Rathroom residents demand town hall meeting amid land use concerns

Rathdrum City Council faced significant public outcry during its latest meeting on June 18, 2025, as residents expressed frustration over land use decisions and the lack of community engagement. The meeting highlighted concerns about the council's transparency and responsiveness to citizen input.

One of the key issues raised was the council's handling of a land use item related to a zone and map amendment. Residents, including Randy Sales, voiced their dissatisfaction with the council's refusal to allow public comments on the recusal of council member John Hodgkin, which they felt was directly tied to the land use discussions. Sales emphasized the importance of community voices in the decision-making process, stating that citizens felt "shackled" and unable to express their concerns.

Rick Pine, another resident, reiterated calls for a town hall meeting, which had been requested multiple times over the past few months. Pine's plea for a scheduled date was met with assurances from council members that they intended to hold such a meeting, although no specific timeline was provided. This lack of clarity left many residents feeling unheard and frustrated.

Harold Fabian raised concerns about the impact of ongoing development on local infrastructure, questioning whether the council had considered the strain on the already overcrowded post office and schools. His comments underscored a broader sentiment among residents who worry about the rapid growth in Rathdrum and its implications for community resources.

Don Wilhelm, a long-time resident, expressed his discontent with the increasing development, stating that many in the community do not want further housing projects. He challenged the council's authority, suggesting that if state mandates were driving these decisions, the council's role was diminished.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from residents: they seek more engagement and transparency from their elected officials. As the council moves forward, the call for a town hall meeting and a more open dialogue with the community will be critical in addressing these concerns and fostering trust between the council and Rathdrum residents.