September 2021 Splash

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SEPTEMBER

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COMMUNITY PILLAR VAN ORMAN PAGE 2

HARVARD BRIDGE CLOSED PAGE 4

S1

4 0 .4 %

5 9 .5 %

45.7%

A celebration of two decades since Liberty Lake’s incorporation, page 10

SVFD REPORT FOR AUGUST PAGE 21

S1

2 • SEPTEMBER 2021

The Splash

DOCKSIDE Difference Maker – Van Orman helped plant LL civic roots

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

There is scene in the Oscarwinning movie “Chariots of Fire” where the character of Harold Abrahams carts his friend Aubrey Montague around a bustling scene at Cambridge University where both are enrolled. The event, held shortly before the start of a new semester, is catering to students who wish to register for a variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities, from debate to choir, athletics and more.

By the end of the sign-up dash, Abrahams and Montague have each committed to a full slate, prompting fellow enrollees to marvel at a level of ambition, rare even by Cambridge standards.

When it comes to involvement in the Liberty Lake community, Wendy Van Orman can relate.

Van Orman was front and center in the campaign to incorporate Liberty Lake and later served on the first City Council. In 2008, she became the second mayor in the city’s history, serving until the end of 2011. She helped start Liberty Lake’s branch of Sheriffs Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) in 1999 and that same year stepped up as the volunteer coordinator for the inaugural PTSA at Liberty Lake Elementary School.

becoming a city. She recalls the group sending out a survey to various neighborhoods that was meant to gauge just where the community stood on the idea of breaking away from Spokane County.

“It was interesting to find out what people thought we had or didn’t have,” Van Orman said.

Consensus was forming around a lack of police coverage, inadequate library service and street maintenance that fell short, particularly during the winter months when snow piled up on local roads. As the election approached in the fall of 2000, Van Orman was feeling confident.

“We knew we had a really good chance,” she said.

When the ballots were tallied, over 64 percent affirmed incorporation. Van Orman would run for the inaugural City Council the following spring and earn one

of seven spots on the first governing board.

the community’s glory days as a lakefront destination point.

“Every single person who was running had a heart for the community,” Van Orman said.

These days, Van Orman is still donating time and energy to causes like the Lions Club and Northbridge Church in Otis Orchards where she serves as volunteer administrator of the food bank. She continues to run a hardwood floor company that goes back three generations in her family.

In 2007, Van Orman challenged Steve Peterson, two-term incumbent mayor, and won by a narrow margin, collecting 51.7 percent of the vote.

Her time in office corresponded with the challenges of the Great Recession but included significant achievements such as establishing new headquarters for the library and police department. At the end of 2010, Van Orman stepped away along with fellow original council members Judi Owens and Dave Crump, culminating the trio’s decade-long commitment to the city.

Van Orman and her husband Darren moved to Liberty Lake from Hillyard in 1994 with their three children when the community was still seen as a rural outpost in the eyes of many. She and Darren both spent part of their summers as kids in Liberty Lake, swimming and enjoying the remnants of

“If incorporation doesn’t happen, we’d be this urban sprawl,” she said.

“I’m so thankful we had people step up the plate to make sure we have tree-lined streets with pathways.”

As mayor, Van Orman championed the image of Liberty Lake as a financially vibrant, growing community that placed a premium on amenities like greenspace and trails.

“I used to tell (Spokane) Mayor Mary Verner that they may have the slogan, ‘Near Nature, Near Perfect,’” Van Orman said. “But we are it.”

Q: As Liberty Lake celebrates its 20th year of incorporation this summer, what are you proudest of as someone who was involved in the campaign to establish a city and in the subsequent years as a municipal leader?

Along the way, Van Orman was the catalyst for the Community Easter Egg Hunt, coordinating the popular event from 1997 to 2012 when she turned leadership over to her daughter Alisha. She is also a founding member of the Liberty Lake Lions Club and served as a McGruff Safe House coordinator, promoting kids’ safety.

As the concept of Liberty Lake incorporation began to gather steam in the late 1990s, Van Orman was part of a governance committee that researched the feasibility of

Looking back on two decades of incorporated Liberty Lake, Van Orman said she is humbled to be part of a team effort that established a thriving city.

Photo by Craig Howard Wendy Van Orman was part of the inaugural Liberty Lake City Council before becoming the city’s second mayor in 2008. Van Orman was also part of a governance committee that explored the feasibility of Liberty Lake incorporation leading up the successful vote in November 2000.

A: When I drive into the city and see well-planned housing on the hillsides, greenspace and muted streetlights for light pollution welcoming me home, I get a huge dose of pride to know that this community was master planned.

Not one person can take the kudos, because it was done by many. This master-planned city is one-of-a-kind in the state of Washington. To know that it took beginning planning from Bill Main, then Jim Frank with Greenstone to work with the community on a grassroots level.

When my family of five moved into See Van Orman, Page 23

SEPTEMBER 2021 • 3

The Splash

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4 • SEPTEMBER 2021

Write In

Interstate Construction Update

Harvard Road Bridge starts to see the end, the Kramer Road overpass (which is technically referred to as an underpass in WSDOT terms as the freeway goes underneath Kramer). After a lengthy Request for Proposals process N. A. Degerstrom Inc was ultimately awarded the Kramer Road project as well.

By Ben Wick

Splash Publisher

Liberty Lake

CityCouncil Position 7 Retain DG Garcia Holly A. Woodruff Former City Councilmember, Endorses DG Garcia for City of Liberty Lake Council Position 7 On February 23, 2021, I was appointed and sworn into Position 7 as a new Liberty Lake City Council member. After filing to run for the positon in the upcoming 2021 election, family reasons prompted a move to Raleigh, NC. I resigned from Council but the deadline to remove my name from the November ballot had passed. So, while I am not eligible to hold office in Liberty Lake, my name will remain on the ballot. However, a vote for Holly A. Woodruff would be a wasted vote. I’d like to take this opportunity to endorse a person that demonstrates the qualities I look for in a leader.

That person is DG Garcia, DG for short.

If DG wins, the people win. This amazing woman was recently appointed as my replacement to City Council Position 7. DG has been an incredible asset to the Liberty Lake City Council and the city in general. I've known DG for several years. DG is an advocate who fights for what is in the people’s best interest. She knows that as a councilperson, she is responsible for ensuring the well-being of the citizens. She pays attention to the issues and gives them much thought before making a decision. DG is ready, she is prepared, and she is serving now on Council, so she has experience.

DG brings no personal agenda to the table. Her agenda is to serve, as she demonstrated through her years of service while in the military and her years as a veterans' and senior citizens' supporter. DG is active in the Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library group and is a co-chair of the group bringing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Liberty Lake, WA, in September 2022. DG has done a lot for the community and is a muchneeded voice. She is a person of integrity and transparency.

