2016, 08-16 Study Session MINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY COUNCIL
MEETING STUDY SESSION
Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers
Spokane Valley, Washington
August I6, 2016
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
Rod Higgins,Mayor John Hohman, Comm &Eco. Dev Director
Arne Woodard,Deputy Mayor Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Caleb Collier, Councilmember Erik Lamb,Deputy City Attorney
Pam Haley, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Mike Munch, Councilmember Mike Stone, Parks&Recreation Director
Ed Pace, Councilmember Eric Guth,Public Works Director
Sam Wood, Councilmember Steve Worley, Cap. Improvement Program Mgr.
Gloria Mantz,Development Engineer
Jacob Dillion,Legal Intern
Mark Werner,Police Chief
Carolbelle Branch,Public Information Officer
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Mayor Higgins called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present.
Special Presentation: Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Presentation of Champion Award to
Senator Padden
Mr. Dave Williams, AWC Director of Government Relations, announced that he is here tonight to assist
with the awarding of the City Champion Award to Senator Mike Padden, to honor and thank him for the
work done this past year in particular, and to honor his service over a number of years in the Legislature.
After Mr.Williams gave some background on the AWC,he introduced AWC Board Member Micki Harnois
to actually present the award. Senator Padden was thanked for his involvement in the police body camera
legislation, as well as his assistance with the nuisance abatement legislation. Ms. Harnois read the award,
it was presented to Senator Padden, and afterward there was a brief photo shoot and congratulations from
Council. Senator Padden thanked everyone for this opportunity, said he feels fortunate to represent the
Fourth District as we accommodate growth sensibly; that many different councils establishe policies
friendly to business with an attitude of how to make it work, but that he feels this area is truly the future of
our country. Senator Padden was congratulated by all.
ACTION ITEM:
1. Second Reading Ordinance 16-013, Inland Power&Light Electrical Franchise—Cary Driskell
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the Ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and
seconded to approve Ordinance 16-013 granting an electrical franchise to Inland Power & Light. City
Attorney Driskell briefly explained that this is a 25-year franchise giving them the right to operate their
facilities within our rights-of-way, and is nearly identical to what was recently granted to Avista. Mayor
Higgins invited public comments;no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation:In Favor. Unanimous.
Opposed: None. Motion carried.
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
2. Sidewalk/Snow Removal—Cary Driskell,Jacob Dillion
City Attorney Driskell introduced Jacob Dillon, legal intern and current second year student at Gonzaga.
Via his PowerPoint presentation,Mr.Dillion went through the sections of the proposed ordinance,including
the amendment to remove a portion of existing language under title 7 so that failure to remove snow and
Council Study Session:08-16-2016 Page 1 of 4
Approved by Council:09-13-2016
ice would no longer constitute a nuisance with an approximate penalty of$500,but instead would be a civil
infraction subject to penalties of approximately $50 or $100. After Mr. Dillion finished the PowerPoint
presentation, there was discussion about the time frame noted on slide 12; and mention from Mr. Driskell
that he is still working on the enforcement segment and that we would use existing personnel. Mr.Driskell
also stressed that there will be an education aspect to this as the goal is to get the sidewalks clear and not to
punish.
Councilmember Munch asked how people would know when this time would start and end, and Mr.
Driskell replied that for example, three days after the snow has stopped falling, people would be likely to
get a knock on the door; lie also mentioned that this will not be complaint-driven and we will enforce this
as resources allow; said this is a public safety aspect as there is the expectation of the public using the public
sidewalks without hindrance; and although the snow must be removed regardless of how it got there,what
we are doing now is clearly not working. In addition, Mr. Driskell noted that it is not permitted for people
to shovel their sidewalks and driveways and dump that snow into the road, as that would add to unsafe road
conditions. Councilmember Wood asked about the process if a person doesn't remove the snow after the
first citation, and Mr. Driskell said the ordinance does not address that but he will research that, and said
each day could be a separate violation. Council agreed with the need for further research in that regard.
