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Council reviews Cedar Street reconstruction, Great Northern stormwater work and Boyer sidewalks in CIP
Summary
Public works presented the FY26 capital improvement projects including Cedar Street reconstruction, stormwater improvements in the Great Northern corridor, several Boyer Avenue sidewalk infill projects (including a TAP grant) and requests for street equipment replacements.
Public works staff told the Sandpoint City Council the proposed FY26 capital improvement program (CIP) prioritizes street and stormwater work in areas that have recurring flooding, pedestrian gaps on Boyer Avenue and replacement of aging street equipment.
Holly Ellis (Public Works Director) outlined the Cedar Street Reconstruction Project, proposed from Division Street to Lincoln, which would include new pavement, curb and gutter, a drainage/stormwater system, street trees and pedestrian facilities. The project has an estimated budget of $2.5 million and would draw from multiple funds (general fund, resort city tax, local option, wastewater and water funds). Engineering is underway; construction is scheduled in FY26 pending funding and timing.
Staff described a scaled-back approach to the larger Great Northern corridor reconstruction: FY26 priorities focus on stormwater work to resolve areas that stay inundated most of the year. Ellis said that parts of the corridor outside the available funding would be deferred. She noted previous grant design work and the city's goal of leveraging existing design to pay for key stormwater elements that would both reduce flooding and support economic development.
Sidewalk and pedestrian work on Boyer Avenue is proposed in two projects: a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for the east side gaps (about $500,000 in grant funds) and a SURA-funded project for west-side sidewalk between Baldy Mountain Road and the railroad tracks (with the stated aim of better connecting to nearby destinations). Staff said in-lieu sidewalk fees would continue to address smaller ADA gap projects across the city.
Street operations requested replacement heavy equipment in FY26: a new end loader, a grader (the existing graders date from 1990) and a 6-yard dump truck (the truck targeted for replacement is from 1989). Staff said the equipment program aims for multi-use items (for snow, brining and summer hauling) and that they will seek used options where feasible but budgeted conservatively for new equipment.
Councilors pressed staff on timing, funding sources (including whether a future stormwater utility might be a reasonable funding mechanism), and connectivity of sidewalk segments. Staff said some SURA funds can be used in the northern district but that full corridor work will require additional funding sources.
What's next: staff will return with more detailed costs and mapping for the Cedar and Great Northern elements and continue work on sidewalk design and equipment procurement planning.
