City moves from committees to reach broader community
EMILY BONSANT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 2 months AGO
I have deep North Idaho roots and graduated from Eastern Washington University with an English degree with a creative writing emphasis with a minor in film. I worked at at the Bonner County Daily Bee before coming to work at the Bonners Ferry Herald in August 2021. I enjoy writing for the paper that my great-grandfather read and covering the same small town community that is still alive today. I cover all things Badger sports, local politics and government, community news, business, outdoors and appear on the 7Bee podcast for the Herald's update. When I'm not working I can be found reading a good book and sipping tea, knitting or attempting to sign opera. | October 8, 2021 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — City has moved from community committees to community based input in order to reach a broader community for city planning and development.
City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton said that Sandpoint and other cities nationally have moved from this original model to better engage with a broader community. In past years the city had more commissions and boards to represent park users, cyclists, pedestrians, and more, but these meetings were held when people were at work, she said.
The city found that commissions only represented five to seven people, she said. City staff and electors are to represent the community and be in line with the majority.
When it comes to input from the community on proposed park projects, Maeve Nevins-Lavtar, the new parks planning and development manager, is reaching out to the public by scheduling community and city staff public forums throughout the week.
When it comes to park design, Nevins-Lavtar said she is not just looking at one user for the parks. She wants to design facilities around multiple types of users with different abilities and needs.
“I’m looking to groups that don’t have a voice at the table. I want to be inclusive,” she said. “The goal is equitable park development to focus funding.”
Nevins-Lavtar said she wants to find the hidden barriers whether physical or otherwise that would prevent community members from accessing or enjoying Sandpoint’s parks. She can be found around Sandpoint’s parks this week at the open public forums.
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 7:25 a.m. — City staff will be participating in the Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Walk to School Day. After the school bell rings they will discuss sidewalk projects that will provide important school connectivity. The Washington Elementary Walking Group will be meeting at the Bonner County Administration Building and the Farmin-Stidwell Elementary Walking Group will meet at the Sandpoint Library.
Thursday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m. — Sand Creek downtown waterfront. Meet up with city staff at Farmin’s Landing/Gunning’s Alley
Friday, Oct. 8, 12 p.m. — Travers/Centennial/Great Northern Sports Complex. Meet up with city staff at the Travers Skate Park
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