Spirit Lake public meetings in 2024

12 10

The City Council approved two commission appointments and accepted the consent calendar. A proposed ordinance regarding ice and snow removal was tabled until January.

• Approved appointment of Mike Erikson to the Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Commission (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Lina Pogosov to the Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Tabled Proposed Ordinance # 635 Ice and Snow Removal until January meeting (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar including November 12 minutes, November financial statement, and accounts payable (4-0)
• Accepted amended agenda (4-0)

12 10

The council held a workshop to discuss specific wording and measurement updates for the city's snow ordinance. No formal votes were taken to adopt these changes during this session.

• Proposed changing snow event measurement from 1” to 3”
• Proposed striking the 'Snow Season' paragraph
• Proposed striking the 'Sidewalk Snow or Ice Removal' paragraph
• Proposed replacing 'unlawful' with 'willfully' in Prohibited Acts
• Proposed striking the Director's authority to prepare rules and regulations regarding snow removal

December 9, 2024

The agency approved the November 2024 payables totaling $1,197.22. The meeting included reports on bank reconciliations and committed funds. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved November 2024 payables totaling $1,197.22

November 18, 2024

The commission approved the October 21, 2024, meeting minutes and voted to keep Patrick Wilson as chair. Members reviewed the first draft of the Spirit Lake Preservation Plan and conducted a SWOT analysis. Lina Pogosov applied for a commissioner seat.

• Approved October 21, 2024, minutes (unanimous)
• Voted to keep Patrick Wilson as chair (5-0)

11 12

The City Council approved the consent calendar, including October 2024 financial statements and meeting minutes. A proposal for a development impact fee study was tabled until December, and no action was taken on the Harris Proposal.

• Approved consent calendar including Oct 8 minutes, Oct 2024 financial statements, and accounts payable (4-0)
• Tabled Tischler Bise Proposal for Development Impact Fee Study until December (4-0)
• Decided to take no action on Harris Proposal (4-0)
• Proposed Ordinance # 635 Ice and Snow Removal stricken

11 05

The commission met for one minute to conduct procedural business. The only action taken was the approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved October 1, 2024 meeting minutes (All aye)

November 4, 2024

The Commission approved the November 2024 Consent Calendar, which included the payment of invoices and acceptance of financial reports. Members discussed the status of a commission vacancy and the organization of local historic records.

• Approved November 2024 Consent Calendar and payables (3-0)
• Approved additional payables listed under Action Items (3-0)

City Council

The City Council approved funding allocations from ARPA and updated the exempt status of three employees. The council also approved the Christmas parade and ratified a school resource officer agreement with Lakeland School District.

• Approved $133,000 ARPA allocation: $100,000 to PD, $21,000 to admin, $12,000 to public works and streets
• Approved moving Dawn and Mitzi to non-exempt status effective January 1, 2025, and Stephanie Orlando to non-exempt status effective October 8, 2024 (4-0)
• Appointed Chris Fourroux to the Spirit Lake Planning and Zoning Commission (4-0)
• Approved Chamber of Commerce request for Christmas parade on December 7, 2024 (4-0)
• Ratified SRO MOU with Lakeland School District (4-0)
• Accepted Kootenai County Emergency Management Plan (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar including September minutes and financial statements (4-0)

City Council

The council held a workshop to review the allocation of ARPA funds for the sewer plant, police department, administration, and public works. Other discussions included employee salary thresholds, police grants, and budget line items. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Discussed ARPA allocation of $272,419 for Sewer Plant Fencing
• Discussed ARPA allocation of $100,000 for Police Department
• Discussed ARPA allocation of $21,000 for Administration
• Discussed ARPA allocation of $12,000 for Public Works loader tires
• Discussed exempt status employee salary thresholds
• Discussed police department grants received after budget

October 7, 2024 #2

The Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Agency approved funding for water system improvements to increase fire flow and support city growth. The agency also approved several smaller infrastructure payments for City Hall and the local cemetery.

