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Park improvements approved in the end
3/30/2015 4:13:46 PM

By Craig Howard and Treva Lind
Splash Contributors 

At a specially called meeting March 24, the Liberty Lake City Council dipped into the lexicon of the golf course next door to City Hall as it met for an old-fashioned mulligan. 

The do-over at the dais consisted of two votes on funding proposals that had failed the previous week during a regularly scheduled meeting. With Mayor Pro Tem Cris Kaminskas absent due to illness, initiatives that would have funded improvements at Pavillion Park and construction of a restroom at the Liberty Lake Ballfields each resulted in 3-3 gridlocks on March 17, negating both projects.

The only way an initiative can be brought back is when a council member on the prevailing side opts to make a motion for a re-vote. That happened at the March 24 special meeting as Council Member Keith Kopelson made the motion to bring back the restroom project while Council Member Odin Langford revived the Pavillion Park discussion.   

"Although I do feel that the right decision was made, I was troubled that we lacked a full council vote," Kopelson said. 

With a complete council weighing in, both projects earned approval. The restrooms garnered six of seven votes with only Kopelson in the minority while the refurbishing of Pavillion Park earned a narrower victory with Kaminskas and council members Dan Dunne, Shane Brickner and Hugh Severs carrying the measure.  

In February, council agreed by a 4-3 vote to endorse a budget amendment for an expansion of the women's restroom, additional storage space, improved power connections and a permanent concession stand at Pavillion Park as well as a restroom at the ballfields. When approval of the contract for the restroom and the second read ordinance on a budget amendment for the park upgrades appeared on the March 17 council agenda, many figured both votes were shoo-ins.  

The restroom - consisting of just over $67,000 for the building, nearly $40,000 for installation and a $5,300 contingency - raised concerns from Kopelson again on March 24, specifically regarding the lack of a bidding process. The installation work was written up for the city's on-call contractor, Peplinski Construction.  

"I'm not comfortable with that," Kopelson said. "We're talking about a lot of money and, basically, our on-call contractor can say whatever they want and value it."

Allen said later that putting such a project out to bid would mean additional costs to the city, including design documents from each bidder. 

Kopelson also expressed apprehension with adding another amenity to the fields when the city may not own the property in the future. The city purchased the land from the Central Valley School District for a symbolic $10 with the understanding that the district could buy back the 20-acre plot back and reimburse the city for any renovations made under its ownership. Passage of a $121.9 million construction bond on Feb. 10 means CVSD will build a K-2 school on the land, although Allen has indicated there is room for both the ballfields and a school.   

"Had we known it was possible within the next year to undo all of this, I don't think we would have voted for the ballfields," Kopelson said. "I'm completely against doing anything financially until we have a solid agreement with the school district as far as reimbursement." 

Allen said she has spoken with CVSD Superintendent Ben Small who told her that "the district is not in the business of maintaining ballfields" and would consider having the city maintain ownership of the site even after purchasing the remaining acreage to build a new school. 

A workshop is scheduled for the April 21 council meeting in which the governing board will discuss the future of the ballfields and potential conversations with CVSD.

"I want to know what options you are interested in," Allen said. "There have been no negotiations to this point."

Council Member Bob Moore said he didn't anticipate the district buying back the ballfields. 

"I don't know what the motivation is for them to buy it back," Moore said. "They need part of the property to build a new school. I don't think they want the ballfields. They are something we paid for. We've invested over $1 million already. I think it's in our best interest to approve the restroom right now."    

Severs encouraged his colleagues to consider the value of the venue to the community.  

"Regardless of what happens with Central Valley, this is a pretty awesome amenity for our city," he said. The community put a lot of work into this. It will need bathrooms whatever the district decides."  

Severs applauded city staff for reducing the original cost of the ballfields restroom to clear space for the upgrades at Pavillion Park. Earlier this year, council approved an additional $245,000 for the ballfields. City staff's subsequent reduction of the restroom project to $136,000 cleared funding space for the proposed work at Pavillion Park. The new total of $388,000 still required a budget amendment of $143,000. All funds are to be taken from the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) fund, reserved for capital facilities.

Kaminskas pointed out that, unlike construction of a permanent restroom, rental of portable bathroom facilities "would be sunk costs the city won't get back."  

Jennifer Tomlinson, a Liberty Lake resident who led the campaign for baseball diamonds, spoke in favor of the project, emphasizing that no one she has spoken to supports the idea of portable restrooms. 

"I just want to thank you so much for bringing this topic up for vote again," she said. "We need a permanent restroom. Your constituents think it's the right thing to do."  

Tomlinson added that if the vote failed, she would put together a group of contractors that would address the project. She told council that $5,000 had already been raised for the work. 

"If you can't do it, I can," she said.   

Allen said based on a typical construction schedule, the restroom would likely be in place by late June or early July, meaning portable commodes would be in place until then.

