[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6519657,"mediaKeyId","5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e","parentId",5348208,"title","Council authorizes forest‑survey contract for Rathdrum Mountain and approves surplus firearm for retiring chief","audioSeconds",1325,"startMs",11070000,"endMs",12395000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e&start=11070&end=12395","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e/thumbnail_11070000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6519657/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Council-authorizes-forestsurvey-contract-for-Rathdrum-Mountain-and-approves-surplus-firearm-for-retiring-chief","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519657-02711ead9ac9ef8c33db7ae2436ad0d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146950&Signature=mLUspBqLpFLeFBWdl5xKaJFHhxJ2Ypw4iADd9EBhABioZzWUsfwLsRKIsIY~x7Bi3PmUMPVemojH56QcF8NNQYY81EFXp3-ZpnkFU80S~NoINVZsuVP54HIIyCYzuUj8-xRK4oufxlW2eKdbEAPuD9THaxkBdmdneWo~wAEQMThh0WtZ~j3eTrt7moS9x~inC8ZGhsJPg0blL4G39ykLxTRYNk2fziVwhbTvdSBTRyp3qfQ9MKhAv8FSEvsYe~c-nHvEkzLcDoJMSf6e7yZABb50tiUehcDoRHcebW9DOD4pYGibPhhsV-u2YokJRB6W5lZsvxTqmeycq4ccgXASSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rathdrum","date","2025-07-10T06:00:03.167Z","article","Rathdrum City Council on July 9 authorized the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Inland Forest Management to perform forestland surveying and consultant services related to potential selective timber harvests on several city parcels of Rathdrum Mountain. Staff described the work as a pre‑harvest assessment to estimate volumes and species and to support any future harvest bidding and marketing. The agreement places a not‑to‑exceed limit of $10,000 on initial surveying and consultant work if the city elects not to proceed with a harvest.

Council discussed the scope: the survey will produce board‑foot estimates and help identify sawlog, pulp and cedar pole potential; staff said the contract does not obligate the city to harvest and that further approvals and reforestation commitments would be required if harvesting proceeds. Council asked whether the contract could be expanded later to include timber on other city properties, and staff said that would be possible through an amendment or separate negotiated task order.

Separately, the council adopted a resolution to surplus a firearm to retiring Chief McClain; the resolution passed on roll call.

Staff indicated next steps: Inland Forest Management will perform surveys and return estimated volumes; city staff will then evaluate whether to proceed to harvest procurement and required environmental and reforestation steps. The council approved the professional services agreement and the surplus resolution in separate votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 9, 2025 - City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council authorized a professional services agreement with Inland Forest Management to survey potential timber harvest quantities on Rathdrum Mountain (not to exceed $10,000 in preliminary survey fees) and adopted a resolution to surplus a firearm for retiring Chief McClain.","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},6519662,"Council outlines final‑round process for hiring new police chief; staff to hold public and staff open houses",789,11533000,12322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e&start=11533&end=12322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e/thumbnail_11533000.jpg","/articles/6519662/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Council-outlines-finalround-process-for-hiring-new-police-chief-staff-to-hold-public-and-staff-open-houses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519662-bfb915ff54e1cba3df255e93852ab1b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146950&Signature=heZj2DLh73NEcXb1pJDo5Zj-D4gCxKUW8z-~Wysrx90i924jeEyEXX-fl-DPHsbJlncqT8yKkGOdeWp5blqNUkInrBLlCgOvwx2F14P2kCgTgsMdDE5ggdjbb5WN-9yHYrMYMebNAcrttfhfFG4xHmXchAOfzdoUfmCpeee0wg-9xcHaLSfikP-dhrE2J1tqYhcs6x~1oPGS6UywWlhvoYQaeQlZk3xp7BQNmQpzTMgiAXlYRAfcbD6sxGY9N-ilZ-l2xkC-3FEd3bsn5HUzTC~sIoOkHXGPJtMG9mHtRrW9dIjHGQfxXi~Yo6j0OclhY-ox7TQugmm1ADTB8DGIeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rathdrum staff updated council on the new police chief hiring process on July 9. The city received 11 applications and conducted six first‑round interviews; a subset of four candidates advanced to second‑round interviews.

