DRAFT — these minutes have not yet been approved by the Council. They appear on the consent agenda for the regular meeting of September 17, 2026.
6:00–7:30 p.m. | The Conservatory, behind Vinegar Goods, 1930 S. Inland Empire Way, Spokane, WA 99224
Attendance
City: Council Member Kate Telis
Voting members: Stephanie Watson, Eme Ray, Jim Schrock, Ed Bruya, Duane Huesers, Becky Dickerhoof, Cindy Periera
Neighbors and guests: Joe Berminham, Joanne McKay, Scade Maghan, Kevin Preister
1. Call to order and consent agenda
Chair Stephanie Watson called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Duane Huesers motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Eme Ray seconded. Motion passed.
2. Neighborhood Resource Officer update
Neighborhood Resource Officer Micah Prim reiterated the importance of reporting code enforcement concerns and using 3-1-1.
Neighbors, including Eme Ray, discussed the importance of alerting Spokane Parks regarding trash and illegal dumping in parks, including along the High Bridge Park trail.
3. Spokane City Council update
Council Member Kate Telis shared updates from Spokane City Council, including:
- City Council meetings are now held on Wednesdays, with the agenda review process finalized on Tuesdays. Community members were encouraged to provide feedback to Council Members before 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, ahead of agenda finalization at 1:00 p.m.
- Public testimony will include an “Express Testimony” option for three-minute comments.
- Council discussed the Right to Cooling ordinance, supported by Brian Henning at Gonzaga University. Discussion included heat-related deaths in 2025 and new requirements related to tenants’ use of air-conditioning units in rental housing, with additional bedroom cooling requirements anticipated within three years.
- Council is considering budget resolutions and reprioritization. Council Member Telis noted the need for additional library support and anticipated structural deficit reductions across City departments.
4. Latah Creek and regional environmental discussion
Kevin Preister of the Center for Social Ecology and Public Policy shared information about work with the Washington State Department of Ecology through a task force reviewing scientific data related to Latah Creek. Discussion included:
- PCB contamination and water-quality monitoring in Latah Creek.
- The significance of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe purchasing land between Hatch Road and Meadowlane Road, and discussion related to fisheries and potential fish hatchery work.
- Avery Hacker at Gonzaga University and the Climate Resilience Project were mentioned as potential research resources.
- Opportunities for residents to participate in efforts to improve and clean up local waterways, particularly Latah Creek.
- Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency monitoring, and concerns that air-quality monitors are not distributed throughout the Latah Valley.
- County discussions regarding potential data center development.
5. Community Engagement Grants
LHNC received two grant awards: $1,800 and $850. Both grants operate on a reimbursement basis with receipts. The Council may also use City-preferred vendors, including Mojo Print Solutions.
6. Neighborhood leadership transition
Chair Stephanie Watson and Vice Chair Duane Huesers announced that they will both be stepping down from their leadership roles for personal reasons.
Both shared their intention to support the leadership transition and help other neighbors take on responsibilities associated with running meetings. A transition document will be created to provide information and guidance for incoming neighborhood leadership.
Neighbors also discussed upcoming opportunities for community engagement, including permanent neighborhood signage and a neighborhood block party.
7. Upcoming meeting and neighborhood party
The September 17, 2026 LHNC meeting is planned as a neighborhood party. Additional information regarding location, activities, and neighborhood participation will be shared as plans are finalized.
8. Adjournment
Duane Huesers motioned to adjourn the meeting. Becky Dickerhoof seconded. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.