Dispute over Bayview dock may end with property transfer

A transfer agreement that could resolve the ongoing dispute over the Bayview boat launch was sent to Kootenai County officials Wednesday. The document would transfer ownership of the property from Lakes Highway District to the county at no cost.

"We simply want our dock back," said Bayview Chamber of Commerce President Norma Jean Knowles.

The property transfer includes a provision stating that if the county "ceases to maintain the property for the purpose of maintaining a public boat launch, the property shall revert back to district." If signed, the agreement would allow the county to proceed with obtaining an Idaho Department of Lands permit to install a new dock.

Eric Shanley, director of Highways for Lakes Highway District, described the transfer as a "last-ditch effort" to ensure the continuation of services the county has provided for decades.

"They seemed disappointed that this was the county's next step, adding to the issues they're creating versus trying to solve them," Shanley said, referring to the highway commissioners' reaction to the situation.

The conflict began when the Board of County Commissioners terminated the highway district's launch lease agreement, affecting multiple sites, including docks at Bayview Fifth and Lakeside, the Spirit Lake Nautical Loop, and the Twin Lakes Par 3. The impact has been especially severe at Bayview, where a replacement dock built by the county remains uninstalled as boating season approaches.

During Tuesday's Board of County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bruce Mattare expressed frustration with the lack of progress, instructing Nick Snyder, director of the county's Parks and Waterways Department, to "give them the keys to the restroom and take the signs down."

"Here we are at the 11th hour, ready to open it up for the boating season, and we've made no progress," Mattare said.

The county has reportedly struggled with enforcing boat launch fees at Bayview due to the absence of a dedicated parking lot, adding to their concerns about managing the site.

When Brandi Falcon of the Kootenai County Auditor's Office noted that the county still insures the assets at Bayview, Snyder cautioned against removing insurance before reaching a resolution.

"If we have damage to the gangway or the docks or the approaches, that there won't be an agency there to address that and the only loser in this will be the public," Snyder said.

Local resident Chad Cadnum, who hosts the Ralph Jones Memorial Oktoberfish Derby at Bayview, has been following the dispute with mounting frustration since December. Having lived in the area for 32 years, he emphasized that Bayview's remote location at "the tail end of the county" means residents are disproportionately affected by such issues.

"Maybe the adults should act like adults," Cadnum said.

A special meeting between the Board of County Commissioners and the Lakes Highway District has been scheduled for 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, to discuss the property transfer face-to-face.

    Fifth and Lakeside boat launch in Bayview.