2007, 05-08 Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Special Meeting
Tuesday,May 8, 2007
Mayor Wilhite called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and welcomed everyone to the 1 15th meeting.
Attendance: City Staff:
Diana Wilhite,Mayor Dave Mercier, City Manager
Steve Taylor,Deputy Mayor Nina Regor,Deputy City Manager
Dick Denenny, Councilmember Mike Connelly, City Attorney
Mike DeVleming, Councilmember Cary Driskell,Deputy City Attorney
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Ken Thompson,Finance Director
Rich Munson, Councilmember Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Mike Jackson, Parks &Rec Director
Rick VanLeuven, Police Chief
Absent: Morgan Koudelka,Administrative Analyst
Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer
Matt Kushner, Information Tech Help Desk
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Jason Kiesel of the New Life Assembly Church gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Wilhite led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called roll; all Councilmembers were present except
Councilmember Schimmels. It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann, seconded and unanimously
agreed to excuse Councilmember Schimmels from tonight's meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Councilmember Munson, seconded and unanimously
agreed to approve the agenda as presented.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: none
COMMITTEE,BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS:
Councilmember Denenny: mentioned he attended an STA (Spokane Transit Authority) employee
appreciation dinner; and that the Health District will hold a budget meeting, and tomorrow they will meet
to discuss and likely finalize the structure of the District in deciding what to do regarding the Request for
Proposals for a manager or managers.
Deputy Mayor Taylor: reported that two Fridays ago he attended the welcoming of the Inland Northwest
Region for Special Olympics at the Mirabeau Park Hotel.
Councilmember Gothmann: said that he attended a SNAP meeting and that there was approval for them to
be a financial corporation thereby allowing the organization to make housing and economic development
loans; that the Weed and Seed Committee is in the process of selecting a new lead person, and that
committee will expire the end of September; Councilmember Gothmann also mentioned that there are
different programs such as summer camp held at Pratt School, and he suggested that the Parks and
Recreation Department look at programming at that school in the future, perhaps even next summer; and
that he attended a law enforcement memorial today.
Councilmember Munson: reported that he also attended the law enforcement memorial service; that the
Ad Hoc Advisory Committee for Growth Management met yesterday and is working on language to settle
Council Meeting: 05-08-07 Page 1 of 6
Approved by Council: 05-22-07
issues concerning County-wide planning policies and philosophical discussions about different
municipality's role; and that last week he attended the National League of Cities training seminar in
Florida where he learned about forecasting and things to do to slow down global warming.
Councilmember DeVleming: said that the Student Advisory Council is working on projects; and that the
SCAPA Board is in the process of drafting their first bylaws.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Wilhite reported that she attended the re-opening of the remodeled
Convention Center, and mentioned that the Bank of Fairfield and Mountain West Bank will be building in
our area, although the Bank of Fairfield will be just outside our City limits; that she attended the
Entrepreneur of the Year Award at Eastern Washington University, the law enforcement memorial, and
also attended a meeting which held a discussion about Washington State University placing a bid to host
the 2008 presidential debates, and what might be needed for such an event, but that no decision will be
made until October, and that Spokane is included on the short list. Mayor Wilhite then read the "Older
Americans' Month"proclamation; and the "Goodwill Industries Week"proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Wilhite invited public comments.
Mike Thompson, Fire Chief, 10319 E Sprague Avenue: Chief Thompson thanked everyone for the card
he received; and said that they are working on a plan to improve services, which new plan will be
implemented starting June 1; that they ran statistics through April for Spokane Valley and calls have
increased about 14.5%; that most calls relate to medical emergencies; and that he has been in contact with
American Medical Response who has agreed to post another response unit at I90 and Sullivan until
construction starts, and by posting that unit there, response times should tighten, and that this is all part of
an effort to get a County-wide ambulance agreement.
Gail Stiltner, 10119 East 44th Avenue: said she wanted to voice positive comments about waste
management; that she thinks they're doing a responsive job; and regarding signs, that coming off the
freeway via Exit 285 is very confusing as it mentions Sprague on the sign, yet people end up on
Appleway. She also mentioned that she feels the number of people panhandling detracts from our City;
that she realizes there are legalities,but that perhaps a task force could be formed to examine the needs of
people panhandling, and to address those needs while looking at associated issues of trash, and city
image.
