2006, 09-12 Regular Meeting MinutesAttendance:
Diana Wilhite, Mayor
Steve Taylor, Deputy Mayor
Mike DeVleming, Councilmember
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember
Rich Munson, Councilmember
Gary Schimmels, Councilmember
Absent:
Dick Denenny, Councilmember
MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday September 12, 2006
Mayor Wilhite called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and welcomed everyone to the 100 meeting.
INVOCATION: Councilmember Munson gave the invocation.
City Staff:
Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager
Mike Connelly, City Attorney
Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Steve Worley, Senior Engineer
Mike Jackson, Parks & Rec Director
Marina Sukup, Community Development Director
Cal Walker, Police Chief
Scott Kuhta, Senior Planner
Carolbelle Branch, Pubic Information Officer
Tom Scholtens, Building Official
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
Councilmember Denenny. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor, seconded, and unanimously agreed to
excuse Councilmember Denenny from tonight's meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor, seconded and unanimously agreed
to approve the agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: None
COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS:
Councilmember Schimmels: said he had no report but asked to be excused from next Tuesday's council
meeting, and the meeting of October 3 and October 10.
Councilmember Gothmann: mentioned he attended the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.
Councilmember Munson: announced that our City is being considered a finalist for the 2006 Municipal
Excellence Award for the Development of CenterPlace.
Councilmember DeVleming: stated that last Monday he attended the Spokesman Review Celebration for
Good Neighbors; and a 9/11 anniversary ceremony at Fairchild.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Wilhite reported that she also attended the 9/11 Ceremony at Fairchild,
the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting; an American Lung Association meeting at Park Place; a tour
of Washington State University's new academic center; the GMA meeting, and the County Fair opening.
Mayor Wilhite then read the proclamation for "Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month."
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Wilhite invited general public comments.
Tom Fomasi, 7327 E 6 Street: spoke of problems at Edgecliff park and said that the neighborhood is
tired of drug dealings going on there; that he has asked the City for a street light as the Sheriff's Office
Council Meeting: 09 -12 -06 Page 1 of 5
Approved by Council: 09 -26 -06
VOUCHER LIST DATE
VOUCHER #s
TOTAL VOUCHER AMOUNT
08 -17 -06
9764 *
$40.00
08 -17 -06
9766 *
$9,750.00
09 -05 -06
9870 -9914
$2,082,328.43
09 -05 -06
9915 -9927
$1,378,673.40
GRAND TOTAL
$3,470,791.83
indicated a light would help deter that element; he mentioned there have been needles found in the area
which presents a health hazard.
Floyd Reeves, 7407 E 6 spoke of the alley behind him between 6th and 4th and that a person has been
living in the alley and claims it as his; that this has been going on for two years; that he met with Spokane
Valley Code Enforcement Officer Chris Berg two weeks ago and there has been no parking in the alley
since; but problems persist as the person drains oil from his old cars, and children sometimes play in the
alley.
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:
(* removed from Council's 9 -05 -06 Consent Agenda)
b. Payroll for Period Ending August 31, 2006: $229,644.25
c. Minutes of August 31, 2006 Special Executive Session Meeting
d. Minutes of September 5, 2006, Special Council Meeting
Mayor Wilhite asked that voucher #9885 be removed so the Finance Department can confirm the amount.
It was then moved by Councilmember Munson, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the
Consent Agenda as amended.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Second Reading Ordinance 06 -020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment — Mike Connelly
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded,
to adopt ordinance 06 -020. City Attorney Connelly explained that this ordinance would provide the
necessary mechanism and procedure for amending the Comprehensive Plan which was approved last
spring, and implementing this now eliminates having to wait one and one -half years before any
amendments could be considered. Attorney Connelly explained that changes since the first reading
include removing the reference to 17.40.160, which is the title location once the new Uniform
Development Code is established; and adding what constitutes an emergency. After brief council
discussion on the criteria, Mayor Wilhite invited public comment. No comments were offered. Vote by
Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
3. First Reading, Ordinance 06 -021 Salary Commission — Mike Connelly
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded,
to advance Ordinance 06 -021 to a second reading at a subsequent meeting. City Attorney Connelly
explained that this ordinance is similar to that which was presented during 2004, and once approved, will
begin the process of engaging a Salary Commission to review councilmembers' salaries. Mayor Wilhite
invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous.
Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
Council Meeting: 09 -12 -06 Page 2 of 5
Approved by Council: 09 -26 -06
4. Motion Consideration: Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) 2006 Call for Projects -
Steve Worley/Neil Kersten
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded, to approve the Mayor to sign the Project
Certification Statement for each project grant application. Senior Engineer Worley explained that since
staff's presentation last week, one additional project has been added to the list: the Appleway
Reconstruction Phase 2 under the STP(U) Urban Improvement Projects. Mr. Worley explained that the
recently obtained construction estimate for the project was almost double the original estimate, and
therefore they will split the project into two phases, with the first phase Tshirley to Barker, and the second
phase from that point to the end of the project to the east. Mr. Worley said he discussed this proposal
with Glenn Miles of SRTC who is in favor of this approach. In addition, based on information from the
street masterplan consultant, Mr. Worley said that one project is in better condition than expected, and
staff suggests replacing the Montgomery Avenue Inlay project with another project after staff and the
consultant evaluate which project would score better. Mr. Worley said staff could return to Council at the
September 26 meeting for final approval, or since the applications are due September 27, Council could
amend the motion to allow the Mayor to sign whatever project may be in the line item now listed for
Montgomery Avenue Inlay. After brief council discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Gothmann
and seconded, to amend the motion to allow the Mayor to sign whatever project may be in the line item
now listed for Montgomery Avenue Inlay. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment; no comments were
offered. Council voted unanimously in favor to amend the motion. Vote by Acclamation on the amended
motion: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
5. Motion Consideration: Community Trade and Economic Development Regional Collaboration Grant —
Scott Kuhta
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded, to authorize Mayor Wilhite's signature on the
attached draft letter of support. Senior Planner Kuhta explained that there is an opportunity to apply for
the Growth Management Services Regional Collaboration Grant; that this new grant opportunity is for
projects that will encourage benefits for multi jurisdictions; and that some of the eligible activities are
listed in his September 12, 2006 Request for Council Action Form. Mr. Kuhta further explained that
there are available grants of up to $75,000; that all costs must be incurred during October 15, 2006 to
June 30, 2007, and that the City of Spokane has offered to be the lead of this grant. Mayor Wilhite
invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous.
Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
6. Mayoral Appointment: Public Transportation Improvement Conference — Mayor Wilhite
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Taylor and seconded, to confirm the Mayor's appointment of
Councilmember Rich Munson as Council representative to the 2006 Public Transportation Improvement
Conference. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation:
In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dick Behm, 3626 S Ridgeview: Mr. Behm mentioned that Clark Hager's wife Gloria passed away last
night after surgery.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
7. Peace Pole — Mike Jackson
Parks and Recreation Director Jackson explained that the Girls Scouts, as part of their Gold Merit Badge,
previously presented to Council a proposal to place a Peace Pole in Mirabeau Park. Mr. Jackson
explained that questions for council consideration are: does the item meet a true need of the facility; is
there a park plan in place that supports the need for the item; is the donor willing to fund the full cost; is
the donor willing to fund ongoing maintenance; and is the City willing to accept ownership of the donated
property. Discussion followed concerning the need to have guidelines for donor recognition and plaques
Council Meeting: 09 -12 -06 Page 3 of 5
Approved by Council: 09 -26 -06
and gift acceptance whether a gift would be for a park or another city -owned facility; the purpose of a
park; funding for the pole and maintenance; and suggested languages for the pole's slogan. Council
asked Girl Scout Amanda Edens if the Scouts could wait until spring to install the pole, thereby giving the
scouts ample time to raise the funds necessary, including a little extra for maintenance. Ms. Edens
responded that waiting until spring would give the Scouts ample time to raise the funds. Council
mentioned that all necessary funds need to be raised by March 1, 2007, or the Council would not accept
the peace pole. Ms. Edens agreed. Ms. Edens will also conduct research to determine which languages
(for the slogan) to recommend adding to the pole. It was also Council consensus that Ms. Edens work
with Director Jackson on the size and placement of the plaque. It was moved by Councilmember Munson
and seconded to approve the placement of the peace pole as discussed based on timing and provision of
funds and identification of plague size and placement. Mayor Wilhite invited public comment.
