Residents criticize city on vision statement

Bonners Ferry City Council met Tuesday, July 7, for its bi-monthly meeting. Coronavirus precautions were implemented by requiring six feet of distance and limiting people within the council chambers.

Residents of Bonners Ferry raised concerns over the city’s vision statements inclusion of “sexual orientation, or gender identity and encourages their participation in city government and city programs.”

The city council discussed the consumer price index regarding rate increases for electric, water and sewer. Concerns were brought about arbitrarily raising prices for residents, but a thorough report revealed that the city hasn’t kept up with comparable consumer price index standards.

The Bonners Ferry Mayor, James R. “Dick” Staples, approved joint pole use agreement, which would allow for shared usage and expansion of fiber optic cables.

Concerned residents did not want the extension of COVID-19 policy to continue until Dec. 31, 2020. The council later revealed the policy is an internal issue that effects city employees.

The Wilson-Solomon corridor project has reached completion but hasn’t been open because the street lacks a name and can potentially cause issues with emergency services. Mayor Staples wishes to hear input from the city residents and will be working to find a way to facilitate feedback from residents.