City approves 2025 committee appointments

MEDICAL LAKE – City Council approved its 2025 committee appointments at the Jan. 7 meeting, with Mayor Terri Cooper emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships with regional partners.

“It’s important we maintain a relationship with Fairchild Airforce Base,” said Cooper, thanking the council members for taking on their committee appointments.

Committees include finance, parks and recreation, public safety, and general government, each comprising three councilmembers and relevant city department directors. Appointees will serve throughout 2025 to ensure oversight and communication across city projects and initiatives.

2025 Committee Assignments:

• Finance Committee: Oversees the city’s financial operations, including budgeting and expenditures. Members include Mayor Terri Cooper, Councilmember Keli Shaffer (chair), Councilmember Don Kennedy, and Councilmember Lance Spiers, with Finance Director Koss Ronholt providing staff support.

• Parks and Recreation Committee: Focuses on recreational programs and facility improvements.

The committee is chaired by Councilmember Tony Harbolt, joined by Councilmembers Chad Pritchard and Keli Shaffer. Parks and Recreation Director Glen Horton and City Administrator Sonny Weathers provide staff assistance.

• General Government Committee: Addresses public works, wastewater treatment, and other administrative matters.

This committee is chaired by Councilmember Bob Maxwell, with Councilmembers Don Kennedy and Ted Olson also serving. Staff support is provided by City Administrator Sonny Weathers, Public Works Director Scott Duncan, and WWTP Director Steve Cooper.

• Public Safety Committee: Ensures coordination with police and fire services. Councilmember Ted Olson chairs this committee, with Councilmembers Bob Maxwell and Tony Harbolt also participating. Undersheriff Michael Kittilstved, Fire Chief Cody Rohrbach, and Sonny Weathers provide staff support.

Additionally, the council approved members for advisory boards and regional commissions:

• Planning Commission: Mark Hudson (chair), Judy Mayulianos, Marye Jorgenson, Andie Mark, and Carl Munson.

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Will Mellott, Debi Ronholt, Ethan Senn, and Jim Smith.

Medical Lake also maintains representation in regional boards, including the Spokane Transit Authority (Councilmember Lance Spiers), Spokane Regional Transportation Council (Mayor Terri Cooper), and Fairchild Restoration Advisory Committee (Sonny Weathers).

Author Bio

Clare McGraw, Reporter

Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.