Gothmann picked for open Spokane Valley City Council seat

Following an executive session that lasted fewer than 15 minutes, former Spokane Valley City Council member Bill Gothmann was selected to serve as a temporary council member filling in for Bill Bates, who’s on extended medical leave.

Gothmann served on the council from 2006 to 2011, and has also served on the planning commission.

He’s been on the board of ValleyFest since 2014.

In his application, Gothmann wrote that his experience can help the city.

“I wanted to offer them someone who could step right into it,” Gothmann said after he was sworn in Monday evening.

Gothmann was nominated by Ed Pace and he was the first applicant to receive the four votes needed.

Out of 18 candidates for the temporary position, Kay Bryant, David Star, Julia Brown, Tom Towey, Tim Hattenburg and Fred Beaulac were also nominated.

Gothmann will serve until Bates returns to the council or for one year, whichever comes first.

The position pays $750 a month, and full benefits are available.

Gothmann was picked the night before Spokane Valley City Council’s daylong budget workshop on Tuesday, and noted he had some reading to do after he was handed the substantial meeting package.

He still has his name sign from the last time he served.

“I’m going to bring that in so we can use it again,” Gothmann said. “Save the city a little money that way.”