Staff described the next steps: a staff‑only open house so department employees can meet finalists, a public open house to gather community input, and then background checks and testing for finalists. Staff said the sheriff’s office had offered to perform background checks free of charge but that the sheriff estimated 30–45 days to complete a candidate background check; a private third‑party check is an alternative but would cost money. The process also includes polygraph testing and a psychological review before an appointment is finalized. The mayor will make a conditional appointment, and the council will be asked to confirm the mayor’s selection.

Council asked for one councilmember to represent the council on the final interview panel; the mayor said the council will place a nomination/selection of a council representative on a future meeting agenda to avoid open‑meeting‑law risks. City attorney Emily advised that more than one councilmember on an interview panel could trigger open‑meeting‑law requirements, because two or more councilmembers deliberating about a decision is considered a public meeting under Idaho law.

Staff asked for guidance on how many finalists should proceed to background checks; council favored running checks on top candidates only to limit time and expense. Staff reiterated that the department wants a transparent process and that the mayor will be involved in each step.","Council and staff described a multi‑step hiring process for a new police chief: initial panel interviews, second‑round interviews, staff and public open houses, background checks (30–45 days if done by sheriff), polygraph and psychological testing, then mayoral appointment subject to council confirmation.",{"_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},6519667,"Council reviews draft comp‑plan/code updates aimed at slowing growth and raising standards",1614,12570000,14184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e&start=12570&end=14184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e/thumbnail_12570000.jpg","/articles/6519667/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Council-reviews-draft-compplancode-updates-aimed-at-slowing-growth-and-raising-standards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519667-1d0e73c3c7362644264563aa096471e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146950&Signature=Bb6Lvcc7zszbcw4U9Eovjcz2bRR9Y6aYsvC~g~6jaYY7jO7Cfp3ZeIIWnh446arVASGzbZZ8cT16fiGtPGhN2LgFpjVF9wzqQ~fku87K3Q1HAYU0FlA4zhGz8F0RWEomZvVV~hxUsZsbv8ozD7So0xGF0noL5rwDmCf8bLPv2mPD~iQAw3O4ydk~gJu~96RP4GxHjtDtCo13D4T1cg-2neWf39uCBgKaKpGd5RLDSppiRmlB1iE9hi0HPJliRoQD6Cs7wAOrFXuZcswPyrnZc14nv0i8MLuvIF3zd4Bt0cWIYyr1Lb~CHnrSM1fMWeDNuCm~FF0egCEDca2lyr62GA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rathdrum staff presented a draft package of comprehensive plan updates and zoning/code changes on July 9 intended to address citizen concerns about the city’s pace of growth and to tighten objective, measurable standards for annexations and zoning. The presentation drew sustained exchange between council, staff and members of the public.

Key proposals in the draft update include aligning the city’s future land‑use map with its adopted area of impact, phasing out the older R‑2D and the previous multifamily‑permitting R‑3 designation (moving multifamily into a clearly labeled R‑3M district), adding minimum greenspace requirements for subdivisions, and adding explicit annexation criteria tied to existing master plans (water, sewer, transportation) rather than only to staff discretion.

Staff said the changes were intended to reduce surprise rezonings and to create clearer expectations for applicants and neighbors. James (planning staff) told council he will refine objective measures used to evaluate whether a proposal \"generally comports\" with the comprehensive plan; councilmembers asked staff to propose scoring or checklist approaches (e.g., percent of applicable plan policies met) rather than open‑ended wording.

The draft also includes a proposed cap on single‑application annexation sizes (a discussion draft suggested a limit such as 40 acres for residential and 80 acres for commercial/industrial — values shown to council for discussion) to help phase growth and reduce large, simultaneous buildouts. Council and staff discussed exemptions, how to treat undevelopable parcels and whether the future land‑use map should be allowed to extend beyond the area of impact for long‑range planning.

