Sandpoint officials look to 2024

SANDPOINT — While citizens are crafting resolutions for the upcoming year, Sandpoint city officials are doing the same with hopes of reaching achievements in their personal lives and their roles in city government.

Sandpoint City Administrator Jenniffer Stapleton said she wants to strive to “continue listening to all views and opinions with respect and understanding in 2024.” While she recently announced her resignation from her position beginning in January, she still identified a goal for the city.

“I hope the cohesive teamwork between the council, mayor and staff continues,” she said. “It’s in the best interest of the citizens.”

Spending less time reading Facebook comments and more time in face-to-face conversations is on Councilor Jason Welker’s resolution list.

“[For Sandpoint], my resolution is to successfully see through the completion of the Travers Park improvements, including a skate park expansion, a new inclusive playground, and the James E. Russell indoor sports center,” Welker said. “[I've] also resolved to see the successful completion of the next phase of implementation of the Little Sand Creek Watershed Recreation Plan, which will see several miles of new biking and hiking trails developed on or near city property in the watershed in 2024.

Councilor Joel Aispuro wants to focus on working out this year. For the city, he is hoping for a “healthy transition of new council members and mayor.”

Future mayor Jeremy Grimm also hopes to achieve fitness-related goals this year, with a plan to work out three times a week. 

His resolution for the city of Sandpoint includes determining a clear vision for the city.

“I look forward to facilitating the review and adoption of the Draft 2024 Sandpoint Comprehensive Plan so that the City Council and I have a clear vision of the hopes and aspirations of our residents as we begin working on infrastructure projects, land use policy, and related efforts in the coming years,” Grimm said.