Councilmember Amber Waldref - Spokane, WA City Council http://www.amberwaldref.org Tue, 15 May 2012 18:03:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Noise ordinance updated and 44th Ave designated arterial street…5/14/12 Council Meeting Recap http://www.amberwaldref.org/noise-ordinance-updated-and-44th-ave-designated-arterial-street-51412-council-meeting-recap/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/noise-ordinance-updated-and-44th-ave-designated-arterial-street-51412-council-meeting-recap/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 18:03:28 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3452 Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

It was a hot day yesterday and the warm air stuck around in the Council chambers last night for a longer session. After several administrative reports and a visit from members of our U.S. Navy in celebration of Navy Week in Spokane, the Council voted on several ordinances and resolutions. Of note, the Council voted 7-0 in favor of designating 44th Ave an arterial street in our Comprehensive Plan. The plan is to make 44th Ave a complete street with sidewalks, street trees and a trail on the north side...and to extend it all the way from Regal on the west to Freya on the East. Several multi-family developments are being built on the south side of 44th, causing a need for developer improvements to the road to mitigate traffic impacts. To further mitigate the impacts of cars zipping through the Read More]]> Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

It was a hot day yesterday and the warm air stuck around in the Council chambers last night for a longer session. After several administrative reports and a visit from members of our U.S. Navy in celebration of Navy Week in Spokane, the Council voted on several ordinances and resolutions. Of note, the Council voted 7-0 in favor of designating 44th Ave an arterial street in our Comprehensive Plan. The plan is to make 44th Ave a complete street with sidewalks, street trees and a trail on the north side...and to extend it all the way from Regal on the west to Freya on the East. Several multi-family developments are being built on the south side of 44th, causing a need for developer improvements to the road to mitigate traffic impacts. To further mitigate the impacts of cars zipping through the Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/noise-ordinance-updated-and-44th-ave-designated-arterial-street-51412-council-meeting-recap/feed/ 1 Free Whooping Cough Shots…and other Weekly Events – May 12th to May 20th http://www.amberwaldref.org/free-whooping-cough-shots-and-other-weekly-events-may-12th-to-may-20th/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/free-whooping-cough-shots-and-other-weekly-events-may-12th-to-may-20th/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:57 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3386 Posted in Weekly Events Update

The Spokane Regional Health District is offering Free Whooping Cough Shots this Saturday, May 12th between 9am and 1pm at the Spokane Regional Health District located at 1101 W. College Avenue. Free Parking is available! This clinic is designed for Adults ages 19 and older that are uninsured or underinsured. for more information on this offer or to see if you or someone you know qualifies for this free service follow this link. City Council Meeting, Monday, May 14 – this week the council hear final readings on several ordinances, including changes to the city's noise ordinance. Contact me at awaldref@spokanecity.org for any comments or questions. If you would like to see a copy of the agenda for the meeting this coming Monday, please follow this link. Neighborhood Council Meetings Read More]]> Posted in Weekly Events Update

The Spokane Regional Health District is offering Free Whooping Cough Shots this Saturday, May 12th between 9am and 1pm at the Spokane Regional Health District located at 1101 W. College Avenue. Free Parking is available! This clinic is designed for Adults ages 19 and older that are uninsured or underinsured. for more information on this offer or to see if you or someone you know qualifies for this free service follow this link. City Council Meeting, Monday, May 14 – this week the council hear final readings on several ordinances, including changes to the city's noise ordinance. Contact me at awaldref@spokanecity.org for any comments or questions. If you would like to see a copy of the agenda for the meeting this coming Monday, please follow this link. Neighborhood Council Meetings Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/free-whooping-cough-shots-and-other-weekly-events-may-12th-to-may-20th/feed/ 0 Will $20 car tabs fund needed street work this year? 5/7/2012 Council meeting recap http://www.amberwaldref.org/will-20-car-tabs-fund-needed-street-work-this-year-572012-council-meeting-recap/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/will-20-car-tabs-fund-needed-street-work-this-year-572012-council-meeting-recap/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 18:29:07 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3381 Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

