2018, 10-23 Regular Format MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Formal Meeting Format
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Mayor Higgins called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance: Staff _
Rod Higgins, Mayor Mark Calhoun, City Manager
Pam Haley,Deputy Mayor John Hohman, Deputy City Manager
Brandi Peetz, Councilmember Cary DriskeIl, City attorney
Linda Thompson, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Ben Wick, Councilmember Mike Stone, Parks &Rec Director
Sam Wood, Councilmember Chaz Bates, Economic Development Specialist
Arne Woodard, Councilmember Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
INVOCATION: In the absence of a pastor, a moment of silence was observed.
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 Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to
approve the Agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS n/a
COMMITTEE,BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS
Councilmember Thompson: mentioned that she attended her son-in-law's retirement from the Army
National Guard, and said she was amazed how much veterans gave given back to the community and the
nation; said she attended an opioid task force meeting where they are looking at public policy issues to get
the region to work together on legislative issues with the medical and social service providers.
Councilmember Wick: said he attended the Health Board meeting and said they are looking for a new
executive director, and he is also on that transition committee to evaluate the process; went to the Visit
Spokane meeting,but not too much to report; said he received a call from the Governor's Office and he has
been appointed to the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board to serve the State representing all cities
on freight matters,which he said is good timing as the November meeting will be held in the second week
in November at CenterPlace.
Councilmember Wood: said he attended the four-hour Lodging Tax Advisory Committee(LTAC)meeting
last Thursday where the committee heard presentations from eleven entities seeking funding,and mentioned
that the Committee also moved as a recommendation to Council,to set aside an additional $275,000 to go
into the 1.3%fund;went to the STA(Spokane Transit Authority)board meeting where they reported double
digit sales tax revenue increases, and held discussion about transitioning from diesel to electric buses.
Councilmember Peetz: no report.
Councilmember Woodard: said he attended the Chamber's Business Connections meeting that included a
presentation from a WSU Medical School doctor concerning advances in precision medicine and robotics;
said he met with Spokane County Commissioner Kerns to talk about things pertinent to our City; attended
the Myrna Park dedication; went to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee
(HCDAC) meeting; attended the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) training along with City
Manager Calhoun and some of our Councilmembers, and said they talked about some issues for the next
Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 10-23-2018 Page 1 of 7
Approved by Council: 11-13-2018
legislative session; attended the Spokane Regional Transportation Council(SRTC)meeting where they are
working on funds not used from the Department of Transportation, to have them granted to us, and that
apparently there is $23 0,000 but that transfer has not yet been confirmed, and Mr. Calhoun said he too has
not heard a confirmation.
Deputy Mayor Haley: reported that she too attended the STA board meeting; the Myrna Park dedication;
and that she became a PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) Partner with a McDonald
Elementary 5t-grade class.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Higgins reported that he attended the AWC business manufacturing tour at our industrial park;went
to the Myrna Park dedication and again extended thanks to Mr. Gothmann and his family; and said he
attended a Whitworth leadership forum with General Powell where he heard a forum discussion on the
growing problem of dementia.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: After Mayor Higgins explained the process,he invited public comments.
Rev. Gen Heywood, Spokane Valley: said she wanted to take this opportunity to recognize the work from
the last study session concerning the non-discrimination resolution, and thanked Councilmembers for
affirming or re-affirming their commitment to that resolution, and she encouraged Council to put those
words into actions to help us be a city where people will flourish.
Mr. Matt Hilbrich, Spokane Valley: spoke of his petition to make 22nd a Ridgemont resident only street;
said he would like to meet with Council for thirty to sixty minutes to discuss this idea of closing that street
to all traffic except Ridgemont residents;that with the 500 homes being built above them, there is 1,000 to
1,500 cars coming down their street daily, which is over 100 cars an hour; said he feels he is being bullied
by the city and forced to change and spend some money for change; said he was told the streets can handle
that,but he said there are no sidewalks and no stop signs, and the downhill grade would not be legal today;
said there is of course no police report on dogs or deer hit by cars, but it happens;and said that 30%of the
traffic is speeding and he wants the problem fixed; also mentioned no one has proactively contacted him
by phone or email.
