Medical Lake council passes impact fee deferral ordinance

The Medical Lake City Council went through several items at its Aug. 16 meeting.

In action items, council approved the second reading of the ordinance “Impact Fee Deferral.” The ordinance allows a developer to defer paying impact fees until the final inspection of the property, but no later than 18 months from when the city issued the building permit.

During public comment, Terri Cooper, Cheney Municipal Court’s administrator/commissioner who oversees Medical Lake court services, asked council if she could apply for a grant to help pay for public defender services. Council gave the approval with Councilwoman Shirley Maike adding “go for it.”

Cooper who is also a member of the community revitalization group Re*Imagine Medical Lake, informed council the group has created a memorial fund for Vincent “Duffy” Ready, who passed away while competing in the Trailblazer Triathlon during the Founder’s Day festival. She added that starting next year, the event will be named the “Duffy Ready Triathlon,” in honor of Ready.

Cooper said she plans to approach the Planning Commission and ask if they could rename the area on the trail where Duffy collapsed after him and add a granite bench with a plaque.

“He did triathlons his whole life and was a supporter in the health community,” Cooper said.

City Administrator Doug Ross said he would get Cooper’s request to the proper committees and bring it to council.

“We would also have to get in contact with the state because it’s technically not the city’s property,” Ross added.

During the public safety report, Fire Chief Jason Mayfield said the Fire Department responded to 71 incidents in July, 54 of those were emergency medical service calls.

Mayfield added that the department has responded to 49 calls so far in August.

“There’s an increase in call volume and volunteer numbers are down,” Mayfield said. “We are doing the best we can.”

Councilwoman Jessica Roberts asked Mayfield if the department conducts exit interviews with volunteers who leave the department. Mayfield said there are many reasons why volunteers leave, such as time commitment, moving away and finding full-time jobs at other departments.

Roberts asked if the council would discuss possibly hiring personnel in the future. Mayor John Higgins said hiring Fire Department personnel is something that comes up every year in the budget and the council could discuss the matter again this year at the upcoming budget workshop.

Ross informed council that while the state has a burn ban on state-owned lands, the city itself is not under such restrictions.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.