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2006, 03-21 Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Special/Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Mayor Wilhite called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and welcomed everyone to the 87th meeting. Attendance: City Staff: Diana Wilhite,Mayor Dave Mercier, City Manager Steve Taylor, Deputy Mayor Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager Dick Denenny, Councilmember Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney Mike DeVleming Councilmember Ken Thompson,Finance Director Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Marina Sukup, Community Development Director Rich Munson, Councilmember Tom Scholtens,Building Official Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Chris Berg, Code Compliance Officer Mike Jackson,Parks&Recreation Director Greg McCormick,Planning Manager Scott Kuhta, Senior Planner Neil Kersten,Public Works Director Bill Schultz, Code Compliance Officer Carolbelle Branch,Public Information Officer Greg"Bing"Bingaman, IT Specialist Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Al Hulten,Valley Assembly of God,gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Wilhite led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL City Clerk Bainbridge called roll; all Councilmembers were present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor, seconded, and unanimously passed to approve the amended agenda as presented. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS COMMITTEE,BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS Councilmember Schimmels: reported that he attended the Light Rail Committee meeting; attended a Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) meeting a few weeks ago; and a Solid Waste Comp Plan update meeting yesterday. Councilmember Denenny: stated that he met with the (wastewater treatment plant) Dischargers last Wednesday where they discussed items which must be included in the draft, and that the Department of Ecology was asked to re-draft the document, adding that they are anxious to see the return document at an upcoming meeting; that he also attended a Spokane Transit Authority meeting where they had a major presentation on light rail, and a decision is anticipated sometime in April. Deputy Mayor Taylor: explained that he attended the NLC (National League of Cities) Annual Congressional Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. last week, and while there he met with the Energy Environment & Natural Resources & Policy Committee to discuss future policies to improve the environment of cities. Councilmember Gothmann: said that he attended the Chamber of Commerce Transportation Meeting and heard a report on bridging the valley;he also attended the NLC meeting, as well as a local Weed and Seed Meeting. Council Meeting: 03-21-06 Page 1 of 7 Approved by Council: 04-11-06 Councilmember Munson: reported that he attended the Light Rail Steering Committee meeting, where the choice of the committee was passed for a light rail, single rail system to be built from Spokane to Liberty Lake, and that his was the only dissenting vote; and that he also attended the State of the County presentation held at CenterPlace. Councilmember DeVleming: stated that he also attended the meetings last week in Washington, D.C. and they continue to press the federal representatives on such valley issues as bridging the valley, and wastewater treatment plant issues; and that they tried to lobby harder for expediting the FEMA process concerning the flood plain maps; that he also attended an Eagle Scout ceremony last week; that the Student Advisory Council in an arrangement with Comcast, finished taping a public service announcement concerning the issue of keeping guns out of schools, and that the announcement is in the process of being edited. Mayor Wilhite indicated it would be fun to show that announcement to Council. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Wilhite reported that she attended the NLC event in Washington, D.C., and had the opportunity to discus policies that affect cities, such as FEMA, Community Development Block Grants, and wastewater treatment plant issues. She also had the opportunity to give some Cub Scouts a tour of City Hall. Mayor Wilhite then commended the Red Cross for their efforts in all they do to help citizens; she paraphrased parts of the "March is Red Cross Month Proclamation," and urged everyone to continue giving time, blood and money to make a difference in the "humanitarian fabric of this community." PUBLIC COMMENTS Al Shrock, 510 N Mamer: expressed thanks to staff for the friendliness and help; and voiced his concern regarding the process and cost for a Home Profession permit; that he is a general contractor conducting business at the homes of his clients and he questioned why he would be charged a fee to do that; stated that he feels the $80.00 permit cost is excessive for a permit that