2004, 02-03 Study Session MinutesAttendance:
Councilmembers:
Michael DeVleming, Mayor
Diana Wilhite, Deputy Mayor
Dick Denenny, Councilmember
Mike Flanigan, Councilmember
Richard Munson, Councilmember
Gary Schimmels, Councilmember
Steve Taylor, Councilmember
MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Study Session
February 3, 2004, 6:00 p.m.
Staff:
Dave Mercier City Manager
Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager
Ken Thompson, Finance Director
Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Cal Walker, Police Chief
Mike Jackson, Parks & Recreation Director
Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Greg McCormick, Long Range Planning Manager
Tom Scholtens, Building Official
Steve Worley, Sr. Engineer
Sue Pearson, Deputy City Clerk
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Mayor DeVleming opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m., welcomed all in attendance, reminded everyone
that this is a study session and there will be no public comments, and requested that all electronic
devices be turned off for the duration of the meeting.
1. Opportunity Town Hall Report
Parks & Recreation Director Jackson explained that the Spokane Valley Legacy Foundation is requesting
that the City of Spokane Valley deed ownership of the Opportunity Township Hall to the Foundation for
the purpose of establishing a local heritage museum for the community; that this is one of several
properties acquired from Spokane County, was built in 1912, has approximately 2500 square feet, and is
in overall good condition. Director Jackson added that the Foundation has applied for and received
preliminary approval as a 501(c)(3) non - profit organization. Director Jackson introduced Foundation
Coordinator Jayne Singleton, who also introduced several members of the Foundation Taskforce. Ms.
Singleton explained about the Foundation's development to date, that the next phase is to acquire a
location, that the building is now on the Historic Register and that it would be a very appropriate facility
for the museum. Ms. Singleton further stated that the Foundation has a dedicated group of volunteers,
they have established an organizational structure with by -laws, articles of incorporation, a tax
identification number, liability insurance, and have raised over $30,000; they have hundreds of artifacts
and many volunteers to help with the building restoration. Council concurred to move this forward for a
public hearing for February 24, 2004. Council also requested that language be included in the resolution
to address use of the building as a museum or it would revert back as City property, and that the
Foundation adhere to the requirements necessary so the building will remain a national historical
building. A draft resolution will be presented to Council prior to the public hearing date.
2. Street Maintenance Agreement
Public Works Director Kersten gave some background history of the Maintenance Contract Amendment,
explained the basic terms and conditions of the contact, the implementation process of the contract in
2003, the negotiation process with the County for the 2004 budget, and the historical maintenance costs
from the County for years 2002, 2001 and 2000. Director Kersten stressed that the 2003 figures were
very rough estimates and the Valley's portion was not broken out in the budget figures. Director Kersten
also discussed the spreadsheet showing actual costs and budgeted costs. Director Kersten explained the
basic terms of the contract, that the contract can be terminated with 180 day's notice, and that the level of
services explained in the contract is that level customarily provided by the County. Director Kersten
added that the budgeted estimate for 2005 is based on historical numbers used to date, that any changes to
the budget should be made by June 1, 2004; and that any substantive changes would require agreement by
Study Session Minutes 02 -03 -04 Page 1 of 3
Date Approved by Council: 02 -10 -04
the parties involved. Director Kersten recommended monthly monitoring of the contract and if trends
show that we will be beyond budget, to return to Council for further direction. Discussion ensued
regarding the January 23, 2004 letter from Spokane County, and City Manager Mercier stated he feels the
letter is not a letter of termination, but rather a statement that the County is not interested in accepting the
amendment. Mr. Mercier added that there is no evidence to suggest any lower level of service provided
in 2003 than what was provided in 2002. Council stated their confidence that the level of service will
continue to be provided.
3. Couplet Planning
Deputy City Manager Regor, Public Works Director Kersten, and Long Range Planning Manager
McCormick explained the results of the last joint City Council /Planning Commission meeting of January
15, 2004. Discussion turned to further refinement of categories, scheduling another joint meeting to
answer fundamental questions, development of economic criteria, community survey, community
workshops, and transportation modeling. Mr. McCormick mentioned that staff expects to have a
preliminary draft of the comprehensive plan sometime in August. The format of the next meeting and the
notion of breaking into three small groups within the council chambers, or meeting in different rooms was
briefly discussed. Councilmember Munson mentioned that he would also like to see modeling scenarios
on north/south traffic flow and connecting neighborhoods to the couplet, and to include the anticipated
impact of commuter traffic that will result from I -90 combining three lanes from downtown Spokane to
the Idaho border. Conversation turned to a request to assist SRTC with traffic modeling and alternatives.
