This picture is of a sculpture of Father De Smet, a Jesuit Priest. This was made by Mahonri Young, at the “This Is The Place Monument” in Utah. De Smet came to the northwest to set up missions. He has impacted our society because he spread Catholicism to Idaho/CdA which contributed to today’s Coeur d’Alene.
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Boat Docks Sinking?
Two proposed boat docks at the mouth of the Spokane River, comprising part of the city’s comprehensive plan and Four Corner’s master plan, are on the chopping block. Bill Greenwood, Coeur d’Alene Parks director, presented the names of two businesses selected to build, maintain, and manage the docks while leasing riparian rights from the city. The General Services Public Works Committee declined to approve but will discuss and vote on the proposal at the next city council meeting, June 7, 2022.
Kiki Miller was the most vocal opponent. She acknowledged a “ton of work” by Greenwood and previously voted for him to submit a Request For Proposals. Three local businesses submitted bids and were scored by Monte McCully, Scott Cranston, and Bill Greenwood.
In spite of unanimous approval by the Parks Commission, Miller balked at awarding the bids to the selected businesses. She shared her rationale as follows:
- This is not what the locals want
- This doesn’t help locals with access to the water
- This only helps the “Haves” and not the “Have Nots”
- She would like to see a percentage of the slips get rented out to locals via lottery
- The plan does not limit commercial operators using the boat launches
- People already have boat rental options
- A non-motorized water trail is not included in the proposal
Proponents of the project indicate:
- Reduced traffic and risk at the 3rd Street boat launch as the greatest benefit and stated that
- Renters can be tracked via GPS and encouraged to avoid the congested river.
- Reduced traffic congestion “in town” as the rental companies will not have to go back and forth through town as they deliver boats
- Public access increases especially for those who cannot afford purchasing a boat but can rent one
- Increases safety due to the strict no alcohol for drivers rental policy
- A non-motorized water trail is not part of the RFP.
Dan Gookin referred to the docks as “a great idea” but a “political hot potato,” and cited an “[eye opening email from county commissioner Chris Fillios].” He asked the matter to go to Council. Side note: Fillios recently lost his bid for reelection by a landslide, garnering 30% of the vote while his opponent Bruce Mattare won with 70%.
Boat Dock Vendors Selected
The Parks and Rec Commission approved the selection of KJ Watersports and Hayden Paddle Board and Jet Ski as recommended by the RFP selection committee. Impressively, bids of twenty and thirty thousand per year for five years were received, netting the city an extra $20,000 per year.
Concerned parties worry about safety and increased river traffic. Christie Wood brought up a point that the Sheriff’s office may not be enforcing laws governing use of the Spokane River. The proposed location of the docks is in a “No wake” zone. Both companies will be encouraging boaters to go to the lake rather than the river. Parks and Rec member Ginny Tate discussed concerns with the Sheriff’s office. Reportedly 50% of boaters believe there are too many restrictions on the river and 50% want more restrictions. Docks were present at this location when Tate was a child and it is nostalgic to see them return.
Sentiment was expressed that Idaho waterways belong to all of her residents and should include equal access to the lake. Groups opposing the project seem to want that “[Only people who have a house on the river get to enjoy the river].” Kevin Prather of KJ Watersports estimated 30% of his renters are local and mentioned their zero alcohol policy for drivers.
The commission, composed of seven volunteers and one elected official–Christie Wood from the city council, unanimously approved the selection of vendors. GS/PW will vote to place in the consent calendar or create an agenda item. City council will ultimately decide at the June 7th meeting.
Are People Losing Faith in CdA?
Nationally, religious disaffiliation slightly decreased since it’s peak in 2018. However, many reports and news articles describe the causes and impacts. A Northern Nazarene University professor in Nampa said, “Pro-Trump politics may clash with the values of younger members of the church,” and churchs’ and older members political stance on issues such as social justice and LGBTQ rights may cause younger people to worship elsewhere.
“They’re frustrated with the church, but at least in my arena, they’re not done with God,” Leclerc said, noting they may seek faith traditions that are more aligned with their social values.”
The 2020 Census of American Religion reports 29% of Kootenai County residents do not identify with any religion. How does CdA compare?
We sat down with four local pastors to gauge their experience and views on the topic. All of the pastors reported church growth. Paul Van Noy of Candlelight Christian Fellowship reports his congregation has swelled to nearly 1,800 members despite his interest and involvement in politics. President Tyler Morton of the Coeur d’Alene Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported an increase of 1,000 members over the last five years. Check out our video to see the interviews.
Breaking News: NIC Board Resigns
In an unforeseen turn of events, three trustees of North Idaho College have resigned leaving Board Chair Todd Banducci the sole trustee. Kristee Would stated the the replacements Jerome Horwitz, Moses Horwitz, and Louis Feinberg AKA Harry, Moe, and Curly would provide lighter entertainment and work better as a team. The new trustees will have the accreditation team laughing to tears and will aptly pull the wool over their eyes if needed.
For all of you with nothing better to do on a Friday night, you’re welcome. For the rest of you who who read this later, please note the publishing date on the article (4/1/2022). Let us know if we’ve outdone the CdA Press on their article for today titled “Titanic Tower Coming to CdA.” On that note: while time apparently exists to joke about high-rises coming to downtown CdA, we first broke the news of an actually proposed high-rise here.
CdA Reallocates $1.3 Million to Panhandle Health
As committee members of General Services and Public Works Councilmembers McEvers, Gookin, and Miller voted to reallocate a $1.3 Million settlement to Panhandle Health. City clerk Renata Mcleod said city staff felt “undergunned” to properly manage these funds distributed annually at roughly $73,000 for the next 18 years.