only takes a few minutes to process; and he asks that Council review the permit,purpose, guidelines and costs. Chuck Hafner, 4710 S Woodruff: voiced his concern with the Comp Plan Neighborhood chapter; Mayor Wilhite reminded Mr. Hafner that if he wanted his comments a part of the official record, they must be submitted in writing or given during a public hearing for comp plan comments. Mr. Hafner read his comments, then submitted them to the clerk for inclusion in the comment process. Mr. Hafner stressed the importance of the link between government and neighborhoods, which can only be achieved if the text of the Neighborhood chapter meets the needs of the government and the community. Dick Behm, 3626 S Ridgeview Drive: spoke of protecting citizen lifestyle, and that Council needs to develop the vision and dream of the citizens, and that he feels no answer has been given yet in that regard; that Council asked for citizen input and participation regarding the comp plan and it appears those comments have been disregarded, and that same concern is associated with the sign ordinance. He asked Council to re-assess what has been done, and to re-look at what the citizens want. Mary Pollard, 17216 E Baldwin Avenue: read her March 18, 2006 letter into the record, requesting the North Greenacres Neighborhood be prioritized for a transportation study; and expressed concern about the Barker Bridge and Barker Road, and other roads of impact and concern, including the Centennial Trail and Flora Meadows, and she asked that this issue be included on an upcoming agenda as soon as possible. 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. Council Meeting: 03-21-06 Page 2 of 7 Approved by Council: 04-11-06 a. Following claim vouchers: VOUCHER LIST DATE VOUCHER #s TOTAL VOUCHER AMOUNT 02-22-2006 8659-8662 598.97 02-22-2006 8655-8658 720.53 02-24-2006 8663-8671 9,629.85 03-06-2006 8684 216,325.00 03-07-2006 8685-8718 147,287.45 03-08-2006 8719-8735 46,119.17 03-09-2006 8736-8746 2,638,104.82 GRAND TOTAL 3,058,785.79 b. Payroll for Pay Period Ending February 28,2006: $127,463.99 c. Payroll for Pay Period Ending March 15, 2006: 147,241.34 d. Approval of Minutes of February 11,2006 Special Council Meeting Retreat e. Approval of Minutes of February 21, 2006 Council Study Session f. Approval of Minutes of February 23, 2006 Special Council Meeting g. Approval of Minutes of February 28, 2006 Regular Council Meeting h. Approval of Minutes of March 7, 2006 Council Study Session i. Approval of Minutes of March 9, 2006 Special Council Meeting It was moved by Councilmember Munson, seconded, and unanimously passed to approve the Consent Agenda. NEW BUSINESS 2. First Reading Proposed Ordinance 06-006 Repealing Ordinance 05-015 in its Entirety—Mike Connelly After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Councilmember Munson and seconded, to advance ordinance 06-006 to a second reading. Deputy City Attorney Driskell, sitting in for Mr. Connelly, explained that this is more of a housekeeping measure, that ordinance 05-015 was likely pre-mature, and that ordinance is being repealed to assist in the orderly transition to the new Uniform Development Code. Mayor Wilhite called for public comment; no comments were given. Vote by Acclamation:In favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Abstentions:None. Motion carried. 3. First Reading Proposed Ordinance 06-007 Repealing Portions of Spokane Valley Municipal Code 10.30.060—Mike Connelly After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded, to advance ordinance 06-007 to a second reading. Deputy City Attorney Driskell, sitting in for Mr. Connelly, explained that in using Spokane County's zoning regulations, we adopted some zones that do not apply to us but only apply to the rural areas of the county; and in response to a question about the Neighborhood/Community Overlay, Mr. Driskell said that applies to the West Terrace Neighborhood. Mayor Wilhite invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Abstentions:None. Motion carried. 4. Motion Consideration: Authorizing City Manager to Negotiate Agreement for the Sprague Corridor, Sub-area Plan—Scott Kuhta Senior Planner Kuhta explained the background of the Request for Proposals for consulting services to assist in developing a sub area plan for the Sprague/Appleway corridor; that the intent of the plan is to develop a city center framework, identify the exact location where this community wants such city center, and to work with Auto Row in developing a plan and strategies to help those businesses grow, and to identify redevelopment strategies for this core area. Mr. Kuhta said that the four proposals submitted were from David Evans, CH2MHill, ECONorthwest, and Glatting Jackson, with proposals ranging from approximately$200,000 to $400,000. Mr. Kuhta stated that after the March 6 and 7 interviews, and based Council Meeting: 03-21-06 Page 3 of 7 Approved by Council: 04-11-06 on the criteria as shown in the March 21, 