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2016, 12-13 Regular Formal MINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Formal Meeting Format Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Mayor Higgins called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Attendance: Sta, Rod Higgins,Mayor Mark Calhoun, City Manager Arne Woodard, Deputy Mayor Cary Driskell, City Attorney Caleb Collier,Councilmember Mike Stone, Parks & Rec Director Pam Haley, Councilmember Eric Guth, Public Works Director Mike Munch, Councilmember Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney Ed Pace, Counciltnember John Hohman, Comm &Eco. Dev. Manager Sam Wood, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor,Finance Director Mike Basinger, Senior Planner Steve Worley, Capital Improve. Mgr Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Matthew Larson of Advent Lutheran Church gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll;all Councilmembers were present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS n/a COMMITTEE,BOARD,LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS Councilmember Haley: said she attended the GSI(Greater Spokane, Inc.)meeting today where they talked about their legislative agenda regarding Fairchild; and attended a Board of Health meeting where they also discussed their legislative agenda. Councilmember Pace: reported that he attended an STA (Spokane Transit Authority) Board operations meeting, then had a monthly one-on-one meeting with STA's CEO, and said he introduced her to his personal STA Agenda, which is (1) in the short term get a bus to the CHAS Clinic on Indiana in Spokane Valley,and said she assured him it would happen soon;(2)doesn't understand the discrepancy in observing busses driving by with never more than three people on them, and often times there are no passengers,yet STA reports fairly high ridership, and said they tell him he doesn't understand what he's looking at, and (3)wants to see a gradual reduction in cost and a corresponding rise in bus fares until ten to twenty years from now, then STA will become a for-profit business. Councilmember Collier:said he attended a surprise birthday party for Liberty Lake Council Member Jessica McGu ire. Deputy Mayor Woodard: said lie attended several Chamber meetings including the one last week at Spokane Valley Tech,which he said was well attended; said he would like to continue to hold those kind of meetings next year, and said if members of the public would like to meet with one or two Councilmembers, to please let him know. Councilmembers Munch and Wood had no report. Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 12-13-2016 Page 1 of 7 Approved by Council:01-10-2017 MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Higgins stated that he attended a citizen's 100t11 birthday celebration. PROCLAMATION n/a PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Higgins invited public comments. Lynn Plaggemeier, Spokane Valley: said he keeps hearing from Council and staff that we are a complaint driven community, and he asked if we were;concerning last week's meeting at the Tech school addressing the street maintenance shortfall,he asked if Council knew of the shortfall prior to funding the new city hall; back to the idea of our city as a complaint driven community, he asked if that means that citizens have to file all the complaints; lie asked how many complaints do we have in code violations that have come in from the community,and if none,then he asked why do we have such a large staff;said when driving down Sprague you can hardly see the businesses for the real estate signs which stay out there for weeks; said maybe it's about time Council did something;that if there is a free standing real estate sign on the street, it will cost$10 a day,with the first two weeks free. Jesse Granado, Waste Management District Manager: said they are prepared for winter weather and that safety is a core value for Waste Management; that if there are unsafe weather conditions, Waste Management will reach out to the City to inform them about affected areas,and will post schedule changes on their website; said their customer service is available to answer questions and their website is updated; and they also notify the local media about schedule changes. Don Meier, Spokane Valley: spoke concerning the proposed development of the Painted Hills Golf Course and said his major concerns are not being addressed;that we have a comp plan to protect homeowners from overly aggressive developers; said areas like the Ponderosa, Painted Hills, and other areas, there are contractors proposing 20-foot lots; said that is more narrow than most driveways; said other homes in that area have lots 75-feet wide and double garages and places for RVs, said he doesn't understand it; also mentioned a developer proposing row-houses; said there is nowhere in the valley with 20-foot lots; also mentioned a 235-apartment unit complex,and said that doesn't belong there; said it is the responsibility of the Planning Department to make sure