Thompson Falls considers land swap with school district

Thompson Falls City Council last Monday held a lengthy discussion about a proposed land and building exchange between the city and the Thompson Falls School District.  

The proposal involves the exchange of the school district’s property, located northeast of the high school, for several city-owned properties: the pickleball and tennis courts, softball field, Babe Ruth baseball field, city shop, and the associated property lines. 

Mayor Rusti Leivestad opened the discussion by requesting a motion from the Council to support the proposed exchange.  

She explained, "This began some time ago when the school approached the city.”  

A feasibility study done in 2017 investigated the details of supporting and maintaining a pool and public parks. The study suggested the creation of a park and recreation district, which, if approved, would be placed on the ballot countywide to help defray costs, including the maintenance of the pool. 

Leivestad continued, “I would suggest that Tim be authorized to create a document to present to the school and solicit for surveyors.” 

Council member Katherine Maudrone raised concerns about the 13.88-acre tract, which includes the ballfield and city shop. She questioned whether the school was interested in the entire property or just the ballfield.  

"If they are interested in the whole piece, we would need to consider relocating the city shop, which would be a huge discussion," she said. 

The proposed land swap could impact the current location of the Search and Rescue operations, which has a memorandum of understanding with the city that expires June 30, 2026. Leivestad clarified that the council could not move forward without the support of the school district.  

"What we’re proposing is to put together a document that we give to the school for them to look and say we agree with this or don’t agree with this. I would imagine this will end up being a negotiation," she said. 

Council member Raoul Ribeiro expressed concerns about the cost of repairs needed to the city shop, which could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  

"Now we have the opportunity to relocate it some place different on city property," he said. "I think that is something to consider. I’m OK with getting the land surveyed, getting those plots surveyed, to find out what is the cost. What is the value? I think we are just ahead of ourselves if we put too much on the school district.  There are just too many moving pieces." 

The council decided to send the proposal back to the Planning Committee for further review. 

In other business, the city is still seeking applicants for an open seat on the Zoning Committee. Leivestad mentioned that the position had been advertised in the local paper, but no applicants have come forward. Council member Hayley Allen-Blakney made a motion to table the discussion, which was seconded by Ribeiro. 

Ribeiro was appointed as the new City Council president, while the appointment of the vice president position was postponed until next month’s meeting. 

The council also discussed the renewal of the High Lead Block Party, with Cody Mosher leading the conversation. Mosher provided an update on last year’s event, noting that it went better than the previous year and that 24 cars participated in the car show. He suggested moving the car show to a more visible location.  

Ribeiro expressed his support for the event and indicated that the council would assist in any way possible. The council requested Mosher to bring more detailed information to a future meeting to finalize the event plans. 

Beautification Committee member Jonie Moser requested approval of $500 for the upcoming Beautification Days, scheduled for April 10 through 12. Committee member Annie Wooden added that they were always looking for more volunteers, as many of their current volunteers were aging. Ribeiro suggested offering gift cards as incentives for volunteers and proposed that local businesses contribute to the initiative. The council approved the $500 request. 

Wooden also spoke about the farmers market, which is currently held at Ainsworth Park. She asked for the council’s approval to move the market to Rose Park and to allow food trucks to participate. Leivestad noted that there was an existing ordinance prohibiting food trucks in city parks but suggested an ordinance change for special events.  

The council approved a flat $100 fee for the use of city property for the Farmers Market, and the request to move the market to Rose Park was also approved. The food truck request will be revisited at a future meeting. 

In financial matters, the council approved INTERCAP Loan Resolution #851 for the financing of police cars and equipment, amounting to $54,000, in addition to the $75,000 grant funding. 

The council also reviewed the 2025 Drinking Water Project. Leivestad explained that the project would involve constructing a new 400,000-gallon water storage tank, replacing water mains, and installing new fire hydrants. Grants will cover most of the project costs, with the city contributing $200,000. No water rate increases are expected.  

The council approved resolutions 882 and 853 to fund the project, with Ribeiro expressing his support, noting that the project would not cost taxpayers any additional money. 

The meeting concluded with a discussion on payments for the sewer project (phases 1 through 4) and a payment for the water project in the amount of $36,397.

    Thompson Falls Ward 1 Council Member Raoul Ribeiro speaks at last week's meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)