[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6553079,"mediaKeyId","5076706-85b46d0a2d1cb2b63012f21982143892","parentId",5076706,"title","Rathdrum staff show speed‑study data supporting 25 mph residential limits; council to consider next steps","audioSeconds",390,"startMs",7179000,"endMs",7569000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5076706-85b46d0a2d1cb2b63012f21982143892&start=7179&end=7569","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5076706-85b46d0a2d1cb2b63012f21982143892/thumbnail_7179000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6553079/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Rathdrum-staff-show-speedstudy-data-supporting-25-mph-residential-limits-council-to-consider-next-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553079-43edb25baa635b8737be0d7daad3e4d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094771&Signature=j62HbHXBpNAdhDRyZhRLdpayDI9h0T9YHYJyBpGC-8qRFL7M5qKcZWIOlWK1Eup77F2OqTvcy0OfGdsKg0rbSrV6vOBJd4knIK2MIxBIqdrInBUOxEgM8V0ndkKgoXA96blcH6Ji264JpN7hczbML76uaKyntx5NmV7~1NmxIa3JYblk~4npuX-2VFEiOyv-oS3lJHHQlurKDKwntnVgdIzOYpXcIMCTBF8~1R3liuNOXKTXc2B23nayC02ecT8mnEHWv6lNWytTV8jQwbNvuw~yZ-xEqJHjPCLh9jsPgHLlvdAl7gV5N0S-RYta~Hg-Jyd5A5P9TggbLCTyb0BIvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rathdrum","date","2025-06-26T03:46:40Z","article","City staff presented results from a residential speed study intended to validate the city’s 25‑mph posting in neighborhoods and to identify any streets where posted limits may need adjustment or engineering countermeasures.

The study and findings
Staff said the city purchased two speed‑monitoring units in fall 2023 and collected multi‑day speed and volume data on seven single‑family residential neighborhoods. Engineering staff reported a combined 85th‑percentile speed of 24.9 mph across the sampled streets. City staff explained that the 85th‑percentile speed (also called the ‘‘85th’’) is the speed at or below which 85% of vehicles travel; it is a standard traffic‑engineering benchmark used nationwide for setting speed limits.

Why it matters: Idaho law sets statutory standards and minimums for posted speeds; cities that post lower limits must document engineering and traffic studies that justify deviations. Staff said the 85th‑percentile finding supports continuing the 25‑mph limit in residential areas.

Council discussion and enforcement
Council members asked whether high measured speeds on specific streets (for example, Bridal Avenue/Bakel Road) would compel an automatic raise in posted limits to match measured 85th speeds, or whether the city should instead pursue traffic‑calming measures (narrowing lanes, geometric changes, signage or other mitigations) to reduce speeds. Staff said the study itself does not mandate raising posted limits; it provides an engineering basis for either retaining current limits or making change after considering physical mitigation and community goals. The city also noted that some special‑condition zones (fronting schools, parks, downtown pedestrian areas) can be separately designated and posted lower speeds as allowed under code.

Next steps and public access
Staff will finalize the written report and post it with the meeting packet materials on the city website; they said they will share detailed data with the police department and incorporate council direction on whether to pursue engineering countermeasures or keep current postings. The report in the packet includes average and maximum observed speeds, neighborhood‑level 85th‑percentile calculations, and a map of tested segments.

