The Kalispell City Council approved its consent agenda on Nov. 17, including a base-bid award and alternatives A–D to In Situ Form Technologies for an inflow-and-infiltration mitigation project to rehabilitate sanitary sewer mains in the amount of $776,128.

During public comment on the consent items, Linda Erickson, who said she founded the Veterans Food Pantry 20 years ago, asked that the proclamation recognizing the Flathead Food Bank also note independent food banks in the valley. "When they put Flathead Food Bank, the public thinks the entire valley and doesn't realize that there's independent food banks," Erickson said, urging the council to include other organizations such as Columbia Falls Food Bank and the Big Fork Food Bank.

Mayor Johnson responded that the proclamation's intent was encouragement rather than a financial commitment and that he would amend the proclamation to include other organizations. The council moved to approve the consent agenda as presented; the motion carried by voice vote with multiple ayes recorded.

The sewer contract award authority directs staff to proceed with the base bid and specified alternatives to In Situ Form Technologies for the rehabilitation work. The proclamation, as amended, encourages community donations and volunteering to support local food-security efforts.