Council approves project-management work order for library/town-square planning; residents urge slower, community-led process

The Liberty Lake City Council on March 4 approved a work order with Turner & Townsend Heery to provide project-management and planning services for a proposed new library and possible adjoining community-use space, voting 6-0 to move the contract forward.

The work order asks the consultant to produce multiple planning options, including a standalone library and versions that combine a library with flexible community meeting spaces, and to return to council with conceptual cost models and “test fit” plans. The council passed the work order so staff and the consultant can refine designs and prepare options for further public review.

Why it matters: The council has been discussing a town-square buildout that could include a larger library, new city offices and other community amenities. Residents and council members emphasized that the project should be guided by clear scope, robust community engagement and realistic funding plans before any ballot measure or formal construction commitment.

Residents urged caution and more public input. Kim Gerard, a Liberty Lake resident, told the council the project should be “slow[ed] down” and developed in stages, starting with a library sized to meet long-term needs rather than rushing to fit a full town-square package onto a November ballot. “Start with a library designed to meet the needs of a town moving forward toward its build-out population,” Gerard said.

Craig Fobbs, also a resident, said the draft work order did not match prior council direction to produce two options — one for a library alone and one for library-plus-community space — and called the process “ready, fire, aim.” “Community engagement on what?” Fobbs asked, arguing staff should begin engagement “at the beginning” and avoid artificial election deadlines that compress planning.

Council members and staff said the work order is intended to create those clearer options and allow a deliberate, documented process. Mayor Pro Tem Cargill and others said the work order will return concrete options to council for further discussion and public outreach. Council member Gunn and Mayor Pro Tem Cargill voiced support for the work order as a pragmatic way to continue planning without locking the city into a single design.

City Administrator Mark (staff) told the council the consultant’s work is intended to produce multiple alternatives and clear cost models so the council and public can make informed decisions about scope, phasing and financing.

Next steps: The consultant is expected to return with master-planning test fits, conceptual cost models and community-engagement plans; council directed staff to use the work order to advance planning and public outreach ahead of any later decisions about ballot measures or formal construction contracts.

The motion to approve the Turner & Townsend Heery work order passed 6-0; Councilmember Spencer was excused from the meeting earlier in the evening.