Post Falls annexes Mongeau Meadows

Post Falls has annexed Mongeau Meadows, reducing the central island of county-owned land within the city limits.

The 5.8-acre Mongeau Meadows property, previously under Kootenai County jurisdiction, will contain 21 single-family lots. Ray Kimball, representing the owners, Wild Horse Investments, presented information about the change Tuesday evening at City Hall.

"Annexations within the infill pocket are entirely voluntary," Kimball said. He added that the goal is to maintain a low-density residential zone, aiming to keep housing prices stable and options diverse in Post Falls.

James Herman, a resident of nearby Quail Run, spoke largely in favor of the project but expressed concern about potential roadway obstructions during construction. He cited a previous project where 16th Avenue was closed for months, including weeks of inactivity.

Herman described the prior road closure as an "interminable amount of time" and worried about emergency vehicle access on 16th Avenue during Mongeau Meadows' construction.

After the initial closing of the public hearing, Councilor Samantha Steigleder reopened it to question city engineer Rob Palus about roads and intersections. Palus assured that the city can pressure contractors to prevent long periods of inactivity during roadway closures.

Councilor Nathan Ziegler expressed satisfaction that the project aligns with the city's intention to reduce county-owned pockets within city limits. "I would rather have an annexation that increases our infrastructure, efficiency and safety that is already within the existing geography rather than an outlying area," Ziegler said.

The City Council unanimously approved the annexation.