1. CONSENT AGENDA: Consists of items considered routine which are approved as a group. A
Councilmember may remove an item from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately.
a.Following Claim Vouchers:
VOUCHER LIST DATE VOUCHER #s TOTAL VOUCHER AMOUNT
04-18-2007 11554-11600 $263,321.46
04-23-2007 11601-11630 $69,846.40
GRAND TOTAL $333,167.86
b. Payroll for Period Ending April 30, 2007: $250,048.72
c. Appleway Avenue Reconstruction Project, Liberty Lake Memorandum of Understanding
d. Appleway Avenue Reconstruction Project, David Evans &Associates Construction
Management and Inspection Services Contract
e. Appleway Avenue Reconstruction Project, Spokane County Sewer Memorandum of
Understanding
f. Resolution 07-006 Setting Planning Commission Public Hearing for Street Vacation Request
g. Motion to set Austin Appeal Hearing for June 5, 2007
h. Minutes of April 17,2007 Council Study Session
i. Minutes of April 24,2007 Regular Council Meeting
Council Meeting: 05-08-07 Page 2 of 6
Approved by Council: 05-22-07
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent
agenda as presented.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Motion Consideration: Local Redevelopment Authority—Dave Mercier
City Manager Mercier explained that Council previously heard presentations and discussions concerning
the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) regarding the Walker Army Reserve Center which was
declared as surplus property by the Army; and that last month Dr Howard requested that the City issue a
statement of no objection to the East Valley School District as the sponsoring agency forming a LRA
process to shepherd development of a reuse plan; and that Council indicated the City had voiced a
preference not to perform that role. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded, to notify the
East Valley School District that the City has no objection to the District acting as the sponsoring agency,
forming a Local Redevelopment Agency to develop a proposed reuse plan for the Walker Amy Reserve
Center; and that this authorization is made subject to the District's acknowledgement and acceptance
that the City reserves all its legislative rights with regard to determining the appropriate zoning
designation that applies to the Site. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment. Lawrence Griffith, 12925
East Valleyway: stated that he is urges council to approve the motion; and said that this will keep
planning and redevelopment for a small parcel in the control of the people in the city. Mayor Wilhite
invited further public comment; no further comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor:
Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried.
3 .Motion Consideration: Grants School Zone Flashing Signs—Neil Kersten
Public Works Director Kersten said that this is the second year the City proposes to submit grants to
Washington Traffic Safety Commission for a Flashing Beacon; and stated that Traffic Engineer Note
researched to see which schools would score best, and staff selected South Pines Elementary; Keystone
Elementary, and Seth Woodward Elementary; and that in addition, there was some discussion with
Central Valley School District representatives who had some interest in paying our costs of the grants
concerning the installation and surveying, and they may be willing to pay for two of the grant
applications, and if such is the case, staff would like to add Skyview Elementary and Chester
Elementary upon confirmation that they (the school district) would pay the costs as mentioned. It was
moved by Councilmember Munson and seconded, to authorize staff to submit an application for three of
the four schools and accept any grant award from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission; and to add
two more schools if Central Valley School District should be able to pay for the installation and
surveying work. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by
Acclamation:In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried.
4. Motion Consideration: Customer Service Improve Plan Admin Support—Nina Regor
Deputy City Manager Regor explained that as the City's programs and activities have grown, so has the
need for corresponding administrative support; that the Finance Committee considered this proposal at its
April 24 meeting and there was consensus to support the two office assistant positions; and two of the
three Finance Committee members expressed support for the Legal Administrative Assistant position.
Ms. Regor explained the need for the legal services support, as noted in her April 24, 2007 Memorandum
to council. It was moved by Councilmember Munson and seconded, to approve the Administrative
Support Customer Service Improvement Plan. In response to Councilmember Gothmann's questions, Ms.
