Jack Collins was sworn in as the newest member of Airway Heights' City Council, replacing long-time Councilman Barron Williamson who resigned in July.
The U.S. Air Force's aerial demonstration team, The Thunderbirds, roars past the crowd along the flight line during Skyfest 2014. The annual Fairchild Air Force Base open house returned in late May after a four-year hiatus.
Airway Heights made several strides in 2014 to improve life within the community.
The city's retail sales tax change went into effect in April. In 2013, citizens voted to pass a sales tax increase from 8.7 to 8.9 percent to provide funding for a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) in the city. The city expected $200,000 in the TBD account at the end of 2014 and another $300,000 at the end of this year.
The City Council approved an ordinance that establishes the city's standards for recreational and medical marijuana facilities within city limits at the Aug. 4 meeting. Under the ordinance, only retail facilities can be located in general commercial (C-2) zones.
Retail, process and production facilities would be permitted in light (I-1) and heavy industrial (I-2) zones. Cannabis stores within city limits cannot have a storefront on Highway 2. However, they can locate in a secondary lot or have their store at a 90-degree angle to the highway.
In regards to medical cannabis, the city will have their own regulations as the state does not have any in place.
After months of negotiations and debate, the City Council approved a solid waste agreement between Airway Heights and the city of Spokane. The agreement allows Airway Heights' residents to self-haul municipal waste to the plant with gate fees at $70.50 a ton. The agreement is for seven years, but the city can opt out after three years with a six-month notice.
The council also approved an agreement with Spokane County for solid waste management services.
The city completed its Safe Routes for Sunset project in August. City staff installed pedestrian-activated flashing stop signs on the corners of King and Lawson streets on 12th Avenue. They also installed speed feedback signs across from Sunset Park on King and Lawson streets.
The second phase of the Aspen Grove Park project was completed. During its Arbor Day celebration, staff and volunteers planted 50 new coniferous trees at Aspen Grove Park.
Longtime Councilman Barron Williamson resigned from the City Council in July to take a job in Atlanta. The council appointed Lt. Jack Collins of the Airway Heights Fire Department as Williamson's replacement.
The Planning Commission welcomed some new and old faces. Rita Osborne and Matthew Pederson were re-appointed returned to the commission. Larry Bowman was appointed in July while Kal Patel and Aspen Monteleone came on board in September. The commission recently forwarded a recommendation to City Council to approve the planning process for the Highway 2 Beautification and Revitalization project.
The city purchased and installed a new CXT restroom at Sunset Park along Lawson Street. The old restroom would eventually be demolished. A new splash pad for the park is expected to be completed later this year.
The City Council established senior and youth advisory commissions in an effort to reach out and develop programs for the elderly and teenage populations in the city. The council appointed the following members to the senior commission back in September: Merlene Olmsted, Francine Osborne, Carl Matlock, Sally Mount and Peggy Fitzpatrick. The youth commission officers are expected to be appointed later this month.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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