At its Dec. 16 meeting, the Liberty Lake City Council confirmed two appointments to the Community Engagement Commission and recognized Public Works staff for an operational innovation during the fall leaf-collection season.

Appointments: The council interviewed Ralph Karlberg, who said he recently moved to Liberty Lake and has experience in strategic planning and collaboration; Council Member Merrill moved to confirm Karlberg and the motion passed 7–0. The council then interviewed Britney Sitton, a 13-year Liberty Lake resident and youth softball coach; with a pending background check noted by staff, the council moved and approved her appointment 7–0.

Staff recognition: Public Works Director Ben Turner praised a four-person roadside crew (Chris, Colby, Tammy and Steve) that improvised a low-cost leaf vacuum solution and constructed a collection trailer after an equipment failure. Turner described the effort as exemplifying “ingenuity and teamwork” that allowed the city to complete leaf collection under budgetary controls, and the mayor invited the group forward for a photo and certificate.

Outcome: Both commission appointments were confirmed unanimously. Staff will follow up on the background check step noted during Sitton’s appointment and will schedule the employee recognition certificate presentation at the city’s holiday gathering.