As I write this recap more details are emerging about the cyclist who killed by a pick-up truck at Sprague and Division last night at 6:40PM.You can read more details here. Looks like a terrible, avoidable tragedy, and another reason why our efforts to make our street safer are so important.

Last night’s City Council session was dominated by three administrative reports. First Ron Kussler of the County’s Commute Trip reduction program announced an award for workplace excellence to the Spokane’ City Hall, which had beaten it’s commute trip reduction goals as a worksite by two years ahead of schedule. Congratulation City Hall workers on this great effort to find alternative to single occupancy vehicle commuting.

The second presentation was a lengthy and informative annual report from Spokane Parks and Recreation Department led by Parks Director Leroy Eadie–who was confirmed by unanimous Council Vote as the permanent Parks Director later than evening. The list of accomplishments in 2009 for the Parks was very impressive and gives clear indication that Spokane park system is indeed one of the city’s greatest assets and that it continues to be a large part of what makes our city such a great place to live. But Parks is also feeling the economic downtown. Director Eadie pointed out that Parks has done a great job of adding new facilities, but now faces a significant problem of deferred maintainance systemwide. Parks just doesn’t have the money to take care of all it’s facilities to an optimal standard.

The final report came from from Ann Murphy of the League of Women Voters summarizing their hard work on convening a task force to craft suggestions on how to improve the initiative and referendum process.

The rest of the Council docket consisted of administrative moves that didn’t attract much comment. The Mayor also presented Council Executive Administrative Assistant Mary Franklin with her 15 years of service pin. Congratulations Mary.