Council includes ball fields, park fees in list of projects

Thu., Jan. 5, 2006

By Melodie Little melodiel@spokesman.com

Liberty Lake is ushering in the New Year with two pages of goals and projects.

The City Council recapped a list, which included something for everyone, at Tuesday’s meeting.

Mayor Steve Peterson said the city hopes to meet with Central Valley School District to discuss creating one or two baseball diamonds at the weed-encrusted field near Liberty Lake Elementary School. The land, set aside for a future middle school, has been vacant for years, but could serve Little League and other baseball teams in the near future.

Peterson also hopes to strike a deal with Spokane County to give residents free or reduced price access to Liberty Lake County Park. The park located on the lake charges user fees. Last year the city offered season passes to the park.

Liberty Lake could soon be marketed as a destination golf venue if the city and county join forces on a promotion packet. The marketing materials would tout the county’s MeadowWood and Liberty Lake golf courses, as well as the city-owned Trailhead. Trailhead is also slated for more improvements.

Also included on the list is updating the city’s fee schedule. Doug Smith, director of planning and community development, said the current system is outdated because building permit charges are based on square footage, which doesn’t necessarily reflect the total value of new construction.

New Spokane mayor pays City Council a visit

Newly sworn in Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession made an appearance at Tuesday’s meeting and stressed the importance of continued collaboration between Liberty Lake and Spokane.

Hession said Spokane supported Liberty Lake’s efforts to bring Cabela’s, a premier outdoor outfitter, into the area and plans to continue strengthening the partnership.

“I’m very impressed with what the city of Liberty Lake is doing,” he said.

Possible collaborative projects include regional animal protection services.

Spokane is sending a representative to Calgary to learn more about the city’s innovative animal protection program, Hession said.

Calgary’s program results in fewer euthanizations, he said, adding that the city’s animal control also costs taxpayers less because it’s funded by license fees and fines.

Liberty Lake’ police force helps with animal control services and the city also contracts with SpokAnimal CARE in Spokane.

Boundary Review Board to set hearing date

Spokane County Boundary Review Board will set a date for a public hearing on Liberty Lake’s bid to annex 644 acres west of the city at its Jan. 9 meeting.

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