Ms. Nancy Sebastian, Spokane Valley: she also spoke about the issue of traffic in the Ridgemont
neighborhood; said she has contacted the city several times regarding her traffic and safety concerns; said
her home is the last house in upper Ridgemont before it turns into Crystal Ridge and she has witnessed
several times,Central Valley track team running up the hill and cars speeding by,and one of the kids almost
got hit; said she contacted Officer Welton who did some traffic studies and had radar in three different
locations September 24, and that over 75% of the traffic going through was over 25 miles per hour; said
her driveway was built in 1976 per the building department's regulations, but that didn't account for a new
development or new road being put in; said her driveway is now a safety hazard and is a blind driveway;
said she contacted city employee Ray Wright who came out and bullied her and told her she needed to
remove the fence that has been in place for over 20 years,as it is in direction violation of right-of-way rules;
and she mentioned the idea of putting in speed bumps.
1. PUBLIC HEARING; 2018 Budget Amendment—Chelsie Taylor
Mayor Higgins opened the public hearing at 6:25 p.m. Finance Director Taylor went through the materials
explaining the purpose of the 2018 budget amendment; said there have been no changes since the last
meeting where there was some discussion about the sculpture placement, but that due to the timeline with
budget development, and that we are still paying for some design costs,said she will go forward as is unless
Council has further issues; said anything not already scheduled to be paid will remain in that fund. Mayor
Higgins invited public comment.No comments were offered and Mayor Higgins closed the public hearing
at 6:33 p.m.
Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 10-23-2018 Page 2 of 7
Approved by Council: 11-13-2018
2. First Reading Ordinance 18-023 Amending 2018 Budget Chelsie Taylor
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley and seconded
to advance Ordinance #18-023 amending the 2018 budget to a second reading. Finance Director Taylor
explained that this is the companion ordinance to the public hearing just held. Vote by Acclamation: In
Favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
3. PUBLIC HEARING: Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)—Chaz Bates
Mayor Higgins opened the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Economic Development Specialist Bates went over
the proposed projects as noted on his request for Council Action Form. Mayor Higgins invited public
comment;no comments were offered and Mayor Higgins closed the hearing at 6:42 p.m.
4. Motion Consideration: CDBG Grant Projects—Chaz Bates
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley and seconded to authorize staff to prepare and submit CDBG
applications for the proposed sidewalk projects of Ella Road, Conklin Road and Farr Road in that order
ofpriority. Councilmember Wick asked why we would apply for all three and Mr.Bates explained that last
year we applied for two projects and were funded for both, and there are times when funding is left on the
table, adding that last year we received $500,000. Vote by acclamation:In Favor: unanimous. Opposed.
none. Motion carried.
5. 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 ConsentAQenda.
a. Approval of claim vouchers on Oct 23, 2018 Request for Council Action Form Total: $2,695,503,47
b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending October 15,2018: $335,419.15
e.Approval of October 2, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session Format
d. Approval of October 9,2018 Council Meeting Minutes, Regular Formal Format
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda.
NEW BUSINESS:
6. Second Reading Ordinance 18-022,Property Tax—Chelsie Taylor
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley and seconded
to approve Ordinance #18-022 levying regular property taxes for 2019. After Finance Director Taylor
briefly explained about the property tax ordinance and that it does not include the 1% increase allowed by
state law, Mayor Higgins invited public comment. No comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: In
Favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
7. First Reading Ordinance 18-024 Adopting 2019 Budget—Chelsie Taylor
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley and seconded
to advance Ordinance #18-024 adopting the 2019 Budget, to a second reading. Finance Director Taylor
explained there have been no changes since the October 9 public hearing, and that the second reading of
the ordinance is scheduled for November 13.
Concerning revenue projections and expenditures, Councilmember Wick asked if Director Taylor is fairly
conservative in revenue projections; and she replied she tries to err on the conservative side and tries to be
conservatively realistic based upon worksheets showing ten years of history as well as some averages
calculated off those as well as inflationary figures, which she added have been proven to be very accurate
over the years. Councilmember Wick asked how accurate have the revenue projections been over what was
actually received. Director Taylor said she would have to research that. Councilmember Wick said he is
looking at the amount and we have more revenue than expenditures; almost $2.5 million, and said he is
trying to figure out how certain we think that those revenues will come in that strong versus the
expenditures. Director Taylor replied that we are currently in a fairly strong economy,but you never know
Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 10-23-2018 Page 3 of 7
Approved by Council: 11-13-201_8
when the next decline in the economy will occur, and while we don't foresee that occurring in the near
future, one never knows as those things can occur quickly, and again said she believes the figures are
realistic but conservative to account for something that could occur,and said that has been our practice over
the years.