this meets the criteria in the comp plan;said he sent letters and talked to representatives,that they are nice to work with but there has been no resolution,and people are concerned about this development and he wants to know who to contact about getting more information. Laura Renz, Spokane: spoke of her continuing concern with service dogs; said she met last week with Councilmembers Wood and Pace and she started a Facebook group called service dog community;that she visited a few grocery stores that have signs explaining what service dogs are and said they ask the questions of people with dogs which do not appear to be service dogs; but some other places do not; and said that allowing non-service dogs in businesses makes working with service animals very difficult,and she would like some regulations addressing that. Michael Luft: also spoke about service animals and what they are trained to do; that these animals are working dogs and not pets and are trained specific to the disability of the owner, all as under the ADA guidelines; said some of the non-service animals actually rush or attack the service animals thereby hindering the service they have been trained to perform, and he wants some kind of ordinance in place to help protect handlers and clogs. Robert Sampson: said he is with Checker Cab, and that he has e-mailed Councilmembers about Uber; said he feels this is a very important issue and important to the taxi industry; that Uber and Lyft do not have insurance, or do background checks, and they have been kicked out of San Francisco and the CEO was in prison in France for operating an illegal taxi service; said he has talked with the City's attorney and hopes to move this forward and go to the next step in regulating taxicabs. Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 12-13-2016 Page 2 of 7 Approved by Council:01-10-2017 Karen Gallion: asked how does the Spokane Valley Council communicate and organize with the Spokane County Commissioners; mentioned that Spokane City Council meetings are on channel 5 and she asked how does, or can one watch Spokane Valley meetings as well. Mr. Calhoun responded that the Spokane Valley meetings are recorded and broadcast once a week on TV; but that we are looking into broadcasting live perhaps in January or February. John Harding: regarding service dogs, suggested having a tab put on a dog's collar or getting a stamp at Public Works that this is a valid service dog. Steve O'Meara: spoke about the stop signs at 8'h and McDonald; said now that the roads are slick, cars try to get more traction to cross that intersection, including buses,so there are even more close calls; said there is no cross-walk and it all puts kids in more danger;said we keep missing the point that it needs a four-way stop;and suggested the Fire Department be asked if they feel it would benefit them; said he sees police and fire trucks cross that intersection on many occasions, and said what happens if you take out a fire truck? I. CONSENT AGENDA: Consists of items considered routine which are approved as a group. Any member of Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately. Proposed Motion:I move to approve the Consent Agenda. a.Approval of claim vouchers on Dec 13, 2016 Request for Council Action Form Totaling: $6,004,020.05 b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending November 30,2016: $409,664.89 c. Approval of November 8,2016 Council Meeting Minutes,Regular 6:00 p.m.Meeting d. Approval of November 15, 2016 Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session Format e.Approval of November 17,2016 Council Meeting Minutes, Special Meeting, Water Issues f Approval of November 22, 2016 Council Meeting Minutes, Special Legislative Meeting g. Approval of November 22,2016 Council Meeting Minutes,Regular Formal Meeting Format h. Approval of November 30,2016 Council Meeting Minutes, Special Meeting, Feasibility Study i. Confirmation of Mayoral Appointment of Citizen to the Spokane Housing Authority It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda. NEW BUSINESS: 2. Second Reading Proposed Ordinance 16-018 Comprehensive Plan—Mike Basinger After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title,it was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to approve Ordinance No. 15-018 repealing the existing Comprehensive Plan and certain development regulations and adopting the 2016 Comprehensive Plant and associated development regulations. Mr. Basinger explained the overview of the direction given by Council, and of the changes made to the document,and he explained the proposed changes as noted,and some of the accomplishments made through the update of this plan, including simplified land use designations.There was some discussion about where apartments are allowed throughout the City; and Councilmember Pace asked about the property on Flora and Mission which had requested a rezone to commercial to allow a storage unit. Mr. Basinger said that was changed and included as part of the CAR(Citizen Action Request)comp plan process.Councilmember Pace