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3 days ago

Committee flags harmful algal blooms in Chuck Slough; seeks broader review of water wholesaling and septic links Committee members raised concerns that wholesale water sold by the city to areas without sewer (e.g., Saringa Heights) may return as septic effluent to groundwater and sloughs, contributing nutrients that fuel harmful algal blooms; members proposed bringing the issue back as an April agenda item and exploring university and multi-jurisdictional study options.

Concerns are rising over harmful algal blooms in Chuck Slough, with committee members questioning whether the city's water wholesaling practices are feeding the problem through septic systems.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #WaterSafety

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4 weeks ago

Council authorizes application for wildfire‑mitigation grants for Little Sand Creek watershed Council authorized applying for Idaho Department of Lands Wildland Urban Interface funding (up to $240,000, 15% city match) and accepted a $50,000 US Fish & Wildlife Service earmark for shaded‑fuel treatments in the Little Sand Creek watershed; staff and consulting foresters outlined proposed shaded fuel breaks, roadside treatments and maintenance requirements.

Councilors have taken a bold step towards wildfire safety by approving a grant application to fund crucial hazard reduction work in the Little Sand Creek watershed.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #EnvironmentalSustainability #SandpointWildfire #CitizenPortal #WildfireMitigation

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4 weeks ago

Sandpoint council authorizes IPS contract to implement multi‑phase parking management plan after lengthy debate After extended public comment and council discussion, Sandpoint approved a contract with IPS Group to install kiosks, mobile and text payment and a permit system intended to strengthen enforcement of two‑hour on‑street limits, create permit categories and add paid parking in selected city lots; council left rates and phased timing to later decisions.

Sandpoint is stepping into the future with a new parking-management plan featuring kiosks and a mobile app, but not everyone is on board—what's your take on paid parking?

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Council delays vote on 1% local option tax to fall for more outreach and legal review After extended debate over whether a 1% local option tax could legally and fairly fund both wastewater enterprise costs and street preservation, the council voted to delay asking voters until a fall election to allow staff to supply legal analysis, project lists and community outreach.

City leaders are facing a heated debate over a proposed 1% local sales tax that could reshape funding for wastewater and street projects—will they find the legal pathway to make it happen?

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1 month ago

Sandpoint council told to identify projects now to spend urban renewal dollars before 2029 sunset City staff warned the council that downtown and North District urban renewal funds will largely expire when the districts sunset in 2029 and urged identification of candidate projects by 2027 so engineering and spending can be completed.

Sandpoint City Council is racing against the clock to secure nearly $10 million in urban renewal funds before they vanish in 2029—will they act fast enough?

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #SandpointUrbanRenewal #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #CommunityInvestment #EconomicDevelopment

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1 month ago

Sandpoint staff previews wide-ranging historic preservation ordinance and tighter downtown zoning City staff presented a draft historic preservation ordinance and revised downtown commercial zoning that would create an overlay district, require certificates of appropriateness for exterior changes and could impose review timelines of up to six months; staff asked the commission to read the posted draft and said he will seek council guidance before proceeding.

Sanpoint is taking bold steps to protect its historic charm with a new preservation ordinance that could reshape the downtown landscape!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI #CommunityDevelopment #SandpointHistoricPreservation #CulturalPreservation

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1 month ago

Sandpoint council begins work on potential local option tax ballot measure for May Councilors discussed placing a local option sales tax question on the May ballot to fund roads, sewer bond relief and waterfront/access projects; members emphasized narrow ballot language, strong voter education and a tight timeline to get language to the county in early March.

Sandpoint City Council is considering a local option sales tax to fund vital infrastructure projects, but will it gain community support this time?

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #LocalRevenue #CitizenPortal #SandpointInfrastructure #CommunityTrust #PublicOutreach

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1 month ago

Sandpoint council repeals and replaces short-term rental rules; ordinance adopted under suspension of rules Facing possible state preemption, the council voted Feb. 4 to repeal and replace its short-term rental code (Title 3, Chapter 12); the measure passed by a narrow margin and was read and adopted under suspension of the rules to take effect on publication.