The Council put on their Transportation Benefit District Board hats at the start of last night's meeting. The Board meets occasionally to monitor the progress of the street maintenance work to be done with the funds raised through the $20 car tab fee that started to be collected last Fall. Last night we approved allowing TBD dollars to be spent on replacing/updating any curb ramps on streets being maintained with TBD dollars to meet ADA requirements. We also got an update from our Citizens Board last night about the status of our 2012 program. About a month ago, the Street Dept. told our Board that the Mayor had decided to contract out the work that was approved in the 2012 program -- pavement maintenance activities like grind and overlay of both residential and arterial streets, sealing Read More]]> Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

The Council put on their Transportation Benefit District Board hats at the start of last night's meeting. The Board meets occasionally to monitor the progress of the street maintenance work to be done with the funds raised through the $20 car tab fee that started to be collected last Fall. Last night we approved allowing TBD dollars to be spent on replacing/updating any curb ramps on streets being maintained with TBD dollars to meet ADA requirements. We also got an update from our Citizens Board last night about the status of our 2012 program. About a month ago, the Street Dept. told our Board that the Mayor had decided to contract out the work that was approved in the 2012 program -- pavement maintenance activities like grind and overlay of both residential and arterial streets, sealing Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/will-20-car-tabs-fund-needed-street-work-this-year-572012-council-meeting-recap/feed/ 0 Weekly Meeting Update – May 5th to May 13th http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-meeting-update-may-5th-to-may-13th/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-meeting-update-may-5th-to-may-13th/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 23:31:55 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3337 Posted in Weekly Events Update

The ABC's of Educational Attainment - A Breakfast Presentation Hosted by Priority Spokane will be held this coming Tuesday, May 8 between 7 and 9 AM in the Lincoln Center, Monroe Ballroom. Learn more about the risk factors, cutting-edge research, and a community agenda around drop-out prevention efforts attend this free informational Breakfast “The ABCs of Educational Attainment” hosted by Priority Spokane. Follow this link to view the invitation for this event. Registration: amay@priorityspokane.org or call Alisa D. May at 509.321.3638 City Council Meeting, Monday, May 7 – this week there are no hearings during the legislative session; however there are several resolutions and 1st readings of ordinances to be considered. This coming week the Council will also be putting on Read More]]> Posted in Weekly Events Update

The ABC's of Educational Attainment - A Breakfast Presentation Hosted by Priority Spokane will be held this coming Tuesday, May 8 between 7 and 9 AM in the Lincoln Center, Monroe Ballroom. Learn more about the risk factors, cutting-edge research, and a community agenda around drop-out prevention efforts attend this free informational Breakfast “The ABCs of Educational Attainment” hosted by Priority Spokane. Follow this link to view the invitation for this event. Registration: amay@priorityspokane.org or call Alisa D. May at 509.321.3638 City Council Meeting, Monday, May 7 – this week there are no hearings during the legislative session; however there are several resolutions and 1st readings of ordinances to be considered. This coming week the Council will also be putting on Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-meeting-update-may-5th-to-may-13th/feed/ 0 Initiatives and referendums…what do citizens have to do with it? 4/30/12 Council recap http://www.amberwaldref.org/initiatives-and-referendums-what-do-citizens-have-to-do-with-it-43012-council-recap/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/initiatives-and-referendums-what-do-citizens-have-to-do-with-it-43012-council-recap/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 17:48:13 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3360 Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

Happy birthday to me. It was another (long) Council night, but I was pleased to share my special day with my colleagues and about 75 people who showed up to comment on a variety of issue. Most folks in attendance focused on changes to the initiatives and referendum process at the city. We had two versions of changes to consider: one forwarded by Councilmen Fagan and Salvatori, another by Council President Stuckart. President Stuckart's version was produced based on input from a public process that occurred in 2009-2010, whereby the League of Women Voters facilitated a diverse group of stakeholders (task force) to recommend changes to the initiative process at the city. This group did not agree on everything, but did come to consensus on a few things: some minor process changes, clarifying Read More]]> Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

