POST FALLS — The City Council grappled with the future of the city's annual parade during Tuesday's meeting, examining a proposed ordinance that would reshape how the event is organized and supported. 

Kerri Thoreson, a veteran parade organizer, provided historical context, recalling the days when parade routes were casually mapped out on a napkin. Her testimony highlighted the event's long-standing community roots. 

The discussion centered on increasing logistical and legal complexities facing the city. The event is organized by the Post Falls Community Ambassadors, a nonprofit, but city officials acknowledged the changing landscape of public events. 

"Things are more litigious with concerns of liability than they were in 1990," Councilor Joe Malloy said. 

City Administrator Shelly Enderud emphasized the need for a new approach.  

"We want to continue to support the parade but not at the same level as in the past," she said. 

The proposed changes include discontinuing city-provided equipment like golf carts and sandwich boards, clarifying the ambassadors’ responsibilities, and exploring a memorandum of understanding similar to the approach used in Coeur d'Alene. The ordinance would also require the ambassadors to obtain a parade permit. 

"We're not trying to stop the parade; we're just trying to make regulations clear," Enderud said. 

Thoreson said that from 1990 to 2014, volunteers obtained golf carts from Prairie Falls Golf Club, used the Chamber of Commerce receptionist for applications and even enjoyed "a beer after the parade was over" with any leftover funds. 

The current cost structure requires investment from the city. Staff estimates show approximately $11,000 in internal wages dedicated to the parade, with the nonprofit spending $2,500 on developing a traffic plan. 

Mayor Ron Jacobson said that staff worked 12-hour shifts leading up to the event to make sure everything was in order. 

Overall, councilors spoke in favor of the changes.  

Councilor Nathan Ziegler wanted to know how much the changes would end up costing the ambassadors.  

"On its face, I do support the ordinance," he said. 

Councilor Samantha Steigleder asked if the city could assist financially to show ambassadors "that it’s something that’s beneficial to the city." 

No action was needed for the agenda item, so Jacobson closed out the conversation by stating that the next step would be for city staff and the ambassadors to figure out what to do next.