Spirit Lake public meetings in 2023

12 05

The Commission approved the minutes from the November 7, 2023 meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of infrastructure updates regarding water and sewer capacity and a workshop on the Comprehensive Plan public outreach process.

• Approved November 7, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (All aye)

11 07

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that City Council approve a request by Wild Spirit LLC to rezone a property from Residential R-3 to Commercial. The commission also held a workshop to review the draft Comprehensive Plan and associated ordinances.

• Approved October 3 and October 24, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended City Council approve rezoning Parcel S-4500-017-018-B from Residential R-3 to Commercial (unanimous)

November 6, 2023

The agency approved a contract for the FY2023 financial audit and authorized November payables. Commissioners also discussed the potential for a new District Plan and funding for the Woolen Brown Building.

• Approved Anderson Bros CPA Audit Engagement Letter for FY2023 with fees not to exceed $7,000 (4-0)
• Approved November 2023 payables totaling $943.01 (4-0)
• Approved September 11, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved Financial Report & Bank Reconciliation ending October 31, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved motion to add audit engagement and budget request to agenda as action items (4-0)

10 24

The Commission held a workshop to review goals, policies, and potential projects for the city. No formal votes were taken, but a tentative public outreach plan was established for December.

• Established tentative public outreach plan to begin in December
• Identified potential park projects including a skate park, seasonal ice-skating rink, and splash pad
• Discussed using the 1939 fire as a timeframe for historical design standards
• Discussed potential for the City or SLURA to purchase downtown parking lots

October 16, 2023

The agency approved the final FY2022 audit and signed the ICRMP Insurance JPA and Kootenai County Bonded Indebtedness and Lease Liability form. Commissioners also approved September payables totaling $2,743.79.

• Approved September 2023 payables totaling $2,743.79 (3-0)
• Approved the ICRMP Insurance JPA (3-0)
• Approved the Kootenai County Bonded Indebtedness and Lease Liability form (3-0)
• Approved the Final FY2022 Audit (3-0)
• Approved September 11, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)

10 10

The Council authorized the Mayor to sign documents for current wastewater projects and approved a new employment liability insurance policy. The Council also approved a starting salary for a returning police employee and a park use request.

• Approved consent calendar including September minutes and financial statements (4-0)
• Approved use of Volunteer Park for Running Shoes for Kids on June 29, 2024 (4-0)
• Approved resolution for Mayor to sign applications and agreements for current wastewater projects (3-1, 1 abstention)
• Approved starting salary for returning SLPD employee (4-0)
• Approved Indian Harbor proposal for employment liability insurance (4-0)

10 03

The Commission approved the August 1, 2023, and September 20, 2023, meeting minutes. The remainder of the meeting consisted of a workshop discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan and a proposed historical zone map.

• Approved August 1, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (All Aye)
• Approved September 20, 2023 Workshop Minutes (All Aye)

09 20

The Commission discussed proposed changes to the future land use map, including residential density designations in the city core and additional commercial zoning near Maine St. These proposals serve as a guide for future development and do not change current zoning. Further reviews are scheduled for the October 3, 2023 meeting.

• Proposed designating the southeast portion of the core (Rhode Island to Maine and 5th to 8th) as R-3
• Proposed designating the remainder of the core as R-2 Medium Density Residential
• Proposed additional Commercial zoning for one block south and one-half block north of Maine St.

09 12

The City Council approved a liquor license application for Family Dollar-Dollar Tree. The council also accepted the consent calendar, including the August 2023 financial statement and accounts payable.

• Approved liquor license for Family Dollar-Dollar Tree (3-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar items A-F, including August 2023 Financial Statement and Accounts Payable (3-0)

September 11, 2023

The Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Agency approved a budget amendment to increase funding for office staff support. The agency also approved August payables, including a payment for demolition work on the Woolen Brown Building.

• Approved amended budget allocating $5,731.22 from Misc-Admin#2 to City Contract Services (4-0)
• Approved August 2023 payables totaling $11,999.50 (4-0)
• Approved $11,000.00 payment to Ivan’s Roofing Spokane LLC for Woolen Brown Building demolition (4-0)
• Approved $999.50 payment to ICRMP for six months of insurance (4-0)
• Approved August 14, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

08 29

The City Council approved Ordinance #632, appropriating $5,855,213.00 for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2023. The budget includes a transfer of $172,419.00 from enterprise funds to the general fund to support the police department.

