Kootenai County OKs 60-day extension to Lakes Highway District boat-launch lease

Kootenai County commissioners on Dec. 23 approved a 60-day extension to the boat-launch lease with Lakes Highway District to keep management in place at three county boat-launch facilities while the parties discuss longer-term arrangements.

Director Nick Snyder told the board the existing lease for management of three boat-launch facilities expires Dec. 31 and asked for direction to provide a proposed 60-day extension for Lakes Highway District to review and sign. "That proposed extension provides Lakes Highway District and the Board of Commissioners some additional time to discuss potential future agreements while providing a management presence at the facilities," Snyder said.

Commissioners expressed support for buying time to work with the district. A commissioner moved to approve the amendment to the boat-launch lease and another seconded. Roll-call phrasing in the record shows Commissioners (named in roll-call prompts as Commissioner Aboulaye, Chair Pro Tem Duncan, and Commission Chair Matari) voting Aye and the motion passing.

The board did not specify the exact terms, financial arrangements, or which facilities by name beyond "three boat launch facilities." The extension is intended to maintain operations and public service at the launches while staff and commissioners negotiate a long-term management agreement. No public comment was recorded before the meeting was adjourned at about 1:49.

Next steps were not detailed on the record; staff will circulate the proposed 60-day extension for Lakes Highway District to review and sign.