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The city of Liberty Lake is headed in the right direction - but
it needs to do something about school overcrowding and mend the
frayed ties with its neighbors in the sewer district.
That was the synopsis of a citizen survey mailed to over 2,000
households back in September. At Tuesday night's City Council meeting,
council members discussed the results of the questionnaire in which
nearly 62 percent of citizens rated the city's performance as "excellent"
or "above average." Just under 9 percent of residents
responded to the survey.
"We appreciate and value the community's feedback," said
Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson. "They told us that overall
we're doing a good job, and also that we have work left to do. We
are excited that residents have taken an interest in the success
of the community."
Council Member Patrick Jenkins, who serves on the city's communications
committee, said the survey was intended to supply additional input
as the city heads into another budget cycle. He recommended that
the city gather citizen feedback before addressing each municipal
budget.
"Each year we try to make that process a little more adroit,"
Jenkins said.
Nearly 18 percent of respondents strongly agreed that the city was
spending tax dollars appropriately. About 34 percent said they somewhat
agreed with the allocation while 30 percent remained neutral. Over
9 percent strongly disagreed with how tax money is distributed.
About 64 percent of those registering an opinion have called Liberty
Lake home for between one to six years. The city officially incorporated
in August 2001.
Public safety, parks and recreation, and streets earned the highest
accolades in the poll. City administration and the renovated municipal
golf course, Trailhead at Liberty Lake, also received positive marks.
Close to 56 percent of respondents agreed that residential development
is a necessary part of the city's long-term growth and stability.
Just over 48 percent believed the city is effectively balancing
new development and quality of life preservation. Over 36 percent
felt Liberty Lake was falling short in this category.
Overcrowding at Liberty Lake Elementary has caused increasing concern
and even led to the formation of a citizens group promoting the
idea of a separate school district.
Mike Pearson, Central Valley School District superintendent, said
he has met with Peterson and city staff to address the issue. This
fall, the district added a portable building with two classrooms
and has outlined plans for a new elementary school and middle school
as part of a proposed bond.
Next month, Pearson is scheduled to take part in a roundtable discussion
with business, education and government leaders in Liberty Lake.
"I think we have a good relationship with (Liberty Lake) city
officials," Pearson said. "We need to move forward and
keep building that."
Jenkins said strained relations with the Liberty Lake Sewer and
Water District should benefit from a franchise agreement now in
the works. At the Oct. 4 City Council meeting, the need for collaborative
meetings between representatives from the city and LLSWD was again
discussed.
In other council news:
o Police Chief Brian Asmus announced the next installation of "Meet
the Chief" to be held Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall. Asmus will address the topic of emergency preparedness in
the community.
o Spokane Valley Assistant Fire Chief Dave Lobdell stressed the
need for motorists to be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists. He
emphasized the importance of drivers looking both ways especially
when pulling on to a one-way street.
o Doug Smith, planning and community development director, said
an inventory of the city's streets, sidewalks and paths is now complete.
City officials are now in the process of grading the thoroughfares.
Smith said, thus far, the study has found "more streets that
will need significant repairs."
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By
Craig Howard