• Approved FY 23/24 Budget Ordinance #632 appropriating $5,855,213.00 (3-2)
• Approved waiver of three readings for Ordinance #632 (3-2)
• Directed clerk to move $172,419.00 from enterprise funds to the general fund for PD

August 14, 2023

The Agency approved the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and authorized payments for June 2023 invoices. Commissioners also agreed to a bid for restoration work on the Woolen Brown Building and corrected a date error in previous meeting minutes.

• Approved Proposed Budget FY 2023-2024 (4-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar items and payment of June 2023 invoices totaling $3,038.02 (4-0)
• Approved $11,000 bid from Ivan’s Roofing Spokane for lathe and plaster work at the Woolen Brown Building
• Approved correction of June 12, 2023 meeting minutes date to July 10, 2023 (4-0)

August 14, 2023 Public Hearing

The Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Agency approved the proposed budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. The budget includes total expenditures of $1,214,469.67, with a significant portion allocated to capital improvements for Wells 6, 7, and 8.

• Approved Proposed Budget FY 2023-2024 (4-0)

08 08

The City Council appointed Michael Morlan as Chief of Police and accepted the tentative FY 23/24 budget. The council also approved a new Urban Renewal district application and accepted DEQ grant funding for a wastewater facility plan.

• Appointed Michael Morlan as Chief of Police (All Aye)
• Accepted FY 23/24 Tentative Budget (3-1)
• Approved Resolution 2023-07-11 for Caterpillar Track Hoe lease (3-1)
• Approved application process for new Urban Renewal district (All Aye)
• Accepted DEQ Grant Funding for Wastewater Facility Plan (3-0)
• Approved pony rides for Sept 2 Fun Run pending location (All Aye)
• Approved VFW Post 1473 Labor Day Car Show with electricity charge only (All Aye)
• Tentatively approved Linger Longer Lounge alcohol permit pending fencing plan (3-0)

08 02

During a workshop, councilors discussed restoring the police department budget to $728,187 by eliminating the code enforcement position and utilizing salary savings. The council also discussed potential cuts to the Deputy Clerk II position and the use of ARPA funds for the sheriff's contract.

• Proposed police budget increase to $728,187
• Proposed elimination of code enforcement position to fund police department
• Proposed removal of funding for Deputy Clerk II position
• Requested Clerk/Treasurer provide accounting of police budget surplus and salary savings

08 01

The Commission approved the minutes from the June 06, 2023 regular meeting. Members briefly discussed the Future Land Use Map in preparation for a future meeting with consultant Connie Krueger.

• Approved June 06, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (All aye)

07 12

The council held a workshop to discuss the proposed budget, focusing on freezing city wages and restoring police staffing to seven or eight officers. Members discussed potential funding for a new police chief and the use of grants to offset officer pay.

• Proposed freezing city wages
• Proposed eliminating the code enforcement position
• Agreed to allow .50 certification incentive increases
• Proposed $38.00 per hour pay rate for a new police chief

07 11

The City Council tabled a Caterpillar track hoe lease and three sets of meeting minutes. Sheriff Bob Norris provided a timeline of the police department's critical staffing failures, leading to council discussions about contracting for sheriff's office coverage.

• Approved June 7 minutes and June 2023 financial statements (3-1)
• Tabled June 13, 14, and 28 minutes until audio recordings are posted to the website (4-0)
• Tabled Urban Renewal district application action item until next month (4-0)
• Tabled Resolution 2023-07-11 for Caterpillar track hoe lease (4-0)

July 10, 2023

The Agency approved the June 2023 consent calendar and unanimously pre-approved a tentative budget. A public hearing for the FY2023-2024 budget was scheduled for August 14, 2023.

• Approved June 12, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved June 2023 payables totaling $345.25 (4-0)
• Approved financial report and bank reconciliation ending June 30, 2023 (4-0)
• Unanimously pre-approved tentative budget
• Set FY2023-2024 Budget Public Hearing for August 14, 2023

06 28

The City Council held a workshop to discuss budget transparency, police department funding, and expense reimbursements. No formal votes were taken on policy changes or budget approvals during the session.

• No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was a workshop for discussion

06 14

The City Council held a workshop to discuss the city budget and police department staffing. No formal votes were taken; however, councilors requested a more detailed, line-item budget format to replace the current summary style. The session included discussions on employee wages, potential tax levies, and police department coverage options.

06 13

The City Council approved a lease for a new track excavator and a retail liquor license for Spirits Mini Stop. The council also denied a civil appeal regarding dog citations and authorized a professional services contract for Well #6.

