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Festival lease approved, but council signals desire to phase out bifenthrin and protect Cedar Street cottonwoods
Summary
Council approved the festival lease and farmers market agreement but councilmembers asked staff to work with organizers to avoid the pesticide bifenthrin at Memorial Field and to protect a mature cottonwood grove on Cedar Street; the Urban Forestry Commission’s heritage tree criteria were also forwarded to staff for code review.
The council approved the festival lease and a farmers market agreement on April 15 but members used the discussion to press for changes to pesticide use and to protect a stand of cottonwood trees slated to be impacted by the Cedar Street sidewalk project.
Councilwoman Pam Dukat raised scientific and ecological concerns about bifenthrin, the synthetic pyrethroid used historically for insect control at outdoor venues, and urged the festival to test non‑toxic alternatives. "The insecticide they use... is lethal to bees, both honeybees, all the little bees, the mason bees and bumblebees and butterflies," Dukat said during the lease discussion, noting runoff risks to stormwater and Lake Pend Oreille. She asked staff and festival organizers to evaluate cedar‑oil alternatives and other non‑persistent products ahead of the event.
Council President Rule and other members noted the lease language already requires festival organizers to seek city approval for any pesticide application and suggested staff work with the festival to identify acceptable products instead of delaying the lease vote. The council approved the festival lease (motion passed by roll call) while directing staff to provide the festival organizers and the clerk with non‑toxic treatment options and to return to council if a prohibition on a specific product is recommended.
Separately, multiple public commenters and council members urged preservation of a significant grove of cottonwoods at the end of Cedar Street, citing osprey nesting and ecological value. Jane Fritz and others said the grove provides important habitat and requested the city reconsider sidewalk placement so trees can remain. Council members recommended the urban forestry and parks staff review options and explore whether some sidewalk work can be relocated to minimize tree removal.
Council also forwarded heritage tree definitions developed by the Urban Forestry Commission to staff for legal review and for a future ordinance hearing; council clarified that any heritage designation process will be developed separately and is not intended to impose immediate new restrictions on private property without clear process and owner notification.
Next steps: Staff to provide festival organizers with alternative pesticide information, coordinate with the festival on Memorial Field treatment timing and methods, and return recommendations through the city’s communications and legal review for any future policy or ordinance changes related to pesticide use or heritage tree protections.