The Sandpoint City Council has made a bold move by repealing and replacing its short-term rental ordinance, igniting a debate over local control versus potential state preemption.

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1 month ago

Sandpoint commission reviews draft commercial zoning, debates limits on downtown offices and building heights City staff walked the Planning Commission through a redlined commercial zoning update and a linked historic‑preservation code, focusing on which uses belong in a tightened downtown core, whether ground‑floor offices should be limited, and how tall new buildings should be. Commissioners asked staff to redraw core boundaries, prepare graphics, and return with stepped‑back height options.

Sandpoint's Planning Commission is diving deep into a major zoning overhaul that could reshape the downtown landscape and redefine the heart of the city.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #HistoricPreservation #SandpointCommission

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1 month ago

Sandpoint council green-lights City Beach RV-park renovation after residents urge protection of beach access After an extended public comment period where dozens of residents opposed giving marina slips or operational control to a private developer, the Sandpoint City Council voted to proceed with renovating City Beach RV Park using a $950,000 Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation grant, committing the site to RV use for 25 years under the grant terms.

Sandpoint residents rallied to ensure public access remains a priority as the City Council green-lights a $950,000 renovation of City Beach RV Park!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #PublicAccess #CommunityInput #SandpointParks

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2 months ago

Sandpoint council rejects Bridge Street land-use agreement after heated debate over sidewalk, access and developer bond The Sandpoint City Council on Jan. 17 voted down a proposed land-use agreement with Bridge Street LLC that would have allowed city contractors onto private property to build a sidewalk using a $385,000 developer performance bond. Councilors split over pedestrian safety, lost leverage and potential costs if the project is delayed.

The Sandpoint City Council's heated debate ended in a shocking rejection of a crucial sidewalk project, raising concerns over public safety and financial implications.

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2 months ago

Arts commission hears plan to redraw downtown, add preservation code and 45-foot height limit A commission member presented a draft historic-preservation code and a rewrite of Commercial A zoning that would define a smaller downtown core, add a certificate-of-appropriateness permit, and cap typical building heights at 45 feet; the drafts will go to Planning & Zoning for study before council review.

Sandpoint is taking a bold leap towards preserving its historic downtown with a new draft code that introduces a 45-foot height limit and tailored zoning rules!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CommunityOutreach #ZoningReform #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal #SandpointPreservation

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2 months ago

Sandpoint parks commission recommends renovating City Beach RV Park, asks staff to preserve public access After extensive public comment and staff analysis of nearly 900 survey responses, the commission voted to recommend that council proceed with a funded renovation of the City Beach RV Park using $950,000 in secured state RV funds while directing staff to include design or operational improvements that enhance public access and to periodically reevaluate the site.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the City Beach RV Park as the Sandpoint Parks Commission recommends a $1 million renovation while ensuring public access remains a priority!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CommunityEngagement #PublicAccess #SandpointParks #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Sandpoint commission sends zoning changes to council to allow smaller lots, modest density increases The commission voted Dec. 16 to recommend City Council adopt amendments to Title 9 that would allow smaller RM‑zone lots (down to 3,500 sq ft in some cases), modestly increase allowed units per lot band, and loosen building‑footprint limits to enable ADUs and small infill housing.

Sandpoint is taking bold steps to tackle housing challenges by recommending zoning changes that could make smaller lots and more infill housing a reality!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing #UrbanInfill #SandpointHousing #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Sandpoint planning commissioners recommend tightened short‑term rental rules while warning of pending state rollback The Planning & Zoning Commission on Dec. 16 recommended City Council adopt amendments to Sandpoint City Code Title 3, Chapter 12 that add a neighborhood‑integrity definition, a High Occupancy STR permit, and revised parking standards; commissioners and residents debated the city’s 35‑unit cap and enforcement limits under Idaho law.

Sandpoint is taking a bold step to protect neighborhood integrity with new short-term rental rules, but will state legislation threaten local control?

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #HousingRegulation #SandpointNeighborhoods #CommunityEnforcement #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Sandpoint commission finalizes community workshop plan to reimagine City Beach RV Park after state grant Parks staff outlined a 90‑minute Saturday workshop to solicit community alternatives for the City Beach RV Park, explaining a $950,000 Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation grant, survey results (260 responses so far), property covenants dating to 1922, and a 25‑year grant expectation that could limit changes without Department approval.