• Approved $531,900 for Water Improvement for Fire Control on 14th Street (3-0)
• Approved $35,502 for Cemetery Cremation Memorial Garden Granite Stone (3-0)
• Approved $6,520 additional funding for City Hall Roof & Dormer Project (3-0)
• Approved $512.28 for painting of Big Park buildings (3-0)
• Approved $60,125.12 in total payables via Consent Calendar (3-0)
• Approved $1,050 for QuickBooks troubleshooting and training (3-0)
• Approved budget line item change to move $1,050 from Misc-Admin #2 to Travel & Meetings (3-0)
• Tabled decisions on playground equipment and decorative tree wells

October 07, 2024

The agency approved funding for a major water system project and several smaller city infrastructure repairs. It also authorized payment for cemetery memorial granite and QuickBooks training. A request for playground equipment was deferred.

• Approved $531,900 for Water System Improvements for Fire Flow along 14th Street (3-0)
• Approved $35,502 for Cemetery Cremation Memorial Garden Granite Stone (3-0)
• Approved $6,520 additional funding for City Hall Roof & Dormer Project (3-0)
• Approved $512.28 for painting of Big Park buildings (3-0)
• Approved $1,050 for QuickBooks troubleshooting and training (3-0)
• Approved October Consent Calendar payables totaling $60,125.12 (3-0)
• Approved budget line item change to move $1,050 to Travel & Meetings (3-0)
• Deferred purchase of Parks & Recreation playground equipment

10 01

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on October 1, 2024. The only substantive action taken was the approval of the September 3, 2024, regular meeting minutes. No new business or workshops were conducted.

• Approved September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (All aye)

City Council

The City Council held a workshop to discuss ordinances regarding snow, liquor licenses, home occupation permits, and business licenses. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes.

City Council

The City Council conducted a workshop to discuss ordinances regarding snow, home occupation, business licenses, and signs. No substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

City Council

The City Council approved the preliminary plat for the Colton’s Acres development. Additionally, four new commissioners were appointed to the Spirit Lake Historical Preservation Commission.

• Approved Colton’s Acres Preliminary Plat (4-0)
• Appointed Althea Sondahl to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Mandi Conway to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Steve Stoke to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Robb Shacklett to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including August 2024 financial statement and accounts payable (4-0)

09 10

The City Council approved the preliminary plat for the Colton’s Acres development. Additionally, the council appointed four new members to the Spirit Lake Historical Preservation Commission.

• Approved Colton’s Acres Preliminary Plat (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Althea Sondahl to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Mandi Conway to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Steve Stoke to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Robb Shacklett to Historical Preservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including August 2024 Financial Statement and Accounts Payable (4-0)

September 9, 2024

The Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Agency approved the FY 2024-2025 budget and allocated funds for City Hall roof repairs and park bleachers. The agency declined to commit to two water system improvement projects at this time. Requests for cemetery memorial stones and playground equipment were deferred for further review.

• Approved FY 2024-2025 Budget of $1,560,201.63 (4-0)
• Approved up to $36,000.00 for City Hall roof and front entry dormer (4-0)
• Approved up to $24,000.00 for Volunteer Park bleachers (4-0)
• Approved August 2024 Consent Calendar and payables totaling $8,407.11 (4-0)
• Decided not to commit to Hwy 41 Crossing and 14th Street water projects
• Tabled funding for cemetery cremation memorial garden stones pending legal opinion
• Deferred playground equipment decision to seek more bids

09 03

The Commission approved the meeting minutes from August 6, 2024, and the workshop minutes from July 23, 2024. Members viewed a training video and discussed potential changes to Home Occupation codes for home-based businesses in residential districts.

• Approved August 6, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July 23, 2024 Workshop Minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved the annual appropriation ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year and a resolution to collect $25,803 in foregone property taxes. The council also accepted a past audit and authorized a legal review of fee ordinances.