No objections were made to the suggestions. Mayor DeVleming asked staff to propose possible meeting
dates with the objection of having 100% participation.
The Mayor called for a short recess at 7:15 p.m.; and reconvened the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
4. Planning Commission Proposed Ordinance Changing Rule
Community Development Director Sukup explained that the proposed change is as a result of election of
new officers for the coming year and that Commission members prefer an annual election rather than an
election every two years. Other items addressed in the ordinance change are housekeeping in nature. It
was Council consensus to schedule this ordinance for a first reading for February 10, 2004.
5. Wastewater Policies
Public Works Director Kersten mentioned that he attended a meeting this week concerning the Playfair
Site, that an amendment to the facilities plan is being drafted, and an Environmental Impact Statement
will be conducted on that site with a public meeting scheduled for February 25. The following issues
were discussed: (1) Franchise Fee: determined this issue could be decided later as Council would like to
see how that figure breaks down overall; (2) Capital Planning Fee: no decision; (3) Rate Setting:
suggestion of combining option 2 and 3; discussed having an impartial consultant oversee rate setting;
add to the interlocal agreement that the City of Spokane Valley would be involved in the rate setting
process each year; (4) STEP Program: mutual agreement has been the arrangement to date and that is the
plan to pursue; Council dedicated to the timely completion of the program; (5) DBO Procurement Process
Selection Committee: Council concurs Option C at a minimum; (6) DBO Procurement Process Contract
Approval: Council concurs with Option C; (7) Use of Reserve Funds: Council concurrence with Option
B. Director Kersten added that the County is working to meet the August deadline regarding the Playfair
site with the intent of having that become part of the loan agreement. Councilmember Taylor asked that a
breakdown on the process (a timeline) be incorporated into the decision making process.
6. Proposed Revision to Employee Classification System
Deputy City Manager Regor explained that City resolution 03 -031 calls for a periodic review and update
of all position descriptions, and with the elimination of the City Engineer position, a change is proposed
to move the two full -time Senior Engineer positions to Grade 18. Councilmember Taylor stated his
objection to changing the positions, and would like to see the monetary scale included with the next
agenda materials. The matter will be brought back for council consideration at the February 24 Council
meeting.
Study Session Minutes 02 -03 -04 Page 2 of 3
Date Approved by Council: 02 -10 -04
7. Council Travel Policy
Councilmember Munson explained that this issue came up when he was appointed to an NLC Steering
Committee, and initially thought such appointment required his presence at the NLC meeting; and that
lead to discussion on how to pay for individual council travel, (and as an aside due to other obligations,
Councilmember Munson will not be able to attend that meeting). After discussion concerning splitting
the council travel budget by seven, or moving funds from one member who might not be able to travel to
another councilmember who could, it was Council consensus to draft some guidelines (such as criteria to
consider when evaluating the travel budget) to be incorporated in a revised governance manual.
8. Advance Agenda Additions.
Suggestions for additions to the advance agenda included the discussion of vouchers for free dump days,
re- authorization of the aquifer protection area program, STA Board status report, and for the retreat to add
an item concerning keeping other councilmembers informed about upcoming activities and meetings.
9. Council Check -In.
City Manager Mercier said this is an opportunity to discuss how to better inform each other of external
communications, and that topic will be addressed more at the upcoming Saturday retreat.
10. City Manager Comments.
City Manager Mercier reminded Council and staff of this weekend's planning retreat workshop, which
will be held in the Council chambers beginning at 9 a.m., and which will adjourn not later than 4:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
AT S�
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Michael DeVle yor
Study Session Minutes 02 -03 -04 Page 3 of 3
Date Approved by Council: 02 -10 -04
January 27, 2004
Mayor Mike DeVleming
City of Spokane Valley
11707 East Sprague Avenue, Suite 106
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Dear Mayor DeVleming.
