2005, 01-18 Study Session MinutesAttendance:
Councilmembers:
Diana Wilhite, Mayor
Rich Munson, Deputy Mayor
Dick Denenny, Councilmember
Mike DeVleming, Councilmember
Mike Flanigan, Councilmember
Steve Taylor, Councilmember
Gary Schimmels, Councilmember
MINUTES
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
STUDY SESSION
Tuesday, January 18, 2005, 6:00 p.m.
Staff:
Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager
Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Ken Thompson, Finance Director
Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Mike Jackson, Parks and Recreation Director
Tom Scholtens, Building Official
Marina Sukup, Community Development Director
Scott Kuhta, Long Range Planner
Cal Walker, Police Chief
Sue Pearson, Deputy City Clerk
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Mayor Wilhite called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., welcomed all in attendance, reminded
everyone that this is a study session and requested that all electronic devices be turned off for the
duration of the meeting.
Spokane Valley Arts Council. This item will be rescheduled for a later date.
1. Proposed Amendment to Criminal Code —Cary Driskell/Cal Walker
Deputy City Attorney Driskell explained that there are two potential additions to the misdemeanor noise
provision; the first, if this restriction should apply to City rights -of -way, specifically in reference to
boombox vehicles, which are those vehicles driving with extremely loud stereos. Attorney Driskell stated
that Council previously asked staff to contact those who might be impacted by such a restriction; and that
although staff sent letters to car stereo shops asking for a response to inform staff if they were aware of
any problems in applying noise regulations as applied to car stereos, and also if they were aware of any
groups who should be contacted, staff received no feedback. Attorney Driskell said the question tonight is
whether Council wants to include this restriction in the noise provisions; and if so, any excessive noise 50
feet from the vehicle would be subject to the noise provisions and subject to misdemeanor citation. Brief
discussion ensured regarding using distance rather than decibels; and Chief Walker stated that other cities
where decibel was used, experienced many challenges as there needs to be some way to measure the noise
prior to and after the noise and use of decibels did not function well. However, Chief Walker added,
officers can report distance away from the noise and the affect if has on other vehicles, i.e. mirrors
vibrating in cars two to three cars distance from the noise. In response to questions concerning safety
issues, Chief Walker stated that the primary focus of this inclusion would be a safety issue, including
safety for the person driving and for people around to be able to operate their cars in a safe manner and
not have their attention diverted in trying to determine the cause of the excessive noise. It was Council
consensus that staff draft an amendment for the noise ordinance as it relates to excessive noise
emitting from the right -of -way.
Attorney Driskell then explained that the other regulation to consider is limited times for blasting; and
that the current law is that blasting is allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. He
explained that staff spoke with Mack Aguiar from the Department of Labor and Industries, the state
regulatory agency for blasting who advised that the aforementioned time period is the industry standard
state and nationwide; and also that if we were to limit the blasting times, it would raise overall
construction costs requiring rock because the costs would also rise for the mining operation. Attorney
Driskell explained that as an exercise of police power, Council has the authority to change the blasting
times, but there are some additional analysis which needs to be conducted regarding vested rights.
Study Session Minutes of 01 -18 -05 Page 1 of 3
Approved by Council: 01 -25 -05
Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of restricting timeframes for the weekend, and of gathering
additional information from those who would be affected by such a change, including any economic
impact, and it was suggested staff check with MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) which
deals with mining issues on a federal level. It was Council consensus that Attorney Driskell will
conduct further research, and will write a letter to those involved explaining that we are discussing this
proposal; and ask for potential operational impacts and report back to council again at a later date.
2. Parks and Recreation Summer Programs — Mike Jackson
Parks and Recreation Director Jackson explained that as staff considers program offerings for 2005, there
are several organizational issues to consider, such as hiring a recreation coordinator, and operation of the
City's three outdoor pools, all as outlined in his attached January 5, 2005 memorandum to Council.
Director Jackson said that time is a factor in the hiring of the coordinator as if that position is to be filled,
he would like to advertise early or mid - February in order to have someone start work sometime in March
so that all facets for running the summer programs can get started. Director Jackson said the options
offered for consideration include (1) filling the recreation coordinator position and offer a variety of year -
round programs; (2) fill the position, continue existing summer programs, and use the position to assist in
the operation of CenterPlace; or (3) leave the position open and put the recreation programs on hold until
formal long -range plans are adopted. Discussion between staff and council included Parks and
Recreation eventually moving to CenterPlace, expansion of programs year- round, aquatic issues, and
Master Plan survey results (which are not in and tabulated). After discussion it was Council consensus
that staff pursue option #2, adding that such option could be expanded later into option #1 of year -
round programs.
