2003, 03-20 Study Session Minutes City of Spokane Valley
City Council
Study Session Notes
March 20, 2003
Mayor Michael DeVleming opened the Study Session at 7:18 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Michael DeVleming, Deputy Mayor Diana Wilhite,
Councilmembers Dick Denenny, Mike Flanigan, Richard Munson, Gary Schimmels and
Steve Taylor.
Staff present: Interim Manager Lee Walton, Interim Finance Director Robert Noack,
Interim Community Development Director James Harris, Interim Human Resources
Manager Don Morrison, and Interim City Clerk Ruth Muller.
Vacation and Leave Benefits: Interim Human Resources Manager Morrison explained
that as a result of direction by Council during the detailed review of the personnel
ordinance, these benefit provisions were extracted from the ordinance and are being
presented in resolution form to give the Council more flexibility. There was discussion
of provisions included in this resolution and Council concurred that Section 3.C. be
amended to provide a sick leave bank of 96 hours rather than 200 hours.
Morrison reported that four building department employees have been hired to begin
work March 24, 2003 for training and in preparation to have the permit center operational
on incorporation day, March 31, 2003. It is necessary that these personnel provisions be
in place so that employees will be covered at time of hire. Consensus of the Council is
that the regular meeting will be re-opened following this study session to take action on
Resolution No. 03-022.
Essential Public Facilities: Interim Community Development Director Harris said that
state law mandates that all cities provide for siting of essential public facilities. Spokane
County Regional Siting Process for Essential Public Facilities was developed by all cities
and towns within Spokane County to ensure consistency among all jurisdictions and to
provide for equitable distribution throughout the County. Staff recommends that
Spokane Valley join with the other cities in the County to participate for siting of these
facilities. There was brief discussion of the different types of facilities covered under
these provisions, possible amendments to the state law as to where these facilities can be
sited, and community response to such facilities.
Land Use Application Review Procedures: Interim Community Development Director
Harris said that because there was no consistency as to how cities processed land use
applications, state law was enacted that requires large projects to be coordinated and
issued within 120 days of receipt of a complete application. There is current legislation
being considered in Olympia that would impose penalties if permits are not issued within
the 120-day time period. Staff recommends that Spokane Valley adopt by reference
Study Session Notes,March 20,2003
Approved by Council,April 22,2003
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the 120-day time period. Staff recommends that Spokane Valley adopt by reference
Spokane County ordinance that establishes a process and timeline for meeting state
requirements.
Mayor DeVleming closed the Study Session at 7:56 p.m.
Mayor DeVleming re-opened the special council meeting at 7:58 p.m.
Resolution No. 03-022 (Holiday, Vacation,Leave Benefits): Councilmember Denenny
moved and Councilmember Munson seconded that Resolution No. 03-022 as amended in
Section 3.C.Specifying the Holiday, Vacation, and Leave Benefit Provisions for City
Employees be adopted. The motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Councilmember Taylor questioned the level of activity that Council
should engage in regarding the Association of Washington Cities. Interim Manager
Walton said that during the year this organization provides many training opportunities
for City officials and staff, and provides legislative information to the cities of the state.
Mayor DeVleming said that a contact tree has been established if there should be a Code
Red designation by the federal government.
Adjournment: Councilmember Flanigan moved and Councilmember Taylor seconded
that the meeting adjourn. The motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
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Interim City Clerk Ruth Muller Mayor Michael De eming
Study Session Notes,March 20,2003 2
Approved by Council,April 22,2003