When Five Mile Prairie residents set a goal, they don't fool around. It took less than two hours last week for the North Side community to organize a neighborhood council.
Nearly 100 residents passed bylaws, elected officers, discussed community issues and signed up for committees.
Even the added wrinkle of being the first neighborhood council to include both city and county residents didn't slow them down.
"This is one of the most dynamic things that has happened in city-county government in a long time, especially from a grassroots standpoint," said Molly Myers, director of City of Spokane Neighborhood Services.
"There was a lot of honest dialog and sincerity," she said. "It isn't a city or county issue, the issue is about being a neighborhood."
Much of the work had been done before the meeting, drawing up bylaws and talking to other neighborhood councils.
"This is a welcome opportunity for us to present an organized voice," said Rich Fink, who was elected chairman.
"We have a lot of diversity here," he added. "We have old neighborhoods, new subdivisions and farmers."
Prairie resident Kathy Miotke said the county commissioners told her they will recognize neighborhood councils. The councils act as an advisory body to the city council. They were created to give neighborhoods a stronger voice in issues. They're also intended to help bring information to citizens quicker.
"It puts you in the information loop," said Myers.
However, she added, "This is not a guarantee that neighborhoods will get everything they want."
Five Mile Prairie, like other Spokane neighborhoods, is facing a variety of growing pains, including problems with rapid growth, traffic, water, sewage, poor roads and undeveloped parks.
"Development is a frustrating process. Maybe with a neighborhood council, it will be less frustrating," said Fink.
"Land and quality of life is a hot issue for everyone up here," said Jeri Garwood, who was elected secretary-treasurer for the council.
Doug Burke was named vice-chairman.