Why do I write this? Two simple reasons. First, I cannot serve on the Council, so a vote for me is wasted. Second, to endorse DG as the write-in candidate in the general election, is an honor. However, her name will not appear on the ballot or in the voters' pamphlet because she is a write-in candidate. Therefore, her name must be written in. So, LET’S DO THIS! Where you see: City of Liberty Lake Council Position No. 7, Vote for One: Holly A. Woodruff, INSTEAD Write-In DG Garcia in the blank space below my name.

A leader YOU, THE PEOPLE can depend on: DG, City of Liberty Lake Council Position No. 7, November 2, 2021.

Last but not least, please vote! It’s a right that many of the world’s people don’t have. Let’s honor those who fought and died to preserve this precious right by exercising it!

Thank you, Holly A. Woodruff Paid for by Citizens for Progress 1423 N. Molter, PO Box 14 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

While months into the construction at the Harvard Road Bridge, and with the bridge closed it has come to crunch time.

Talking with Washington State Department of Transportation Project Engineer Tom Brasch the project is on track and on schedule.

“No huge surprises have popped up so far.”

On day three of the complete shutdown of Harvard Brash explained that “The layer of asphalt has been removed from the bridge deck and the concrete underlayment has been hydro scarified exposing the rebar within.”

The goal for the project is to have two of the three lanes on the bridge open by Friday September 3rd “then it will be all on how fast they [the contractor] get the infill and the guard rail in place for the widened portion of he bridge” said Brash, predicting that it would take another week for that work.

The plan for the project was to have the majority of the work done

by Labor Day Weekend and before kids went back to school.

“The original plan didn’t call for a complete shutdown of the bridge” said Brash. “The contractor came up with the idea that if we closed the bridge completely they would be able to get the project done quicker and provide a better project so we took it to the city.”

The Harvard Road Bridge project is being built by N.A. Degerstrom Inc and while the majority of the construction on the project will be completed in early September the project won’t fully be completed until October when the temperatures cool down enough that they can hydro seed the disturbed areas.

“I have really appreciated all of the public participation and patience on the project” said Brash.

“There have been a number of calls on the project from a ‘did you know the sign was down’ to a ‘did you think about doing it this way’ and the feedback helped us with the project.”

While

the

construction

The Splash

on

Despite the fact that WSDOT has executed the agreement Degerstrom and has begun working on the plans on how and where to start construction, the project could run into delays before it gets started.

“The Governors mandate of requiring COVID-19 vaccines for all employees and contractors could play into the timing of the project” Brash explained.

Preliminary plans estimate that the Kramer Road construction will likely follow a similar schedule to the Harvard Road project where some construction could start as early as late September but with the main construction starting early spring depending on the winter weather.

“Materials for the project could also play into when construction begins” cited city administrator Katy Allen. Naming the wooden poles needed for extending the electrical lines up over the Kramer overpass as one of the key items that has been difficult to source in the current economy.

Seeing past the construction, Allen added “I am excited that when the bridge is open the community will be more connected!”

The City is planning a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Harvard Road Bridge widening project featuring Senator Mike Padden, WSDOT, and other project sponsors / supporters on Wednesday September 22nd starting Ahead! at 11am. ThePlan public is invited to join Harvard Rd Bridge Closure Schedule the celebration with more details about the event to follow.

In order to efficiently complete the construction of Harvard Rd Bridge and the Mission Avenue Roundabout, WSDOT has planned the following closures:

1 2

SCHEDULE1 Location Date Harvard Rd Bridge – Mission to August 9th to August 23rd Appleway rd West Bound I-90 on Ramp (from August 23 to September 3rd South Bound Harvard) 1 This schedule is subject to change.

This closure will impact us all, so please plan ahead, stay informed, be patient.

For the most up-to-date schedule & project information, visit: https://wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i90/barker-harvard/home

Questions?

WSDOT: City of Liberty Lake:

Tom Brasch – (509) 342-0944 Katy Allen – (509) 755-6728 Lisa Key – (509) 755-6708

“TWO WEEKS OF PAIN FOR DECADES OF GAIN!”

SEPTEMBER 2021 • 5

The Splash

Liberty Lake Public access will be closed

By Stacey Lehman Splash news sources

When will the public access area be closed?

7.

Gates will close at 7 a.m. on Sept.

When will boats be able to be taken out of the water after Sept. 7?

Gate will re-open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 for boat removal and will be closed again at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 to allow work to continue on the project. Keeping the gates open for over a week will help relieve crowding as lake residents work to get boats out of the water.

During the time the gates are open for boat removal, members of the public will not be allowed to put boats in the water for fishing, water recreation or other reasons.

Why not add days in September when boats can be taken out of the water?

Something called a “turbidity curtain” will be installed at the boat launch in September, to keep dirty water out of the lake and to keep fish from going into construction areas.

This curtain is a requirement of our permit to work and is standard on construction projects on water to keep pollution from entering the lake. The curtain will remain up until mid-October. Once the turbidity curtain is installed, vehicles are not able to cross it.

What does this project include?

The funding for this project covers infrastructure repairs to the boat ramp, sealing/striping of the parking lot, installation of a new toilet, improvement to the fishing pier, and signage. As with all construction projects, funding for this project is limited. The project was scoped back in 2018 and funding secured to perform infrastructure repairs, not expansions. The footprint of the access area is not being expanded.

Why is this project being done now?

We understand that no matter when this project is constructed it will unfortunately impact some people, but when working around

water, there is a very small window of time to complete work, both due to weather and the permitting process.

With a project of this scope, we will need all of the time in that window to complete the work. By waiting until after school is back in session, we expect to have less demand for the public access area. The lake level is also lower in the fall, versus the spring when runoff brings the water level up, to allow crews to access the shoreline.

Spring weather can be hit-or-miss and we are trying to avoid working when the lake is iced over. If the project were planned for spring, there would be the chance it could be pushed back due to weather, which could then interfere with the annual fishing opener and the spring boating season. While it was an extreme year, a few years ago we had to cut a hole in the ice at the Liberty Lake access to stock fish in March.

Project scheduling also takes funding into consideration. With grant money, funding “expires” and has to be returned if not used so projects are scheduled as far as possible in advance of that date in case there are unavoidable delays.

In this case, funding expires in December 2022 so we didn’t wish to schedule in spring of 2022 just in case there are unforeseen delays.

How will you accommodate vendors who use the public access area for dock winterization?

WDFW staff has reached out to vendors that work on the lake and they have indicated they have a plan to work around the closure and will be able to accommodate their customers.

