Questions & Answers

One of my goals as Mayor of Liberty Lake is to be as open as I can and give answers to some questions you may have.  Hence, we have created a special question and answer area in our newsletter and on our website.  I will try to answer most of your questions in a timely manner. Until then, I look forward to meeting you.

Answer from the Mayor:
"Due to a possible hazard regarding the Black Locust trees that line Sprague Ave, I have requested the services of an arborist to assess the health of the trees and safety to the community.  These trees are approximately sixty years old and have provided a beautiful canopy across the road.  Some trees are late bloomers, so it will be important to have an expert evaluate the trees before any action is taken."

Question to the Mayor (JUNE/JULY):
"What is happening with the intersection of Mission and Harvard?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"There have been tow more accidents at the Mission & Harvard Intersection.  The city recently has made application for State funding for this interchange and could result in possible modifications to the interchange and safety improvements to Mission and Harvard.  Due to the current interchange configuration, this intersection is a WSDOT project.  To date, there has not been a satisfactory solution identified."

Question to the Mayor (JUNE/JULY):
"What will our children do when playing in Rocky Hill, there are no restroom facilities nearby?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"The City has made significant progress on Rocky Hill Park phase II for completion.  Within the next three weeks, the restrooms, playground equipment, swings and shelter will be arriving.  The tennis court foundations have been poured and coming on board are our seasonal crews, who will be paying close attention to removing scrap metal and farm debris from the Phase III site.  By the end of September, Rocky Hill Park should be substantially completed, with only phase III still left to complete.  With the community's involvement and a generous donation by Greenstone Corp., Phase One of Rocky Hill Park will be receiving a Bocce court and an Iconic play structure on the top of the hill.  This is our second community park and will be enjoyed for generations to come."

Question to the Mayor (APR/MAY):
"I read the article in the Splash which indicated that Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley are contemplating the purchase of the HUB.  I've seen the detrimental financial impact the Kroc center has had on local athletic clubs. I am concerned about the competition that may arise if the HUB were to operate as a municipality."

Answer from the Mayor:
"I can understand the concern, but local athletic clubs offer different programs geared to individuals.  This facility has regional benefits that could be substantial to the community.  Within our planning documents, we have identified facilities needed for our region, and one facility is a sports complex. The Sports Commission will be educating each of the council members in each jurisdiction whether it is feasible and needed enough to bring to a vote for the purchase of the existing HUB facility.  The HUB is a Regional Sports Center (formerly known as Sports USA) located off the freeway on the border of both cities.  This building has the capabilities to hold large regional events & competitions.  With 5 basketball courts, 10 volleyball courts, 3 dance studios, and several office spaces there is nothing like it within Spokane County.  Recently, the National Judo competitions as well as the Pacific Northwest National Qualifier volleyball championships were held at the HUB, bringing the next Olympic Champions to our region.  The teams and families generate a substantial amount of tourism dollars to our local hotels, local shopping and restaurants.  Why is this important?  The events held here will bring outside tax dollars to be spent locally, therefore keeping your tax dollars low.  The Spokane Convention Center and the Spokane Arena are prime examples of generating events. The HUB is one economic tool to attract tourism dollars to our area. We will share as more information becomes available.  I would be happy to meet with you regarding your concerns."

Question to the Mayor (APR/MAY):
"I am trying to decide about joining the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.  I am actually located in Fort Worth, Texas and my sister will be handling our rental and we need to become part of the community.  I plan on spending more time there and would like to somehow be involved.  I would appreciate any suggestions you could give me about becoming part of the community."

Answer from the Mayor:
"The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce (GSVCC) has established a presence in Liberty Lake within the Liberty Square Building.  Partnering up with Greenstone and the City of Liberty Lake, more incubator spaces have been established for small businesses.  The business resources available by the GSVCC will help your business grow and learn best business practices. There are approximately 350 businesses physically located within our city, with a total of 850 doing business in our community. It is the entrepreneurs within our state that are the backbone of innovation.  We are here to help you be successful and bring needed resources to your business."

