Market, fire boat top city agenda

SANDPOINT - Discussion about Sandpoint's Farmer's Market and a city-owned fire boat were part of a packed Administrative Committee agenda last Wednesday.

Sandpoint's Administrative Committee met Wednesday to tackle a full agenda that included discussions about the city's fire boat and Sandpoint's Farmer's Market.

Jennifer Wood of the farmer's market asked the committee to eliminate regulations that cap the number of vendors the market is able to host at Farmin Park. The market is limited to 35 vendors under the current agreement.

Wood, who said some vendors are turned away on busy weekends because of the cap, argued the park provides ample space for more tables.

Eliminating the cap could lead to parking shortages and competition with Downtown Sandpoint Business Association members, said the group's executive director, Kathleen Hyde.

Because of those potential problems, Hyde said the DSBA could not support the farmers market until the two organizations can meet and discuss their positions.

The committee asked Wood to meet with the DSBA and Police Chief Mark Lockwood before the item is sent to the city council.

The committee also discussed the future of Sandpoint's fire boat, which was purchased in 2006 for $35,000. Fire Chief Robert Tyler spoke about options for the boat and asked for a clear definition of what kind of service the department should offer.

Councilman Doug Hawkins Jr. inquired about entering into a financial agreement with surrounding cities that would also receive benefits from the boat.

Councilwoman Helen Newton stated that she did not believe the department needed the boat at this time, and Councilman Stephen Snedden said he was skeptical that the costs associated with training personnel and maintaining the boat are worth the level of service residents would receive.

The committee decided to put the item on the consent calendar for the next council meeting without a recommendation from the committee.