2015, 12-29 Study Session MINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
STUDY SESSION FORMAT
Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers
Spokane Valley,Washington
December 29,2015 6:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
Dean Grafos,Mayor Mike Jackson, City Manager
Arne Woodard, Deputy Mayor Mark Calhoun,Deputy City Manager
Chuck Hafner, Councilmember Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Rod Higgins, Councilmember Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
Ed Pace, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Ben Wick, Councilmember John Hohman, Community Development Dir.
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Pro Tem Mike Stone, Parks &Recreation Director
Eric Guth, Public Works Director
Morgan Koudelka, Sr. Administrative Analyst
Gloria Mantz, Development Engineer
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Mayor Grafos called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present. Mayor Grafos
stated that there would be an executive session at the end of this meeting.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the amended
agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Motion Consideration: False Alarm Agreement Extension—Morgan Koudelka
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and
execute the Contract Amendment to the Agreement Between the City of Spokane Valley and Public Safety
Corporation/Crywolf. After Senior Administrative Analyst Koudelka explained the changes as noted in the
agreement as well as the proposed fee changes, Mayor Grafos invited public comment. Tony Lazanis: said
council is elected by the people and council needs to make the decisions and not let staff make those
decisions; said he made a mistake one time and they tried to stick him and that shouldn't be allowed; said
coming to false alarms is part of the police department's jobs;and if they don't have enough people maybe
they should get more. There were no further public comments. Councilmember Hafner asked about the
impact of the $35,000 loss in revenues as a result of lowering fees, and Mr. Jackson said while it does
reflect a reduction in revenues, we can balance the budget without it. Deputy Mayor Woodard and
Councilmember Pace agreed the one-year agreement would enable time for further study of this program.
Vote by Acclamation:In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried.
2. Motion Consideration: Spokane County Information Systems Department Interlocal Agreement —
Morgan Koudelka
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and
execute the Interlocal Agreement between Spokane County and the City of Spokane Valley regarding data
processing applications and services. After Senior Administrative Analyst Koudelka explained the purpose
of the agreement, Mayor Grafos invited public comment. No comments were offered. Councilmember
Hafner asked about street names going into a GIS (geographic information system)system and of the need
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for accuracy so first responders can know where to go, and Mr.Koudelka explained that this issue does not
address that. Vote by Acclamation:In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried.
3. Motion Consideration: Commute Trip Reduction(CTR)Interlocal Agreement—Morgan Koudelka
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and
execute the Interlocal Agreement between Spokane County and the City of Spokane Valley regarding
Commute Trip Reduction implementation. After Senior Administrative Analyst Koudelka explained the
purpose of the agreement, Mayor Grafos invited public comment. No comments were offered.
Councilmember Pace said he is opposed to this and that sometimes if the law doesn't fit,you have to push
back; said the CTR is somebody else's agenda and doesn't think that is this City's agenda; said perhaps we
should push back and say no or have our own program and use that $65,000 for grants for employers to
distribute bus passes. Mr. Koudelka explained that the funds are strictly for the purpose of administering
the CTR program of all employers in our jurisdiction,and we would have to provide those services whether
or not we take the grant. Councilmember Wick also explained that the CTR program is one of the big issues
SRTC (Spokane Regional Transportation Council) talks about, that you have to show you have done at
least some cost modeling and one of the items they ask for is how do you reduce traffic and/or encourage
carpools;he said the grant money is just a fraction of the cost of what the county does for that program, and
without this program, it would hurt our ability to obtain grants for road projects,and would hurt well beyond
the $65,000 grant if we did not participate. Vote by Acclamation:In Favor: Mayor Grafos, Deputy Mayor
Woodard, and Councilmembers Hafner, Higgins, Wick and Gothmann. Opposed: Councilmember Pace.
Motion carried.
4. Proposed Resolution 15-012—Fee Resolution—Chelsie Taylor
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to approve Resolution #15-012 amending the
Master Fee Schedule for 2016. After Finance Director Taylor went over the proposed changes to the Fee
Schedule,Mayor Grafos invited public comment.No comments were offered.Concerning the proposed fee
increase for shelter rental, Councilmember Pace asked why we don't lower the fees so they all match the
lower rate rather than raise the fees, and suggested all $84 rentals should become $50.00. Councilmember
Pace moved to amend the motion to lower from $84 to $50, the shelter fees for Greenacres, Mirabeau,
Terrace View, and Valley Mission. There was no second and the motion did not proceed. Vote by
Acclamation on the original vote:In Favor:Mayor Grafos, Deputy Mayor Woodard, and Councilmembers
Hafner, Higgins, Wick and Gothmann. Opposed: Councilmember Pace. Motion carried
6. Historic Preservation Program—John Hohman, Gloria Mantz
(As noted on the amended agenda, this item was moved from an administrative report to a motion.) It was
moved by Councilmember Hafner and seconded to forward this item to the Planning Commission for further
consideration. Director Hohman explained that when this issue was last discussed at a Council meeting,
Council had requested staff bring a list of properties and their assessed value. Mr. Hohman stated that this
list represents a reduced number from the original number supplied by Heritage Museum Director Jayne
Singletone, and all total represent approximately $29 million in valuation. Mayor Grafos invited public
comment.Ms.Jayne Singleton:said the museum has acted in the capacity of historic preservation,including
the review of some citizens' attempt to put their property on the national historic register; said this will add
to the vision of this community as it enables us to further share our history, and she would like to see this
move forward. Another individual also spoke concerning historic preservation.
