New officials take on city government

SANDPOINT — City officials have formally passed the torch to new Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm and Council Members Pam Duquette and Kyle Schreiber.

Prior to the swearing in ceremonies at Wednesday’s council meeting, city staff presented gifts to Mayor Shelby Rognstad and Council President Kate McAlister. 

Each gave speeches reflecting on their experiences in city government. 

“I am very proud of what we have done collectively,” Rognstad said, referencing efforts from city staff, the city council and engaged community members. 

He described the honor he feels toward the council members he has worked with during his eight years as mayor, recognizing their dedication, hardwork and commitment. 

“I have the utmost respect for people who take on this very difficult job of sitting up here and taking a lot of arrows,” he said. “I know that you are up here for the right reasons — because you care about this community very, very deeply. I’ve never sat up here with somebody on this dais that doesn’t care about this community.”

He recognized the growth the administration made together and the difficult decisions they faced. 

McAlister emphasized challenges that the immersive learning experience that accompanies a councilor’s role brings. She urged the audience and incoming councilors to be alert. 

“It is your community,” she said. “For those of us who are in our 60s or older, we are living our future. This is our future now. But for those of you who are younger, my fellow council members, the future belongs to you and you need to pay attention, and you need to be involved and you need to ask questions.”

She also expressed great admiration and gratitude toward those she has worked with.

Once new officials were sworn in, they also shared their thoughts on the occasion. 

In addition to offering thanks to the community, Duquette, referencing the organization of the agenda, noted that she felt disrespected. 

“A lot of things happened that did not make me feel respected, and I earned this spot,” she said. “The community has chosen me to let me help them … I am an equal and I expect to be treated like an equal.”

Duquette’s comments referenced the agenda’s original order, which placed old business items ahead of the new administration taking on the dais. However, at the start of the meeting, Councilor Jason Welker moved to rearrange that so new officials would be sworn in and be able to vote for the majority of the meeting, and the council agreed. 

Schreiber thanked community members for their support, and acknowledged the work and contributions by outgoing officials. He also referenced his passion for debate, and his desire to extend an olive branch to anyone his past comments have affected. 

“There is a quote from former councilor Andy Groat that I have never forgotten and it’s that ‘conversation is always better than an angry letter,’” he said. “And I look forward to being able to have conversations with the council and city staff,” he said. 

Grimm began his speech by looking across the audience and making an observation, saying he saw something special.

“I see believers of all types — Christians, atheists and others sitting side by side,” he said. “I see sportsmen and women, passionate environmentalists, meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. I see people who love the outdoors — mountain bikers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, skiers, snowboarders, entrepreneurs, artists. I see writers, mentors, teachers, coaches, students. Some I see are entering the final chapters of their life and others are just beginning their journeys. We are so blessed. We truly have more that binds us — and what binds us is a love of this place, Sandpoint, Idaho, and the people that call it home.”

Grimm thanked city staff, saying he appreciated their past and present contributions. He said he looks forward to working with them and the council to create positive solutions for the city through collaboration and discussion. He told the room that he would be upholding the promises he founded his campaign on. Lastly, he thanked his family for believing in and supporting him.

“There will be many late nights and empty seats at the dinner table,” he said. “But beyond playing a secondary role in raising you, this is some of the most important work of my life. Now let’s do this.”

Since the new agenda order was unanticipated by new council members, further changes were made. The council voted to table the creation of a James E. Russell Sports Center Endowment Fund at the suggestion of Councilor Justin Dick. This postponement offered more time for new councilors to examine the issue.

However, other items were not tabled due to time sensitivity, including actions concerning Travers Park and moorage policy.

The agenda also included an appointment of council president; at which time Councilor Joel Aispuro nominated Welker for the position. The council also selected Kyle Schreiber to represent them on the Selkirk Fire Joint Powers Association. In his absence, Welker would attend JPA meetings, as determined by the council.

    The Jan. 3 council meeting marked the last meeting for former Sandpoint mayor Shelby Rognstad and former Council President Kate McAlister.
  

    Councilor Kyle Schreiber is sworn in by former Sandpoint mayor Shelby Rognstad.

    Councilor Pam Duquette after being sworn in for her first council meeting.