Mayor Higgins invited public comment. Ms. Peggy Doering, Spokane Valley: said she is interested in the
parks; that upon a quick look at the document, said she thinks that it was funded for Browns Park but that
she doesn't know where we are on CenterPlace and expanding the master plan,and didn't see that included;
and said she was wondering where she might get more information; said that she would like to see more
money invested parks, especially if what was said tonight is true with 500 new homes above them on a
hillside; said we need to look at revisiting the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. There were no further
public comments.
Councilmember Wick said he would like to look at that extra $2.5 million and maybe take $2 million to
transfer to projects, said he doesn't know if Council wants to determine which projects at the moment, but
maybe a future discussion on that;that if we allow that$2.5 million just to roll over,we'll get it eventually,
but it just might be two or three years from now before we roll it over into the capital projects fund. City
Manager Calhoun explained that in terms of timing, the practice is we look at the year that closed; for
example the fund balance at the end of 2017,we know that the total revenues exceeding total expenditures
by about$7 million, and said that money will actually get transferred over in April or May, assuming the
economy remains healthy, which he said will be a conversation we will have with Council next spring; so
again for example for the year 2019,you would wait until April or May of 2021;said the idea is intentionally
conservative as you never know when the economy will decline;said although an extreme example, in 2008
when Lehman Brothers filed bankruptcy, the economy across the country went to "hell in a handbasket"
over a couple of weeks, all of which is why we intentionally wait that period of time.
Deputy Mayor Haley said it is her understanding that this money that is over in the 2019 budget, is money
we haven't actually received yet, and Ms. Taylor confirmed she is correct, as they are based on estimated
revenues coming in 2019. Deputy Mayor Haley said she is extremely fiscally conservative when it comes
to other people's tax money and she would hate to mis-guess on that and therefore, she prefers to keep it as
it is. Vote by Acclamation:In Favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
8. Motion Consideration: Outside Agency Allocation of Funds—Chelsie Taylor
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley and seconded to award 2019 Outside Agency finding as follows:
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters- $5,500
2. Elevations; a Children's Therapy Resource Foundation - $4,286
3. Feed Spokane- $4,535
4. GSI—Start Up Spokane-$3,336
5. JAKT-$16,278
6. Spokane Valley Arts Council- $24,105
7. Spokane Valley Heritage Museum - $8,300
8. Spokane Valley Partners-$35,000
9. Spokane Valley Summer Theater-$4,149
10. Valleyfest- $45,576 and
11. Widows Might- $17,435.
Finance Director Taylor went through the history of our City awarding outside agency funds; and said that
we pay those on a reimbursement basis after the City gets the proof of payment; and she also noted that
$43,000 of those funds go to GSI (Greater Spokane, Inc.) and $18,000 to the Chamber of Commerce,
leaving $182,000. Ms. Taylor further explained that these organizations were invited and made
presentations to Council. Ms. Taylor also noted that some of the Council recommendations came in low
Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 10-23-2018 Page 4 of 7
Approved by Council: 11-13-2018
and that Councilmember Wick sought to allocate funds for agencies that did not apply, and due to the
potential for illegal gifting of public funds,those were not considered. Councilmember Wick asked if there
is a law that regulates this process and Mr. Calhoun said by practice,we have a list of rules for the process,
which Council is familiar with, one such rule is that we can't award any more than what an entity asks for,
and we can't award to agencies that have not applied. City Attorney Driskell added that there are
constitutional limitations for this kind of funding, and that economic development and funding for the poor
and infirm are within those limitations. Councilmember Wick said we have included contracts for GSI and
the Chamber for this process and have done so without them submitting an application, and said he is not
sure why the other three entities he identified, did not apply.
Councilmember Thompson said she appreciates the sentiment of funding Greater Spokane Substance Abuse
Council,and for those who do not know, she is the executive director; she explained that when she decided
to run for Council,she told her Board of Directors that her intent was if elected, GSSAC would not be able
to apply for or accept funding, as it would be a clear conflict of interest and would necessitate her recusing
herself from these discussions; that her Board agreed for her to run and said her organization has found
other support; said they cannot accept any money, and she does not want to jeopardize that transparency.
Councilmember Woodard said he spoke with some of the organizations which usually apply but this time
did not, and they told him they would likely apply again in the future,but they didn't want to be dependent
upon city tax dollars. Mayor Higgins invited public comment.
Mr.Bob West,Spokane Valley:he asked is there is a fault in the process as to why those other organizations
were not included; and if there are funds remaining, maybe other organizations could use those funds. Mr.
