Resolution 16-006 Temp Closing Spokane River CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY,WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 16-006
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PERIODICALLY CLOSE
AND OPEN THE SPOKANE RIVER ON A TEMPORARY BASIS RELATING TO THE
SULLIVAN ROAD BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UNTILOCTOBER 31, 2016,
AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
WHEREAS, the City may take appropriate action to protect the public health, safety, and welfare
of its citizens pursuant to the Washington State Constitution,Article XI Section 11,and RCW 35A.11.020;
and
WHEREAS, the southbound Sullivan Road bridge is currently under construction. As a
consequence of this construction, and due to fluctuating water levels due to seasonal runoff, periodically
there may be a risk of injury for people utilizing the river; and
WHEREAS,the City has been advised by Spokane County Sheriff Knezovich that these conditions
constitute a significant safety concern, and that it is appropriate to restrict access to the Spokane River
surrounding the Sullivan Road bridge construction project due to danger posed by the construction project
and the elevated water levels in the Spokane River. These conditions pose a danger to any person entering
the river, including rescue personnel.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane
County, Washington as follows:
Section 1. Restrictions on Access to Spokane River Around Sullivan Road Bridge.
a. The City is currently replacing the southbound Sullivan Road bridge. This work occasionally
results in potentially unsafe conditions for people who may be in the Spokane River immediately below the
construction site, which includes an area on either side of the bridge.
b. The City and its contractor are able to determine when unsafe conditions are likely to occur due
to ongoing construction. In lieu of ordering the area around the construction zone to be closed until the
new southbound bridge is completed, the City Council delegates to the City Manager or designee the
authority to close that portion of the Spokane River identified in Section 1(c), including those identified
limitations of use, on a periodic basis as may be warranted by the conditions. The City Manager may
consult with any appropriate personnel necessary in making the determination to close or re-open the
affected portion of the river.
c. The City Manager or designee is hereby authorized to periodically close the Spokane River in
the vicinity of the Sullivan Road bridge when unsafe conditions due to ongoing construction and/or river
water levels occur. When so closed, the public shall not intentionally enter, swim, dive or float, with or
without a boat, raft,craft, or other floating device, in or upon the water of the Spokane River from 100 feet
east of the easternmost edge of the northbound Sullivan Road bridge to 500 feet west of the easternmost
edge of the northbound Sullivan Road bridge as identified by the City through media releases,traffic alerts,
or other appropriate means. Said media releases or traffic alerts shall identify the beginning and end date
and time of each intermittent closure.
d. The Spokane Valley Police Department is directed to take appropriate action to enforce this
Resolution for the benefit of the public health, safety, and welfare.
Resolution 16-006 -Restrictions Spokane River Use Re: Sullivan Road Bridge Page 1 of 2
Section 2.Duration of Restrictions on Access to Spokane River. This Resolution shall be effective
upon adoption, and shall continue in effect until October 31,2016,unless terminated earlier by subsequent
action of the City Council.
Adopted this 9th day of February, 2016.
City of Spokane Valley
t./
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L.R. Higgins,'Mayor'
ATTEST. ,��
ity Clerk, / rr Christine Bainbridge
Approved o For • ,....e0
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Resolution 16-006- Restrictions Spokane River Use Re: Sullivan Road Bridge Page 2 of 2