Clark Fork mulls development plan
CLARK FORK — Proving the old adage that the devil is in the details, Clark Fork officials listened to Elk Meadow Ranch Development’s project manager describe requests to bring a final plat to council and received advice from their city attorney at this week’s meeting.
Mike Curry, who works for The Coeur d’Alene Group, a firm specializing in developments, land use and project management representing developer Paul Trunnell, told the council that although it was typically common, a development agreement wasn’t put together on this project and that perhaps it would be a good idea for one to be drafted.
City attorney, Jerry Mason agreed.
“We want to make sure nothing runs afoul of our requirements,”Mason said. “We’re going to do our best to do things as expeditiously as possible.”
The 15-cabin development on 7.5 acres at east end of town already has received a preliminary plat agreement. Two of several critical issues that were revealed at last month’s meeting were up for discussion. The first is whether or not the developer can put two models on foundations to use as a marketing tool.
“My client would like to have these model homes.” Curry said, “There are five buildable lots and we’re asking for two of them to have model homes.”
Mason advised the council to allow the cabins, with the stipulation that they are neither to be inhabited nor to be made habitable, but not until approval of the development agreement has been reached.
The other topic was about water hookup fees based on the fact that there are currently users of the city’s water system on the property. Again, Mason said that this matter could be addressed in the agreement.
As for subjects brought up in December, the council maintained that the road leading into the development would be a private road, and would not be maintained by the city. The developers will be responsible to allow the city access to water meters. The bonding proposal of 150 percent of the project was at the discretion of the developer according to the city’s attorney.
The council will consider the agreement at their Feb. 14 regular meeting that is held at 7 p.m. at City Hall in Clark Fork.
On that same evening at 6:30 p.m. there will be a public hearing regarding a grant request for facility improvements to the senior center. Nancy Mabile, a grant writer for Panhandle Area Council addressed the January council meeting to explain that grants are given to cities that will pass through funds to the center.
There are about $500,000 available Housing and Urban Development which means the organization is subject to both federal and state regulations, Mabile said. She’s applying for $150,000 for Clark Fork.
Mabile explained to council that the improvements that the senior center has already completed will qualify to offset any requirements for matching funds, so if the grant is allocated there will be no further output of cash.
Also in council business, without any input from the public regarding a request for a variance by Pend Oreille Valley Network to install a 95-foot tower on city property was approved unanimously. The city will receive $1,100 per month plus options to put repeaters on the tower. POVN will be responsible for landscaping the property adjacent to the tower.