SANDPOINT - With highs and lows worthy of a stock market chart, Sandpoint's city government had a busy 2008.

The year began with the introduction of three new council members and a new mayor, and the group was forced to hit the ground running as it tackled a slate of diverse agenda items such as a new comprehensive plan and a host of sidewalk-related issues.

While it has yet to become law, many council members cited their work on the comp plan as the highlight of the year. Mayor Gretchen Hellar and council members Michael Boge, Helen Newton and Carrie Logan called it the city's biggest accomplishment.

"I'm proud of the work we did on the comp plan. Not just in terms of the hours we spent, but I think the fact that we worked so cooperatively on it and came out with something that I think is a really, really good product," Logan said.

The plan, which will set a 20-year road map for growth in the city, monopolized much of the council's time this year. Of the estimated 70-plus council meetings in 2008, more than a quarter were centered on the comp plan.

"I think if the average person took at look at what we've done, they'd be pretty impressed because it's been made specifically for Sandpoint and it's not just a document that's been copied from other communities," Boge said.

On the other side of the spectrum, several council members pointed to the months-long - and eventually fruitless - battle to implement a Local Improvement District ordinance as the city's lowest point of 2008.

The ordinance, which would have required 260 residents to build sidewalks on their property, was voted down in March but remained front and center on council agendas for months afterward.

Hellar called the city's sidewalk issues, which includes the LID and a failed attempt at building a Highway 2 crosswalk, the biggest disappointment of the year.

"Some things just can't be resolved," Hellar said. "There was no way we could have resolved that Highway 2 project. (Idaho Transportation Department) wouldn't bend, some of the council members wouldn't bend, and I wouldn't bend, because I thought it was a very, very dangerous intersection."

According to Boge, the numerous sidewalk problems stemmed from a general lack of communication between the city and its residents.

"I definitely think it's on everyone's mind now, where in the past it was, 'Well, we're on the council so we'll do whatever we want.' I mean, we're supposed to represent residents, and I think now the council is really listening to residents and not just basing everything on what staff is saying," Boge said.

Boge was not alone in complementing the council's newfound openness. Despite the group's relative lack of political experience, Newton praised the council's newer members for their work ethic and infusion of energy.

"I think the council works really well together. I think we made great progress this year given the newness of several members," she said. "Even when we disagree, we have respect for one and other's opinions."