Public Meetings - Coeur Dalene, Idaho

The Court d'Alene City Council held a regular meeting on October 7, 2025, beginning at approximately 10:00 AM. The meeting included an invocation, approval of the consent calendar, discussion of a controversial proclamation declaring October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, approval of community development block grants, adoption of affordable rent standards, and passage of a new trail ordinance after extensive public comment and council deliberation. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar, including Resolution 25-054, was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Craig Bunch (16th and Lakeside) requested council support for revitalization of East Sherman Avenue, noting interest from the Chamber and Downtown Association. - Aaron Barnard expressed support for the Charlie Kirk proclamation, criticizing council members for yielding to pressure and urging reflection on constitutional principles. - Cassiana (Kassiana) Azoni (Court d'Alene student) opposed the Charlie Kirk proclamation as incomplete, urging remembrance of all gun violence victims and noting the impact of school shooting drills on her generation. - Maddie Gilmore (high school student) denounced the Charlie Kirk proclamation as divisive and exclusive, arguing it deepens community divides. - Annika Hain (senior in Court d'Alene School District) thanked Councilmember Wood for acknowledging other political tragedies but criticized the proclamation for recognizing only one political party's victim, calling for inclusive remembrance. - Joel Curtis (resident on Linden) requested traffic calming on Linden Avenue due to speeding (45-50 mph in a 25 mph zone) and expressed concern for children's safety. Councilmember Dan Gookin noted speed data collection is pending. - Mary Rosedal (county resident) opposed the Charlie Kirk proclamation, stating it endorses divisive speech and undermines Court d'Alene's efforts to overcome its racist past. - Theresa Sousa (first-time speaker) opposed the proclamation, describing Charlie Kirk's teachings as bigoted and not representative of Christian love, and called for separation of church and state. - Mike Fuller (resident) supported earlier speakers, calling the proclamation divisive and unhelpful for breaking community divides. - Randy Neal spoke against political violence and anti-semitism, supporting human rights. - Asa Gray (Kootenai County Elections Director) promoted early voting (Oct 20-31) and recruitment of poll workers for the November 4 election. - Ben Towels read from Idaho House Concurrent Resolution 17 denouncing political violence, supporting the Charlie Kirk proclamation as promoting healthy dialogue. - Conrad Wooden supported the proclamation, citing parallels with Martin Luther King Jr.'s faith references and arguing removal of faith from government is unjust. - Duncan Menzies (Arts Commission) announced Art Spotlight Court d'Alane grants to Lake City Playhouse, Music Conservatory, and Court d'Alene Summer Theater ($5,000 each) for youth education programs. - Gary Cooper (Tour CDA owner) raised concerns about the proposed trail ordinance, stating it incorrectly classifies segues and mobility scooters as motor vehicles, conflicts with state code, and could harm his business. He noted he invested $100,000 after city approval of rideables. Proclamation: Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance - Mayor Woody McEvers read a proclamation declaring October 14, 2025 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, honoring the conservative activist assassinated in 2024. Councilmember Christy Wood pre-emptively called for unity, denouncing political violence and suggesting acknowledgment of all victims. The mayor acknowledged the proclamation was not in the council packet but signed it. Public comment was deeply divided. Councilmember Dan Gookin stated the original proposer, Stephanie, intended a collaborative editing process that did not occur. The mayor noted he issued the proclamation at the request of a community member and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusivity. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Awards - Resolution 25-055 was approved unanimously (7-0). The resolution allocates: - $100,000 to Heritage Place Apartments LLC for replacing 156 electrical panels at Orchard Ridge senior apartments. - $20,020 to Court d'Alene School District 271 for McKinney-Vento homeless family supports. - $20,000 to Lake City Center for Meals on Wheels. - Funds come from Plan Year 2025 CDBG allocation ($290,998 from HUD) and reallocated prior-year funds ($51,973). Remaining funds may partially fund St. Vincent DePaul's emergency shelter rehab. Affordable Rent Standards for CDBG-Assisted Properties - Resolution 25-056 was approved unanimously. The resolution adopts HUD-recommended affordable rent standards (household pays no more than 30% of income) for real property improved with CDBG funds, with a 5-year affordability period. Trail Ordinance (Council Bill 25-1019) - The council passed a new municipal code chapter (4.40) titled "Trails, Bicycle Paths, Pedestrian Paths, and Multi-Use Paths." The ordinance repeals and replaces scattered existing regulations, establishes definitions for various electric vehicles, sets a 15 mph speed limit on trails, prohibits motor vehicles (but allows e-bikes and electric personal assistive devices), and creates a civil penalty system with escalation to infraction or misdemeanor for repeat or intentional violations. - Discussion highlighted enforcement challenges, especially speed. Chief White stated police lack resources to conduct speed enforcement on trails but could easily identify e-motorcycles and other prohibited vehicles. Councilmember Gookin argued the ordinance is too detailed and may not solve the problem, while Councilmember Gabriel noted the speed limit is an educational tool. An amendment to allow pedestrians on a section of Centennial Trail along Rosenberry was included. - Vote: 6-1 (Councilmember Dan Gookin voted no). Executive Session - The council voted unanimously (7-0) to enter executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(f) to discuss legal ramifications of pending or imminent litigation. Key Outcomes - Approved: Consent calendar, Proclamation for Charlie Kirk Day (mayoral action), CDBG Resolution 25-055, Affordable Rent Standards Resolution 25-056, Trail Ordinance (6-1 vote). - Appointed: Denise Jessica, John Bruning, and Mike Fuller to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee. - Upcoming Events: Early voting Oct 20-31; VFW spaghetti fundraiser Oct 11 at 5 PM; Arts Awards Oct 22. - Next Steps: Staff to continue traffic data collection on Linden Avenue; trail education campaigns to be developed.