2006 Request for Council Action, the panel decided to recommend ECONorthwest, which includes the local planning firm of Studio Cascade. After hearing from Glatting Jackson, a transportation and urban design firm from Florida, Mr. Kuhta reported that the panel felt that type of expertise was needed for this project in order to link urban design planning and transportation. Mr. Kuhta said that staff seeks authorization tonight from Council to begin those negotiations with the Freedman Tung Group and to include Glatting Jackson on that team; adding that ECONorth has no objection in substituting Glatting Jackson into the mix. Regarding the proposal bid, staff plans to negotiate the scope in an attempt to lower it to a comfortable level and to also get the best value from this project, as this project will be the development catalyst for the next 20 years. Mr. Kuhta also mentioned the March 21, 2006 letter received from Glatting Jackson. Council/staff discussion ensued including that ECONorthwest would be the controlling consultant with input from Gattling, the budgeted amount of$250,000 versus the proposal amounts; narrowing the scope to the original discussion rather than the broad project and/or phasing the project versus considering the whole corridor project; the upcoming discussion with Glatting and the need to address their objectivity regarding a one or two-way couplet; that a budget is a guideline and can be revised; and to integrate land use, transportation, and economics into this project to make it something the community can be proud of. Mr. Kuhta clarified that ECONorthwest is agreeable to have Glatting Jackson do the transportation portion rather than the consultant they would have brought on board; and that the meeting Monday will include a re-scoping to determine Glatting Jackson's piece in this project. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded to authorize the Department of Community Development to negotiate a contract with ECONorthwest, Freedman, Tung and Bottomley team to assist the City in preparing a subarea plan for the Sprague/Appleway Corridor. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions:None. Motion carried. 5. Presentation and Commentary: Update Sign Code Compliance—Marina Sukup Community Development Director Sukup gave her PowerPoint presentation covering the history of the sign regulations ordinance, the ad hoc Sign Committee, the brochure distribution last August, and the compliance efforts, and stated that she anticipates it will take approximately five or six months to get through all the principal arterials in town; that the objective is to be consistent and fair in gaining compliance from community members. Council/staff discussion ensued, including reiterating that Council welcomes public input, that previous public meetings were not well attended by members of the community; the difference between a sign and a decoration; regulating structures and not content; that the legal department is researching the issue of flags; exempt signs; garage sale signs; and real estate signs; and that the ordinance can be amended to further clarify any gray areas. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment. PUBLIC COMMENT: J.R. Haase, 11003 E Sprague: expressed concern about not being allowed to put up a sign on private property; he stated he needs his reader boards to state his daily specials; that reader boards are economical, and people need them to advertise their business; that he objects to needing a permit to put up a sign on his own building or to put up seasonal banners; the law is unclear on what is a permanent sign and what is not; he wondered who would be the judge if a sign is seasonal; and questioned giving a citation to someone for putting up an Irish flag. Kep Paulson, E 1220 Sprague: said that many business owners have contacted him and are angry, that it appears we are still working on the sign ordinance so it should be rescinded until finalized; and that getting permits for the signage is a lot of taxation. Council Meeting: 03-21-06 Page 4 of 7 Approved by Council: 04-11-06 Murray Danzig, 7807 E Sprague, of Freedom RV: said he has been in business on Sprague for about 40 years; that he feels the couplet is a funnel to direct people to Spokane rather than the Valley; and that he wants the signs so people will stop and conduct business in the Valley. Barry Danzig; 7103 E Sprague: said that he owns property and feels it is unfair to have a Council tell citizens they can't promote their land for sale with more than one sign; that it appears Council is trying to control the way they advertise business; that perhaps some signs are hazards, but many are not; and that the land owner should be able to put up signs for their business; and that he puts up signs that are good, clean signs. Terry Swenhaugen, 5602 E Sprague: said that he owns an auto dealership on Sprague; that he put an espresso stand in front of his place because things slowed down; that