Hayden City Council declares traditional family values month and approves sewer master plan updates

The Hayden City Council meeting on June 10, 2025, focused on several key issues, including a proclamation for Traditional Family Values Month and updates to the city's sewer master plan.

One of the most significant discussions centered around the proclamation aimed at highlighting the importance of family structures in the community. A speaker emphasized the decline of nuclear families in America, noting that the percentage has dropped from 77.5% in 2019 to 17.8% today. The speaker pointed out the correlation between family structure and social issues, citing that 63% of youth suicides and 85% of youth in prisons come from fatherless homes. The proclamation seeks to celebrate various family roles, including mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings, and aims to inspire local schools, churches, and businesses to promote unity and civility. The speaker invited council members to participate in related festivities at McEwen Park, reinforcing the message that Hayden values strong family connections.

In addition to the proclamation, the council addressed updates to the city's sewer master plan. The council approved a technical memo from JUB Engineers that provides more accurate data on sewer flow capacities. The memo revealed that there are approximately 191 available connections in a specific line before reaching critical capacity, allowing the city time to address necessary infrastructure improvements. This update is crucial for managing future developments in the area.

The council also approved a resolution to amend Hayden's area of impact, which will help clarify the city's planning boundaries with Kootenai County. This resolution is part of ongoing efforts to ensure effective land use and development coordination.

Lastly, the council discussed the acceptance of a public art donation from local businesses. The proposed artwork, created by renowned artist Terry Lee, has received community support, including material and labor donations from local construction companies. The council is expected to finalize the approval of this donation in future meetings.

Overall, the meeting underscored Hayden's commitment to family values, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement through public art initiatives.