Members of the public praised tighter protections in some respects and pushed for additional clarity elsewhere. Several residents urged the council to require annexation applicants to supply measurable evidence of impact on emergency response times and school capacity; staff said they would consult with fire and school districts and consider a documented, objective metric (for example, established response‑time thresholds) that would appear in the annexation code. Several speakers also asked that staff expand community engagement, public surveys and town halls before adoption.

Staff planned follow‑up work and indicated the public hearing on the code update would go to Planning & Zoning next week; council requested additional drafts with clearer, testable standards and asked to continue comp‑plan discussion at a subsequent meeting.","Council heard staff and public feedback on a multi‑month comp‑plan and zoning code update that proposes to align the future land‑use map with the city area of impact, phase out certain small‑lot zones (R‑2D, R‑3 as previously defined), require additional green space and tie annexation requests more closely to master plans and measurable criteria.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6519671,"Council adopts Hayden Homes 'Aerostat' zoning map amendment; ordinance published by summary",1561,12199000,13760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e&start=12199&end=13760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e/thumbnail_12199000.jpg","/articles/6519671/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Council-adopts-Hayden-Homes-Aerostat-zoning-map-amendment-ordinance-published-by-summary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519671-fd39379cdf8dda78cf577b04e59d2e72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146950&Signature=bUWpr~xdri64sqo9cASn2NsOPZpOdnvWtf2bfJcGRXKNThpUrTso9rcnO5EfzrNkszybV1DV6yDDEDnl~dLskAEYkNG0wU9RRCRZWr0q4uHG4BG9Q1pNXKj1K6ge-kFs5DPsX7~pQhS5nq6iFyOG8cv9oVh6ucJMLqmwF5wlKh9~Zgva6S4ARS2JaDKKjsRx~WLfKr1djzJURfOt34kFs5ox54KKEjF0voeVxgvZqGp2UL9g-Y8Tez-eSpOAdLV~1mCokc~g~hsW~1NAIbQCFtFxF5hQVYSWLB-cYrr2mu3p~tL~uRc6JwAAE3dE3xT1wCLgpRPBOq3MH~20mmBBvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rathdrum City Council adopted an ordinance on July 9 to rezone roughly 124 acres associated with the Hayden Homes “Aerostat” project from industrial to Mixed Residential (MR), as recorded in the official zoning map. The council approved putting the ordinance on first reading by title, suspended the rules to waive second and third readings, and authorized publication of the ordinance by summary.

The ordinance, as presented to council, incorporates conditions the applicant voluntarily agreed to during earlier hearings and references a development agreement the applicant will enter as a condition of the rezone. City staff confirmed the ordinance text reflects those conditions and stated that the development agreement requirement is captured by the ordinance language.

The motion to place the ordinance on first reading and waive further readings passed on a roll call vote. Council then moved and approved publication of the ordinance summary. Councilmembers discussed the usual mayoral sign/override procedures; the city attorney and clerk confirmed the mayor may veto but an override would require a full‑council vote in a later meeting if a veto were used.