The City Council met on September 17, 2025, with Mayor Pro Tem Dan English presiding. The meeting included a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month, public comments, approval of consent calendar, several resolutions related to easements, water meter recalibration, and labor agreements, as well as a public hearing on a budget amendment. Key discussions centered on the condition of a historic building, employee compensation, and financial projections. Proclamation & Presentations - Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation: September 2025 declared as National Suicide Prevention Month. Statistics provided: In 2023, over 49,000 people died by suicide in the U.S. (one every 11 minutes); suicide is the 11th leading cause of death nationally. In Kootenai County, 31 lives were lost to suicide from January through August 2025, including four youth under 24. The proclamation was accepted by Jeanette Lassiter and Alicia Keller, who highlighted local resources (988 Lifeline, Panhandle Health District, NAMI, etc.). Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Merrill (resident of Oak Crest Manufactured Home Park): Expressed concerns about lack of irrigation for three years, dead trees along Ramsey posing fire hazard, and potential security gaps if trees are removed. Asked the council to be mindful if the park owner requests a zoning change. Staff clarified that irrigation is at the owner's discretion and the trees are on private property. - Brianna King (Coeur d'Alene resident): Urged the council to pause demolition of the historic building at 115 Northwest Boulevard (former North Idaho Museum) and repurpose it as a children's museum. Cited a Change.org petition with growing support, noting economic benefits (year-round visitors, local spending, tax revenue). Argued that demolition would forgo a revenue-generating asset. Council member response noted the building's poor condition (mold, condemned) and that demolition is planned for March 2025 after fire training. - Ted Turrentine (Coeur d'Alene resident): Questioned the need for the highest compensation for city employees, suggesting that the city should not tax residents to pay for the “best” workers. Argued that lower compensation may still yield adequate service. Consent Calendar - Approved resolution 25-048 and other routine items unanimously. Discussion Items - Resolution 25-049 – Easement Agreements for Atlas Waterfront Area 13: Staff presented a substitute grant of easement replacing a 2023 perpetual easement that allowed fire access, stormwater, and pedestrian promenade. The new plan relocates the pedestrian promenade into Atlas Waterfront Park, with the developer (Dean Pape, Chase Mixus) funding amenities (shade structure, benches, native landscaping, bike racks). The change improves safety by separating pedestrians from vehicular access. Council approved the resolution. - Resolution 25-050 – Contract with Mars Company for Water Meter Test Bench Recalibration: Water Director Kyle explained the annual recalibration process to ensure accurate billing (AWWA standards). The five-year contract (through 2029) includes a discount for allowing other utilities to tour the facility. An escape clause protects the city if Mars ceases operations. Council approved. - Resolution 25-051, 25-052, 25-053 – Labor Agreements: - Lake City Employees Association (LCEA): Two-year extension with 3.5% wage adjustment, increased sick leave payout (from 1/3 to 40% of hours up to 720), and $3,000 of sick leave payout put into a Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA) at retirement. The city will conduct a wage study (first since 8 years) with input from LCEA. Approved. - Police Officers Association (POA): One-year extension with 3.5% wage adjustment, 10% promotional increases (patrol to sergeant, sergeant to lieutenant), and a survivor benefit (continuation of medical/dental for six months in line-of-duty death). Approved. - Police Captains (MOU): One-year extension matching POA's 3.5% wage adjustment. Approved. - Public Hearing – Budget Amendment (Council Bill 25-10-18): Finance Director Katie presented the amended budget for FY2025. No public comments. The ordinance appropriating funds for unbudgeted items (including police department expansion and support services building) was approved. The projected fund balance use is $3.5 million, better than the earlier $4 million projection. The dip is attributed to fire department constant staffing costs and other items. Key Outcomes - Approved resolutions: 25-048 (consent), 25-049 (Atlas easement), 25-050 (Mars Company contract), 25-051 (LCEA agreement), 25-052 (POA agreement), 25-053 (Police Captains MOU), and Council Bill 25-10-18 (budget amendment). All votes were unanimous. - Council announcements: The 29th Annual Coeur d'Alene Arts Awards will be held October 22, 2025, at the Hagadone Event Center (free event). - Next steps: The water meter test bench recalibration contract will begin; the wage study for LCEA positions will be initiated with a committee including employees and city staff. Note: The meeting was adjourned after the budget hearing. No other business was discussed.

