Planning commission nominations spark heated debate

SPOKANE VALLEY – The city witnessed a charged city council meeting on January 30, marked by the nomination of four new members to the planning commission. Despite concerns raised by Councilman Al Merkel about the nomination process, the motion passed with a 5-2 vote, igniting intense debate among council members and prompting public comments.

Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg announced the nominations of John Robertson and Justin Weatherman for terms extending from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2026, and Vadim Smelik for the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Mayor Pam Haley re...