City recycling, 2010 budget outlook and the future of Highway 2 discussed last week
By RYAN LANCASTER
Staff Reporter
The Sept. 20 Airway Heights City Council meeting was all about possibilities, with discussions of the 2011 budget, recycling alternatives, Highway 2 revitalization and a regional transportation benefit district.
Council heard a preliminary briefing on next year's budget from city treasurer Richard Cook, who stressed that budget assumptions will change as more information becomes available.
The city has an assessed valuation of $282 million this year, about $9 million less than 2009, which Cook said will be adjusted once new construction values are known. Sales tax revenues are budgeted at $600,000, $65,000 less than last year due to the lagging economy and a resolution passed this year to separate one time and recurring sales taxes.
If one or both liquor privatization initiatives pass this fall it could mean the loss of thousands in liquor excise taxes for the city next year, Cook said. The city expects to see $71,750 in liquor revenues this year, which support general governmental operations.
Cook said all departments were required to validate funding for supplies and services in 2010 and at this point in the review $178,000 more departmental expenditures than revenues are expected, due partly to step pay increases and rising benefit costs.
During his report Councilman Matthew Pederson said the city of Spokane is considering forming a municipal transportation benefit district instead of continuing discussions of a regional TBD.
State law allows city or county governments to create special-purpose tax districts that can be used to fund selected transportation improvements and maintenance projects. In order to establish a regional TBD, county commissioners must adopt an ordinance and propose an interlocal agreement that is signed by 60 percent of county jurisdictions representing 75 percent of the population.
“We've been told for many years at both the state and federal levels that if we anticipate any help with transportation funding we must have a regional solution,” Pederson said. “If a single jurisdiction moves forward with a localized solution the state has given…this would devastate and negate any opportunity for a regional solution and I believe would undermine public trust in this process.”
While he believes a regional approach is best, Pederson said if Spokane steps back from the regional TBD Airway Heights should look at following suit.
Two workshops took place, one on potential changes to city recycling services and the other concerning a restart of the Highway 2 revitalization project.
City Manager Albert Tripp outlined years of ongoing issues with a recycling drop-off point made available for city residents and businesses near the Community Center. The city now contracts with Sunshine Disposal to haul recyclables away at an annual cost of nearly $19,000, but Tripp said this doesn't include staff time required for cleaning the facility and sifting out illegally dumped material.
Council considered three options for future recycling services: move recycling receptacles to a more secure, manned site adjacent to the Public Works building on 21st Avenue; provide the option for curbside recycling services; or do away with recycling options altogether.
After some discussion all agreed that Sunshine Disposal should include a questionnaire and price list in an upcoming garbage bill to see if residents are interested in curbside services. The issue could then be brought to a vote.
City planner Derrick Braaten gave a presentation on Highway 2 revitalization, which was abandoned in 2008 after being deemed unworkable by council and local businesses. Braaten said the latest conceptual plan offers a new beginning to a conversation between the city and local stakeholders.
“What the concept gives us is something to start with,” he said. “It's a lot easier to go in somewhere with something and let them rip it apart then it is to go in with nothing and try to create it.”
In other city business, Well 8, which collapsed last month, is producing again at 260 gallons per minute, a better yield than before by about 60 gpm.
Sandra Reiber was reappointed to another three-year term on the Spokane County Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee.
Council approved an updated interlocal agreement re-defining and forming the Spokane Regional Transportation Council.
First readings were approved of an ordinance amending the city municipal code to include a chapter on complete streets and amendments to the Transportation Concurrency section, as well as an ordinance amending the 2010 budget.
Ryan Lancaster can be reached at [email protected].
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