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2008, 04-29 Study Session MinutesMINUTES CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Mayor Munson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting Present: Councilmembers: Rich Munson, Mayor Dick Denenny, Deputy Mayor Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Steve Taylor, Councilmember Diana Wilhite, Councilmember Staff: Dave Mercier, City Manager Mike Jackson, Deputy City Manager Neil Kersten; Public Works Director Kathy McClung, Community Development Dir Mike Stone, Parks & Rec Director Rick VanLeuven, Police Chief Inga Note, Traffic Engineer Greg Bingaman, IT Specialist Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk 1. Auto Row /Sprague Appleway Corridors — Sean Lumsden (Bonnie Quinn) Bonnie Quinn and Sean Lumsden gave a PowerPoint presentation concerning the Sprague /Appleway Revitalization Plan and their ideas for that area; Ms. Quinn mentioned she is the Account Supervisor of AutoRow, and she introduced several members of AutoRow who were in attendance. Mayor Munson mentioned that as he previously explained to Mr. Lumsden, because the sub -area plan process is not yet complete, that topic will not be addressed tonight. Ms. Quinn stated that they are working to create an event; that there has been some conflict during the course of planning and some disagreement, and she mentioned that the Spokane Convention and Visitor's Bureau has stated that "there is nothing worth promoting in the Spokane Valley," and she re- emphasized that quote and said that the City lacks something great and they want to change that; they want to make a bad area fun, unique, and creative, and she asked Council to consider their plan/vision for the community; she said they need the City's partnership to address an area that currently "looks like a war zone" and to change that by creating a theme for AutoRow, much like Leavenworth, or "auto- Disneyland" but not creating a "sea of asphalt;" that their theme is "Celebration of Transportation" and they hope the Council will join in their vision to improve the area. Council discussion ensued regarding the City's receipt of the business contribution of sales tax; that AutoRow is a destination area but the question of how to acquire funds to address these issues will be part of the overall corridor revitalization; and that Council encouraged AutoRow to "hang in there" while the City works through this process. Mr. Lumsden mentioned that the car dealers are beholding to the manufacturer they serve; and sign and building codes must allow the dealerships to work for the companies they represent; that Toyota is about to embark on a multi - million dollar building project, and they want to make sure Spokane Valley will enable them to adhere to the building codes. Council suggested these revitalization issues need to be addressed in writing to the Planning Commission, and should be done prior to the close of business this Friday, as that is the deadline for taking additional comment. Councilmember Taylor added that it is important to have a vital AutoRow moving forward and mentioned the idea of encouraging all businesses to band together to invest in the area to address all the needs of the Sprague business owners, and to put together a plan to help Spokane Valley in the revitalization of this corridor. Mayor Munson added his encouragement to have citizens and organizations make this corridor a viable corridor, and of Council's desire to make sure that everyone understands there are costs involved and the City has financial limits on what it can do. Study Session Meeting Minutes: 04 -29 -08 Page 1 of 6 Approved by Council: 05 -13 -08 Ms. Quinn said that they have been working hard for years but it seems like the plan is almost going nowhere and they feel they are "number three" on the list but should be "number one" on the list; and if they thrive, then the City will likewise; and she asked Council to consider some tax incentives so they can become a partner with the City, emphasizing that they need to be on top of the list and that she is concerned about waiting for things to move forward. Councilmember Taylor said that he takes exception to the designation of the area as a "war zone" and said that significant public investment has taken place, the road was completely refurbished, new landscape, new sidewalks, and he asked AutoRow to look at the investment already made so that the City can help them follow through on that; and he reminded AutoRow of the fairly recent street vacation whereby Council ruled in favor of Appleway to make sure we have those major auto sale anchors intact. Mayor Munson emphasized the importance of making sure the entire community feels it is being treated fairly and not one section given more favorable treatment than another; that government is not like a business, and doesn't move as fast as some businesses, and he expects to see some significant progress within the next twelve months. Mr. Vic Pestrin mentioned that Hallmark Hyundai doesn't want this issue tied to turning Sprague back into two -ways, that they want the revitalization of AutoRow; and Ms. Quinn again asked Council to consider a tax incentive as it is difficult to recruit businesses to that area. 2. Accident Statistics Along Broadway — Neil Kersten /Inga Note Public Works Director Kersten explained the background of converting Broadway Avenue between Pines Road and Sullivan, from four to three lanes, and of Council's desire to have a report on traffic statistics of that area; and he and Ms. Note explained the multi - colored chart showing the traffic volumes along Broadway. Also mentioned was that traffic volumes were affected