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Council closes year with employee recognition
12/21/2011 10:02:45 AM
Splash Staff Writer
Liberty Lake City Council wrapped its final meeting of the year Tuesday recognizing city leaders and staff with special awards for committed service.
Mayor Wendy Van Orman presented five "key" employees who've all worked for the city 10 years. These employees include Police Chief Brian Asmus, Police Detective Ray Bourgeois, Community Development Director Doug Smith, Planning and Building Services Manager Amanda Tainio and Chief Building Inspector Wayne Hammond.
"Ten years later we still have these five key employees with us and the city is beautiful, and we have a whole new horizon to look forward to," Van Orman said. "It's going to be tough to say goodbye."
In addition, police department awards were presented to outstanding officers. Top honors went to Taj Wilkerson for police officer of the year.
Asmus said Wilkerson was chosen for his diligence and dedication to the citizens and police department through proactive and aggressive police work as well as dedication to the safety of citizens.
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Among Wilkerson's accomplishments, he reportedly took on additional assignments in 2011 including commercial vehicle enforcement, fleet maintenance officer and chairman of the radio transmission committee for the region. This year he also updated the field training officer manual and acted as a field-training officer for two new hires.
Chaplain John Thompson was named volunteer of the year for the department. Officer Mike Thomas was given the Sergeant's Award and Clint Gibson was given the Chief's Award.
Additional recognition went to records clerk Bobbi Anderson, SCOPE volunteers and reserve officers.
Council member Judi Owens presented Mayor Wendy Van Orman with a community service award commemorating her 10 years of dedication to city development. The award marked Van Orman's last meeting.
"She's done it all with grace and compassion," Owens said. "She has a gentle nature that is a welcome diversion from typical politicians."
Owens said she hoped Van Orman would remember her service with fondness and a smile.
"It's been a pleasure to serve with you, and I'm rooting for all of you guys going forward," Van Orman said. "I'm so looking forward to what the next 10 years will bring."
Van Orman later passed recognition on to her husband, thanking him for "being there every midnight when I came home from a late meeting."
In other business:
• The Council approved an ordinance granting the right of franchise to TW Telecom of Washington and its affiliates for the operation of a telecommunications system in Liberty Lake.
• The Council approved a $21,142.15 bid from Abacus Electric for the installation of six pole lights for parking lot lighting and light for illuminating signage at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.
• Mayor-elect Steve Peterson and new Council members will be sworn in at the next meeting 7 p.m. Jan. 3 at City Hall.