Library project still on front burner
LIBERTY LAKE – On a night when a jampacked agenda was filled with everything from sewer rate increases to news of anticipated improvements in fire protection, the need to move the Liberty Lake library project onto a fast track emerged as the leader of the race when the night was done.
Architect Gary Bernardo told the council “the ball is in our court to run with,” as far as the library project is concerned. But Bernardo still wanted some additional public input and direction before moving into the schematic stage. So far, most of the initial direction for the project has come from the council.
Bernardo suggested that a building committee be established and that a series of public meetings be held to capture some public input.
Mayor Steve Peterson wants the public input process to end by October so Bernardo can get on with the design process and “let us do what we get paid for.”
The first such meeting, a drop-in event, will be held Aug. 22 starting at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers. “People can stop on their way home from work,” said Arlene Fisher, the city’s director of finance and administration.
In other action, Police Chief Brian Asmus said bids have been received for new reader boards that will be stationed near schools to remind motorists of speed limits. Asmus also noted that officer Mike Thomas has been selected as the recipient of one of only 20 scholarships awarded nationwide by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. He will use the award to attend a national conference.
Twenty-eight projects are currently in development in Liberty Lake, including the last stages of the Liberty Heights street repair.
“We’re in our busy season,” said Doug Smith, director of community development. Smith defended the roads contractor the city will pay an additional $50,000, reminding the council that the same company saved the city $150,000 on the Civic Center project.
Steve Skipworth of the Sewer District said proposals are being studied to increase monthly rates from $23 to $26 through 2008. After that rates would rise $1 per year through 2113 to $32 per month. “We still have one of the lowest rates in the state,” Skipworth said.
Fire Chief Brian Lobdell said plans are in the works to attempt to lift the current levy lid on a Spokane Valley Fire Department bond. The issue, which will be on the ballot in the November election, would restore funding to original levels of $1.50 per $1,000 in assessed home value.
Such an increase would allow the department to upgrade facilities, including moving Station No. 3 closer to the center of the fast-growing city.
Despite seeing the end of summer on the horizon, Parks and Recreation programs don’t appear to be slowing down, according to Mary Wren-Wilson. The first Bike Fest is scheduled for Aug. 18. There’s a Pet Day Sept. 23, and the department has organized a “one-stop-shopping” approach to those wishing to ride the Route of the Hiawatha, Wren-Wilson reported.