Commissioners add Bayview town-hall discussion to agenda; commissioner to attend to hear residents, no board commitments made

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners voted on March 11 to add a Bayview town-hall discussion to the meeting agenda. Commissioner Leslie Duncan moved to add the item and a colleague seconded; the board recorded unanimous approval to add the discussion.

Duncan told the board the item arose after three Bayview residents met with her and requested that a commissioner attend a community meeting to answer residents’ questions about a process that had generated confusion. “I never would speak on behalf of the board unless the board agreed on something and said we want you to speak on behalf,” Duncan said. She said the goal is to hear from the community and provide information, not to make decisions on the spot.

Duncan said she hoped the board would facilitate efforts so Bayview residents and other boaters do not suffer, but she emphasized the board would not commit to actions beyond what it had already agreed to. She said county staff and commissioners remain open to working with other agencies to find solutions.

The motion to add the Bayview town-hall discussion was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote. No formal policy changes or commitments were recorded in the meeting minutes taken on March 11; the item was placed on the agenda so residents could comment and ask questions at a separate community meeting that evening.