2004, 01-13 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Mayor DeVleming welcomed everyone and called the City of Spokane Valley Regular Meeting to order
at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Councilmembers: Michael DeVleming, Mayor
Diana Wilhite, Deputy Mayor
Dick Denenny, Councilmember
Mike Flanigan, Councilmember
Richard Munson, Councilmember
Gary Schimmels, Councilmember
Steve Taylor, Councilmember
Staff Present: Dave Mercier, City Manager
Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager
Stanley Schwartz, City Attorney
Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Ken Thompson, Finance Director
Marina Sukup, Community Development Director
Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Morgan Koudelka, Administrative Analyst
Tom Scholtens, Building Official
Bing Bingman, IT Specialist
Sue Pearson, Deputy City Clerk
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor DeVleming led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Pastor Shelley Bryan -Wee of Zion Lutheran Church gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called roll. All councilmembers were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Wilhite and seconded by Councilmember
Flanigan to approve the agenda as presented. Roll Call Vote: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None.
Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS:
Deputy Mayor Wilhite: reported that she represented the City at the dedication of the Michael Anderson
Elementary School on Fairchild Air Force Base. She also attended an Eagle Scout presentation and
presented two proclamations honoring the two young men who had attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
Councilmember Taylor: said that he attended the Spokane Public Facilities District Board meeting and
will report more on that meeting later concerning the size of the Board.
Councilmember Denenny: reminded everyone that the public hearings for the Spokane Transit Authority
will be held tomorrow at the Arena from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and again Thursday at the Convention
Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Council Minutes 01 -13 -04 Page 1 of 5
Date Approved by Council: 01 -20 -04
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor DeVleming said the Christmas tree has now been removed and thanked
all those who helped.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Rick Behm, 9405 East Sprague: expressed extreme gratitude to SCOPE in general and specifically for
their performing a security check at his business at 2:00 a.m.
Matt Jankowski, 9512 E. Sprague: discussed the couplet and the negative impact the one -way has had on
his business at 9512 East Sprague; said prior to the couplet his revenues were $850,000, and this year
revenues were approximately $640,000; that he had to lay off people; feels the Valley Mall had no impact
on the business decline as the Mall opened long before the decline of his business; wants Sprague
returned to two -way and wants that considered at this Thursday's meeting.
Art Britton, E. 18812 Euclid: stated his opposition to spending money to change Sprague back to two -
way; said he realizes $4.2 million is ready to help extend the couplet out to Evergreen; that if it does get
extended traffic congestion should lessen; he also suggested adding cross - streets.
1. CONSENT AGENDA: After City Clerk Bainbridge read the Consent Agenda, it was moved by
Councilmember Denenny and seconded by Deputy Mayor Wilhite to approve the consent agenda as
presented. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion
carried.
2. First Reading Proposed Towing Ordinance 04 -001.
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance by title, it was moved by Councilmember Munson and
seconded by Councilmember Denenny to advance this ordinance to a second reading for January 20,
2004. Attorney Driskell gave an overview of the ordinance and his accompanying memo; he suggested
changing Section 6, Al to omit the reference to the commercial driver's license and to state whatever is
required under existing state law.
In response to a call for public comment, Bill Sproutz, 13503 E. 28 stated that he feels [towing]
businesses should be located within the city limits as well as the storage facility. Councilmember
Denenny added that he feels it reasonable to have operators located within the City limits so that citizens
can have reasonable expectations of retrieval within community boundaries.
Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
3. First Reading Proposed Street Vacation Ordinance 04 -002.
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance by title, it was moved by Mayor DeVleming and seconded
by Deputy Mayor Wilhite to advance Ordinance 04 -002 to a second reading. Current Planning Manager
Kevin Snyder explained that the main purposes of this ordinance are to implement policies for the
processing and consideration of street vacation requests; to address conformity to applicable statutory
requirements; and to provide a level of certainty to customers, the Council, Planning Commission and
staff on procedures for street vacations. Mr. Snyder went over the highlights of the ordinance, and added
in keeping with the desire to have cost recovery, staff suggests revising the current $300 fee to $1300.
