2016, 09-09 Special Council of Gov't MINUTES
Special Regional Council of Governments Meeting
Hosted by Spokane County Board of County Commissioners
Friday, September 9,2016
10:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, Conference Facility
404 N Havana Street, Spokane Valley, Washington
Attendance:
Spokane Valley Council Staff
Mayor Rod Higgins Mark Calhoun,Acting City Manager
Deputy Mayor Arne Woodard Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Councihnember Mike Munch Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Councihnember Ed Pace
Absent:
Comcilmember Caleb Collier
Councihnember Pam Haley
Councihnember Sam Wood
Others in Attendance: Spokane County Commissioners Nancy McLaughlin and Shelly O'Quinn; and
various elected officials and stofffi•ont within and around the region.
1. Welcome and Review of Meeting Agenda—Spokane Co. Commissioner Shelly O'Quinn
Commissioner O'Quinn welcomed everyone to the meeting and the microphone was passed around the
room for self-introductions.
2. Fairchild AFB 92nd ARW-Commander Colonel Ryan Samuelson
Colonel Samuelson gave a brief introduction of himself and explained the mission and vision of the 92nd
Air Refueling Wing; spoke a little about their local partnership, and mentioned that Fairchild is the largest
employer of the Inland Northwest. He also mentioned that the air show will return to Fairchild July 2017.
3. City and Town Updates—Priorities From Each Jurisdiction.
Spokane Valley Deputy Mayor Woodard reported that Spokane Valley is working on its comprehensive
plan;that the new City Hall building construction is going well;mentioned the Pines underpass of the BNSF
(Burlington Northern Santa Fe)Railroad project which the City is working toward a 90%design complete,
and likewise for the Barker BNSF Project;thereby allowing greater funding opportunities;and said that the
Sullivan Road Bridge replacement should be completed by the end of 2016. Liberty Lake Mayor Steve
Peterson said their city is growing rapidly;they are working on new roads and pavement on a regular basis;
said the Town Square Project ballot issue failed by 103 votes, and they hope to put that out to the voters
again in 2016. Council Member Dan Dunne noted they have acquired twenty-three acres inside the UGA
(Urban Growth Area),and are working on trails and paths. Commissioner O'Quinn noted that Liberty Lake
has a wonderful Farmers Market that will continue for the next four weekends.
4.Downtown Spokane Construction and Riverfront Park Updates—Mayor Condon
Mayor Condon said the City passed a 20-year street levy for$160 million total construction; said many of
their projects are integrated with numerous utilities so the work can be done simultaneous; mentioned the
work to clean up the River; and gave an update on the changes to Riverfront Park, including an ice ribbon,
and new facility for the carrousel.
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5. City and Town Updates—Priorities From Each Jurisdiction.
Spokane City Council Member Candace Mumm reported that they are working with Chief Williams and
others to address standards for first responders; said they want to make sure when a call comes in that there
is no problem in locating the address. Commissioner O'Quinn said she very much appreciates the new
traffic light at Summit; and regarding the downtown construction, said many of the small businesses
especially restaurants, were having trouble keeping clientele, and she has been working with the realtors
and Home Builders Association to urge people to visit those restaurants,including having business meetings
there to help them through this difficult time. Cheney City Administrator Mark Schuller said the city is
working on improvement projects, including park updates; they too are working on their comprehensive
plan and staff keeps busy; said they have a lean,mean and diligent staff and are gearing up for the fall when
the students return. Speaking for the group of South Spokane County Cities,Micki Harnois invited people
to visit Spangle, population about 280; Waverly, with a population of about 100, is experiencing water
problems; Latah, with an equally small population; Fairfield, population of 100; and Rockford; said she
appreciates the Current Magazine including Rockford, with a population of about 470, and said they are
finishing up their sidewalk project,and mentioned the upcoming free Fair,which will be held next weekend.
Commissioner O'Quinn also mentioned upcoming Valleyfest in Spokane Valley.
b.Emer encs Management Updates Lisa Jameson, Spokane County Sheriff's Department.
Emergency Management Program Administrator Lisa Jameson said her focus with Emergency
Management is program administration and preparedness; and that they serve all jurisdictions within the
County;she said their mission is to work with the community to ensure the Greater Spokane area is prepared
to protect against, respond to and recover from major emergencies and disasters; and that they are the
coordinating agency during major emergencies and disasters; said their vision includes synchronizing
communication flow between federal,state and local governments,as well as local agencies and the citizens
of the area; they also help facilitate community preparedness, response and recovery efforts, and provide
public education on a variety of emergency related topics. Ms. Jameson noted that she traveled about the
area after last November's wind event, and the recent Spokane Complex fires, and she encouraged people
to visit their website.
7.Election Update,Regional and National--Vicky Dalton, Spokane County Auditor
Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton, along with Elections Manager Mike McLaughlin briefly spoke
concerning the upcoming election, and mentioned the handout showing when various districts' levies
expire; she showed a sample of a ballot, and mentioned that security is not a concern because the ballot
tabulations are not connected to the Internet.
8. City and Town Updates—Priorities From Each Jurisdiction.
A member of the Kalispell Council said they are working on economic development, and mentioned the
opening of the Wellness Center.The Chewelah Bed and Breakfast was mentioned,as well as the$29 million
dollar expansion of the 27-hole golf course. Reardan Mayor spoke of their $727,000 CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant) award to upgrade and replace some water lines. Millwood representative said
they are working on creating an identity with a Welcome to Millwood sign at the corner of Trent and
Argonne. AWC (Association of Washington Cities) Board Member Micki Harnois said they are working
on and learning about lobbying for towns and cities' needs,and she mentioned the Champion Award given
recently to Senator Padden for his work on police body cameras, as well as the Spokane Valley Nuisance
Abatement legislation.
9. 2017 Legislative Priorities Discussion
Commissioner O'Quinn stated that they are trying to pull together the state representatives before they go
into the 2017 session; she asked if any jurisdiction is interested in working to get the fifteen legislators
together and discuss the challenges that some of these legislatives issues are going to cause for jurisdictions,
such as the state taking away some tools and funds that we use relative to mandated issues. Spokane County
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Assessor Vicky Horton mentioned the persona!property tax exemption and the Public Record Act as issues
for discussion. Other issues mentioned included lack of funding for programs such as the criminal justice
program. Spokane Valley was among those jurisdictions indicating an interest.
Commissioner O'Quinn said if anyone has ideas for the next Council of Governments meeting, to please
feel free to contact her. There being no further business, at approximately 12:10 p.m., the meeting
adjourned.
ATT T L.R.
uv.) 7
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
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