More News
March Marvel-Calvary a catalyst for historic Gonzaga run
In Gear for Good
Kramer puts integrity first at Christian Brothers
City commissions offer chance to serve, enhance community
When Danetta “Dg” Garcia’s bid for a Liberty Lake City Council seat fell short, she didn’t give up on the idea of serving the city she calls home.
TT's Brewery and Barbecue Expands to Neighborhood Liberty Lake Location
In the smoky realm of barbecue, TT's BBQ has carved a niche for itself as a beacon of mouth watering flavors and culinary expertise for both their beer and food.
Daughters of The American Revolution
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a volunteer women’s organization that has been dedicated to historical preservation, education, and patriotism for over a century. Across the United States, there are over 3,000 chapters supporting an estimated current membership of 200,000, with over one million total members since their founding in 1890.
HOA’s have different rules what it means for Police and streets
The city of Liberty Lake is known for its winding paths, street trees and homeowner’s associations. Recently, however, residents of some neighborhoods have been questioning the services they receive from the city, particularly police patrols and traffic enforcement.
Vietnam Veteran Pat Payne Receives his Combat Infantry Badge
Spokane Valley resident and Vietnam Veteran Pat Payne personifies bravery, resilience, and a profound commitment to supporting his fellow service members. Having served in the Vietnam War, Pat received both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals for his exceptional contributions and sacrifices. Unfortunately, at the time of his service discharge, a key ‘box’ was left unchecked, and he did not receive his Combat Infantry Badge or CIB until fifty-six years after leaving Vietnam.
Return Ticket Home; Fisher helped establish LL city roots
In the acclaimed 1940 novel, “You Can’t Go Home Again,” author Thomas Wolfe paints the picture of ambitious writer George Webber who leaves his rural hometown roots to seek fame and fortune in New York City.
At Home on Air – Media fixture Owsley relishes local roots
Sean Owsley’s first big break in the media world came when he was living in a modest apartment on Skipworth Road in Spokane Valley.
Spokane Valley Library employee is recognized by the Library of Congress
Spokane Valley Library was recently honored to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Library of Congress for its involvement in the Veterans History Project. The Library of Congress recognized the library's continuous dedication to preserving the stories and experiences of our nation's veterans. As part of this recognition, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Jeremy Mullin, a local resident actively involved in the project.
Council social media training degenerates into confrontation
Spokane Valley City Council training on policy regarding social media accounts and use of the city’s logo turned from benignly informative to heatedly combative after an exchange between two council members at the Jan. 9 meeting.
Central Valley School District Prop. 1
Eat, Shop, and Be Merry
Water Works
2023 Candidate Guide
Sporting in Liberty Lake
Closing the Chasm
Congratulations First Ridgeline High School Graduating Class of 2023
2023 Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sales are Coming!
Click here to register today! Only $15 to get into the printed and online guide!
Public Safety Raised to New Level
Parks and Art Commission
Looking Ahead to 2023
Eat, Shop and Be Merry
New city administrator
Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sale Interactive Map!
Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sale Guide - Now Available!!
Conrats 2022 Senior Graduates
Pavillion Park
You Are Invited
Destination Liberty Lake
Liberty Lake's Lego Home
Making and Impact 2022
|
|
|
|
Council hears preview of pool, community center from task force
9/4/2015 10:00:26 PM
By Craig Howard
Splash Contributor
While the local swimming season might be winding down, the Liberty Lake City Council appears ready to plunge into a project that would finally bring a much-discussed aquatic center to the community.
At Tuesday night's council meeting, the governing board heard a summary from the Community Facilities Task Force, a group of residents who began convening in mid-June to discuss three potential capital projects – a pool, a library and a community center. Joe Phipps, chair of the committee, took the lead at the Sept. 1 presentation.
"People seemed to be interested in the discussion and bringing forth their input," Phipps said of the process, which utilized last year's Parks and Recreation community survey as a springboard.
With help from Gary Bernardo of Bernardo|Wills Architects, the task force looked at five potential locations for the community center/pool but finally landed on the Town Square Park site on Meadowwood Lane as the most feasible. Phipps said the space made sense for its centrality, accessibility and standing as an established civic venue. Along with hosting the Liberty Lake Farmers Market each year, the city-owned property features amenities like the park and a Fallen Heroes station.
"It's a central location that people are already familiar with," Phipps said. "This (project) would build upon work the city has already done."
Phipps added that the available square footage at the property would accommodate not only facilities, but parking and open green space. When considering the acreage necessary for the project, the task force reviewed information compiled by City Administrator Katy Allen that included a summary of pools and community centers in cities of similar size to Liberty Lake. Representatives of the group also toured and studied other facilities in the area.