There was also discussion about whether the citation would be against the tenant or the property owner,
with Mr. Driskell stating that it is ultimately the property owner who is responsible for the condition of
their property. Concerning the education aspect, Mr. Driskell said we would use the City's quarterly Hot
Topics publication, which is mailed to households and businesses, with the fall edition being centered
almost exclusively On snow removal; and there would be information on the City's website as well, and
said the approach the first year would include some leniency and that we are hopeful people will clear the
sidewalks on a voluntary basis. Mr. Driskell said he will continue to look at options for perhaps a daily
approach on the fine or other options, and report back to Council in a few weeks.
3. Tourism Enhancement Study—Gloria Mantz
Ms. Mantz went through her PowerPoint presentation discussing lodging and tourism strategies, which
includes analysis of survey questions concerning tourism;she spoke about the tourism analysis and phrased
approach, of stakeholder involvement, interview theme challenges and opportunities, and public
engagement efforts, including two workshops and an online survey.The six listed projects were discussed:
(1) develop new events or festivals to complement ValleyFest and Cycle celebration; (2) development of a
waterfront park and whitewater course; (3) Balfour Park redevelopment; (4) Fairground expansion and
Avista Stadium district; (5) Trail development and public art, and (6) Event Center and multifaceted arts
and entertainment venue. Ms. Mantz said the City's role would be as a partner rather than an organizer.
After discussion about the project ideas, including the idea of car shows, and there was Council consensus.
on the six listed projects.
4. City Hall Supplemental Design Efforts—John Holtman
Director Hohman explained that this is an opportunity to discuss and get Council's opinion on three separate
potential design efforts, and he mentioned that one of the pages in the packet, the Basement Alternates of
$28,680,00, is the incorrect sheet, and lie brought Council's attention to the corrected sheet at the Council
dais, that showing the Basement Alternates of$1,840, and lie explained each of the three options as noted
in his August 16,2016 Request for Council Action form.There was discussion about the basement, its size,
that it would include a restroom, and that the basement could be used for such things as a multi-purpose
room for training, displays, or group meetings. Councilmember Munch mentioned he feels it is a lot of
money for a small piece, and Mr. Holtman replied that staff feels the cost is in line with the items, that it
includes the lobby and restrooms which means, plumbing, electrical, sinks, drinking fountains, etc.
COuncilmember Pace said he thinks there is a great opportunity to use that space in partnership with
Spokane Valley Arts Council for an art gallery; said the Arts Council has the potential of acquiring $17
million in collections,and that with the outdoor sculptures could all fit together as an important part of our
City that will attract businesses and people,and said he hopes the space doesn't just become a multi-purpose
room. Deputy Mayor Woodard added that he thinks this is one of those spaces to get ready for bid, so this
is a little different form just drafting and that the space represents a lot of opportunity to use that basement
Council Study Session:08-16-2016 Page 2 of 4
Approved by Council:09-13-2016
for whatever the need is. Councilmember Wood said he would like to see a rough estimate of what this Nvill
cost before making a decision,and Mr.Hohman responded that he can bring back additional information.
Concerning the$1,840 City Hall site sculpture location study,Mr. Hohman explained that staff has been in
consultation with the Arts Council in looking at the site and site plan of the project,as well as suitable areas
to include outdoor sculptures; said one of the things driving this is to relocate the berry picker sculpture
from CenterPlace to a more prominent location at City Hall; that there is another sculpture available that
the Arts Council has commissioned but the site for that has not been determined; and the plan is to have an
architect come in and offer up to six locations of where the sculpture might be placed; said the idea is to
come up with different concepts and there is a separate effort to design any modifications we might need,
including changes to landscaping; said the actual construction drawings would be identified once we get to
that point; and that a pad or foundation will also be needed for the sculptures to sit on, plus electrical, and
that the $1,840 would get us to the conceptual design. He asked if Council was interested. In response to
Councilmember Wood's question about the other sculpture, Mr. Holman explained that it is a figure of a
woman with her hands over her head holding a small horse; that the sculpture would be about seven feet
tall, and he can bring Council a picture later. Mr. Holman noted that the sculptures would be donated, but
we would pay for the slab,electrical,and maintenance but not vandalism, and Parks &Recreation Director
Stone said that of the sculptures we have,there has been some vandalism on the Mountain Man, but none
on the Sun &Moon, but that sculptures do have a potential for that kind of activity depending on where it
