SPOKANE VALLEY – At the February 6 Spokane Valley City Council Meeting, discussions revolved around Ordinance 24-001, proposing adjustments to the planning commission meeting schedule. The amendment aims to scale back the monthly meetings from twelve to nine months per year, garnering unanimous approval.
Tony Beatty, the senior deputy city attorney, shed light on the rationale behind the amendment. He cited the lack of substantial material for review in January and February due to the planning commission’s appointment process starting in January, not November, as the reason for the proposed change.
Councilman Al Merkel questioned the feasibility of aligning meeting schedules with the Mayor’s appointments, while City Manager John Hohman highlighted past deliberations on the matter, indicating the council’s discretion in setting appointment terms.
Councilman Rod Higgins underscored the intentional timing of the discussions, while Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg emphasized the logistical challenges of scheduling meetings before the official inauguration of elected officials.
Councilwoman Laura Padden expressed concerns about potential skipped meetings under the new provisions, prompting Hohman to elaborate on the historical workload fluctuations and the need to adjust meeting schedules accordingly.
Hohman emphasized the importance of meeting deadlines, particularly regarding the Legislative Update in 2026, while acknowledging the challenges posed by fluctuating workloads in recent years.
During public comment, accusations surfaced regarding the council’s motives in seeking a stronger mayoral role, potentially at the expense of the city manager.
Ultimately, the motion to amend the planning commission meeting schedule passed unanimously, reflecting the council’s commitment to adaptability and efficiency in city governance.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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