Question to the Mayor (FEB/MAR):
"I keep hearing the census will be taken again soon for 2010. Why do we take the census, and why should I participate in it?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"'Stand up and be counted' will be a recurring theme throughout the community for the Census count this year. Why is it important?
   · The U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years. This has
      been carried out every 10 years since it was first conducted in 1790.
   · The population totals determine the number of seats each state has in the House of
      Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative districts.
   · Approximately $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year based on
      the data collected.
         O The allocation of funds benefit programs for education, elderly, public transportation, road
            rehabilitation and construction, emergency food and shelter, and empowerment zones. The
            demographic data will help in future market research for economic development.
Keep in mind that the information collected only helps businesses make important marketing decisions, helps with federal and state funding, as well as helps determine how many seats each state has in the House of Representatives."

Question to the Mayor (FEB/MAR):
"Is the census data that is collected really confidential?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"The answers provided are strictly confidential and protected by law (Title 13 of the US Code, Section 9). It is illegal for information to even be shared with any other government agencies. No court of law, not even the President of the United States can access your individual responses." 

Question to the Mayor (FEB/MAR):
"Why was there no newsletter in January?" 

Answer from the Mayor:
"In order to save the City about $14,000 per year, the Liberty Link will now be published bi-monthly and on a slightly smaller-sized paper. Residents can expect to receive 6 newsletters each year. The decrease in page width was not significant enough to change the amount of information the newsletter can contain, and therefore was done to save money as well. The Liberty Link newsletter is essential in keeping our residents up to date with information on upcoming events, recreation programs, issues, and policies of our City government."

Question to the Mayor (Dec):
"I read recently that the City of Spokane Valley raised their taxes by 2.9%. What is in store for the residents within the City?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"In forming the budget for this coming year, I believe in living within our means.  We will be keeping our expenditures low and living within the revenue streams we currently receive, a 0% budget increase is what I have presented.  Since 2001, we have either lowered or kept your taxes the same.  The City of Liberty Lake has the 2nd lowest property tax levy in Spokane County.  We remain committed to keeping your quality of life at our forefront. The economy, we hope, will make a slow rebound in the coming year. It will take all of us to help each other through this. Buying local will keep the tax dollars working for you, help keep the retail businesses successful, and employ your neighbors.  We will maintain our City services and, by working with volunteers, can actually enhance our surroundings with events that bring us together." 

Question to the Mayor (Dec):
"How can I get involved within my community?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"In this community, that is an easy answer!  We have several clubs to get involved with....Try the Lion's Club, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Liberty Lake Community Theatre, Liberty Lake Tennis Association, Friends of Pavillion Park, Friends of the Library, SCOPE as well as others.  We have many events and recreational opportunities to meet your neighbors.  Join a book club, volunteer at the Easter Egg Hunt, or create a quilting or scrap booking group. It is the friendships that are gained throughout this community that make us great.  Reach out and get to know your neighbors! We are in this community together!"

Question to the Mayor (Oct):
"After reading the latest issue of the ‘Liberty Link' and your response regarding a waterfall and Founders' wall at Trailhead Golf Course, I am wondering what ever happened to the Arboretum project?" 

Answer from the Mayor:
"Natures Place at Meadowwood, the ‘Arboretum', is still on our list to be completed. The recent economy gave us a bit of a setback in 2009, but we were still able to complete Rocky Hill Park Phase One, and purchase and renovate the Library/Public Safety Building. We anticipate completing the Arboretum in several phases. The first needs are to put in some of the hardscapes such as irrigation, drainage, stone steps & making sure that it is ADA compliant.   I foresee, with a lot of volunteer participation for the plantings, we could complete phase one. It all depends upon the economy. We have prided ourselves to keep your taxes low within the City. We will be entering into the budget season to provide you with the services you depend upon."

Question to the Mayor (Sept):
"In remembrance of Lud Kramer and others that have made significant contributions to the community, are there any plans to complete the Founder's Corner slated for the corner of Country Vista Drive and Liberty Lake Road?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"It has been my desire to construct a waterfall and Founders' wall at that corner of Trailhead Golf Course. During the upcoming budget process, it will be presented to the City Council for inclusion in our Capital Facilities plan with possible construction in 2010. The economy will play a significant role in any new addition to the community, but with everyone's contribution we could add a community flower garden with the dividing up of our own spring, and fall flower bulbs to add to it year after year for a beautiful entrance of color." 

