discontinued. No recommended rate or dollar amount is available from the agenda.

Tree Advisory Committee

The July 8 agenda called for selecting 10 replacement trees for Green Ash removed along Kalispell Avenue under a DNRC grant, and selecting replacement trees for Eastern Taylor Cedars removed at Riverside Storm Pond due to fire hazard concerns. The agenda also included approval of March 18, 2026 minutes, public comment, and incident and vandalism reports.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Climate Action Plan Standing Committee:** Review of a revised parking study letter to City Council, priority action item tracker updates, and a MOD strategy for revising the Climate Action Plan. Approval of May 11, 2026 minutes is also listed.
• **July 14 — Park Board:** The board is scheduled to consider approving the Depot Park Stage Public Engagement Plan, plus routine minutes, committee reports, and departmental updates.
• **July 16 — Planning Commission:** Public hearings on two variance requests — WZV 26-11, a home at 109 Miles Avenue seeking to encroach 5 feet into the south side-yard setback, and WZV 26-10, a deck at 840 Birch Point Drive seeking to encroach into the side yard and Lakeshore Protection Zone setbacks.

For confirmed outcomes, votes, and dollar figures, readers should consult the official minutes once posted by the City of Whitefish.

Whitefish Housing Authority meets; City Council to review lake protection, budget

Whitefish’s Housing Authority board met June 24 to consider its FY2027 budget, housing strategy, and voucher savings measures, but minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are available to report. The coming week brings several advisory committee and council work sessions, including a City Council review of aquatic invasive species data and the FY27 budget request for the Our Lake Our Future program.

City Council work session on lake protection and budget

The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session Monday, July 6, to review the Whitefish Lake Institute’s annual Aquatic Invasive Species report and the FY27 budget request for the Our Lake Our Future water quality program. Staff will present 2025 watercraft inspection data, early detection monitoring results, and Eurasian Watermilfoil removal efforts at Beaver Lake. Council members will also discuss an approximately $18,000 annual staffing cost-share with the institute. Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Also on Monday, July 6, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee will receive updates on the Riverbend/Miles Avenue Path Project and the Connect Whitefish Plan, including revised cost estimates. The committee will discuss forming a new Transportation Advisory Committee and review a future project list for shared-use paths. Among the segments listed: Whitefish River Trail – Snowy Mountain, Goguen Property (1,561 feet), and Walgreens & Duck Inn (1,332 feet), which face easement challenges. Public comment is welcome on agenda and non-agenda items.

Impact Fee Advisory Committee

The Impact Fee Advisory Committee meets Wednesday, July 7, to discuss a recommended change to the Water Impact Fee based on an updated study by Tischlerbise. The committee will also review capital improvement projects funded by impact fees and discuss how to use fees collected before the program was discontinued.

Tree Advisory Committee

On Wednesday, July 8, the Tree Advisory Committee will select 10 replacement trees for removed Green Ash trees along Kalispell Avenue, funded by a DNRC grant. The committee will also choose replacement trees for Eastern Taylor Cedars removed at Riverside Storm Pond due to fire hazard concerns. Public comment and approval of previous minutes are on the agenda.

Climate Action Plan Standing Committee

The Climate Action Plan Standing Committee meets Monday, July 13, to review a revised parking study letter to be sent to City Council. Members will discuss updates to the priority action item tracker and project updates, including a MOD strategy for revising the climate plan. Public comment will include a tour of the Whitefish School District and Center for Sustainability.

Coming up

• **July 6** – City Council work session, 7:00 p.m. (agenda: invasive species, water quality budget)
• **July 6** – Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee (agenda: path projects, transportation committee)
• **July 7** – Impact Fee Advisory Committee (agenda: water impact fee study)
• **July 8** – Tree Advisory Committee (agenda: replacement tree selections)
• **July 13** – Climate Action Plan Standing Committee (agenda: parking study letter, action plan updates)