he spent about $70,000 for it including banners and portable signs boards; that he was in business with the espresso stand for ten days and was told he had to take down the banners, even though an entire section of auto row has banners. Mary Pollard, 12617 E Baldwin Avenue: spoke concerning the placement of large flag-type signs on a residential area to advertise a particular property; and suggested something might be done to curtail some commercial signs for development. Dave Smith, 12026 E Sprague: in reference to voluntary sign compliance, said that the definition of "voluntary" should be you volunteered to do it, not you do it or were fined you every day you didn't; that citizens need clarification on exceptions including giving some examples; that no one is arguing about moving the signs from the right-of-way or the sidewalk; they are being told pennants are not allowed; that their lease is coming up for renewal and there are lots of empty office spaces along the corridor; he suggests council not make that worse by stifling businesses and making them move. Ryan Evans, N 127 Greenacres Road: said there is much confusion on the old style streamers and flags; that he has had streamers held up with cable and never lost one in the almost eight years he has been in business; and he questions what is permanent or temporary. Mayor Wilhite invited further public comment; no comments were offered. Councilmember Schimmels stated that this is a work in progress; that council is willing to listen; but that a "good share" of the ordinance is firm and sensible; adding that Council needed and sought much input before the sign ordinance went into effect. Mayor Wilhite thanked everyone for their concerns and added that she too is a small business owner; and it was because of citizen concern that this topic was placed on the council agenda; that staff including the legal department continues to look at some of the definitions; and that perhaps this would be a good topic for a town hall type of meeting. Mayor Wilhite called for a recess at 7:56 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:10 p.m. 5a. Motion Consideration: Authorize the City Manager to Make Payment of$420,638.33, for the 2005 Retro payroll associated with the Law Enforcement Agreement—Dave Mercier(added agenda item) It was moved by Councilmember Munson and seconded, to authorize the City Manager to make payment of $420,638.33 for the 2005 Retro payroll associated with the Law Enforcement Agreement. City Manager Mercier explained that work continues on the retro law enforcement agreement; that we previously authorized $250,000; and tonight's amount is fairly close to the 2005 payroll consideration; that he urges Council's promotion, and said that any small change will be handled in the settle and adjust amount typically handled in August. There was brief council discussion concerning the funds and the law enforcement contract, that council heard this topic addressed several weeks ago; and that there is some Council Meeting: 03-21-06 Page 5 of 7 Approved by Council: 04-11-06 urgency from the County for us to make this payment. Vote by acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Wilhite invited public comment. Dick Behm, 3626 S Ridgeview Drive, 99206: spoke concerning flood insurance and that he filed a citizen appeal to FEMA; he stated that a new flood map will be coming out soon; that he received a phone call last week letting him know that the flood flow elevation will be reduced in certain communities; and he thanked Mayor Wilhite for her efforts. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 6. Barker Road Bid and County Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—Steve Worley/Neil Kersten Public Works Director Kersten explained that this is only a review of the bid and MOU and that these will be brought back next week for action consideration. He explained that a MOU between the City and County is required in order to establish the roles and cost obligations of each jurisdiction; and that Eller Corporation is the apparent low bidder for the project. Council voiced no objection in bringing these items back next week for action consideration. 7. Solid Waste Update Mike Connelly Removed from the agenda; to be brought back next week. 8. Parks Master Plan Review—Mike Jackson Parks and Recreation Director Jackson explained that tonight's report will be a brief review, as staff works to have this Plan adopted simultaneously with the adoption of the City's Comprehensive Plan; and specifically to bring the topic to the April 18 study session to discuss any remaining issues prior to adoption. After giving his PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Jackson said he anticipated having a revised document for council review prior to final adoption. 9. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DELIBERATION: 1. Confirmation of Land-Use Strike-through Chapter Prior to discussion of the Land Use strike-through chapter, Deputy Mayor Taylor mentioned there are a few typographical scrivener errors in the chapter, which staff can change independently (see page 17 — auto row, and others). It was moved by Councilmember Munson, seconded and unanimously passed, to accept the Land-Use Strike through chapter. 2 Continued Discussion of Land Use Map Changes for properties#54-68 Senior Planner Kuhta distributed copies of the March 21, 2006 memorandum from Spokane County,just received this afternoon. Discussion of the properties, access issues of some, and general designation of the areas will be continued at Thursday's meeting. Council consensus to have the strip only designated as "office" as perhaps the Planning Commission should consider the other areas. At 9:00 p.m., it was moved by Councilmember DeVleming, seconded and unanimously approved to extend the meeting 20 minutes. Concerning numbers 31, 33, and 35, Mr. Kuhta suggested having a designation for this area to conform to what the 20-year plan would show Council wants after the mining operation is completed; and suggested keeping it consistent with High Density Residential, which is a non-conforming use of that zone. After discussion, it was determined to look at the area more closely before making a decision, and that staff will research to determine what is occurring on the property at present; and that he will try to have additional information available for Thursday's meeting. Council Meeting: 03-21-06 Page 6 of 7 Approved by Council: 04-11-06 3. Continued Discussion of Neighborhood Chapter Deliberation of Neighborhood Chapter continued with NP-2.7. NP 2.7: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor, seconded, and unanimously passed to revise the policy as follows: "Develop guidelines and options for neighborhood/sub-area based associations which facilitate the refinement of neighborhood/sub-area plans." 2.8: Unanimously voted to delete. GOAL NG 3: Unanimously voted to change as follows: Encourage Neighborhood/sub-area planning for commercial, industrial and mixed use properties to enhance the quality, vibrancy and character of existing development • • - . : - - -- - = - - - - - . NP 3.1: Consensus to change as follows: Establish regulations and identify potential incentives that encourage multi-use areas that integrate a broad range of appropriate and compatible land use activities and encourage the development and redevelopment of land in conformance with the SVCP. It was moved and seconded to extend the meeting to 9:35 p.m. In Favor: Mayor Wilhite, Deputy Mayor Taylor, and Councilmembers Denenny, DeVleming, Munson and Gothmann. Opposed: Councilmember Schimmels. Abstentions:None. Motion carried NP-3.2: no change NP-3.3: Encourage commercial development that is designed and scaled in a manner that is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. NP-3.4: Moved, seconded and unanimously passed to delete. GOAL NG-4: no change It was mentioned that the Housing Chapter narrative and the Capital Facilities chapter as a whole, will be discussed at the next meeting of the comp plan, scheduled for this Thursday. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously passed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:33 p.m. WV •(►W 111 W , Diana Wilhite,Mayor , • Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk / Council Meeting:03-21-06 Page 7 of 7 Approved by Council: 04-11-06 3201)0110./ iraniBroailr Man. ..10.1irt SIGN-IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING i)ATE: March 21, 2006 CITIZEN COMMENTS YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES fel'(I41 I n ii lip Ilifyom Vtdiktei a ii t Sul ¢ I 011.ir,. NAME TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU ADDRESS TELEPHONE PLEASE PRINT WILL$1110119M�L� R. /465a 6/6-/u s /003 ES .! 9a1 -7600 - , 0 s Aw-a-DAulfic(s 4-oci ' VW q 711(1,tr 1� C Sid r ZA) 1,4\/‘ idie go76 i t • • March 21, 2006 y� d Scott Kuhta, AICP, Senior Planner mil City of Spokane Valley 11707 East Sprague Avenue, Suite 106 Spokane Valley, WA 99206 RE: Glatting Jackson's Proposed Approach Sprague/Appleway Corridor Subarea Plan. Dear Scott: Glatting Jackson is a national leader in the creation of balanced transportation systems that contribute to, not burden, a community's quality of life. We are excited about being considered for providing the City of Spokane Valley transportation planning services for the Sprague/Appleway Corridor Sub-area Plan. My name is Troy Russ. I am the Director of Glatting Jackson's Urban Design and • Transportation Service Group. I will serve as the principal-in charge on this project. It is my understanding that several members of your community are worried about our firm's objectivity on this project given Ian Lockwood's statement, last week, that the Sprague/Appleway Corridor might be better served as a combination of two-way streets. I must admit, as a town building principle, I agree with Ian's observations. However, I am writing to inform you that we do not