Successes and challenges ahead for Rathdrum

RATHDRUM — Rathdrum is preparing for takeoff.

The city is expected to have significant growth this year, Mayor Vic Holmes told about 40 Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce members and city officials during his annual State of the City address at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Tuesday.

"We're closing in on some rapid growth," Holmes said.

He said about 450 lots in various subdivisions are already planned over the next several years.

"People are coming here from everywhere," he said. "Our secret is out. A lot of the (longtime residents) may not appreciate growth, but I'm sure the business community wouldn't mind more rooftops. We know new growth is coming here and there's no stopping it."

Holmes said new growth adds revenue for the city, but also can create challenges with services, especially if it comes on too fast.

Rathdrum, which has a population of 7,735, had 128 new homes built in 2015 compared to 82 in 2014. Large-project highlights include the construction of Ace Hardware, which opened on Wednesday along Highway 41, and North Idaho College's $15 million, 110,000-square-foot Career and Technical Education Facility on Lancaster Road. The NIC facility will open in the fall.

"There's at least four stores looking to come to Rathdrum," said Holmes, adding that he couldn't talk specifics. "They're circling."

While Rathdrum Police saw a 15 percent increase in total calls for service from 2014 to 2015 (5,243 to 6,039), crimes against people went down 7 percent, crimes against property 8 percent and crimes against society 30 percent.

Police Chief Kevin Fuhr said the call numbers reflect the high number of customer service responses such as to unlock vehicles and the addition of another officer in 2015.

He said he believes the crime numbers are down due in part to police being proactive in the community.

"Being visible, getting to know the community and checking on people and businesses helps," Fuhr said. "If an officer sees a garage door open at night, we'll tell the residents."

Fuhr said the city has set aside $30,000 to help pay for a school resource officer to be in all public schools in Rathdrum. If the school levy passes on March 8, that would create the position, as the school district would fund it at 60 percent.

"We've needed the position for years now," Fuhr said. "It's time."

Resident Larry Quimby, who attended Holmes' presentation, said he's concerned about the dangerous intersection of Highway 41 and Lancaster and believes traffic lights there should be a high priority.

"That's a mess," he said. "Somebody is going to get killed there."

Holmes told Quimby Highway 41 is in the state's jurisdiction, but added the city would do its part to encourage the state to make improvements as soon as possible.

The city received more than $600,000 from the recent selective harvest of timber on its property on Rathdrum Mountain to create low-impact recreational opportunities at the mountain site.

"The mountain will pay for the mountain," Holmes said.

Estimates on improving the roadway and developing the first phase of the park are being sought. The city expects about $350,000 will be spent on the initial improvements.

A citizens committee is working with consultant JUB Engineers on the park project.

Holmes said the city will continue to connect paved pathways around the city as another way of enhancing recreation.

Five more sets of pedestrian crossing lights are slated to be installed this year.

"We recognize that we have two state highways that bisect the town and that we have pedestrian-traffic problems that we need to work to clean up," Holmes said.

Holmes was asked about the city's plans to replace city administrator Brett Boyer, who recently accepted Hayden's city administrator job and has been with Rathdrum for the past 10 years.

Holmes said this is a chance for staff to discuss the direction of the city and the position won't likely be filled quickly.

"We want to be sure that we find the right person — not just any person," he said. "We hate to see Brett go, but we also feel good for him and his family."