suggested staff contact the property owner so they are aware of that outcome. It was also noted that the effective date,based on when the ordinance summary gets published,will likely be December 28,2016. Mayor Higgins invited public comments. Nina Fluegal, Spokane Valley: said she disagrees with the umbrella zoning for the multi-family, and said that is a big mistake as it allows any builder to put on as many units as they are allowed; said that the damage has already been done to her property value, but added that the people on the north side of 4'1'will be affected by that; said buffers don't make a difference and she was surprised that parcel wasn't an exemption; said there's plenty of other places for multi-family, even along Trent, as she doesn't need any apartments in her neighborhood; and she asked Council to please re-think that umbrella zoning for multi- family. Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 12-13-2016 Page 3 of 7 Approved by Council:01-10-2017 Bill Courier: thanked everyone for listening for so long, and said he appreciates that the land will be kept the way it is and not changed. Tony Lazanis, Spokane Valley:he mentioned Trent;and mentioned Sullivan Road,which he said is mostly residential; said the other side is railroad tracks and the trains make a lot of noise, that it was supposed to be made into a quiet zone but that never happened; and he cautioned Council to be careful what they do with Trent,and if they do something,to do the right thing. Karen Gallion: she thanked Council for the hard work and for listening to the factual complications concerning Sprague and Barker Road. Wayne Vincent, Spokane Valley: thanked Council,the Planning Commission and staff for the hard work; said most likely they will be seeing him in the future for that high density property on the east side of Barker since it can't get down to mufti-family;said it would be a great idea and would prevent him and others from coming back annually to try to prevent those apartments on Sprague. There were no other comments and Deputy Mayor Woodard extended thanks to Director Hohman for his work, to Director Stone for hosting meetings at CenterPlace, and for all of staff's work over the last two years; said it is a unique document with a lot of flexibility. Vote by Acclamation. In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried. 3. Motion Consideration: Lodging Tax Funds—Chelsie Taylor First Motion: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to deduct 3250,000 from the available Lodging Tax.firnds for distribution in 2017 and move those funds into the 1.3%Lodging Tax Fund account dedicated for a large sports venue or venues for tourism facilities that generate overnight guests. Finance Director Taylor explained the two issues,all as noted in her Request for Council Action form,after which Mayor Higgins invited public comment. Tony Lazanis: spoke about our City's sales tax and the 2% lodging tax, and that should be researched to see if we can use it. Councilmember Pace said that a few weeks ago he looked at Visit Spokane's brochure, and the content of the brochure is all about the City of Spokane with hardly anything in Spokane Valley, and maybe that's because we only have a few things people would come to our city for, and said he would like to see a move in the direction of investing in facilities not funded or maintained by Spokane Valley taxpayers. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried. Second Motion: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to make the following allocation of Lodging Tar finds for calendar year 2017: (1)HUB Sports Center$40,000; (2) Vallel fest$31,600; (3) Valle}fest Cycle Celebration: $5,000; (4) Spokane Valley Heritage Museum $9,500; (5) Spokane Sports Commission $115,600; (6) Spokane County Fair & Expo Fair Advertising$47,000; (7) Spokane County Fair &Expo Winter Glow $2, 170; and (8) Visit Spokane $103,130. There was some Council discussion about a preference to see more funding for the Museum and less for some other entities, and mention by Director Taylor that all entities are required by law to give an estimate of what their event will generate in terms of overnight stays, how they came up with those numbers, and that staff does not follow up on those figures. Mr. Calhoun said that we are required to report to the state legislature by March 31 with that information so there is some follow up,but no audit on the part of the City. Councilmember Pace said that the hoteliers said that in some of those cases, there were no records of generated overnight stays. Mr. Calhoun replied that based on the applicant's presentation,the LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) collectively makes a decision of what to forward to Council,and he understands that in some cases,figures differ from what the hoteliers say; but this conies down to the motion of accepting the whole thing,or doing a line item veto, or turn some or all back; and said we are regulated as set forth in the 2013 legislative changed rules.Councilmember Haley said that we can't