[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6300309,"mediaKeyId","2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45","parentId",2493258,"title","Votes at a glance: appointments, consent agenda and inclement-weather funding","audioSeconds",256,"startMs",579000,"endMs",835000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45&start=579&end=835","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45/thumbnail_579000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300309/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-appointments-consent-agenda-and-inclement-weather-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300309-5c3f76a3c648ad38bcbc04002b480e2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775227702&Signature=Efyh3JH972gLWQ5iO8JW~Tjs2-ljHqj6Typ5iLeBuRdi7D8NymTaFcvASbYd6vEIjsyMEOeHbG56SwnRLNlGyFkdIVECGXXcKmrLzj3clMMGY7V4-NDMMEvDSHLKkROMSir-vjGPG457JBryDpUejwk5rfRAGCAf93Djy63cKqW2U3wTZXsdC6px-J0L259ryqvjmWP~knI98Rw3vD6N6uWWjLPoo313NECIUBSAMXV1-nqDJtPYMMM-fmKEcjGneUcQf5uW9ReAP2rB2lACvbk9kp58JUli1FC1EOl72yOTyHPwsqvnylft~C02Xu00cOZg7QoQYYDYk6B1tNTzyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane City, WA","date","2025-03-04T05:01:36Z","article","The Spokane City Council recorded several formal actions at its March 3 meeting. Below is a summary of items the transcript shows were voted on or recorded during the meeting.

- Appointments: The council approved two board appointments by voice vote — Lindsay Shaw to the Spokane Park Board and John Powers to the Health Sciences and Service Authority board. The transcript records council members saying “Aye” to confirm the appointments.

- Consent agenda: The council approved the consent agenda with the exception of item number 2 (the inclement-weather amendments), which was pulled for separate consideration. The transcript records the council voting to approve the consent agenda excluding item 2.

- Inclement-weather amendments (item 2): The council took the inclement-weather item in parts. Items A (Salvation Army) and C (Revive Counseling) were taken together and approved by voice vote. Item B (Catholic Charities) was then voted on separately and approved by voice vote. The meeting record shows vocal ayes but no roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript excerpt.

Notes: For the votes above, the transcript records vocal approvals (“aye”) but does not include roll-call tallies or named vote records. Several other resolutions and ordinances were introduced (for example, Safe Streets resolution and interim downtown height-limit ordinance) and set for hearings or future action; the transcript does not include recorded final votes for those items in the provided excerpt.

Ending: These actions expand inclement-weather funding and complete routine appointments and consent items. Several larger policy items were introduced or set for hearing and will return to council for later votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 3rd, 2025 Spokane City Council Legislative Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken at the March 3 Spokane City Council meeting: two board appointments, consent agenda approval (except item 2), and inclement-weather contract amendments for three providers.","taxTitle","Spokane, Spokane County, Washington","taxId",2644,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300314,"Public raises Riverfront Park shadow concerns as council introduces interim downtown height ordinance",143,2969000,3112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45&start=2969&end=3112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45/thumbnail_2969000.jpg","/articles/6300314/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Public-raises-Riverfront-Park-shadow-concerns-as-council-introduces-interim-downtown-height-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300314-bab98940f85a138bbaaa033c5d19d187/orig.mp4?Expires=1775227702&Signature=mY4YILk3XZf2BVvVQ6-i02B8HzKQiAGjKUffbW~Ao2meKZEctbkXqMi41FJtugaGALCi2L1LZrM-wUfbjM329yFutefzb7E2w2P6q0wfS~strg9MfRPlATERKdfwjfpMxICkMx~vth9yakVf3kIPwwCrh4Dfj2U1uOa0UxunOn~ulg53E-UtPjFlIcWKtNVC1cqUIWh4wSRmMRlYbsS0nzHdXxhubQqsgJdv1gjetmOBPHUdCynmzQRksbTUy3lbP7~c5S09Mw05c6KxdCNmuEb7h8RfjExXwiisw~Z-6e-4H2i1QUaaT7uzA78l0wuQBxg1FMvIVQn-h3OBjG47mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane City Council heard public concerns about proposed interim downtown height-limit changes during the March 3 meeting’s first-reading ordinances. The item, described in the meeting as an interim zoning ordinance to encourage construction and fix inconsistencies in downtown height limits, generated specific public requests to protect Riverfront Park from new tall buildings.

