Correction to the Bylines!

The last Chamber Breakfast will be Monday September 7th. Hope to see you there. We have fun at these functions and could not accomplish as much as we do without the support and help of our volunteers. Bayview is a great community to live in!

 

 

Bayview Community Center and The Bayview Chamber

Letter from Randall Butt

Summer 2015 park update.  By Randall Butt, Park Manager

 

At 10 a.m. on July 25^th Farragut State Park will host a ribbon cutting as we open the Discover History wing at the Museum at the Brig.  The new wing will occupy what was once the mess hall of the Brig building, and be focused on history associated with the local area.  Displays are in progress and will be updated over the next few years on a variety of topics.  These will include; Glacial Lake Missoula, Pend Oreille City and local communities, The Albeni Falls Dam project, The Farragut Technical College, large group events hosted at the park, and Farragut State Park history.

 

While preparation for the new wing has been ongoing for a few years, the opening is tied to celebrating Farragut State Park’s 50^th anniversary.  As with any anniversary it is a time to look back at those years now behind us and look forward to those approaching.  On July 20^th, at 6p.m. at the Bayview Community Center, Farragut staff will be available to discuss all that is happening with regard to the park.  In addition to the meeting on July 20^th, the park will have a suggestion form available later this summer to get feedback on the activities offered in the park.

 

The questionnaire is similar to the one put out in 2003 and is the first step in a multi-year process.  The suggestions will be evaluated this fall by staff to insure the ability of resources to provide for any changes, and for compatibility with Department mission and goals.  Next year those enhancements that can be accommodated would be put out to park users for additional comment before the Department prioritizes any projects/plans that come from the process. 

 

The results of the 2003 questionnaire resulted in the expansion of the disc golf courses, adding more exhibits to the Museum at the Brig, construction of the Shoreline picnic area, and development of the Lynx and Buggy trial systems which connect park facilities.  It also contributed to the construction of Gilmore campground, and the recent re-construction of a second RV sanitation station.

 

In the meantime park visitors will see some projects already in motion:

-A trail surfacing project going from Sunrise to the Whitetail Campground. 

-Upgrades to the Sunrise group use shelter area, and at the Scott Field Group Area. 

-Trail improvement and information signing at the Scout Pole area.

-The Little Black Bear disc golf course expanded with an additional 10 holes added. 

-The addition of features at the Viewpoint. 

-Protection of the Beaver Bay Beach peninsula.

-Planning for a central entrance at Brig Road. 

-and in addition to the dedication of the Discovery wing at the Museum at the Brig on July 25^th, the park will be hosting part of the 1965 Farragut Girl Scout Roundup reunion in September, and is negotiating the hosting of three major cross country track meets for this fall.

Save Bayview

Fireworks Safety Tips

Chamber Breakfast FRIDAY July 3rd

WAKE UP BAYVIEW

WAKE UP BAYVIEW                                        

When are the people of Bayview going to wake up?

Do you know that we have video cameras posted on Chan’s property? It can be said that these cameras are to protect his holdings, granted a valid reason but the cameras can record beyond his holdings. Can we do something about the cameras probably not but I sure feel uncomfortable with “Smile You Are On Video Cameras” signage.

When will you all say enough!

Why is Larry Spencer sending letters to the Bayview Community in support of the two candidates who are challenging the current incumbents? REALLY? Now who would be behind that? Larry Spencer was involved in the efforts to the challenge to Timberlake Fire Department, Larry Spencer spoke at the Lakes Highway meeting when Chan attempted to get a right of way/easement on 5^th St.  Point number two in Larry’s open letter is a not true. The accounting firm did not fire BWS, BWS fired the Magnuson McHugh Group because they were not doing what they were supposed to be doing, something that Linda Hackbarth is concerned about. Who uses Larry Spencer’s services? Chan Karupiah.

When will Bayview wake up?

Now we hear that a petition is going forward to close the public boat launch, who has made this request? Chan Karupiah. If we lose that public launch it will affect our local businesses.