Mr. Snyder explained that this fee is comparable to other public hearing related application fees (such as a
$1500 fee for a rezone request) which involve various departments such as planning and legal. Mayor
DeVleming invited public comment; none was offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous.
Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
Council Minutes 01 -13 -04 Page 2 of 5
Date Approved by Council: 01 -20 -04
4. First Reading Proposed Fire District Annexation Ordinance 04 -003.
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance by title, it was moved by Mayor DeVleming and seconded
by Councilmember Munson to advance ordinance 04 -003 to a second reading. Deputy City Manager
Regor gave some background leading to this ordinance, and stated that the Fire Districts involved will
also be required to pass similar motions to set this into action. Mayor DeVleming invited public
comment; none was offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions.
None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Tony Lazanis said he questioned why council and the city manager won't give
direction regarding the Design Build Operation in that the DBO will cost millions more to the valley
people; that he would like to see other options; and he feels there is a need to have the valley own and
operate the facility.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
5. Animal Control Discussion.
Deputy City Manager Regor gave background information concerning animal control service including
contract summary, method used in determining estimated cost of animal control, projected animal control
costs, a regional plan for licensing, and next steps which include determining the best service options.
Spokane Animal Control Director Nancy Hill was asked to speak regarding the county's response to the
RFP and the estimated $651,000 annually. Ms. Hill said that more details will be known after the January
20 meeting, that a true regional approach will allow cost savings; that she plans tentatively to go with a
two -year contract to give the community the opportunity to further discuss the regional approach, adding
that a regional committee will be forming and she would like to have at least one Spokane Valley
representative on that committee. During discussion of licenses, City Attorney Schwartz said he will
research to see if other cities require a license at the point of sale of the pet.
6. Design Build Operation (DBO) Discussion
Public Works Director Kersten went over his PowerPoint presentation which included DBO advantages
and disadvantages, the DBO process, risk allocation, financial guarantees, and similarities and differences
compared with Stockton, California's DBO. Mr. Kersten said that it would take approximately 18
months from RFQ to signed agreement and that the DBO should result in lower rates. City Manager
Mercier added that the County will be the lead on this project and staff will provide details of the public
hearing process at the next council meeting. Mr. Kersten indicated he anticipates the interlocal agreement
to be finalized within the next few months.
Mayor DeVleming called for a recess at 7:40 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
7. Tourism Promotion Area Discussion
City Attorney Schwartz said that in the formation of the TPA, the first procedural process is to establish a
TPA through notice and an opportunity for all affected rate payers to testify about the TPA; however, the
notice was deficient because it had not been delivered to all of the lodging associations, specifically to the
owners of recreational vehicle parks and similar establishments. Mr. Schwartz explained that in the
"Decision" there are three reasons which caused the Board of County Commissioners to terminate the
formation proceedings for the TPA. Also, to include a City within a county -wide TPA, the city must have
given consent via an interlocal agreement. Mr. Schwartz explained that the City of Spokane signed an
interlocal agreement but it was not the agreement agreed to by the County so the agreement will need to
be modified. Also, the Board of County Commissioners would like some indication from this body on
possible additional issues to be presented in the interlocal agreement. Discussion then ensued regarding
the draft interlocal agreement. Specific issues included: Section 7C and if it differs from State law;
Section 7B and the apparent ambiguous phrase "honor this request;" cost for a TPA manager and who
will act as said manager; clarification of Section 7B regarding the 40% filing a petition; and having a
Council Minutes 01 -13 -04 Page 3 of 5
Date Approved by Council: 01 -20 -04
section dealing with litigation, indemnification and protection of the city. Councilmember Flanigan
added that he wants to make sure the hoteliers have the ability to remove themselves. Mr. Schwartz will
continue to gather information and report again at the next council meeting.
8. Library Agreement Report.
Deputy City Manager Regor explained that the current offer made by the Library Board mid - December
contained two possible options: one based on property tax valuation, and the other on assumed usage.