Councilmember Hafner stated that he examined some studies from the Internet regarding preservation,what
it is and reasons to engage in historic preservation, among which include providing an identity for our city,
a source of pride, stabilizes aging neighborhoods, and increases property value. Councilmember Wick
added that it also provides an opportunity to help property owners make a decision about rehabilitating or
demolishing a building, and he sees this as a tool to help lower those rehabilitation costs. Mayor Grafos
said he also supports historic preservation as a means to preserve our history and our heritage, that citizen
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Approved by Council:01-12-2016
participation would be voluntary, and that he cares about our valley heritage and history. Vote by
Acclamation: In Favor: Mayor Grafos and Councilmembers Hafner, Gothmann, and Wick. Opposed:
Deputy Mayor Woodard and Councilmembers Pace and Higgins. Motion carried.
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
5. Library District Update—Nancy Ledeboer and Library Board Member Tim Hattenburg
Ms. Ledeboer explained that because of two failed ballot measures, the Library District is now asking the
City to consider amending the interlocal agreement it has with the City to change the date for re-acquisition
by the City, moving it up from October 23, 2017 to any time after January 1, 2106. Ms. Ledeboer noted
that Mr.Tim Hattenburg has served ten years as a trustee of the library board and tonight is his last official
duty. They discussed the 2012 agreement concerning moving forward to purchase the land with the idea
of having a park and a Library, and Ms. Ledeboer explained that everything was contingent upon obtaining
funds through a bond election, with the idea of breaking ground 2017; and if the bond election was not
passed, the City would purchase the land back from the Library. She explained that the first ballot also
included voter approval of a library district, and she said that might have been confusing to voters and said
they did not reach the needed 60% super majority. With the second ballot try, the library plan was
downsized and the voter outcome was close with 57.7%but it still wasn't enough to fund a bond issue; she
said the trustees have re-evaluated the situation and said they feel the voters have said no twice so therefore,
the Library is letting the City know the 2017 deadline to break ground will not be met and the Library is
requesting the City purchase back that parcel, as the Library has no hope of having the funding to build a
new library on that property.
Deputy Mayor Woodard said he would have preferred the library had asked for an extension; said he is
sorry the bond issue didn't pass,and hopes this is not being short-sighted on the Board's position to ask for
the money back before asking for an extension; said if the Library wants the money back he would honor
that request, but he asked the Library to reconsider; said the City is not ready to develop that park yet. Mr.
Hattenburg said the Valley Library is crowded, there is little parking, and there are also some structural
issues and the income from the return of the property could help them find an architect to assist with the
building issues. Mayor Grafos also acknowledged that the first vote was confusing, but said he is
disappointed the Library District didn't go for a third try, or ask for an extension; said with 57.7%in favor,
there will be a lot of people disappointed the library is not moving forward.Councilmember Gothmann also
expressed disappointment with not going out for another vote; and he suggested concentrating on just the
main library; and said a main library in conjunction with a park and a city hall would make a tremendous
city center. Ms. Ledeboer said she will take all these comments back to the Board; said if they did go for a
third vote, it would also include another vote to create a district. She said they examined some of the last
ballot outcomes, and the valley voters seem consistent. Councilmember Wick said he is not ready to give
up on it and is still hopeful that persistence will pay off in the end. Mayor Grafos said the City is not in a
hurry to move on the parkland, and he appreciates the Board considering these things.
7. City Hall Update—John Hohman
Concerning the interior design of the new City Hall,Director Hohman showed some photos and drawings,
including a few options for set-up in the Council Chambers and mentioned there are still some details they
have to work through; mentioned the study session table in the center, and the moveable podium; said the
original staircase design with open risers doesn't meet building code so that will be changed;and he showed
the idea of river rock between the columns in front of council chambers. Mr. Hohman also mentioned the
lobby floor and of the use of carpet to keep noise to a minimum. Council appeared to like what they saw.
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Approved by Council:01-12-2016
8. Advance Agenda—Mayor Grafos
Councilmember Pace mentioned the"information only"police report included in tonight's meeting packet,
and said he would like to request that item be placed on an agenda in the near future so that the Chief would
give an oral report.There were no objections.
