Development News for Rathdrum, Idaho

City Council Approves MOU with Lakeland School District for Parking Lot Repaving

The council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Lakeland Joint School District to repave the John Brown Elementary School parking lot. The city of Rathdrum submitted a bid for Washington Street redo, and an alternate bid was included for the school district's parking lot. The Lakeland School District agreed to cover the additional cost for the parking lot repaving, which will be part of the city's contract. This action authorizes the council president to execute the MOU.

Garrett Parks and Play Selected for New Mark Woreren Memorial Park Playground

The council unanimously approved awarding a contract for the Mark Woreren Memorial Park playground project to Garrett Parks and Play. After evaluating six submissions using a detailed scoring system, two finalists were selected: Lucky Dog Recreation and Garrett Parks and Play. Staff unanimously chose Garrett Parks and Play based on criteria including overall design layout, warranty, ADA accessibility, and meeting RFP requirements. The chosen design features a 'Bamboo Jungle' climbing structure, ADA-accessible elements like a wheelchair-accessible glider, and shades over swing sets. The project utilizes funds from impact fees collected on growth, not the general budget.

Rezoning of Bunch Grass Property Approved with Condition for Water Tower Land Donation

The council considered a rezoning request for approximately 46.4 acres of land, currently zoned C1 with a condition restricting use to a healthcare facility, to Mixed Residential (MR). The property owner, Agra Idaho (Meyer family), proposed the change, arguing that industrial or R3 zoning (apartments/triplexes) would be inappropriate given the surrounding low-density residential and institutional uses (school district, K-Tech, NIC). The applicant highlighted the financial benefits to the city through potential infrastructure improvements and the donation of land for a water tower. However, concerns were raised about traffic impact and the lack of a finalized water master plan. The council discussed the Mixed Residential zoning criteria, including traffic capacity and utility provision. The applicant agreed to provide land for a water tower and to have water and sewer mains looped. A motion to approve the rezoning with the condition of donating land for the water tower within 120 days of agreement signing passed 3-1. A second motion to deny the rezoning failed due to a split vote (2-2). Ultimately, the council voted 3-1 to approve the rezoning, with a condition for land donation for the water tower.

John Hopkins Nominated as Mayor; Council Seat Vacancy Process Outlined

The council approved a motion to nominate John Hopkins as Mayor. Following this, council member Laura Fuller proposed opening the vacant council seat to applications with a questionnaire, followed by personal interviews with the top five candidates, and then a final recommendation to the council. This process was agreed upon, initiating a 30-day application period.