Council mulls pay increase

SANDPOINT — Council members could be receiving a pay increase unless they revise a few numbers found in the preliminary budget adopted July 17.

According to the agenda for the Wednesday council meeting, members will be discussing whether or not to alter an ordinance raising the monthly council member stipend from $200 to $275 per month. According to City Clerk Maree Peck, the increase will cover the cost of insurance premiums, which some council members are currently paying out-of-pocket. The increase figures out to $900 a year for each of the six council members.  

Financial compensation for council members has not been raised beyond $200 per month since its initial adoption in 1999. If council members choose to adopt the salary increase, it will go into affect at the beginning of next year. In order to fit into the timeline for adopting a final budget, council members will have to make a decision by Aug. 22.

Council members will also decide whether or not to double down on their opposition to coal trains passing through Sandpoint. At the July 17 council meeting, members heard an update from clean air advocate Gary Payton, who traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this year for a conference to promote clean air and water policies. According to Payton, a city resolution passed in April of last year proved to be an effective tool while discussing the issue with Idaho congressmen.

Coal train companies are proposing to increase the number of uncovered coal shipments that pass through Sandpoint to export terminals in Oregon and Washington, according to Payton. In response, council members will consider renewing their opposition to coal trains at their next meeting. According to the resolution, this is to combat the environmental and health effects of coal dust on the lake and in residents. Furthermore, an increase in coal traffic threatens property values and brings no immediate economic benefit to Sandpoint, the resolution states.

In addition to those considerations, council members are set to examine a contract with Noble Excavating for the construction of a Sand Creek railroad transmission main, clarify the city’s position of using herbicide to treat invasive aquatic species and review restrictions for nonprofit events in Farmin Park. There will also be a public hearing on a request to vacate undeveloped right-of-way near Baldy Park Drive.