Multiple speakers urged the council to exempt Spokane Falls Boulevard and the river gorge from any relaxed height rules. Dennis Flynn told the council that Riverfront Park is a “crown jewel” and asked that any ordinance protecting downtown heights include language to preserve sunlight on park features. Carol Ellis also requested an exclusion for Spokane Falls Boulevard and proposed an interactive shadow-analysis tool so residents can see how proposed buildings would cast shadows at different times of day and year.

Other public commenters opposed higher buildings for more parochial reasons: Will Hewings, who identified himself as a downtown resident, said he opposed taller buildings because of concerns about public safety, emergency response capacity and obstructed views.

City staff characterized the measure as an interim ordinance to encourage downtown revitalization and to fix inconsistencies between zones; the ordinance was set for further action and a public hearing was scheduled for March 24, 2025. The meeting record shows first readings were introduced but does not include final ordinance votes in the provided transcript.

Ending: The council received several public requests to protect Riverfront Park’s sunlight and sightlines while it considers changes to downtown height limits; the ordinance remains at the first-reading stage with public hearings and subsequent action expected.","First-reading ordinances to adjust interim downtown height limits drew public opposition focused on preserving sunlight to Riverfront Park; speakers asked the council to protect the park from new shadowing even as city considers changes to encourage downtown development.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300318,"Public speakers urge urgent action after two pedestrian deaths; council hears Safe Streets resolution",1076,2296000,3372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45&start=2296&end=3372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45/thumbnail_2296000.jpg","/articles/6300318/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Public-speakers-urge-urgent-action-after-two-pedestrian-deaths-council-hears-Safe-Streets-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300318-c701896237144bd634a6b6814a4ffdf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775227702&Signature=PIGR0JiBWBdP9dtqBMOkeVnEB~KqjatO9U2C3YAyhdR92rqTgH3gJf1pq3w2ffZdN54NpCOsnUuuIsOLwkWyoWhp5GMIm2RCuD-Qi54lFpssZf~yvGoxqRsmGElKjkQmZawx8asSwMG-au9gBe2U3-ImScxSGmdMz~Q0jMI512Zi7S29YwMa46dEmVLbhCeUUoq0UiBoaufyXjYdZGwoeomn38AXehpkNp7vh2Qq-FZCMV8dno6-4a8~QyXFspNL9coq~aW-oTy9DO8vO39nPLNORrZG7jZbuWvcr0U5hOE4lxj42o8Bwtjb5zSzmre4Sv6LK-VbO0WMgpRt1Irhhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public comment at the March 3 Spokane City Council meeting turned to street safety after two pedestrian fatalities in the city within days of each other, prompting advocates to press the council to require faster, temporary traffic controls while permanent fixes are studied.

Eric Lowe told the council the recent deaths — including a 72-year-old woman struck crossing a multilaned road near Spokane Falls Community College — showed the city was moving “much too slowly” on implementing the Safe Streets for All work. Lowe said adaptive projects were intended to be quick and inexpensive, and warned that at the current rate “we should reach Vision Zero in approximately never.”

Several speakers directly appealed to the council to use the city’s Safe Streets funds to install rapid-response measures and accelerate engineering work. Sarah Rose recounted witnessing a woman fatally struck near Spokane Falls Community College and called on the council to “push the departments who should be working on solutions to do the work and implement safer designs as quickly as possible.”

Council members responded with a mix of urgency and process concerns. Council member McClitsky thanked advocates and encouraged continued testimony; others described recent procedural changes intended to prioritize data and to enable “adaptive” pilot projects that can be tested before more expensive permanent construction. Council member Spoerl said the adaptive projects were meant to pilot lower-cost tests rather than install multi-million-dollar permanent infrastructure immediately.

Councilors noted several specific projects in the package: upgrades near Regal Elementary to include a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Lacey and Wellesley; sidewalks on Marietta Avenue; and an additional crossing near Haven Market. Several council members said funding limits and statutory restrictions (including which census tracts qualify for certain programs) restrict the number of projects the city can undertake without additional revenue or state legislative changes.

Resolution 2025-5, described as approving 2026 applications and 2025 adaptive projects from the Spokane Safe Streets for All fund not to exceed $2,875,000, was introduced during the meeting and generated extensive public comment and council discussion. The transcript records discussion and requests to “prepare to vote” but does not include a recorded final roll-call vote on the resolution in the provided excerpt.