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6 • SEPTEMBER 2021

The Splash

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel

Police Report - July 2021 Splash news sources

Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 617 Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 19 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 43 DUI (Driving Under Influence) 1 Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 15 Malicious Mischief 3 Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/a Weapon 7 Parking Violations 0

Least Most

Suspicious Vehicles 33 *The above numbers are as of 08/01/21 Violation of a Court Order, 07/14/21; Officers responded to a report of a violation of a court order near the 20000 block of East Baldwin Avenue.

Officers contacted the female victim and determined the respondent in the order had violated the terms by texting her on numerous occasions. Officers have responded to several other violations with the same suspect in this case. The male violator in the order was unable to be contacted, but a warrant was requested for the violation of the court order that occurred.

Assault, 07/17/21; Officers responded to a report of an assault at the 1100 block of Liberty Lake Road.

Upon arrival they determined an intoxicated male in his 30’s had been yelling and screaming at customers and had struck the bartender during the altercation. The male ran from the location when officers arrived, but they were able to locate the male near another business in the area. The victim of the assault did not wish to pursue charges, but the male was trespassed from the location where the assault occurred.

DUI, 07/22/2021; Officers conducted a traffic stop near the 21000 block of East Mission Avenue. Officers contacted the adult male driver and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person.

The male volunteered to complete the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing of which he failed; he then agreed to submit to a breath test. The test results

circles contain the number of incidents in a given area.

indicated the male was over the legal limit and he was cited and released for Driving under the Influence.

Court Order Violation, 07/30/31; Officers responded to the 25000 block of East Hawkstone Loop for a violation of a court order. Upon arrival, Officers witness a male outside the residence known to have a court order against him for being in the area. The male was detained by the officers while they contacted the female victim to confirm if he had tried to contact her.

The female victim confirmed the male had tried to enter the residence at that location in violation of the court order.

The male was placed under arrest for the violation and transported to the Spokane County Jail for his second violation within the past week.

Stay well and be safe!

SEPTEMBER 2021 • 7

The Splash

The Lookout

September 2021

The Community Corner

By Sen. Mike Padden

Twenty years and still going strong.

On Aug. 31, 2001, Liberty Lake became a city.

The initial population was around 4,000 people. Today it has doubled and continues to grow. Businesses have also had robust growth and with that, financial stability of folks who work in Liberty Lake.

Liberty Lake is a desirable place to recreate and live. It has trails, greenspace, golf courses,

great housing, a strong city police force and library. Now two elementary schools, one middle school and soon one high school are all within its city limits. Yes, traffic can be a problem but many improvements have been made over the years and are continuing.

There is a great sense of civic engagement, volunteerism and concern for one’s fellow citizens.

The Liberty Lake elected city government deserves much of the credit for many of these

accomplishments along with the Liberty Lake Water and Sewer District.

Certainly, a positive factor influencing the attitude of many citizens is the presence of many strong churches in the area.

Laura and I had the privilege of attending the Memorial Day celebration last May. The city, the Rotarians and other volunteers put on a very impressive meaningful event that captured in my mind so much of what is good about Liberty Lake.

I am proud to represent Liberty Lake in Olympia.

Sen. Mike Padden, a 34year resident of the Spokane Valley, represents the 4th Legislative District in the state Senate, a district that includes Liberty Lake. He is chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee and also serves on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which addresses spending on state-government operations and capital projects and the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee.

September 4th City welcomes new police officer The city of Liberty Lake has added Jennifer McInelly as a new police officer. The Spokane native graduated from Spokane Falls Community College with a degree in Administration of Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement/Corrections.

She also has a bachelor’s degree in Social Services from Whitworth University.

McInelly worked with Spokane County Juvenile Court for nearly 20 years and also spent close to a year as an officer with the Spokane Police Department before coming to Liberty Lake. With juvenile court, McInelly worked as a corrections offers and a guardian ad litem through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) representing kids who had experienced abuse or neglect.

• Car Show: 11 am to 4 pm • City’s 20th Birthday Celebration: 5:30 pm • Lud Kramer Memorial Concert

presented by Spokane Symphony: 6 pm • Fireworks following Symphony

“I have a big heart for helping people,” McInelly said.

https://www.facebook.com/libertylakewa • www.libertylakewa.gov

8 • SEPTEMBER 2021

City Council News and Notes – Sept. 2021

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

• City Council will hold a workshop on Sept. 7 to discuss priorities for allocating American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. Nonprofits had until Aug. 27 to submit applications to be considered for funding support.

The city has been allotted just over $3 million as part of the ARP program.

• The city’s newest police officer Jennifer McInelly was introduced at the Aug. 17 council meeting. The Spokane native brings a background of nearly 20 years with Spokane County Juvenile Court as a corrections officer and guardian ad litem.

• Former LLPD Chief Brian Asmus made an appearance at the same council meeting, representing the Spokane Valley Fire Department in his new role as a commissioner. Asmus noted community safety courses being offered by SVFD along with news that the department earned accreditation status once again, becoming one of only 200 agencies worldwide to be so recognized.

• Jami Mauro-Glover appeared on behalf of the Greenacres Middle School PTA, letting council know that the organization would be applying for ARP funding support through the city, noting that many of the group’s fundraising efforts had

The Splash

NEWS

been cancelled due to COVID-19.

maintenance manager.

• The city will have up to three entries in the Valleyfest bed races sponsored by the Liberty Lake Lions Club this month. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the service club.

• City Administrator Katy Allen urged motorists to “be patient and plan ahead” in response to the Harvard Road Bridge widening project.

• LLPD Chief Damon Simmons brought forward a contract request with the Central Valley School District at the Aug. 17 meeting to have the department designate Officer Mark Holthaus as a school resource officer for the 2021-22 academic year.

Holthaus is one of three officers who participates on a state school resource officer advisory council.

Council later approved the contract.

Holthaus will be based at Ridgeline High School but will also provide coverage at Selkirk Middle School.

• The city is looking to replace furnaces, AC units and thermostats at City Hall. The ductwork would be cleaned out as part of the project.

Increased efficiencies from the new system would qualify the city for a rebate of up to 70 percent from Avista. The project is also expected to include an exhaust system that would pull air out of council chambers during public meetings, replacing it with fresh air from outside.

• Barefoot in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4 at Pavillion Park beginning at 11 a.m. with a vintage car show. The day will culminate with a concert by the Spokane Symphony at 6 p.m. with fireworks to follow, contingent on fire safety protocols in place at the time. The most recent COVID-19 precautions will be followed, said Jennifer Camp, city operations and

• The city is looking for a new city engineer after Ben Schmitt relocated to his native Colorado.

Council passed a task order on Aug. 17 with Parametrix to provide essential engineering services in the interim with an expenditure not to exceed $20,000.

• Residents Jane Baldwin and Midge Kiourkas encouraged council on Aug. 3 to consider establishing a dedicated senior center in Liberty Lake. Kiourkas told council that efforts were being made to organize a group to raise awareness and support for the concept.