Ending
Council members said they want staff to return with recommended actions for specific streets where measured speeds and conditions suggest a mitigation need. Staff reiterated that the city must follow Idaho statute and standard engineering practice when changing posted speeds and that enforcement rests with police and verified speed limits.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 18, 2025 - City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented results from a multi‑neighborhood speed study finding an 85th‑percentile combined speed of 24.9 mph on selected residential streets, which staff said supports posting 25 mph limits in residential neighborhoods. Council discussed enforcement, design responses and the next step of finalizing recommendations.","taxTitle","Rathdrum, Kootenai County, Idaho","taxId",55014,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553083,"Votes at a glance: Rathdrum council approves two rezonings, a conditional‑use permit and a materials‑testing contract; one item tabled",136,5469000,5605000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5076706-85b46d0a2d1cb2b63012f21982143892&start=5469&end=5605","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5076706-85b46d0a2d1cb2b63012f21982143892/thumbnail_5469000.jpg","/articles/6553083/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Votes-at-a-glance-Rathdrum-council-approves-two-rezonings-a-conditionaluse-permit-and-a-materialstesting-contract-one-item-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553083-d9054a870c2378330dcbed6c546ee82c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094771&Signature=I-t~XJ5OZ9ad4A8E69csejDhdoIKxE2abxRLaF8Dj5ZB~v4OWSGjxgL4IWGYXxLIXY36PPX~H3kYN3LDdi9dD4GOFVaG9KQT0dObrN~JBnTd07QEodbLmPAuRans16Ll7h~XERPHFfq2pEejHnwCwKCAvZSvt4JamwB14gIbTJSZgyra8Mb5TT07fw9s3wEa25Yven3-VmPs5Y4vN7qT2N4CcSf-DSr~kBy24f3DUPyLcNEIniffL4ZudXyeK3tb1npBbRGM8BhN5szRh9vj5bfDCkNUCVVjnmMn6ufkD0nZbC6~FM-~SVDypoEBkDTkF5brki7WslbbKwhsqbdm4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rathdrum City Council voted on multiple items after public comment and staff presentations.

Key outcomes
- Around The Lake (Main Street) rezone ordinance: Council placed the ordinance on first reading by title only, suspended the rules and waived second and third readings; the ordinance rezoned approximately 0.27 acres from medium‑density residential (R‑3) to general commercial (C‑1). The council approved the ordinance and authorized publication of a summary. Vote: unanimous in favor on recorded roll calls shown in the meeting.

- Calvary (Wrap Room) conditional use permit (CUP 2025): Staff reported the property falls in an industrial zone but with a comprehensive‑plan designation of medium‑density residential; the planning commission had held the required public hearing. Staff recommended approval with conditions (including a restriction that construction not commence until subdivision infrastructure is accepted). The council voted to approve the conditional use permit. Vote: motion passed on roll call.

- Professional services agreement — All West (materials testing): Council authorized the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with All West for construction materials testing for the City Hall campus project, with the approval conditioned on the city attorney’s review of the indemnification language in Section 8. The contract amount discussed was approximately $20,000 and would be paid from city funds. Vote: motion carried after council confirmed legal review condition.

- Professional services agreement — Inland Forest: Council tabled this item to allow staff more time to receive the applicant’s revised contract and for legal review. Motion to table passed.

Votes and formalities
Each action above was recorded by roll call in the meeting minutes; the council repeated motions for reading, adoption and summary publication for the Around The Lake ordinance and followed required steps for ordinance adoption (first reading by title, waiver of readings, adoption, and publication by summary).

Ending
Staff said recording, contract finalization and legal review steps remain for several items. Multiple agenda items remain subject to statutory appeal periods or administrative prerequisites (for example, subdivision infra‑ structure acceptance before CUP construction may begin).","At its meeting, the Rathdrum City Council approved an Around The Lake rezone ordinance, a conditional‑use permit for a Calvary facility, authorized a professional services materials‑testing agreement contingent on legal review, and tabled another professional‑services item.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553087,"Rathdrum council reconsiders and approves Hayden Homes rezoning after developer agrees to traffic, housing conditions",1452,2023000,3475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5076706-85b46d0a2d1cb2b63012f21982143892&start=2023&end=3475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5076706-85b46d0a2d1cb2b63012f21982143892/thumbnail_2023000.jpg","/articles/6553087/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Rathdrum-council-reconsiders-and-approves-Hayden-Homes-rezoning-after-developer-agrees-to-traffic-housing-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553087-65c74dcf814c136bcada1f18bf827c1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094771&Signature=HOc4xBbSRHAEIcJxI4vRIIgcrl47G8kokbKYSVJc6LIuAAzOtIGo9KAjPFgErDkCeJARF9HIPc13bbyQNVX88PBHQh2Ht5UfnqA41fBSpsYVHbCA-ldbx7ETu7UfsEbb0CO76bbmE~tZlC-pgJClZeGf8d~X6SZ8ZIngCqMk9~tqKurqRdSaRKsaOsFozi9eAxudK7iVd86duHrUwV64hUK9EGPOtKV7LrwwYFHz6LR01pbg4pmY-kiqwKtSQykGjyGjlUXq~rCz~GYF6GR9LFH2vOtbwWXXZ~bRQleKnqHmmW~Xa~CmPmiBmc2Z03XKJtbz9MPJHVevEEwnRJPiZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rathdrum City Council voted to approve a reconsideration and rezone request from Hayden Homes after the applicant agreed to a set of traffic mitigation and other conditions recorded in a development agreement.

