2018, 12-11 Special MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
Special Council Meeting
Tuesday,December 11, 2018
4:00 p.m.
City of Spokane Valley City Hall, Council Chambers
10210 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington
Attendance:
Spokane Valley Council Staff
Mayor Higgins Mark Calhoun, City Manager
Deputy Mayor Haley John Hohman, Deputy City Manager
Councilmember Thompson Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Councilmember Wick[arrived 4:05 pm] Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Councilmernber Wood Mike Stone, Parks &Rec. Director
Councilmember Woodard Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
Bill Helbig, City Engineer
Absent: Annie Gannon,Public Info. Officer
Councilmember Peetz Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Legislators: Senator Mike Padden, Representative Bob McCaslin
Others in Attendance:
Lobbyist Josh Weiss, Vice President, Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs (GTH)
Approximately six members from the public
Mayor Higgins called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll. All
Councilmembers were present except Councilmembers Peetz and Wick. It was moved by Councilmember
Wood, seconded and unanimously agreed to excuse Councilmembers Peetz and Wick from this meeting.
Mayor Higgins turned the meeting over to City Manager Calhoun.
City Manager Calhoun explained that he and City Attorney Driskell will review the items on the 2019
Legislative Agenda. Mr. Calhoun also noted that Mr. Josh Weiss is here from Gordon Thomas Honeywell
to assist. Mr.Calhoun said that the first two items on the Legislative Agenda address Bridging the Valley's
capital projects of the Barker Road Grade Separation Project, and the Pines RoadIBNSF Grade Separation
Project. Mr. Calhoun brought attention to two handouts: one on the Pines RoadBNSF Railway Grade
Separation Project,and the other about the Browns Park Project. Mr. Calhoun also mentioned that staff has
been very active in pursuing grants on our capital projects; of our successes such as the two CRISI grants,
and that we were not successful with the BUILD grant. Mr. Calhoun explained about the requests for
Browns Park,what amenities are currently at the park,and that eight additional courts are almost completely
installed, and said the approximate $623,000 funds for the park project were city money, and a little from
the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for the early volleyball courts.
Discussion included mention of the general use of the park, which has proven to be high usage during the
summer,and of upcoming amenities for the park such as the restroom and the shelter. Mr. Stone noted that
he can contact the Eastern Regional Volleyball Association if further details of attendance is needed, and
that said Association has been very supportive in scheduling tournaments as well as maintenance of some
of the equipment.
City Attorney Driskell briefly commented on the `Defend Local Control' item, followed by Mr. Calhoun
expanding on the `Protect the Local State Shared Revenues' agenda item; adding that those liquor board
Special Council Meeting, State Legislators 12/11/2018 Page 1 of 3
Approved by Council: 01/08/2019
profits have been frozen for the last seven consecutive years, and it would be nice if the figures could be
adjusted for inflation. Mr. Calhoun thanked the Legislators for signing on to the letter on the part of AWC
(Association of Washington cities)which was led by GTH,for those us in danger of losing the streamlined
sales tax mitigation; he said historically we get about $570,000 a year and that is being phased out as we
received $204,000 during the first two quarters,and said we are very interested in continuing the mitigation
payments. Mr. Weiss also noted concerning the liquor profits, that a cap was put on that during the
recession; and now that we are in a healthier economy including significant revenue growth,that it is time
to remove that. Regarding the liquor and cannabis board, there was discussion about adequately funding
prevention and treatment; that the cannabis industry is looking to expand their products and we want to
make sure Cities and health jurisdictions get the funds needed;that some of the drug burden is appropriately
put on the shoulders of parents, but they needs tools on how to address those issues with their children;that
education efforts are very important, but as Senator Padden noted, the problem is growing faster than the
ability to combat it, and that the"consume in the state where purchased' doesn't always happen, especially
since we are so close in proximity to Idaho.
Protecting Businesses by Reforming State Regulatory Burdens was addressed next, with Mr. Driskell
stating that we know we are`preaching to the choir' on this one;that there is a need to do what can be done
to reduce that regulatory burden, particularly concerning the B&O (business and occupation) tax, and he
added that L&I (Labor and Industries) isn't doing our businesses any great favors. Senator Padden
mentioned that the federal government has eliminated twenty-two regulations for every one, and that is a
key factor in the economic expansion, as we are sure in our state, there will be more regulations added
instead of eliminated. Mr. Driskell noted concerning the prohibition of recreational marijuana home
growing,that we are requesting the state continue that prohibition as we don't have the funds or manpower
to monitor that.
Concerning condo reform, Mr. Driskell said there is a lot of liability on construction companies to keep
condos from being constructed and sold, and it would be beneficial to all to have a full range of housing
options. Senator Padden said he appreciates the City putting this item on the agenda and he hopes to get it
all the way through and signed by the governor.