make people stay in hotels in Spokane Valley,they could stay in a hotel in Coeur d'alene; and said our"heads in beds"numbers are not accurate anyway; that Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 12-13-2016 Page 4 of 7 Approved by Council:01-10-2017 the entities do bring heads to beds, but maybe not those five hotels in Spokane Valley. Mayor Higgins invited public comment. Tony Lazanis: said that money comes from the valley industry and valley money should stay in the valley; and he suggested care should be taken. Jayne Singleton: said she represents the Museum and she thanked Councilmembers for advocating for tourist attractions to be funded; said she sent each Councilmember a letter but didn't know if it covered everything; said she has participated in this process since 2004, and the Museum tracks every visitor and therefore has a proven record of bringing tourists to the Valley; she suggested looking at the hotels for what they offer to bring in more tourists; said the fund is not depleted and rather increases every year;and again thanked Council for their support. Council discussion included comments from Deputy Mayor Woodard and Councilmember Pace that too little was given to the Museum, while too much to the Sports Commission. Councilmember Pace said he also feels way too much was given to Visit Spokane. Councilmember Wood disagreed especially with the allocation for the Sports Commission, and said the hoteliers feel the Commission offers the "bang for the buck" as it's their money. There was further discussion about decreasing the allocation to Visit Spokane, or increasing the allocation to the Museum, doing a line item veto, sending it all back to the Lodging Tax Committee,or even have a second round. Mr. Calhoun reminded everyone that a second round would open the process for receiving numerous additional applications; and Councilmember Munch said if Council did some line-item vetoes,it would still have to go before the LTAC so there is no guarantee what they would recommend. Councilmember Pace moved to amend the motion to veto the Visit Spokane amount to zero and leave everything else the same. There was no second so the motion did not continue. Vote by Acclamation on the motion allocations as stated:In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried. 4. Motion Consideration: Street Maintenance Contract Renewal—Eric Guth It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the 2017 contract renewal with Poe Asphalt, Inc., in an amount not to exceed$1,366,663.00 for the Street and Stormwater Maintenance. Director Guth went over the information contained in his Request for Council Action form,said this would be the 2017 renewal option and does not change the equipment or material costs; that it does adjust the prevailing wage, but doesn't change the total amount as staff will adjust the work plan to keep it the same, even though the prevailing wage increased 2.7%. He noted that Councilmember Haley asked about the scope of the contract,and explained that no scope has been provided as this is based on a three-year work plan. Councilmember Munch asked about the miscellaneous fund of $83,000, said it appears in most years that hasn't been used much, that it seems high, and he asked if that is used as a type of"catch-all" in case of overrun in other categories. Mr. Guth replied that they also pay for fuel, there are some hard costs, some contingency, and miscellaneous costs of doing business; said we essentially pay for all and some of those costs don't fit in other categories. Further discussion included the idea of having a fuel or tools category in the future; a question about guard rail repairs; and a comment from Councilmember Collier about"using or loosing funds." Mr. Guth explained that we don't handle our budget that way,that we are in a fluid base and we don't use it or lose it. Mr. Calhoun also noted that there is a budget, and there is a reality, and if we can underspend,we will; but the goal is always to put as much to asphalt repair as we can,and any money not spent would remain and be used for street related activities; that the funds don't go anywhere else as it is a special revenue fund and cannot be used for anything else. Councilmember Wood said he likes the idea of itemizing more in the miscellaneous fund so people understand where the money goes. Mr. Calhoun added that the reality is, if we spend significantly more on asphalt repair than was budgeted,we could reduce the miscellaneous and increase the asphalt repair. Mayor Higgins invited public comment. Tony Lazanis said if he were a contractor and going to bid on something, he would secure it for the year; and said if the amounts are not figured right, it's their fault. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Mayor Higgins, Deputy Mayor Woodard, and Councilmembers Munch, Haley, Pace and Wood. Opposed: Councilmember Collier. Motion carried. Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 12-13-2016 Page 5 of 7 Approved by Council:01-10-2017 5. Motion Consideration: Street Sweeping Contract Renewal—Eric Guth It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the 2017 contract renewal with AAA Sweeping in an amount not to exceed$490,200.00 for street sweeping services. Director Guth described the contract and the renewal as per the information contained in his Request for Council Action; he also noted the three-year hourly rate comparison. Based on previous questions from Council, Mr. Guth explained the purpose of sweeping, that it keeps the stormwater inlets and dtywells clear so as not to create flooding; it is also for safety purposes to keep vehicles and bicycles safe from hitting debris; and that we use some of the best practices from Ecology and EPA related to air quality and stormwater maintenance,and that these services can be used for clean-up of accidents and spills that happen in the rights-of-way. Mr. Guth said that given our existing infrastructure, there are no other options. Councilmember Collier suggested we could get a better rate and suggested staff go back and re- negotiate and explore other options and give a cost analysis. Mayor Higgins invited public comment.Nina Fluegal asked if these funds are part of property taxes, and said she would like to see someone sweeping her street, as curbed streets are swept, but not her street. Mr. Calhoun said these funds are not part of the property taxes but are from a$21.00 annual fee per resident and business owner,and is calculated according to the impervious square foot. There were no other public comments. Councilmember Pace said lie thinks this should be passed now but to examine some of these questions for next year; and again mentioned his preference for having at least two bidders for every contract, and said if the work was broken down, we might get other vendors;he also asked staff to look into whether all streets are swept or if there is no curb, we don't sweep. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor.` Mayor Higgins, Deputy Mayor Woodard, and Collrlcilinembers Mulch, Pace and Wood. Opposed: Councihnembers Haley and Collier. Motion carried Mayor Higgins called for a recess at 7:51 p.m.; he reconvened the meeting at 8:01 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Higgins invited public comment. Jayne Singleton: concerning the upcoming agenda item on the Arts Council sculpture, said she talked with Mr. Hohinan about the proposed sculpture for City Hall, and from a historical perspective, asked about having something about the rest of our city's history once the white settlers arrived and how this became a mecca for travelers; said there is much that enriches this valley past when the Native Americans were relocated; and said there are various possibilities to consider. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 6. City Sponsorship of Potential 2017 Food Event—John Hohman Director Hohman explained that tonight we are at a Iittle disadvantage as we had hoped to have had the tourism study item prior to this, and explained that the consultants are working on those figures now. Mr. Hohman went over the information as contained in his Request for Council Action form about this potential tourism event; said that Vision Marketing is helping us through this process, and that Adam Hegsted is a nationally renowned chef; said the idea is to have this event come together over the Father's Day weekend; with the potential layout of the event at CenterPlace; and that this could be quite a signature event for our City, and will grow over time and be a successful tourism driver. Discussion included positive comments from members of Council, and mention from Mr. Hohman that the plan would be for the City to apply for LTAC funds in the future.There was Council consensus to bring this forward for a motion consideration at next week's meeting. 7. Spokane Valley Arts Council Sculpture--John Hohman Director Hohman explained that here have been previous discussions concerning the Arts Council and the sculpture entitled the Rise of the Schitsu'Usll,whereby the Arts Council would donate the sculpture,and as part of their 2017 Outside Agency Funding request of$99,400,Council awarded there$48,601 toward that request.Mr.Hohman said that staff and Architects West worked to see where this sculpture might be placed within our City,but due to the scale and scope,along with the controversy about the piece,it was determined not compatible within the anticipated site plan of the new City Hall building. Other properties were considered, Mr. Hohman said, and some of those properties are for sale but are very expensive, which Minutes Regular Council Meeting:: 12-t 3-2016 g g Page 6 of 7 Approved by Council:01-10-2017 would bring the total cost between $300,000 and $600,000. Mr. Hohman further explained that the Arts Council approached staff with a proposal to purchase and donate an alternative sculpture, entitled Coup Ponies, and Mr. Hohman mentioned that the artist Jerry McKellar, is the same artist who did the Walking the Line sculpture. Mr. Hohman said that staff feels this scope and scale can be integrated into some city properties, and perhaps