2004, 03-16 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 (arrived late)
MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Study Session
March 16, 2004, 6:00 p.m.
Mayor DeVleming opened the meeting 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.
1. Senior Center Bus
Parks & Recreation Director Jackson explained that the proposal is that the City might help support the
Senior Association Center with about $4300 which has already been budgeted; that he and some members
of the Association reviewed what it would cost to operate the bus and what it would cost to replace the
bus; and that he feels the bus is worth about $10,000. Director Jackson said that he worked with the
seniors and they have not communicated any challenge or proposed change to the numbers presented. He
proposes that the seniors raise the funds for the bus on their own. [ Councilmember Taylor arrived.]
Mayor DeVleming invited public comment on this issue.
Staff:
Dave Mercier City Manager
Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Ken Thompson, Finance Director
Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Cal Walker, Police Chief
Mike Jackson, Parks & Recreation Director
Marina Sukup, Community Development Director
Tom Scholtens, Building Official
Sue Pearson, Deputy City Clerk
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
John Haley, E. 13905 Desmit: said that he divided the issue into transportation needs and transportation
wants, and that the most important need is the Tuesday /Thursday nutritional lunch program. He
explained that the bus picks up seniors who can't drive due to infirmities or other problems, and brings
them to the center for the lunch program that for many seniors, is their only nutritional meal during the
week. Mr. Haley explained that another need is the need for socialization. Mr. Haley said that some of
the wants include trips such as meals at local restaurants, going to shows, museums, the fairgrounds, the
convention centers, the casinos, etc. He said that the seniors feel they are in a difficult situation regarding
the responsibility to the bus, and as a new center is built, they are not sure how the needed income will be
generated; that they are working toward fundraising as they also try to work with Council to raise funds;
that he has been officially appointed by the Board to be the spokesman and requests on their behalf that
the Association enter into an agreement with the City of Spokane Valley which would be the same as they
had with Spokane County, and he would like a motion tonight to enter into that same agreement.
Mayor DeVleming invited further public comment; none was offered. After brief discussion, it was
Council consensus to place this item on next week's agenda.
Study Session Minutes 03 -16 -04 Page 1 of 4
Date Approved by Council: 03 -23 -04
2. Weed and Seed Grant
a. Police Chief Walker explained that he previously briefed Council on these grants, and now seeks
guidance on how to proceed further; that his vision is to be the lead agent along with SCOPE on pursuing
these funds. Chief Walker also explained that federal auditing is a requirement once $500,000 has been
received, but that there is no anticipated additional audit expense as we are already at that threshold.
Council concurred to place this item on an upcoming agenda.
b. Edgecliff Community Weed and Seed Steering Committee
Rick Scott, Edgecliff Weed and Seed Coordinator, and Vickie Mills, Edgecliff resident and SCOPE
member, gave a brief presentation on their weed and seed strategy and of their goal to acquire property to
build a Community Center. Mr. Scott said they were awarded funding last May and have been working
on this program for approximately two years; and that their community programs include code
enforcement, cleanups, a safe haven for children and adults, and working with SCOPE for volunteers.
Mr. Scott said that the Edgecliff community previously had the highest property crime rate within one
square mile, but due to SCOPE volunteers, the Sheriff's Office, the Prosecutor's Office, and community
education, that has been reduced to about 50% within one year. Mr. Scott said that their neighborhood is
looking toward Park and 8th Avenue as a potential property to build a Community Center, which is
currently owned by Spokane County which is considering selling the property. Mr. Scott explained that
there is an urgent need to get this property for the future, and his group is looking to Council to see if this
might be something Council could support — not monetarily — but support in making that part of our City
a little better and of wanting this type of facility at that location, and that there is no entity now to take
possession of a deed if Spokane County were to sell the property, although they have considered starting a
neighborhood association. In response to a question concerning the type of community center they have
in mind, Mr. Scott said they have distributed approximately 3500 surveys to area residents to help
determine needs and dynamics of the neighborhood; that they hope to have the surveys back by the end of
March, and have a meeting scheduled for April 1, and that they would welcome and encourage any
councilmembers to attend the meeting. After brief discussion of the needs of this group, City Manager
Mercier said that a staff member will contact this group, and that they will look to Mr. Scott to draft a
letter of support so that Council can appreciate the precise needs and what the Committee seeks.
3. Proposed Sewer Ordinance.
Public Works Director Kersten said that this is an opportunity for Council to examine the draft ordinance,
that SEPA will need to have input, and this could be adopted after the approval of the interlocal
agreement. Director Kersten said that a paragraph will be added to Section 5 similar to paragraph A of
Section 4 which would delegate authority to the County for hearing bodies if there are code enforcement
issues. Director Kersten added that rates, fees and charges would also be included in the interlocal.