Happy birthday to me. It was another (long) Council night, but I was pleased to share my special day with my colleagues and about 75 people who showed up to comment on a variety of issue. Most folks in attendance focused on changes to the initiatives and referendum process at the city. We had two versions of changes to consider: one forwarded by Councilmen Fagan and Salvatori, another by Council President Stuckart. President Stuckart's version was produced based on input from a public process that occurred in 2009-2010, whereby the League of Women Voters facilitated a diverse group of stakeholders (task force) to recommend changes to the initiative process at the city. This group did not agree on everything, but did come to consensus on a few things: some minor process changes, clarifying Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/initiatives-and-referendums-what-do-citizens-have-to-do-with-it-43012-council-recap/feed/ 0 Weekly Events Update – April 28th to May 4th http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-events-update-april-28th-to-may-4th/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-events-update-april-28th-to-may-4th/#comments Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:19:28 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3319 Posted in Weekly Events Update

Drug Take-Back Event & Document Shred Day -- Saturday, April 28, 2012. 10am-2pm. Spokane Valley Police Parking Lot, 12710 E Sprague. It is important to keep prescription drugs out of our water system and ensure they are used for their intended purpose. This has been an on-going topic of concern at the Spokane Regional Health District. On Saturday, you can bring all prescription drugs, pet-related prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medical ointments, inhalers, pre-dosed syringes (no needles), and any liquid medicine you wish to dispose of to the Spokane Valley Police Dept. for disposal. Bonus: you can also bring your personal, confidential documents that need shredding -- up to three boxes. City Council Meeting, Monday April 30 - there are several resolutions and final Read More]]> Posted in Weekly Events Update

Drug Take-Back Event & Document Shred Day -- Saturday, April 28, 2012. 10am-2pm. Spokane Valley Police Parking Lot, 12710 E Sprague. It is important to keep prescription drugs out of our water system and ensure they are used for their intended purpose. This has been an on-going topic of concern at the Spokane Regional Health District. On Saturday, you can bring all prescription drugs, pet-related prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medical ointments, inhalers, pre-dosed syringes (no needles), and any liquid medicine you wish to dispose of to the Spokane Valley Police Dept. for disposal. Bonus: you can also bring your personal, confidential documents that need shredding -- up to three boxes. City Council Meeting, Monday April 30 - there are several resolutions and final Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-events-update-april-28th-to-may-4th/feed/ 0 The highs and lows of water rates: 4/23/12 Council Meeting recap http://www.amberwaldref.org/the-highs-and-lows-of-water-rates-42312-council-meeting-recap/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/the-highs-and-lows-of-water-rates-42312-council-meeting-recap/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:06:11 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3331 Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

Water. It's so essential. How much does delivery of clean, potable water to your tap cost? How do we pay for it? Big questions. Answers still emerging. The Council voted unanimously last night in favor of the Mayor's rate restructure. The decision takes us back to 2010 rates, with a slightly more progressive rate structure. If you use the average of 5,000 gallons of water/month in the winter, you will pay within a penny of what you did in 2010 ($15.72). If you use the average of about 27,000 gallons/month you will pay within a dollar of what you did in 2010 ($36.61). If you are a high user of 41,000/month in the summer, you will pay within 50 cents of what you paid in 2010. Is it perfect? No. Just like any fee or charge, it impacts each household differently, depending on your use and your Read More]]> Posted in Tuesday Council Recap

Water. It's so essential. How much does delivery of clean, potable water to your tap cost? How do we pay for it? Big questions. Answers still emerging. The Council voted unanimously last night in favor of the Mayor's rate restructure. The decision takes us back to 2010 rates, with a slightly more progressive rate structure. If you use the average of 5,000 gallons of water/month in the winter, you will pay within a penny of what you did in 2010 ($15.72). If you use the average of about 27,000 gallons/month you will pay within a dollar of what you did in 2010 ($36.61). If you are a high user of 41,000/month in the summer, you will pay within 50 cents of what you paid in 2010. Is it perfect? No. Just like any fee or charge, it impacts each household differently, depending on your use and your Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/the-highs-and-lows-of-water-rates-42312-council-meeting-recap/feed/ 0 Medicare — What Do You Need to Know When You Turn 65? http://www.amberwaldref.org/medicare-what-do-you-need-to-know-when-you-turn-65/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/medicare-what-do-you-need-to-know-when-you-turn-65/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:18:31 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3265 Posted in EventsFeaturedNeighborhood News

