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Sandpoint staff rolls out bench-and-tree donation policy draft after VFW offers two benches
Summary
Staff presented a draft donation policy that would standardize acceptance, placement and maintenance of memorial benches and trees; the VFW offered two benches and commissioners suggested fee flexibility and referencing the city’s annual fee schedule.
Sandpoint Parks and Recreation staff brought a draft bench‑and‑tree donation policy to the commission on July 8 after receiving multiple donation requests, including an offer from VFW Post 2453.
Staff described the draft policy as a way to ensure donations provide public benefit without creating an ongoing taxpayer burden. The draft would require donors to cover installation and reasonable maintenance during an initial recognition term; staff estimated the city’s full cost to install a bench at roughly $900 and a tree at about $500. "We estimate about $900 to put a bench in, based on materials and roughly 21 staff hours," a parks staff member said.
Luke Ahmed, speaking for VFW Post 2453, said the post had two benches ready to donate and would help with installation. "We’re looking to donate them. We don’t want money. We’d probably help to replace them if they rest or need replacement," Ahmed said, and suggested waterfront locations, War Memorial Field or Bald Foot as possible placements.
Commissioners raised several policy adjustments: removing a fixed dollar amount from the policy and referencing the city’s annual fee schedule so the fee can be revised administratively; allowing the commission or mayoral discretion to waive fees in special circumstances; and clarifying approval authority (whether the parks commission would only recommend or would be granted final approval by council). Commissioners also discussed maintaining style consistency within parks while allowing artistic variations for donor benches.
Staff asked for feedback by the end of July and said the intention is to bring a revised draft to the August 5 council meeting for consideration. Next steps: commissioners will provide written feedback; staff will revise the draft to reference the city’s fee schedule, add waiver language and consult the city contracts reviewer before sending the policy to council.
