Commissioners rehash no-wake ordinance

After nine months of COVID-19 catch-up, the board of county commissioners expressed their desire to move forward with wake-zone restrictions and a new building for the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Marine Division.

In the board's Monday meeting, county Parks and Waterways Director Nick Snyder brought up the unfinalized decisions on no-wake zones at Honeysuckle Bay and in front of Camp Cross on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

While the commissioners unanimously agreed to those requests, Commissioner Chris Fillios brought up the 150-foot limitation - originally 100 feet - for excessive wake areas on the Spokane River, Lower Twin Lake, and Fernan Lake waterways.

"When I addressed friends and deputies, the point was made that with the 150-foot limitation that we applied this year is almost a license for people to create excessive wake beyond that," Fillios said. "I'd like to see that removed and go straight to no excessive wake on the Spokane River."

Furthermore, he said he was not ready to declare a no-towing zone on the river out of concern for increased competition on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"I think that towing on the river is foolish," Fillios said. "If people want to do it, that's up to them. I certainly would not do it."

Commissioner Bill Brooks said he would be more inclined to ban towing. However, before the commissioners considered any new ordinances, they felt it was essential to include Sheriff-elect Bob Norris.

In 2019, the county budgeted $175,000 to acquire a building for the KCSO Marine Division. When the building planners had intended was no longer adequate, the county rolled over the budgeted amount.

Shawn Riley, county project manager and consultant, says it could relocate to the vacant Army Reserve building at Coeur d'Alene Airport-Pappy Boyington Field.

The estimated 2,800-square-foot facility would be the newest addition to the Army Reserve, which is being converted into the KCSO Emergency Operations Center.