Cheney May Preview
Happy May, everyone! The weather is beautiful and spring is in full bloom. I know sitting through an indoor meeting might not be top of mind with all this sunshine, but let's take a look at what's ahead for the month.
A quick reminder that this information is also available in the Cheney Connections city newsletter, which arrives with your paper utility bill and is posted to the city website. I always recommend cross-checking the Agenda Center for the latest updates, as last-minute changes do happen. For instance, the Historic Preservation Commission meeting has been cancelled this month.
One note: I didn't get this out in time to preview the Cheney Members Association meeting earlier this week, but I'm including it in the overview anyway for a complete picture of the month.
May 6 at 12pm | Cheney Members Association (CMA)
Wren Pierson Community Center
The Cheney Members Association generally meets the first Wednesday of each month at noon at Wren Pierson for an open community meeting. No membership required! They share updates from across the city, including local government, Cheney School District, Eastern Washington University, Cheney Library, and Cheney Heart & Soul. It's a great way to get a quick pulse on what's happening in our community. Learn more at cheneymembers.org.
May 7 at 5:30pm | Historic Preservation Commission
Utility Building, 112 Anderson Road
Cancelled this month as the city continues to work through technical and network issues.
May 8 from 6-10pm & May 9 from 10am-4pm | Mayfest
Downtown Cheney
Mayfest is one of our community's favorite events of the year, and it takes over our entire downtown. Full event details are at cheneymayfest.org.
This year the City has four booths, so come say hi! Staff, Councilmembers, and the Mayor will be rotating through to chat about what's going on in Cheney. The Fire Department is also hosting an Open House with plenty of family-friendly activities. And on Saturday morning at 9am, there will be a public unveiling of the new mural at Veterans Memorial Park, right across from the Fire Station. Don't miss it!
May 11 at 1pm | Civil Service Commission
City Hall - Council Chambers
The Civil Service Commission meets the second Monday of each month. Their agenda will be posted to the Agenda Center when available. So far this year, their work has been focused on aligning Commission rules for Cheney, and I expect that to continue this month.
May 11 at 6pm | Planning Commission
City Hall - Council Chambers
The Planning Commission also meets the second Monday of each month. The May agenda is already posted to the Agenda Center and includes three separate Public Hearings, each covering a different element of the Comprehensive Plan. This is a significant meeting if you're interested in how Cheney is planning for its future growth and development.
Agenda:
https://www.cityofcheney.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05112026-666
May 12 at 6pm | City Council
City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, with agendas posted to the Agenda Center by the Thursday before each meeting. The full agenda isn't posted yet, but I expect this meeting to include the second reading of Cheney's proposed ordinance to ban the sale of kratom within city limits, following similar bans already passed by Spokane and Spokane Valley. We had the first reading at the April 28th meeting. Ordinances typically go through three readings to allow ample opportunity for community input, and each reading includes a public hearing where you can speak directly to the ordinance before Council's final vote.
May 13 at 6pm | Park Board
Wren Pierson Community Center
The Park Board meets the second Wednesday of each month, generally at Wren Pierson but occasionally at the Aquatic Center. This month's agenda is packed with informational items, including an introduction of the new Recreation Supervisor, updates on the pickleball/tennis courts and the pool, a review of Park Rules, and discussions on the Community Garden and Tree City program.
Agenda:
https://www.cityofcheney.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-667
May 16 from 9-3pm | Smoke Alarm Blitz
The Cheney Fire Department and the Red Cross are teaming up to help community members check, replace, or install smoke detectors. Did you know smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years, even hardwired ones? This team will be targeting a couple of specific neighborhoods on the day of the event. You should receive a doorhanger on May 8th if your home is on the list.
May 22 from 4-6pm | Community Fire Resilience Fair
EWU Mall
Eastern Washington University students have partnered with 350 Spokane to bring us Prepared Planet, a Community Fire Resilience Fair, right before we head into what could be a challenging fire season. This free, public event is a great opportunity to learn how to prepare your home and family. The community is encouraged to attend!
You can learn more at: https://www.350spokane.org/events/prepared-planet-community-fire-resilience-fair/.
May 23 from 9am-1pm | Cheney Farmer's Market
Veteran's Memorial Park
The first Cheney Farmers Market of the season! The full season schedule is in this month's Cheney Connections, with more details at cheneyfarmersmarket.com.
May 25 | Memorial Day Holiday
City offices will be closed and garbage pickup will run one day late.
May 26 at 6pm | City Council
City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council's fourth Tuesday meeting of the month, with the agenda posted the Thursday prior to the Agenda Center. Assuming the kratom sale ban ordinance moves forward on schedule, I expect its third reading to happen at this meeting, along with another public hearing for community comment before Council's final vote.
May 30 at TBD | Coffee with a Cop
Cheney Depot
This month, our Police Department is hosting a Coffee with a Cop event at the Cheney Depot, and Coffee with Council will be joining in! Come grab a cup and chat with officers and Councilmembers about whatever is on your mind. The exact time is still being finalized, so stay tuned for details.
Lots happening this month! As always, if you see me at any of these meetings or events, please come say hi. 😊