Marina project seeks additional time
SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are slated to hear a request to extend the amount of time a developer has to complete a proposed marina development near Trestle Creek at its Tuesday meeting.
Valiant Idaho, LLC/Valiant Idaho II, LLC is asking the county to extend the amount of time it has to complete the project by four years, saying the additional time is needed due to third-party objections to portions of the project. Those objections have hampered efforts to secure the state and federal permits needed due to the presence of bull trout in the area. The fish are listed as threatened by U.S. Fish & Wildlife with many citing Trestle Creek as a key habitat for bull trout.
Developers are seeking the extension to complete the development which would be located at the north fork of Trestle Creek. Approved by the county in January 2021, the project would add single-family dwellings, boat storage and services and a community dock and marina.
The planned unit development is conditionally approved to be constructed on 24.4 acres at the north fork of Trestle Creek.
According to a background statement published by the Idaho Department of Lands at a recent hearing, Valiant Idaho, LLC/Valiant Idaho II, LLC aims to build an 88-boat commercial marina in the area, install a breakwater, dredge on the lake, implement erosion control infrastructure, and reroute a section of Trestle Creek.
Valiant Idaho, LLC/Valiant Idaho II, LLC is closely affiliated with The Idaho Club and proposed a similar development in the area last year. Attempts to develop a marina in the area can be traced back decades.
The project is in the midst of its third permitting process by state and federal agencies.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale is seeking approval of a batch claim request of just over $1.15 million. Batch claims are a process where multiple, related claims are submitted together as a single group to improve efficiency and reduce administrative overhead.
Rosedale is also scheduled to bring renewal of an Elections copier lease at a cost of $164 per month and a per page cost for copies.
Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler will ask the board for approval of a contract with LeadsOnline for a new investigative service. The cost of the service, which provides investigative data to law enforcement, is $6,702 for the first year, $6,903 for the second year and $7,110 for the third year. Funds would be taken from the department's "B" budget account; there are enough funds in the account to pay for the service.
Wheeler is also seeking approval to spend $8,590 to purchase dog kennel materials and cover the labor costs to install the kennels. Enough funds exist in the department's budget to cover the request. The Bonner County sheriff also is seeking approval to purchase $16,985.76 in bullets, with the cost divided between the sheriff's office, Bonner County Jail and Marine Division.
In addition, the BCSO is seeking approval to hire Lippert Excavation & Pipeline for snow removal at the department's N. Boyer Road complex.
Solid Waste is seeking approval to purchase a sander to use at solid waste collection sites. The equipment is expected to cost $6,744. The department is also seeking approval to accept a bid of $60 per ton for wood grinding and transportation of wood waste from Cannon Hills. The bid would include the Colburn, Idaho Hill and Dickensheet collection sites.
In addition, Solid Waste is seeking approval to carry over $1,966,078.52 in unspent funds from the Colburn transfer station construction project from the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year. The funds would be used to continue the ongoing project, Solid Waste officials said.
Human Resources is seeking approval to update the county's compensation policy and the Facilities Department is seeking approval to renew a $4,600 maintenance contract for HVAC systems in the county.
Approval for continued operation and maintenance of six navigation lights near the Albeni Falls Dam is sought. The renewal of the license, if approved, would be for five years.
Also on the agenda are items on internal budget controls, a presentation by Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong on the joint power agreement, an update by Bonner County EMS Chief Jeff Lindsey on the department's status, weekly reports by county commissioners and several executive sessions, two on personnel issues and another on potential litigation.