When are the two sheds in Harborview that were removed going to be replaced? There should be four sheds there not two?

When are you going to wake up Bayview? Hopefully not before it is too late.

 

 

Letter from Jackie Lloyd

WHO IS LARRY SPENCER???

Over the past several days I have received several emails and snail mails about the upcoming election.  One as recent as an hour ago.  Some were simple bios while others were vailed attacks.  While I have tried to ignore some of the trash a recent mailing I received was totally appalling for its inaccuracies by its author, Larry Spencer.  This man is not a resident of Bayview, nor a property owner.  He is a PAID consultant for Chan Karupiah.  In his letter he stated that in 2011 the Bayview Water & Sewer Board quietly raised the water and sewer rates approximately 90%.  The rates were in fact raised.  Subsequently at an open community meeting, the Water and Sewer Board explained that the primary reason for the increase was to build up the reserves which had been depleted over the years to try to keep the rates at the same low level.  They admitted that this was not a wise decision.   They further stated that now it was imperative to rebuild the reserves to mitigate costs in case of a catastrophic event, such as loss of a major pumping facility.  I was at that meeting as was most of the now nay sayers.  In regard to the 3.5 employees Spencer complains about, 2 are trained and skilled maintenance workers.  Reading meters is only one small part of the job and their pay needs to be commensurate with their skill.  State law requires 2 licensed operators be employed by water and sewer departments. 

Spencer’s second point dealt with the Water and Sewer Board being fired by their accountants which is a bold faced lie.  The Water and Sewer Board terminated the services of the Magnuson McHugh Group since audits that they were hired to do were not being done.  At the April board meeting Chuck Murray put into motion that he and Kim Mattern be given the task of finding a new accounting firm because of the Magnuson Group’s failure to deliver.  The board voted unanimously to follow this action and have entered into a contract with Anderson Bros. who are finishing up the 2012 and 2013 audits.  In addition they have nearly completed the 2014 pre-audit which is now required by the state and have 9 months to complete the 2014 regular audit. It is important that the Water and Sewer Board is required to follow Idaho Statutes and this is something they cannot ignore.   The rest of the letter says nothing of importance.

I believe I know who is backing the challenging candidates, it is Chan Karupiah.  He does not live in Bayview but is a property owner.  However, his property is commercial and his goal is developing the waterfront with more condos.  He has been very open about this plan.  The only thing keeping his goal from becoming a reality at this point is the Water and Sewer Board rule limiting ER sales.  Without the necessary ER’s Chan cannot build any more condos.  We have paid dearly for what Holland did here, let’s not let Chan turn Bayview’s waterfront into another Coeur d’Alene Resort vista.

Yes, it is time for all of us to challenge our Water and Sewer Board to make changes and improvements wherever needed.  But personally I don’t believe it is to oust the two highly skilled and experienced incumbents who are now running. Both Chuck Murray and Kim Mattern have the technical and fiscal experience that I do not see existing in their challengers.  Chuck Murray was appointed by the board about 4 years ago when his predecessor Pat Dow died.  Chuck Murray has management, scheduling, negotiating and fiscal experience.  Kim was appointed last fall and chosen for her 30+ years of experience in utilities beginning as a meter reader and advancing to a managerial position working with many governmental and regulatory agencies. In the fall Kim Mattern replaced Dave Wilcox who resigned for health reasons.  The Water and Sewer Board chose wisely when soliciting their help.

I personally will not support any candidate who has chosen to partner with Chan.  I cannot trust that their future decisions will not be influenced by a man whose only interest in Bayview is increasing his personal wealth.  I am sick at heart and disappointed in the level these attacks have fallen.  Be afraid Bayview.  Be very afraid.

Jackie Lloyd, resident and water and sewer customer.

Signage

My mistake, when I spoke with Wayne Burton this morning about his signs he gave me no indication that permission had been given to Steve May to post his campaign posters. This evening I spoke with Wayne again and he did verify that he had given Steve May permission to use his signs.

Not that I had not checked my facts this morning, I did and the rechecked this evening.