Mr. Calhoun addressed the item of increased funding for law enforcement academy, and said that law
enforcement departments across the state are getting new recruits and it would be beneficial for us to be
able to provide more sessions of the basic academy, specifically to have two sessions here in Spokane in
order to get officers on the streets sooner than later. For the last agenda item of prevailing wage, Mr.
Calhoun explained about the impacts of the recently adopted bill and of landscape labor increasing from
$11.50 an hour to $37.19 and that this will have significant impacts on a variety of projects going forward;
and for the University to Pines, Browns Park, Evergreen to Sullivan, these types of increases are budget
killers. There was discussion about the bill and how the wages were calculated and that as a result of that
large increase, we are asking the legislators to remove that or have L&I go back and use the correct
comparisons.Senator Padden asked Mr.Weiss if he has heard whether L&I is looking at this and Mr.Weiss
said he hasn't heard anything recently, but the initial indication was they were not going to reconsider. The
Appleway Trail project was mentioned and Mr.Calhoun explained about us asking for bidders but receiving
none,and that as a result,we will be seeking Council approval to amend a portion of our code as we realize
the funds must be spent by June 30, 2019, and we are intent in completing the project. Mr. Calhoun asked
if there were any further questions or discussion.
Deputy Mayor Haley mentioned the idea of adding to the City's legislative agenda,the crisis in childcare,
which she said is an unfunded mandate and will likely force childcare centers to go out of business,which
she explained impacts everyone as without childcare, people don't go to work.
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Approved by Council: 01/08/2019
There was brief discussion about taxes in general and the B&O tax as a particularly unfair tax especially
for small businesses;mention about rail and road conflicts and trying to protect more of those FMSIB funds;
that some of the big issues at the state level are the energy tax, managing state lands,and wildfires. Senator
Padden said he noticed there were some things currently not included on the City's legislative agenda, such
as child care, and Mr. Calhoun said staff has endeavored to keep the legislative agenda to two-pages, but
that it is not unusual for us to ask for letters of support or nonsupport on certain topics. Senator Padden
mentioned that the upcoming legislative session is a long one and starts January 14 and will run for 105
days; and said if Council and staff are headed to Olympia and let him know in advance, he will try to make
time for visits. Remote testimony was also briefly mentioned and Finance Director Taylor said her
department and the IT groups have worked with their counterparts in Olympia and are just waiting for
notification of the need; that we are set up and ready to go. The suggestion of adding childcare to the
legislative agenda was again mentioned and Mr. Driskell said he will work on specific language and
endeavor to keep the document to two pages. Council concurred.
Councilmember Wick asked Senator Padden if he thinks we have a good shot at funding Browns Park, and
Senator Padden said it appears the project is very well thought-out, but frankly doesn't know much funds
will be there as they are obligated to finish the Barker to Harbor Project, and to expand Barker both north
and south, so that will make a tough sell on Pines and other capital proejcts, but overall feels it will be an
uphill battle for this session. Mr. Weiss said the City has done a nice job on their legislative agenda and he
knows there will be a multitude of proposals coming to the legislators; and he will be there to help
communicate and advocate for the City's items, as well as speak against those that could be harmful.
Mr. Calhoun mentioned that this Thursday morning at 8 a.m.,the Chamber will be hosting a meeting here
concerning our Pines Grade Separation project.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley, seconded, and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 5:08 p.m.
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A ES L.R. Hr�•' ,Myo
Christine Bain.ridge; City Clerk
Special Council Meeting,State Legislators 12/11/2018 Page 3 of 3
Approved by Council: 01/08/2019
Browns Park Project
Washington State
Project description z, _:,
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Browns Park has a rich history and is loved by a wide range of community members. M
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In 2014 the city completed the development of the Browns Park Master Plan. This �, , ..1,
plan provides a vision for future development and acts as a guide for revitalization . I •.'.•`��
of the park. It was developed utilizing an extensive inventory and analysis process, ' . ? @,
stakeholder meeting and a public meeting. This process identified a need for expanded 1,+-1-4-'
and improved neighborhood level park facilities,as well as a shift in active recreational 7 ® s
facility demand.The master plan balances the new signature neighborhood park
features with a premier sand volleyball complex. '�
Since 2014,the city has made significant progress on the Browns Park Master Plan and , ,
21
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has invested $623,000 to complete: ��, l Cy 1 7J TT.
• 16 new tournament caliber sand volleyball courts, including one championship ,', I: Cr''' s "';
sand volleyball court 4,1, '= _,- _— �"
• A splash pad ,
• One new basketball court
The center and north sections of the park contain the volleyball complex. Plans for 2019
+w•► u.w - - • The city's request for$520,000 in
•_ .�;,.. "'� " �- * funding will allow construction of
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- 1 key elements of the neighborhood
- �, '' '..-• r portion of the park.
` '' • ' 11�, , , �„ , l " • Installation ofa new playground,
. a ,,� L., �'i �"`` which is accessible and has
"' 1• k.,' ,, 0, .._ ,, . equipment fora range of ages(11)
!!k k ;. _ , - ■ New restroom (15)
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• Large picnic shelter(8)
The championship sand volleyball court at Browns Park An example of a play equipment that
could be added.
