During a recent Spokane Valley council meeting, community member Jody Buhler raised concerns regarding the treatment of Council Member Merkel and the need for improved communication between the council and constituents. Buhler praised Merkel for his efforts to engage the public through the Nextdoor app, where he shares updates and solicits feedback on council matters. However, Buhler criticized the apparent lack of respect from some council members towards Merkel, citing instances of public calls for his resignation and a recent incident where his microphone was muted during a discussion about him.

Buhler emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in council discussions, particularly highlighting Merkel's request for regular updates from the city's Chief of Police, which did not receive consensus support. She urged the council to foster an environment where all members can contribute freely and suggested that the new city planning director implement an open-door policy to enhance community outreach regarding local development issues.

Following Buhler's comments, the council moved on to discuss the proposed 2025 state legislative agenda. Legislative policy coordinator Virginia Clough presented updates based on previous feedback from the council, with plans to seek approval for the updated agenda. The meeting underscored ongoing tensions within the council and the need for transparent communication with the public.