Council clears path for land use plan

After nearly a year of deliberations, first by the Planning Commission and recently by the City Council, Spokane Valley is prepared to adopt its first comprehensive land use plan.

A final public hearing will be held at the April 11 council meeting. After that, the agenda calls for reading of the plan on April 18 and adoption April 25.

Cities are required to adopt comprehensive plans under the state’s Growth Management Act. They set guidelines on everything from housing to public facilities, which will develop in the city over the next 20 years.

In early summer, the council will begin to write the regulations that turn those guidelines into law.

In the process, the city will rewrite most of its zoning and development regulations, which were adopted from Spokane County.

– Peter Barnes

Spokane

Street crews begin spring sweeping

City of Spokane street crews begin their spring round of residential street sweeping this week.

On the schedule this week and next: northwest Spokane from Monroe Street to Ash Street between Wellesley Avenue and Francis Avenue today and Thursday; northeast Spokane from Mission Avenue to Euclid Avenue between Ruby Street and Hamilton Street today through Monday; and south Spokane from Crestline Street to Ray/Thor streets between Hartson Avenue and 29th Avenue.

The city is asking residents to not park on the street from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on sweeping days.

– Amy Cannata

Spokane Transit gives raises to union workers

Spokane Transit Authority will give union members 2.25 percent raises each year for three years.

The deal with Amalgamated Transit Union #1015, STA’s largest union, was reached through arbitration after negotiations stalled in late 2004.

The union representing 358 of STA’s 493 employees, including bus drivers, maintenance workers and clerical employees, has been without a contract since October 2004.

The raises will cost STA $2.3 million in wage increases and wage-related fringe benefits over three years, including retroactive payments for the contract period that has passed.

– Amy Cannata