• Approved Ordinance #634 appropriating $6,106,308 for FY 24/25 (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2024-08-13 to collect $25,803 in foregone property taxes (4-0)
• Accepted FY 21/22 audit (2-1-1)
• Approved updated City Personnel Policy (4-0)
• Approved lot line adjustment for 32353 and 32329 N. Park Avenue (4-0)
• Authorized City Attorney to review fee setting ordinances and policies (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar with modifications (4-0)

August 12, 2024

The Agency approved the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget and several public works funding requests for paving and park repairs. A funding request for paving at Cup of Grace was discussed but no motion was made to approve it.

• Approved Proposed Budget FY 2024-2025 of $1,560,201.63 (4-0)
• Approved August 2024 payables totaling $8,407.11 (4-0)
• Approved $37,685.00 bid for Woolen Brown Building asbestos abatement (4-0)
• Approved $1,200.00 for striping at Volunteer Park (4-0)
• Approved $8,450.00 for Mathis Striping for Maine Street Boat Launch and parking lot (4-0)
• Approved up to $20,000 for seal coating at Community Center and City Hall parking lot (4-0)
• Approved up to $20,000 for Big Park restroom building roof and storage shed repairs (4-0)

08 06

The Commission recommended approval of a commercial site plan for Jitterz Coffee, contingent on the submission of a construction schedule. The board also received a presentation on the Historical Preservation Plan and a progress update on the city's Comprehensive Plan.

• Approved July 2, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
• Recommended approval of Jitterz Coffee commercial site plan with addition of construction schedule

07 23

The commission held a workshop to review feedback received for the Comprehensive Plan update. Consultant Connie Krueger presented the feedback and discussed how items could be investigated or implemented. No formal decisions were made.

07 18

The City Council held a workshop to discuss updated budget changes, including approximately $190,000 in leftover ARPA funds from FY 23/24. Members discussed enterprise reserve funds, personnel policy, and the potential need to reopen the budget for Urban Renewal funds. No formal votes were recorded.

07 09

The City Council tabled a decision on the Colton Acres preliminary plat following legal counsel's recommendation regarding potential conflicts of interest. The council also approved a separation agreement following an executive session.

• Approved consent calendar including June 2024 financial statements and previous meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled Colton Acres preliminary plat pending further legal guidance
• Tabled Fiscal Year 21/22 Audit until report is provided (4-0)
• Ratified separation agreement following executive session (4-0)

July 8, 2024

The agency approved July payables totaling $21,516.95 and corrected a June payables error from $1,176.21 to $1,266.21. Several funding requests for paving, police facilities, and public works were discussed but remained undecided pending legal opinions or additional bids.

• Approved July 2024 payables totaling $21,516.95 (4-0)
• Corrected June 2024 total payables from $1,176.21 to $1,266.21 (4-0)
• Approved June 10, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled paving request for Cup of Grace pending legal opinion
• Tabled $231,000 and $38,000 police department funding requests for more bids and legal counsel
• Tabled $31,050 City Hall parking replacement bid

07 02

The commission approved the June 4, 2024 meeting minutes. Members attended a workshop to review draft chapters on Education and Community Design for the comprehensive plan and discussed the potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in city code.

• Approved June 4, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (All aye)

06 27

The City Council discussed budget scenarios and removed the 1% COLA to create a balanced budget. Wage and COLA discussions are deferred until a wage study is completed. The budget remains tentative pending changes to ARPA funds, grants, and SLURA funding.

• Removed 1% COLA from tentative budget

06 13

The City Council convened for a special session and voted to enter an executive session. No substantive public decisions were recorded before the meeting adjourned.

• Approved motion to enter executive session (4-0)

06 13

The City Council held a workshop to discuss the fiscal year 24/24 budget. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

06 11

The City Council approved Resolution 2024-06-11 to establish a new fee schedule and authorized the signing of an easement agreement with Avista Utilities. The council also approved several event applications for July 4th, Labor Day, and a VFW car show.

