January 2022 Splash

JANUARY

THE

LIBERTY LAKE

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019

2022

FREE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

making an impact

groups making a difference could use your help, page 10

NEW COUNCIL MEMBER TAKES OFFICE PAGE 2

2022 BUDGET TALKS PAGE 9

TAYLOR RE TAKES THE FIELD PAGE 16

2 • JANUARY 2022

The Splash

DOCKSIDE Taking Flight – Baird ready to tackle council duties

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Last February, Jamie Baird was among a vast and enthusiastic crowd of applicants vying for a seat on the Liberty Lake City Council.

A total of 15 hopefuls lined up for a chance to represent Spokane County’s easternmost jurisdiction in the Pos. 7 chair once occupied

by Cris Kaminskas who had moved into the mayor’s role. By the time the sitting council addressed the robust list, Baird and Holly Woodruff emerged as finalists.

While Woodruff was eventually selected, Baird had established a brand name.

“After that, people told me, ‘You should run for office.’” Baird said.

Fortune 500 company specializing in credit card financing and marketing, since 2016.

Baird brings a unique pedigree to her new role. She was a political science/history major at the University of North Carolina/ Greensboro and later earned her master’s in American government/ law and public policy from Regent University. Baird served as vice chair of the Student Republican Club in college and was ASB vice president in high school.

“Leadership is something gravitate toward,” Baird said.

I

Baird considered becoming an attorney and attended one semester of law school before changing course.

She taught seventh grade English in her home state after receiving her master’s and has worked as a corporate trainer for Alliance Data, a

Baird grew up in Medane, North Carolina, a community nestled between Greensboro and Durham/ Chapel Hill. She and her older brother and younger sister learned a consistent work ethic from parents who, in Baird’s words, “believed every generation should do better than the one before them.” Baird worked part-time in high school, saving enough to buy her first car.

“In my family, it’s all about doing your best,” Baird said. “We learned to pick ourselves up by our bootstraps.”

The “voice” that will now be heard as part of Liberty Lake’s governance team has always been part of Baird’s approach to speaking up when things are not right.

Baird had heard similar encouragement before during her time on the Planning Commission but never considered her tenure there to be a stepping stone to the governing board.

Baird and her husband Jason have been married since 2012. The couple took a summer road trip in 2014 that included stops in Idaho and Washington to see relatives of Jason.

“We loved the area when we came up here,” Baird said.

In 2015, the couple relocated to Liberty Lake. Baird first became involved in community issues when she spoke at a City Council meeting with questions about a marijuana shop opening on the east side of town.

“People were blindsided by it,” Baird recalls.

Afterward Council Member Mike Kennedy encouraged Baird to consider joining the Planning Commission.

“I didn’t know anything about zoning, the comprehensive plan or Washington state law at the time,” Baird said.

“At first, I thought I was too opinionated to be a council member,” Baird says. “But I recognized that I could add a voice.”

She came on as an adjunct member of the commission in August 2017 and was a voting member by that December.

When longtime Council Member Odin Langford announced he would not run for re-election, the Pos. 4 chair was up for grabs. Baird and Mike Behary filed to run and the race commenced.

The Splash caught up with Baird as she prepares to be sworn this month as a new and very motivated representative of the city she now calls home.

Q: A lot is made of the steep learning curve when people start on City Council. What is your strategy as you head into this first year at the dais?

Both candidates ran congenial campaigns that focused on issues and objectives. After Baird collected 51 percent of the vote for a narrow win, she remarked that her opponent would have made an excellent addition to council.

Now, Baird said she is “ready to hit the ground running” as the city embarks on a New Year. She will be joined by another first-time council representative, Chris Cargill, who ran unopposed to take over Pos. 2, occupied for the past eight years by Hugh Severs.

“My dad always said, ‘Be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem,’” she said. “If I see something that’s wrong or could be done better, I can’t stay quiet about it.”

Photo by Craig Howard Jamie Baird collected just over 51 percent of the vote against Mike Behary in November’s general election to earn a seat on the Liberty Lake City Council.

The North Carolina native began serving on the city’s Planning Commission in 2017.

A: I’ve challenged myself to minimize that learning curve as much as possible as I want to hit the ground running. We have a lot to accomplish in 2022! I’ve been a faithful attendee of council meetings, so I believe I’m up to speed on most of the items coming up for discussion.

I’ve also extensively reviewed the budget that council will be adopting See BAIRD, Page 5

JANUARY 2022 • 3

The Splash

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4 • JANUARY 2022

SVFD Report – Dec. 2021 Splash news sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 150 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area from November 15 – December 15, 2021 • • • • • • • • •

Emergency Medical Services 127 Motor Vehicle Accidents 5 Dispatched and cancelled en route 5 Fires 4 Hazardous Materials 3 Vehicle Fires 2 Building Alarms 2 Service Calls 1 Other 1

Of note: • Calls saw an increase from 123 last month to 150 this month.

• Emergency Medical Services saw an increase from 98 calls last month to 127 calls this month.

• Building Alarms decreased from 7 last month to 2 this month • Motor Vehicle Collisions decreased from 6 last month to 5 this month.

• Fires increased with 2 last month to 4 this month.

• Be careful with portable heaters.

Keep flammable items away from them and turn them off when not in the room.

• Cooking during the holidays is the leading cause of fires. Be sure to watch “the pot” during cooking.

Do not leave the cooking area when cooking.

Media Releases: Dec. 3 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded at 4:18 am to the 1400 block of S Warren for a reported structure fire. Callers 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

to 911 stated the house next door was on fire, and the residents were outside.

The first arriving unit confirmed a working structure fire in a small single-family residence. An exterior fire was noted to be extending into the attic space. Initial crews deployed hose lines to the front of the property for extinguishment of the immediate fire area, and cooling of exposures.

Most of the damage was contained to an exterior breezeway connecting the home and the detached garage.

The residence was evacuated, and a quick search of the house confirmed no life hazards, and the utilities were turned off for responder safety.

During overhaul, the home was boarded up, and residents are able to return, pending utilities being reconnected. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

There were no injuries reported, by civilians or firefighters.

Dec. 7 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded at 6:12 pm to the 1617 N. University for a reported structure fire. Callers to 911 stated a room in the basement of the house was on fire, and initially one occupant was still inside.

The first arriving unit confirmed all occupants were now out of the structure and a fire was in the basement of the structure.