The discussion on Pavillion Park drew debate from both sides, starting with Moore who said he backed the upgrades but not the budgeting process.  

"I'm in favor of all the improvements," Moore said. "My objection is that it really wasn't budget for initially. I'm concerned about excess amendments to the budget. It makes the budget irrelevant. We started on the budget last August and we're still amending it." 

Moore added that there are certain understandable exceptions for amendments such as the repair of the roof at the library and police station last April.

Kopelson also expressed concern with the preponderance of amendments, adding that "if it's something that's important to talk about it and make sure we put the right building in. Piecemealing it together is not the answer." 

"Although this project might have merit, it certainly wasn't an emergency two months after the budget was approved," Kopelson said. "It's not worthy of a budget amendment at this point."

Dunne said he appreciated the opportunity to the add improvements "that would match, in a very small way, the efforts of Friends of Pavillion Park," the grassroots group that brings entertainment to the greenspace each summer.   

"The work of our community volunteers and, specifically those with Friends of Pavillion Park, is epic," Dunne said. 

Referring to council's vote to delete the $85,000 proposed expenditure for the concession stand from Mayor Steve Peterson's preliminary 2015 budget in December, Kopelson made a motion to remove the concession stand from the latest budget amendment. Before the vote on the revamped funding, Allen noted that the change would likely present construction challenges with a wall and the roof of the renovated women's restroom.

The vote to remove the concession stand failed by a 4-3 count.  

Allen said a very optimistic timeline would be to have the project complete by early July. The city hopes to have the contract awarded at its April 21 meeting. 

Council initiates sign code amendment process    
At its first meeting of the month, March 3, the Liberty Lake City Council voted to initiate an amendment process to the comprehensive plan that would allow for discussion to continue on proposed changes to the sign code, including consideration of electronic changeable signs for some major thoroughfares.

Council voted 5-1 in favor of the move, with Moore opposed and Kopelson absent. Before taking action, board members heard from several people attending the meeting who spoke in favor of moving forward with an amendment process.

With the vote, a whole new round of public input now will be conducted, culminating again in further recommendation by the planning commission and a final vote by council that could implement some sign code changes and rule clarifications as early as this fall.

Council's vote for amendment process considerations are based on the planning commission's recommendations and an evaluation by Studio Cascade, a Spokane-based consulting firm hired to gather public input, research options and offer steps for proposed changes to the sign code. They include:

• Allow freestanding electronic signs in limited areas along I-90 

• Allow monument electronic signs in limited areas along Appleway and Country Vista

• Allow electronic signs for community events in limited areas

• Develop standards for electronic changeable messages

• Clarify standards for location and placement of wall signs

Moore said he became very familiar with the sign code as a former member of the planning commission.

"Maybe there are some things that can improve the code, but I think some of the things we're looking at with electronic signs, I don't think that enhances," he said. "Some electronic signs can threaten aesthetics." 

Moore said he favored reviewing options, but "it's going to be difficult for me to approve electronic signs unless someone shows me it's an enhancement."

Moore also said he thought electronic signs should be handled on an exception or variance basis. 

Kaminskas gave a nod to some of the negative comments received when the city put up a temporary, low-tech electronic messaging sign to receive informal responses from the community.

"There's a lot of feedback," she said. "We need to consider all of them." 

She said she personally wouldn't support electronic signs along Appleway and Country Vista, but was "kind of on the fence" about I-90 ones.  

Dunne said he supported moving the process forward. 

"We're not approving a specific amendment," he said. "Rather, we're continuing a very public process to consider what we're going to do."

Brickner said that while the electronic sign put out in front of City Hall "was obnoxious," others could be acceptable if they meet certain aesthetic requirements. 

"The one at Liberty Lake Elementary is nice," he said. "We're not saying put obnoxious signs out like the one that was up at City Hall, so I think those responses were somewhat skewed. I agree the conversation needs to continue."

Langford said he supported opening up the conversation and addressing needs to help small businesses. Making changes will be a big task, he said, "but I think we must address the ability of the city to become a ‘yes' city when it comes to business" - and the need to clarify the code's rules.  

The amendment cycle for the comprehensive plan commences April 1, Allen said. It sparks a public feedback period, and eventually the council has the final say whether or not to accept the amendment considerations and, if so, which parts. 

Allen also said the city's amendment process could address standards and specifications for electronic signs, such as size and placement, color selection and inclusion of light sensors to control brightness relating to night conditions, cloudiness or bright sunlight. The city is not considering allowance for video displays. 

Discussion on March 3 also included many references to how Liberty Lake's city sign requirements have helped the city keep a uniform and aesthetically pleasing look. However, Allen said the city also has heard much input about the code's complexity, business community needs and concerns for "wayfinding" or directional signage to help commuters find destinations such as the HUB Sports Center.