Are you confused about Medicare A, B, C or D? Do you know what is covered or not covered by Medicare? Free workshops are being held on April 24th and 25th to answers these questions and assist you in making sure that Medicare works well for you. Tuesday - April 24th - 1:00-3:30 p.m. - Argonne Library 4322 N Argonne (Millwood area) Wednesday - April 25 2012 - 6:30-9:00 p.m. - All Saint Lutheran Church 314 S Spruce, (Browns Addition) Information and comparison of Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigaps are covered. Each workshop is especially designed for those who are about to turn 65 or have turned 65 and are offered by the Consumer Protection Program of the Office of Insurance Commissioner’s SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) Helpline. If you would like more information Read More]]> Posted in EventsFeaturedNeighborhood News

Are you confused about Medicare A, B, C or D? Do you know what is covered or not covered by Medicare? Free workshops are being held on April 24th and 25th to answers these questions and assist you in making sure that Medicare works well for you. Tuesday - April 24th - 1:00-3:30 p.m. - Argonne Library 4322 N Argonne (Millwood area) Wednesday - April 25 2012 - 6:30-9:00 p.m. - All Saint Lutheran Church 314 S Spruce, (Browns Addition) Information and comparison of Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigaps are covered. Each workshop is especially designed for those who are about to turn 65 or have turned 65 and are offered by the Consumer Protection Program of the Office of Insurance Commissioner’s SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) Helpline. If you would like more information Read More
]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/medicare-what-do-you-need-to-know-when-you-turn-65/feed/ 0 April 25th mobile office at Chairs Coffee http://www.amberwaldref.org/april-25th-mobile-office-at-chairs-coffee/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/april-25th-mobile-office-at-chairs-coffee/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:36:38 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3311 Posted in EventsNeighborhood News

I’m hosting my second monthly “mobile office” at Chairs Coffee this Wednesday, April 25th from 9:30am-10:30am. While I enjoy presenting/listening to citizens’ ideas and concerns at neighborhood council meetings and chatting with folks randomly around town, these mobile offices give me a chance to talk in-depth with a smaller group of people about the issues you care about at a time/place where you can find me! If you can’t make this time/date, there will be another coming up in May at Cassano’s Italian Grocery. Click here for directions to Chairs Coffee and more info. Hope to see you there!]]> Posted in EventsNeighborhood News

I’m hosting my second monthly “mobile office” at Chairs Coffee this Wednesday, April 25th from 9:30am-10:30am. While I enjoy presenting/listening to citizens’ ideas and concerns at neighborhood council meetings and chatting with folks randomly around town, these mobile offices give me a chance to talk in-depth with a smaller group of people about the issues you care about at a time/place where you can find me! If you can’t make this time/date, there will be another coming up in May at Cassano’s Italian Grocery. Click here for directions to Chairs Coffee and more info. Hope to see you there!

]]> http://www.amberwaldref.org/april-25th-mobile-office-at-chairs-coffee/feed/ 0 Weekly Events Update – April 20th to April 27th http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-events-update-april-20th-to-april-27th/ http://www.amberwaldref.org/weekly-events-update-april-20th-to-april-27th/#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:37:19 +0000 amber http://www.amberwaldref.org/?p=3263 Posted in Weekly Events Update

Imagining A New Vision For American Prosperity and Security - Captain Wayne Porter, USN,  will outline  and discuss an alternative vision for the United States  in a day-long conference at Gonzaga University  “Imagining a New Vision for American Prosperity and Security” this Saturday April 21st.   Co-sponsored by Pax Christi Spokane and the departments of political science and religious studies at Gonzaga University this conference will explore a host of concerns which reflect emerging issues for prosperity in the U.S. and security in the 21st century which Porter and his Marine colleague Colonel Mark Mykleby outlined last spring in “A National Strategic Narrative,” a treatise that was widely distributed by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C. Conference Read More]]> Posted in Weekly Events Update

Imagining A New Vision For American Prosperity and Security - Captain Wayne Porter, USN,  will outline  and discuss an alternative vision for the United States  in a day-long conference at Gonzaga University  “Imagining a New Vision for American Prosperity and Security” this Saturday April 21st.   Co-sponsored by Pax Christi Spokane and the departments of political science and religious studies at Gonzaga University this conference will explore a host of concerns which reflect emerging issues for prosperity in the U.S. and security in the 21st century which Porter and his Marine colleague Colonel Mark Mykleby outlined last spring in “A National Strategic Narrative,” a treatise that was widely distributed by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C. Conference Read More
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