Public dock access issue may be resolved before boating season

A resolution appears close regarding public docks and restrooms previously maintained by Kootenai County's Department of Parks and Waterways, just in time for the upcoming boating season.

Since the county terminated its launch lease Jan. 6, concerns have emerged about sites at Bayview Fifth and Lakeside, the Spirit Lake Nautical Loop and the Twin Lakes Par 3.

At Monday's Lakes Highway District meeting, board members and residents discussed potential solutions with the county over these public facilities.

"I think we're going in the right direction," said Eric Shanley, Lakes Highway District director, who has forwarded dock launch site agreements to county officials after receiving authorization from the board.

More than 20 community members attended to show support for the public docks. Gary MacDonald of MacDonald's Resort highlighted public frustration about facility access uncertainties.

"We appreciate all of your help trying to save Bayview. It's important they keep these ramps," MacDonald said. "The public's access has to be protected otherwise they'll just say that's a nice lake and then go somewhere else."

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners addressed the issue at its Tuesday meeting. Commissioner Bruce Mattare expressed hope for improved communication between agencies.

"In hindsight, we probably could have been a little more proactive on getting the word out and meeting with folks," Mattare said.

While the county showed interest in temporarily maintaining the docks, it isn't willing to reinstate the previous agreement.

"I'm not interested in going back to just a straight $1 lease," said Commissioner Leslie Duncan.

Mattare suggested a one-year partnership to address county concerns about maintenance costs without disrupting public access.

"The hope was that we don't put the community in a position where they suffer because we have a lot of details we'd like to address when we could just do this for a year," he said.

Duncan agreed to a one-year maintenance arrangement, noting that county signage remains in place.

A dock awaiting installation once water levels rise has been delayed by the lease termination. Lakes officials sought a liability release before proceeding.

Mattare said that once liability issues are resolved, the docks will be ready for placement. 

"That way, the community isn't in kind of a holding pattern and the docks can be properly serviced at least this boating season," he said.

Nick Snyder, director of the county's Parks and Waterways department, said there is need for quick resolution to begin the Idaho Department of Lands' paperwork processing, which typically takes 30 days.

"Our hands are tied until we receive that authorization," Snyder said, though he noted the Department of Lands has indicated it will expedite the process.

The final dock materials should arrive in late March or early April. Snyder said that Parks and Waterways staff, with help from a Bayview contractor, can quickly install the dock once materials arrive.

"They've promised us they'll get to it as quick as they can," Snyder said.

    Gary MacDonald, of MacDonald's Resort, addressed the Lakes Highway District Monday with concerns about dock access in Bayview after the contract was terminated between the Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners after the county terminated the launch lease on Jan. 6.