News Briefs

 

Last updated 3/9/2017 at 9:49am



Cheney commission holds open house on comp plan

Cheney’s Planning Commission is holding a second open house on Monday, March 20, as part of its comprehensive plan review process. Proposed updates to the “Land Use” and “Transportation” chapters of the comprehensive plan will be presented at the meeting, which runs from 5–7 p.m. at the Wren Pierson Community Center, 615 Fourth St.

The meeting will provide residents an opportunity to also review and comment on the proposed “2037 Future Land Use Map,” which is a graphic representation of the plan’s land use goals. The differences between land use and zoning will be explained, with zoning map changes addressed at a future Planning Commission meeting.

Comments and opinions on the plan and future land use are appreciated, providing the city guidance on future developments. Comments and questions may be directed to senior planner Brett Lucas at blucas@cityofcheney.org, or by calling (509) 498-9240 or mail to Community Development Department, 112 Anderson Road, Cheney WAS 99004.

Public comments will be accepted through April 30, 2017.

County offering composting and recycling classes

The Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System (SCRSWS) is offering a series of free classes to eligible county residents who want to learn simple, natural ways to build and retain healthy soil, reduce waste and pollution, and make a valuable contribution to their community.

The Master Composter/Recycler training program is taught by composting/recycling professionals and composed of six sessions that include lecture, discussion and hands-on activities, as well as participation at the annual Arbor Day Compost Fair at Spokane’s Finch Arboretum.

Classes are held on Mondays from March 27 – April 24 from 5:30 – 8 p.m., and two Saturdays, April 1 from 8:30 a.m. – noon and April 29 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. for the Spring Compost Fair. Most sessions are held at the WSU/Spokane County Extension building at 222 N. Havana.

After completion of all class sessions, participants receive a certificate of completion and a complimentary compost bin. Individuals completing the program agree to volunteer at least 40 hours helping others learn about composting and recycling through presentations, working in outreach booths and at clean-up events, or whatever activities fit their skills. This involvement is in exchange for training, materials and the compost bin.

Class size is limited, and applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline to apply is March 10. For applications or additional information, visit http://www.spokanecountysolidwaste.org or call (509) 625-6580.

Volz bill expanding open spaces opportunities passes House 

A bill to help counties maintain open spaces, streams, habitats and other lands received unanimous approval from the Washington House of Representatives on Friday, March 3. The legislation was sponsored by freshman 6th District Rep. Mike Volz (R-Spokane).

House Bill 1820 would allow counties to use more of their existing property tax revenues to maintain lands purchased under a county’s conservation futures fund, which counties currently use to acquire and preserve lands for conservation and public recreation.

“I’ve heard from my own county they need more flexibility with the existing funding mechanism to accommodate maintenance needs,” Volz said in a news release. “We need to ensure counties can stay on top of community needs so families can remain safe while recreating on these lands, add walking trails and maps and provide adequate protections for habitats.”

As of 2016, Spokane County has 7,700 acres of land purchased through their conservation futures fund.

The bill now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

 

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