OFFICE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
JOHN ROSKELLEY, 1ST DISTRICT • KATE MCCASLIN, 2ND DISTRICT • PI-ILLII' D. HARRIS, 3RD DISTRICT
RECEIVED
JAN 2 9 2004
City of Spokane Valley
SUBJECT: REAUTHORIZATION OF AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA AND
AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA FEES
In 1985, Spokane County, with approval from the City of Spokane and the Town of
Millwood, placed a ballot measure before our voters to create the Spokane Aquifer
Protection Area (APA), and to establish APA fees for a 20 -year period. Our citizens
overwhelmingly supported the measure with a 74.7 percent approval vote. The APA and
corresponding APA fees will sunset at the end of year 2005.
APA fees have provided financial resources allowing us to make substantial progress toward
the elimination of septic tanks in the urban areas. Since 1985, more than 20,000 septic
tanks have been eliminated or avoided, and over 7 million gallons per day of wastewater is
now being treated at the City of Spokane Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant rather
than being discharged into the Spokane Aquifer. The existence of sewers on the urban area
has allowed new development to avoid the installation of a new septic tank system.
Our region will continue to face significant issues with regard to the protection of the water
quality in the Spokane Aquifer even after the sunset of the current APA and APA fees.
Some of these issues include continued elimination of septic tanks, monitoring of existing
septic tanks, and continued monitoring of the aquifer. It is estimated that over the next 20-
years an additional 100 million dollars will be spent to complete the sewers in the urban area
and nearly 500 million dollars will be spent to improve treatment of sewage and stormwater.
The Board of County Commissioners believes that it is in the best interest of the region to
reauthorize the Spokane Aquifer Protection Area and APA fees. Accordingly, we have
directed our public works staff to initiate discussions with your staff with respect to the
reauthorization of the APA and APA fees in anticipation of submitting a ballot proposition
to the voters within the APA at the November 2004 General Election.
1116 WEST BROADWAY AVENUE • SPOKANE, WASHINGTON 99260 - 0100 • (509) 477 - 2265
Prior to placing the ballot proposition before the voters, the County will need to have
approval from your governing body for the inclusion of your corporate area in the
proposed reauthorized APA.
Accordingly, the Board requests that you consider the inclusion of your corporate area in
the reauthorized APA. We have enclosed a map depicting the present boundaries of the
APA and a document outlining the present APA fees. So that the County has sufficient
time to hold the required public hearing on the reauthorization and the electors can be fully
informed on this very important ballot measure before the November 2004 General
Election, the Board would appreciate receiving confirmation from you on or before June 1,
2004 as to your agreement to include your corporate area in the reauthorized APA.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our proposal and request, please let us
know. We would be happy to meet with you individually, or to discuss it at a meeting of the
Regional Cities and Towns.
Sincerely,
Board of County Commissioners of Spokane County
P ' p D. Harris, Chair M. : ate McCaslin, Vice -Chair
CC: Francine Boxer, CEO
Bruce Rawls, Utilities Director
BoCC -APA Letter
- 2 - January 27, 2004
Roskelley, Commissi
SPOKANE COUNTY
AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA FEES
SEEPAGE AND WATER USE
METER RATE TABLE
DESCRIPTION SIZE SEEPAGE /MO.
RATE TABLE
WATER/MO.
ANNUAL
ACCRUAL ERU
RATE EQUIV.
Residential
Non - Residential
Non - Residential
Non - Residential
Non - Residential
Non - Residential
Non - Residential
Non - Residential
3/4"
1 "
1.5"
2 "
3 "
4 "
5 "
6 "
1.25
2.50
5.00
10.00
20.00
37.50
56.25
80.00
1.25
2.50
5.00
10.00
20.00
37.50
56.25
80.00
$15 / $30
$30 / $60
$60 / $120
$120 / $240
$240 / $480
$450 / $900
$675 / $1350
$960 / $1920
Notes: All developed parcels inside the APA pay the water rate. Developed parcels inside the
APA that are not connected to the sewer also pay the seepage rate.
APA Fees are billed on Property Tax Statements with "Other Charges"
1
2
4
8
16
30
45
64
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Aquifer Protection Area (APA)
" Aquifer Sensitive Area (ASA)
Urban Growth Area (UGA)
January 9, 2004
W. 1026 Broadway Spokane, WA. 99260
Spokane County Aquifer Protection Area
(509) 477- 3604
Road Maintenance Activities
Spo Valley Contract
Revised Amt.