goes; he said that mostly the public art is left alone so far as vandalism, and maintenance is minimal; and
that it is not the City's responsibility to repair or replace the sculptures.Council agreed to move forward on
those items. Mr. Holtman then directed discussion concerning the horse sculpture, entitled "The Rise of
Schitsu-umsh"and explained this sculpture is symbolic of the slaughter of about 800 horses in 1858 during
a war between the U.S. government and Native Americans, and that the Arts Council would like to
commission that statute;if would be about 14-18 feet wide and 12 feet deep so would be a massive structure;
he said that sculpture probably doesn't fit well at the City Hall site as it would be overpowering; but there
would be an effort to look at various locations through the City as an attraction, or maybe on a piece of
property STA (Spokane Transit Authority) owns adjacent to the Transportation Center on University and
Appleway; and said there are other properties to examine as well and discuss with the Arts Council about
options; said this would likely entail more cost for the City as a foundation slab,electricity, etc., would be
needed for such a site and would need to be carefully chosen. Mr. Holman asked if there is Council
consensus to have this item studied further to determine an appropriate location, and develop a range of
costs; he said the cost of the sculpture is significant and the idea is to have funding in place over the next
two years; and that with all the elements that would be needed for this large sculpture, he estimated the
City's cost(which is not to be confused with the cost of the actual sculpture which is being donated)to be
between $180,000 to $230,000. Council agreed to move forward with the review of the City Hall site,the
multipurpose room,and to further study the issues surrounding the next stages for the large horse sculpture.
Mayor Higgins called for a recess at 7:48 p.m.; he reconvened the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
5. City Hall Update--Eric Guth, Steve Worley
Mr. Guth and Mr. Worley went through the PowerPoint presentation explaining the construction schedule
with final completion set for September 30, 2017; he showed the progress of the project from week one
through week eleven.Councilmember Munch asked about expediting the project to save money on the rent,
and Mr.Worley explained that the consultant determined that could not be accomplished without increasing
the price, which would in turn offset the savings gained by not paying the lease, and that overall the City
team decided it is probably not worth it to push that.Mr. Holman stated that adding in the full basement is
substantial so there would be no flexibility in the schedule. Mr. Guth also noted that staff has created a
moving committee to determine what we need to do to move from one building to the other, and how to
handle service during that time; and that staff is working closely with the IT department to make it as
smooth as possible.
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Approved by Council:09-13-2016
6.TIGER(Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant Update—Eric Guth
Public Works Director Guth announced that this is the third time we submitted a TIGER grant for the Barker
Road overpass, and unfortunately,we were not selected for funding;he mentioned we were included in the
rural category,which was the category we fell into as the Census Bureau still considers that portion of town
rural.Mr. Guth gave a re-cap of the projects chosen,forty in total with thirty-one in the urban category and
nine in the rural category, with the bulk of the total TIGER funds of$500 million going to those projects
in the urban category; said staff has reached out to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a de-brief for
help in future applications on the TIGER and FASTLANE grant applications; said he feels getting the
project designed up 90% will bolster the next application and strengthen the chances for funding.
In response to a question from Councilmember Wood about the cost to apply for the grants, Mr. Guth
explained that staff engages the help of consultants as they typically know what reviewers are looking for;
said we had a good application; and that application bundled together with the FASTLANE is
approximately $80,000 for all of it. Councilmember Collier asked about federal grant emphasis on green
projects and how to incorporate those into the Barker project, said perhaps we would be more successful if
we applied for the Pines project,or other projects that include sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenspaces. Mr.
Guth explained that we have bike and pedestrian lanes on the overpass on Barker, but it is probably not as
attractive as other projects; said he can take a look at Pines for a TIGER grant;that we chose Barker since
some of the grant criteria is about how much funds you are bringing to the table; said we currently have no
funding on Pines but can look into that. Mayor Higgins asked about the possibility of moving out of the
rural category. Mr. Gutli said there was discussion about whether that would be advantageous and we were
put in the urban category one year; said there is more funding in the urban categories but also more
competition;and that we would have to petition the granting agency if we want to be in the urban category.