Some I-90 business representatives also spoke, including Jordan Dummitt of R'n R RV and Kevin Riordan, George Gee general manager. Riordan said that while businesses along I-90 need good messaging to draw customers, he also had perspective as a Liberty Lake resident for three years.

"There are places in Liberty Lake we didn't find for six months," he said. "I think opening up this discussion is very important for small business in our community." 

Phil Champlin, HUB Sports Center executive director, said sign discussions repeatedly come up with people who can't find the regional sports venue that's tucked behind dealerships just off the I-90 corridor. 

"The discussion needs to be broader than just electronic signs," he said. "It needs to be about wayfinding and about community messaging."

Charles Matthews, a planning commission member, told the council that the board's decision didn't come easily. After listening to businesses and makers of electronic signs, he felt that allowing some changes to the code would help grow commerce. Plus, Liberty Lake will likely double in size in a few years, so the city needs to think ahead, he added. Additional sales taxes will be necessary to pay for additional services.  

"We're at a crossroads," Matthews said. "If it's done properly, it will be nice. I realize our city is beautiful, but if we're careful with our sign code, we can help our businesses and make our residents happy."

Steve Kempf, owner of Liberty Lake's Mountain Dog Sign Co., said groups such as Rotary need signage to promote community events. Negative responses to electronic signage is often about aesthetics, he added. While that's partially due to lighting, design also is a factor, he said.

Katherine Morgan, president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, cited a definite need to look at sign code changes and clarifications. The chamber presented a letter with ideas for collaboration that include the city considering:

• Simplify and clarify the code, specifically regarding locations, size and placement of wall signs

• Accommodate wayfinding signage to assist city visitors and business patrons

• Allow off-site or shared signage for businesses or facilities that are located on secondary lots or not directly located on public rights-of-way

• Allow for special signage and rules to help visitors find "public facilities of regional importance" to include parks, libraries, golf course, visitor centers and nonprofit facilities such as the HUB.

Wayne Frost of Frost Consulting also urged further discussion and collaboration. During recent dialogue on the topic among chamber members, Frost said 90 percent of it "was on other than electronic signage. It was about clarification, size, placement, wayfinding, the HUB. It was many things."

• • •

In the Books, On the Docket
A look back and ahead at news from City Hall

By Craig Howard and Treva Lind
Splash Contributors

IN THE BOOKS (MARCH)
• Council received a pair of updates on drainage issues at the new Liberty Lake Ballfields, including measures city crews are taking to have the fields ready when practices begin April 2 and games April 14. Jennifer Camp, parks and open space superintendent, told council that the maintenance crew has a goal of April 1 for the site to be playable. One of the main strategies will be to add a layer of soil as well as a red clay particle to condition the now muddy infields. Council Member Shane Brickner reminded staff March 17 that he had raised the issue last September and called for "holding the contractor accountable." City Administrator Katy Allen said March 24 the contractor was scheduled "to remediate that area of all standing water" on March 27.

• Council received a preliminary report on possible expenditures if the city adopts an annual fleet replacement schedule for gradually buying vehicles to switch out with aging ones. 

• Council awarded a bid for a Liberty Lake Municipal Library tenant improvement to Inline Framing & General Contracting Inc. in the amount of $26,531. 

• The Council authorized Mayor Steve Peterson to approve the purchase for the city's new server and software, including the installation, for an estimated $27,940.

• The finance committee reported that revenue from the real estate excise tax is up 30 percent through the first quarter of 2015 while the Trailhead at Liberty Lake Golf Course has generated $58,000 already this year, up from $52,000 and $41,000 at the same point in 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

• Allen reported on the picnic shelter being planned for Town Square Park. A total of five bids for the project came in between $56,000 and $60,000, all above the $45,000 allotted budget. Allen said the city could use funds saved from other capital projects to cover the difference.

ON THE DOCKET (APRIL)
• The council meeting originally scheduled for April 7 has been cancelled due to spring break. Council will convene next at 7 p.m. April 21.

• Council will hear an overview of the city's parks and recreation programs and activities at its meeting on April 21 and a public hearing will be held on the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Plan update. Amanda Tainio, the city's planning and building services manager, gave an overview of this update at the March 17 meeting. She said a survey of residents stressed the need for multi-use facilities and multi-use trails as well as a community center and an aquatic facility, wishes that are reflected in the latest version of the plan update. Citizens also want amenities that are accessible by foot, Tainio noted. The extensive report, available on the city's website, is divided into a current rundown of facilities and programs along with a recommendation for future venues and activities. The Planning Commission has already recommended the update be approved. 

• Tainio will also preside over a workshop on the Rocky Hill Master Plan April 21.   

• Finance Director R.J. Stevenson will conduct a workshop on April 21 detailing the 2014 annual report for a tax mechanism known as the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT). 

• Council will hear the quarterly report from Liberty Lake Municipal Library.

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