12/23/2011

By MIKE HUFFMAN
Managing Editor

For a volunteer post, interest in the city’s Planning Commission is unusually high going into 2012.
Twelve applicants are vying for two open positions on Spokane Valley's Planning Commission. The openings are to fill two terms that expire Dec. 31, 2011. Each of the openings is for a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
Wanting to make the right choice, Mayor Tom Towey has interviewed each candidate. Commissioners are not paid, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a majority vote of the City Council, which it expects to do at next Tuesday’s meeting.
Of the commissioners whose terms are expiring, only Steven Neill will be seeking reappointment.
Commissioner Joe Mann will be retiring from the position and is not seeking another term.
Applicants for the openings include:

• Stephen D. Bishop, president of a sign company
• Joseph R. Cucinetta, former cargo planning manager
• Lewis R. Higgins, former executive director of a mine safety organization
• Deanna Hormann, retired self-employed accountant
• Melvin P. Jones, formerly in food delivery services
• Steven Neill (incumbent), office supply distribution specialist
• Kris Nowell, construction company controller
• Penny Simonson, university extension educator
• Bill Stallcop, former transportation manager
• George P. Watson, project director/partner in an architectural firm
• Ross Windhorst, university building engineer
• Sam P. Wood, self-employed real estate appraiser

Also on Dec. 27, newest Council Member Ben Wick will be sworn in. Also taking the oath will be Arne Woodard and Dean Grafos, who will begin new four-year terms.
Neil Kersten, city utilities director, will also give reports on the city’s snowplow policy and update the council on information regarding contract renewals for street maintenance and sweeping services.
The meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave.
The council did not meet this week due to the Christmas holiday. While there is a meeting on Dec. 27, the council is off again on Jan. 3 due to council members attending training with the Association of Washington Cities.
Looking ahead to Jan. 10, the City Council is expected to elect the Spokane Valley mayor and deputy mayor. Under the council/city manager form of government of Spokane Valley, the mayor is appointed by the council and not elected by voters.