Regor stated that the receptionist is current trying to dedicate about half of her time to help in legal; but
many times that is not possible because of needed front desk coverage. Mayor Wilhite invited public
comment; no comments were offered. Council discussion ensued regarding personnel needs and whether
this addresses those needs or is only a temporary solution; paying for temp services or full-time
employees; the desire not to pay professionals to do office support work; and whether the legal position is
more reactionary or if more time is needed before adding such a position. Vote by Acclamation:In favor:
Council Meeting: 05-08-07 Page 3 of 6
Approved by Council: 05-22-07
Mayor Wilhite, Deputy Mayor Taylor, and Councilmembers Gothmann, Denenny and Gothmann.
Opposed: Councilmember DeVleming. Abstentions:None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Wilhite invited general public comments.
Dick Behm, 3626 South Ridgeview Drive: said that last Friday a group of individuals from the Ponderosa
filed an appeal against the City on a DNS on the Ponderosa, and that the appeal fee was $1,000; and that
he feels that is excessively high and is a detriment to people coming forward; and he wants Council to
review those fees.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
5. Site Selector Demonstration—Morgan Koudelka/Robin Toth
Administrative Analyst Koudelka explained that tonight Council will see a demonstration of the site
selector tool, which is a mechanism used to enhance economic development marketing efforts in the
region; that Council heard a report last fall where they reserved $21,000 in the 2007 budget, but did not
make a final decision on participation in this project. Mr. Koudelka said that if approved, the impact to
the City in the second and third years would be $18,000. Mr. Koudelka introduced Robin Toth, Director
of Business Development for the Spokane Area EDC.
Ms. Toth gave a review of the site selector project, and mentioned that this is the first public review of the
project; that she has been working on this project for approximately five years and others have been
working on it longer. Ms. Toth referenced the fact sheets which were included in the Council's packet.
Ms. Toth also introduced Dr. Cary Brooks of Washington State University, John Bottelli of Spokane
County, Spokane County's GIS Technical Ian VanEssen, Randy Rich of Avista Utilities, and Wayne
Frost of Ross Consulting. Mr. Frost said he was asked to come share some thoughts on his support of this
project. He mentioned that he has been involved for some time in economic development in this region,
and feels this is an important tool; that many communities use a similar tool to help forward their
economic development efforts; and it is becoming more prevalent and more expected; that he realizes
there is a financial consideration,but there are also cost savings, and he encourages the City to participate
and work with neighboring communities to make it a success. Project Coordinator Brooks said he sees
this as a way to help move the community forward; that he sees this eventually expanding in neighboring
communities including Idaho; and that the site is still on a development server in California, but they are
just about ready to roll out in June, and he hopes Council will participate.
Mr. Bottelli demonstrated on the Internet how the site works; that it shows businesses where the
competition is located; has the ability to zoom in; and can create printable maps such as zoning maps. Dr.
Brooks mentioned that reports can be printed in various formats and that they get their jurisdiction
information from the appropriate municipalities/jurisdictions. Ms. Toth stated that this is Phase 1 of the
project, and it is possible to work with Northern Idaho later if the interest is there.
Councilmember DeVleming asked why there are no real estate firms as partners; and Ms. Toth responded
that they determined that their real estate members would have access to the site at no cost to them as the
realtors are already putting information onto the site; that perhaps it is not the best partnership as she
agreed it does open a whole new market for them; but that the focus is to keep items available for the
public and to have a regional model; and there is the possibility of including them as partners in the
future. Mr. Bottelli added that most of those realtors already have listings on their own websites, and that
this is more of a centralized website; and Mr. VanEssen said that if this is successful, they can broker a
deal with the realtors, but in the short term, they wanted to get all the real estate information possible.
The question of keeping the properties updated was also mentioned. Councilmember Munson said that as
the City currently pays the EDC $65,000, he is not sure the City can afford to pay a total of $85,000
including this project; and said that those who benefit the most should be partners; that he likes the idea
but has a difficult time approving it and might be more inclined if the City reduced the amount of money
Council Meeting: 05-08-07 Page 4 of 6
Approved by Council: 05-22-07
to the EDC. Ms. Toth added that more partners would reduce the amount needed from each partner. In
response to Councilmember Denenny's question about connecting this information with the County
Assessor's office, Mr. Bottelli said that it might be possible to add a link straight to the assessor during
phase two.
