At its Aug. 22 study session, the Airway Heights City Council received a presentation from Studio Cascade Inc., regarding public input they received on concepts for the land use plan update and the Highway 2 Revitalization project.
Ryan Hughes, Studio Cascade senior planner, said the firm conducted interviews with stakeholders, business owners and residents at a June meeting at the Airway Heights library. The firm also spoke with residents during a July 21 open house at the community center.
Hughes noted that many residents felt that the city currently lacks an identity. He added that many of those interviewed want Airway Heights to maintain the “small-town feel,” as well as create an identity that fosters town pride.
“We’re looking at future potential growth,” Hughes said. “What it comes down to is trying to hone in on what Airway Heights is and what potential developers do we want to incentivize and encourage to come to this town.”
Some responses they received regarding the Highway 2 project included bike and pedestrian paths from city border to city border, and a unified theme for the corridor that includes landscape features and lighting.
“For the most part, people want to see change,” Hughes said.
Regarding feedback for the proposed new entry signs, Hughes said most residents like the current signage with some additional features.
Development Services Director Derrick Braaten said he received some additional feedback during the Airway Heights Days festival on Aug. 20.
Hughes said Studio Cascade would hold a public workshop at the Sept. 7 Planning Commission meeting. Braaten asked council if he could schedule a workshop for their Oct. 24 study session.
Following the presentation, Braaten announced that Cindy Reddekopp, senior building inspector, would be having foot surgery Sept. 16 and would return to work on Sept. 29. He said staff is working on a development contract with The Building Department, Inc. for service to cover for Reddekopp while she is on medical leave.
Braaten said his department is working overtime with the influx of development. He had previously reached out to Spokane County and other jurisdictions for assistance, but they were unable to assist Airway Heights because of their own workloads.
“We’ve gone statewide and there are no certified building inspectors available,” Braaten said.
He added that staff had advertised an opening for an additional building inspector for the department. If the department hires someone, the individual would have to acquire their certification in six months.
“Growth is not going to stop,” Braaten said. “Things are really going to ramp up in 2-3 years.”
Council had the first reading of Ordinance C-878. The ordinance amends the city’s municipal codes “Water System” and “Sanitary Sewer System,” and creates a new section “Utility Services.” The ordinance will allow only property owners to set up utility accounts. Currently both property owners and tenants can create utility accounts.
Staff proposed a similar ordinance in July. Addam Janke, accounting-records clerk, said City Attorney Stanley Schwartz suggested staff create the section that combines water and sewer accounts.
Council agreed to move forward a resolution supporting the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force to its Sept. 6 meeting.
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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