The settlement comes after the Idaho Attorney General requested cities and counties participate in the class action suit against pharmaceutical companies that made, marketed, and distributed opioids which have contributed to dependency and deaths. This is the first of additional expected settlements which could double the annual funds allocated to Panhandle Health. Don Duffy, director at Panhandle Health, said the settlement would likely be used to treat Opioid Use Disorder which may become PHD’s largest program.
CdA is not the first and only city/county in our region to reallocate the settlement to Panhandle Health. Katherine Hoyer, communications officer at Panhandle Health, verified that the city of Hayden reallocated their funds in November when the settlement occurred. No other jurisdictions have reallocated these funds to Panhandle Health District but advocates are hopeful that other municipalities will follow suit.
When asked whether constituents will approve of the reallocation considering significant loss of trust in public health entities such as the CDC and Panhandle Health over the last two years, Dan Gookin responded that “PHD is far better equipped to deal with the opioid issue than the City. They already have administration and programs in place, which the City does not. Their charter is public health, which makes them ideal.”
Don Duffy stated that the funds would be considered [Coeur d’Alene] funds and he would like to regularly report on usage. PHD has not commented on how it will ensure CdA’s dollars will be dispersed for the city rather than one of the other five counties or many cities that make up the PHD. Ultimately, a reallocation allows PHD to disperse the funds as needed.
52 New Boat Slips Approved on the Spokane River
*Correction and update 3/22/2022 11:32 am: Correction: Bill Greenwood let us know that the lease is $15,000 per dock bringing the per slip cost down to $576.93 per year for the two companies lucky enough to be selected. Update: As a reference Online listings from local boat rental companies indicate boats rent from $500-$1,000 per day. General Services Committee met 3/21 and moved to daylight this item by placing it on city council’s agenda and seek public input.
The Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation Commission approved the addition of two new docks on the Spokane River at the Harbor Center. Each dock will provide up to 26 commercial boat slips. The docks will be constructed and maintained by boat rental companies who will lease riparian littoral rights from the city. The cost is estimated to start at $15,000 per year per slip dock for five years and $30,000 per year per slip dock for the following five years upon extension of the lease.
The first year would bring in $780,000 $30,000 into the Parks’ capital fund. Year six of the lease would bring in just over $1.5 Million $60,000 annually. The city would not have any maintenance costs or liability for the docks. Bill Greenwood who presented this twelve million dollar $650,000 idea to the commission earlier this week is hopeful that a handful of boat rental companies will outbid each other and the lease amounts will be higher than his proposed starting point.
The public benefit is touted as relieving congestion at the 3rd Street dock where rental companies often deliver boats. Although the Parks Commission has approved the concept it will head to General Works on Monday, March 21st, and finally to city council for final approval.
Unelected Consultant to Decide NIC President?
February 23, 2022 NIC Trustee Board Meeting
NIC Trustees Christie Wood and Ken Howard voted to allow the deciding vote for NIC Presidential Search Committee to be cast by an unelected consultant. When the vote was split 2-2, the motion failed. Both Howard and Wood are serving terms set to expire this year. It is expected that both will seek reelection. Observers of NIC board meetings and political warfare aired in meetings and the Press voice frustration with the inability of the board to work together. Christie Wood has been relentless in demanding resignation of Board Chair Todd Banducci who was re-elected to his third term in 2020 with support from the Kootenai County GOP. Is it any wonder that the board cannot agree on who to appoint to a search committee?
*This is not a comprehensive analysis of the NIC Board, Trustees, or Presidential Search. However, the local press coverage has appeared to be a mouthpiece for Trustee Wood’s agenda. We have previously reached out to Trustee Wood who also serves on the CdA City Council and she has refused to comment and address our comments.
CdA to Get its 6th High-Rise
As we reported here, the former US Bank parking lot on 3rd and Front Street is one step closer to becoming an 18 story, 199 foot, high-rise building consisting of 60 condos and two commercial spaces. 120 parking stalls spread over five levels, including two underground, will support residents.
Located at 301 E Front “The Thomas George” building (Note: The development team did not offer a comment on the name of the building or the project) will only occupy what is currently a parking lot. Plans for the former US Bank building have not yet been disclosed.
The Design Review commission evaluated and approved the project in a meeting February 24, 2022. The only special request of the developer, Tom Anderl, was to allow curb cuts which will be located “within inches” of existing curb cuts. A traffic study indicated fewer interruptions to pedestrians would be expected on pedestrian-oriented 3rd street. Shadow studies were also completed and show the building’s shadow will reach three to four streets north during the winter.
Planning commission and urban renewal/ignitecda committee member Brad Jordan voiced support during the public comment period as he described the improvements of downtown CdA over the last forty years and estimated property tax revenue of $750k to $1M. While this is the sixth high-rise to come to CdA the neighboring Coeur d’Alene Resort has previously sought approval for building a tower on top of the “Shops” which are directly west of this proposal. The resort’s development team pulled the proposal after the design review requested enhanced architectural features. Whether the resort will seek development in the future remains to be seen but could impact the value of these condos.
Two commercial suites ~1,500 square feet on the lower level facing Front street will be available for lease with a preference for restaurant/food and beverage service.
Below are site photos and renderings of the proposal which regardless of any potential public displeasure meets all requirements of city code. Opponents of high density projects should note that the recent passing of the updated comprehensive plan did not impact the viability of this project.
