City may place advisory vote on library/community flex space; council must meet by Aug. 5 to meet ballot deadline

David, a city staff member, told the Community Engagement Commission that city council discussed a proposal to place an advisory ballot measure asking voters about a library and flexible community space. David said council ran out of time at a special meeting and may schedule one or two additional special meetings to decide whether to place an advisory question on the November ballot. He said any advisory measure would need to be submitted to the Spokane County Auditor's office "no later than Tuesday, August 5 at 4PM." David also said, "To do that is $5,000 to put a any kind of a ballot measure on the Spokane County, general election."

Library Director Jandy Humble (referred to in materials as "Jandy") asked the commission to help gather community feedback on two design options presented by architect BCRA. Jandy (quoted in the materials read at the meeting) wrote: "We are excited to invite you to an open house event where your voice will shape the future of a new library and community flex space at Townsquare Park." The open house is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. The library plans additional outreach at Barefoot in the Park and the Aug. 23 farmers market, and BCRA will prepare posters and handouts for booth-based feedback.

Commissioners discussed staffing those outreach booths and the online sign-up process. Several commissioners volunteered or indicated they would coordinate with staff to sign up for shifts at Barefoot in the Park and the farmers market; staff agreed to follow up with an updated schedule and sign-up details.

The commission also suggested using a QR-code or online survey ("Zen City" was mentioned in discussion) to collect responses beyond in-person events; staff said they would raise that suggestion with the library director and the architect team.

Discussion vs. decisions: The commission did not take a formal vote on placing a ballot measure; David described the county timeline and the council's need to schedule special meetings if it decides to pursue an advisory measure. The most immediate next steps are city council deliberation on whether to put an advisory question on the ballot, and, if approved, a separate council action to finalize ballot language before the Aug. 5 submission deadline.

Ending: Staff asked commission members to identify volunteers for upcoming outreach and to expect follow-up emails with sign-up links and booth schedules.