Post Falls divides responsibility for pumps with developer to get housing project started
Post Falls civil engineer Rob Palus explains the reasons behind the city proposing an addendum to the agreement for the developer of a 16-acre parcel of land.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
The Post Falls City Council has approved an addendum to a 2022 agreement with developers concerning a 16-acre parcel slated for multifamily dwellings near Integrity and Baugh ways.
Originally, Wadsworth Development Group entered into the agreement with the city. However, after a sewer study revealed limitations in water reclamation capacity, Wadsworth sold the property to FLT. City officials then entered negotiations to update the agreement based on new wastewater information.
At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Post Falls civil engineer Rob Palus presented the evolving project details. "Is there some flexibility in our standards? Are we able to accommodate that additional multifamily in a way that's reasonable and protects the health and safety of the public?" Palus asked.
The primary concern was the impact of peak wastewater flow on the area's current lift station. City staff proposed an addendum to increase the system's capacity from 436 gallons per minute to 452 gallons per minute at peak times, moving closer to the ideal capacity of 550 gallons per minute.
The addendum requires three pumps: two for regular use and one as a backup. The developer will fund one pump, while the city will cover the cost of the other two.
"We took a look at it and recognized there is some responsibility for the city," Palus said.
He added that while the developer could technically proceed without these updates, the agreement "provides a clearer road ahead to make sure the city is protected in getting the necessary improvements."
Councilmember Samantha Steigleder, who cast the lone dissenting vote, questioned the consequences of not updating the agreement.
The motion to add the addendum passed, with the city set to determine the most suitable pump for the project. Funding for the city's pump contribution will come from the Water Reclamation Department's replacement funds budget.
The development site is located near Walmart and Sysco Foods.