Approved by the Council. These are the official minutes of record.
March 19, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM St. John’s Lutheran Meadowlane — 5810 S. Meadow Lane Rd., Spokane, WA 99224
Attendance
Voting Members Present: Bonnie Asien, Ed Bruya, Becky Dickerhoof, Charlene Faoro, Duane Huesers, Pat Nault, Eme Ray, Jim Schrock, Stephanie Watson
Also present: Mark Anderson, James Bascettia, Megan Bastow, John Bastow, Barbara Bergstorm, Todd Carter, Jill Carter, Carol Constantin, Michael Constantin, Andrew Cook, Drew Cook, Nancy Cooper, Greg Cooper, Karen Cottet, Menk Doly, Ruth Elsworth, Tammy Endicott, Nancy Evans, Brendan Finch, Darleen Fisgerald, Kelly Fitsgerald, Dennis Flogd, Mark Ford, Cheryl Galbreath, Cindy Goedhart, Ron Goldhammer, P. Haggenbothuw, Joe Halsted, Michele Halsted, Ralph Heaton, Joe Helgeson, Amander Herb, Jim Herb, Karen Hovatter, Nick Jeffries, Mary Jonas, Brian Jonas, Adrian Leithanser, Andrew Libsack, Salai Libsack, G. Lines, Doug Livington, Ruby Livington, C.J. Malliard, Joey McEachran, Peter McEvoy, Scott Meredith, Fred Morscheck, Carol Mulholland, Kathy Murray, M. Muzio, D. Ortman, K. Ortman, C. Periera, Margo Pubols, Steve Pubols, Crystal Rees, Rob Richard, John Rivey, Ian Shelley, Terrie Sherwood, Joe Sicilia, Patty Stewart, William Tately, Claudia Tately, Trent Taylor, Jason Weber, Joanna Weber, Brian Webley, Robert Weslby, Tim White, Joann White
Call to Order
Chair Stephanie Watson called the meeting to order at 6:08 PM.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda — Approval of January meeting minutes and March agenda.
Motion to approve by Ed Bruya, seconded by Duane Huesers. Motion passed unanimously.
City of Spokane Traffic Panel
Presenters:
- Ben Ward, Design Engineer, City of Spokane — bward@spokanecity.org
- Kelly Heitstuman, Construction Engineer, City of Spokane — kheitstuman@spokanecity.org
Discussion focused on the planned US-195 J-Turn Project.
- Construction is anticipated to begin the following week, with work anticipated through mid-July. The project cost is approximately $4 million.
- An alternative interchange solution was discussed but estimated at approximately $40 million, making it financially infeasible at this time.
- WSDOT will not allow a traffic circle/roundabout at this location.
- The City noted it is working on a state transportation facility (with WSDOT) and is not pursuing a roundabout option.
- The design and engineering team has not approached elected officials regarding additional US-195 improvements; however, residents and the Neighborhood Council may independently advocate for improvements.
- Traffic calming concerns and development impacts were raised by neighbors.
- Target completion date is July 9, 2026.
- Traffic is expected to remain reduced to a single lane during portions of construction, with a planned mid-project barrier shift.
Guest Presentations
Sarah Nuss — Director of Emergency Services
- Shared information regarding a wildfire simulation exercise scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, in southwest Spokane.
- The exercise will involve Spokane Fire Department and County Emergency Management.
- Residents were encouraged to practice communication plans, evacuation preparation, and packing/exit planning.
- Sign up for Alert Spokane notifications.
Nick Jeffries — Wildland Resource Manager — njeffries@spokanecity.org · Wildfire Prevention, City of Spokane
Heather Hamlin — Office of Neighborhood Services
- Shared how ONS supports Spokane’s 29 neighborhood councils.
- Future Safe Streets for All priorities are informed by community reports submitted through 311. Residents were encouraged to submit concerns regarding intersections, potholes, sidewalks, speeding concerns, and other traffic safety issues.
- Traffic calming efforts increasingly focus on changing driver behavior.
- Residential solar-powered lighting opportunities are available through City programs.
Brendan Finch — Spokane Edible Tree Project
- Shared information regarding harvesting and gleaning efforts that direct excess fruit production to food banks.
- Residents can learn fruit tree care and food production techniques. spokaneedibletreeproject.org
Updates
- Fall Clean-Up Event — Saturday, October 3, 2026, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. Volunteers are invited to support planning and event coordination: LatahValleyNC@gmail.com.
- Community Engagement Grant 2026 — Latah-Hangman Neighborhood Council may apply for an $850 Community Engagement Grant, including up to $300 for food and beverages. We plan to spend the items on refreshments, promotional materials, and potentially also meeting space costs.
- Motion by Becky Dickerhoof to organize the application through a committee on behalf of the Neighborhood Council. Seconded by Duane Huesers. Motion passed unanimously.
Community members were also encouraged to share thoughts regarding WSDOT projects with the Neighborhood Council.
Annual Election Results
Write-in ballots were calculated and results shared.
2026–2027 Officers:
- Chair — Stephanie Watson (re-elected)
- Vice Chair — Duane Huesers (re-elected)
- Communications Chair/Director — Eme Ray (new)
- Co-Secretary — Charlene Faoro (new)
- Community Assembly Representative — Ed Bruya (re-elected)
Residents are invited to participate in LHNC through committee involvement, co-positions, liaison roles for neighborhood communities, and support of neighborhood resource initiatives.
Next Meeting
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:00–7:30 PM at the Conservatory behind Vinegar Goods — 1930 S. Inland Empire Way, Spokane, WA 99224
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:18 PM.