Councilmember Denenny said he would like to receive copies of the County Chapter in advance of
further consideration of this ordinance. This item will be brought back for further consideration after
approval of the interlocal agreement, and after SEPA input.
4. Aquifer Protection Area Program Reauthorization.
Public Works Director Kersten reported that the Spokane County Board of Commissioners' January 27,
2004 letter requested consideration for inclusion of the City in the reauthorization of the Aquifer
Protection Area. After Director Kersten's PowerPoint presentation, he mentioned that the Board would
like confirmation of our decision before June 1, 2004. After brief discussion of the current APA Program,
it was Council consensus to bring this back at a later council meeting.
Mayor DeVleming called for a recess at 6:50 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Study Session Minutes 03 -16 -04 Page 2 of 4
Date Approved by Council: 03 -23 -04
5. Alcohol Use on Public Property.
Parks and Recreation Director Jackson said that Ordinance 65 stipulates that a permit is required for
alcoholic consumption at Parks and Recreation facilities, and a requirement of the ordinance is a
resolution designating locations and setting a fee for the permit. Director Jackson then went over the
requirements for the consumption of alcohol in City parks and facilities as addressed in Ordinance 65,
adding that a requesting party must also obtain a Washington State Banquet Permit or Special Occasion
License, depending on the circumstances. Director Jackson said that staff recommends designating the
CenterPlace Great Room and adjacent kitchen and dining facilities, and Mirabeau Springs picnic shelter
and immediate vicinity, as areas where alcohol may be consumed. After discussion of beer gardens,
flexibility in the policy, concerts in the park, and reminders that any policy can always be revisited later,
it was decided that staff will work on drafting the policy for council consideration.
6. Draft Budget Calendar Review.
Finance Director Thompson explained that this is an opportunity to review the budget calendar for 2005
and that he wanted to draw Council attention to some significant dates: April 19 the departments will
begin preparation of the 2005 budget, a half -day retreat is scheduled for June 26, and final budget
adoption is slated for November 9. Council concurred to move ahead with the schedule.
7. Update on Liberty Lake Appeal of our 2003 Amendments to our Interim Comp Plan.
Deputy City Attorney Driskell reported that on March 27, 2003, an interim comprehensive plan was
adopted pursuant to statutory incorporation laws, that we proceeded under that plan through spring and
summer and during the summer of 2003, seven applications were accepted for amendments to the interim
plan; that those applications were site specific re -zones and no request was larger than five acres.
Attorney Driskell said there has been an ongoing dispute with Liberty Lake over some of the comp plan
issues, specifically with our amendments to our interim plan. Attorney Driskell said staff followed the
city adopted interim comp plan under RCW 35A.63 and not under the Growth Management Plan and staff
felt we were entitled to amend and move forward accordingly. He said that he examined several statutes
such as 36.70A.040 which address the timeframe that a city or county has to adopt a compliant comp
plan; and that the common interpretation is we have four years to adopt a plan. Attorney Driskell said
that RCW 36.70A.106 has a procedural requirement that if we are going to adopt a comp plan under the
Growth Management Act, that proposals go to CTED for review and comment; but that we were not
adopting a GMA plan in 2003. Attorney Driskell said that subsection three states that amendments follow
the same course of action. Additionally, we did not send the documents to CTED and that is one of the
issues upon which Liberty Lake's appeal is filed. Attorney Driskell said that Liberty Lake filed summary
judgment that we failed to send our proposed amendments to CTED for review at least 60 days prior to
adoption. Attorney Driskell stated that staff feels there are some contradictions in the statutes, and on
March 3, 2004, a letter was sent to CTED outlining those apparent contradictions and asking for
classification as we want to exercise the best practices and do things in the most responsible way. At this
point Driskell said, we are trying to determine with CTED the additional clarification on procedural
aspects concerning the remand, and added that we are committed to getting the right result. Attorney
Driskell said he anticipates having to go through the public hearing process again, but added there is no
impact on the property owners of the seven sites, and that staff seeks specificity as to the cure of action so
we can comply with all aspects of the statutes.
8. Official Newspaper.
City Clerk Bainbridge gave the history of the steps leading to designation of the current official
newspaper, the Spokesman Review, and of the options facing council now of either keeping the
Spokesman Review and authorizing the City Manager to execute a new contract, or approving a
resolution designating the Spokane Valley News Herald as the official newspaper. Clerk Bainbridge
explained the difference in cost per column inch of the Spokesman Review and the Herald, and said that
if we had used the Herald for the legal publications run last year, the City would have saved
Study Session Minutes 03 -16 -04 Page 3 of 4
Date Approved by Council: 03 -23 -04
approximately $6,000; that the Spokesman has a larger circulation (about 118,753), and the Herald boasts
running more legal publications than other newspapers, and that they are also the County's official
newspaper. Circulation numbers for just the City Valley will be obtained and this matter will be re-
scheduled for the next council agenda.
