City determines help from ICAP unnecessary

SANDPOINT — For the second meeting in a row, Sandpoint’s city council chamber reached maximum capacity. An overflow of residents waited in the hallway adjacent to the room, some standing more than three hours, for a chance to speak during the public forum on issues regarding their First and Second Amendment freedoms outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

The majority of attendees were concerned about a letter from Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at the Georgetown University Law Center which offered legal counsel to the city. Mayor Shelby Rognstad said the offer was unsolicited and their help will not be accepted at this time. Rognstad addressed ICAP’s letter prior to opening the public forum.

ICAP was offering a third-party specialized service, free of charge, for the city of Sandpoint to explore possible actions related to private paramilitary activity in recent local events and protests. Rognstad had a phone conversation with ICAP, but ultimately decided to forgo additional recommendations made by the group.

“I did have a conversation with ICAP and I got some perspective on what they saw were our range of options to explore,” Rognstad said. “I educated myself as best I could through that. In consulting with our legal counsel, I determined that what we saw that happen (during city protests) didn’t rise to the level requiring legal enforcement.”

The council entered executive session late Wednesday to discuss the proposed litigation, however, Rognstad assured the public that there would be no need unless Idaho law is broken or federal law as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

“We are confident in the advice we receive and will not be pursuing additional outside assistance at this time,” he said.

An above average amount of emails have been received by Mayor Shelby Rognstad and the rest of city council over the past few weeks. People within city limits and surrounding communities have attended recent meetings to bring awareness to a related issue, divisiveness in Sandpoint, which Rognstad addressed in a letter released by Rognstad and city council members Wednesday afternoon.

This letter was also read prior to the public forum portion of the July 1 meeting to encourage respect and a celebration of differences between Sandpoint residents.

“A growing amount of divisiveness has gained a foothold in our community and this pains all of us to witness,” he said.

The letter asserted community values that denounce fear, prejudice, ignorance and hate.

“It is time for us to mend our rifts and come together with compassion and without judgment to acknowledge and celebrate our differences and find common ground,” Rognstad said.

Over 30 citizens spoke at the meeting, some standing to speak more than once. Many of the issues from the June 17 meeting resurfaced such as Sandpoint’s Black Lives Matter Movement and the Love Lives Here campaign.

With an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases, residents and council members spoke passionately about the potential for a mask mandate, which the city council resolved to not be required of attendees or residents in public spaces. City officials determined that citizens are personally accountable for health-related decisions, but will continue to encourage following CDC and Panhandle Health District regulations.

The city will not revert to phase three of reopening or close city council, however, seating has been reduced from 30 seats to 15.