be included on City Hall grounds; he said this was a two-part process, to site the sculpture and look at grounds to see where it could fit; said they identified perhaps nine different sculptures into the site, including relocating the historic monument now on the corner of Vista Road and Sprague Avenue. Mr. Hohman said staff understands the historical aspect of that marker but there is concern about future development; and the owner is considering a used ear lot. Mr.Holtman explained that if changing to the Coup Ponies sculpture is something Council is interested in, he would look for a formal decision at an upcoming meeting since outside agency funds were formerly allocated for a specific sculpture. Councilmember Pace asked if this piece fits within the budget of$48,000 and Mr.Hohman said not entirely,but it is within their available money;the Arts Council would supply the sculpture, and we would have to make some minor modifications, a slab or rock to finish the installation, similar to what was done with existing sculptures; and said the estimated cost is about$80,000. After Council discussion, including comments about it being a better fit for City Hall, needed landscaping and installation costs, along with mention of some properties owned by Spokane County, including the Mullan/Argonne/Dishman Mica and Appleway and of the need for further research in that regard, it was agreed that staff will return with a motion consideration to reallocate the money to this piece, with destination unknown. Mr. Calhoun remarked that there would be no budget implication in 2017 as the funds have already been appropriated,other than siting or landscaping. Council concurred. 8. Advance Agenda--Mayor Higgins The following issues were agreed upon by several members of Council, to bring forward as future council agenda items for discussion: (1)term limits, (2)service dogs, (3)forming a 51St state east of the Cascades; with Councilmember Pace suggesting we also ask our lobbyist to work on this and for staff to get information on the current flow of tax dollars, including what we pay and get back in grants; (4) gathering information on what we charge and/or require for taxis or companies like Uber and Lyft,with Mr. Driskell explaining that although the City of Spokane regulates taxi cabs, we do not; but said that he put together some information last year and will bring that back again for Council. 9. Amended Legislative Agenda The Legislative Agenda was for information only and was not reported or discussed. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Calhoun had no comments. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. 4)1161: 1 mac_ ATTEJ L.R. Higgins, M y - /A • hristine Bainbridge, City Clerk Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 12-13-2016 Page 7 of 7 Approved by Council:01-10-2017 GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN-IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, December 13, 2016 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting GENERAL CITIZEN COMMENTS YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTE Please sign in if you wish to make public comments. NAME TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE PLEASE PRINT WILL SPEAK ABOUT ` , l7/J'1 /4?//7/9 d' 1 .-'/' l+l% //7 r IF/5%7--' j7 ,6,-, ,0 'Je!$ce G YG hada 63456 IMAVA5g11/404- WI*lig W ee4lo, 11321 £ ' I . v# Spu E-c lA ,.../ ...21,,,,,Ai ,k,1 6-7 cyz_ A- ,„,.„7:-.L--6., / :1 j___s bi/o,v,---__ ...3 2 1 0 L Lek 6-_' L L Alp f � �� / /r_ , C a C i u..,,,,, �f,�'I ���� hCG `� (�' 11 V� / 0 b/..0 SOP-5w---' L) be; (IL raN___.t. V N y y) -G(.1 D 7 (lbyyvtio(or.110,6 UJ elyti , Val 6,7 ,., Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN—IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, December 13, 2016 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting \ GENERAL CITIZEN COMMENTS YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTE Please sign ill if you wish to make public comments. NAME TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE PLEASE J? 11[1` T WILL SPEAK ABOUT 8 ' G 0-7s--444/ f'1 6 ` -r e -il v/11-4--(-67_ Please note that once information is entered on lids farru, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. 1 \ HWS -T--- - {4 lir :1 s :( l , { I I. c y, 491 '_, * , .. . ._'':1.,.''' .,,'I.,:::‘; . .11**6, . A , ,\ . • '.". 4 `-.. .4...,, :. .,:: , ?,,,, :, . t ,i, , . . _ 1 .,'IV. , t' .! {-� .ice ,a} 5 .t'' r . f-^m,... kF , .. X9 1.