• Sue Hamblet from the Friends of the Library reported that the group’s Library Summer Soiree in July raised just over $5,600.

• The city is currently conducting a staff salary schedule review.

• The city’s Parks and Arts Commission will finalize their 2022 budget at the group’s September meeting.

• Tesla, the California-based electric car manufacturer, will open a new service center in Liberty Lake at some point in 2022. Baker Construction recently broke ground for a 33,768-square foot building on a 5.5-acre site and anticipates completion by early next year. The site will include 24 supercharging stations and 240 parking spots.

• Planning and Engineering Manager Lisa Key gave council an

update on the state’s Affordable and Supportive Housing Sales and Use Tax and its relevance to Liberty Lake on Aug. 3.

Funds can be used for acquiring, rehabilitating or constructing affordable housing as well as rental assistance. The amount generated in Liberty Lake – around $30,000 a year – “is only a drop in the bucket,” Key said in addressing local housing challenges but could be used to leverage additional funding for residents in need of housing and to nonprofit causes that specialize in affordable and/or emergency housing. Langford brought up the idea of utilizing the funds to assist victims of domestic violence in need of safe housing. Council decided to have Key create a Request for Proposals inviting nonprofits in the housing arena to submit applications for the funding.

• The marathon discussion over the proposed Commission on Community Engagement continued with an Aug. 3 workshop – the fourth on the topic – and resulted in the concept being moved to a first read ordinance. Council Member Annie Kurtz once again led the charge for establishing a citizenbased group that would serve as a sounding board and provide input to city leaders. “Thank you everyone for taking the time to add your comments and suggestions,” Kurtz told her fellow council members. “Because I think the more engaged we can be, the more we’re going to come up with something that works well.”

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SEPTEMBER 2021 • 9

The Splash

NEWS Council maps out priorities for upcoming year

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

It was a different kind of “bucket list” that came before the Liberty Lake City Council at a pair of workshops last month.

The governing board met on Aug. 3 to discuss priorities for 2022, an exercise that has not taken place at City Hall since 2018. A follow-up workshop took place on Aug. 17.

“What we want to do is identify buckets and what goes in those buckets,” said City Administrator Katy Allen. “This list came from comments council has provided us in the past as well as staff input.”

Themes that made the council cut are: A vibrant economy and business environment; a safe active and engaged community; sustainable resources; quality facility and infrastructure and a catch-all miscellaneous category.

Allen began the workshop asking council if a bucket had been left off – such as policies and procedures.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy said it would be important – as the council addressed each category – to make sure the city had the adequate levels of staffing “to bring that to fruition – if not, it seems pretty obvious we need to get staff lined up.”

“People are an important part of the service business,” added Council Member Dan Dunne. “That’s what we are.”

Dunne noted that “effective hybrid public meetings” will be part of the city’s approach to citizen interaction moving forward and should be included in the quality facility and infrastructure category. The workshop featured a conversation about acquiring software from a company called Granicus that specializes in virtual meeting efficiencies.

The infrastructure discussion included Allen pointing out that IT cloud-based technology will be vital for departments like Liberty Lake Police to effectively navigate mutual aid and other programs. Improved WiFi and phone efficiency at City Hall were also brought up as needs.

The city is currently working on two new servers as part of the IT upgrade.

Funding support from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) – the

city will be the recipient of around $3 million – covers broadband improvements, according to the city’s IT Technician Todd Henderson.

“If this is a building we want to be in for the next 20 years, then I think we need to look at our systems and technology, basically a building plan for City Hall,” Allen said. “City Hall is not broken but we do have some short-term needs.”

Allen said a subset of the infrastructure category would be to make sure operational aspects are properly addressed.

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“We’ve made great progress in operations, I just think we need to talk to our police department and our library and our field crew to see what they think is important,” she said.

Council Member Odin Langford recommended the city attach cost figures to the bucket list before priorities are finalized.

“I would like to see this come back with the additional points we’ve discussed,” Langford said. “If we could look at the infrastructure and facilities we’ve already addressed and we have any amount of finance that’s been assigned to that and a recap of how we’re doing financially on those particular items to see if we’re still on a good, straight level for getting things done.”

On Aug. 17, council refined the list with a focus on sub-categories of COVID-19 mitigation as well as distribution of ARP funds. Hiring a full-time Communication and Engagement manager (estimated cost of $75,000 annually) and addressing camera upgrades in parks ($30,000) were also prioritized.

Council agreed to set aside $200,000 for improvements to IT security and dependability ($200,000) and add employees to departments like public safety and streets ($716,615).

A reduction of 15 season employees would be part of the equation, cutting $225,000.

The usual suspects on the capital projects side – Trailhead Golf Course upgrade ($350,000 this year; $2 million for 2022), Kramer Parkway overpass and Public Works Yard – topped the inventory of facilities. Meanwhile, a dog park and community pool made cameo appearances in the “to be determined” category. Council ultimately determined that both projects would be better suited for consideration in the regular review and updating process of the Capital Facilities Plan.

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10 • SEPTEMBER 2021

COVER STORY

The Splash

2001 2002 2003 2004

Liberty Lake celebrates two decades of incorporated ingenuity

By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor

Arlene Fisher remembers with some chagrin the first check she took to the bank as an employee with the city of Liberty Lake.

Fisher had signed on with the new city in March of 2001, less than five months after the vote for incorporation won approval at the ballot, making Liberty Lake the first new jurisdiction in Spokane County since Airway Heights in 1955. Fisher had taken a chance on the venture, leaving an established position as financial administrator with the U.S. Federal Court in downtown Spokane.

“I thought it sounded interesting,” said Fisher who began her professional career in Colorado as a municipal police officer. “I welcomed the challenge. Starting a city is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

In Liberty Lake, Fisher became the inaugural city clerk and treasurer. One of her responsibilities was payroll – a job made more challenging by the fact

that a large revenue stream for the new city had been held up in the transition from Spokane County.

“It was the road tax,” Fisher recalls.

Other hurdles arose for the inaugural staff. The paycheck Fisher went to deposit was deemed invalid by an employee at a local bank.

“I had to call the bank manager, clear things up and go back to deposit my check,” she said. “I found out it was happening to other city employees too.”

Over time, the snags with county revenue cleared up and the city established a strong financial foundation that continues two decades later. Fisher recalls the nebulous beginnings before the official incorporation date of Aug. 31, 2001 when the city had no money or assets and a checklist of 150 legally required tasks to complete before incorporation became a reality.

“It was a great adventure,” said Fisher who now works as the city manager in Union Gap, a town of

just over 6,000 in Yakima County.

“I credit my experience in Liberty Lake for giving me the courage to make things happen. It taught me perseverance and that there’s always a solution.”

Ambitious Roots On Dec. 10, 1998, the Spokane Journal of Business published a story about a group of residents in eastern quadrant of Spokane County who had formed a committee to explore the feasibility of Liberty Lake incorporation.

