In a recent government meeting, significant updates were shared regarding local governance and a recent incident at the Vista Dam.

The meeting commenced with the confirmation of Chris Schreiber's appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission, following a vacancy. The council unanimously approved the motion, signaling a commitment to maintaining effective local governance.

Additionally, the council accepted the resignation of Councilor Kenny Shove, who has relocated outside the area. This resignation has led to a declaration of vacancy for council seat number six.

A major focus of the meeting was an update from Todd Kisby, the regional business manager for Avista, concerning a crane accident that occurred during rehabilitation work at the Vista Dam. The incident took place when a crane operator lost control of a steel structure, resulting in the crane flipping over. Fortunately, no immediate threat to the dam's operation was identified, and no water was released.

Kisby detailed the ongoing multi-year project aimed at rehabilitating the dam's spillway and replacing outdated generation equipment. Following the incident, Avista activated its emergency action plan, which included notifying relevant stakeholders and conducting thorough inspections. The dam was deemed safe, and repairs to the damaged gate mechanism are scheduled to be completed before the next spill season.

The park near the dam has been temporarily closed for safety reasons during the crane removal process, but it is expected to reopen to the public shortly. Avista has been coordinating with over 25 federal, state, and local agencies to ensure a comprehensive response to the incident, with no regulatory findings indicating unsafe conditions.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the timely response from the Post Falls Police Department, highlighting the collaborative efforts in managing the situation effectively.