7.Advance Agenda Mayor Higgins
Councilmember Wood distributed a copy of a draft resolution supporting the preservation, maintenance
and improvement of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail; said this area includes an old abandoned railroad;that
the City of Tekoa sent out an e-mail asking for our support, and informing us that nineteen cities are
supporting it with a resolution; said the State is beginning to give that trail away to adjoining landowners
along the trail, and he would like to look at that area as a lineal park, and to bring something forward at a
future meeting. City Attorney Driskell said if there is Council consensus,we can work on this, adding that
he is not aware of any timeframe. Deputy Mayor Woodard said he would like to hear the pros and cons as
it does involve some property rights issues, and that he would like more information; he also noted he had
some information and would try to locate that to share with Mr. Driskell. There was apparent Council
consensus for staff to work on a resolution and to bring that to Council for discussion.
8. Council Check in—Mayor Higgins
Councilmember Pace read a brief history of Spokane Valley, which lie explained was read a few years ago
at the dedication of a medical health care facility in Spokane Valley; said some of the Councilmembers
were touched by it and thought this a good opportunity to take a look again at our core values and think
about capturing our history and culture, especially as we move forward and in working through our
comprehensive plan.
9. Acting City Manager Comments—John Holman
Mr. Hohman had no comments.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard, seconded and un ?imolai agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 8:35 p.m. r
APAP
ATTE ..HigIor
fL y 4r�+`1
Pristine Bainbridge,City Cler
Council Study Session:08-16-2016 Page 4 of 4
Approved by Council:09-13-2016
Spokane Valley City Hall
ArcI itects West Inc. Agenda Item
4.6/Architecture • Landscape Architecture 6/30/2016
210 Easl Lakeside Avenue,Coev d'Alene,10 83814 #4 Corrected
Fn.-?or.E87.91Qr Fr 208.687.5103 Additional Services Site
rwrr.arcnll.cic.l lt.cpn Sheet
Sculpture Placement l
Title/Phase I Projected Hours I Rate!Flr.I Total
Basement Alternates PIC LA DRAFT ADMIN
City Hall Slte Sculpture Location Study
Sculpture Location study 8.0
Meeting and Review with City 8.0
Jon Mueller(LA) 16.0 $115.00 $1,840.00
SUB-TOTAL Architectural Services ! $1,840.00
Structural Engineering $0.00
Mechanical Engineering $0.00
Interior Design and Furnishings $0.00
Fire Protection Engineering $0.00
Electrical Engineering $0.00
SUB-TOTAL Consulting r $0.00
OH&P @ 10% $0.00
r _ Total � $1,840.00
'—//
Resolution No.
A resolution regarding the preservation, maintenance and improvement of the
John Wayne Pioneer Trail.
WHEREAS, the John Wayne Pioneer Trail is a 300 mile long stretch of former
railway roadbed that goes from the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains to the
Idaho Border and is the longest rail trail in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Parks Department and Washington State
Department of Natural Resources own the land the trail sits on; and
WHEREAS, in 2002 the trail was designated a National Recreational Trail by the
federal government; and
WHEREAS, the trail is used by cyclists and horse riders, including the John
Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders Association for their annual "Ride Across
Washington" event; and
WHEREAS, Fish Lake Trail, which turns in to the Columbia Plateau Trail near
Cheney, provides a direct connection to the John Wayne Pioneer Trail for recreational
enthusiasts in Spokane; and
WHEREAS, the City of Spokane has spent more than $3 million on improving the
Fish Lake Trail, and long term plans call for another $4 million for the final phase of
improvements; and
WHEREAS, there has been recent discussion of closing a portion of the John
Wayne Pioneer Trail east of the Columbia River; and
WHEREAS, the closure of the trail would decrease recreational opportunities for
citizens of Spokane and the surrounding areas, and close a critical connection to Fish
Lake Trail/Columbia Plateau Trail, and forfeit the right-of-way for any possible future rail
transport connection; and
WHEREAS, adjacent landowners have brought forward concerns about ongoing
maintenance of the trail;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of City of Spokane that
the city expresses its support for the preservation of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail as
well as the allocation of additional state resources for the maintenance and
improvement of the trail east of the Columbia River.
