Coeur d'Alene City Council Meeting - August 20, 2025

The Coeur d'Alene City Council held a regular meeting on August 20, 2025. The meeting included public comments regarding noise and traffic concerns in the downtown area, discussion of enforcement challenges and potential technological solutions, approval of the consent calendar, a fire department vehicle purchase, and setting a public hearing for the financial plan amendments. The council also entered executive session to discuss a labor contract.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously, including Resolution 25-043 and a surplus auction of 11 police vehicles. Council members inquired about the disposition of proceeds from surplus sales; it was clarified that funds go to the general fund miscellaneous revenue line, not the department budget.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Deuce, representing Cour d'Alene North condominium residents, requested installation of an electronic speed sign on Northwest Boulevard to address traffic speed and vehicle noise. He noted that condo owners contributed $128,005 in city taxes in 2024 and stated that existing radar signs in the city have proven cost-effective. He emphasized the need for immediate action.
• Michael Williams, also representing Cour d'Alene North commercial tenants, strongly recommended a speed indicator sign at the Northwest location. He reported a recent crash at Lakeside and Northwest Boulevard caused $36,000 in damage and argued that such signs reduce speeds by 2-4 mph (6-8 mph in high-violation areas) and can reduce pedestrian fatalities by up to 48%.
• Janice Daly, a resident of the area, described constant, intentional noise from modified vehicles, motorcycles, and loud exhausts. She stated she had called the police numerous times without response and recounted a personal injury from excessive noise at a permitted event. She urged enforcement of existing noise ordinances, citing state laws against disturbing the peace (misdemeanor punishable by $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail). She also alleged police inaction and misrepresented First Amendment rights.
• Eileen Kohler, a resident of the Lofts building, supported the noise control petition and advocated for noise-activation cameras. She described repetitive loud vehicle noise, burnouts, and safety concerns, stating that the noise ordinance is not enforced despite a hefty fine.
• Jim Riley, a resident on East Front Avenue, described purposeful noise and reckless driving. He recommended investing in technology (cameras that record noise and speed) costing around $30,000, rather than relying solely on police officers.

Discussion Items

• Police Chief's Response: Chief addressed the noise and traffic concerns. He reported that through July 31, 2025, the department made 230 vehicle noise-related contacts, mostly downtown. In the last 12 months, there were 1,691 total crashes (277 injury, 25 vehicle-pedestrian including bicycles). The department currently has three traffic officers, soon to be two, due to reassignment. He conducted observation periods (40 minutes and 35 minutes) near Cour d'Alene North and found only routine traffic noise, not exceeding ordinance limits. He noted that speed feedback signs are useful for honest drivers but less effective for intentional violators. Noise-detection cameras cost approximately $25,000 each, and their use is politically sensitive due to recent state legislation (HB 142) limiting automatic license plate reader data to misdemeanor or felony crimes or traffic accidents. To use such data for noise enforcement, the ordinance would need to make noise a misdemeanor. He emphasized resource constraints.
• Council Discussion: Council member Christy acknowledged the noise problem but noted budget limitations; there are no funds for increased police staffing or overtime emphasis patrols. Council member Kiki suggested forming a task force to develop comprehensive solutions rather than debating during public comment. Council member Kenny supported making this an agenda item for future action. Mayor noted that despite not being an agenda item, the council spent extra time due to the public's passion.
• Prosecutor's Remarks: Prosecutor Randy confirmed that excessive noise citations are handled as they come in, but prioritization is given to domestic violence and DUIs. He noted that HB 142 restricts use of ALPR data for noise enforcement unless noise is a misdemeanor, which would require a council decision.
• Fire Truck Purchase: Chief Lucas requested approval to purchase a Ford F-250 with upfitting (canopy, pull-out tray, lights, radios) for not more than $125,000, funded from Geobond. Upfitting costs include $18,000 from Mike Whiteford and up to $40,000 for radios/accessories. Council approved unanimously. A second replacement truck may be needed in the future.
• Financial Plan Amendments: Finance Director presented proposed amendments to the 2024-25 budget, including revenue updates (building permits up, intergovernmental mixed, highway user funds higher, liquor/highway district lower), expenditure adjustments for liability insurance, supply chain, fire constant staffing due to injuries, police storage building insurance settlement, and others. The city projects ending fund balance of $3.1 million. A public hearing is set for September 16, 2025.
• Bond Sale: The city sold $16.4 million in bonds in approximately 2.5 hours at favorable rates, closing September 3, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Approved: Unanimous approval (Resolution 25-043 and surplus vehicle auction).
• Resolution 25-044 Approved: Purchase of Ford F-250 truck for the fire department for not more than $125,000, unanimously carried.
• Resolution 25-045 Approved: Setting a public hearing for September 16, 2025, to consider amendments to the 2024-25 financial plan. Approved unanimously.
• Executive Session: Motion to enter executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1) to deliberate on a labor contract or formulate a counteroffer; approved unanimously.