As an update on the outdoor pool situation, Director Jackson explained that a request for qualifications
was previously sent out with the YMCA and Jeff Ellis and Associates being the two responders; and that
Jeff Ellis withdrew as they felt it would be difficult to secure management on a seasonal basis. Mr.
Jackson stated that he will be requesting a proposal from the YMCA by the end of this week. The idea of
talking to the County Commissioners was mentioned and Mayor Wilhite stated that she and Mr. Jackson
will look into that as an option.
3. Public Information Officer Discussion — Nina Regor
After Deputy City Manager Regor explained the concept of a public information officer as per her
PowerPoint presentation, discussion turned to options of having a structured public information officer
(PIO) function; contracting out or hiring an employee, budget impacts, scope of work, and typical
activities for the position. Other discussion points included weighing the options to determine which is
more valued; giving such a person responsibility for the City's customer service program; developing a
communication plan, contacting the colleges to determine if they might have an interest in assisting in this
endeavor; assistance from the transition committee in writing a scope of work; and of forming an ad hoc
committee. It was Council consensus that staff get an ad hoc group together to draft a scope of work
and to return to Council with recommendations. It was suggested that any names for inclusion on such
a committee should be given to Ms. Regor; that the focus of such a committee will be to develop a
communication plan and develop priorities, and that Councilmembers should send their feedback to Ms.
Regor within the week.
4. Core Values Project Approach and Timeline — Nina Regor
Deputy City Manager Regor explained that previously Council worked with the Planning Commission to
create a draft vision for the upcoming Comprehensive Plan, and the next step is to determine core values.
Via her PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Regor went over the definition of what a value is, the different
levels of values, the progress on clarifying organizational values, the progress on clarifying community
values (including previously approved Council resolution 03 -027); the summary of the vision approach;
and the proposed approach to clarify the community values. Ms. Regor added that she has not received
many comments about our draft vision statement. Mayor Wilhite added that Council and the Planning
Commission are planning a joint meeting for February 1 to further discuss this subject, and it was decided
that once gathered, the group will work in small groups and then reconvene into one group; that they
Study Session Minutes of 01 -18 -05 Page 2 of 3
Approved by Council: 01 -25 -05
j
would appreciate having senior staff at the meeting to act as coordinator and facilitator, in much the same
format as the similar meeting was conducted last year. Councilmember DeVleming mentioned he will
not be able to attend the meeting, but feels that having staff involved adds to the meeting, and that he
suggests Council use the draft vision as a starting base. Council concurred.
5. Valley Corridor Project Update - Neil Kersten
Public Works Director Kersten gave the background of action taken concerning the Valley Corridor, and
mentioned several letters included in the Council packet, including a letter from SRTC Transportation
Manager Glenn Miles; letter from Inga Note, Acting Traffic Engineer; memo from Bob Brueggeman,
Assistant County Engineer; and also an access revision request at Riverside and Pines, dated December
22, 2004. Via his PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Kersten discussed Council's preferred option for the
Valley Corridor, results from the Community Preference Survey; and outstanding issues including the
traffic modeling program used by SRTC and of the problems with its varied data, adding that staff
notified SRTC of our concern with the results in the traffic model and of our request that SRTC continue
to evaluate the roadway capacity of Sprague Avenue and proposed couplet alternatives. Council
discussion included the businesses along the corridor and their desire to move forward with their future
plans; interrelation of this project with future projects; and of the upcoming February 15 tentative meeting
with ECONorthwest.
Mayor Wilhite called for a recess at 7:40 p.m.; she reconvened the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
6. Review of Comprehensive Plan Elements (Natural Resources, Housing, Parks and Recreation, Utilities.
Economic Development) - Marina Sukup /Scott Kuhta
Community Development Director Sukup and Long Range Planner Kuhta gave an overview of the
introduction and five of the eight elements of the proposed Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan and
mentioned the five items the Plan is intended to accomplish, as shown on the January 18, 2005 Request
for Council Action form. Director Sukup added that each element of the Plan is in draft form, that
Council has the authority to revise as they deem appropriate, and that each element is also on the City's
website for community review.
7. Advance Agenda Additions - Mayor Wilhite
Mayor Wilhite said she is planning a joint meeting with Council and the Board of County
Commissioners, and asked Councilmembers to let her know of any preferred date and she will coordinate
the meeting. Deputy Mayor Munson mentioned Thursdays are not a good meeting day for him.
