City Council Meeting Briefs

CHENEY – Here are all of the other resolutions and topics the city council discussed during the Dec. 28 meeting

The fire district for the city of Cheney presented a budget amendment to increase the wages of two key positions at the station: battalion chief and lieutenant. If this amendment is approved by the council in a future meeting, it will make these positions’ salary much more competitive with other departments in the region.

Resolution E-972 was approved and it renewed a contract with Asplundh Tree Expert LLC for 2022 to ensure the power lines are kept clear. The contract revolves around essential work related to removing and pruning trees that could disrupt the city’s electricity distribution system.

Resolution E-979 was approved which will allow the city to apply for the TransAlta WWTP Solar Array grant. This grant would help the city pay for the 100-kilowatt ground mounted solar array. 45 percent of this array’s costs have already been covered by the Department of Commerce and the TransAlta grant would cover an additional 45 percent of the costs.

Resolution E-980 was approved and it will allow the City of Cheney and the West Plains Airport Area Public Development Authority to dedicate more land to enhance wetland habitats. This project could lead to more wildlife habitat project credits in Spokane County and the West Plains area.

The meeting ended with one council member giving the Cheney Free Press and Paul Delaney’s book Taking Flight about the successes of Eastern Washington University’s football program. The council also took time to honor council member John Taves and his time served on the city council. They mentioned his meticulous litigation process and his enthusiasm for the community of Cheney and said his presence would be sorely missed.