while I -90 was under construction, and also due to the change at the Blake Elementary school. Mayor Munson asked about violation statistics in this area, and Ms. Note said staff can work to get those statistics, but they are not available now. Mayor Munson expressed his desire to have something indicating the violations as he is aware of instances where one vehicle perilously passes another slower vehicle; and Mr. Kersten said they looked at accident statistics rather than violations, but will check with the Police Department for those statistics. In response to a question from Councilmember Gothmann concerning bicycle accidents, Ms. Note said there were two bike accidents: one where the rider fell off the bike onto the roadway, and the other was in coming off the sidewalk. As the winter was significantly harsh, Mr. Kersten recommended monitoring this situation for another year and said there is no hurry to perform other Broadway roadwork. Mr. Kersten said general statistics show that there are fewer accidents once roadways are converted from four lanes to three, and feels over time the numbers will reduce. Mayor Munson said he doesn't share those feelings, and he is unwilling to spend $187,000 for a small level of change; that he is not convinced we have a lane problem, but is more convinced we have an intersection problem as there are more accidents at intersections. Council agreed to have staff continue monitoring the area. 3. Mirabeau Parkway Speed Limits /Traffic Control Devices — Neil Kersten /Inga Note Public Works Director Kersten asked that Police Chief VanLeuven describe the situation. Chief VanLeuven explained that he received some information from SCOPE about speeding cars on the Mirabeau Parkway; that he asked the traffic unit to do some pro- active enforcement to determine what speeds are being used. Chief VanLeuven said that it appears most people are using that as a cutoff to bypass I -90, and due to limited visibility and foliage, there are concerns about pedestrian safety; that most cars travel five to twelve miles per hour over the limit; and the police department has cited some traveling as fast as 50 miles per hour; that this traffic issue is most prevalent during morning and evening rush hours. Mr. Kersten explained that public works is examining the use of flashing automated cross -walks for pedestrian, which is a device that people would push to engage the flashing lights while they cross the street. In response to Mayor Munson's question about the use of speed bumps, Ms. Note explained that this is an arterial and they try not to put speed bumps on arterials; she also agreed this area would need to be heavily enforced, and Chief VanLeuven said they are prepared to do enforcement and education. Ms. Study Session Meeting Minutes: 04 -29 -08 Page 2 of 6 Approved by Council: 05 -13 -08 Note also remarked that although the grant for this push- button actuated flasher is due next week, funding recipients will not be announced until 2009. Discussion included not wanting to wait until 2009 to address the issue; that the speed limit could be changed now and the signs /flashers acquired later. There was Council consensus that staff bring this item forward at the May 13 council meeting for a change in the speed limit. 4. STA Cooperative Funding Project, Sprague and Bowdish — Steve Worley Public Works Director Kersten, standing in for Mr. Worley, explained that in March 2007, staff submitted a funding application to the SRTC for the Sprague /Bowdish Concrete intersection project; that the funding was originally to come from the Federal Transit Administration, however, funding for this project switched to the STA; and that STA requests that a Cooperative Funding Interlocal Agreement be executed for this project. Council concurred to place this item on the May 13 consent agenda. 5. Memorandum of Understanding for 24 Avenue Reconstruction Project, Sanitary Sewer Extension — Steve Worley (Note: this item was inadvertently omitted from the Amended Agenda, and such omission is to be considered as a scrivener's error.) Public Works Director Kersten explained that this Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared for the developer to reimburse the City for the estimated $24,288 cost associated with the sewer line construction. Council concurred to place this item on the May 13 consent agenda. 6. Universal Park Contract, Architectural Services — Mike Stone In his first opportunity to formally address Council, Parks and Recreation Director Stone reported that in proceeding with the development of the Children's Universal Park, staff issued a request for Proposals; that four proposals were received and after interviews, staff identified EcoPlan and Design Concepts as the team most highly qualified for this project. So that the public will have an opportunity to comment on this item, this item will be placed on the May 13 regular agenda for a motion consideration. Councilmember Wilhite asked staff to invite Dr. Terry Brown and others who were involved with this project, to that May 13 meeting. Mayor Munson called for a short recess at 7:30 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 7:40 p.m. 7. Transportation Financial SWOT Analysis — Dave Mercier City Manager Mercier explained that tonight's SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) Analysis will focus solely on transportation analysis; and that the objective for this exercise, is "to provide residents and businesses with a physically and financially sound local transportation (street) system that meet their needs now and in the future." Councilmembers discussed various factions of the transportation system, which discussion culminated in the attached list of items, which list also shows how Council prioritized (voted) the items mentioned. Mr. Mercier said that once staff has had opportunity to compile the information, he will ask staff the same questions and provide Council the information from staff for Council's continued discussions. 