Koontz resigns, leaving hole in Dalton Gardens council
DALTON GARDENS — When Dalton Gardens voters head to the polls Tuesday, they will select two new city council members. They won't, however, have a voice in the selection of a third new council member who will be appointed by the current mayor after the election.
The residency status of Ron Koontz, 80, a former Dalton Gardens mayor in his fifth term as a councilman, has either changed, or is about to change. Koontz will vacate his seat as a result of the move and, according to Idaho code, an appointee selected by the mayor will serve until the next general election.
"Between my office and the council that's sitting, we will choose the candidate that's best for the city," Mayor Dan Franklin, who is not seeking re-election, told The Press Thursday.
When asked on Wednesday for information about the timeline and process for appointing someone to fill his seat, Koontz declined to comment. He added that he informed Franklin of his resignation through a letter, but would not comment as to when that letter was sent.
The Kootenai County Tax Assessor online parcel search states ownership of a Coeur d'Alene home was transferred to BONITA R HUMPHREY LIVING TRUST KOONTZ FAMILY TRUST on Sept. 29. Humphrey married Koontz in 2012.
On Oct. 5, nearly a month prior to election day, Koontz's Dalton Gardens home was listed for sale on the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service used by local real estate agents.
The Press has filed a public records request to obtain the letter sent to Franklin through Dalton Gardens Clerk and Treasurer Valerie Anderson. Prior to being emailed the form required for submitting the request, Anderson told The Press that she was "wondering if (she) can release that" because the council has not accepted Koontz's resignation yet.
"You know, I better ask my attorney on that one because, see, the council hasn't accepted it as of yet, which they won't do until next week," Anderson said. "I may not be able to even release it until after they accept it, is what I'm saying."
Franklin, according to Anderson, has not been at city hall since at least Tuesday and added that she was not sure when he would be available.
"I haven't talked to him for a couple days," Anderson said. "He's working full time so I am not sure when he's going to be in."
Council President Steve Roberge told The Press Wednesday that he was unaware of how Koontz's replacement would be selected.
"I've been in the council for 16 years and have never had anybody leave in the middle of their term so I don't know what the process is, to tell you the truth," Roberge said.
After multiple attempts to reach Franklin via email, the mayor contacted The Press by phone on Thursday afternoon. He said he has not seen the letter Koontz sent to him, and that he believes it was delivered on Tuesday.
"I'm not fully aware of the details or what he put in it," Franklin said. "We meet next Thursday and, at that time, the council will either accept or refuse his resignation."