Whitefish is looking at sponsoring a grant for rehabilitation work on the Alpenglow Apartments.

Designated as low-income housing, the 36-unit apartment project is the product of a partnership between the Whitefish Housing Authority and Homeword, a Missoula nonprofit housing developer. The apartments on Edgewood Place opened in 2021.  

With the heating system for the apartments in need of replacement, the city of Whitefish has been asked to sponsor a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $200,000 to fund the repairs.  

City Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E. Second St. 

When the apartments were constructed, variable refrigerant heat pump units were installed as the primary heating and cooling source in each apartment, according to a project description. The units, while cost-effective upfront, have proven to be ill-suited to Montana’s cold climate.  

“Residents, vendors and staff have reported persistent issues,” the description says, outlining drain lines freezing and leaking, thus causing water damage. Units have shut down during cold weather, leaving apartments without reliable heat, and resulting in high utility bills from the use of backup electric heat.  

Despite multiple repair attempts, issues have persisted, and residents continue to face inconsistent heating and higher living costs, and the property incurs ongoing maintenance expenses.  

ALSO ON the agenda is consideration of the construction of a two-story mixed-use building on U.S. 93.  

On the same property that houses Dalen Dental Clinic, a conditional use permit is being requested to construct a second building with commercial use on the ground floor and two residential apartments on the second floor. The building would be constructed east of the dental office on the 1-acre property. 

The property is zoned as secondary business, allowing for retail and services that typically need larger display or parking areas. Mixed-use buildings are also considered an appropriate use for the zone, according to the planning staff report.  

Council is set to vote on the annexation of a 2-acre property on Lund Lane. The property is developed with a single-family home and several lots to the north and west of it have already been annexed into the city.  

Two votes are expected on updates regarding the city’s zoning code as a result of the Montana Land Use Planning Act enacted by the state Legislature in 2023.  

Awarding of a bid for construction at Armory Park of restrooms and playground paths goes before Council. The work is part of a series of upgrades being made as part of the park’s master plan.  

The Parks and Recreation Department is recommending approval of a contract to Vada Contracting for just under $320,000.  

Lastly, Council is set to vote on a memorandum of understanding with the North Whitefish Lake Community Fire Association in an attempt to establish a new fire station north of Whitefish Lake.  The association would fundraise for all costs associated with the easement and report to the city on its progress.  

Under the agreement, the city would apply for an easement on about 1.5 to 3 acres of State Trust Land through the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for a fire station and coordinate with the Whitefish Community Foundation regarding donations for the fire station. 

During a work session at 5:30 p.m., a progress update on Vision Whitefish 2045 is being provided to Council.  

Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 406-758-4421 or [email protected].