8. Advance Agenda — Mayor Munson Mayor Munson mentioned the area -wide rezone council discussion and public comment item set for 120 minutes on the May 13 meeting, and mentioned his preference to have these two items combined into one motion consideration, which would still allow for public comment, and said he felt this could be accomplished in 60 minutes rather than 120. Council concurred changing the item to a motion consideration, and suggested leaving the time allotment open as it will depend on the number of people coming to speak, and that the issue to consider will be whether to return the item to the Planning Commission for their further consideration. Mayor Munson said he will draft verbiage for the motion for council to consider at the May 13 meeting. It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite, seconded and unanimously passed to extend the meeting for another five minutes. City Manager Mercier mentioned that Study Session Meeting Minutes: 04 -29 -08 Page 3 of 6 Approved by Council: 05 -13 -08 next Tuesday's agenda includes discussion for Council's Six -Year Transportation Financials goals, and asked Council if they are comfortable with the proposed pace. Council concurred to proceed as planned. 9. Information Only: The Greenacres Statistics, Cooperative Agreement for CDBG and Home Investment Partnership Funds, List of Pending UDC Amendments, and Recreation /Conservation Grant Resolution for Greenacres were for information only and were not discussed or reported. 10. Council Check -in — Mayor Munson Councilmember Taylor .suggested moving the Affordable Housing item to the May 6 agenda. Council concurred. 11. City Manager Comments — Dave Mercier: No comments. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. ATTEST; Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk Study Session Meeting Minutes: 04 -29 -08 Page 4 of 6 Approved by Council: 05 -13 -08 SWOT Analysis from April 29, 2008 Council Study Session: Objective: To provide residents and businesses with a physically and financially sound local transportation (street) system that meets their needs now and in the future. # VOTES: STRENGTHS: 6 Good current conditions 6 Lack of congestion 6 We have a plan (street master plan and TIP) 4 Good access to business 3 Safe streets 2 Excellent contractors - street maintenance 2 Couplet 2 Excellent commuter system (I -90) 1 Strong east/west system 1 Clean 1 Some excellent bike lanes 1 Good street signs 0 Reasonable grid system 0 Excellent staff and council 0 Good connectivity to freeway 0 Good sight distance VOTES OPPORTUNITIES 7 Work with state legislature to develop new tools /funding 6 To establish an ongoing funding source 4 To implement the street master plan 4 Transportation Benefit District, LID, Taxes: sales, utility, real estate, B &O, property, 3 To develop unique city /private projects 2 To maintain at a lower cost then if we were in dire straights 2 To develop extensive trail system 2 Success in gaining /leverage grant dollars 1 Press forward with bridging the valley 1 To work with other agencies to develop unique transportation system 1 Develop system that is environmentally friendly 0 Options for bike /pedestrian high public awareness Study Session Meeting Minutes: 04 -29 -08 Page 5 of 6 Approved by Council: 05 -13 -08 VOTES THREATS ITEMS COUNCIL CAN INFLUENCE 6 Negative reaction to spending dollars 6 Cutting services 5 Road deterioration 4 Council inaction 3 Public inaction /complacency 2 Increase in demand for maintenance 2 Inadequate communication with public 1 Asking for more money 1 Adverse affect on economic growth 1 Reduced current funding 1 Policy inconsistency 1 Gradualism 0 Lack of concurrency 0 Being "out front" in Spokane Valley 0 Under - estimating public reaction to need VOTES WEAKNESSES 7 Lack of public perception funding need 6 Lack of sustainable public funding 6 Lack of funding for maintenance, street preservations, new development 5 Today's good conditions mask tomorrow's (future) needs 4 failing intersections 4 Older roads in growth areas 1 Inadequate emergency access 1 Public doesn't understand crumbling roads (deterioration) 1 Premature deterioration 1 Poor north /south connectors (couplet) 1 Business roads not aesthetically pleasing 1 Dead -end Appleway 0 Miles of road without curb 0 Lack of continuity of design 0 Was not a cohesive comprehensive street plan 0 Inadequate roads in PUD, cul -de -sacs 0 Sprague east of University 0 Dishman -Mica 0 Not adequate for truck traffic 0 lack of resources to independently identify traffic situations on a routine basis 0 at grade railroad crossings 0 Need to defer street maintenance and preservation Study Session Meeting Minutes: 04 -29 -08 Page 6 of 6 Approved by Council: 05 -13 -08 \IVY FA lT M.r...David Mercier City Manager City of Spokane Valley 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Suite 106 Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Dear Mr. Mercier: WASHINGTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 2700 • Seattle, WA 98104 -1046 (206) 587-5634 • FAX (206) 389 -2819 E -Mail: wedfa @wshfc.org Monday, April 21, 2008 Re: Washington Economic Development Finance Authority ( WEDFA) — Tax- Exemptffaxable Economic Development Revenue Bond Programs 530,000,000 Waste Management, Inc. Project Waste Management, Inc. is planning to purchase collection vehicles, containers and real estate to be used