Tony Lazanis, Empire Way: said that the parks belong to everyone; and he would like to see a memorial
plaque for Bill Cowles since they donated the property to the city.
Dick Behm, 3626 S Ridgeview Drive: thanked council for supporting the project.
Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried
8. Old Senior Center — Mike Jackson
Parks and Recreation Director Jackson reported that staff seeks Council guidance on the disposition of the
Valley Mission Senior Center Facility at 11423 E Mission Avenue. Mr. Jackson explained that the
engineering reports indicate that there has not been a lot of additional settling, and visually (on the
PowerPoint slides), it is obvious the stairs have pulled away from the building, and doors don't close
properly. Director Jackson said for $5,000 to $10,000, engineering could take some core samples under
the building to discover why the building is settling, and let us know what the soil contains so a
determination can be made if anything could ever be built on that area in the future. Discussion ensued
regarding the cost of and need for core sampling; demolishing the building and associated costs; and if the
building were torn down, the idea of having a memorial to recognize those who worked to build the
original building. There was Council consensus that staff move forward to secure core samples so it can
be ascertained if the building is salvageable or if anything could ever be built on that site.
9. Annexation Goals & Policies — Marina Sukup /Mike Connelly
City Attorney Connelly said annexation is tied with support of joint planning agreements and the previous
information mentioned in connection with the CTED grant; and of the comprehensive plan amendment
process discussed earlier. Attorney Connelly brought Council attention to the legal analysis presented for
Council review, and mentioned in particular the Vancouver legislative issues attached in the Council
packet. Community Development Director Sukup brought Council's attention to the attached "Exhibit C"
memorandum on annexation policy considerations, and stated that the considerations are in no particular
order. Director Sukup also mentioned that a public hearing concerning the UGA is scheduled for
September 28 before the Planning Commission. After brief discussion, it was determined that staff will
develop a list of areas to present to Council, that the areas will be rated and show the pros and cons of
annexing each; and will address transportation issues with each area; and that such discussion will be
scheduled for some time after the September 28 Planning Commission public hearing.
10. Zoning: 3.5 — UR7* Situations /Options — Marina Sukup /Mike Connelly
Community Development Director Sukup explained that presently the City has no regulations that
establish specific criteria or that would prohibit the approval of rezoning from UR -3.5 to UR -7 *. Ms.
Sukup mentioned that the terms are confusing as the difference is between 4.35 units per acre and six; and
that the impact on traffic between those would be negligible; and in terms of perception, the difference
would be between a minimum lot of 10,000 square feet and 6,000 square feet. Director Sukup further
Council Meeting: 09 -12 -06 Page 4 of 5
Approved by Council: 09 -26 -06
explained that staff recommends that the focus remain with the minimum lot size rather than the
calculated net density. Mayor Wilhite voiced her agreement in that the verbiage needs to be clear as she
did not realize that 3.5 meant 4.35. City Attorney Connelly said that another policy issue to consider
concerns the design for lower density areas like 10,000 square foot lots or higher, and to design the streets
and grids accordingly; or as an alterative, design for the highest residential density allowed. It was
determined that these issues will be further addressed as the development regulations come to council for
discussion and review.
There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Munson, seconded, and unanimously
passed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
hristine Bainbridge, City Clerk
0443.1,6_, W 51ti._tL
Diana Wilhite, Mayor
Council Meeting: 09 -12 -06 Page 5 of 5
Approved by Council: 09 -26 -06
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