Cd'A mayor reviews past year, eyes future projects

COEUR d'ALENE — If 2016 is anything like 2015, Coeur d'Alene should be in great shape thanks to the helpful hands of the community.

That was a message Mayor Steve Widmyer gave about 500 attendees of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce Upbeat Breakfast during his second State of the City address on Tuesday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

"We are a vibrant, financially strong city moving positively into the future," Widmyer said, adding Coeur d'Alene has a lot to look forward to in 2016.

The city will open its fourth fire station, near Atlas and Hanley to address growth in that area.

"We are using impact fees to pay for construction and we expect that this will open in the fall," Widmyer said.

The fire department responded to a record of nearly 8,000 calls for emergency service last year.

On the crime side, the city had a 21 percent drop from 2014 to 2015 in "Part 1" crimes such as aggravated assault, burglary, robbery and theft.

Work on bringing the 1922 Spillman Playland Pier carousel donated by Bud Ford back to life is expected to begin this spring and conclude over the summer. The carousel will be part of a new plaza in front of Memorial Field.

The city, in partnership with the urban renewal agency ignite cda, plans to work with the Mill River neighborhood this year to develop the Spokane River corridor after 2.2 miles of railroad right of way was purchased in 2015.

"By adding public amenities and helping to redevelop blighted adjoining brownfield properties, the city and ignite cda hope to continue the public-private development of these underutilized properties," Widmyer said. "This will ultimately lead to significant tax revenues as well as public space and trail connections for all citizens to enjoy."

Planning and design work for improving Seltice Way, including road reconstruction and adding pathways, lighting, and transit stops, should be complete in the fall. Construction will start in spring 2017 and finish in fall 2017.

"This investment of public infrastructure will be critical in developing the old mill sites and other properties along Seltice Way," Widmyer said.

Widmyer said the city is proud it is accomplishing a lot despite 2015 being the third year in a row Cd'A hasn't raised property taxes. In addition, the city has a reserve balance of nearly $7.5 million.

"In the past two years, we have found budget efficiencies to save almost $600,000 annually," he said.

Widmyer said it appears 2016 will be another strong construction year after the value of single-family housing projects in 2015 totaled $61 million — comparable to the $62 million value during the pre-recession year of 2007.

Anne Hagman, business development officer for Idaho Central Credit Union, said Coeur d'Alene made a lot of strides in 2015. She said those were reflected in Widmyer's address, which included widespread thanks to those at the city and in the education and business sectors.

"Things are looking good and there's a sense of calm after the storm," she said. "I'm optimistic."

Widmyer said Coeur d'Alene rallied time and time again for people and causes in need, setting a great example during future challenges.

Duane Hagadone, chairman of the Hagadone Corp., and his wife, Lola, donated $1 million in cash and another $1 million in a challenge for the community to match for the Lola and Duane Hagadone Boys and Girls Club slated to open in September in Coeur d'Alene.

Super 1 Foods Owner Ron McIntire and his wife, Joanne, donated more than $1 million to the Kootenai Health Foundation for what will be the McIntire Family Birth Center.

The community embraced supporting the family of police Sgt. Greg Moore, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last May.

"Let's make sure our community never forgets the sacrifice of Sgt. Greg Moore," Widmyer said.

Ten-year-old Kiahna Kirk, who attended Widmyer's speech, and her 4-year-old brothers Robert and Reed raised $200 with their lemonade stand for Moore's children.

But, just a few weeks later, the children's father was killed in an accident. The Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls police departments, in turn, raised more than $13,000 for the Kirk children.

"They showed the same kindness and support for the Kirk family that (the kids) showed for the family of Sgt. Moore," Widmyer said. "That's the kind of community we live in. Enthusiastic, smiling, faithful, hopeful, encouraging, giving and helping others."