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Council OKs staff to draft MOU for Honeysuckle Beach inspection pilot, declines immediate city funding
Summary
Council directed staff to develop a memorandum of understanding with Hayden Lake Watershed partners to pilot invasive‑species inspections at Honeysuckle Beach but expressed reluctance to provide the requested $5,000 from city coffers this year while budget pressures persist.
Hayden — After a lengthy discussion about staffing, enforcement and funding, the Hayden City Council on May 12 directed staff to draft a memorandum of understanding with the Hayden Lake Watershed group to allow a pilot invasive‑species inspection program at Honeysuckle Beach and Sportsman’s Access. The council stopped short of authorizing the $5,000 contribution requested at the meeting.
Christine (speaker 14), representing the Hayden Lake Watershed group, explained the pilot is primarily educational and aimed at out‑of‑state or transient boaters who may bypass established inspection stations. “We want to add a local layer where there is some porosity in the protections that we do have in place,” she said, noting the group has raised matching funds and expects total costs of roughly $22,000–$25,000 for the pilot.
Council members expressed concern about where the city’s contribution would come from amid tight finances. “Until we figure out how we’re going to deal with the budget, even $5,000… I don’t really feel that I could make a commitment,” said one council member (speaker 6), who described the city’s budget as tight this year. Other council members favored supporting an agreement that would allow the pilot to proceed with non‑financial city participation and recommended staff return with a proposed agreement and success metrics.
Council ultimately voted unanimously to direct staff to develop an MOU outlining use of the Honeysuckle Beach facility and operational details for the summer months. The motion included no immediate appropriation; council members indicated the program could proceed with reduced hours or be continued without city funding if necessary.
Why it matters: The pilot is aimed at protecting Hayden Lake from invasive mussels and other aquatic pests, which pose long‑term risks to water quality, recreation and property values. The council’s direction enables the watershed group to work with city staff on an agreement that clarifies responsibilities, signage, hours and success criteria before any municipal funding decision.
What’s next: Staff will draft the MOU and present it to council for approval, along with recommended success metrics and any proposed city financial participation.
Quote: “We’re not doing any kind of enforcement — that’s just not what we’re aiming for here. It’s education,” Christine said when describing the pilot’s approach.