prejudge the outcome of projects and we have not predetermined the most appropriate solution for the Sprague/Appleway Corridor. • Glatting Jackson is the national leader in context sensitive solutions because we do not predetermine solutions. We understand that there are many factors that should be considered when creating sound transportation decisions and that stakeholders and the public are active partners in that decision process. We have extensive experience in creating successful communities where walking, bicycling, transit, and the automobile are partners in mobility and they establish a framework for the development of economically vibrant and livable environments. We have seen the reversal of numerous one-way pairs throughout the Country, when considered in a truly balanced environment, that have significantly improved the quality of life. The doomsday predictions of traffic mayhem simply did not materialize. Over the last twelve years our firm has developed an integrated, context sensitive, approach to urban design and transportation planning. Our process fully engages communities, seeking active participation from vested stakeholders,partner public agencies, and the general public. Our solutions evolve from active citizen input,sound transportation engineering practices, and recognized urban design and town building principles. Like your concerns of us, we are also concerned that some members of your community may wish to preclude potential alternatives that may contribute to the redevelopment and sustained future investment in the corridor. It is only healthy for communities to engage in such discussions as long as the process is balanced and open to public dialog. To resolve these issues, i,ve recommend an approach that would examine the entire corridor, both east and west of University Road. This approach should be multi- disciplined in nature and should fully evaluate'integrated urban design and transportation alternative solutions that are generated in an engaging and open community process. The implementation of the solution would then be phased to match the economic and market conditions of the corridor that maximize the utilization of previous and future public investments. This project is too important not to engage in a spirited community-wide discussion. This effort will be a fulfilling exercise that will identify a community supported solution for Spokane Valley. We believe that Glatting Jackson would add value to the ECONorthwest!Freedman, Tung and l3ottomley team in enabling the creation of a vibrant urban design and transportation solution that improves the corridor's physical, social, and economic environment. Good Luck and Regards, Troy Troy Russ, AICP Principal Transportation and Urban Design Practice Leader Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Lopez Rinehart, Inc. • • • • March 21, 2006 Chuck Hafner 4710 S. Woodruff Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Definition of a Neighborhood----According to Webster, 1997 Edition 1. The area or region around or near some place or thing; vicinity. 2. A district or locality, often with reference to its character or inhabitants: A FASHIONABLE NEIGHBORHOOD. As a member of the Neighborhood Ad Hoc committee, we developed a framework that would enable organized neighborhoods to have the opportunity to communicate, in a positive manner, their concerns. If we are to be a unique City, one that listens, one that communicates, and one that feels an obligation to its citizens, we then need to provide that extremely important link of government to its neighborhoods and neighborhoods to its government. • It should not be a"one-way-street" This important element can only be achieved if the composition of this Chapter meets the needs of the City Government and the Community. • • The Devil is in the details and the details must address how we in the community can best serve our city and how the city can best serve us. Organized Neighborhoods, with elected officers, etc with liaison to City would provide an important element of governing our • city, with the knowledge that their suggestions or requests must be within the city framework, of fiscal responsibility, and ordinances. Many of our neighborhoods have unique characteristics and cultures. We must address the needs of each neighborhood and make them an integral part of the whole picture. The whole picture being the City of Spokane Valley. Although, through hearsay, other municipalities have had neighborhood organizations that have been extremely negative. Therefore, it would be necessary and important to have a framework that would be workable and positive for all parties involved. • Perhaps another Ad Hoc Committee might be appropriate. I would hope that you, the City Council, in your deliberations relating to the Neighborhood Chapter, would provide the necessary structure to insure that our citizens have a "buy-in" and a voice in our government. Sincerely, Chuck Hafner • • •