The Coeur d'Alene City Council met on September 17, 2025, with Council President Dan English presiding in place of the mayor. The meeting included a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month, public comments, discussion and approval of several resolutions regarding land easements, a water meter test bench contract, labor agreements, and a budget amendment. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Merrill (Oak Crest Manufactured Home Park resident) expressed concerns about a lack of irrigation for three years, dead trees along Ramsey posing a fire hazard, and potential security gaps if trees are removed. She urged the council to be mindful if the park owner requests a zoning change. - Brianna King (Coeur d'Alene resident) spoke in favor of preserving the former North Idaho Museum building at 115 Northwest Boulevard, opposing its demolition. She advocated for repurposing it as a children's museum, citing community support via a Change.org petition, and asked the council to pause demolition. - Ted Turrentine (Coeur d'Alene resident) argued that compensating city employees (including police and fire) at the highest level is unnecessary and could tax residents out of their homes. He urged the council to consider more modest compensation in future labor negotiations. Discussion Items - Proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month: Council President Dan English read a proclamation declaring September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting national and local suicide statistics. Jeanette Lassiter and Alicia Keller accepted the proclamation and emphasized available resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. - Atlas Waterfront Area 13 Easement (Resolution 25-049): Staff presented a substitute easement agreement with developer Dean Pape (Area Mill 13 Springs Development LLC) to move the pedestrian promenade and public amenities from the development parcel into adjacent Atlas Waterfront Park. The city would not incur costs; the developer would fund improvements. Council approved the resolution. - Water Meter Test Bench Contract (Resolution 25-050): Water Director Kyle explained a five-year contract with Mars Company for annual recalibration of the city's water meter test bench, ensuring accurate billing and compliance with standards. Council approved the contract. - Labor Contract Extensions (Resolutions 25-051, 25-052, 25-053): - Lake City Employees Association (LCEA): Two-year extension with a 3.5% wage adjustment, a wage study commitment, and enhanced sick leave payout at retirement. LCEA representative Brian clarified that the association wants its input on the wage study to be heard by council. - Police Officers Association (POA): One-year extension with 3.5% wage adjustment, 10% promotional increases, and a survivor benefit providing six months of medical/dental insurance for dependents in case of line-of-duty death. - Police Captains Jeff Walter and Dave Hager: One-year MOU extension with 3.5% wage adjustment. Council discussion included praise for the negotiation process and a suggestion to use outside negotiators in the future. All three resolutions were approved. - Budget Amendment (Ordinance): Finance Director Katie presented the final budget amendment for FY2025, projecting a $3.5 million dip into fund balance ($1.4 million for police expansion, $1 million for other items), which is less than the anticipated $4 million. Council approved the budget amendment. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution 25-049 (Atlas Waterfront Area 13 easement agreement) – motion carried. - Approved Resolution 25-050 (Mars Company water meter test bench contract through 2029) – motion carried. - Approved Resolution 25-053 (Memorandum of understanding extension with police captains) – motion carried. - Approved Resolution 25-051 (Two-year extension with Lake City Employees Association) – motion carried. - Approved Resolution 25-052 (One-year extension with Police Officers Association) – motion carried. - Approved the budget amendment ordinance – motion carried. - Adjourned.