The south and southwest portion of the park is defined as the neighborhood park area. Projected cost
Within this area,there is an active sport component,a group gathering space and an The total projected cost for all
active play area. It is here where families and friends may gather for picnics, birthday improvements in the Browns Park
parties and class reunions.A picnic shelter is planned within this space,opening on to a Master Plan is $2.5 million.
lawn area where visitors could toss a Frisbee or play catch.
�� . f State funding would be used
r` t ! sa` , ,, to construct parts of the
ya� ` ,A p,=; ' 4,' ",;,.; , ' • t�r . neighborhood park area. The
• '., ' r focus of the new improved City of Spokane Valley
),4 . neighborhood portion of 509-720-5000
A - „ `' --'�'" - the park is a new restroom,
�yL'- �„ '-s 1 u www,spokanevalley.org
I/ r;l �'Ar�: jfj , >,! ,, B,'ot d . picnic shelter and accessible
:;, -' "t,. playground. It will be located
_�� r1 5 �,--- " in the general vicinity of the
, current playground, but it will
include more equipment. It SCITY Or4011111.111.11\1111111111111k
will consist of a 5 to 12-year- ol4ane
, 1
old playground,tot lot for
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younger children, swings and
An example ofa picnic shelter that cou/dbe added to Browns safety surfacing.
Park
12.11.18
Pines Road/BNSF Railway
Washington State Grade Separation Project
Project description
The Pines Road/BNSF Railway Grade Separation Project is located in Spokane Valley, _ _
Wash., a city of nearly 100,000 residents.This project has been rated by the Freight - - ,
Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB)as the highest ranked unfunded Tier /..' --
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Pr
1 rail crossing in the State of Washington out of 4,171 at-grade crossings that were �!- ,
evaluated.The project proposes to: i" ,47,: `_
,/ Separate train and vehicle traffic by replacing the existing Pines Road/BNSF '= — `�"
at-grade crossing with an underpass.
✓ Improve the adjacent signalized intersection of Pines Road (SR 27)and Trent
Avenue(SR 290). Improved livability
On average, 58 BNSF freight trains and two Amtrak passenger trains travel through The grade separation project will
the Pines Road/BNSF crossing each day. These trains result in 27,000 hours of significantly enhance vehicle and
vehicle delays annually and at least five vehicle collisions since 2015. In early 2018, pedestrian safety and improve
BNSF notified the city that it plans to neighborhood livability by:
stir% �, I add a second main track to the existing
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, r' ,11 V '�-1 rail line, possibly as early as 2019.A ■ improving access for school buses
•,..........- " "s ' P second track will likely increase train and residential vehicles to Trent
'' " ~. - ,. ` ,*. -` traffic and vehicle delays.Washington 0.11.4 Elementary, located south of the
. " ' - State has placed this rail crossing crossing on Pines Road.
, �,. ,,,; ' - '' first on its list of unfunded at-grade ■ Eliminating 15 minutes of train
- - --.c.e ''w 1 crossing improvement projects. horn noise per day at the crossing.
-- ,! , .44 > 36 Constructing an underpass will ■ Increasing access to emergency
�- eliminate vehicle delays and improve services located on the south side both vehicle and pedestrian safety. of 1-90 in the city.
! # ea.:, • '"'1 • Enhancing overall access to 1-90
' J Fr " �' j .-- The grade separation project includes and other key arterials in Spokane
1; improvements to the adjacent Valley.
" intersection of Pines and Trent.The
'_;,�g �, r��� l intersection serves about 34,000 Projected cost
f vehicles per day, including freight
13-
-5 and commercial vehicles that travel As of December 2018,the project is
SR 290 from Canada and northern estimated to cost$29 million, based
`._'N 11 Idaho to connect to 1-90 in Spokane on construction starting in 2023.
ir 0 Valley.There were 27 collisions at this The city has secured $5.1 million,
intersection from 2014 to 2017.The including$3.2 million set aside by
r y, r. : est proposed alignment and intersection Spokane Valley, and is actively seeking
ILA -- l control (roundabout or sinal will be
con r I signal) additional funding.
identified in 2019.
Economic impacts
Completion of the Pines Road/BNSF project would improve access to 170 acres of City of Spokane Valley
nearby mixed-use or commercially-zoned property, and 56 acres of prime industrial- 509-720-5000
zoned property that is currently undeveloped. Over 25 years,the estimated economic www.spokanevalley.org/PinesBNSF
and tax impacts resulting from this development include:
• $1.3 billion in total economic output in Spokane County($686 million in direct
spending). CITY1011"1\1111111111106
■ 8,719 new jobs supported in Spokane County(4,31.2 direct job impacts from SOFpol(ane
construction).
■ $8.2 million in new general fund taxes to Spokane Valley. .00vjey®
• $101.9 million in new general fund taxes to Washington State. !' �•+
12.11.18