Coeur d'Alene City Council Meeting - September 17, 2025

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.