Council Gets ‘To Know Each Other’ Retreat Brings Harmony To Often-Squabbling Members

The Spokane City Council emerged from its annual retreat Saturday seemingly as united as “The Waltons” television family.

Often-squabbling city leaders were almost bubbly with optimism and praise for each other after about 18 hours of therapeutic discussion.

“We got to know each other,” Mayor Jack Geraghty said. “Oddly enough, despite the meetings and briefings, we seldom have an opportunity to get together like this.”

Councilwoman Phyllis Holmes called the retreat invigorating. “We have much more in common than we originally thought.”

City Manager Roger Crum said it was perhaps the most productive retreat he’s seen in the 14 he’s attended.

The council agreed to its five top priorities:

Empowering neighborhoods.

Public safety.

Economic development.

Transportation and other infrastructure needs.

Streamlining City Hall operations.

The council also formed subcommittees to examine each issue. These groups are slated to present detailed plans for public review by spring.

This retreat cost taxpayers more than usual, because it included the services of Dr. Bill Mathis, a California consultant who helped shape discussions.

Earlier this month, Mathis studied tapes of council meetings and declared the seven-member panel a “little dysfunctional.” He noted members interrupt each other too often.

After the retreat, Mathis, who cost the city at least $7,000, was far more flattering.

“I’d give them an A not just for effort, but for outcome,” he said. “They were very candid, and very respectful.”

Councilman Chris Anderson, initially reluctant to spend tax dollars shopping for a council doctor, was a big believer in the arrangement Saturday.

“I would wholly support doing it again in the future,” he said. “The citizens can be proud. We all got our money’s worth.”

Anderson, Geraghty and Holmes all called the retreat the most beneficial gathering the council has had in the year since they each joined it.

The retreat was not without its side dramas. Councilman Orville Barnes had to have an emergency appendectomy. Councilwoman Bev Numbers’ daughter gave birth.

Many citizens packed into the Ramada Inn conference room Friday and Saturday to hear the discussion.

Neighborhood activists and council critics said they saw some positive signs, and a shift from the council’s bickering ways.

But Ken Withey, of Northwest Spokane, questioned whether taxpayers should have had to pay so much for the peace-keeping session.

“I think it’s unfortunate we have to go outside the council to get this kind of leadership,” he said.

At the close of the retreat, council members listened to Mathis summarize their status.

“You are in charge of your schedule,” the consultant said. “You are in charge of your decisions. So, we ought to get better.”

Geraghty finished the discussion: “We will get better,” he said.