Phipps talked about the completed site being "a third gathering place," for residents, adding to a list that already includes home life and the workplace.
"This would be the closest thing we'll ever have to a main street," Phipps said. "I think this is something, that for years to come, the council would be applauded for."
Cost for the project has been estimated in the range of $10 million to $12 million, including sales tax and escalation for 2017 bond rates. The price does not include expenditures for operations and maintenance. Mayor Pro Tem Cris Kaminskas noted on Tuesday that aquatic center participation fees would likely cover only around 30 percent of ongoing maintenance costs.
As for the project itself, the task force presented financing options for capital bonds covering both 20 and 30 years. A 20-year, $10 million bond would translate to an annual property tax increase of $175 for a home valued at $300,000. A 30-year bond would cost a homeowner $145 more each year.
A bond would require a supermajority, or any margin 60 percent or higher, to pass. In 2008, a $9.8 million funding initiative for a new library and community center earned a paltry 38 percent of the ballot, prompting the city to purchase a former manufacturing warehouse that was eventually renovated into a new library and police precinct.
Little was mentioned concerning the library's stake in the Town Square venture on Tuesday, other than Phipps mentioning that library representatives "have expressed interest in being part of the community center."
"It's really not our job to delineate what would be there," Phipps said.
Another layer to the discussion was added on Tuesday before Phipps even began his presentation. Wayne Frost, who chairs the board of the HUB Sports Center, told council about a proposal to build an outdoor sports complex on the north side of Liberty Lake in the River District. The blueprint next door to the HUB would include upgrades at other county recreation sites such as Plantes Ferry Park and feature an overall pricetag of around $25 million.
The River District improvements would bring softball and baseball fields, picnic shelters, tennis courts and more.
"This is a good thing for Liberty Lake and the greater Spokane Valley," Frost said. "It brings retail, tax increment and economic vitality."
Frost said the Spokane County Commissioners would make a decision by the end of the year whether or not to put a levy lid lift before voters. If approved, it would likely be on the April 2016 ballot. Unlike the Town Square capital project, a levy lift needs only a simple majority, or any margin above 50 percent, for approval. Passage would mean an increase in annual property tax.
After the task force presentation, it was clear that council had concerns about the River District project and the community center/pool development competing for taxpayer dollars. Liberty Lake has yet to sign on in support of a county-sponsored feasibility study on the project.
"If the county comes back with a levy lid lift, Liberty Lake residents will get hit twice, even if they don't vote for it," said Council Member Odin Langford. "I think that it's important that we get the global view of what's going to be taking place."
Langford went on to speculate that Liberty Lake's project could be shifted to the north side and included with the outdoor sports fields as one expansive complex.
When considering overall value, Kaminskas said the River District layout paled in comparison to the construction of a community center/pool more centrally located within the boundaries of Liberty Lake.
"I don't see the county project benefitting our residents," she said.
Peterson took the case for a city-sponsored development further.
"A pool and community center will be a guaranteed benefit for our community," he said. "And our community is going to make the decision on it."
Council will delve into the north side project during a workshop at its Sept. 15 meeting.
Phipps said there is already enthusiasm within the task force to promote the vote to build the pool and civic center.
"You can sell the idea of a third gathering place," he said.
Council Member Keith Kopelson said that based on community feedback and the task force study, the city "needs to make a decision to move ahead with this project."
Allen noted that the city could draw upon $60,000 set aside in this year's budget for a feasibility study. Only $4,000 of that fund has been spent to this point. Allen said she plans to bring council back an outline that includes information on design approaches, financing and facts about operations and maintenance costs.
"There are specific layouts you have to go through for design and development," Allen said. "Clarity is going to be very important. People will want to know what they're voting on, what they're going to get and how much it will cost."
In other city news:
• Council voted unanimously to move ahead with a $44,000 expenditure on three additional illuminated pedestrian crossings at Molter and Mission, Molter and Boone and one more intersection to be determined.
• Council Member Bob Moore reiterated his request to address the issue of non-city residents being included on the planning commission. Moore has stated that only Liberty Lake citizens should be appointed to the group. The topic will be part of the Sept. 15 meeting agenda.
• Council discussed a list of potential priorities for 2016 at Tuesday's meeting, technically part two of the retreat that commenced on Aug. 18, including the second phase of the Town Square project, business support and recruitment, transportation projects, parks and recreation and public art. Peterson said the city needs to place more emphasis on a legislative agenda that would address the competitive disadvantage Liberty Lake has with Idaho when it comes to recruiting businesses.
• The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 15. Council will finalize its list of priorities for next year as part of the agenda.
Advertisement
|
