Whitefish proposes annexation of Park Knoll neighborhood

Whitefish is considering bringing the Park Knoll neighborhood into the city.

City Council last week approved a resolution of intention to consider annexing about 22 acres of land that includes the subdivision. Council will hold a public hearing and subsequent vote on the annexation at its Dec. 3 meeting.

The Park Knoll neighborhood in 1989 asked the city to extend water service to the neighborhood, and the city agreed to do so on the condition that the neighborhood would be eligible for annexation once it became contiguous to city limits, which it now is.

City Attorney Angela Jacobs said owners in Park Knoll signed waivers of protest agreement when water service was provided.

“This is something we’ve routinely done when we provide services to an area,” she said.

Jacobs said the city recently discovered that Park Knoll hadn’t been annexed into the city though it had become contiguous to the city. She noted that city staff waited to begin the annexation process until after Council made a decision on a request from Whitefish 57 LLC for a subarea plan for acreage adjacent to Park Knoll.

Under state law, the city can’t annex an area that is contiguous for one year after a majority of owners protest the annexation. Jacobs said that doesn’t apply in this case because the land owners signed waivers of protest.

During last week’s meeting, one Park Knoll resident spoke out against the proposed annexation.

Charlie Duffy said annexation will not result in improvements to Park Knoll Lane through the neighborhood or other upgrades to the neighborhoods water, sewer and stormwater collection.

“The annexation concerns me because it seems like we’re not getting anything in return,” he said. “All we’re getting is a 16 to 18 percent increase in taxes.”

Even following annexation, Park Knoll Lane would remain a privately-owned road. If the property owners chose to construct the road to city standards, the city could take responsibility for maintaining the road.

Jacobs addressed concerns raised by Park Knoll neighbors that the city would let developers access the road, which was a major point of contention when previous plans came forward with Whitefish 57’s request for a sub area plan for the adjacent property.

“That road would remain private,” Jacobs said. “Unless the road is changed.”

Stormwater services would also remain as is, unless property owners created a special improvement district for a storm water system.

Public Works Director Craig Workman said water service to the area goes to one water meter with one water bill that the homeowners association splits between homeowners. He said that would not change following annexation unless requested by the neighborhood, and no upgrades to the water system are planned.

The city estimates that it will collect $7,367 in property tax assessments for all the properties in Park Knoll.