The Airway Heights Municipal Court will go through a new consultant for advocate services that it provides to domestic violence victims.
During its June 19 meeting, the Airway Heights City Council approved a $7,500 contract between the city and Ginger Johnson of Relationship Advantage for these services.
Based out of Spokane, Johnson is a domestic violence court and community advocate, and a Washington state certified domestic violence perpetrator treatment provider.
The city previously went through the YWCA for advocate services, which was funded by a grant. YWCA notified Court administrator Bree Breza the organization had lost the grant funding, however the city could still receive advocate services over the phone.
During council’s June 13 study session, Breza explained that services over the phone are not adequate and stressed the importance of having an advocate in the courtroom as they can help navigate the prosecutor and victim through the court process. The advocate’s presence also gives victims a voice.
Breza said staff recommended Relationship Advantage’s services to better fits the city’s needs.
The contract is valid for up to 41 court days and includes a half-day training for the public on domestic violence and staff training — which are included in the fee.
Johnson will be available for victim classes, safety planning and advocacy services for individuals recommended by the court. She will be at the scene with Airway Heights police officers during domestic violence cases.
During the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) meeting, council approved the district’s 2017 budget. Revenues for the TBD fund are over $1.28 million with expenditures at $297,500.
Major capital expenses include the city’s match for the first phase of the Garfield/Russell/Sprague street improvement project ($189,000) and the city’s upcoming transportation circulation plan ($22,500) and the city’s match for a FEMA grant ($12,000) that would go toward fixing portions of Craig Road, Lundstrom and Lyons streets and 12th and 17th avenues that were damaged during the winter.
When asked by Councilman Doyle Inman if staff has any plans to fix 14th Avenue, Public Works Director Kevin Anderson said they are waiting for the further development of the U.S. Highway 2 Revitalization project’s plan for the area.
“At some point, I would like to have a robust discussion for long-term thinking for that corridor,” Anderson said.
During reports, Anderson said staff plans to enact level two water conservation methods for the city. The city decommissioned wells 1,4 and 9 during the recent water situation and has not turned them back on.
“We’re trying to make it up with the emergency intertie (with Spokane), but the amount we’re getting is limited,” Anderson said on June 20. “We thought it would be prudent to instill the restrictions.”
According to the Airway Heights Municipal Code, the Public Works Department can implement a level two restriction when one or more sources are shut down as the result of contamination or pumping level decreasing resulting in productivity dropping 25 percent or more.
Under the restrictions, residents with odd number addresses should water on odd days while, properties with even numbers water on even days.
The municipal code adds that the city shall “be held harmless for damage or loss to lawns and landscaping during a level 2 shortage.”
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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