The Airway Heights City Council breezed through a quick agenda at its Feb. 17 meeting.
The council approved a contract with Joshua Maurer, of Maurer Law, to provide public defender services for $4,000 a month.
They also approved a conflict public defender contract with Chris Carlisle of Carlisle and Byers Law Firm, not exceeding $10,000. The city received a 2015 Office of Public Defense grant to pay for the cost.
“This is in case our public defender (Maurer) has a conflict with defending a suspect,” Deputy Mayor Kevin Richey said.
In ordinances, the council voted 4-1 to approve the second reading of an ordinance that provides salary and benefit adjustments and retroactive pay for non-represented employees. It also provides full-time equivalent adjustments for Local 270-A employees and establishes a wage for the newly-established Parks and Recreation coordinator position. Councilman Doyle Inman, who was the dissenting vote, said he was not in favor of just the retroactive pay portion of the ordinance. Mayor Patrick Rushing and Councilman Dave Malet were absent from the meeting.
Council also approved the second reading of an ordinance that amends the city’s municipal code on nuisances. Police Chief Lee Bennett explained that the purpose of the ordinance is to clarify and consolidate the nuisance abatement process.
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance that adopts regulations for solid waste disposal flow control in the city.
“This was a part of the agreement we made when we joined Spokane County for solid waste removal services,” Public Works Director Kelly Williquette said. “There will be no increase in costs.”
They approved the second reading of ordinance that amends the city’s municipal code to allow the city to remove the five-year maximum timeline as it negotiates contracts with solid waste haulers.
“Removing the five-year timeline allows the city to negotiate for shorter or longer contracts,” Williquette said.
City Attorney Stanley Schwartz said the city will go out for request for proposal for a solid waste collector. Williquette said the city is in negotiations with Waste Management.
During staff reports, Williquette said the city had four public meetings regarding transportation improvements within the city that were well attended. He said most of residents’ concerns were about the sidewalks on Deer Heights Road and 14th Avenue. Bennett said some residents are not happy with the channelization the Washington State Department of Transportation is installing on Highway 2 near Hayford Road.
“They understand the need for channelization and the safety but they are worried about property values,” Bennett said.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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