Provenance: Discussion and motions for this item appear in the transcript under agenda item 8.b (zoning ordinance) beginning at 02:53:19 and concluding with the council votes at 03:07:05.","Rathdrum council approved the Hayden Homes Aerostat zoning map amendment (industrial to mixed residential MR) and adopted the ordinance on first reading by title, waiving subsequent readings and directing publication by summary. The ordinance includes applicant‑agreed conditions and references a development agreement requirement.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6519677,"Rathdrum council denies Bagel Ranch annexation after hours of public comment",8812,1055000,9867000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e&start=1055&end=9867","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348208-9f3de87ee7c34fa5705cc22b236ef27e/thumbnail_1055000.jpg","/articles/6519677/Rathdrum/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Rathdrum-council-denies-Bagel-Ranch-annexation-after-hours-of-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519677-3f03da0255c3980fefe078ddb7dbe3b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146950&Signature=BYabgPYlO2sRN~kGPvm8z7gAugJlzkmaUBqbSfbvCY3bqkTG5GJG56NTYpZ39lBOMHrZnkUTIjFVdDgIbAyJllWwb086sUVOuSXgCR8Yu967q6j69GYUKHCeZfsYL3awF5UX04vYGQbPe6l1N07RW79WQROXGfmZ6O2qalzhB6tfW6qsjwJhiQlyYiT-lEw-N-FWC4RATnnQU4kobIPWeV2G5eEbVvtKLVLgEa0XNc5kNp~fLZvsGGT5eXzqZF1nopu6uw4k~Xe4HWnkg3mAHZPWvGe1I-zT0jtZBsFdmtuO46YacF2wE0ymTUSuASelPFWV5PFzYHWRPF-o9MwI8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rathdrum City Council on July 9 denied the Bagel Ranch 2025 annexation request, a proposal by landowners to bring roughly 30 acres of county land into city limits and to establish R‑3 (medium density) zoning. Councilmember John moved to deny the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation for approval; the motion passed following deliberation and public testimony.

The proposal, described by the applicant’s engineer as an annexation of two existing parcels totalling about 30 acres, would have carried an R‑3 future‑land‑use designation with a voluntary restriction to single‑family development. Planning staff presented the application and relevant code criteria, and applicant representatives from Tri State Consulting Engineers — including engineer Steve Circle — and attorney Greg Embry answered council questions about services, right‑of‑way dedications and the voluntary restriction on multifamily construction.

The hearing drew wide public interest: more than 20 members of the public spoke. Supporters including Justin Sherpini and Maggie Lyons (executive director, Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance) urged council to approve annexation as a step toward more attainable, workforce housing in Rathdrum. Sherpini said, “I see this project as someone who’s rented before, someone who actually wants to own a house,” and Lyons argued the project could help local workers who are being priced out of homeownership.

Opponents cited traffic, water capacity, school district impacts and the speed of growth. Laura Fuller referenced out‑of‑state court precedent and urged caution; several residents and longtime locals said the city’s infrastructure and emergency services were already strained. Resident Bridgette Masterpolo told the council she moved to Rathdrum to avoid overdevelopment and said, “Adding more homes without solid safety infrastructure is not progress. It’s a risk.”

Council discussion focused on the city’s annexation criteria in code and on the comprehensive plan. Councilmembers asked staff whether the proposal met objective, demonstrable thresholds for public benefit and utility capacity rather than only aspirational language. Councilmember John said the application lacked a clear, measurable public benefit and moved to deny, citing Rathdrum City Code 155.63 criteria related to where and when growth should be allowed.

Outcome and next steps: The council’s motion to deny was seconded and passed. Council and staff noted that applicants may return with revised proposals (for example, map amendments or smaller phased annexations) or could pursue future land‑use map amendments, but any new submittal would need to address the council’s concerns about measurable public benefits, infrastructure capacity and impacts on emergency services and schools.

Provenance: Transcript public hearing for Bagel Ranch annexation began at 00:17:35 (planning presentation by James) and public testimony extended through the council’s motion and vote at 02:42:27. Specific evidence excerpts include the planning summary by James and the mover’s motion recorded in the transcript.","After a three-hour public hearing with several dozen speakers and extensive council questioning, Rathdrum City Council voted to deny the Bagel Ranch 2025 annexation and associated R‑3 zoning request, citing insufficient, measurable public‑benefit findings and concerns about infrastructure and pace of growth.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council authorizes forest‑survey contract for Rathdrum Mountain and approves surplus firearm for retiring chief

Council outlines final‑round process for hiring new police chief; staff to hold public and staff open houses

Council reviews draft comp‑plan/code updates aimed at slowing growth and raising standards

Council adopts Hayden Homes 'Aerostat' zoning map amendment; ordinance published by summary

Rathdrum council denies Bagel Ranch annexation after hours of public comment