Councilman Merkel faces liability concerns over Bowdish Roadabout statements

The Spokane Valley City Council meeting held on May 6, 2025, addressed several pressing issues, including public safety concerns, infrastructure projects, and financial liabilities.

The meeting began with Councilman Merkel's controversial remarks regarding the Bowdish Roadabout, which he labeled a "circle of death." This statement raised concerns about potential legal risks, as highlighted by Bob Roscoe from the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA). Roscoe warned that such comments could lead to significant liability issues, with average settlements for public records violations reaching up to $8 million. He emphasized that the city could face severe financial repercussions if it were removed from the insurance pool, which could result in an additional annual liability of $1.8 million.

The discussion then shifted to the ongoing issue of unfulfilled public records requests, with the council noting that the city had already incurred $350,000 in expenses over the past 17 months due to Councilman Merkel's conduct. This financial strain was underscored by the losses in transportation and public safety funding attributed to his actions.

Public comments included concerns from resident John Harding regarding the Sullivan-Trent Bridal Overpass. Harding challenged the mayor's assertion that it would be cheaper to build up rather than dig down to address height issues with the bridge. He argued that the bridge's structural integrity had not been proven deficient and suggested that the city could save money by simply adjusting the ground level instead of undertaking a costly reconstruction.

Harding also raised concerns about traffic management at the Bowdish and Sixteenth intersection, questioning the effectiveness of proposed roundabouts in alleviating congestion. He expressed skepticism about the projected costs of $52 million for the bridge project, suggesting that funds could be better allocated elsewhere.

The meeting concluded without further public comments, and the council moved on to action items, indicating a need for continued dialogue on these critical issues. The discussions highlighted the importance of addressing both financial liabilities and infrastructure challenges facing Spokane Valley.