Council previously supported the usage concept. Ms. Regor said that the Board came up with a base
usage of $1,902.171, with 2004 adjusted Spokane Valley costs of $2,032,660, which took into
consideration a 6.86% increase factor, and added $67,200 for the value of participating in the reciprocal
agreement between the Spokane County Library District and the City of Spokane Public Library, which
agreement was recently enacted and allows members of any jurisdiction or area to use the other facility
without costs. This brought the board adopted option to approximately $2.1 million. Additionally, the
Board changed the inflation factor from 6.86 to 6.21% as the original percentage was not the final budget
figure. This correction led to the total cost of $2,087,456, or a difference of about $12,000.00.
Discussion turned to the $67,200 figure and how that value was calculated. Ms. Regor also confirmed
that if there is no exchange of funds between the two library districts, the Spokane County Library
District will not experience $67,200 worth of expenses associated with the reciprocal agreement. Ms.
Regor said in reference to the Capital Facilities Plan, the agreement states that the Library District and the
City of Spokane Valley will work to complete the Plan by June 2004; that both entities will contribute
staff time, the District will pay external costs; and should the City not contract with or annex to the
District beyond 2004, the City will reimburse the District for up to $10,000 of those external costs; and
that both entities will agree in advance as to what those costs include. Additionally, the City will appoint
a staff member and a citizen as well as staff support, to the Capital Facilities Plan Advisory Committee.
Ms. Regor said the next Board meeting is set for January 20, 2004. It was Council consensus to remove
the $67,200 figure. Mr. Mercier stated staff will provide this counteroffer to the District.
9. International Building Code Discussion.
Building Official Scholtens gave a report on the background of the building code changes and announced
the upcoming January 22 public hearing before the Planning Commission. After their review, the
ordinance will be brought back before Council. Mr. Scholtens also noted that the enforcement of a
statewide building code is mandated by statute.
It was moved, seconded and agreed upon to extend the Council meeting to 9:15 p.m.
10. Legislative Issues Discussion.
Tax Equalization Issues: Councilmember Taylor reported that AWC continues working to clarify the
issues surrounding the sales tax issue in preparation for upcoming hearings; and as the figures are not
specific, AWC is examining the possibility for funding those cities which would be severally affected due
to the anticipated drop in revenue. Council agreed to continue to oppose this legislation pending further
specific information.
Public Facilities District Board: discussed expansion of the Board to six members, which would include
one member of Council. Councilmember Taylor said that the Board is reluctant to expand beyond the
five members they have; and they prefer that one of the two County seats be given to the Valley; and the
County opposes that idea. Councilmember Taylor said the PFD Board would like to know if Council
would support, or not oppose, legislation that provides us a seat by the County transferring one of their
appointments, and if so, we would have the final word on who that appointee would be. Mayor
DeVleming announced he would support a position of no position. Councilmember Munson said he
would not support their position. After further discussion, it was determined that an official decision will
Council Minutes 01 -13 -04 Page 4 of 5
Date Approved by Council: 01 -20 -04
be made when the legislation comes forward. An opportunity to vote on the legislative agenda will be
included on next week's agenda.
SCAPCA Board: Discussion ensued on increasing the number of representatives for this board, along
with the possibility of this Board dissolving. Councilmember Munson said that he and Councilmembers
Taylor and Wilhite will write a letter to address this topic also. City Manager Mercier suggests Council
pursue appropriate representation on all boards for matters that affect our community and feels that
placing this on the legislative agenda would be consistent with that direction.
It was moved, seconded and agreed upon to extend the Council meeting another fifteen minutes.
It was Council consensus to focus on the first four items addressed in the 1 -13 -04 Request for Council
Action form, to add SCAPCA Board, and to monitor the issues of Water Rights and Tort Reform.
11. Council Retreat
City Manager Mercier mentioned the February 7 Council retreat (or planning conference), and that the
focus will be on the Review of Departmental Work Plans and Submittal Timetables; Finance and Budget
related Issues; Facilities and Contracts; and Community Involvement and Outreach. Additionally, if more
specifics are needed, another planning conference can be scheduled later.
There being no further business, it was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed upon to adjourn. The
meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
hfistine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Michael DeVleming, May r
Council Minutes 01 -13 -04 Page 5 of 5
Date Approved by Council: 01 -20 -04
NAME
PRESENT /ABSENT
COMMENTS
Mayor Michael
DeVleming- Position No. 3 .