Firefighting crews entered the structure with charge hose line for fire attack and successfully located the origin of the fire and extinguished it. The fire was confined to one room in the basement and structure remained intact.

The secondary crews performed quick search of the house confirmed no life hazards, and the utilities were turned off for responder safety.

During overhaul, the home was boarded up, and the two residents along with their four dogs are presently displace and staying with

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family. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

There were no injuries reported, by civilians or firefighters.

Dec. 8 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a reported residential fire at approximately 10 PM tonight in the 20100 block of Crestwood Lane.

The responding crew saw flames from Trent. Upon their arrival, Engine 4 observed flames showing from two sides of the structure.

Engine 4 attempted to knock down the fire with a pre-connected hose line but ran out of water. Additional engines connected a hose to Engine 4 to provide them with water, but they also ran out of water.

The closest hydrant was a half mile away. Newman Lake and Hauser Lake Fire Departments each provided a water tender to help provide water for the fire.

SVFD engines and the two tenders shuttled water non-stop to battle the fire. Due to the size of the fire when crews arrived, the limitations of fire hydrants in the area effecting water supply, a large portion of the residence was destroyed.

The residence had last been occupied in June and was being prepared to be sold.

One firefighter was injured and transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Dec. 13 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at 2718 N. Bowdish, The Eagle Point Apartments.

Initial calls from multiple residents of the apartment complex to 911 reported large amounts of smoke coming from an apartment in the complex and that the resident of the affected apartment was outside.

Two residents from nearby units located the on-site working fire extinguishers and attempted to put the fire out but due to quantity of smoke were unable to affect extinguishment.

The first responding crew upon arrival reported smoke from the affected apartment and completed a rapid-fire attack to control the fire to the apartment of origin. The additional SVFD responding crews were assigned primary search of the adjacent units to confirm no extension of fire into the adjacent units and all occupants of those units were safely out of the units until crews could control the fire and deem the area

The Splash safe again for residents.

There were no injuries, and the occupant of the unit is currently displaced and being assisted with housing issue.

The fire was contained to the unit of origin which is currently uninhabitable and all other units in the complex are unaffected.

The fire is currently under investigation.

Dec. 13 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded around 9:30 a.m. to the 10400 block of East Mission Avenue for a reported structure fire. Callers to 911 believed a house was on fire, seeing large flames and black smoke.

Crews arrived to find a car on fire under an awning about 1 foot from the garage and starting to spread to the building.

The fire was knocked down within the first 10 minutes of being called into 911. The fire was contained to the car and carport and did not extend into the garage or attic.

Calling 911 quickly helped keep this fire contained to minimal damage. This is the second fire in a matter of hours.

Incidents: Alarm Sounding – Nov. 19, 11:21 p.m. - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to Investigate an activated CO alarm.

Crews arrived on scene and after checking the interior conditions to make sure no CO was present, crews checked the CO alarm and determined it to be an end of life notification. Crews responded near east Gage Street and the dead end in that area.

HazMat – Nov. 4, 3:25 p.m.

- Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to the smell of an odor of rotten eggs near the hot water heater of a small, 1 story strip mall building with nothing showing upon arrival. Starbucks employees smelled the odor of rotten eggs near the hot water heater and immediately called it in to 911.

Crews were unable to smell the odor of rotten eggs upon entry or near the back of the store where the hot water heater is located. The employee was on the phone with Avista when crews arrived. Avista was also dispatching a crew to the location when available.

Crews advised the employees for safety purposes to deny entry to all employees and customers until Avista arrived and made a determination about a possible leak.

JANUARY 2022 • 5

The Splash

BAIRD

Continued from page 2 and had the opportunity to get all of my questions answered. Finally, I’ve already begun to take advantage of training offered by the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) with the goal of quickly obtaining my certificate in Municipal Leadership to better serve the citizens of Liberty Lake.

Q: History and government seemed to be topics of interest when you were in school. What are your impressions of those two subjects when it comes to Liberty Lake and how important do you think it is to have a grasp of the city’s history in your new role as a government leader?

A: I’ve been deeply fascinated by history and civics from a young age. I remember taking Gallup’s Clifton Strengthfinder Test in my professional career and it wasn’t surprising that my top strength was context, or the ability to understand the present by researching its history. The past gives the present context and the past and present shape the future. I use history to give me a broader perspective of the current challenges we face. It allows me to make better decisions because I know the underlying structure.

Liberty Lake has an amazing past but we have an even brighter future as long as we learn from the past and lay a great foundation for the future.

Q: As you were campaigning in the time leading up to the general election, what did you learn about the community and the priorities of residents that maybe you hadn’t realized before?

A: The best part of campaigning was knocking on doors and meeting my neighbors. The common theme from folks was the growing pains Liberty Lake faces. Whether their concern was traffic, petty crime, new development, the rising costs of living, parks, etc., they all expressed how much they loved living in Liberty Lake and just wanted to make sure we kept our small town feel and sense of community. So many people I met had wonderful ideas for the city to consider, and I hope more of our community will get involved and let their voice be heard at council meetings.

Q: You will be joining council at a time of major transition,

including the arrival of a new city manager, three new council members and the new Community Engagement Commission. What sort of impact do you think all this change will have on the way the city is run and overall direction of Liberty Lake in 2022 and beyond?

A: There’s never been a more exciting time to live in Liberty Lake and to be involved with the City Council! Change can be daunting at times but change can also foster new ideas and growth. I’m sure there will be bumps along the way as new employees arrive at City Hall and a new commission begins, but I think we are poised for success. Our leaders have strived to make the transitions seamless and I’m eager to see new faces and hear new ideas.

Q: You have described yourself as an overachiever who gravitates toward leadership. How will you find a balance between establishing your voice and finding your place among seven fellow leaders around the dais?

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A: I have tremendous respect for our current council and my goal isn’t to disrupt their work but to come alongside them and bear some of the load. I’m an observer. I tend to listen closely each side, ask questions, listen to the thoughts of my peers and make a decision based on the evidence in front of me. I have no qualms about speaking out on what I believe is right but it’s very important to me to maintain a collegial relationship with city staff and council.

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Q: Some residents follow City Hall closer than others - even though what happens there affects everyone who lives in Liberty Lake. Do you have any ideas about how the city can more effectively involve and engage citizens as we head into a New Year?