• Approved Resolution 2024-06-11 Fee Schedule (5-0)
• Authorized Mayor Jeremy Cowperthwaite to sign Avista Corporation Easement Agreement (5-0)
• Approved Spirit Event Committee 4th of July Celebration street closure (5-0)
• Approved Spirit Event Committee Labor Day Celebration for September 1, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved VFW Labor Day Car Show (5-0)
• Provisionally approved Spirit Lake Seahawks application for fireworks in Volunteer Park pending insurance, approval, and $190 fee (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including May minutes and financial statements (5-0)
• Denied motion to add Idaho Labor email, agenda process, and public comment to current agenda (2-3)

June 10, 2024

The agency approved $15,000 for park equipment and a $20,142 contract for a historic preservation plan. A conditional payment of $22,087.50 for alleyway paving was approved pending verification that the area is within the Urban Renewal District.

• Approved $20,142 contract with Northwest Vernacular, Inc. for SL Historic Preservation Commission Plan (4-0)
• Approved $15,000 for parks equipment including picnic tables and trash cans (4-0)
• Approved $22,087.50 for alleyway paving at Rhode Island and Massachusetts if area is in UR District (4-0)
• Approved $3,500 in budget line item changes for legal and travel expenses (4-0)
• Approved May 2024 payables totaling $371.90 (4-0)
• Approved June 2024 payables totaling $1,276.21 (4-0)
• Accepted Commissioner Craig Richards' resignation

06 04

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that City Council approve the preliminary plat for Colton’s Acres Subdivision. The proposed development includes 57 lots and a one-acre park. The recommendation follows a public hearing where residents raised concerns regarding water pressure, fire flow, and traffic.

• Approved May 7, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (All Aye)
• Approved May 28, 2024 Workshop Minutes (All Aye)
• Recommended City Council approval of Colton’s Acres Subdivision preliminary plat (3-0, 1 recusal)

05 28

The Commission held a workshop to review a proposed Future Land Use Map and a draft of the Land Use Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. No formal decisions were made; commissioners were asked to review the materials for discussion at the next meeting.

05 07

The Commission approved the minutes from the April 2, 2024, regular meeting. The remainder of the meeting consisted of a workshop regarding the Comprehensive Plan and a training video.

• Approved April 2, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (4-0)

04 18

The City Council conducted a budget workshop with the Police Department and Park and Recreation. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

04 09

The City Council approved a $1 per hour raise for permanent employees and selected four-strand barbed wire for the wastewater treatment expansion. The Council also approved a short plat and boundary line adjustment for Dave White (KAL LLC). Several financial statements and an event application were tabled for further review.

• Approved $1 per hour raise for permanent employees (4-0)
• Approved four-strand barbed wire for wastewater treatment expansion (4-0)
• Approved Short Plat application for Dave White, KAL LLC (4-0)
• Approved Boundary Line Adjustment for Dave White, KAL LLC (4-0)
• Accepted SLURA Annual Report for 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled March Financials, March 12 minutes, and 2nd Quarter Financial Statement (4-0)
• Tabled ARPA Funds for Wastewater Facility (4-0)
• Tabled 'Big Back In' event application (4-0)

April 8, 2024

The Agency approved funding for a consulting firm to develop a new Historic Preservation Plan. It also approved the March 2024 meeting minutes and April payables. A developer discussed a proposal for water line looping and fire protection near Hwy 41 and Hwy 54.

• Approved $20,142 bid for Northwest Vernacular, Inc. to create a Historic Preservation Plan (4-0)
• Approved April 2024 payables totaling $984.33 (4-0)
• Approved March 11, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)

04 02

The Commission approved the March 5, 2024 meeting minutes and voted to maintain the current Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The body reviewed a draft history chapter of the new Comprehensive Plan and discussed public concerns regarding growth and infrastructure.

• Approved March 5, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (All aye)
• Re-elected Chris Fourroux as Chairperson and Jill Shacklett as Vice-Chairperson (All aye)

03 12

The City Council approved starting the conditional use process for wastewater expansion and accepted an estimate from Machinery Northwest for a trailer and sweeper. Several items, including employee COLA and the Urban Renewal Annual Report, were tabled.