The council took up the item after a councilor announced a recusal tied to a Facebook-page role that potentially raised ex parte concerns. City staff told the council the recusal did not remove the quorum and allowed the meeting to proceed. The applicant’s land use attorney, Michelle Fulghum, told council members the application was quasi-judicial and that due‑process protections limit decision‑makers to evidence in the public record. Fulghum said the applicant had addressed the specific action council previously required—“fix all of the items identified in the traffic impact study”—and had contractually committed to mitigation measures in a recorded development agreement.

Why it matters: opponents told the council the project would increase traffic and strain local services; the developer’s recorded commitments were the central basis for council members to reconsider and approve the rezoning request.

Council discussion and applicant commitments
Fulghum outlined the traffic-related items called for in the applicant’s traffic impact study and said the developer had agreed to implement or fund those measures in the development agreement. The commitments she cited included (as written into the development agreement): construction of turn lanes at the Lancaster Road and Railway Avenue intersection (east‑ and westbound two‑way left‑turn lane plus an eastbound right‑turn lane), turn‑lane improvements at the Meyer/Nagle intersection (left‑ and right‑turn lanes as specified), frontage improvements on Bokel and Meyer roads, extension of Nagle Road and Railway Avenue through the development, construction of the west-half roadway for the Hiawatha extension, and a contribution toward a Lancaster/Meyer roundabout (developer to contribute 10% of the roundabout construction cost up to a $150,000 maximum, payable before build‑out of the 100th home).

In addition to traffic items, the development agreement includes non‑statutory, voluntary commitments the applicant offered to satisfy council concerns: phasing terms tying development of residential and industrial areas (contractual triggers tying industrial buildout to residential certificates of occupancy), a density mix for the rezone (approximately one‑third small lots/one‑third medium/one‑third larger lots as proposed), and a requirement that 5% of total residential units be maintained as workforce housing in perpetuity with a preference for Lakeland School District teachers and staff. Fulghum said those provisions would run with the land if the development agreement was recorded.

Public comment and process questions
Members of the public raised objections during the public comment portion and before council discussion, citing traffic, school capacity, and broader growth concerns. Multiple speakers pressed the council for a town‑hall meeting and asked the council to consider a moratorium; staff and the mayor responded that land‑use testimony is limited to specific public hearing procedures under state code and that other avenues for public engagement (future hearings, comprehensive‑plan comment periods, community events) were available.

Recusal, quorum, and legal context
Council members discussed recusal and quorum rules at length. City staff cited Idaho statutes and earlier precedents to explain that a quorum remained and that recusal did not by itself void the council’s ability to act. Fulghum and city staff repeatedly referenced Idaho statutes applicable to quasi‑judicial land‑use proceedings and expert/ex parte communications; staff also presented a flowchart of the land‑use process so the public could see the remaining steps and potential for judicial review if council action were denied.

Council action and next steps
After deliberation, a motion to approve the reconsideration and to approve the rezoning as presented (including the development agreement commitments) passed on roll call. Council also directed that, as part of approval, the developer formally sign and record the presented development agreement to bind the voluntarily agreed conditions. Staff noted that denial could lead to judicial appeal and that the development agreement’s binding commitments would not exist if council denied the rezone.

Ending
The council recessed briefly after the vote. City staff said the decision remains subject to statutory appeal periods and potential judicial review; the recorded development agreement and its timing for required improvements (including phasing triggers tied to numbers of homes built) will determine when the traffic mitigations must be implemented.","After a lengthy, contested deliberation and a councilor’s recusal, the Rathdrum City Council approved a reconsideration and rezone request for the Hayden Homes area after the developer agreed in a recorded development agreement to a package of traffic mitigations, frontage improvements and workforce housing commitments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rathdrum staff show speed‑study data supporting 25 mph residential limits; council to consider next steps

Votes at a glance: Rathdrum council approves two rezonings, a conditional‑use permit and a materials‑testing contract; one item tabled

Rathdrum council reconsiders and approves Hayden Homes rezoning after developer agrees to traffic, housing conditions