My error.

Norma Jean

Bayview Water and Sewer

BAYVIEW: Issues to be considered

Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 12:00 am

The Bayview Water and Sewer District has two Board Positions up for election. It appears that some of the candidates and their supporters have a misunderstanding of facts regarding the operation of the district and laws governing the district.

One issue is regarding the district election for board positions. The claim is that there have been no elections for 20 years. The elections are under the control of a County Department. For several years there have been only a single candidate for each board position. According to Idaho Code (Title 34, Chapter 14), the sole nominee is appointed to the office if the position is uncontested.

 

Another issue that is not properly characterized is the existence of a Waste Water Permit. A claim has been made that we are operating without this permit. At the April Bayview Water and Sewer Board meeting, Ellery Howard, an engineer with JUB Engineering, presented this permit to the board. All the candidates for the board positions were present during the discussion regarding the permit.

A third issue is a complaint that Bayview Water and Sewer is following the State Code regarding record requests. Would people have us ignore State laws because it is not convenient for them? The law is to enhance transparency.

CHUCK WALLER

Bayview

Spring Fishing Derby

Meet the Candidates Night.

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT

April 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. the Community Center is hosting a “Meet the Candidates Night”.

The election is May 19^th. All four candidates for the upcoming Water and Sewer Board

will be present.

Also the two candidates for Lakes Highway will be present.

This is YOUR chance to become informed before placing your vote.

Don't vote with emotions, get the facts before making your decision.

 

Norma Jean

Kootenai County Community Developement Letter

April 9th BOCC Hearing

REMINDER: BOCC Hearing Tonight!

"Jeff May's BOCC Hearing regarding his Conditional Use Permit to develop a Commercial Resort on his rural - residential property (CUP14-0011) is tonight at 6 pm at the Kootenai County Administration Bldg - first floor (the same building and floor that Vehicle Registration and Driver's Licenses are issued).

It is vital that as many of you who can attend this Public Hearing, do so to demonstrate to the County Commissioners that "we", the united concerned rural citizens protest and oppose any and all developments that aren't in alignment with the current Comprehensive Plan.

Glenn Hill hosted an organizational meeting last week for those wishing to attend and speak in opposition.  It appears that Glenn has a few speakers committed to addressing strategic topics.  For each speaker needing and planning on 15 minutes of speaking time,  it takes 10 - 12 volunteers to donate their own speaking time.  Therefore there needs to be a minimum of 40 to 50 attending, and donating time in order for 4 or 5 speakers to benefit from the 15 minute speaking allowance.  

It would be ideal if at least 100 concerned citizens would attend this potentially precedent setting Hearing.  It is critical to  insure that Swartout & Mort aren't given another project to rely on for examples and models to use in their quest to turn hundreds of acres near Silverwood into an urban center with 1,500+ affordable new homes plus large commercial zones. "

Editorial Letter from Lee Zimmer

REALLY!! By Lee Zimmer

On March 24, 2015 the Coeur d’Alene Press published an article written by David Cole entitled “Kootenai County seeks input”.  The “input” the article is talking about, is seeking public input on a draft revision of the existing land-use and development codes. 

It is through this revision process that both of our new commissioners, David Stewart and Marc Eberlein, who are “private property rights advocates”, hope to change the existing land-use and development codes to favor some land developers, some homebuilders, and some lake front landowners.

For example, and I am quoting from this CDA Press article, “the 25-foot ‘undisturbed natural vegetation buffer’ currently required along waterfront lots has been eliminated,” county officials said.  In defense of this action Commissioner Marc Eberlein said, “there is no scientific evidence that proves such a buffer ‘improves’ water quality.”  REALLY!!