• Approved starting conditional use process for wastewater expansion (4-0)
• Accepted Machinery Northwest estimate for trailer and sweeper (4-0)
• Approved February 13, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (4-0)
• Tabled employee COLA until next month (4-0)
• Tabled Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Annual Report for 2023 for one month (4-0)
• Tabled ARPA Funds for Wastewater Facility pending cost details

March 11, 2024

The agency approved February payables totaling $4,022.59 and the 2023 Annual Report. A payment of $6,450 was approved for architect Paul Matthews to complete a plan for the Spirit Lake Historic Preservation Commission.

• Approved February 2024 payables totaling $4,022.59 (3-0)
• Approved 2023 Annual Report (3-0)
• Approved $6,450 payment to architect Paul Matthews (3-0)

03 05

The Commission voted to recommend approval of a short plat application for Block 116 Spirit Lake First Addition. A proposed rezone for 32137 N 5th Ave did not proceed as the applicant chose not to move forward. The Commission also reviewed updates to the Comprehensive Plan and future land use map.

• Approved February 6, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (All Aye)
• Recommended approval of Dave White K.A.L. LLC short plat at Block 116 Spirit Lake First Addition (All Aye)
• No action taken on rezone of 32137 N 5th Ave (Applicant withdrew)

02 13

The City Council appointed Joseph Huston as the new city attorney. The council also reappointed Barbara Brown to the Planning and Zoning Commission and appointed Mark Kroetch and Paul Sturm to the Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Commission.

• Approved consent calendar including January 2024 financial statement and accounts payable (4-0)
• Appointed Joseph Huston as city attorney (4-0)
• Reappointed Barbara Brown to the Planning and Zoning Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Mark Kroetch to the Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Paul Sturm to the Spirit Lake Urban Renewal Commission (4-0)

February 12, 2024

The agency approved February payables and authorized three members to attend regional training in March. A funding request for the Woolen Brown Civic Center Restoration was discussed, but no vote was taken due to a conflict of interest and lack of a quorum.

• Approved February 2024 payables totaling $12,027.30 (3-0)
• Approved $7,476.00 invoice for Water Improvement/Well #6 (3-0)
• Approved $3,665.00 invoice for 2023 Audit progress billing (3-0)
• Approved $100.00 invoice for Bredeson Law Group (3-0)
• Approved $786.30 for January 2024 wages (3-0)
• Approved $250 per person for Becky DeMers, Melissa Hallas, and Taylor Lander to attend training on March 27-28 (3-0)
• Tabled approval of 2023 Annual Report pending additions of budget and audit documents
• Deferred funding decision on Woolen Brown Civic Center Restoration request for $500,000

02 06

The Commission approved the minutes from the January 2, 2024 meeting. Consultant Connie Krueger presented the stakeholder interview process, public outreach plan, and progress on the City’s Comprehensive Plan update. No new business was introduced.

• Approved January 2, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (All Aye)

01 09

The Council swore in two new members and elected Darrell Woods as Council President. The body approved several 2023/24 liquor licenses, including one for Whitehorse, LLC, following a legal discussion regarding due process. The Council also passed a consent calendar including the December 2023 financial statement.

• Passed consent calendar including Dec 2023 minutes and financial statements (4-0)
• Elected Darrell Woods as Council President (4-0)
• Approved 2023/24 liquor licenses for items #1-#7 and #9 (4-0)
• Approved 2023/24 liquor license for Whitehorse, LLC (3-1)

January 8th, 2024

The agency approved December payables totaling $887.03 and reaffirmed its current bylaws and officers. Commissioners set a March 11, 2024, completion deadline for a security system at the Woolen Brown Building. The board also updated its 2024 meeting schedule to accommodate holidays.

• Approved December 2023 payables totaling $887.03 (4-0)
• Set March 11, 2024, as the completion date for the Woolen Brown Building security system (4-0)
• Approved current By Laws as written (4-0)
• Decided that officers will remain the same for 2024 (4-0)
• Approved 2024 meeting schedule changes for October and November (4-0)

01 02

The commission approved the minutes from the December 5, 2023, regular meeting. No new business was presented, and scheduled discussions regarding the comprehensive plan and ordinances did not occur.

• Approved December 5, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (3-0)