A Brief History of Spokane Valley
As shared at the recent Dedication of Providence Medical Park-Spokane
Valley
The place we stand is "holy ground." It has a long history. Thousands of years ago,the upper
band of the Spokane tribe, and members of the Coeur d'Alene tribe, lived where we stand
today. Tribal members were sustained by camas roots, serviceberries and they built trails that
led to the Spokane River where they feasted on trout. Their horses grazed on Valley
bunchgrass.
Antoine Plante, a French-Canadian trapper, settled in the Spokane Valley around 1852. He built
the region's first ferry, to cross the Spokane River, and his name lives on in the sports complex
nearby known as Plante's Ferry Park. And though he lived in peaceful ways with the Spokane's
and the Coeur d'Alenes,the land soon became known for its sorrows, as battles between
settlers and Native Americans spilled blood onto Valley soil.
In the early 20th century, as Spokane grew larger and louder west of here,the Valley held fast
to its prairie roots. Bands of wild horses ran free. Vegetables grew on family farms, apples on
orchard trees, sustained by water from.the aquifer, an underground river of life which flows
throughout the Valley.
The railroads roared through here, and still do, and small towns sprouted up all around here,
towns with optimistic names like Opportunity. These small towns held fiercely to their
independence, and this independent spirit eventually fueled the incorporation of the city of
Spokane Valley in 2003.
The mid-20th century families settled in the Spokane Valley because lots were big, and small
farms were allowed, and horses and cows welcome in most neighborhoods. Housing
developments and shopping malls and businesses followed. And yet between the
developments and the malls and the big businesses, you can still see much green space out ou
windows here today, and you can watch the sun set on hillsides all around.
Providence is now part of this history. it brings its healing space to a part of the region known
for its independent people who desire to live surrounded by city things but retain a country
heart. And so, let this part of Valley history and Providence history unfold together anew.
First of all,the add taken out by the Spokane Valley Business Association is completely misleading
regarding the $400,000 grant for the City of Spokane Valley that they claim went to the City of Rockford
and The Carnhope water District. Rockford and Carnhope applied for their own Grants from the
Community Development Block Grant Board.The board is made up of about 20 members from
throughout the community and they independently review all applications and then recommend to the
County Commissioners who should get grants and in what amount. One Person can't control the board.
The process is transparent and regulated by the Federal Government. It would appear that the Spokane
Valley Business Association does not understand the process. Furthermore,the$40000 referred to was
earmarked for the Blake Rd sidewalk project that was soundly rejected by the residents along Blake
during a neighborhood forum at city hall. Should we not listen to the people?
The$152000 being spent for advertising and marketing was recommended by the Economic
Development department. It should be remembered that past city councils spent similar amounts.
There are really good things happening in the Valley.The council is showing financial prudence by
holding the city budget to a 1%increase which will maintain our respected financial stability. It is
developing a sustainable road preservation fund that will insure the Spokane Valley will have the best
roads in the region. All the services contracts are being reviewed and analyzed to insure that the City is
getting the best bang for the buck. We are encouraging multiple bidders on every contract which will
make them more completive and more likely to be cheaper and better.We are moving ever closer to
bridging the Valley with several grant possibilities that have realistic chances of being approved. The
Sullivan Bridge project is nearing completion and the City Hall is under construction and slated to be
occupied in September of 2017.There are numerous road projects throughout the Valley that have
begun or about to.The council is working with our Economic Development Department to create a City
Identity which was one of the "Big Five" being promoted by the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.
This will set the Spokane Valley apart from other cities in the region and help promote economic growth
and vitality. This will mean jobs and a stronger tax base for future growth and development of our great
City.
The council is working hard to protect the identity and safety of the City as a family friendly community
by developing sensible Marijuana regulations. The municipal code is being scrutinized line by line in an
attempt to reduce cumbersome and unnecessary regulations that only hinder the development of our
business community and do nothing to protect the health and safety of our citizens.The comprehensive
Land Use Plan is nearing completion and when done will reduce the number of building zones from 15
to 11 and provide for annexation.This is needed to handle the project growth that will occur in the
Valley in the next 20 years. Here is the real state of the Valley and not some gloom and doom being
promoted by the Spokane Valley Business Association that have their own political agenda.
The Spokane Valley is on the MOVE!II