Sandpoint is inviting the community to reimagine the future of the City Beach RV Park—what innovative ideas do you have for this cherished space?

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CommunityEngagement #UrbanPlanning #PublicRecreation #SandpointParks #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Council awards Phase 3 downtown revitalization design contract to Welch Comer The Sandpoint City Council approved a professional services contract with Welch Comer Engineers for downtown revitalization Phase 3 design, authorizing immediate public outreach and beginning design work aimed at construction next year; the decision followed debate over scope and public input timing.

The Sandpoint City Council just greenlit a major downtown revitalization project that promises exciting changes and immediate public engagement!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #SandpointDowntown #UrbanRevitalization #PublicEngagement #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

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3 months ago

Council accepts Bonner County canvass; wastewater bond measure passes overwhelmingly Council formally accepted Bonner County's canvass of the Nov. 4 election: Joel Espiro, Joe Tate and Joshua Torres won council seats; voters approved a wastewater-treatment revenue bond measure allowing up to $130 million, with approximately 1,749 yes and 216 no.

Sandpoint City Council has officially accepted the election results, ushering in new leadership and approving a monumental $130 million wastewater improvement bond!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #WastewaterImprovements #SandpointCityCouncil #ElectionTransparency #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Sandpoint mayor pushes code change; council votes to replace city's nondiscrimination ordinance after extended public comment After more than three hours of public comment on a proposed amendment prompted by a YMCA incident, the Sandpoint City Council adopted an ordinance repealing and replacing City Code 5-2-10. The council vote was tied and Mayor Jeremy Grama cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the ordinance under suspension of the rules.

In a controversial move, Mayor Jeremy Grama cast the tie-breaking vote to repeal Sandpoint's nondiscrimination ordinance after a heated public debate sparked by a YMCA incident.

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4 months ago

Sandpoint commissioners delay decision on short-term rental overhaul after packed public hearing After a lengthy presentation on proposed short-term rental code changes and more than an hour of public testimony, the commission voted to postpone action to Dec. 16 to further review occupancy and parking standards; staff said the draft removes the city's 35-unit non-owner cap to comply with recent Idaho court rulings while adding new enforcement and high-occupancy rules.

Sandpoint's Planning and Zoning Commission just postponed a crucial vote on short-term rental regulations after heated community debates on housing and neighborhood integrity.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy #RegulatoryReform #CommunityInput

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4 months ago

Sandpoint council postpones Bridge Street retaining-wall contract to Nov. 19 The Sandpoint City Council voted 5–1 on Nov. 12 to postpone action on a $396,672.50 contract for a Bridge Street retaining wall and sidewalk widening until its Nov. 19 meeting after questions about funding and bid amounts; staff said the contractor intends to mobilize Dec. 1 and finish before March, weather permitting.

The Sandpoint City Council has postponed a crucial vote on a $396K contract for a new retaining wall and wider sidewalks, raising questions about funding and pedestrian access ahead of the Nov. 19 meeting.

Stay tuned for updates!

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4 months ago

Sandpoint commission plans community charrette after council pauses RV-park renovation After City Council paused a proposed lease/sale and urged more public input, Sandpoint Parks staff and commissioners agreed to hold a charrette and survey to explore alternatives to an RV-park renovation funded by a roughly $950,000 state grant. Staff outlined three amendment options and timelines for workshops before the new council sits in Jan.

Sandpoint's City Council is calling for community input on the future of the City Beach RV park, with potential renovations hanging in the balance and a $950,000 state grant at stake.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #ParksReform

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4 months ago

Sandpoint council weighs narrowing nondiscrimination ordinance after YMCA dispute Mayor Jeremy Grama said he will introduce an ordinance next week to modify city code 5-2-10 to mirror state and federal civil-rights law, arguing the city should not act as local arbiter; councilors and dozens of public commenters debated safety, liability and economic risk to the YMCA and businesses.

