City seeks sole‑source contract with Spokane Riverkeeper for shoreline cleanups; $85,000 annual not‑to‑exceed cost

City staff on March 2 briefed the council on a proposed sole‑source resolution and contract with Spokane Riverkeeper for shoreline and river‑access cleanup services.

Chris Averitt said the three‑year agreement would fund quarterly mass cleanup events adjacent to parks and public‑works facilities and would cover areas requiring specialized access (including rope‑access or repelling). The annual not‑to‑exceed cost is $85,000, split evenly between Parks and Public Works. Staff added the contract would increase reporting from Spokane Riverkeeper so the city could better track cleanup efforts and results.

Councilmembers expressed support for the partnership and asked how the Riverkeeper’s work aligns with the city’s other river‑cleanup contracts; staff said the contract would complement existing work and improve reporting.

The sole‑source resolution is scheduled for consideration on the March 9 council agenda; no final approval vote was recorded at the agenda‑review meeting.