The Coeur d'Alene City Council convened on September 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM for a regular meeting. The agenda included a presentation commemorating the September 11 terrorist attacks, public comments, council announcements, a consent calendar, a second reading of an ordinance on animals left unattended in vehicles, a presentation from the Police Officers Association (POA) on supervisory pay negotiations, and a public hearing on the annual appropriations ordinance (FY26) including a proposed use of 1% foregone taxes. Key outcomes included adoption of the animal ordinance, adoption of the FY26 budget with a 3% property tax increase and 1% foregone tax recapture, and a resolution certifying the foregone increase. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss labor contracts. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar, including Resolution 25-046, was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - John Pilshner: Expressed support for three immediate priorities: improving city communication (publishing notices beyond the CDA Press), creating a volunteer chaplain program for first responders, and establishing a lodging tax benefiting the city. Also introduced the “Better CDA Challenge,” a 60-day series of weekly activities to unite the community; he completed a mile run in 11 minutes 5 seconds. - Roger Smith (retired engineer, resident): Made suggestions for enforcing the city’s noise ordinance, including more police presence (parked cars, ghost cars), fix-it tickets for loud vehicles, electronic message signs activated by loud vehicles, and public outreach to muffler shops. He noted the current ordinance (about a year old) is enforceable without sound level meters. He also requested an update on a potential working group on noise. Discussion Items 9/11 Commemoration - Colt Kingsbury from Summit Christian Academy recited President George W. Bush’s September 11, 2001 address to the nation. The council thanked him. Council Announcements - Councilmember Christy clarified that a noise working group has not yet been placed on a future agenda; it was discussed informally at the last meeting but not agendized. - Councilmember Dan English reported a code enforcement concern at 2nd and Harrison (overgrown vegetation at a corner lot) and requested follow-up. - Mayor appointed Corey Keller to the Design Review Commission; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 251016 – Animal Cruelty (Unattended Vehicles) - Chief White (Police Department) presented an amendment to Municipal Code 6.15.110 adding a new subsection F prohibiting confining animals in unattended vehicles. During a six-month period, the department received approximately 110 calls for service on this issue. The amendment uses a “reasonableness” standard (adequate ventilation, food, water). He emphasized education over citations. - Councilmember Gookin asked about ambiguity in “adequate ventilation”; Chief White responded that officers would use a reasonableness standard and receive additional training. - Councilmember Christy noted the ordinance does not cover pets at special events and asked the city attorney and chief to research other cities’ approaches. - Councilmember English noted cold weather risks for animals in vehicles. - The ordinance passed unanimously on roll call (all ayes). Police Association Supervisory Pay Proposal - Officer Daniel Haley (POA President) presented the POA’s proposal to address supervisory pay compression for sergeants and lieutenants. He stated that the city’s proposal (10% above current pay for senior officers promoting to sergeant) would create pay disparity among sergeants doing the same job. The POA proposes increasing the sergeant pay range by 3.16% and the lieutenant range by 2.57%, costing approximately $89,859 total ($67,319 for sergeants, $22,540 for lieutenants). He noted that only three officers tested for the last sergeant exam due to financial disincentives. - The city administrator declared an impasse. Councilmembers expressed willingness to continue negotiations. The item was discussed and then moved to executive session. FY26 Budget & Foregone Tax Resolution - Katie Ebner (Finance Director) presented the annual appropriations ordinance (total $151,945,475) and the use of 1% foregone taxes ($290,146). She explained that property tax revenue is insufficient to fund growth due to state-imposed limits; new construction added $93 million in valuation but only $202,000 in new revenue. The recommended budget includes a 3% property tax levy increase and recapture of 1% foregone taxes. Expenditures decrease by $2.1 million compared to prior year (due to completion of one-time projects), but wages and benefits increase by $2.1 million (including 3.5% for fire, Lake City Employees Association, non-exempt employees, and a proposed 3.5% for police; health premiums up 3%). The budget also adds new FTEs: three custodians, two firefighters, and one permit technician. The city expects to use $1.8 million of fund balance, which could lead to unhealthy reserve levels. - Councilmember Gookin made a motion to table the ordinance until the end of September to allow more time for negotiating two unsettled bargaining units and discussing employee retirement incentives. Ms. Ebner responded that the levy paperwork is due to the county next week; delaying could result in an inability to levy and a nearly $30 million deficit. Gookin withdrew his motion after hearing that. - Councilmember Gookin voted no on the budget, citing insufficient cuts; councilmembers English, Wood, Evans, Miller, Gabriel voted yes. Gookin also voted no on the foregone resolution; others voted yes. The ordinance and resolution passed. Key Outcomes - Council Bill 251016 (Animals in Unattended Vehicles) adopted unanimously. - Council Bill 251017 (Annual Appropriations FY26) adopted with one opposed (Gookin). Total appropriation: $151,945,475; 3% property tax increase and 1% foregone tax recapture approved. - Resolution 25-047 (Foregone Increase Certification) adopted with one opposed (Gookin). Amount: $290,146. - Motion to enter executive session (Idaho Code 74-206(1)(j) and 74-206(1)(a)) to deliberate on labor contract offers passed with one opposed (Gookin). The council then entered executive session.