9. Department Monthly Reports
These were for information only and were not discussed or reported.
10. Council Comments—Mayor Grafos
Mayor Grafos said that tonight is his last meeting as Mayor,and he extended thanks to Council; said being
selected as Mayor requires a steep learning curve and an effective working relationship with staff; he
extended his thanks to staff,Mr.Jackson,Mr. Calhoun,and the department directors,and thanked his wife.
11. City Manager Comments—Mike Jackson
City Manager Jackson stated that he has been watching the progress of the proposed oil terminal for
Vancouver,Washington,and the draft Environmental Impact Statement has now been released for that first
project; said a public meeting is scheduled for January 14 at CenterPlace, the final date for comment is
January 22,and he wanted to make sure Council has the opportunity to provide testimony on the 141x',and/or
written testimony by the 22"d; also mentioned the idea of Council holding a public hearing to hear what
citizens might say about the proposed terminal; said this project, if approved, would place an additional
eight to ten oil trains daily through our city;he mentioned we already have substantial train traffic,and that
this is just one of the major projects planned on the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) Railroad lines;
he said we could see more if this is approved; said the project will terminate in Vancouver then the oil
would be placed on barges to the open ocean to refineries. Mr. Jackson suggested bringing this item to
Council January 5 for an administrative report, and then if Council desires, to have a public hearing. Mr.
Jackson said he anticipates up to one hundred trains ten years from now, which would have a significant
impact; said we'd like to get our grade separation projects completed; adding that the City of Vancouver is
opposing the terminal. There was Council concurrence for an administrative report January 5,and a public
hearing later.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn into Executive
Session for approximately thirty minutes to discuss pending litigation, and that no action would be taken
upon return to open session. Council adjourned into executive session at 7:31 p.m. Mayor Grafos declared
Council out of executive session at 7:50 p.m., and immediately thereafter, it was moved by Deputy Mayor
Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn.
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Council Study Session: 12-29-2015 Page 4 of 4
Approved by Council:01-12-2016
Re-numbered: Item#4a Historic Preservation Program
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: December 29, 2015 Department Director Approval: El
Item: Check all that apply: El Consent ❑ Old business 0 New business ❑ Public Hearing
❑ Information ®Admin. Report El Pending Legislation
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Motion Consideration: Historic Preservation Program Implementation
Plan
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: The Growth Management Act (GMA) RCW 36.70A.020
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: On August 19, 2014, staff presented a brief overview
of local historic preservation and special evaluations to City Council.
On October 14, 2014, the City of Spokane's Historic Preservation Officer and the Deputy State
Historic Preservation Officer provided more information relating to the establishment of a local
historic preservation program.
On February 3, 2015, staff presented an overview of the process for establishing an in-house
historic preservation program, responsibilities as a Certified Local Government (CLG) and
options to run the historic preservation program.
On April 21, 2015, staff presented an overview of the required standards, special tax valuation
agreement, and historic register listing implications.
On June 30, 2015, staff presented benefits, drawbacks, and estimated costs to run the historic
program. Council concurred to move forward with the establishment of the program.
On September 15, 2015, staff presented Council with background and draft ordinances required
to apply to become a CLG.
On December 15, 2015, staff presented the implementation plan for the Historic Preservation
Program. At that meeting Council requested the assessed value of known historic assets in the
City.
BACKGROUND: To become a CLG, the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation
requires the adoption of the Historic Preservation Program (HPP) ordinance and Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) ordinance, development of rules and procedures and
establishment of Commission members. To run the HPP, there are additional tasks that staff
needs to complete. Staff has prepared a comprehensive implementation plan that consists of
nine tasks:
Task 1 - Staff Training
Task 2 - HPP ordinance and HPC ordinance - Required to become a CLG
Task 3 - Rules & Procedures for Commission - Required to become a CLG
Task 4 -Amend Fee Schedule
Task 5 - Develop Documents
Task 6 - Appoint Commission Members - Required to become a CLG
Task 7 -Apply to become a CLG
Task 8 - Commission Training
Task 9 - Commission Meetings
Page 1 of 2
Re-numbered: Item #4a Historic Preservation Program
These tasks are described in detail in the attached memorandum (Exhibit 1).
The HPP will allow the City to receive technical assistance, apply for special grant funding, offer
special tax valuation to local registered properties, and comment on federal and state historic
preservation actions.
OPTIONS: Council discretion
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Discussion only. Move to forward this item to the
Planning Commission for further consideration.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Unknown at present.
STAFF CONTACT: John Hohman, Community Economic Development Director and Gloria
Mantz, Development Engineer
Attachments:
• Exhibit 1 — Memorandum to Mike Jackson, City Manager
• Exhibit 2 — Historic Assets Assessed Value Table
• Exhibit 3 — Historic Assets Map
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