Citizens for a Better Flathead works to foster informed and active citizen participation in the decisions shaping the Flathead's future and to champion the democratic principles, sustainable solutions, and shared vision necessary to keep the Flathead Special Forever. Since 1992 we have been working to secure policies that will keep the Flathead the place we love as it changes and grows.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Letters of interest are being accepted through November 17, 2023, for a limited number of openings on Flathead County and City Planning Boards and Neighborhood Land Use Advisory Committees

TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THESE POSITIONS:

Letters of interest (please specify which board/committee you are applying for) including name, physical address, mailing address, daytime phone number and qualifications should be submitted to:

Flathead County Planning & Zoning Office

South Campus Building

40 11^th Street West, Ste. 220

Kalispell, MT 59901

All letters of interest should be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023. For additional information please call 751-8200.

FLATHEAD COUNTY PLANNING BOARD

Flathead County is accepting “letters of interest” to serve on the Planning Board. The Board has nine members, including a representative from the Flathead Conservation District. There are three (3) positions which will become vacant at the end of the year, and they will each serve two (2) year terms, beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. These positions are appointed by the Flathead County Commissioners. There is a vacancy for one (1) representative from the Flathead County Conservation District who is appointed by their board and ratified by the Flathead County Commissioners. This position would serve a one-year term beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. To be considered for a position applicants must be a ‘resident freeholder’, which means you must live on the property you own, outside the planning jurisdictions of Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish, but within Flathead County.

FLATHEAD COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Flathead County is accepting “letters of interest” to serve on the Board of Adjustment. The Board is made up of five members who have the authority to grant variances to parts of the Flathead County Zoning Regulations and make final decisions on conditional use permits. There are three (3) positions which will become vacant at the end of the year, and they will each serve two (2) year terms, beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. All positions are appointed by the Flathead County Commissioners. To be considered for the position, the applicant must reside outside of the city zoning jurisdictions of Kalispell, Whitefish, or Columbia Falls, but within Flathead County.

COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION

There are two (2) county vacancies on this board. Each vacancy will serve a two (2) year term, beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. The applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area, but outside the city limits of Columbia Falls.

Whitefish City Planning Board

There is one (1) county vacancy on this board. This vacancy will serve a term running two (2) years, beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. Applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area but outside the city limits of Whitefish.

NEIGHBORHOOD LAND USE ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Ashley Lake Land Use Advisory Committee

There are three (3) existing vacancies on this committee. One (1) vacancy is for an on-lake property owner which will fill an existing term, beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2024. One (1) vacancy is for an off-lake property owner which will fill an existing term, beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2026. One (1) vacancy is for a corporate timber representative which will fill an existing term, beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2024.

Egan Slough Planning & Zoning Commission

There is currently one (1) vacancy for this commission. This vacancy term will serve two (2) years, beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. The applicants, or their immediate family, must reside within the boundaries of the Egan Slough Zoning District.

Helena Flats Land Use Advisory Committee

There are five (5) vacancies on this committee. Two (2) vacancies with terms each running four (4) years beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027. One (1) vacancy will fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2026. One (1) vacancy will fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2025. One (1) vacancy will fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2024. All applicants must own real property in the Helena Flats Land Use Area as defined or live in the Helena Flats District.

La Brant-Lindsey Lane Land Use Advisory Committee

There are four (4) vacancies on this Committee. One (1) vacancy is for property owners who own over twenty (20) acres, which will fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2024.Two (2) vacancies are for property owners who own under twenty (20) acres, which will fill existing terms each running January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. One (1) vacancy is for a member at large* with a term of (4) years which will run January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027. All applicants must own property in the La Brant-Lindsey Lane Neighborhood Plan area or zoning district. *The member at large is recommended by the committee.

Little Bitterroot Lake Land Use Advisory Committee

There are five (5) vacancies on this committee. Three (3) members are appointed by the Little Bitterroot Lake Association; one (1) vacancy would serve a three (3) year term beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026; and two (2) vacancies would fill existing terms each beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2025. One (1) vacancy is appointed by and represents the timber industry and would have a three (3) year term beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026. One (1) vacancy is for an off-lake property owner, which would fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2025; an off-lake property owner is defined as a property owner from within the Little Bitterroot Lake Neighborhood Plan area who owns land that does not front or abut Little Bitterroot Lake.

Middle Canyon Land Use Advisory Committee

There are four (4) vacancies on this Committee. Two (2) vacancies would have terms that run three (3) years beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026; the applicant must be a permanent resident in Middle Canyon. One (1) vacancy would fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 21, 2024; the applicant must be either a part-time resident or landowner in Middle Canyon. One (1) vacancy would fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2025; the applicant must be a business owner operating in Middle Canyon.

NORTH FORK LAND USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

There is one (1) vacancy on this committee. This vacancy would serve a three (3) year term beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026.

Riverdale Land Use Advisory Committee

There are three (3) vacancies on this Committee. Two (2) vacancies will have four (4) year terms beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027. One (1) vacancy would fill an existing term beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2025. The applicants must either reside and/or own land in the land use area of Riverdale.

Rogers Lake Land Use Advisory Committee

There are two (2) vacancies on this Committee. One (1) vacancy for a corporate timber representative that would serve a four (4) year term beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027. One (1) vacancy would fill an existing term for a state lease holder beginning January 1, 2024, and running through December 31, 2026.

West Valley Land Use Advisory Committee

There are four (4) vacancies on this Committee. All applicants must be landowners within the district, (i.e., West Valley Zoning District or West Valley Overlay Zoning District) or duly appointed representatives of a business or corporation that owns property within the district. Three (3) vacancies are for citizen members that would each serve a three (3) year term beginning January 1, 2024, and run through December 31, 2026. One (1) vacancy is for a member-at-large* and would serve a one (1) year term beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. *The member at large is recommended by the committee and confirmed by the Commissioners.

