Council May Decide To Sink Hydros Proposal Calls For Permanent Ban Of Racing On Lake Coeur D’Alene
A proposed ban on hydroplane racing goes to the City Council tonight, giving city lawmakers first shot at permanently preventing the controversial sport from returning to Lake Coeur d’Alene.
The Protect Our Lakes Association successfully generated more than 3,225 signatures on petitions to put the hydroplane racing ban before voters. The group needed 3,199.
The group formed last winter, after an unsuccessful effort to revive hydroplane racing on the lake, near The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Protect Our Lakes wanted to permanently eliminate racing, which ran from 1958 to 1968 but was discontinued after fans became involved in drunken brawls.
The City Council has 30 days to implement the ordinance with no substantial changes, City Clerk Susan Weathers said. Otherwise it becomes an initiative on the November general election ballot.
In other business the council will consider:
Repealing all portions of the 1994 Uniform Building Code except those that specifically address life safety problems. The North Idaho Building Contractors Association has long pressed the city to drop the code, arguing requirements for things such as wall bracing were excessive. Opponents of dropping much of the code argue it is just a way to cut construction costs and isn’t that tough to follow.
Leasing the in-line stake park to Mully’s Hockey Hut for skate hockey. Provisions would include rental fees and a liability insurance policy that protects the city if something happens at a hockey game.
Allowing Deming Industries to pave part of its Government Way property without installing a grassy swale or dry well nearby to collect storm water. The paving is designed to keep moisture from carrying pollutants from the metal-plating property into the groundwater. The Idaho Division of Environmental Quality supports skipping the swale and dry well.
Giving city utility customers a $3.75 rebate in money generated in the recycling program or using the $41,154 for one of several programs not funded in this year’s budget. Those programs range from hiring additional firefighters to lighting the Ramsey Road ball fields.
Striking a deal with sponsors of Farmer’s Market in downtown Coeur d’Alene where the sponsors pay a $100 annual fee and be responsible for any landscape damage in the area along Front Street, between Third and Fourth streets, where the market is held every Wednesday.
Appointing the Planning Commission as the body to study and recommend what is done with future impact fees.
, DataTimes MEMO: Meeting The council meeting begins at 7 tonight at City Hall.