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A: Increasing government communication and transparency are incredibly important to me and I ran on that platform as well. The city has already begun initiatives to increase engagement through the newly formed Community Engagement Commission and the new Communication Director position that the city will fill in 2022. I also believe we can utilize technology and social media to drive communication and participation and I look forward to sharing those ideas with the council.

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The Splash

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel

Police Report - Nov. 2021 Splash news sources

Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 530 Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 11 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 30

of East Mission Avenue. Officers arrived and spoke with the owner of the residence who stated they came home and discovered an adult female inside their house. Officers contacted the female and later learned she was under the influence and didn’t know where she was. There was no damage to the residence and the female was transported to the Spokane County Jail for Criminal Trespass 1st Degree.

Assault 4th DV. Domestic Violence, 11/26/2021; Officers responded 23000 block of East Riverside Avenue for a report of a domestic dispute.

Officers contacted an adult male and female inside the residence and began to question both. They learned that a verbal argument over medications and DVDs turned into a physical altercation between them.

They learned the female spit on the male, and he pushed her back causing her to fall on the ground. Officers then learned the female started kicking and punching the male and bit him on the arm. Further investigation revealed they had probable cause to arrest the female as the primary aggressor.

The female was transported to the Spokane County Jail for a violation of Assault 4th DV.

Burglary, 11/12/21; Officers responded to a report of a Burglary in progress around the 25000 block

Domestic Violence, 11/26/21; Officers responded to the 2000 block of North Sedge Lane to a report of a domestic dispute. Officers arrived on scene and contacted an adult male and female in the house. As they entered the residence, officers also noticed blood on living room floor.

Officers learned the two had recently returned from a party and got into a verbal argument that turned physical.

The officers observed marks on the females face as well as injuries to the male’s hand. They determined the male had struck the female in the face and had probable cause to arrest the male. The male was transported to the Spokane County Jail for a violation of

Least Most

circles contain the number of incidents in a given area.

DUI (Driving Under Influence) 4 Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 10 Malicious Mischief 2 Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/a Weapon 33 Parking Violations

2

Suspicious Vehicles 42 *The above numbers are as of 12/01/21

November 2021 Council Brief Map

Assault 2nd Hit and Run, 11/28/2021; Officers responded to the 21000 block of East Country Vista Avenue for a report of a hit and run accident. Officers contacted an adult male and female near that location to

learn that the female’s ex-boyfriend intentionally struck the drivers side of the vehicle they were driving. The driver of that vehicle attempted to get away and ended up striking another vehicle in his attempt to leave the area. The suspect adult male driver who intentionally struck the vehicle was later located and admitted to striking the vehicle intentionally. The suspect was placed in custody and transported to the Spokane County Jail for a violation of Assault 2nd with Intention to Commit a Felony and Hit and Run of a Vehicle with Injuries.

Officers have responded to several persons in crisis calls where individuals were feeling suicidal or off their medications. As the Holiday season continues, the Liberty Lake Police Department would like to encourage those who are feeling depressed to reach out for help before you reach a level of crisis.

Stay well and be safe!

JANUARY 2022 • 7

The Splash

The Lookout The Community Corner

By Mark Saba The lights are on in Orchard Park!

It’s time to bundle up, bring family and friends and enjoy the display.

Winter Glow Spectacular was established in 2014 with the last three years being displayed at Orchard Park. The mission of the Winter Glow Spectacular board members, as well as our many volunteers, is to bring the spirit of the holidays to Liberty Lake by lighting up our community.

This year’s opening ceremony was the best to date. Our opening ceremony featured the Ridgeline High School band and cheerleaders,

Teddy the Yeti (the Winter Glow mascot) and our guest speaker was Mayor Cris Kaminskas.

The band played a short concert that ended with “Here Comes Santa Claus” as the Liberty Lake Police force escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus to the park with blue lights flashing and sirens. The cheerleaders lined the walkway to greet Santa. Band members gathered in small groups throughout the park playing carols, while the cheerleaders handed out candy canes. Parents and children lined up to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and walked through the park.

There were many smiles and much laughter throughout the evening.

The backbone of this event is the many tireless volunteers that help to set up, as well as tear down the displays. The process starts in October when all displays are tested and/or repaired.

This process usually takes about four weeks to complete.

Set-up of displays in the park starts two weeks prior to the opening ceremony. All displays are predetermined for placement throughout the park.

Some of the main attractions include the North Pole entrance, the enchanted forest, the gingerbread house, the large candles, the large train, the snowman village and the zoo, complete with “do not feed the animal” signs.

There is also a photo op display with Santa and his

reindeer.

None of this would be possible without the city of Liberty Lake as our corporate sponsor and the financial support of our local businesses and individual donors.

A special thanks should go out to Trevor Reagan and his staff with Liberty Lake maintenance, for all he and his team do to make Winter Glow a success.

The lights of will be on through Jan. 1. If you have not yet seen Winter Glow there is still time to experience this free event. We are already planning the 2022 Winter Glow Spectacular display at Orchard Park and plan on an even bigger and better event next year.

Erin Smith brings valuable layer to library

Safe in the Snow Winter driving tips

Liberty Lake residents are surely no strangers to snowy winter weather but this time of year the city likes to remind residents of services being provided, winter driving etiquette, safety tips and more to help get through the most wonderful time of the year. * When planning your week, be sure to check the local weather report and plan ahead accordingly.

Leave early when possible to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Drive a reasonable distance behind other vehicles and give yourself plenty of time and distance to stop. * If you find yourself behind or near city snow removal equipment, give those crews plenty of room to work. The machines are large and move slowly at times but they are out to make sure you have a safe route to your destination. We ask that you work with them, not against them! * Remember to keep cars and trash cans out of the roadway in front of your home. Snow equipment can only plow safely when the way is clear, so avoid potential damage by moving your personal belongings ahead of time. * It is the responsibility of the homeowner to keep driveways and sidewalks in front of their

January 2022

home cleared of snow and ice.

As equipment comes through, snow may come back up on your property. While it is understandably frustrating, it is unavoidable, so please be prepared to shovel and assist neighbors who may not be able to help themselves this season! * For snow plow updates, please visit the city website (www. libertylakewa.gov) and sign up for Notify Me. You can also request information on snow removal via the TexMyGov number (509) 255-7445. Please be aware that TextMyGov is an automated text service and not a live staff member.

For a map of the snow plow route, please visit the city website.

