Approved by the Council. These are the official minutes of record.
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025 Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. Location: The Conservatory at Vinegar Goods (1930 S Inland Empire Wy, Spokane, WA 99224)
1. Call to Order
Chair Stephanie Watson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Voting Members Present: Jim Schrock, Becky Dickerhoof, Ed Bruya, Stephanie Watson A quorum was established.
2. Approval of Minutes
Becky Dickerhoof moved to approve the minutes from the July 2025 meeting. Ed Bruya seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Reports & Presentations
a. Neighborhood Resource Officer — Officer Micah Prim
- Addressed issues of nuisance behavior and trespassing on undeveloped properties.
- Explained circumstances when police engage social workers.
b. City Legislative Update — Andres A. Grageda, District 2 Legislative Assistant for Council Member Shelby Lambdin
- Reviewed traffic-calming efforts and referenced the DOWL traffic-calming report (2023) developed after 2022 neighborhood roundtables.
- Noted Vinegar Flats neighbors and businesses requested a 3-way stop at Inland Empire Way. Overlook Village also has a stop-sign request for traffic calming.
- Additional suggestions can be submitted to Abbey Martin at ammartin@spokanecity.org.
c. Spokane Arts — Asphalt Art Program — Shelby Allison
- Discussed mural placement considerations: cannot be on arterials, bus routes, or near railroads. Current site: Parkridge and Basalt Ridge, selected by neighbors two years ago.
- Possible alternate sites: 11th & Spruce, Rollingwood & Skylark.
- Emphasized no cost to HOAs; design sketch is ready, will schedule October 11–12, 2025, weather permitting.
d. Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) — Amber Groe
- Announced City Council may consider alternate meeting dates to avoid conflicts with federal holidays.
- Encouraged registration for the Spokane Neighborhood Summit — Sat, Oct 25, 2025, 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m., John J. Hemmingson Center, Gonzaga. Registration closes Oct 12.
- Shared information about the Together Spokane Town Hall (November ballot initiative). South Region session: Tuesday, Oct 7, 6–7 p.m., Ferris High School Auditorium.
- Announced CDBG Program community workshops for public input on the 2026 Action Plan and $2.3 million in funding priorities. Councils have to partner with nonprofits for projects to manage the funding. Public participation workshops to learn more; RFPs out November.
- Highlighted Traffic-Calming Project feedback deadline: Oct 7, 2025. Provided project timeline through December Council vote.
e. Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water & Environment — Claire Cooney. Shared upcoming programs and resources.
f. State Legislative Update — Maddie Sontag, Executive Legislative Assistant to Sen. Marcus Riccelli (Legislative District 3)
- Provided legislative updates and contact info for constituent casework.
- Noted mobile office hours: 4–6 p.m. at Shadle Park Library.
g. Guest Presentation — Lee Williams, Browne’s Addition, volunteer on Spokane Parks Board
- Highlighted the Friends of Coeur d’Alene Park initiative as an example of leveraging grants and investments for park support.
- Offered to connect Latah-Hangman parks advocates with “Friends of…” model resources.
h. Neighborhood Clean-Up — Ron Dickerhoof
- Announced Fall Neighborhood Clean-Up: Saturday, Oct 11, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m.; volunteers requested — still need 2–3 people to step in for a few hours.
- Donuts, water, and pop will be provided for volunteers.
- Dump passes available at the meeting; expire Oct 31, 2025.
4. New Business
Vice-Chair Election: Ed Bruya moved to elect Duane Huesers as Vice-Chair. Seconded by Becky Dickerhoof. Motion carried unanimously. Duane Huesers has lived in Eagle Ridge for 3.5 years. Secretary Position: remains vacant.
5. General Announcements; Public Comment
- Kate Telis introduced herself to the council; running for City Council, lives in Rockwood.
- Fire Safety & Alerts: presentation by Sarah Nuss, City Director of Emergency Management, rescheduled for the Jan 15, 2026 Latah-Hangman Neighborhood Council meeting.
- Planning to invite City staff to speak about traffic concerns at the Nov 20, 2025 meeting.
6. Adjournment
Chair Stephanie Watson adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Next Meeting: Thursday, November 20, 2025 — Latah Bistro (new location): 4241 Cheney Spokane Rd Ste C, Spokane, WA 99224