Brian Sayrs
City of Liberty Lake
22710 E County Vista Dr
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
(509) 475-5778

Elections

Dear WSDOT,

An open letter from the people of Liberty Lake to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT):

FIX



THIS



NOW

Annual Tree Replacement

Each year, the city replaces trees which have been hit by cars or failed to survive the winter. That process is taking place this week, and this photo shows some trees being unloaded from a Greenacres Nursery truck. You should see these young trees stretching out their roots soon.

4 Minutes, 6 Cents

Who said things move fast in Liberty Lake? I saw the prices being changed on the sign this afternoon, taken four minutes apart:

On the bright side, several community members waved as I was taking the pictures. It's expensive to get around, but we're still friendly folk.

Stay Out of the River

Various authorities have told the public to stay out of the Spokane River which is at flood stage. The water is moving too fast, and there is debris floating downstream.

I caught some video and images from around the Harvard Road bridge, just in case you're not convinced.

May 20 Election Results

Early results from the May 20, 2008 election show that both the Spokane Transit and emergency communications ballot measures passed overwhelmingly.

The transit issue permanently provides an additional 0.3% sales tax authority to Spokane Transit originally passed in 2004, but scheduled for expiration on July 1, 2009. STA now has 0.6% sales tax authority. The issue received 65.1% support throughout the public transportation area.

Early returns show the transit issue passing in two of the three Liberty Lake precincts voting in the election. Precinct 4028 (which includes only Liberty Lake Estates condominiums and the homes in the unincorporated neighborhood on the east side of Henry Road between Sprague and 16th) voted 29-30 (49.2%). Precinct 4300 (incorporated Liberty Lake, north of Country Vista and Henry) were in favor 386-202 (65.6%) as was 4301 (incorporated Liberty Lake, south of Country Vista and Henry) by a count of 389-247 (61.2%).

The emergency communications issue increases sales tax by 0.1% to fund new radios, communications backbone projects, crime check, and additional funding for 911 services. The issue received 66.0% support throughout the county.

Early returns show the emergency communications issue passing in all four Liberty Lake precincts. Precinct 4028 (unincorporated north and east sides of the lake) supported the measure 225-148 (60.3%). Precinct 4029 (west side of lake) narrowly supported the measure 166-140 (54.2%). Precincts 4300 and 4301 supported the measure 372-212 (63.7%) and 371-258 (59.0%) respectively.

Comparing Liberty Lake's precincts to the region as a whole shows that Liberty Lake's northern incorporated precinct was, on both issues, a closer predictor of regional attitudes. With the transit issue, the rural areas of the community did not vote, so no conclusions can be drawn. As usual, 4301 showed itself as being more tax-averse than its northern neighbor. With the public safety issue, the northern precinct was, again, more willing to pay the additional tax, followed by the east/north side of the lake, the southern incorporated area and the west side of the lake.

While the lakeside community has, historically, supported transit services, it was not permitted to vote on this issue because the area was declared rural in 1997. Rural areas are not permitted, generally, within urban service districts. Consequently, most of precinct 4028 and all of precinct 4029 were removed from the district last year. A map of the new transit area can be found on the STA web site (PDF, 1.94MB)

City Council Roundup

This is the Liberty Lake City Council Roundup for May 20, 2008.

The city council received a certificate presented by Tom Brattebo for establishing the city as a "No Idle Zone." Larry Rider said that he turned off his vehicle while in a coffee shop drive thru, and found that it's easier than he thought it was going to be.

The mayor declared May 2008 Older American Month.

The city council approved an agreement to participate in the Regional Water Resources Inventory Areas 55/57 Detailed Implementation Plan. The city has participated in the past. The city has a list of actions to perform to reduce unnecessary water usage.

The city has arranged with the Friends of Pavillion Park to be the major donor for three concerts (Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, and WAR) this summer in the amount of $40,000.

Ordinances which would change the business licensing regulations and speed limits within the city received their first hearing. Ordinance 67-A would change integrate the city's business license into the state's master business application. Ordinance 169 would decrease the speed limit on Country Vista west of Whitman to 35 miles per hour.

The city council briefly discussed a wide range of animal control matters, from dogs at Pavillion Park concerts to police as animal control officers and the ongoing regional realignment of animal control services. Those topics will be addressed by all three city council committees (community development for the regulation, public safety for the role of police, and finance for regional cooperation).

The new editor of the Liberty Lake Splash briefly introduced herself, and the public meeting ended about 8 p.m.

The city council met in executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) to consider the selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate by lease or purchase when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased price.

Traffic Disruptions Tomorrow

Avista issued a media alert today related to traffic interruptions at the corner of Liberty Lake Road and Appleway from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

According to the alert, lane closures are expected to last from 30 seconds to 4 minutes while Avista workers prepare to eliminate many of the large power poles surrounding the intersection. The alert states:

"We apologize for the inconvenience to residents and businesses; however, our crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to keep in the interruption to a minimum," said Nancy Holmes, regional business manager for Avista.

The relocation of the transmission lines is the first part of a long-term plan by the City of Liberty Lake to underground power lines in the City along Liberty Lake Road.

We'll have a little inconvenience tomorrow. But, we'll be better prepared for the next ice storm and our community will look better to boot.

Brian A. Sayrs

This is the official web site of Councilmember Brian A. Sayrs and is dedicated to the use of the entire Liberty Lake community. This is not his campaign web site, which can be found here.

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