Answer from the Mayor:
"New owners have purchased the building and are prepping to open Barlows, a family-oriented
restaurant with home-cooked type meals."

        · Dog Park
· A rose garden
· Miniature Golf
· Obstacle Course for runners
· ? (Your ideas?)" 

Question to the Mayor (Aug):
"I would like to know more about the Frisbee Golf Course and how it is used?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"The ‘Disc Golf' course at Pavillion Park was established in 2008. While it is not an official regulation course, it offers a variety of unique challenges, and spectacular views of the area. There are a total of 6 practice holes ranging in length from 100' to 200'. Listed on the official Spokane Disc Golf Association website, this course offers all the amenities of the park, and is free and open to the public during park hours. Be sure to bring a ‘disc' next time you visit the park."

Answer from the Mayor:
"The new fees at Trailhead are $12 for 9 holes, and $18 for 18 holes.  These are some of the best rates in the Spokane area.  Sunday is Family Day where it's just $6 for 9 holes.  Private lessons start as low as $35.  A list of prices can be found on our website."

Answer from the Mayor:
"2009 represents the 26th Annual National Night Out (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event. This year's event has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2009. We cordially invite you to be a part of our ‘Night Out' at Pavillion Park starting with the Ice Cream Social. Last year's National Night Out involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2008, which is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back."

Question to the Mayor (July):
"I've been hearing a lot about the ‘Buy Local' campaign. What exactly is it, and how can I get involved?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"The City of Liberty Lake has taken steps to help promote the campaign by handing out free re-usable bags to all households in the City (1/3 at a time). Inside the bags are flyers promoting area businesses. The next round of bags goes out in July, and the last of the bags in September. Look for posters inside local businesses.

Goals of the campaign include:

- Keep Your Neighbors Working.

We want to secure the employment of our friends, neighbors and family members. 

- Keep Our Local Economy Strong.

Buying local strengthens area businesses, service providers and employees. $1 spent at a business in the area re-circulates, creating jobs and revenue for supporting services. 

- Keep Our Community Strong.

Buying local contributes to our community's tax base and charitable giving. Business owners and managers in our region have a vested interest in their community's long-term health. 

- Keep Recycling Your Dollar.

Locally-sourced products are often "greener," because they don't require as many fossil fuels to reach you. Recycling your dollar by buying local is one more way to conserve natural resources."

Question to the Mayor (July):
"I heard bus fares have increased? How much, and where can I get bus passes?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"STA recently passed the increase of bus fares. The current fare is $1.00, going up to $1.25 in 2010 then to $1.50 for 2011 and 2012. You can get bus passes online or here at City Hall as well."

Question to the Mayor (June):
"I realize that our roads are relatively new but what is the city doing to prevent our streets from looking like our neighboring jurisdictions streets filled with pot holes, ruts and are breaking apart?"

Answer from the Mayor:
"The City's Engineer, Andrew Staples, has completed our Pavement Management Plan.  This plan includes a thorough listing of all City streets, lights, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the city. Each has been given a grade as to the current condition. If we properly maintain the streets every year, we can substantially save the taxpayers in future years as much as 8 times the cost to rebuild the roads. As seen with other jurisdictions, if we defer the maintenance, than it can have drastic consequences down the road, and end up costing you the taxpayer much more money in the end."

Letter to the Mayor (June):
"I am writing you to request that the Liberty Lake Police Department emphasize traffic patrol for pedestrians in the crosswalks on Liberty Lake and Appleway roads.  My husband has almost been hit by cars twice in the last month, while he was properly crossing in a crosswalk on these roads, while walking from Altons to Altek Inc. Fortunately, he is a very aware and physically fit man and was able to avoid being struck by cars. Someone slower and less aware would have been hit and seriously injured." 

Comment from the Mayor:
"As nice weather approaches and more pedestrians, skate boarders, and bicyclists utilize the same roads as vehicles, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. We received this letter and will be keeping  everyone's safety a priority. Please be aware of crosswalks and keep a full lane between you and the pedestrian."