Sandpoint council rejects Avril Hospitality lease/sale, orders public workshop on City Beach

Mayor Jeremy Grama presided over a packed meeting Tuesday in Sandpoint where Avril Hospitality representatives proposed partnering with the city to fund and build infrastructure at City Beach — including parking, boat‑trailer storage and public restrooms — in exchange for access to the city’s adjacent RV lot.

The proposal, presented by Avril’s owners’ representative Ben McGran and Brian Amarillo, emphasized public benefits — “we’re trying to help create and fill that gap” — and said the company did not seek to buy the park but instead sought a public–private partnership that could provide capital for restrooms, circulation improvements and other amenities. City staff and several councilors pressed Avril for detail on financing, binding commitments and why earlier letters from the company raised concern among residents.

The meeting shifted into an extended public‑comment period in which dozens of residents urged the council to retain public control of City Beach and oppose any private lease or sale. Speakers repeatedly called the beach a “crown jewel,” warned against privatization, and urged binding written commitments rather than preliminary PowerPoint offers. Several commenters asked that councilors recuse themselves if conflicts existed; the transcript records those concerns and requests for staff follow‑up.

Following public comment and council questioning, Councilwoman Pam Duquette moved to decline pursuing lease or sale negotiations and to confirm the city’s intent to keep City Beach and the RV park publicly managed. Councilman Deck (Duquette) moved the motion, which passed as amended to instruct staff to hold a public workshop with Avril and community participants. The roll‑call vote on the amended motion was recorded as unanimous in favor of retaining public ownership while exploring public input.

The council’s action does not close the door on collaboration: the workshop is intended to define whether a legally binding, written proposal from Avril could meet city requirements and preserve public access. Mayor Grama and planning staff said any future arrangements would need careful safeguards so that public use and long‑term control remain with the city.

The council’s decision followed an earlier staff report that described the city’s options — proceed with the RV grant and engineering design, decline modifications, or slow‑roll and request a formal proposal — and emphasized that the current presentation from Avril was not a formal negotiated package. The council instructed staff to schedule the workshop and return with any legal or policy proposals necessary to protect public access and clarify terms of any private participation.