Flathead County Also Has Openings on the Following Boards

Letters of interest for these open seats are currently being accepted through November 17, 2023 and may be sent to

dmagar@flathead.mt.gov or Flathead County Board of Commissioners, 800 South Main, Room 302, Kalispell, MT 59901

Please use the name on your photo identification

when submitting your letter or application

Agency on Aging Advisory Committee

One unexpired term through December 31, 2025
Five upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The AOA Committee determines the needs of elderly citizens in Flathead County and educates the public regarding these needs. The committee also provides encouragement and support for programs assisting the elderly in our community.

Airport Authority Board

Two upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028

The Airport Authority Board provides for the planning, acquisition, purchase, establishment, development, construction, enlargement, improvement, maintenance, equipment, operation, regulation, protection, and policing of the airports and air navigation facilities which are, or may in the future be, under the jurisdiction of the Flathead Municipal Airport Authority.

Animal Advisory Committee

Two upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Flathead County Animal Advisory Committee is made up of five Flathead County citizens appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The members of this committee advise the Board of Health concerning issues regarding control of stray dogs and cats and the operation of the Animal Shelter.

Blacktail TV District Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Blacktail Television District Board is responsible for the administration of Blacktail Television District.

Compensation Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Compensation Board is composed of nine members, to include three county commissioners, three county officials appointed by the Flathead County Board of Commissioners chosen from the following: County Treasurer, County Clerk & Recorder, Clerk of District Court, County Superintendent of Schools, County Sheriff, Justice of the Peace, or County Attorney; along with two taxpaying county residents. The Compensation Board prepares a compensation schedule for the elected county officials, including the County Attorney for the succeeding fiscal year. The board meets annually for the purpose of reviewing the compensation paid to county officers.

Conrad Mansion Museum Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027 for a county representative.

The purpose of the Conrad Mansion Museum Board is to continue maintenance, restoration, and operation of the historic site museum. The jurisdiction is strictly Conrad Mansion. All revenues collected from fundraisers, tour/event ticket sales, and donations are monitored, voted on, and invested by the Conrad Mansion Board of Directors.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administrative Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The EMS Administrative Board was created to develop and implement strategies for the efficient use of EMS levy funds for providing training, agency operations support, and coordination for EMS units and to maximize ambulance services in Flathead County.

Fair Commission

Three upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025

The Fair Commission holds an annual Fair in Kalispell, Montana; and engages in the maximum use of facilities by any activities furthering the development of the fairgrounds for public use, thereby promoting agricultural, educational, business, and cultural growth of Flathead County.

Fairview Cemetery Association Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Fairview Cemetery Association Board is assigned the responsibility for the administration of the Fairview Cemetery District.

Fire Service Area (FSA) Advisory Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026 for a Middle Fork resident
One unexpired term through December 31, 2024 for a resident west of Kalispell

The Fire Service Area Advisory Board assists the Board of Commissioners in the management of the Flathead County Fire Service Area.

Flathead City-County Board of Health

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

Members of the City-County Board of Health exercise general supervision over and establish policy for the City-County Health Department and enforce all public health laws to provide the highest possible level of public health services to our citizens.

Flathead Emergency Communications Center Operations Board

One upcoming term for a Columbia Falls Police Dept. Representative starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
One upcoming term for a Whitefish Police Dept. Representative starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
One upcoming term for a County Fire Service Representative starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025

The Operations Board assists the FECC in oversight of equipment usage, system design, programming, operating procedures, circuits, telecommunications terminals for criminal history record information. They also provide advice for call-taking and dispatch policies and procedures, quality improvement monitoring and review, new equipment proposals, etc.

Solid Waste District Board

Two upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Solid Waste District Board is assigned the responsibility for the administration of the Flathead County Solid Waste Management District.

South Kalispell Rural Fire District Board

Two unexpired terms through May 31, 2024

Please note that you must be an elector (an individual qualified to vote under state law) who resides in the district, or any holder of title to lands within the district, who presents a proof of payment of taxes on the lands in the district for which you are applying in order to be considered for the position.

Swan Hill TV District Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Swan Hill Television District Board is responsible for the administration of the Swan Hill Television District.

Tax Appeal Board

One upcoming term starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Tax Appeal Board hears taxpayer appeals regarding the Montana Department of Revenue’s property tax assessment.

Transportation Advisory Committee

Three upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Transportation Advisory Committee assists the Agency on Aging in cooperatively assessing and prioritizing local transportation needs and identifying opportunities for community collaboration and coordination to help the Agency achieve more cost-effective service delivery, increase capacity to serve unmet needs, improve quality of service, and ensure services are easily understood and accessed by riders.

Weed & Parks Board

Two upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Weed & Parks Board is a five-member panel responsible for the administration of the Flathead County Weed District and the Parks & Recreation Departments. Duties of trustees include promoting cooperative weed control with public education and outreach programs, developing public parkland, managing the County trail system, and providing recreational opportunities that meet the present and future needs of the community.

West Valley Rural Fire District Board

One unexpired term through May 31, 2024

Woodlawn Cemetery Association Board

Two upcoming terms starting January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026

The Woodlawn Cemetery Association Board is assigned the responsibility for the administration of the Woodlawn Cemetery District.

Speak Up

for the Future of this Great Place & Support our Work!!

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Citizens for a Better Flathead ~ 406-756-8993 ~ citizens@flatheadcitizens.org www.flatheadcitizens.org