Community Gardens

Each New Year, on the first working day, the city opens registration for Liberty Lake residents to select and rent a garden plot at either the Arboretum Gardens or the Rocky Hill Gardens. Plots will remain at just $25 for the 2022 season and usage will be from approximately the beginning of May through the end of October, weather permitting.

Plots cannot be reserved prior to the open registration date, unfortunately, and plots are limited to one per household for Liberty Lake residents only. If you are curious as to whether you fall within city limits, please call City Hall at (509) 755-6700 and a staff member can check. Spots are first come first serve and a limited amount are available.

Erin Smith is a valued member of the Liberty Lake Library staff having been the Children’s Library Associate for just over two years now. She enjoys many aspects of her job and notes one of the best parts being weekly story times that she holds for children ages infant to 5 and watching them progress as readers and learners.

Her story times take place Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. with playtime following from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Her experience as a former Title 1 Reading Specialist provides her with the skills to assist children as they practice literacy, math and other valuable skills for their development.

She doesn’t stop there though, also leading Lego Club every other Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. for ages 6-10, though all are welcome. She plans to start Lego Club up again Jan. 7, so mark your calendars!

Though her aptitude for helping doesn’t stop with the younger kids, she also runs Tween programs such as Loot Boxes for ages 10-12 and Reading Buddies for those who want to volunteer to help younger children read. She encourages all those who are interested in any of the abovementioned programs to visit the Liberty Lake website for the calendar and more information.

Erin provides not only an admirable can-do attitude, but also provides a much-appreciated service to parents and children in Liberty Lake with her enthusiasm and skilled guidance.

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

8 • JANUARY 2022

News and Notes – Jan. 2022

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

• The city’s 2022 proposed budget includes the addition of a facilities lead that will oversee maintenance, repair and day-today issues that emerge with cityowned facilities, including parks.

Previously, parks maintenance staff has handled these duties. “We feel this will be a huge benefit,” said Operations and Maintenance Director Jennifer Camp.

• The maintenance budget for the Liberty Lake Ballfields has been proposed for a reduction to $10,000 from the $15,000 appropriated in 2021. Camp said the city spent just spent short of $9,000 this year on maintaining the diamonds.

• The 2022 budget also includes software that will track fuel use in city vehicles as a preventive measure against gas theft.

• The city’s financial picture for 2022 includes American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds that can be allocated with council approval. The city has been allotted just over $3 million as part of the ARP program to address relief efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first round of ARP funding took place in November with just under $270,000 distributed to 13 nonprofit causes.

• The city’s restricted reserve fund is slated at 15 percent of the general fund again for 2022.

The funds can only be used in emergency scenarios.

• The city was informed it did not receive a grant through the

NEWS Transportation Improvement Board for upgrades to Kramer Road but will still move ahead with the work.

“We’re just going to identify other funding opportunities,” said Finance Director Kyle Dixon.

• Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy, a Navy veteran, called attention to the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor at the Dec. 7 council meeting. “I know that a lot of flags are flying half mast today,” Kennedy said. “All of us in our lives have been affected by that. What it did do is remind us that when we get into conflict we have to sit down and work through our challenges. I’m proud to be an American. I’m proud to live in Liberty Lake. I believe that the people who went before us paid that price.”

• Resident Mark Saba thanked the city for its support of 2021 Winter Glow, which opened Nov. 21 and will be on display until Jan. 2 at Orchard Park. The city allotted $10,000 to the project along with another $20,000 through ARP funds. “This has allowed us to keep lights on in Orchard Park during the holidays and also add displays in future years,” Saba said.

• The city is delving into a “design-build” model to renovate the Trailhead golf facility.

• The first snow plow of the winter in Liberty Lake took place on Dec. 6. A number of new staff tackled clearing of the streets.

• The city has three vacancies on the Planning Commission along with two adjunct (non-voting) openings.

• The library is introducing a “Reading Buddies” program that will provide mentoring to K-3 kids by youth volunteers. The program will begin in January and take place at the library. “It’s a really great early literary program to help children feel confident with their reading,” said Joanne Percy who will oversee the

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program.

• The city has received eight applications for the new Community Engagement Commission and will accept applications through December. Interviews will take place in January.

• City Hall and the library will be closed Dec. 24 and 31.

• Laina Schutz of the Parks and Arts Commission gave an update on the Liberty Lake Together statue that was installed at Rocky Hill Park in November. An official dedication of the display took place on Dec. 17. The commission is also working with Hoopfest on a possible resurface of the basketball court at Pavillion Park. “That would be a great collaboration.” Schutz said. The commission will continue the utility box art wraps with projects slated for boxes near Harvest Parkway and Ridgeline High School. The Harvest Parkway site will feature a Native American theme.

• Dixon told council that the Trailhead golf course brought in around $285,000 in 2021. “That’s unprecedented,” he said.

• Council approved the purchase of two veritable message boards on Dec. 7. The signs will be used to enhance traffic safety during construction projects as well as for messaging related to COVID-19 precautions.

• Planning and Engineering Director Lisa Key fielded questions from council members about funds the city sets aside each year for potential projects that would move utilities underground in various sections of the city. Annual allotment for the program is $25,000. “It really enables us to have some funds in our pocket if the opportunity presents itself for some matching funds,” Key said.

Council zooms in on capital facilities, property tax rate

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

The Liberty Lake City Council held a special meeting on Nov. 30 to discuss the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and revisit the property tax levy.

By the end of the evening, capital projects were brought into sharper focus, the vision of a dog park was preserved and the notion of raising property tax failed to make the cut.

“This workshop is meant to give you as a City Council an opportunity to discuss and make amendments you feel are worthy,” Planning and Engineering Director Lisa Key said of the CFP exchange.

Proposed capital investments for next year ring in at just over $16 million. The CFP addresses projects from 2022 through 2027.

“This is easily one of the biggest years for the city in capital expense,” said Council Member Dan Dunne. “I’m reflecting on the total magnitude on our community. It’s kind of a great moment for me to reflect on what the total investments will be for our city.”

Annual street maintenance is slated at $100,000 for 2022 while a dedicated fund for sidewalk maintenance came as a result of discussions between Key, Operations and Maintenance Director Jennifer Camp and the city’s maintenance crews.

“We have aging pathways and setting aside a dedicated fund makes

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The Splash a ton of sense,” Key said.

The focus aligns with the city’s history of protecting those who utilize the city’s vast sidewalk and trail network.