Councilmember DeVleming asked about adding a discussion concerning funds formerly designated for
Crime Check, and of budget implications with the loss of that program.
8. Council Check -in - Dave Mercier
Deputy City Manager Regor, standing in for Mr. Mercier, asked Council if they had any concerns or
issues to discuss. Councilmember Taylor said he will be out of town next Tuesday and asked to be
excused from next week's meeting.
9. City Manager Comments - Dave Mercier
Deputy City Manager Regor, standing in for Mr. Mercier, said she had no comments.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
ST
)4 /3-4;Z`
Chistine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Study Session Minutes of 01 -18 -05
Approved by Council: 01 -25 -05
OtodtkiU4ALLe,
Diana Wilhite, Mayor
Page 3 of 3
Core Val es:
y __ ='roject pproach and Timeline
Nina Regor,
Deputy City Manager
January 18, 2005
]
[What are Values? J
• Values are the deepseated, pervasive
standards that influence almost every
aspect of our lives
• We are motivated and make decisions
based on these values
• Values answer the question, "what's
important ?"
Caro COMMUry Values tanu y tB, 2005 2
1
[Different Levels of Values
• Individual values
o Personal ethics
• Organizational values
o Provide employees and decision - makers
with a sense of common direction and
guidelines for day -to -day behavior
• Community values
Curs Cs ri rnly Vales Jar lry 1. 2005
[ Progress on Clarifying
Organizational Values
• Core Beliefs (Resolution 03 -027)
o City Council as policy leaders
o Creation of Governance Coordination
manual
o Public interaction — public involvement;
user - friendly
o Contain the rising cost of governmental
services, e.g., private sector alternatives
Coro Carmusiry Vases Jimmy 18, 20.6 4
2
[Organizational Values, conYd
• Customer Service as Key Value
o Promotion of mutual respect between
citizens, City Council and City staff
o Attitude of facilitation and
accommodation within the bounds of
responsibility, integrity and financial
capability
o 2005 goal to create a formal customer
service program
CM Conunu:My Vtluas January $8, 2066
S
[ Progress on Clarifying
Community Values
• Creation of draft Vision
o Community of opportunity
o Individuals and families can grow and
play
o Businesses will flourish and prosper
• Core Beliefs (Resolution 03 -027)
o Preserve and expand the community's
diverse economic base
Core Com un y Values January 13. 200 8
3
[Summary of Vision Approach
• SWOT analysis
o Two joint City Council- Planning
Commission meetings
• Three sub - groups drafted visions
• Joint meeting to finalize draft vision
Care Ccmm etty Yducs January 98, 2X4
T
[ Proposed Approach to Clarify 1
Community Values
• Use draft vision as base or start from scratch?
• Information in advance?
• Meeting on 2/1/05
o Break into small groups
o Full group consensus
• Who to involve
o City Council
o Planning Commission
o City Manager?
o Senior management staff?
Cue Cammutlty V uas January i8, 2005 8
4
••0
Public Information Officer:
In -House and
Contracting Options
City of Spokane Valley
Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager
January 18, 2005
•oo
Communications
Transition Committee
o Increase awareness, understanding
and participation of SV citizens
o Build community and corporate pride,
and positive identification with City
o Enhance community confidence in
local government and its officials
2 POO Options Jsarery 14, 2X6
1
• Qo
PIO Activities
o Advise City Council, City Manager and
senior staff on policies and issues
o Produce public info products
• Brochures, fact sheets and news releases
• Audio /visual programs, web site, etc.
o Develop Communications Plan
o Serve as a corporate source of info about
the City
3
Pro Options imam 16, 2706
• oo
PIO Options
o Contracting options
• Public relations /marketing firm
• Individual contractor
o In-house option
• City Employee
4 PIO O{Uons 4inutry SA, 2005
2
•oo
Questions to Be Answered
o Should the City have a structured PIO
function?
o Should the City contract out or hire an
employee?
o What are the typical activities for the
position /contract?
o How much independent judgment
would the person /firm exercise?
5
PIO 00Iae Jwtuary 10.2005
•oo
Next Steps
o Contract Out:
• Finalize scope of work
• Issue Request for Proposals
• Evaluate proposals
o Hire Employee:
• Draft position description and place position
on classification matrix
• Recruit for position
o Propose budget amendment
6
Poo OpLSns Ja:uary 10, ?XS
3