Further discussion included that it could reduce staff time in general inquiries; that there is no raw data
yet to show what the impact will be from the project; that we are one of the largest cities in the state and
this regional economic tool would be a benefit; there is obvious value in the City's participation as a good
case can be made when organizations or businesses seek to relocate in our area. Deputy Mayor Taylor
said he has some concerns with the way the site is structured, and feels Council is being painted into a
corner and will look bad and leave a hole if the City does not participate; and that he would support
funding for this year and afterwards, would like to see a detailed report with specific data about how well
this website being used. There was Council consensus to move forward and provide funding for this year
in the amount of$21,000 and expect a report back to see how successful the program has been and
results of how it is used.
6. Library Update: Mike Wirt
Spokane County Library District Director Mike Wirt introduced Board Member Mary Lloyd; and then
distributed a copy of the "Pre-design for Spokane Valley Library" for council to share among them. As
Mr. Wirt went through his PowerPoint presentation, he discussed 2006 highlights, what is new for 2007,
such as increased open hours and on-line card registration; what they have already accomplished for the
Library project including project preliminary pre-design, and projected project and taxpayer cost; what's
coming up next; and moving forward. Mr. Wirt added that the Board will approve the final pre-design
with any changes made as a result of public input received during June; and he mentioned proposing the
creation of a library capital facility area which will define the boundaries and start the process for the
people to vote on the issues; and if such Area were to be formed, they would need Council approval
beforehand and prior to December 14 to get the matter on the February ballot. Mr. Wirt stressed that
citizens are very concerned with the library's possible location, but feels merely stating the library could
be placed in the "city center" is not enough detail. Mr. Mercier responded that any response to
approximate the timeline to establish the site for a city center would be premature at this point; and that
while Council can control the time table for the city center project; we must keep in mind that critical
decision making required is awaiting data council needed, including outreach to property owners; that we
could always express a deadline, but the site question is a difficult question as there are many items to
evaluate. Mr. Wirt said that the three large issues facing the library are (1) the current facility can't meet
the needs of the people and the people keep telling them that; (2) construction cost increases; and (3) the
election date which should occur in 2008. Councilmembers expressed their desire to see this partnership
happen as it will benefit everyone.
7. Ordinance Definitions—Cary Driskell
Deputy City Attorney Driskell explained that as staff has used and amended various Code provisions,
they have repeatedly addressed whether to include the phrase "as authorized by the City Manager or
designee," or simply "as authorized by the City Manager." Mr. Driskell said that the definition will be
included in title 1 including the word "designee," and if there is ever an instance where that is not the
case, such will be noted. Additionally, Mr. Driskell said that as the Code has evolved, we have moved
from listing definitions by number to listing definitions alphabetically, which makes amendments easier
as it eliminates the need to renumber the entire sequence each time a definition is added or changed.
There was Council consensus to move this ordinance forward, and if possible, include it on the next
Consent Agenda.
Council Meeting: 05-08-07 Page 5 of 6
Approved by Council: 05-22-07
INFORMATION ONLY: These items were not discussed or reported:
8. Lodging Tax Committee Schedule Update
9. Uniform Development Code Title 24
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pending Litigation; Land Acquisition
It was moved by Councilmember Munson and seconded, to adjourn into Executive Session for
approximately 45 minutes, that they would take a break prior to that for approximately seven minutes;
and that the topics would be pending litigation and land acquisition; and that they do not anticipate
taking action afterwards. Council adjourned into Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. At 9:12 p.m. the
executive session was extended until 9:30 p.m. At 9:34 p.m., Mayor Wilhite declared Council out of
Executive Session. It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann, seconded, and unanimously agreed to
adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
(1){,ovv,ext
ATTESA6 Diana Wilhite, Mayor
1
-Christine Bainbrid.e, ity Clerk
Council Meeting:05-08-07 Page 6 of 6
Approved by Council: 05-22-07
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