• Approved retail liquor license for Spirits Mini Stop (All aye)
• Denied civil appeal for Amanda Knight regarding dog citations (All aye)
• Approved Professional Services Contract Task Order #2 for Spirit Lake Well #6 Project (All aye)
• Approved lease agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation for a 2023 Volvo or Caterpillar 305 Track Excavator (All aye)
• Approved May 9, 2023 minutes, May 2023 financial statement, and accounts payable (All aye)

June 12, 2023 Corrected

The Agency approved the May 2023 payables and the audit engagement letter for the 2023 audit. Commissioners agreed to request that the City Council begin a new Urban Renewal District Plan at the July meeting. A public hearing for the FY2023-2024 budget was scheduled for August 14, 2023.

• Approved May 2023 payables totaling $113.46 (5-0)
• Approved May 08, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved Anderson Bros. Audit Engagement Letter for 2023 Audit, cost not to exceed $4,500.00 (5-0)
• Scheduled FY2023-2024 Budget Public Hearing for August 14, 2023

05 09

The City Council passed Ordinance #631, establishing the Police Chief as an appointed position subject to Council approval. The Council also approved the consent calendar, including April 2023 financial statements and meeting minutes.

• Approved Ordinance #631 establishing Police Chief as an appointed position (3-1)
• Approved Consent Calendar including April 11 and April 25 minutes, April 2023 financial statement, and accounts payable (4-0)

04 25

The City Council voted to have the City Attorney and staff draft an ordinance to make the Chief of Police an appointed officer. This ordinance is scheduled for a vote at the May 9, 2023, meeting.

• Directed City Attorney to draft ordinance making Chief of Police an appointed officer (All Aye)

04 11

The City Council approved Ordinance #630 to rezone a parcel of property from Residential R3 to a Commercial zone. The council also accepted a bid for a well test hole and approved two community event requests.

• Approved Ordinance #630 rezoning property from Residential R3 to Commercial (4-0)
• Accepted Horsley Drilling bid of $74,005 for Well #6 Test Hole (4-0)
• Approved Running Shoes for Kids use of Volunteer Park Sept 1-2, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved July 4th Block Party street closures on New Hampshire St (4-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including March 14 minutes and March 2023 financial statements (4-0)

03 14

The City Council approved a Right of Way Use Agreement and resolution for Intermax Networks to bring fiber to Spirit Lake. The Council also approved a rezoning application for Spirit Lake Baptist Church from R3 to Commercial. Additionally, the council granted two event permits and appointed a new Historical Preservation Commission member.

• Approved Intermax Networks Right of Way Use Agreement (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-03-14 for Intermax Networks Right Of Way Use Agreement (4-0)
• Approved Spirit Lake Baptist Church rezone from R3 to Commercial (4-0)
• Appointed Pat (Paddy) Wilson to the Spirit Lake Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved Olive Branch Herbal Medicine Class use of Fireside Park on May 27, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved The Big Back In street closures and open container request for June 18, 2023 (3-1)
• Approved Consent Calendar including February 14 minutes and February 2023 financial statement (4-0)

02 14

The City Council approved Resolution 2023-02-14 to update the city fee schedule following a public hearing. The council also tentatively selected a construction bid for Volunteer Park and made several appointments and removals to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

• Approved Resolution 2023-02-14 Updated Fee Schedule (3-0)
• Tentatively approved $84,885 Green Mountain Land and Homes bid for Volunteer Park (3-0)
• Approved use of Big City Park for Spirit Lake High School Reunion on August 25, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved Preliminary Plat Approval extension for Kal Tracts (3-0)
• Appointed Bill Parsons as Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Agency Commissioner (3-0)
• Approved FY2022 Audit Engagement Letter for Anderson Bros. CPA (3-0)
• Removed Planning & Zoning Commissioner Beuving (3-0)
• Approved Ordinance #625 amending the number of Planning and Zoning Commission members (3-0)

01 11

Mayor Cowperthwaite held a Town Hall meeting to discuss infrastructure progress and city planning. No City Council members were in attendance, and no formal votes or legislative decisions were made.

• No substantive decisions made; meeting was a Town Hall for discussion

01 10

The City Council approved a request to rezone a property at 6115 W. Madison St. from Commercial to Residential R-3. The council also approved 2023 liquor license renewals and authorized the mayor to sign an electronic communications consent form for the ICRMP.

• Approved Ordinance #629 to rezone 6115 W. Madison St. from Commercial to Residential R-3 (3-0)
• Approved 2023 Liquor License Renewals (3-0)
• Approved Mayor Cowperthwaite to sign ICRMP Consent to Electronic Communications (3-0)
• Accepted December 13, 2022 minutes and financial statements (3-0)