as part of a solid waste facility at 11720 1' Avenue East in Spokane Valley. They intend to finance this project and several others throughout the state through the issuance of WEDFA's tax - exempt nonrecourse economic development revenue bonds. it is the policy of the WEDFA board only to issue bonds in support of projects which would be welcomed by the local community As part of the issuance process, therefore, we would like the Spokane Valley City Council, as the jurisdiction with planning authority over the project, to consider passage of a "Planning Jurisdiction Approval Resolution ", in form substantially as attached, in behalf of the Washington Econornic.Development Finance Authority ( WEDFA) to issue tax - exempt economic development revenue bonds to finance the project. We wish to emphasize that the only purpose of this resolution is to approve Waste Management's use of WEDFA financing for this project. It does not supplement or replace any portion of the normal permittint process. There is no liability created against the City of Spokane Valley, or any other political entity by issuance of WEDFA's bonds. We are planning to begin sale of the bonds in late May. It would greatly assist our timing if the Spokane Valley City Council could consider this approval at an early meeting. I would appreciate it if you could send me a copy of the approved resolution should the Council look on our request favorably. JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH REVENUE BOND FINANCING ING Mr. David Mercier City Manager City of Spokane Valley April 22, 2008 ' Page two Please let me know how we can work together to facilitate this process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me.a call. My telephone number is: (206) 587 -5634. In my absence, you should also feel free to contact my assistant, Lura Harrison, at (206) 254 -5373. I look forward to working with you on this project. Sincerely yours, Rodney ( SVendt Executi Director cc: D. LaPaul c\r 1 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE ACTION OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY AND THE ISSUANCE OF NON - RECOURSE REVENUE BONDS TO FINANCE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FACILITY FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC. ( "the COMPANY "), AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY RELATING THERETO. WHEREAS, on January 29, 2008, the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority ( "WEDFA ") had presented to it Resolution No. W- 2008 -02 (the "Resolution "), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit .A, relating to the issuance of non - recourse revenue bonds wherein the proceeds of which would be loaned to the Company for inter alia the purchase of collection vehicles, containers, and land within currently permitted acreage, located in the Ci.ty of. Spokane Valley at 11720 First Avenue East (the "Project "), all as authorized by the Economic Development Finance Authority Act of 1989, R.C.W. Title 43, Chapter 163, as amended (the "Act "); and WHEREAS, on January 29, 2008, WEDFA. unanimously approved the Resolution; and WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Washington Economic•Development Finance Authority not to issue revenue bonds except upon the approval of the county, city or town within whose planning jurisdiction the proposed industrial development facility lies; and WHEREAS, the Project lies within the boundaries of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington; NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY FOUND, DETERMINED AND ORDERED as follows: Section 1: The Spokane Valley City Council (the "Council "), pursuant to the request of the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority, does hereby approve the issuance of non - recourse revenue bonds (the "Bonds ") by the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority, for the purposes provided in the Act. Section 2: The Bonds shall be issued in the aggregate principal sum of not to exceed 530,000,000 pursuant to a Resolution of WEDFA. The proceeds of the Bonds are to be lent to the Company, pursuant to a loan agreement or other appropriate financing agreement, and used for the purpose of inter alia constructing and equipping the Project, including the necessary appurtenances, located within the boundaries of the City of Spokane Valley and to pay certain costs ofissuance of the Bonds. Section 3: The Bonds shall not constitute an obligation of the State of Washington or of the City of Spokane Valley, and no tax funds or revenues of the State of Washington or of the City of Spokane Valley shall be used to pay the principal 'or interest on the Bonds. Neither the faith and credit nor any taxing power of the State of Washington or of the City of Spokane Valley shall be pledged to pay the principal or interest on the Bonds. Section 4: The Spokane Valley City Council hereby approves the issuance of Bonds by WEDFA for the purpose of financing the Project as described herein, a qualified project under the Act. However, such approval shall not waive any of the permitting requirements applicable to this Project, nor in any. way modify the .City of Spokane Valley's governmental authority with respect to the Project. Section 5: This Resolution is intended to constitute approval of the issuance of revenue bonds within the meaning of the policy of the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority. Section 6: Upon passage and approval of this Resolution, it shall take effect immediately. DATED this day of 2008. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAINING: ATTEST: Title: SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL By: Chair