Development News for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

City Vacates Alley Right-of-Way to Improve Property Usability

The council approved the vacation of a 6-foot strip of alley right-of-way adjoining the east boundary line of properties owned by Joseph E. Morris and Lynn J. Morris, and Matt and Mary Wagan. This strip of land, originally dedicated in the 1890 Sanders Edition plat, would add approximately 485 square feet to the combined properties and improve their usability. The Morris property already includes a previously vacated 6-foot strip acquired in 2018. The wastewater department approved the vacation, confirming access to the sewer main is maintained, and all franchise utility easements will remain. No objections were received from 59 mailed notifications. The action adds a small amount of usable land to the adjoining private properties and a minor increase in tax revenue for the municipality.

City Approves Demolition of Damaged Mill Avenue Residence Due to Safety Concerns

The council approved the demolition of a dangerous building at 361 Mill Avenue for an amount not to exceed $30,000, with the cost to be recouped through a special assessment against the property. Keith Clemens, building inspector, presented the case, explaining that a large spruce tree fell on the house during a windstorm in December, causing severe damage that makes repair impossible. The owner, Angela, is transient and has not responded to notices. The property has become a nuisance, attracting transient individuals for parties and leading to copper wire stripping. While the demolition covers the house, the detached garage, which also shows signs of occupancy and neglect (a former resident lived there using a bucket for sanitation), is not covered by the dangerous building abatement code as it was not damaged by the tree. The council discussed the possibility of including the garage in the demolition, which would increase the cost to $38,000, but decided to proceed with demolishing only the house due to legal constraints regarding the garage's condition. The city plans to post the garage as 'do not occupy'. Concerns about the property's history of criminal activity and nuisance were raised by Captain Hagar.

City Approves Fuel Cost Adjustment for Solid Waste Disposal Contract

The council approved an amendment to the contract with Republic Services Incorporated to allow for a fuel cost adjustment. The original contract for solid waste disposal was established in 2016 and assigned to Republic Services in 2024. Due to high diesel fuel prices, Republic Services requested a fuel surcharge. This amendment allows for a 1% increase in charges for each quarter the average diesel fuel cost exceeds $3.25 per gallon, as determined by the preceding year's data. Based on an assessment of fuel costs from July 1, 2025, to May 2026, averaging $4.30 per gallon, the adjustment for the contract year 2026-2027 is projected to be 3%. This fuel surcharge is in addition to the existing annual rate increase provision in the contract. While the increase impacts the city's costs, the garbage fund is currently in good shape, potentially absorbing the increase without an immediate customer fee hike. However, any future fee increases to customers would require council approval.

New 'Spotlight Celane Visual Arts' Program to Fund Local Arts Projects

The council approved Resolution 26-048, establishing the 'Spotlight Celane Visual Arts' program with an annual funding of $15,000. This program, proposed by the Celane Arts Commission, aims to invest in community identity, economic vitality, cultural tourism, and quality of life by supporting visual arts projects. It will prioritize K-12 students for arts education, enrichment programs, exhibitions, and art projects. The program's structure and purpose are similar to the existing 'Spotlight Celane Performing Arts' program. Funding will be distributed through grants of $5,000 or $7,500, with the possibility of second-year funding for nonprofits. Applications will be evaluated based on artistic quality, community engagement, feasibility, and demonstrated impact. A key aspect of the program is to establish a fair and competitive process for distributing city arts funding, contrasting with a previous instance where a local nonprofit received $25,000 without a competitive grant process. The phrase 'in good standing with the city and the community' in the eligibility criteria raised questions about vagueness, with potential interpretations including not being in debt or avoiding subjective judgments, though it may also relate to past issues with artists not maintaining or repairing art pieces.