9. Advance Agenda Additions.
Deputy Mayor Wilhite mentioned that a breakfast will be held March 25 at 7:00 a.m. at the Spokane Club
for the National Association of Women Business Owners and she invites the councilmembers as her
guest, and to contact her if there is an interest in attending. Councilmember Munson said he would like to
see if it is possible to have a "hit" count on our website; Mayor DeVleming recommended
Councilmember Munson discuss that with Nina Regor.
10. Council Check -in.
City Manager Mercier said that the governance manual committee is scheduled to give a report at the
March 30 study session. It was also reported that the final "Pizza with the Mayor" will be held tomorrow;
and that Mayor DeVleming is working to finalize the necessary steps to form a student advisory council.
11. City Manager Comments.
City Manager Mercier asked Deputy Mayor Wilhite to elaborate on the upcoming water quality meeting.
Deputy Mayor Wilhite said that meeting is scheduled to begin April 13, it will be hosted by the Spokane
Regional Chamber in conjunction with the Coeur d'Alene Chamber, that it will be a two -day event and
that invited speakers include Senators Murray and Cantwell, and Congressman Nethercutt, and that it is
likely that Idaho senators as well as Idaho Representative Otto will speak as well; representatives from the
Idaho and Washington EPA offices will be attending, and that she will forward more information as it
becomes available.
City Manager Mercier said that he has attended several Chamber of Commerce governance committee
meetings, and said that next Tuesday's agenda will include welcoming the legal legislatures back to town,
along with a briefing of legislative events.
Deputy Mayor Wilhite added that the STA will hold a presentation on April 6 concerning the possibility
of a local sales tax increase issue, which meeting will be open to the public.
City Manager Mercier announced that the Mayor's State of the City address is scheduled for April 20.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
'4 /
-Christine Bainbridge,
Study Session Minutes 03 -16 -04
Date Approved by Council: 03 -23 -04
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ity Clerk
Michael DeVleming/Nlayor
Page 4 of 4
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PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET
Senior Center Bus
SPOKANE VALLEY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DATE: March 16, 2004
All persons wishing to speak at a PUBLIC COMMENT must sign in with your
name and address for the record. There may be a time limit for your comments.
A copy of any written comments relating to the public hearing subject must be
p rovided to the City Clerk.
Edgecliff
Happenings
Rick Scott, Edgecliff Weed &
Seed Coordinator, Vickie Mills,
Edgecliff resident and SCOPE
member.
Presentation about Edgecliff
Introduction
We are here today for the purpose
of providing information about the
Edgecliff Weed & Seed strategy
and our goal of acquiring the
county property located on the NE
corner of 8th and Park Road in
order to build a Community Center.
Topics of Discussion
Crime in the neighborhood
• Juvenile/Adult effects
Commitment of volunteers
Community Partnerships
Crime in the Neighborhood
Edgecliff area has had a reputation
for being a "high crimes"
neighborhood.
Increased boundaries through
Weed & Seed strategy.
Through the efforts of SCOPE as
well as law enforcement, Weed &
Seed and other community
members, we have reduced the
crime rates significantly.
Commitment of Volunteers
Approximately 85 Edgecliff SCOPE
volunteers.
Most Edgecliff residents have lived
an average of 15 years in the
neighborhood.
Edgecliff residents are known for
their strong sense of community
spirit.
Community Partnerships
Some of these supporters include
Park Place Retirement Community,
The Dishman Hills Association,
School District 81, Valley
Community Center as well as
several local businesses.
This has provided a stronger
support base for providing a
community center.
Conclusion
The lack of supervised activities
has created a need for something
more.
The support of the City of Spokane
Valley is vital to our community.
Reauthorization Discussion
Current APA Program
• Approved by the Voters in 1985
• Sunsets in 20 years
• Revenues used for:
— Administering the program
— Septic tank tracking and removal
— Monitoring water quality
— Construct sewers and treatment facilities
Page 2 Public Works 3/16/04
Current APA Program (Continued)
• Currently bill 118,170 parcels
• Fees are placed on the property tax
statements as "Other fees"
• Annual revenue is approximately $2.7
million
• Approximately $45 million collected
since 1985
Public Works
3/16/04
Fees
• $15 annually per single - family parcel on
sewer
• $30 per single - family parcel not on
sewer
• Vacant parcels pay nothing
• Non - residential fees are based on meter
sizes
Page 4 Public Works
Fees (Continued)
• 74.7 % of parcels pay $15 per year
• 21.7 % of parcels pay $30 per year
• 3.6 % of parcels pay more than $30 per
year
Public Works
Reauthorization
• Requires approval by each city /town in the
APA
• County adopts a resolution for a ballot
proposition that:
— Describes boundaries
— Determines it is in public interest
— Sets maximum level of fees
— Describes uses for the fees
• Vote
Page 6
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