Council approves surplus property declaration; one councilor objects to lifeguard chair disposal

The Sandpoint City Council approved a resolution declaring a list of city property surplus and authorizing disposal according to city policy and state code.

The resolution (consent‑item follow‑up) listed multiple disposal options including public auction, city‑conducted auction, competitive written bid and electronic auction; it also authorized donations to nonprofit partners for items of nominal value, recycling or scrapping when appropriate. The staff memo identified items including bicycles (proposed donation to Lions Club/POP for refurbishment and holiday distribution) and other low‑value equipment.

Council discussion asked how the disposal method is chosen. Staff explained decisions are administrative and follow state law and city policy; for items with nominal value or local nonprofit benefit—such as refurbishing bikes for donation—the administration may choose donation over auction to avoid disproportionate staff time and to support community partners.

Councilor Pam Duquette removed the item from consent for discussion and stated she opposed disposing of lifeguard chairs; when council voted on the resolution, the roll call was: Joe Espiro yes; Rick Howarth yes; Pam Duquette no (opposed because of lifeguard chairs); Kyle Schreiber yes; Deb Rule yes. The motion passed and the resolution was approved.

Clarifying details: donations of low‑value bicycles were proposed to the Lions Club working with POP to repair and redistribute bikes; higher‑value city vehicles and equipment will follow state and city disposal procedures; recycling scrapped metal has historically gone to Pacific Steel (staff practice).