“Pedestrian safety is one of our top priorities,” said Mayor Cris Kaminskas.

The overhaul of the Trailhead golf facility headlines the parks and public facilities budget for 2022.

The city has earmarked $2 million in cash for the project while a yet-to-be-determined financing strategy will cover the balance. A total of $400,000 was allotted for this past year with a total budget of $8.4 million.

The CFP discussion raised a variety of questions such as the inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy as to why there only $20,000 put toward a shade structure at Rocky Hill Park.

“I think this has been on the list since before I was on council,” Kennedy said.

Camp said the project was ultimately pushed to 2023 because other projects like the library “were seen as a higher priority.”

Library improvements are ticketed at $100,000 for 2022.

One of the first priorities is to bring on an architect to help address the library’s limited space challenges.

“We can’t add a level to the library so we’re looking for other things we can do, so that’s why we’re looking to the architect for some guidance on that,” said the library’s Joanne Percy.

Council Member Phil Folyer wondered why the fee for an architect was so high, to which Library Trustee Tim Olsen said the projection was “a benchmark.”

“We would like to be able to get an architect in to evaluate the current space we have and how to utilize it best,” Olsen said.

Percy said the cost would come in closer to $30,000 to $40,000. The rest would go toward a state matching grant targeting future development.

“Someone mentioned the library is not broken but it’s certainly running out of space for our selection and programming,” Percy said.

Kennedy said that while he approved support of $100,000 for 2022, he hesitated on a commitment to funding beyond next year until the library’s specific needs could be

NEWS

File photo The Liberty Lake municipal budget for 2022 will include a dedicated fund for sidewalk maintenance and improvements. Mayor Cris Kaminskas has called pedestrian safety “one of our top priorities.” identified.

Kennedy said the “council has never made that decision or discussed or approved that” ($100,000 a year for the library over the next six years).

“The library never asked for $600,000,” Kennedy added.

Folyer concurred with Kennedy on holding off on such major funding commitments for the library beyond 2022 while Council Member Dan Dunne said that “the $100,000 reflects the importance of the library to our community.”

When a vote was called, the governing board voted 3-2 in favor of keeping the 2022 library earmark but holding off on the same amount for following years.

In revisiting the “wish list” of capital projects, council voted to remove a number that have been lingering on the city’s docket since what seems like the Reagan administration.

Informational kiosks, a community pool and golf cart charging stations were all politely dismissed by council during the workshop.

“My personal opinion is it’s a wish list, let’s leave it as a wish list,” said Kaminskas.

One unfunded capital facilities project that made the cut was the much-discussed dog park.

“I believe the intention to have a dog park has been made clear,” said Dunne, noting that a citizen group has appeared before council

in support of the project. “I think it’s disrespectful of people who’ve made a request for a dog park to remove it.”

Council Member Hugh Severs noted that “a very small group of citizens come forward with this initiative.”

During the debate over the dog park, Kaminskas reminded council that if a project remained on the list, “the possibility of getting it funded is greater.”

“I have heard about the dog park by not a lot but a few,” said Folyer.

“I think I’m going to be in favor of keeping it on.”

Eventually, the dog park concept – though still lacking any official funding source – earned council approval to remain on the CFP. Pondering property tax Ordinance 282 – a proposal to forego a 1-percent increase in property tax – failed at council’s Nov. 16 meeting – with Council Members Kurtz, Dunne and Dg Garcia in the majority.

In the mayor’s preliminary budget, Kaminskas proposed no increase to the rate, recommending that the city “bank” – or set aside – the capacity for future use if necessary.

Dunne countered on Nov. 30.

“I believe the city should advance a 1-percent levy,” Dunne said. “We are in a growth period.”

The increase would add roughly

JANUARY 2022 • 9

$29,000 in tax revenue next year.

Finance Director Kyle Dixon noted that ongoing development of land will mean the city bringing in more property tax revenue. Liberty Lake added $75 million worth of new construction in 2021, in line with dynamic growth throughout Spokane County which saw just over $1.33 billion in new development during the same span – a record for annual growth.

Liberty Lake property owners paid $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value for the city’s portion in 2021. The increase in overall valuation would mean a drop to $1.25 per $1,000 in 2022 without a 1-percent increase. Liberty Lake checked in with $2.32 billion in assessed property value in 2021 “In essence we can adopt a 1-percent increase and your taxes can actually be lower based on new construction,” Dixon said. “No matter how you slice it, tax rates are actually decreasing because we have a larger tax base to draw from.”

Severs said he has voted for the 1-percent increase since he began on council.

“That’s why I’ve support the 1-percent increase the last eight years because our constituents are paying less and less in taxes each year,” he said. “A conservative measure is to take the 1 percent to help the city keep up with inflation on labor costs and in other areas.”

For years, the city opted to not implement the 1-percent hike, banking the capacity. In 2011, property taxes went up 3.1 percent as the city recouped capacity as a way to strengthen its revenue stream.

“I submit that it’s fiscally responsible to implement the 1-percent increase to avoid an untoward increase like that in the future,” Dunne said.

Kaminskas said choosing to not increase the property tax rate is a way to give residents a break based on the continuing effects of COVID-19 on the economy.

“The rate may be going down but people’s home values are going up,” she said. “This is a good gesture to our citizens that we hear them. This is something we can do. COVID is not over, if we could reduce what people are paying, we should do that.”

Eventually, council voted 5-0 to not implement the 1-percent increase and bank the capacity.

COVER STORY

10 • JANUARY 2022

Better to give than receive

By Ben Wick

Splash Publisher

HUB Sports Center Whether it’s an airport, a train station or a computer network, a “HUB” is a place to connect. The HUB Sports Center is a place to connect with your Community and a Cause. The HUB Sports Center is a nonprofit, community based regional sports venue, in partnership with other community non-profits, where youth, adults and seniors take part in a variety of events and activities.

Every young person has a dream of doing something great, of giving their lives to a cause greater than themselves. The HUB is a place to dream such dreams, to discover destinies, and become the “cause” for which they were created. Our purpose in life is best discovered when we jump into serving others.

Operating a 66,000 sq ft building in Liberty Lake the HUB Sports Center sponsors many events and activities but most notably the HUB 360 program.

The HUB 360 program serves 6-8th graders from 3:00-6:00pm on school days. Staff mentor students with their school work, teach them about healthy living, provide an opportunity to experience a variety of sports – and provide a

snack. Community businesses and individuals come and share their expertise in skills, trades, industries and/or talents with the students.