It is evident that Mr. Eberlein did not bother to inquire about the health of our lakes and rivers before endorsing the elimination of this land-use code, and making such an outlandish statement in defense of his actions.  Perhaps he was not aware that, “Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, Hauser Lake, Hayden Lake, Fernan Lake, Black Lake, Coeur d’Alene Lake, the Spokane River and the Coeur d’Alene River are all listed on the EPA’s 303(d) List of impaired water bodies.” (KEA Advocates for Improved Shoreline Protections, posted on Sunday, January 26th, 2014)

Perhaps he is unaware that, “Residential and non-residential construction and activity have and do contribute nutrients through site disturbance, poorly maintained septic systems, and nutrient enriched surface run off (from things like lawn fertilizers). This has led to deteriorated water quality conditions in our lakes, the effects of which are best seen in the nearshore waters.  The results of increased nutrient loading is most visible on our smaller lakes where the water has turned murky, bays have become weed filled and unwanted algae blooms occur regularly.  Fernan Lake, Hayden Lake and Hauser Lake have all experienced toxic blue green algae blooms over the last several years.  Blue green algae makes the water unsafe to swim in or to utilize for drinking water.”  (KEA Advocates for Improved Shoreline Protections, posted on Sunday, January 26th, 2014)

Perhaps he is unaware that, “The current ordinance specifies a 25 foot no disturbance shoreline zone which has proven to be unsuccessful in its purpose of water quality protection due largely to the lack of enforcement. Only 25% of Lake Coeur d’Alene’s shoreline remains undisturbed vegetation and at one time the Hayden Lake Recreation and Sewer District had requested that they take over permitting and enforcement from the county due to a litany of noncompliance.” (KEA Advocates for Improved Shoreline Protections, posted on Sunday, January 26th, 2014)

Perhaps Commissioner Eberlein and Commissioner Stewart need to publically declare exactly whose private property rights they are protecting.  Perhaps they can clarify for us under what circumstances individual property rights cease, if indeed they do at all. 

Using the example above, suppose I am a lake front property owner. Don’t I have the right to develop my property right down to the water’s edge?  What if by doing so I destroy the 25 foot natural vegetative buffer at the water’s edge? What if all my waterfront neighbors choose to do the same thing, and by our individual actions we help contribute to the pollution of the lake to the extent that it becomes un-usable to the entire community? Do I bare any responsibility to the community just because I exercised my individual private property rights? 

Dismissing the 25 foot natural vegetative buffer land-use ordinance for the benefit of a few is irresponsible, and unless that deleted land-use code is site specific it will apply to all of our lakes and waterways.

I encourage you to read the full article, “KEA Advocates for Improved Shoreline Protections, posted on Sunday, January 26th, 2014” http://kealliance.org/2014/01/26/kea-advocates-for-improved-shoreline-protections/

In closing, let me say that just about every citizen of Kootenai County, including myself, has some idea of what the term “Individual Property Rights” means.  However, what we need to decide ultimately is the ethical extent of these rights as it pertains to the future of our county, and the wellbeing of our neighbors. 

April Country Dance - Chamber Activities

From  the organization that never does anything to support businesses!

Developemnt Hearing Site Change

ATTENTION!!!!!!!! 
******************** LOCATION CHANGE ******************

BOCC Public meeting for ZON14-0003 (Housing Development) MARCH 12, 2015, THURSDAY, 6:00 P.M.

********************** LOCATION CHANGE *********************

SCHULER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOCATED IN BOSWELL HALL ON THE NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE CAMPUS, 1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Every one, Please take a moment to Like, Share and Post the changes to your, page, friends and concerned neighbors. This meeting and decisions coming out of it will determine the direction and rural lifestyle we have in the North County. The commissioners need to hear your voice and how developments like this do not add to the lifestyle we have all chosen and appreciate today.

If there was ever a time to stand up and express your concerns this is it.

See you all March 12th!

March Photo Contest

Threat to Your Rural Lifestyle

Ta Da! I am back in the saddle again.

A Threat to Your Rural Lifestyle

            There is a proposed 86 unit low-income, high density housing development potentially for an area near Silverwood. This plan would also include a 500 acre sewage treatment plant. This proposal is a smaller part of an anticipated  1,000 unit Housing development. The County Hearing Examiner has already recommended approval. All that is needed is formal approval by the Board of County Commissioners. There will be a meeting on Thursday March 12^th 2015 at 6 pm in the Kootenai County Administration Building on the 1^st floor. If you do not agree with this proposal speak up now.