Calhoun replied that organizations must submit an application to be considered, and that the funding level
is at Council's prerogative.
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded, to amend the motion as follows:
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters—no change ($5,500);
2. Elevations; a Children's Therapy Resource Foundation—no change ($4,286);
3. Feed Spokane—no change ($4,535);
4. GSI--StartUp Spokane—no change ($3,336);
5. JAKT-$20,389 instead of$16,278;
6. Spokane Valley Arts Council—no change ($24,105);
7. Spokane Valley Heritage Museum—no change ($8,300);
8. Spokane Valley Partners—no change ($35,000);
9. Spokane Valley Summer Theater-$5,000 instead of$4,149
10. Valleyfest-$49,687 instead of$45,576, and
11. Widows Might- $21,546 instead of$17,435.
Councilmember Woodard said his rationale for his changes were that for those organizations that received
seven votes,those didn't change; and after rounding up#9 to $5,000,there remained about$12,334,which
was split evenly among those other three agencies. Councilmember Wick said he is still trying to hold onto
the thought that he looks out to see what we try to accomplish and what the need is out in the community,
said he repeatedly hears the opioid epidemic, the drugs that are happening to our community, and he looks
at how are we going to impact that with these allocations; or the vulnerable seniors and hearing about how
few meals they get and that Meals on Wheels provides their only meal for the day;and said he is still trying
to hold onto the thought if there's a way that we could put some of these dollars.to more of an impact for
our community.
Councilmember Haley said that Councilmember Wick is assuming that Meals on Wheels wants the money,
and also assuming that Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council could even ask for the money; she said
she does not know what"Culture Awareness &Inclusion Event"is but she said she thought we were very
Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 10-23-2018 Page 5 of 7
Approved by Council: 11-13-2018
clear about how to allocate the money; we can't give more than they asked for, and to only give to these
eleven people,and said it seems like it is late in the game to try to find out if any of these other organizations
even want money;that if we want to look at changing the way we do it in the future,then we could have a
discussion,but to tell these people if they fill out and send in their applications that they will be considered,
but then to tell these same people that we actually lied about that as what we really meant was,we are going
to fund some people we think also do valuable things for the community, but they don't have to follow the
same rules you do; and said she doesn't think that is fair.
Councilmember Thompson said she likes the process and the formula; that she believes the application
process should be and is very clear,and said she also supports the amendment by Councilmember Woodard,
and said she feels the rules are very clear; and not to change this process, but in the future, perhaps Council
could look at what more they can do in the community which could be part of the overall budget discussion.
Councilmember Wood said the LTAC uses the same formula; you have to apply and you can't allocate
more than asked for; that the process is consistent and he likes it. Mayor Higgins invited public comment.
Ms.Nina Fluegal, Spokane Valley: regarding the Heritable Museum request,she said they requested$8,300
but the allocation is $8,329, and she asked if she misunderstood something. City Manager Calhoun
responded that the$8,329 is the average, but the award carried over to the last column on the spreadsheet,
is $8,300.
Vote by Acclamation to amend the motion: In Favor: Mayor Higgins, Deputy Mayor Haley, and
Councilmembers Thompson, Woodard,Peetz, and Wood. Opposed: Councilmember Wick. Motion carried.
Vote on the motion as amended.'In Favor: unanimous. Opposed' none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Higgins invited public comment.
Ms. Vicki Walsh, Spokane Valley: said she appreciates the Council's work and they are doing a good job
of taking care of the money; said she goes to work at 5 a.m. and her work schedule makes it difficult to
come to meetings;she suggested Council might consider occasionally holding a Saturday morning meeting
and allowing public comment; said there are not many people here tonight,and said she admits she doesn't
understand how things go, but maybe to have those Saturday meetings once a month, or even every other
month, so people might have a better opportunity to attend.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
9.Advance Agenda—Mayor Higgins
Councilmember Peetz said there is a question of how to get more people involved,and maybe a get-together
would work; or have a few Councilmembers get together monthly or every other month, or not necessarily
a formal meeting, but lunch or coffee with a Councilmember. City Manager Calhoun said with less than a
quorum, Councilmembers can get together with citizens as they can; but said this would be a difficult
meeting to take"on the road" and meetings with a quorum would also require staff's involvement; adding
that citizens can watch the meeting live or at their convenience via the video. Mayor Higgins added that as
a practical matter, even three Councilmembers can invite people to gather someplace but we just can't have
a quorum. Councilmember Thompson asked about the traffic situation in the Ridgemont area and what can
we do to address neighboring communities. Mr. Calhoun said staff will carry forward a report; that the
Police Department recently had SCOPE out there and they have shared some of that data with the city
engineer; and he said we are sensitive to the community's concerns and will bring something forward to
provide a broader perspective.
