Council to talk pump track, dog licensing
Photo by ERIC WELCH
SANDPOINT — Councilors will meet Wednesday to review a short consent calendar and examine two items of new business.
The Council will first vote whether to approve a grant application seeking state funds for an asphalt pump track at Travers Park. The project is part of Sandpoint’s initiative to expand recreation opportunities in the area, and if constructed, will serve bicyclists, skateboarders, and other wheeled sports enthusiasts.
If Sandpoint secures funding for the project, which is estimated to cost $350,000, construction will take place in the summer of 2025. In a report sent to councilors, Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker stated the project plans to make use of fill material unearthed during construction of the James E. Russell Sports Center.
Welker also said repurposing the existing material will reduce overall costs by about $100,000.
Additionally, councilors will vote whether to approve an ordinance that makes changes to Sandpoint’s dog licensing system.
The proposed ordinance would eliminate the city’s existing paid licensing program, which was described by Police Chief Corey Coon in a report to councilors as “ineffective.”
In the report, Coon shared the possibility of creating a new free licensing program aiming to increase participation and help connect lost dogs with owners more effectively.
The proposed ordinance is set to come before councilors less than two weeks ahead of the Oct. 1 expiration of Sandpoint’s stray dog care contract with Better Together Animal Alliance.
Both Sandpoint and Bonner County have recently examined their statutory responsibilities regarding stray dog intake. Neither has announced a new contract agreement; Coon told councilors at an Aug. 21 meeting that a request for proposal seeking bids for the service would be sent out Sept. 19.
The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1123 Lake St. Council meetings can be attended remotely on Zoom by visiting sandpointidaho.gov/your-government/meetings.