` 1 a l`r , ,, Katrina and Ryan Strickland with their service dogs,Madison and Huntley,at Franklin Park in Spokane. SARAH PH+u?PHoro SPECIAL NEEDS "It really upset me,and scared me," Renz recalls,as Little One,wearing a black Doi' ng 6 Disservice vest with"service dog'embroidered in white,reclines on the floor next to her chair."These dogs,even if they perform a service,they can't be jerks—that is where the-problems come in." Bringing pets to public places can have unintended costeowouldn't comment onthe incident involving Renz and her dog,but consequences for those who rely on service animals the company's policy regarding service animals animals follows guidelines of the BY rHEY i v crnrr Americans with Disabilities Act stating that its employees will only approach customers with animals if it's not visually apparent hihuahuas in purses,puppies inC shopping carts,blue heelers off 2012.Her trained service dog,a 1-year-old, that it's indeed a service animal. female chocolate Lab named Little One,is Renz is concerned that businesses of leash in a home improvement store. the third service dog she's had,and offers all types are doing little to educate their Pet dogs seem to be appearing more often physical support to Renz as she gets up employees on what the law stipulates,or in public places—sometimes by owners from a chair.tittle One also helps Renz up requiring them to enforce it. willfully ignoring no-pets rules,or passed from the ground when she sometimes falls. Though the ADA protects the disabled off by their fibbing owners as service About two months ago while shopping community against discrimination,the law animals.For most people,pets showing up at the North Spokane Costco warehouse, outlines two specific questions that busi- in strange places is not much more than a Rena was minding her own business when, nesses may ask of a person with an animal: curiosity.But for people who depend on she says,all of a sudden another customer's Is this dog required because of a disabil- service animals,the worry is that unex- dog,sitting in a child stroller,unexpectedly ity?What work or task has the dog been pected encounters with poorly trained pets launched itself toward Little One. trained to perform?Staff may not,however, may endanger the health and safety of both According to Renz's account,the dog's ask a person to disclose the nature of a service animals and their owners. owner said it was his service animal.Based disability or to reveal any other health in- Spokane resident Laura Rena worries on her prior experiences with service formation.State and federal laws currently about what could happen every time she animals,and the fact that the dog was in a do not require any type of registration or leaves home.Renz has been using a service stroller,Rena doubts this,explaining that licensing for service animals. dog to aid with her mobility for the past a trained service dog should never show Only if the handler voluntarily admits three years as a result of injuries she suf- aggression toward other animals or people an animal is not a service dog,and this vio- feted after a major motorcycle accident in —especially unprovoked. lates a store policy regarding pets,can staff 20 RIHeaIlh DEtEMBER,2tll6-JANUARY,Z011 — 43 -1/ can ask for the dog to leave the premises. voice her concerns that local businesses are The couple feel threatened by people Under the ADA,only dogs (and oddly not educating their employees on what is trying to pass off pets as service animals. enough,miniature horses)qualify to be and isn't a service animal,and why pets "I think it happens a lot more now service animals.The law doesn't recognize that could interfere with service animals that there are websites that allow people to emotional support animals that might assist shouldn't be allowed in areas where dogs purhase supposed certifications and vests a person with social anxieties in staying usually aren't present. for ttheir dogs---a little jacket that claims calm,though there is a provision that Madison is Katrina Strickland's second they're a service dog,or they can print a defines psychiatric support animals,which guide dog.Her first,Vannie,had to be certificate for S100;'Ryan says. might support a veteran with post-traumat- retired after being attacked by a pet dog in Katrina adds, "We see it more and is stress disorder,or remind a person with a downtown Spokane.Vannie was trauma- more.Riding the buses,you see people and . psychiatric disorder to take medication. tized and could no longer safely work as a they have a big dog and they're like, 'Well, Renz says owners of legitimate service guide dog. this is my service dog;and they say that to dogs are happy to answer store employees' "It frightened [Vannie] as much as it the bus driver.But then the dog turns out . questions. 'Anyone who says 'You can't ask frightened me;'Strickland recalls. "The to be aggressive and causes a distraction"to me that;that's a fake,I guarantee,'Renz woman said she was sorry,but that doesn't other riders'guide dogs. asserts. "We go through all this training do anything when you're messing with Ill-mannered pets passed off as service and are glad to say it's a service dog,and someone's eyes.It was a really scary incl- animals not only endanger real service what the dog does for us." dent." animals and their handlers,but also make Both Strickland and it harder for legitimate service animals to Several area businesses CUDEWORDS. HINT her husband Ryan use get the respect they deserve."I just ask that have started posting their from the puzzle on page 13 trained guide dogs to get people really think about what it's doing to service animal policies 5 —T 15 = M' —A around. people with disabilities who need the dogs near entrances.Some Spokane- ' ' "It allows you a sense to live a life like any other sighted person area Rosauers stores have recently placed of freedom that a cane doesn't,"Katrina or someone without a disability,"Ryan paper flyers by these signs that list the explains."It allows you a sense of com- says. "It becomes 10 times harder for us, stores'ADA-compliant rules regarding pets. panionship,independence and freedom.It as legitimate service dog users,to educate Renz has approached both the Spa- breaks down barriers between you and the more people that when going to businesses kane and Spokane Valley city councils to- sighted world." we should be able to bring our animals."