Sandpoint seeks board volunteers

SANDPOINT — With the recent loss of two city officials, Mayor Gretchen Hellar is seeking a pair of civic-minded residents to serve on two of Sandpoint’s most influential groups.

Michael Reitz, formerly of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Dick Hutter, formerly of the Planning Commission, both resigned their posts earlier this month. Replacements are needed to serve the remainder of their two-year terms.

Hellar is responsible for appointing new officials and said she will cast a wide net to find capable, knowledgeable residents who can add diversity to both groups.

“What I’m really trying to do with city committees is find a balance of rational people who come from different perspectives,” Hellar said.

While all committee and commission members have responsibilities within the city, it could be argued that none — save for City Council members — have as much say in the future of Sandpoint as members of the Planning Commission.

As a body, the seven-member commission assists in the implementation of zoning ordinances, developer agreements and conditional use permits, as well as playing a major role in reviewing, modifying and developing zoning ordinances to reflect the newly-passed comprehensive plan, according to Hellar.

With the loss of Hutter, who often played the role of devil’s advocate on the commission, Hellar needs to find a replacement with a deep knowledge of city history and a willingness to stand up against “group think,” according to Councilwoman Helen Newton.

“I think this is a critical appointment,” Newton said. “What we lost here is Dick Hutter, who held the institutional and community memory for the commission. Now that’s basically gone.”

Hellar said she will not necessarily look to replace Hutter with a like-minded commissioner, but said knowledge of the system — which Hutter had — is important for success.

Like the Planning Commission, members of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee review site plans, but unlike the commission, committee members judge projects on whether plans meet the needs of pedestrians.

The body also offers suggestions to the City Council on how to incorporate pedestrian needs into city projects and serves as a resource for city staff on pedestrian issues, according to Hellar.

The Planning Commission meets the first and third Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m., and the Pedestrian Advisory Committee meets the third Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. For more information on either position or to sign up for consideration, visit Sandpoint City Hall at 1123 Lake St.