By RYAN LANCASTER
Staff Reporter
The Airway Heights Kiwanis club approached the City Council March 21 with a proposal that would revitalize a long stalled drive to build a community recreation center.
“Central to Kiwanis' mission is the belief that the most effective way to enhance a community is to enhance its children,” Kiwanis board member Kelly Osterberger told the council. “We feel that a recreation center would allow kids to learn, dream and succeed.”
In 2005 the city tried unsuccessfully to pass a $5.5 million bond to fund a new recreation center that would have included a waterpark, fitness center and meeting rooms. Though more than 60 percent of city residents opposed it, Osterberger pointed out that a similar measure would be more likely to succeed now since the city's assessed valuation has increased and the individual tax burden has decreased.
Parks and Recreation director J.C. Kennedy said joining Kiwanis to form a non-profit foundation allows active solicitation of support for a new recreation center as well as future community projects.
“One of the things the club can do that the city cannot do legally is go door-to-door and promote and educate people,” he said. “Having a partnership with an organization like that opens up different avenues for promoting this.”
A resolution supporting the proposal is being discussed in committees before being put to a vote in an upcoming council meeting.
Also last week, the council gave its approval to seek proposals for concept services related to the revitalization of Highway 2 between Lundstrom and Campbell streets. City Manager Albert Tripp said a draft concept allows a public hearing and a council vote on the project, which stalled two years ago.
Council accepted completion of a well repair contract with H2O Well Services for the rehabilitation of domestic and irrigation wells owned by Steve Stimson. Over the years the city has worked with several homeowners to deepen and develop West Plains wells due to declining water levels. This project cost the city a total of $29,998, according to Public Works director Kelly Williquette.
Council approved a pipeline license agreement with Spokane County to install an underground waterline in the Geiger Spur rail corridor. The 10-year license will be automatically renewed for additional 10-year terms for up to a total of 30 years. The city will pay $500 for the initial license and $250 for each subsequent term.
Council passed the second reading of an ordinance amending the 2011 budget and the second reading of an ordinance fixing employee positions, salaries and compensation for 2011. First readings were passed of an ordinance approving 2011 amendments to the capital improvement plan and an ordinance amending the city's municipal code to include a pavement cut policy.
Finally, a resolution was passed approving the docket for the 2011 comprehensive plan update process, set to be finalized in June. The capital facilities section of the city code is being reviewed in light of two annexations scheduled to commence in the coming year.
Ryan Lancaster can be reached at [email protected].
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