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Residents press council on homelessness, public safety and river conservation during open forum
Summary
Numerous residents used the council’s open forum Oct. 6 to press elected officials on law enforcement, homelessness policy, housing projects and water conservation; Spokane Riverkeeper delivered a petition urging stronger water conservation measures after sections of the river ran dry this summer.
At the Oct. 6 Spokane City Council meeting dozens of residents raised concerns in open forum about homelessness, public safety, housing policy and water conservation.
Caitlin Scott, representing Spokane Riverkeeper, delivered a petition asking the city to strengthen conservation measures after a section of the Spokane River went dry this summer. She told councilors “the Spokane River is more than scenery. It’s the heartbeat of this community” and urged “stronger conservation rules” and city leadership on the issue.
Multiple speakers raised public-safety concerns tied to relaxed camping and drug-use policies. Chud Wendell, speaking for the Hutton Settlement Children’s Home, said commercial properties the organization owns have seen increased crime and requested that the council “scrap the anti-camping clause” in the city’s home ordinance and consider Proposition 1, which some speakers said 75% of voters supported. Greg Thomas and Noah Dickens urged tougher enforcement and jail capacity expansion; Thomas asked councilors to “respect 75% of the voters and enact proposition 1.”
Several residents described crime and disorder in downtown areas and questioned the city’s response to open-drug-use sites. Will Hewings and others said they had seen overdoses and drug use in housing complexes downtown and urged stronger responses. Larry Andrews and other speakers urged the council to review accounting and budget priorities to restore public safety staffing levels.
Speakers also urged practical steps: Archer Korver asked for cameras and additional trash cans on trails to reduce litter; Tom Binemann and others urged water-conservation action and better public-maintained irrigation practices. Monica Tittle and Tonya Comstock, both describing personal hardship or homelessness, urged council engagement with people experiencing homelessness and more direct support.
Councilors did not take formal votes in open forum but heard a range of public concerns that several members said merit follow-up with staff and departments.
