Geologist named to planning board

The Spokane Valley City Council on Tuesday night appointed geologist Marcia Sands to the Planning Commission.

She will finish Bill Gothmann’s term on the commission when he leaves in January to join the City Council.

The term will expire at the end of next year.

She is also a board member on the Spokane County Conservation District and the Society of Northwest Environmental Scientists, according to her application.

Mayor Diana Wilhite’s appointment passed 5 to 2 with Councilmen Rich Munson and Mike DeVleming voting against the nomination.

“We need more real estate people,” Munson said earlier, preferring Joe Mann, who served with him on the Board of Equalization for the position.

DeVleming said he wanted more discussion on the nomination.

Also Tuesday, Commissioners Gail Kogle and Fred Beaulac were reappointed to their seats.