Loading...
2006, 09-05 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Tuesday September 5, 2006 Mayor Wilhite called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and welcomed everyone to the 99 meeting. Attendance: Diana Wilhite, Mayor Dick Denenny, Councilmember Mike DeVleming, Councilmember Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Absent: Steve Taylor, Deputy Mayor Rich Munson, Councilmember INVOCATION: Councilmember Gothmann gave the invocation. City Staff: Dave Mercier, City Manager Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager Mike Connelly, City Attorney Mike Jackson, Parks & Recreation Director Neil Kersten, Public Works Director Marina Sukup, Community Development Director Tom Scholtens, Building Official Morgan Koudelka, Administrative Analyst Cal Walker, Police Chief Steve Worley, Senior Engineer Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Wilhite led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called roll; all Councilmembers were present except Deputy Mayor Taylor and Councilmember Munson. It was moved by Councilmember Denenny, seconded by Councilmember Gothmann, and unanimously agreed to excuse Deputy Mayor Taylor and Councilmember Munson from tonight's meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the amended agenda. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: None. COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS: Councilmember Schimmels: reported that he attended the Spokane Regional Transportation meeting and invited the Councilmembers to another meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 1:30. Councilmember Denenny: explained that a week ago he went to Priest Lake for a meeting with Mr. Mielke and others to discuss formation of the TMDL committee; that the meeting was very productive; and that Mr. Denenny will have an outline of the meeting for councilmembers in the near future. Councilmember Gothmann: reported that he attended about seven meetings. Councilmember Devleming: reported that he attended a 911 Board Meeting where they finalized the budget and advanced it to the County Commissioners; and that he also attended a welcoming for a four - star general visiting Fairchild. MAYOR'S REPORT: none PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Wilhite invited public comments. No comments were offered. 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: 09 -05 -06 Page 1 of 4 Approved by Council: 09 -12 -06 VOUCHER LIST DATE VOUCHER #s TOTAL VOUCHER AMOUNT 08 -17 -2006 9744 -9804 $146,359.60 08 -25 -2006 9806 -9833 $210,048.58 GRAND TOTAL $356,408.18 a. Following claim vouchers: b. Minutes of August 15, 2006 Council Study Session c. Minutes of August 22, 2006 Council Regular Meeting It was moved by Councilmember Denenny and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda. Councilmember DeVleming stated that he previously asked for further clarification on vouchers 9764 and 9766 and would like those removed until he has an opportunity to discuss those with Finance Director Thompson. The motion was amended to exclude those two mentioned vouchers from the approval of the Consent Agenda. Vote by Acclamation on the amended motion: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS 2. Proposed Resolution 06 -017 Cable Franchise Continuation — Morgan Koudelka After City Clerk Bainbridge read the resolution title, it was moved by Councilmember Denenny and seconded to approve Resolution 06 -017 implementing a continuation period for the cable television franchise with Comcast through March 5, 2007. Administrative Analyst Koudelka explained the need for the continuation as noted in his accompanying Request for Council Action. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous; Opposed: None; Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 3. Proposed Resolution 06 -018 in Support of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Foundation Concepts — Neil Kersten After City Clerk Bainbridge read the resolution title, it was moved by Councilmember Denenny and seconded to approve resolution 06 -018 supporting and accepting implementation offoundation concepts for the Spokane River Total Maximum Daily Load. Public Works Director Kersten explained the rationale for the supporting resolution as noted in the accompanying Request for Council Action and as mentioned in the Resolution and Managed Implementation Plan. Mayor Wilhite invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous; Opposed: None; Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 4. Motion Consideration: Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) — Dave Mercier It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann and seconded to ratify the previous decision of the City Council and not form a Local Redevelopment Authority regarding the closure and potential reuse of the Walker Army Reserve Center located in Spokane Valley. City Manager Mercier explained that this is the fifth Council discussion of this topic as the process has changed from when first briefed. Mr. Mercier said that the City has been asked to reconsider establishment of an LRA; and Mr. Mercier stated his opinion that he was not persuaded it would be in the City's best interest to assume responsibility and potential liability for managing a process still not yet fully defined and which could be contentious when responding to Notices of Interest filed by competing entities wanting to reuse the property. Mr. Mercier added that the process appears to still be in flux. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment. Lawrence D Griffith, 12925 E Valleyway, Spokane Valley, 99216; read his statement in rebuttal to Mr. Mercier's view on the facility; he stated he wants us to afford the citizens the opportunity to participate in this redevelopment, and by applying to form the LRA this would allow citizens a key role in the planning of a community resource, and encourage the community to be involved in the council; he urges council to be form the LRA; and said that in addition to the facility's use for the homeless, there could be other unknown options in economic development or vocational training, and we must be allowed the opportunity to discuss the options. Mayor Wilhite invited further comments; no further comments were offered. Council Meeting: 09 -05 -06 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council: 09 -12 -06 Mr. Mercier said that any plan of re -use dealing with homelessness would reply on HUD as the final authority, so the question remains if HUD has full