Jim Frank, founder of Greenstone Homes, was part of the contingent, along with nine others.

The goal, Frank told the Journal, was “to maintain the quality of life and strong sense of community” that had defined unincorporated Liberty Lake to that point. The community had developed a stellar reputation for grassroots efforts that built Pavillion Park and an extensive trails system. While residents loved their community, concerns were growing about Spokane County being unable to provide adequate service in areas like street maintenance – especially during the winter months – law enforcement and library access.

“There was growing interest in whether forming a city would be beneficial,” recalls Shaun Brown, co-founder and original editor of

The Splash who served as chair of the feasibility committee. “We just started figuring out what it would take.”

One of the catalysts in the conversation about cityhood was Lud Kramer, a transplant from the Seattle area with his wife Patricia. Kramer brought a bounty of experience in government leadership, including a tenure on the Seattle City Council and a dozen years as Washington Secretary of State before relocating to Liberty Lake in 1994.

“Lud was the spearhead for the incorporation as he understood government well and he knew what our possibilities could be with a successful city incorporation,” said Steve Peterson, Liberty Lake’s inaugural mayor. “Once the vote for cityhood was secured, he led the transition efforts in getting information and putting together volunteer groups and exploratory committees.”

When it came to local coverage of the discussion leading up to the incorporation vote on Nov. 7, 2000, Brown made it a point to feature objective takes on the topic.

The first issue of The Splash was published on Sept 22, 1999, in the thick of growing interest regarding the advantages of a city.

“We tried hard just to present

2009 2010 2011 2012

The Splash

SEPTEMBER 2021 • 11

COVER STORY

2005 2006 2007 2008 the facts,” Brown said. “But you had to admit the facts leaned toward establishing a city – streets, public safety, zoning, local control over signage, all the things we take for granted in Liberty Lake today.”

When the final ballots were counted in the fall of 2000, a total of 938 registered voters gave the green light for a city; 502 were opposed. Just over 62 percent of the electorate turned out for the election.

The Task Ahead With the vote certified, the massive chore list of forming a city was set into motion. Judi Owens remembers attending a meeting at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building just a few weeks after the election. With Kramer holding court, committees were formed to oversee areas like public safety, transportation, finance and community development as the shift from unincorporated county to municipality took shape.

“Lud made it very clear, ‘You passed the vote, now you’ve got to build your city,’” Owens said.

The transition committees went to work and served as valuable training ground for Owens and several other members of the inaugural City Council who would be elected in the spring of 2001.

They were sworn in on May 7, 2001

along with Peterson as mayor.

Owens brought helpful experience as the chair of the legislative council for the Public School Employees of Washington.

Her job with the Central Valley School District also proved helpful when the city launched its library in a small space at the Greenstone Building on Meadowwood Lane.

“The old CV high school was being torn down, so I went to the district business manager to see if the city could have the bookshelves, tables, chairs and desks,” Owens said. “We did an interagency transfer and the library had furniture.”

The learning curve was steep for the original governing board.

A myriad of codes and ordinances needed to be reviewed, discussed and approved to establish the legal bedrock of a new municipality.

Peterson said staff and council prioritized a collaborative spirit in the process.

“It was a complete team effort,” he said. “It was all about making the community better. We had a lot of fun.”

Municipal Mentor Over the years, Bob Jean has become known as a “city whisperer” for the work he’s done with newly incorporated communities. The

longtime city administrator was part of the conversation before and after the Liberty Lake vote passed.

Jean recalls the pushback from Spokane County when talk of Liberty Lake incorporation began to gain momentum. Loss of property and sales tax revenue was the key concern.

“The county didn’t want to lose Liberty Lake,” Jean said. “The valuation of Liberty Lake was high and growing.”

Jean had confidence Liberty Lake would find success with incorporation, similar to other cities on the west side of the state.

“All of the new cities have pulled it off,” said Jean. “They’ve controlled costs through local control and improved services at the same time. Generally, all of the cities have proven they can do it better and cheaper than counties.”

Jean recalls being “a coach and mentor” to Peterson and the council as the city found its footing.

He would later work with the Spokane Valley City Council after incorporation passed there in May of 2002.

“In Liberty Lake, I focused on goal-setting with the council,” Jean said. “It was just a matter of teaching them how that process See 20 YEARS, Page 13

Leaps and Bounds – City

growth over 20 years

2001 Population: 3,265 Land area: 4.62 square miles Annual retail sales: $42 million Taxable assessed property value: $278,078,510 Compensation for mayor: $150/ month Compensation for City Council members: $400/month 2015 Population: 8,975 Land area: 6 square miles Annual retail sales: $320 million Taxable assessed property value: $1,196,298,024 Compensation for mayor: $1,250/month Compensation for City Council members: $400/month 2020 Population: 12,070 Total Acres: 6.24 square miles Annual retail sales: $541,781,375 Taxable assessed property value: $2,071,859,608 Compensation for mayor: $2,250/month Compensation for City Council members: $720/month

2013 2014 2015 2016

12 • SEPTEMBER 2021

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Continued from page 11 of local control works. It’s about setting the priorities.”

A few years ago, Jean was driving to Wyoming and decided to detour through Liberty Lake.

It had been awhile since Jean had been back and he was instantly impressed by the influx of new neighborhoods and commercial areas still generously balanced by the community’s signature greenspaces, sidewalks and trails.

“I’ve spent the last 40 years proving that local government works,” Jean said. “Liberty Lake is part of that proof.”

Before and After Leslie Zilka was serving as president of Friends of Pavillion Park when the idea of bringing the Spokane Symphony to Liberty Lake first emerged in 2001. Again, Kramer led the charge.

“It was Lud’s idea,” Zilka said.

“Before, the symphony just played at Comstock Park (on Spokane’s South Hill.)”

The event on Aug. 31, 2001 served as a celebration of the new city with around 2,000 in attendance.

money to the county than the return we were getting for services,” Zilka recalls. “We needed to have a say in how that money was spent.”

Key hires in the city’s inaugural year set the tone for long-term stability. Brian Asmus was brought on as police chief and served nearly 19 years. Stan Schwartz proved invaluable as the first city attorney while Lewis Griffin brought critical experience and a no-nonsense approach as city administrator.

Doug Smith was a catalyst as community development manager, guiding discussions on zoning while prioritizing the aesthetic integrity that would become Liberty Lake’s trademark.

Capital projects like the pedestrian bridge over I-90, City

A native of the Bay Area, Zilka moved to Liberty Lake with her husband Nick in 1993. At the time, the closest grocery store was several miles to the west in Spokane Valley. Zilka said the idea of a city made sense, so she joined the Liberty Lake 2000 movement and started handing out campaign signs.

