NEW THIS MORNING: Thursday, Oct. 10

1. Cities take pass on Kootenai County public transit proposal

City leaders don’t appear keen to embrace a joint powers agreement for local public transit proposed by Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare. 

Mayors and municipal staff convened Wednesday with county commissioners for their regular monthly meeting, during which they discussed the proposal. 

“It really gives you an opportunity to have a seat at the table,” Mattare said. 

Citylink serves Coeur d’Alene, Dalton Gardens, Hayden, Huetter and Post Falls, with three routes and 81 stops. Program manager Chad Ingle said Citylink provides more than 100,000 rides annually. There is no fare to ride Citylink buses. 

“It ensures our community members can easily access the services that they need,” Ingle said. 

2. Theme park donates over $38,256 to local food banks

It's been a Silverwood Theme Park tradition for at least 15 years.

A portion of ticket sales from Community Appreciation Weekends in September are collected and distributed to area food banks, which in turn help community members who are struggling to make ends meet.

This year, Silverwood and its guests raised more than $38,256 to support the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Athol and Bonner Community food banks as well as Second Harvest, which serves 280 independent agencies across the Inland Northwest. The park contributed $4 from every general admission ticket and $1 from youth and senior tickets to support the food banks.

The total is about $3,400 more than was raised last year.

3. Post Falls residents speak out over rezoning for custom duplexes

Three Post Falls residents spoke out Tuesday against a rezoning of property from R1 single-family homes into R2 medium-density residential duplexes, arguing that it would bring down the value of neighboring homes.  

“This area is still really rural,” Debi Vacca said at a Post Falls Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. “I’m hoping that it stays that way in my lifetime.” 

She said she considers it a quiet area, except for the occasional train and that she wants the area to be respected for the beauty it has. 

Six commissioners were present, but Commissioner Bobby Wilhelm removed himself from the discussion and the vote on the topic.

Of the five planning and zoning commissioners who voted on the issue, three voted yes and two voted no on whether the proposed zoning change met with requirements.  

4. Workshop explores use of development agreements to increase worker housing

An Oct. 15 workshop for builders, developers and local officials will explore how development agreements can be used to increase the affordability and availability of local worker housing. 

Idaho law allows governing boards to enter into agreements with builders and developers that include voluntary, yet binding, terms beyond what is legally required, a press release said.

The workshop, organized by the Housing Solutions Partnership, aims to educate municipalities and the building community on how development agreements can help Kootenai County’s housing crisis. 

“We want to bring together builders, developers and Kootenai County’s decision makers to learn how development agreements can create win-win outcomes,” said Kiki Miller, a Coeur d’Alene councilor and a founder of the Housing Solutions Partnership. “We need everyone on board to tackle the shortage of affordable housing for the families that live and work in Kootenai County.” 

5. IHA honors 3 Kootenai Health leaders

The Idaho Hospital Association announced the recipients of three notable awards, all of whom hail from Kootenai Health System. 

The IHA is recognizing Katie Brodie as the Trustee of the Year, John Edgar with the Leader of Volunteer Excellence Award and Hazel Howard as the Junior Volunteer of the Year.

"These individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and service, making significant contributions to both Kootenai Health and the broader North Idaho community," a press release said.

Brian Whitlock, president and CEO of the Idaho Hospital Association, expressed his appreciation for the awardees.

“It is a rare and extraordinary honor to have three individuals from a single health care system be recognized for their outstanding contributions," he said.