Ending: Council members and advocates agreed on the need for faster action; a number of adaptive pilot projects were discussed for near-term work, and speakers urged continued pressure on departments and the Legislature to increase funding and authority for rapid safety measures.","After two pedestrian fatalities in a week, advocates urged the council to require rapid adaptive traffic controls; city council and staff discussed seven adaptive projects in the Safe Streets fund but no final vote on the proposed rapid-action resolution appears in the meeting record.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":91,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300323,"City council approves additional inclement-weather contracts after debate over shelters and transparency",342,1954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45&start=1954&end=2296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493258-f69eb38d64d0fac8559d7bab0fc61a45/thumbnail_1954000.jpg","/articles/6300323/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/City-council-approves-additional-inclement-weather-contracts-after-debate-over-shelters-and-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300323-84749f1aa7fde2b100c972c38c48b7c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775227702&Signature=OtSk-D5uGT4HFOgVWpkogmV245F5PWHsR8Iu1FlTcC-h6j0m1j-u8DOvq19qIOSkUyKZTGwuPXV-j1pVhf3B7TrZnEmw26Zp-Mf3HzmMAlDC0MTXHeAunpxndjfTPhfaW89uA6kFlgqnI6H9psVgcqm99J1wM1gnyOcvrUlp74aqKXGB5rGvuHQJvdADZUYMKTkeLYuGgD5azvSi7HIk34X5IDtz4Iaa9fS7gT4Hyx6KsyDFWHiR-0IFqIlzAanBFxcpcQPFCh2U3xYJmW0gK49m~mEDgOAHuISaXEDFg3VKCrJzFVLZQp3VKkR9VcjWIS~ata8iok4YFBpSEFfUMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane City Council on March 3 approved amendments to its inclement-weather contracts to expand emergency shelter capacity, voting to fund the Salvation Army and Revive Counseling together and separately approving an amendment for Catholic Charities.

Council took the votes after public comment from residents and service providers who urged either more shelter funding or changes to how taxpayer dollars are used. Tracy Guzman Kowalski, a social work student and crisis-response intern, told the council the amendment “allocates an additional $220,000 to expand emergency shelter services,” calling the funding “a lifeline for Spokane’s most vulnerable community members, unsheltered individuals, people with disabilities and low-income families who face extreme risks during severe weather conditions.”

The votes followed a round of commentary both for and against specific providers. Council member Cathcart said she opposed using the Salvation Army site known as the Way Out Shelter for general sheltering because it had been repurposed as transitional housing and “should not remain a shelter in that way.” Council member Zappone, the district representative where the site is located, said neighborhood councils support using the site for inclement weather because the Salvation Army “have actually recommended the use” and the groups can keep separate populations.

Council members moved to take the amendments in two parts. They voted on items labeled A (Salvation Army) and C (Revive Counseling) together; council members voiced approval for those items. The council then voted on item B, the Catholic Charities amendment, and again recorded vocal approval.

Supporters at public comment urged both immediate funding and broader regional coordination. Wendy Fishburne, vice president of the East Spokane Business Association and a licensed marriage and family therapist, urged reactivating a previously organized regional collaboration around overdoses and homelessness, saying “You could start saving lives tomorrow.” Several speakers expressed concerns about specific providers: a caller, Christine Flynn, said she had lived in a Catholic Charities property and described repeated drug activity and asked the council to stop directing funds there; Council members noted those complaints and discussed transparency and oversight.

Council debate focused on two main tensions: whether to expand capacity through existing shelter operators (council members said scaling up existing providers was the most economical approach) and whether certain shelter sites, such as the Salvation Army property that had been intended as transitional housing, were appropriate for winter sheltering. Council members also emphasized the difficulty of finding new providers and sites quickly, and the practical need to boost capacity during cold weather.

The council president called for the votes after discussion. The meeting record shows vocal “ayes” from council for both the combined A & C motion and for B.

Looking ahead, some council members urged more transparency from providers and stronger regional coordination to address overdoses and shelter needs, while others emphasized rapid, practical expansion of bed capacity for cold-weather safety.

Ending: The contracts approved at the March 3 meeting expand short-term capacity for inclement weather; councilors and advocates signaled follow-up work on transparency, regional coordination and longer-term housing and recovery solutions.","Spokane City Council voted to fund expanded inclement-weather shelter capacity, approving contracts with Salvation Army, Revive Counseling and Catholic Charities after debate about shelter types, transparency and neighborhood impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: appointments, consent agenda and inclement-weather funding

Public raises Riverfront Park shadow concerns as council introduces interim downtown height ordinance

Public speakers urge urgent action after two pedestrian deaths; council hears Safe Streets resolution

City council approves additional inclement-weather contracts after debate over shelters and transparency