By JAMES EIK
Staff Reporter
The Airway Heights City Council held its first study session meeting Monday, Aug. 27, reviewing items that will go on agendas for upcoming meetings.
Several of the city's departments brought non-action items forward for discussion and deliberation before the council to decide whether or not to advance them to the legislative session. Since the study session takes place on a monthly basis, some items will move forward to October meeting agendas.
Among the items from the public works department include two bid awards for a pneumatic tire forklift and scissor lift, respectively. Currently, public works rents a scissor lift for maintenance work at the wastewater treatment plant on the south side of the city.
The lift would reach 20 feet high, and fit through a 30-inch wide doorway and could be used for other city uses. Renting a similar item comes in around $90 per day, with delivery, with a new lift's expected cost just shy of $11,000.
Coming in the Oct. 1 City Council meeting is a proclamation to make October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city.
Bree Breza, the city's probation officer, said a dinner is planned for Oct. 5 at the Lincoln Center in Spokane. The dinner would recognize two public service officials in domestic violence-related issues. Alongside the dinner and awards ceremony would be a silent auction, the goal of which is to raise money for the creation of a domestic violence advocate for the West Plains.
“We currently do not have anything in place for domestic violence out here,” Breza said.
The position, which will be finalized once funding can be obtained, could handle cases either on-call or through other methods.
Along with the Oct. 5 events, a teddy bear drive will take place as part of the proclamation. Mayor Patrick Rushing hoped the drive could begin in September, to showcase some of the donations at the dinner.
“It's really comforting when you talk with some of the residents and tell them what we're doing,” Rushing said. “This is about being able to bring some comfort to children and families who have suffered from domestic violence.”
Another item discussed would increase the amount of petty cash available for distribution from $300 to $500. City Treasurer Richard Cook said the available amount was last increased in 1999, with a limit of $50 being given out at any specific time.
An increase in the city's programs, like those in parks and recreation, spurred the item's discussion. The City Council approved the increase at its Sept. 4 meeting.
Study sessions will take place on a monthly basis, on the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers. The next meeting will take place Monday, Sept. 24.
City Manager Albert Tripp presented a workshop on solid waste disposal alternatives. Airway Heights' waste contract is set to expire in 2014, and the city is looking at more cost-effective options for waste disposal.
Rushing said the Airway Heights Festival was a success this past weekend, drawing 239 cars compared to last year's 228, and highlighted the second year for the watermelon races.
James Eik can be reached at james@cheneyfreepress.com.
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