“We were contributing more

The city also developed clout in its pursuit of game-changing grants while making itself heard by the state legislature.

together.” Looking back on two decades of Liberty Lake incorporation, Zilka has no regrets.

“I think it’s been wonderful,” she said. “Liberty Lake has become a premier address, whether you’re living in an apartment, a cottage or a luxurious home. I am proud of our town.”

“When you went to Olympia, you had the power of a city,” Peterson said. “You were speaking with a different voice.”

Zilka lived in the unincorporated Valley before moving to Liberty Lake and saw “how every neighborhood was fending for itself but not necessarily working

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“It was magical,” Zilka said.

After Kramer passed in 2004, the concert was named in his honor.

Hall, the Trailhead golf course, library building and police precinct would redefine the city’s terrain in subsequent years. New parks like Rocky Hill, Orchard and Town Square reiterated the community’s robust commitment to greenspace.

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Student of the Month

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As the 2021-22 school year begins, Emily Pauley is focused on sustained excellence. The Central Valley senior maintains a 3.5 grade point average and is a Running Start student at Eastern Washington University. She has participated in Future Business Leaders of America for the past two years and was chapter president as a junior. As a member of Key Club, Pauley has contributed to a variety of community service projects including making blankets for Blessings Under the Bridge. “I think everyone just enjoyed being part of the community more,” she said of the effort. Pauley has also been part of CV’s Green Team, a program focused on environmental awareness. Pauley has played tennis for the past two years and will be a cheerleader this year. She has been playing piano for 10 years and placed runner-up at the Spokane Piano Competition.

Teagen Hoard put basketball fans on notice at last year’s 4A final against Mt. Si when he scored a team-high 13 points for Central Valley as a junior reserve. That trend continued this season as Hoard led the Bears in scoring at 20 points a game while dishing out six assists and pulling down five rebounds per contest. Hoard and CV placed second to Mt. Spokane in the short season. He was named to the All-Greater Spokane League first team as a guard and also earned AllState Honorable Mention. The senior tallied a career-best 33 points against Gonzaga Prep and scored 32 and 29 points respectively in games against Ferris. Hoard also participated in track where he as part of a GSL runner-up finish in the 4 x 100-meter relay. He will attend Lewis Clark State on a basketball scholarship.

In the 20-year history of Liberty Lake, no one has served longer on the City Council than Odin Langford. The Texas native began his tenure with the governing board in 2007 and will step down at the end of 2021. “I was just happy to be one of many council members who helped the city move in a better direction,” he said. Langford earned his Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities and also served as mayor pro tem. He spent 25 years in law enforcement, rising to captain, before working as a private contractor with the Federal Protective System. He has been an elder care ombudsman and a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates in support of children who have been abused or neglected. Langford and his wife Jill have lived in Liberty Lake since 2001.

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16 • SEPTEMBER 2021

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Work ethic propelled U-Hi, Gonzaga grad to big leagues

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Casey Parsons was sitting on a dugout bench as the wind from Lake Erie funneled through Cleveland Municipal Stadium on an August night in 1987.

A reserve outfielder for the hometown Indians, Parsons knew he had to be ready at a moment’s notice.

He had carved out a serviceable career in professional baseball with a knack for pinch hitting and running.

On this evening, the call came from manager Pat Corrales to step up to the plate in the sixth inning of a game against division rival Toronto Blue Jays.

“I had my jacket on,” Parsons recalls. “It was kind of cool. When I went up, I thought, ‘Just get a pitch you can drive.’”

Cleveland had loaded the bases, prompting a Toronto call the bullpen. Parsons dug in to face lanky righthander Mark Eichhorn known for his unconventional sidearm delivery. The first pitch was high and inside. The second offering was in a similar spot but never found the catcher’s glove.

Pines Elementary in Spokane Valley, Parsons was never one to back down from a challenge. He was small for his age but determined. At Bowdish Junior High, he turned out for football, basketball and baseball. His hero was Jim Barbieri, a less-thanstout outfielder with the Spokane Indians who went on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1966 World Series.

Parsons’ dad worked as a salesman for Armor Foods and helped Casey and his brother learn the fundamentals of sports, especially baseball.

“He sacrificed a lot for my brother and I,” Parsons said. “My dad and mom were our biggest fans. They were at all of our games.”

In Spokane Valley Little League, Parsons excelled but remembers being “not overgifted athletically.”

“I don’t think I stood out though I do remember I could throw the ball farther than anyone else and I was blessed with quickness,” he said.

At University High, Parsons narrowed his sports down to

basketball and baseball. As a sophomore, he didn’t make the varsity baseball cut. During the summer, he played in a Babe Ruth League and was named to an allstar team that qualified for the state tournament – yet Parsons saw little time on the field.

“I wasn’t happy,” Parsons recalls.

“If anything, it made me realize I had to get better. It was a motivation. I felt at one point, I would get my chance.”

Parsons lettered in baseball his junior year, moving into the starting second baseman’s role midway through the season. As a senior, the prospect of college baseball came into focus. After graduating in 1972, he enrolled at Spokane Falls Community College on a scholarship.

Meanwhile, Parsons’ best friend since the second grade, Tony Higley, went from U-Hi to Gonzaga University and walked on to the baseball team. When SFCC played GU in scrimmages that fall, Parsons stood out.

“It didn’t matter who we threw at him,” Higley recalls. “We couldn’t seem to get Casey out.”

After it appeared GU star Lenn Sakata would leave college to enter the pro draft, GU head coach Larry Koentopp asked Parsons to join the

Parsons connected for a high, arching home run that landed in the right field bleachers. It was the club’s first pinch-hit grand slam in four years and all but closed the doors on the Blue Jays in a 14-5 rout.

Going back to his days at South

Higley said Parson’s unique work ethic had a ripple effect on teammates.

“Casey did it the right way, he didn’t do it the easy way,” Higley said. “I think it rubbed off on anyone who had contact with him.”

Parsons was invited to a tryout with the San Francisco Giants after graduating from GU. He began his pro baseball journey in Great Falls, Montana where he hit over .300 in a short-season A league. He continued to climb the minor league ladder with stops in California, Arizona, Connecticut and Utah before being traded to the Mariners in 1981. That year, Parsons received his call-up to the majors, spending eight weeks with Seattle and hitting .227 over 36 games.

“It was surreal,” Parsons said of his break-through to the big leagues. “All the hard work and determination paid off.”

Parsons would go on to play parts of four MLB seasons with Seattle, the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland.

After hanging up his cleats, he became a successful manager in the Oakland A’s minor league system for seven years. When the A’s won the World Series in 1989, Parsons was given a championship ring.

These days, Parsons and his wife Penne live in Spokane Valley where he runs a home inspection business.

The couple’s three daughters all graduated from U-Hi and went on to play college golf.