legislative authority to attend to all the elements of the re -use planning process. Councilmember Denenny remarked that we could still go through the process and end up with the Army selling the facility for market value. After further brief discussion, Council voted by acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 5. Motion Consideration: Request for Proposal for Lobbyist — Dave Mercier It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann and seconded to authorize dissemination of the Request for Proposals State Legislative Lobbying Services. City Manager Mercier mentioned that Council indicated earlier this year their interest in having a lobbyist, and he hopes this Request for Proposal meets those desires. Mr. Mercier added that a lobbyist list is also attached for council review. Councilmember Schimmels indicated he was not part of the previous council consensus for staff to draft this proposal, and doesn't feel the $40,000 to $50,000 for a lobbyist is prudent, and that their legislative issues are handled well by AWC. Although Councilmember DeVleming voiced his agreement with Councilmember Schimmels and said he feels this is not necessarily the "best bang for the buck," Mayor Wilhite and Councilmember Denenny voiced their opinions that this is necessary in order to stay current with the hundreds of bills passing through the legislative process. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Mayor Wilhite and Councilmembers Gothmann and Denenny; Opposed: Councilmembers Schimmels and DeVleming. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Wilhite invited general public comments; no comments were offered. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 6. Update on Spokane County Library District (SCLD) Projects — Mike Wirt, Executive Director SCLD Spokane County Library District Executive Director Mike Wirt and Trustee Tim Hattenburg reported on the status of the District's services and projects, including the proposed new Valley Library which is intended to replace the existing Valley branch. After the presentation, there was brief discussion concerning the upcoming levy, and Mr. Hattenburg reported that should the levy not pass, the District might cut programs but would likely not cut building hours of operation. Mayor Wilhite called for a short recess at 7:00 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. 7. Outside Agencies' Presentation — Nina Regor Deputy City Manager Regor introduced this agenda item by explaining the annual procedure inviting outside agencies to present proposals for financial assistance; that the proposed budget for 2007 includes $120,000 for this purpose, with $69,000 allocated to Economic Development entities; and $51,000 allocated to social services entities, and that those figures are placeholders pending future Council action. Mayor Wilhite changed the order of presentations as noted below. Each agency then gave their presentation for their requested funding assistance. SOCIAL AGENCIES: (g) Project Access, request for $30,000; (f) Institute for Systems Medicine, request for $100,000 [Mr. Mercier mentioned this entity might fit better under economic development rather than social services.]; (e) Pet Savers, request for $25,000; (d) Big Brothers, Big Sisters, request for $7,000; (c) Spokane Valley Community Center (and Food Bank), request for $5,000; (b) Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels, request for $2,500; and (a) Spokane Valley Arts Council, request for $10,000. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES: (h) Economic Development Council, request for $65,000; (i) International Trade Alliance request for $35,000; and (j) Inland Northwest Women's Business Center request for $10,000. Following all presentations, Deputy City Manager Regor asked Council for their input on the process for funding determination. After brief discussion, it was determined that by Monday, each Councilmember Council Meeting: 09 -05 -06 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council: 09 -12 -06 will send Ms. Regor their individual funding preferences, and that Ms. Regor will compile the information into a spreadsheet for further council deliberation at the September 19 study session. 8. Spokane Regional Transportation Commission Call for Projects /Grant Applications — Neil Kersten/ Steve Worley Senior Engineer Worley explained that the SRTC issued its 2006 Call for Projects, with an application due date of September 27, 2006. [Councilmember Schimmels left the room at 8:50 p.m., and returned at 8:54 p.m.]. Mr. Worley stated that this list is preliminary and will continue to be evaluated and revised based on City priorities, local funding availability and application scoring criteria, and that a final list is scheduled to be brought to Council for motion consideration at the September 12 council meeting. It was moved by Councilmember DeVleming, seconded, and unanimously agreed to extend the Council meeting to 9:10 p.m. 8a. Salary Commission Discussion — Councilmember DeVleming Councilmember DeVleming stated that a lot of time has passed since the Salary Commission's last recommendation, and he recommends Council instruct staff to take the initial steps to create the commission, and bring back a draft ordinance regarding this matter. Council concurred. Staff will bring a draft ordinance to the next council meeting for council consideration. 9. Advance Agenda Additions — Mayor Wilhite Brief discussion ensued regarding the items on the "pending" list, including the Governance Manual, and that this list is more of a memory piece and that items move to a meeting date as appropriate. COUNCIL CHECK -IN: Mayor Wilhite thanked Councilmembers for letting her know when they plan to be out of town. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Dave Mercier City Manager Mercier brought Council attention to the advance agenda and the September 12 Council meeting, specifically item #10 concerning zoning; that staff will re -insert the formerly submitted legal information submitted by Mr. Connelly, and will ask Community Development Director Sukup to bring up policy questions, including density issues concerning Greenacres. In other matters, Mr. Mercier said that today at the Board Of County Commissioners meeting, there was conversation about the letter asking the County to convey the $1.6 million previous pledged for constructing a new pool, pledged prior to incorporation in 2001, and also pledged prior to adoption of our Parks MasterPlan and the feedback from the community that they prefer added aquatics amenities rather than a new pool; and that the County is scheduled to revise their resolution during their upcoming meeting. There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember DeVleming, seconded, and unanimously approved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. ATTEST: hristine Bainbridge, ity Clerk Q Diana Wilhite, Mayor Council Meeting: 09 -05 -06 Page 4 of 4 Approved by Council: 09 -12 -06 DATE: September 5, 2006 TO: Spokane Valley City Council FROM: James & Mary Pollard -anded to staff at the 9 -5 -06 ' ouncil meeting. Distributed to Councilmember,s 9 -6 -06 - Chris B ec_ 14;044 This is to remind you to answer the questions that were posed at the city council a few weeks ago regarding what is the public process for road improvements. Constitutionally, one property owner should not have more say over a public road than another property owner. Also, what are the guiding principles in determining what "Preserve Natural Drainage ways" means? Engineers have at times had to keep a drainage way open through the middle of a development. We have not received an answer and Mayor Wilhite assured me that the staff would write an answer to our questions. Second, the right away, in front of our home, used by the entire public, cannot remain as it is. The gravel continues to erode as people walk on it. 1 have slipped down it several times while getting my mail. Small children cannot be seen below the road when a car is going east due to the obstruction the car's dash makes as you near the gate of our property. I drove it and took pictures and my daughter tried the same. We found you could see the adult but the child was not visible. The City's Risk Management Department should he apprised about the public safety hazard and avoid risk by ensuring there is a way the public can walk safety from our property to the roadway, and to walk in the right of way without fighting a steep slope of gravel. There is not one safe route entrance to our property. Debbie Foster, our neighbor, trips every time she has walked across the street to visit because you can't notice. the "C" curb they built across the frontage of our driveway: The city has been notified about the public safety problem here and I would like a realistic solution. ADA standards do not permit a grade of over 5% for walking. Anyone with hip or back problems often have problems with their walking gait and our driveway has been made too steep, due to the road alteration. John Holunan e- mailed that the curb cut at the west end of our property line was not to be there because the drywell was to contain strictly the runoff from our property generated by the alteration of the roadway. I apprised Mr. Karsten that the curb cut should not have been at this point since they had forgotten to install any "C" curb in front of our property and this was an opportunity to fix this as well. Apparently it was forgotten. A cold joint was generated when crews placed an asphalt "C" curb on existing roadway, at a later time and the curb cut has remained. The drywell is designed by anticipated water. it will be receiving most of the street run off at this point. Legal should never be equated with moral goodness. The installation of the road as designed was ethical bankruptcy. 1 believe it is outrageous, the fact that we urged the city for two years to please plan the roadways to ensure that this pristine area was developed properly. You are paying a big price to redevelop Sprague Ave. The neighbors don't feel we should be expected to just move on and live with this. it is such a mess, I can't figure out how we can make a walkable area on my side of the street that is safe and also provides a way for me to get to the street with out risking injury when just getting my mail. Parents continue to stop in front of our home when they cone for piano lessons. We have informed the city about the public endangerment. It is your job to protect the health and welfare of your constituents. I am waiting for a good solution. There has never been a solution posed that did not ask us to change our property. What happened to development stopping at their property line? We need a response. Thank you for considering this matter for the entire neighborhood. Sincerely, ames & Mary Pollard To: City Council — Light Rail September 5, 2006 From: Mary Pollard i contacted Mr. Randal O'Toole and asked him if he could respond to the light rail project Spokane area is entertaining. Pm pasting his response below. He is willing to answer questions and provide other experts to help educate the public on the cost and benefits of light rail. >Dear Mr. O'Toole, >Spokane, Washington hardly comes close to the population of >Portland. I've been told by one retired planner it takes a very >large population riding the light rail to make it economically >feasible. The truth is that there is no sire. or density of population that makes light rail feasible from any viewpoint. Light rail is only popular because it costs a lot of money and thus creates a lot of pork. Buses, in fact, can carry more people at faster speeds than light rail, so there is no transportation reason to ever build light rail. At some very high density, subways or elevated's make sense -- but in the United States New York is really the only place that has that density. Here's his bio. Randal O'Toole has spent three decades studying government planning, including both rural and urban plans. .His work on national forest planning led to the book, "Reforming the Forest Service," which proposes free- market reforms of public land management. His work on urban planning led to the book, "The Vanishing Automobile and Other Urban Myths: How Smart Growth Harms American Cities," which promotes free- market solutions to congestion . and other urban problems. In 1998, Yale University named O'Toole its McCloskey Conservation Fellow. In .1999 and 2001, he was the Scaife Visiting Scholar at the University of California at Berkeley, and in 2000 he was the Merrill Visiting Professor at Utah State University. O'Toole is an economist with the Thoreau Institute (ti.org) and the director of the American Dream Coalition (americcundreamcoalition.org). E-mail: rot @ti.org Randal OToole Thoreau Institute P. 0. Box 1590 Landon, O •egon 97411 54 - 347 541- 297 -6798 cell 541 -982 -2226 voice mail http: / /ti.org 06- Spokane rtrea Site Selector Participants City of Spokane Avista Corporation Spokane County Spokane Area Economic Development Council Washington State University City of Liberty Lake