INFORMATION ONLY
The (1 0) Salary Commission update and the (11)Department Reports were for information only, although
at the Mayor's request, the City Clerk gave a brief update of the status of applications received for
appointment consideration to the Salary Commission.
Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 10-23-2018 Page 6 of 7
Approved by Council: 11-13-2018
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Calhoun said our 2018 budget included$200,000 for a perimeter path and lighting for Browns
Park and when the bids came in they were significantly greater than the engineer's estimate;and during our
June budget workshop Council agreed to convert that money into additional volleyball courts; he said that
yesterday our Public Works Superintendent Shane Arlt and his crew started work and have the holes dug
or roughed in,and that he anticipates the project will be completed within the next few weeks. Mr. Calhoun
also noted that October 30 is a fifth Tuesday of the month, and when practical and possible, Council will
not hold a meeting on the fifth Tuesday, so therefore,there will be no Council meeting next week.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
i: , 7--* ' (-----D-C---—--------•)
ATTEST• L.R.Higg or
Christine Bainbridge,'City Clerk
Minutes Regular Council Meeting: 10-23-2018 Page 7 of 7
Approved by Council: 11-13-2018
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
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P:\City Clerk\AgendaPackets for Web\2018\2018,10-23\Item 8 Council Recommended Awards for 2019 as of 201810 23
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY,WA 10117/2018
2019 Budget
Summary of Outside Agency Allocations Recommended by City Council Presented
to
Councilmember Recommendations #of Council Amend Motion
Higgins Peetz Woodard } Wick I Haley I Wood Thompson Votes Average Requested 1012312018 Woodard
1 Big Brothers Big Sisters 8,000 10,000 0 8,000 10,000 0 2,500 5 5,500 10,000 c 5,500 5,500
2 Elevations;a Children's Therapy Resol 5,000 0 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 6 4,286 5,000 c 4,286 4,286
3 Feed Spokane 4,850 4,850 4,800 4,000 4,850 4,850 2,500 7 4,386 4,850 b 4,535 4,850
4 351 StartUp Spokane 5,850 0 5,000 5,000 5,000 0 2,500 5 3,336 10,000 c , 3,336 3,336
5 JAKT 15,000 14,000 28,900 5,000 20,000 20,000 10,000 7 16,129 30,000 b 16,278 20,389
6 Spokane Valley Arts Council 40,000 19,900 40,000 0 23,850 30,000 15,000 6 24,106 103,150 c 24,105 24,105
7 Spokane Valley Heritage Museum 8,300 7,600 8,300 10,000 8,300 8,300 7,500 7 8,329 8,300 b 8,300 8,300
8 Spokane Valley Partners 35,000 35,000 35,000 40,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 7 35,714 35,000 b 35,000 35,000
9 Spokane Valley Summer Theater 5,000 3,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 2,500 2,500 7 4,000 5,000 b 4,149 5,000
10 Valleyfest 35,000 71,650 25,000 30,000 40,000 66,350 50,000 7 45,428 100,000 b 45,576 49,687
11 Widows Might 20,000 16,000 25,000 10,000 25,000 10,000 15,000 7 17,286 25,000 b 17,435 21,546
Total 182,000 182,000 182,000 122,000 182,000 182,000 147,500 168,500 336,300 168,500 181,999
** Additional allocations were submitted for agencies that did not apply. Average Total Awards $168,500
Applications were not submitted from the 3 agencies listed below Remaining $0
and thus the City cannot allocate outside agency funds to them Sum of agencies receiving fewer than 4 votes a 0
as that would create a potential for illegal gifting of public funds: "+"or""average of awards<or>$169,500 d 743
Culture Awareness&Inclusion Event 30,000 Balance remaining to be allocated 743
Meals on Wheels 10,000 Allocate balance among remaining 7 vote agencies 5
Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council 20,000 Amount allocated to each agency 149 b
60,000
Spokane Valley Heritage Museum request 8,300
Spokane Valley Partners request 35,000
Average of 7 vote Councilmember awards to these agencies (44,043)
Unallocated balance due to request limitation (743) d
5&6 vote agencies 4 c
201810 23 RCA