(See List) Our goal is to provide a safe place for these students to come be a part of a community and help build a well-rounded person through enrichment, physical activity and academic study. There is no fee for these students to attend the HUB 360 program.

We currently collaborate with six schools from Central Valley School District, two schools from West Valley School District, as well as East Valley Middle School.

Administrators and Counselors from the schools help identify students and families that would benefit from this program. Students from local high schools and colleges come and volunteer to mentor these middle school students.

This program was developed to address a trend identified by numerous nationwide studies that have identified the hours from 3:00-6:00pm on school days as the most dangerous for middle school students, especially for latchkey kids. These are the hours when kids get into trouble. Studies also show the powerful long-term positive impact that a mentor can have in a middle school student’s life.

The combination of food, caring, mentoring and rigorous physical exercise has proven to be a powerful healer in a troubled student’s life.

Such programs are viewed as crucial to improving the high school

graduation rates for this group.

Strong data show that middle school is the last, best chance to reach these kids.

There are a variety of ways you can help support the HUB Sport Center and its programs like the HUB 360 program, here are a few of them.

• Direct Donation – You may donate directly to the HUB Sports Center via their secure website https://www.hubsportscenter.org/ giving/ . You’ll have the option to make a one time donation or set up a recurring donation.

• Cars for Charity – Do you have an unwanted car, truck, or trailer? You can donate it to Cars for Charity and designate the proceeds to go to the HUB Sports Center. They will even come tow your vehicle out of your yard for free. www.facebook. com/carsforcharityspokane/ or www.carsforcharityspokane.org • Amazon Smile – Did you know your purchases can make a difference? Amazon Smile donates to Spokane Valley Hub (aka HUB Sports Center) when you do your online shopping at smile.amazon. com/ch/26-0173199.

• Fred Meyer Rewards – HUB Sports Center is enrolled in the Community Rewards program with Fred Meyer. You can link your Rewards Card at www.fredmeyer. com/communityrewards.

You can search for them by name: HUB Sports Center or by number: FB572.

Hub Sports Center

The Splash Spokane Angels Walking alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship, Spokane Angles a local non profit is making a difference.

Young people who have grown up within the foster care system have experienced instability in their lives and often disproportionately suffer with learning disabilities, limited life skills, health issues, and emotional and behavioral struggles that lead to negative developmental outcomes.

Youth who age out of foster care without having been adopted or reunified with their families have less financial, emotional, and social support than their peers, yet they are often expected to be as self-sufficient as those who have familial support and guidance. This lack of assistance and resources combined with the various traumas these youth have experienced negatively affects their success and overall well being. As a result of having to overcome a childhood of abuse and neglect, removal from their parents, unstable living arrangements, multiple foster placements, and weak support systems, youth who age out of care enter young adulthood without a healthy foundation upon which they can build their futures and work to break the generational cycles that affect youth in care.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN The heart of the Spokane Angles Dare to Dream program is to walk alongside youth as they navigate through life's challenges. The youth in the Dare to Dream program need the wisdom, advice, encouragement, and community that mentors can provide. Mentors meet practical and emotional needs as well as provide guidance through developmental milestones. The goal is for youth to be engaged and to feel supported and equipped to navigate life. A mentor commits to meeting with the youth every other week to set goals and help them achieve their dreams.

These relationships will hopefully last a lifetime, but the program is a year commitment. Mentors matched with a high school student are strongly encouraged to stay with the youth until high school graduation.

The simple act of telling a youth “I believe in you,” “You are special,” and “You are going to do great things” can change their path

The Splash

Spokane angels

completely.

One example being: 9 year old male, looking for a male mentor, in Otis Orchards. He's hoping for someone he can do outdoor activities with and sports, caregivers are wanting him to have another positive male role model in his life.

Families need support too and if your whole family is wanting to get involved with helping others then you should consider the Love Box Program. The Love Box program provides fostering families (caregivers, children in foster care, and biological/adopted children) with community and holistic support. This wrap-around support enables caregivers to continue to do the important and meaningful work of being foster parents. As a Love Box group, you will be matched with a local foster family based on location, compatibility, and scope of needs. When our families are matched with committed volunteers who show up monthly, parents feel supported and children gain a greater sense of normalcy, relational permanency, and self confidence.

Volunteers seek to build relationships with their family by spending quality time with the whole family: playing games, sharing a meal, and being intentional.

They can also create and deliver personal care packages based on current practical needs. We tell our volunteers to think of themselves as the fun “auntie” and “uncle” who visits once a month to bring love, encouragement, and hope.

This program requires a one year

COVER STORY

commitment, but the connections and impact last a lifetime. There are 38 families on the waitlist needing support from other community members.

You can reach out to Spokane Angles via their website at www. spokaneangles.org Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels

Over the next decade, Spokane County will witness a large demographic explosion in the senior population. We are committed to pursuing the partnerships, processes, and capacity to serve this generation with dignity. We recognize that our seniors may find themselves in a season of life where they need a little help, but we must never forget that this is only after a lifetime and a generation of them serving the rest of us. GSC Meals on Wheels invites you to join us in our pursuit and ensure every senior experiences the joy of a meal in each day to come.

JANUARY 2022 • 11

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Washington State statistics tell us that 23% of seniors live alone.

GSC Meals on Wheels delivers food to homebound seniors throughout the entirety of Spokane County, all the way to the county line in every direction. This means we are likely serving seniors in your very neighborhood and we need your help! Volunteering as a delivery driver takes approximately one hour to one and half hours one day a week and provides a much-needed service to our seniors. You can deliver as an individual, delivery as a family, or even as a business to support your community. Fill out an application below for more information and thank you for choosing to be a part of something greater!

• In Spokane county, we can estimate 19,200 isolated and foodinsecure seniors.

Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, 12101 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

• Spokane meals on wheels organization, puts $0.91 out of every private donor dollar providing meals to seniors in our area.

• We aim to include at least 33.3% of recommended daily dietary intakes.

• We cover all 1,800 square miles of Spokane County in our deliveries.

Call us at (509) 924-6976 Have general questions? Drop us a line at info@gscmealsonwheels. org Have questions about volunteering? Send your query to volunteer@gscmealsonwheels.org Want to make a donation? Our 501(c)(3) tax ID is 91-1042546.

