A contentious portion of Liberty Lake’s Nov. 24 workshop focused on capital planning and governance language after a motion to move PF14—the siting and master plan for a potential new community pool—to the potential future projects list.

Council member Spencer moved the item to the potential list; supporters said relocation would not bar grant applications and would reflect a strong public advisory response that cautioned against immediate capital commitment. Opponents argued PF14 should remain in the capital facilities plan to preserve grant-readiness and because past community surveys identified a pool as a high-priority capital need.

The council called the question and voted; the motion to move PF14 produced a tie in recorded voting and was resolved in favor of leaving PF14 on the potential list (the procedural record indicates the motion carried after the tie handling). Staff’s parks/planning lead clarified that moving PF14 does not prevent grant applications and that the parks master plan process is ongoing and will feed into the city’s 20-year capital plan.

Councilmembers also examined property-tax allocation mechanics. Council member Kennedy questioned the shift in how the library had been funded historically (an earlier fixed-percentage approach) and urged that public safety remain the top priority for tax-supported operations. Staff explained the 23.8% historical calculation that previously corresponded to library funding and that in recent years the council had moved to budgetary allocations rather than a fixed percent.

Late in the meeting Council member Kennedy delivered personal remarks about political tension and alleged derogatory comments she and her spouse received from some community members; several colleagues offered condolences and the council moved to suspend rules and extend the meeting to conclude business. The mayor said the council will ensure future materials reflect ordinance language accurately (board/commission advisory roles) and scheduled follow-up items.

Procedural note: staff read Ordinance 314 (2026–2031 Capital Facilities Plan) on first reading. The council will consider second-reading scheduling and further governance-manual discussion at upcoming meetings.

What to watch next: PF14’s status and any grant applications; staff will ensure public materials reflect accurate wording for boards and commissions as directed by council.