% Reduction
$ Reduction
Shoulder Repair
$33,480
$13,480
60%
$20,000
Shoulder Maint. Grader
$48,112
$28,112
42%
$20,000
Pothole Patching
$196,044
$96,044
51%
$100,000
PavementRemove & Replace
$354,144
$60,181
83%
$293,963
Crack Sealing
$151,776
$75,000
51%
$76,776
Blade Patch Hot
$113,832
$ -0-
100%
$113,832
..
Dear Dave:
January 23, 2004
Dave Mercier, City Administrator
City of Spokane Valley
11707 East Sprague Avenue, Suite 106
Spokane Valley, Washington 99206
Re: Proposed Amendment to Interlocal Agreement for Road Maintenance Services
This correspondence is in follow -up to our phone conversation on Tuesday, January 6, 2004. In that
phone conversation I indicated that the Board of County Commissioners ("Board") had considered
the City's request that the County agree to amend the "INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN
SPOKANE COUNTY AND CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY REGARDING PROVISION OF
ROAD MAINTENANCE SERVICES (April 1, 2003 — December 31, 2004)." The City's request
would amend SECTION NO. 4 (SERVICES PROVIDED), subparagraph 1 to add the following
bolded and underlined language:
1. Base Level Services
OFFICE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
FRAN'CINE M. BOXER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RECEIVE
JAN 2 7 2004
City of Spokane Valley
COUNTY will provide street and traffic maintenance services as identified in Exhibit "1"
within CITY boundaries at the same level, degree and type as is customarily provided by the
COUNTY in unincorporated Spokane County, except as otherwise directed by the CITY
to meet amended budget requirements.
In conjunction with the City's request, you also provided the County with a copy of the City's
proposed modification to Exhibit "4a" of the Maintenance Agreement. That exhibit, consistent with
the above bolded and underlined language, indicated a reduction in the following road maintenance
activities to be preformed by the County for the City in 2004:
1116 WEST BROADWAY AVENUE • SPOKANE, WA 99260 -0100 • (509) 477 -2265 • FAX: (509) 477 -2274 • fboxer@spokanecounty.org
c9/3/oy
Misc. Roadway Repair
$50,000
$40,000
20%
$10,000
Shoulder Repair
$33,480
$13,480
60%
$20,000
Shoulder Maint. Grader
$48,112
$28,112
42%
$20,000
Sanding
$290,904
$250,904
14%
$40,000
Street Cleaning
$474,300
$250,000
47%
$224,300
Snow Removal - Sidewalks
$6,324
$ -0-
100%
$6,324
Winter Sweeping
$63,240
$38,240
40%
$30,000
Weed Control -Res.
$25,296
$20,000
21%
$5,296
Weed Control- Res.(No spray)
$6,324
$ -0-
100%
$6,324
Weed Control -Gen.
$37,944
$10,000
74%
$27,944
Weed Control - Gen.(No spray)
$6,324
$ -0-
100%
$6,324
Shoulder Repair
$33,480
$13,480
60%
$20,000
Shoulder Maint. Grader
$48,112
$28,112
42%
$20,000
Mr. Dave Mercier
January 23, 2004
Page
After considering the City's request, the Board unanimously determined not to execute the proposed
amendment. •
The County agreed to provide road maintenance services for the City only if the City agreed to the
same level of maintenance service as existed prior to incorporation and which were customarily
provided in the unincorporated area. It is for this very reason, the Maintenance Agreement contains
the language that the services to be provided within City boundaries will "...be the same level,
degree and type as is customarily provided by COUNTY in unincorporated Spokane County." The
City's proposed amendment to the Maintenance Agreement would have the effect of nullifying the
basic premise under which the County was willing to enter into the Maintenance Agreement. This
will drastically reduce the level of services, as noted above for numerous maintenance activities.
The Board recognizes that the City may, for budget or other reasons desire to maintain its roads at a
level below that provided by the County in the unincorporated areas. The City certainly has the
option of providing that reduced level of service through its own work force or other service
provider(s).
Ve truly yours,
hi.
FRANCINE M. BOXER
Chief Executive Officer
1:1LeuerAMercier- 8cxer- Main - Rod -011404.doc