Unlike the Casey from Mudville in the iconic baseball poem, this Casey had delivered with a clutch at-bat and joy reigned in Cleveland that evening – despite the team being mired in the basement of the American League East. After rounding the bases, Parsons answered a curtain call, stepping from the dugout to tip his cap.

“The pressure is really on,” Parsons said of his role as a backup with a limited window to impress.

“You just have to make the best of the opportunities you’re given.”

roster. He would eventually become a starting outfielder for some of the program’s most successful teams, a run that included consecutive NCAA tournament appearances in 1973 and 1974.

Looking back, Parsons credits his success to a brand of perseverance that equipped him to step up to the plate with confidence – just like on that cool summer night in Cleveland 32 years ago.

Contributed photo University High alum Casey Parsons spent parts of four seasons in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians. Parsons is pictured above in 1987 with Cleveland after his pinch-hit grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays.

“If one door closed, I’d try the next door,” he said. “There was no reason to give up hope. I knew I had to keep battling ahead even if there were heartbreaks. I just never gave up.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 • 17

The Splash

Chuck Yoke 1929-2021

Our Yoke’s family is deeply saddened by the passing of Chuck Yoke.

Those of us who were fortunate to work alongside Mr. Yoke have lost a dear friend and mentor.

While he will be greatly missed, Chuck leaves behind a spirit that will forever be at the heart of Yoke’s Fresh Markets.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 • 21

The Splash

SVFD Report – July 2021

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 154 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from July 15 – August 15, 2021 • Emergency Medical Services 114 • Fires 14 • Building Alarms 9 • Motor Vehicle Accidents 7 • Dispatched and cancelled en route 5 • Hazardous Materials 3 • Service Calls 2 Of note:

Fires and an increase in major car collisions continue to be of concern.

Burn Restrictions remain in place.

Visit spokanevalleyfire.com to know what is legal to burn.

Media Releases: July 15 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units were dispatched at approximately 3:30 p.m. to an apartment fire in the 12200 block of East Maxwell. The fire was called in by a resident noticing smoke on the 3rd floor. Neighbors attempted to put the fire out with water before fire crews arrived. The fire extended into the attic and across 2 apartments. Because of the large column of dark smoke, the first responding apparatus requested additional units while driving to the scene. Crews were aggressively assigned to search in coordination with fire attack. Two firefighters were injured, and a dog and cat were rescued.

Red Cross is on hand helping 6 families whose apartments were affected by the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

July 26 - The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire in the 6800 block of East 2nd Avenue.

A neighbor across the street called 911, stating that they could see fire in an apartment through the front window.

The first arriving crews found a fully involved apartment and aggressively attacked the fire, while other crews searched adjoining apartments to ensure that no one was inside.

The fire was quickly knocked down before spreading to adjoining units. Two units had smoke and water damage. A total of seven residents were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the residents.

and returned to service. WSP provided traffic control to the west of the scene. A second fire approximately 100’x100’ to the east of the initial fire was identified

by V22. VL10 crews could see the second fire burning with up to 5 – 8’ flame lengths at times from the breeze.

VL10 was assigned fire attack on the second fire to the east. They used two 1 ¾ preconnects to knock the fire down and quickly extinguish. Crews took each of the preconnects with one crew going to the left flank and one crew going to the right until they encircled the fire for extinguishment.

August 5 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units were dispatched around 1 p.m. to the 24000 block of East Sinto Lane in Liberty Lake to the report of a home fire potentially caused by a lightning strike. A neighbor called 911 reporting the fire and alerted the homeowner.

The occupants were all evacuated to safety. Crews could see smoke and fire as they approached the location and upgraded the fire to a working fire which dispatched more fire crews to help with the response.

Structure Fire – July 18, 7:13 p.m.

– Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a one story retirement home and a report of a fire. Crews arrived and did not see any fire just light smoke. They investigated the area to find the cause of the light smoke. Staff had evacuated all patients from the facility. An over heated water heater was found in the break room causing the smoke. Crews reset the alarm system with help from building maintenance and ventilated the building.

When crews arrived, they found 3 neighbors with hoses spraying the area where the fire started. Neighbors said they saw lightning strike at the back of the house where the fire originated.

The fire was quickly knocked down and the roof line and ceiling opened to check for any extension. Crews helped to ventilate smoke from the house as well.

HazMat, Natural Gas – July 19, 10:14 a.m.

– Spokane Valley Phone and Internet Discounts Fire Department Available to CenturyLink Customers (SVFD) VL10 crews responded to Sprague and Overlook to The Washington Utilities and Transportation assist with traffic and Commission designated CenturyLink as an to start evacuating Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its nearby residents who lived east of the service area for universal service purposes. incident. VE7 crews CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for responded for the residential voice lines are $27.50 per month and report of a natural business services are $40.00 per month. Specific gas leak and upon rates will be provided upon request. arrival extended a 1 ¾ preconnect line to CenturyLink participates in a government benefit provide protection program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone for Avista workers or broadband service more affordable to eligible working in the trench low-income individuals and families. Eligible to stop the natural gas customers are those that meet eligibility standards leak. as defined by the FCC and state commissions.

Brush Fire – Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal July 26, 9:53 a.m.

Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) if they participate in certain additional federal responded to a 50’x50’ eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is grass fire off the available for only one telephone or broadband shoulder of eastbound service per household, which can be on either I90 just west of wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds the Liberty Lake must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload exit. The fire grew or faster to qualify. to approximately 100’x100’. Valley 22 A household is defined for the purposes of the was in a blocking Lifeline program as any individual or group of position protecting crews.

VE3 crews individuals who live together at the same address took the first lane and share income and expenses. Lifeline service of eastbound I90 to is not transferable, and only eligible consumers provide additional may enroll in the program. Consumers who protection for crews. willfully make false statements in order to obtain They were positioned Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be to the west of the punished by fine or imprisonment and can be fire and observed moderate smoke with barred from the program.

1 – 2’ flame lengths.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please VE3 crews and B85 crews worked on call 1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink.com/ the west portion of lifeline with questions or to request an application the fire. VL10 crews for the Lifeline program. worked on the east portion of the fire with VE6.

Crews quickly extinguished the slow moving fire

There was no power at the house and in the neighboring cul-de-sac also had lost power. Avista crews arrived to help re-instate the power after safety conditions were established.

August 11 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a commercial fire at approximately 5:27am, today, in the 9300 block of East Trent in Millwood. Initial reports to 911 stated a dog grooming business was on fire.

The first arriving crews found a well-developed fire venting through a doorway on the side of a four business strip mall. The fire was upgraded to a working commercial fire, and brought crews from Spokane Fire, and Fire Dist 9 to assist the Spokane Valley Fire units on scene. Aggressive hose work, and quick access to the interior allowed for full knock down of the fire within 10 minutes. A search of the occupancies confirmed no one and no animals were inside. The damage was contained to two of the business, with the majority being in the grooming shop.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Incidents: Dumpster Fire – July 15, 5:14 p.m.

- Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Engine 3 responded to a fully involved dumpster near Hay Jay’s on the southeast corner of the convenience store. SVFD crews made a quick knockdown of the fire with a 1 ¾” bumper line with foam. Additionally, they provided light overhaul with a trash hook. The extinguishment took about 100 gallons.

22 • SEPTEMBER 2021

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VAN ORMAN

Continued from page 2 the community in 1994 from Hillyard in Spokane, most of the surrounding areas were still grassland. We had the BP gas station on the corner of Liberty Lake Road and Appleway where the Walgreen’s exists now.

The nearest grocery store was Yoke’s on Sullivan and Sprague. There were no schools at that time and we were part of Spokane County. Little did we know just how involved we would become in the community.

To have community leaders such as Elmer Schneidmiller donate land for Pavillion Park and the Liberty Lake and Liberty Creek Elementary schools, Tom Specht coordinating the building of the trails within the community, Friends of Pavillion Park took on getting the park built, then holding concerts/movies, Liberty Lake Community Theatre was created and so much more. Each has done a piece to make Liberty Lake community special and there are so many others that have made the difference in this community.

Q: What do you remember about the feeling in the community leading up to the incorporation vote in November of 2000?

A: Most within the new parts of Liberty Lake all had something in common, newly built homes and wants for services and community activities. More and more homes were being built within the community and services were needed that were not being met. A governance study group was put together with community members asking the question, “Where do we go from here?” Our task was to research the best way to provide services whether it be to remain in Spokane County or join with another entity as Spokane Valley. We looked at five different options, hired a firm for a feasibility study which stated we had enough businesses and land area to support services for the community. We sent out surveys into the community to find out what services were needed and over half came back. We also contacted the various homeowner associations.

Residents were wanting to respond and be part of the solution. During this time the beginning of The Splash newspaper was born. Owners

Nathan and Shaun Brown started to report of what the options would be for the community, what new businesses were coming in and which direction we could take, giving us a voice. Once the Liberty Lake 2000 campaign was formed, I became the spokesperson. This allowed us to go door-to-door to collect signatures for the Boundary Review Board to get the incorporation of the city of Liberty Lake on the ballot. The team of Liberty Lake 2000 met over at Jim Frank’s home to watch the vote. It was 64 percent passage! We were elated!

Q: You were part of the original City Council that faced the enormous task of establishing a foundation for what Liberty Lake would become. What was it about that first group of leaders that made this responsibility manageable?

A: Part of the foundation of the city is doing the research and beginning transition teams after the vote. We were lucky that five to 10 of the newest cities in Washington State lent us the knowledge they went through to help get us set up correctly. Former Secretary of State Lud Kramer headed up the many transition teams tackling what would most be needed. Several chairs were selected to divide up the tasks at hand and over 100 volunteers came together to work on everything. Since many of those that ran for the new council were part of the transition teams, the knowledge was passed along, giving a solid foundation.

The first council/ mayor was voted in May of 2001 and incorporation officially was set for Aug. 31, 2001 so a lot of work would be needed. Once we incorporated, the current laws in place went away so new ones would need to be made to take their place. Starting something new with an empty slate was very rewarding. The work was hard, meetings were long but you left a meeting – many in a week – and you were so invigorated to know you were making a lasting impact in the community you live in.

Q: Looking back, how would you compare your role and duties as a council member to the responsibilities you had later as mayor?

A:

A council member passes

laws and sets up the blueprints of how the city is run. As a mayor, the laws are implemented. Having set up those blueprints, it was easier to implement because of the knowledge of what the intent of the law was. Long hours, late nights went into those first few years. It was exhausting but exciting at the same time to know that what you collectively are envisioning, you are building something from the ground up. As a council, we reviewed and passed the Comprehensive Plan to Specific Area Plans that made up Rocky Hill, River District, Trutina and Stone Hill developments that, 10 to 20 years later, are coming into fruition. As a mayor, the city built Rocky Hill Park, skate park, the police station and library building with an existing building and renovated for $1.2 million, building upon what was completed over the previous seven years.

Q: As a founding member of Liberty Lake Lions, you’ve seen the club have a positive impact in a variety of areas. Yet, these days, service clubs in general have seen lagging interest and membership.

What will be the key to these organizations surviving and thriving into the future?

A: As a founding member of Liberty Lake Lions formed in 2010, a lot has transpired. We were able to implement the Sensory Gardens in the Arboretum “Natures Place at Meadowood,” bring four of the five senses into the plantings, provide eyeglasses and hearing aids to those in need as well as take on community needs. Our first fundraiser since COVID-19 is quickly approaching, Lion Club Bed Races which will be this year on Sept. 24, beginning at 6:15 p.m. before the Valleyfest Parade between University and Pines on Sprague Avenue, raising funds to build bunk beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace for those without beds. Lions Clubs give back 100 percent of the funds raised back into the community. What a great reason to roll up our sleeves and make a difference.

Q: It sounds like Lud Kramer was a valuable mentor to you in those early years of the city. Do you think most people appreciate the role he had in not only making

incorporation a reality but in helping the first group of elected officials understand what was expected of them?

A: From the moment I met Lud Kramer, his compassion and ability to nurture the best out of a person was always first and foremost.

I have always loved to do the research and comparisons along the way and finding those cities that had incorporated before we did gave us a lot of information early on to not have to invent the wheel all over again. Lud was the youngest Secretary of State in Washington, he was able to take his knowledge and help some of us gain our confidence to do things we normally would not do. With his guidance we were able to gather the community together, form a framework and gather as much research information to help the city get off the ground. I remember his encouragement to build my confidence as I was not sure if anything would come out in my first speech in front of the community back before the first election for the City Council in May of 2001, Lud told me to look at him because he had a touch of Parkinson’s and would be nodding yes to everything I said. Lud is definitely missed and, in his honor, during my time as mayor, I had the bronze plaque made to show Lud Kramer’s commitment as well as to recognize the first City Council/ mayor in this city. The plaque is currently displayed in Pavillion Park.

Q: Lastly, what do you think lies in store for Liberty Lake over the next 20 years?

A: We made sure 20 years ago to put into place what was important – 30 acres per 1,000 in greenspace., being diversified in services, making our events memorable like Liberty Lake Days (Barefoot in the Park), Easter Egg Hunts, concerts and movies in the parks are ways to bring the community together.

Keep our service clubs active and events numerous to keep people loving living here. We have an outstanding community that has relocated here from somewhere else and has brought their ideas of making it better. Can’t wait to tap into it!

24 • SEPTEMBER 2021

The Splash

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