12 • JANUARY 2022

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Maddy Murphy is helping to establish positive culture and community at Ridgeline High School. On a campus where there are no seniors, the junior from Liberty Lake is part of Link Leaders, a program that provides freshmen with encouragement and support. Murphy maintains a 4.0 grade point average and will be part of Ridgeline’s inaugural National Honor Society once it is established.

She participates in DECA, a business/ marketing club and class and also works at the school store affiliated with DECA. Her emphasis with the club Is on developing as an entrepreneur.

Murphy is an accomplished gymnast who has reached Level 10, the highest degree possible. She was undefeated in the vault competition last year. Murphy attends Valley Real Life Church where she has contributed to community service projects. She would like to continue gymnastics in college and study architecture.

Across smooth and turbulent trails, Ethan Sheneman has kept on running.

The Central Valley senior was part of the Bears’ fourth-place finish at the state 4A cross country championships in 2019 as a sophomore. Last year, during a pandemic-shortened track season, he helped CV capture the Greater Spokane League title. He ran to a personal best of 4:34 in the mile and 10:08 in the 2-mile.

Sheneman said the five-week track campaign, preceded by a five-week cross country season, was to be savored not disparaged. “The biggest takeaway was that everyone was just grateful to have a season,” he said.

The Liberty Lake resident set a P.R. of 16:09 in the 5K during the 2021 cross country season and was one of two Bears to qualify for state. Sheneman maintains a 3.88 grade point average and plans to study engineering.

Liberty Lake pillars like Pavillion Park and the trails network are enjoyed by many residents –but Leslie Zilka can say she had a role in developing both as staples of the community.

The Bay Area native was part of the trails committee in the late 1990s that rallied interest and established a Tax Benefit District to build the first series of trails. She was also among the catalysts in developing Pavillion Park into a destination point through Friends of Pavillion Park. She is past president of the volunteer-led group that built the park’s Summer Festival into a celebrated annual happening. Zilka has degrees from University of California-Davis and Eastern Washington. She taught at Greenacres Elementary for 21 years. Leslie and her husband Nick have lived in Liberty Lake since 1993 and are proud parents of a grown daughter, Sonya.

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Believing Thomas – CV linebacker scales obstacles in gridiron return

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

The Central Valley caravan to Wenatchee on Sept. 3 looked more like a motorcade to a state playoff showdown instead of the season opener against a non-conference opponent.

Interest was piqued in Bear Nation for CV’s contest against Eastmont for reasons that landed beyond the football field – and the parade of 180 miles from Spokane Valley to Chelan County was dotted with sky blue and white. Starting outside linebacker Brandon Thomas – who sat out the entire 2020 season after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma and having his right foot amputated just above the ankle – was making his highly anticipated return.

A lightweight prosthetic now served in the role of Thomas’ s former foot. Yet as he sprinted onto the turf that early autumn night, all anyone saw was a football player with a degreeof courage and resilience that soared off the charts.

“So many people made the trip to Wenatchee for that game,” said Brandon’s dad Devon. “To see him run out on the field, I almost missed it because there were so many tears.

He was out there making plays, being the Brandon we knew he could be.”

Brandon’s mom Melanie said while the return to football was special, her son’s recovery from a lifethreatening condition was the real victory to be savored.

“At first, you’re just praying that your kid will be alive,” she said.

“Football wasn’t even on our mind. I just have this sense of pride that he’s been wiling to commit and work so hard. If it’s important for your child, it’s important for you as a parent. I’m so happy to see him achieve that.”

The prospect of Thomas playing again for the Bears at any point in the future appeared precarious in the spring of 2019 after surgery to remove his ailing foot. The procedure was carried out on May 29 after

doctors determined it was Thomas’s best chance to avoid the cancer metastasizing and spreading to his lungs. The same form of bone cancer was diagnosed in West Valley’s Jace Malek, a University of Idaho football commit, who passed away in 2016 at 18.

Lingering soreness in his ankle while Thomas was competing in track led to X-rays and an MRI that discovered the condition. Thomas would spend 90 of the next 120 days after the surgery undergoing chemotherapy.

“I’m just looking for the good news because the bad news is going to be there,” Thomas said that July. “I

don’t try to explain the ‘why.’ You’ve just got to keep moving. I just try to stay strong.”

CV head coach Ryan Butner wasn’t sure what to expect from his onetime All Greater Spokane League first-team linebacker as the 2021 campaign approached. One thing Butner did know – Thomas would bring unparalleled energy and optimism to any challenge.

“There were some reservations at first but they were put aside very quickly,” Butner said. “Brandon brought leadership, competitiveness and positivity. It was pretty apparent right away that this was not a publicity stunt. Brandon earned every single minute he played.”

Butner met with Brandon, his parents and his team of doctors and physical therapists to go over reasonable plans for practices and games. The team adjusted its weekly schedule to focus on defensive drills

Photo by Erik Smith – Erik Smith Photography After sitting out the 2020 football season to heal from an amputated foot brought on by osteosarcoma, Brandon Thomas returned to the field as a starting outside linebacker for Central Valley. He finished with 71 tackles and earned All Greater Spokane League honorable mention.

on the days that Thomas was there.

By game time, he was ready to go.

“There were a few instances in practices, where we were like, ‘OK, he’s still got it,’” Butner said.

Thomas said it took adjust to acclimate to the prosthetic. He wore one for everyday use and another for football. That model arrived just two weeks before the Eastmont game.

“At first it felt very awkward,” he said. “It didn’t feel remotely like my leg at all. It took me a month or two to get used to it. Now, I can rely on it. It almost feels like my second leg. Once I got my coordination down with my right and left leg, it was smooth sailing from there.”

In April, just a few months before the start of football practice, a stress fracture was discovered during one of Thomas’s regular cancer scans. He sat out a month but stayed on track with his upper body training, spurred on by his older brother and best friend Josh, a former basketball player at Eastern Washington and current CV assistant basketball coach.

By the time practices rolled around, Thomas was on the field. As the season unfolded, Thomas established himself as a presence, recording 71 tackles and five forced fumbles. He earned All GSL honorable mention for a Bears’ squad that finished 7-1 in league play and 7-3 overall.

“Brandon is an impact player,” said Gonzaga Prep head coach Dave McKenna. “You’d never know he was playing with a prosthetic. I told him that what he’s done is amazing.