■ a . [-i� rr IL r■ Ik I I�J�V/I(1,C�)}, � I._ U l C 0' 0 11? t } ; - _ Loneliness triggers depression. + • Approx 7 million seniors struggle with _ depression each year. ri 1 ``, s: ? Give your loved one the care, friends, �, � �,,� .'. = and lifestyle they deserve this year! 'Lmes r fr•cr r' ,'eizo '0EWC \ T 10 GARDEN PLAZA Ufa _e, „i„� A,�" ..„.. PLy _or_ OF 30S,j, I'ALLSa . Carden Plaza Court • Post Falls, ID 83854 INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING ,; (208) 773-3701 • www.gardenplazapostfalls.com DECEMBER,2016-JANUARY,2017 FIllealtil 21 --/47 To the Spokane Valley City Council and guests. What we are trying to do as a group is to help educate the people of Spokane and the Spokane Valley. As to what a true service dog is. These dogs are trained to assist the handler with functions in daily life, such as mobility, hearing, leading the blind, PTSD as calming effect,and other needs of the person with disabilities.The dogs are not pets they are WORKING DOGS.They are trained to provide a service directly related to the disability of the person. Under ADA guide lines if a dog's sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support it does not qualify as a service animal. A service animal must be leashed or harnessed or tethered unless they interfere wi the animal ability to perform its task. If the handler must be able to maintain control by voice, hand signals or other effective means. If it is not obvious what service,the animal provides a business can only ask two questions. 1. Is this a service dog required because of a disability? 2. What work or has the animal (dog) been trained to perform? It seems like most business in Spokane and the Spokane Valley have no problem with the first question, the second question is the most important to help remove imposter or fake service animals in our area. A handler can be asked to remove their dog from the premises if they become unruly and the handler does not take action to control or if the dog is house trained. If this is the case the person must still be allowed to do business without the animal present A service dog is a highly-trained animal that provides a true service for its handler.The fact is there are many imposters in the area. Many of the trained dogs are being rushed,attacked,growled at,thus hindering the trained service animal from performing its duties. It seems most businesses are afraid to take action on this problem. What we are asking is help from you the city council to get some kind of ordinances in place. I am sure you as Council can help our community with this problem it would a great help to keep our service dogs and handlers safe. This is Lady she has been highly trained for the last 2 years, she is a service dog in training at this time she has passed all the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen There are 3 of them 1. Basic obedience 2. Advanced obedience 3. Urban obedience There is a very good test called Assistance Dogs International they list everything on their test that a service dog needs to do to maintain a proper public appearance. And the dog must perform an actual service and that is where the person's doctor comes into play by writing a note or prescription for the dog. Not the prescription for a comfort dog that they are writing to get people into apartments. What need to happen is actual perceptions from the doctor stating that there is a need for a service dog. Anyone who has a true disability will not have a problem doing because they are seeing a doctor for it anyway. Most business have signs stating service animal only however most fail to comply with them.The businesses must be made to comply with ADA standards.As a service dog handler we have the right to bring our service with us as needed for assistance but also have the to be free from harm for ourselves and our animals due the negligence of other and the unwillingness of other to follow the rules. We ask for your attention and consideration on this matter it is very important to those of us the rely on our dogs for our safety and wellbeing. Spokane and Spokane Valley are great place to live and what we want is to be safe and free from harm. Please let us know what the next steps are and we will be willing to help as much as possible' Thank you, Michael E. Luft 4827 N. Calispel Spokane WA 99205 509-720=4249