Mayor Grama is poised to reshape Sandpoint's nondiscrimination ordinance, sparking heated debate over safety, legal liability, and community values.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #SandpointNondiscrimination #CivilRights #CommunitySafety

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4 months ago

Sandpoint pauses RV‑park renovation plan after Averill family request; city to hold community workshops Sandpoint staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission that council paused a planned $950,000 RV‑park renovation after a letter from the Averill family and extensive public comment; staff proposed charrettes and a survey to gather community preferences before the newly seated council decides.

The future of Sandpoint's RV park hangs in the balance as the city weighs community input against a $950,000 state grant for renovations.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #SandpointParks #CommunityEngagement #ParksRenovation

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4 months ago

Sandpoint public comments press council on nondiscrimination ordinance; mayor to propose code change mirroring state law At a Nov. 12 special meeting, residents gave emotional testimony about YMCA locker-room policies and the city's nondiscrimination ordinance. Mayor Jeremy Grama said he will bring an ordinance next week to align Sandpoint’s code with state and federal law; councilors debated whether to wait for state action.

Mayor Grama is set to propose a controversial ordinance that could change the future of public restrooms and locker rooms in Sandpoint—sparking heated debates among residents about safety and rights.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SandpointYMCA

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4 months ago

Sandpoint workshop advances move to impervious‑surface standard to ease small‑lot development The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed a draft code change that would replace separate building‑footprint limits with a single impervious‑surface standard (proposed up to 70% on the smallest lots, scaling down for larger lots) and an associated RM density tweak to allow one extra unit in some bands. Staff will refine a smoother, administrable 's

Sandpoint is taking a bold step towards more housing options by proposing a new impervious-surface standard that could boost development flexibility and density on smaller lots.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #InfillDevelopment #CitizenPortal #SandpointHousing #ZoningReform

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4 months ago

Sandpoint council approves CDBG application for downtown revitalization phase 3 lighting and amenities The Sandpoint City Council voted Nov. 5 to submit an Idaho Community Development Block Grant application for downtown revitalization phase 3B. The application seeks up to $650,000 for pedestrian lighting and site amenities, complementing a separate phase 3A infrastructure design already underway.

Sandpoint is on the brink of a transformative downtown revitalization, seeking $650,000 to enhance walkability with new lighting and amenities!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityDevelopment #SandpointDowntown #UrbanRevitalization

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4 months ago

Consulting forester outlines grants and plans to reduce wildfire fuels in Little Sand Creek watershed City-contracted consulting forester Ellen Ryerson gave the Sandpoint City Council an overview of hazardous fuels reduction proposed for the Little Sand Creek watershed, including a verbally secured $50,000 USFWS grant and an anticipated Idaho WUI grant opportunity with a 1:1 match; early estimates indicate $50,000 could treat roughly 30 acres of on

Ellen Ryerson reveals a strategic plan to tackle wildfire risks in the Little Sand Creek watershed, with potential funding that could protect vital community resources!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #WildfireRisk #CitizenPortal #SandpointWatershed #CommunitySafety

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4 months ago

Sandpoint council refuses sale or lease of City Beach RV park, orders public workshop with Avril Hospitality After hours of public comment and debate, the Sandpoint City Council voted unanimously Nov. 5 to decline pursuing any sale or lease negotiations with Avril Hospitality for the City Beach RV park. The council also directed staff to hold a public workshop with Avril Hospitality and community stakeholders to explore design alternatives and public uses

In a bold move to protect public access, the Sandpoint City Council has unanimously rejected the sale of the City Beach RV park, opting instead for a public workshop to explore community-driven alternatives.

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4 months ago

Sandpoint council approves CDBG application for downtown Phase 3 lighting and amenities The council voted to submit an Idaho Community Development Block Grant application seeking up to $650,000 to fund street lighting and streetscape amenities for downtown revitalization Phase 3. The application follows the same split funding approach used in earlier downtown phases: urban renewal for infrastructure and CDBG for lighting/amenities.

Sandpoint is taking a major step towards revitalizing its downtown, seeking up to $650,000 in funding for new lighting and amenities that will transform the area!

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #CommunityDevelopment #SandpointDowntown