He’s gotten through this with a smile on his face. He’s shown that if you live life with a sense of gratitude, it opens up a lot of doors, not just football doors but life doors.”

Thomas and his dad both point to a play in the game against Mt. Spokane that left no doubt about his capability on the field. As a Wildcat receiver was preparing to make a catch a few yards from the line of scrimmage, Thomas converged quickly, arriving in time to knock away the pass and send the opponent to the turf.

“It changed the energy of the game,” Devon said. “It showed he could be a force in the middle, not just a good player with an amputation. It was clear he belonged on the field.”

See THOMAS, Page 18

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HISTORY

JANUARY 2022 • 17

18 • JANUARY 2022

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Continued from page 16 Brandon’s achievements have ascended beyond the gridiron to the classroom where he maintains straight A’s.

“We want him to be as amazing off the field as he is on the field,” said Melanie.

Thomas hopes to be back next season as a Bear. He has petitioned the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association for another year of eligibility to make up for the year lost to surgery and rehabilitation.

For Thomas, the life lessons of his road back continue to resonate.

“My understanding of pain and loss and staying positive has really come a long way,” he said. “I feel that God has put me through this for a reason. My story has helped me grow but I think it’s also helped other people who hear it.”

Thomas has spoken to patients at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital about his experience while encouraging them to forge on as he U LO VE did. YO Butner said his star linebacker’s example takes inspiration to another level.

“I don’t know if we realize the magnitude of what he’s been through and how normal he’s made it,” Butner said. “We don’t see the struggle or the pain. I hope people are able to understand how significant and incredible this has been, just the journey Brandon has been through.”

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The Splash

Changing of the gaurd for LL City Council

By Nina Culver

Splash contributor

The City of Liberty Lake is losing two of its experienced city council members after Odin Langford and Hugh Severs chose not to run for reelection in November.

Langford has served the longest, having taken his seat on the council in 2007. Severs has served two four-year terms.

Langford said running for city council seemed natural after his work as a police officer saw him serving as a liaison to various city councils. He wanted to continue his service to the community in some way, Langford said.

He came to Liberty Lake completely by chance. After spending his career in the New Orleans area, Langford and his wife moved to Vancouver, Washington.

They decided to vacation in Coeur d’Alene and see the east side of the state. In order to write some of the trip off on their taxes, his wife applied for a job as a pharmacist in Liberty Lake.

She got an interview and after the interview she had a simple message for Langford, telling him that if she got the job, she was going to take it and they would move here. She was offered the job within an hour of the interview.

Langford said the couple originally settled in Spokane Valley because they didn’t think they could afford a home in Liberty Lake. “We wanted to live there so bad,” he said. “We made it happen.”

Langford is proud of his work on the council. He voted to keep Trailhead Golf Course a golf course instead of turning it into a park or selling it. Years ago, he voted to purchase the building that would become the city’s library and police department. “That was done at a time when a lot of people said it shouldn’t have been done,” he said.

He’s also proud that the mayor, city staff and council worked together to make the city debt free. “We paid all the bonds; got the city financially stable,” he said.

He also pushed for the flashing light pedestrian crossings that are now scattered throughout the city.

His one regret is not advocating

ON THAT NOTE more for term limits, Langford said.

“I think we should have passed it and made it a mandate,” he said.

Now age 69, Langford said he decided not to run for council again so he could spend more time relaxing with his wife. “We had wanted to do some traveling,” he said. “We bought an RV and wanted to do some sightseeing and the only thing holding me down was the city council job. I’d been there 14 years and it was enough.”

Langford said he’ll miss being there to serve, but he won’t miss the numerous council and committee meetings. “I’m walking away happy,” he said.

Though he will no longer be serving on the council, Langford has no plans to leave Liberty Lake. “We may be snow birding or something, but we’re not leaving,” he said. “It’s too good of a city.”

Severs was 27 years old when he began attending city council meetings in Liberty Lake. After about a year, former mayor Steve Peterson encouraged him to run for a seat and he did, Severas said. “I’ve always been a community minded person,” he said.

When he was watching the council meetings, he was struck by the

fact that no one on the council had young children. “I didn’t see a lot of representation for what I considered my demographic,” he said. “I loved the idea of being part of decisions that we would be living.”

When he won his seat, Severs said he had a steep learning curve when it came to local politics, municipal finance and government in general. But his degree in landscape architecture did prepare him for part of the job. “The idea of urban planning was not new to me,” he said.

He’s pleased with his time on the council. “I think the council’s done a fantastic job moving from a reactive state to a proactive body,” he said.

“I believe the council works more together as a collective body and as a team than it used to. I believe everyone who’s served on the council in the last few years has a part of that.”

It’s clear that despite their political differences, the council members all want what’s best for the city, Severs said. “It didn’t mean we agreed, it didn’t mean we even liked each other, but everyone’s heart was in the right place,” he said.

As an example, Severs said he has a lot of respect for Langford even though the two didn’t always agree

JANUARY 2022 • 19

on the best way forward. “He’s a big loss to the council,” he said. “When he spoke, I listened.”

He said he’s particularly proud of the council’s role in getting the Henry Road and Kramer Parkway overpasses over Interstate 90 funded and the development of Orchard Park. The city has also been setting money aside for future expansion of the library and the upcoming work on Trailhead Golf Course is also important, he said. “That’s a major, major project,” he said. “We kept it a golf course. We’ve all agreed to fund an $8 million project there next year.”

While he has enjoyed his time on the council, Severs said it was time for him to go. “My kids are now teenagers and my career is in a spot where I’m extremely busy,” he said. “I wasn’t able to focus enough, so I didn’t think it was fair to stay on.”

There are some things he will miss about being on the council, Severs said.

“I will miss being in the meetings and being part of the decisions,” he said.

“It’s just been a fantastic experience for me in my life.”

Langford is being replaced by Jamie Freeze Baird, who ran against Mike Behary. Severs is being replaced by Chris Cargill, who ran unopposed.

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17th Annual Kiwanis Father Daughter Dance March 5th, 2022 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Mirabeau Park Hotel

Early bird $65 per couple before Feb 14. $75 per couple at the door. Additional daughter $20.

Dinner and dance package for 2 $139, $199 for dinner, dance, room, and breakfast.

Go to libertylakekiwanis.org

Tickets available Dec 20th.

20th Flowers available. Photos available.

Raffle prizes and give aways.

A fundraiser hosted by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis club that invests in the children of our community.