            Right now what you can do to voice your opinion is call 208-446-1070 and let them know your opposition to this proposal Case # ZON14-0003 or email to mpalmer@kcgov.us. Your voice needs to be heard before March 2^nd, 2015!

 

            Personally we moved to this area for a reason, we like the rural lifestyle but this proposal is a threat to how we live our lives. I attended a meeting in Athol Tuesday February 24 at the Athol Community Center, along with about 300 + other people. Voiced concerns are the threat to our infrastructure and our taxes. This project was proposed before and was shot down. The area includes the old Rickel Ranch. The developers are saying they will help the employees of Silverwood?? Currently the Athol area has a 13% foreclosure rate and our ABC Food Bank takes care of 200 families per month now. I do not think anyone present was against any low-income housing but it seems to me we would be doing a dis-service to the people this project would supposedly help. Also the developer plans on another city?? This plan is not well thought out and should not be approved. 

 

Let your voice be heard.

More Photos From Contest

See you next year!

Photos from Contest

Eagle Contest Photos

The Chamber had several folks that submitted pictures, Ralph Jones, Maury Weise, Patti Smith, Marg Vogt, Michael Despot, Chuck Murray (against his wishes) and Norma Jean. For me this was a long learning process. Mark Vogt told me that it costs nothing to push the button on the camera, and photos that don't meet you standards can be easily deleted. Soo with me I had lots of deletions!

                                          This is the first place winner Mark Vogt.

Second place winner was Mark Vogt

Third place was Michael Despot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mario and LOU combined pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

(I did not get this posted)

On November 26, 2014 Mario's and LOU joined forces to give the Bayview Community a free meal. We, Dean and I, were pleased to be a part of the function. And the function went very well. If you missed we are sorry that you did not partake in this opportunity to bring the Bayview Community together with one of our local businesses. As Jackie Lloyd said in her thank you note:

"Mario and family, on behalf of the community, thanks for hosting a wonderful  Thanksgiving Event.  The turnout was terrific, the camaraderie and warmth spectacular and of course the food!!!!

Fantastic!!!!!

Thanks again and thanks to all of the Mario's and LOU's helpers."

LOU Menu for January 2015

Here is the menu for this month. Come enjoy some time for fellowship with your neighbors. We all have fun and everyone seems to help make this a success. Many thanks as always to Jackie and her crew for their devotion to this wonderful weekly function. If you want to help call                       Jackie at 683-1680 or email her jaklloyd@hotmail.com.

January 7^th      A variety of sausages, rolls and sweet & sour cabbage

January 14^th    Norma Jean’s chicken enchiladas

January 21^st    Baked Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

January 28^th    Casserole buffet

The new flooring is down in the Center and the addition is finished thanks to the contribution and help provided by Gary MacDonald and his crew of workers. Thank you MacDonald's Hudson Bay.

 

 

Long lost ...

All of sudden I look around and realize that I have not contributed to my blog. Hmmm, am I lazy nope just think I get too many projects going at once!

Today is a great example, got up, took my shower and got ready to ready on my stained glass project. Dean started playing with the four wheeler and all of the snow. The longer he was gone the more I worried!

To say we got a lot of snow is put thing mildly, what created issues is the rain that has followed. As usual float homes are listing, a boat shed collapsed.

Phone call from a friend, search for specific books at Amazon, and the a walk down to the Apartments because I wanted to make sure all was well down there. Decision to locate someone who has a bigger plow, now I look around and the day is getting darker and I feel like I have not accomplished anything!

So I guess that is how the month of December went … I did have some glorious days of walking with camera in hand and hunting for that perfect “eagle picture”. I have made headway on my stained glass project, kept my head above water. Sometimes it seems that we have not accomplished a great deal but then we sit back and have to say maybe we did better than we thought!

Norma Jean