Approved by the Council. These are the official minutes of record.
6:00–7:30 p.m., in person at The Conservatory, behind Vinegar Goods
Call to Order
Meeting called to order by Chair Stephanie Watson at 6:01 p.m.
Attendees: Kris Hansen, Jeff Lambert, Kate Telis, Jim Schrock, Duane Huesers, Pat Nault, Ginny Ramos (City of Spokane), Cynthia Lambarth, Stephanie Watson.
Approval of Minutes
May 2025 minutes approved (Motion: Pat Nault; Second: Jim Schrock).
Police Report — Officer Micah Prim
- Suspects arrested in two recent arson cases; one remains in custody.
- New homeless camp noted near Fish Lake Trail.
- Thrive International held a soccer camp at Hart Field for refugee youth.
- Support expressed for forming a “Friends of High Bridge Park” group.
City Council District 2 Report — Ginny Ramos
- Honorary Roadways Ordinance: temporary street naming to honor individuals.
- Festival Streets: non-arterial streets can be closed for events.
- Code Enforcement: expanded authority for nuisance properties/vegetation.
- Opioid Settlement: Maddie’s Place received funding.
- Complete Streets Program: being updated to serve all users.
- Alcohol Signage: Spokane exempted local businesses from state sign-size rules.
- Public Dollars for Public Benefit: proposal would require large city projects to include 25% of work hours from targeted populations (veterans, women, BIPOC, formerly incarcerated, residents of distressed ZIP codes).
- Thorpe Land Transfer: developer withdrew; Parks Department resubmitting for state funding.
- Council Vacancy: new District 2 member to be appointed until November election.
Office of Neighborhood Services — Amber Groe
- Drought: Level 2 management in effect — watering max 2 days/week.
- Neighborhood Summit: October 25, 2025 at Gonzaga; free leadership workshops.
- Equipment Inventory: available for NC and partner use, including emergency planning.
- Fire Preparedness: sign up at AlertSpokane.org.
- Disposal Passes: available Aug 15–Oct 31; contact Stephanie to request.
- Neighborhood Cleanup: October 11 at 17th & Chestnut, coordinated by Ron Dickerhoof.
Committee & Community Updates
- DNR Land Transfer — Jeff Lambert: Council will update and resubmit its support letter by Sept 30; Jeff working with Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Tribes.
- Fire Evacuation Planning — Duane Huesers: coordinating with Eagle Ridge, Comstock, Qualchan; city lead is Sarah Nuss (Mayor’s Office).
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Next Meeting
Thursday, September 18th, 6:00–7:30 p.m. Come to socialize at 5:30 p.m.
Every other month during odd months — November, January, March meetings at Latah Bistro.