. -
1
. . ,
.
Deputy Mayor Diana
Wilhite - Position No. 1
.
Councilmember Dick
Denenny - Position No. 7
c am -
.
• . .
Councilmember Mike
Flanigan- Position No. 6
Councilmember Rich.
Munson - Position No. 5
•
Councilmember Gary
Schimmels- Position No. 4
•
Councilmember Steve
Taylor- Position No. 2
j
.
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
COUNCIL MEETING DATE
COUNCIL ROLL CALL
/ -/3-T
Spokane Valley Council Meeting
January 13, 2004
Pastor Shelley Bryan Wee
Zion Lutheran Church, Millwood
There's a Peanuts cartoon that I've remembered for years. In the first frame, Lucy is
standing next to a tree. Looking up, she shouts to Linus, "What are doing in that tree ?"
Linus answers from the branches of the tree, "Looking for something." Then he adds,
"Can you see Snoopy? We climbed up here together, but now I don't see him." Lucy
unsympathetically shouts back up the tree, "Beagles can't climb trees."
The next frame shows Snoopy falling out of the tree right on his head with a loud
"klunk." "You're right!" Snoopy concludes. Then Lucy lets Snoopy have it. "You stupid
Beagle, what are you doing climbing around in a tree ?" Snoopy's sore head is still
spinning. Linus interrupts from the tree, "Don't yell at him.... We're trying to find a
strange creature in a nest...." Lucy walks off saying, "You're both crazy! Go ahead and
knock yourselves out! I couldn't care less! !" Then Snoopy with his head still sore and
spinning things says, "Rats...I was hoping for a hug!"
Too often we lecture instead of listen, we ridicule rather than have compassion.
Although I don't think we should hug everyone that we meet — I am not an advocate of
indiscriminate hugging —1 am one to say that we are not to indiscriminately criticize
either. Let us pray tonight that as this council meeting begins, ears are open, tongues are
tempered and compassion is the rule.
Let us pray:
Gracious God, we come before you as servants to you and as servants of Spokane Valley.
As business is conducted this evening, we pray for your Spirit of graciousness to be a part
of every decision. May the people gathered here tonight be thoughtful in all of their
discussions as they listen to one another. May they speak with care even in their
disagreements. May they make decisions with compassion as they remember those
whose voices are not present tonight. In your name we pray. Amen
NAME
PLEASE PRINT
TOPIC OF CONCERN
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PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DATE ` 13 — 0 +
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT INCLUDED ON THIS AGENDA. Please include your
name and address for the record. Your time will he limited to three (3) minutes.
Animal Control
Contract Status Report
Contract Summary
❑ SV budgeted $286,083.
❑ Contract expires December 31, 2004.
❑ Methodology: Percentage of SV usage X total
cost of animal control, net of revenues.
❑ Final actual costs are not yet available.
❑ Adjust and settle period will apply percentage
of SV usage to actual 2003 costs.
2003 Animal Control Costs
Per Contract
At year -end
Budgeted Expenses
$ 1,205,024
$1,205,024
Budgeted Revenues
($421,611)
($421,611)
Cost of animal control
$783,413
$783,413
SV % of usage
48.69%
48.86%
SV share
$381,444
$382,776
Pro -rated cost (9 months)
$286,083
$287,082
2003 Animal Control Costs
2004 Budgeted Expenses
$1,229,374
2004 Budgeted Revenues
($411,988)
Cost of Animal Control
$817,386
of SV usage for 2003
48.86%
Projected 2004 SV Cost
$399,375
2004 Projected Animal Control Cost
Pet Licenses Sold
2002
2003
% Change
Oct. New
835
1160
39%
Oct. Renewals
1503
2132
42%
Nov. New
910
930
2%
Nov. Renewals
1367
1831
34%
Calgary Plan (Pet Licensing)
❑ Initial Results
Next Steps
❑ Finalize settle and adjust.
❑ Identify and evaluate alternative options.
o Determine best service options.
❑ Negotiate post 2004 agreement with service
provider.