2019, 02-05 Study Session MINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY COUNCIL MEETING
STUDY SESSION
Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers
Spokane Valley, Washington
February 5,2019
Attendance:
Councilmembers _ Staff
Rod Higgins,Mayor Mark Calhoun, City Manager
Pam Haley,Deputy Mayor Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Brandi Peetz, Councilmember Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
Linda Thompson, Councilmember Mike Stone,Parks &Rec. Director
Ben Wick, Councilmember Bill Helbig, City Engineer
Sam Wood, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Arne Woodard, Councihneinber Mark Werner, Police Chief
Chaz Bates, Economic Development Specialist
Gloria Mantz,Engineering Manager
Robert Lochmiller, Sr. Engineer Project Mgr.
Erica Amsden, Sr. Engineer Project Mgr.
Glenn Ritter, Sr. Engineer Project Mgr.
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Mayor Higgins called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley, seconded, and unanimously agreed
to approve the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. 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 tile Consent Agenda.
a. Approval of claim vouchers on February 5, 2019 Request for Council Action Form Total: $776,003.87
b. Approval of January 15, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session
c. Approval of January 22, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes, Formal Format
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda.
2.First Reading Proposed Planned Action Ordinance 19-002—Chaz Bates
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley and seconded
to advance ordinance 19-002, adopting a new chapter 21.60 of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code, to a
second reading. After Mr. Bates went through his PowerPoint presentation, Mayor Higgins invited public
comments. No comments were offered. Vote by acclamation:In favor:unanimous. Opposed:none. Motion
carried.
3.Mayoral Appointments: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee(LTAC)—Mayor Higgins
After Mayor Higgins noted his recommended appointments, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley and
seconded to confirm the Mayoral appointments to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, of Lee Cameron
for a term of two years as an entity which collects the tax; and of Wayne Brokaw for a term of two years,
as an entity involved in activities funded by the tax, with terms beginning January 1, 2019. Mayor Higgins
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Approved by Council:02-26-2019
invited public comments, and no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: In favor: unanimous.
Opposed: none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: After explaining the process,Mayor Higgins invited public comments,
Ms. Barb Howard, Spokane Valley: said she wanted to talk about her 'pet peeve' which is the art pieces
that had been donated;and asked if someone would explain how the art pieces are donated if we give them
money, and we pay for the maintenance and repairs; and regarding a recent article in the newspaper about
the artist who made the recent piece that is now in storage,she suggested that perhaps that artist could finish
Balfour Park, or perhaps the City could give him back his art.
There were no further public comments. Mayor Higgins announced that there will be an executive session
at the end of tonight's meeting.
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
4.Use of City Hall Grounds by Third Parties—Cary Driskell
City Attorney Driskell explained that since our new City Hall building opened in late 2017,there have been
various inquiries and requests by outside groups for various purposes, mostly commercial, seeking
permission to use the grounds outside the building. He explained that these requests have not granted
because although CenterPlace has trained and available staff on-site to manage such events, City Hall does
not,so it was determined that uses of City Hall and the grounds should be properly identified by a resolution,
and such proposed resolution is provided for Council's consideration.
Discussion included a question from Councilmember Thompson about events that start inside and then
move outside, like the Korean War Veterans Memorial Day,and City Manager Calhoun said that would be
acceptable, as it was not religious, political, or commercial and is an appropriate use of City Hall Council
Chambers and exterior; said these requests are analyzed somewhat case-by-case, but such events should
not be religious, commercial, or have any political overtones. In response to a question about who would
make the decision, Mr. Driskell noted that such decision would be made by the City Manager,
Councilmember Wood asked about a car show and Mr. Driskell said that would not be allowed; that we
have other facilities where that would be more appropriate; and Mr. Calhoun added that for an event such
as a car show,a big concern would be parking,and agreed that CenterPlace would be better,or to even hold
it across the street at the undeveloped Balfour Park site.
Councilmember Wick asked about the inevitable protest,and whether such a rally is political. Mr. Driskell
said he would have to give further consideration to the language so as not to impinge on First Amendment
Rights. Councilmember Wick said that it was his understanding that the design of City Hall was to flow
across the street to the park; and it was even mentioned previously about the idea of having narrow lanes
on Sprague or a river flow depicted from here or the trail to the park; and said he thought it would be jointly
for larger events and tie in with the trail and park. Mr. Driskell said that at the present,there is nothing over
there to tie to; and that as things change over time, this resolution could be changed later; but now there is
no slowing down of traffic speeds, and no narrow lanes.Mr. Calhoun said he recalls those past discussions
when everything was conceptual about the future of Balfour Park and ultimately tying in the trail and City
Hall to a completed park,which he said is probably part of the evolution on a joint site plan. Councilmember
Peetz said there are many events that want to come here and we want to accommodate them;and that if this
resolution is passed, she would like to focus more on Balfour Park, and therefore, would like further
discussion on that space. Mr.Calhoun reminded Council that the City Park Master Plan adopted by Council
December 2013,will be before Council again as the plan is scheduled for an update, which he said would
also assist us in applying for RCO(Recreation and Conservation Office)grants;said he looks for a potential
application for the park in 2020 and that there is a lot of work to be done between now and then, which he
said Council will hear more about as time goes on.
Council Study Session:02-05-2019 Page 2 of 5
Approved by Council:02-26-2019
Councilmember Woodard suggested a time restriction on rallies held on the grounds; said they are usually
not commercial,and don't have to be political but often are. City Attorney Driskell said he will give further
consideration to the resolution on time, place and manner of restrictions, including political, political
campaigning, and commercial. Councilmember Woodard agreed there are other properties where such
things as car shows would be more appropriate, such as across the street where at this point,they couldn't
do any damage. Councilmember Thompson said she feels City Hall belongs to the people and this is where
business happens; and she asked if, for example, a church group gathers at City Hall and then goes to the
trail to pick up trash,would someone tell them to leave.Mr,Calhoun explained that holding a church service
would not be permitted,but that is different from having a gathering point to go do a service project. Parks
and Recreation Director Stone said that most of what is being discussed would be deemed a special event,
and with a special event,there are rules and restrictions;that staff tries to encourage people to go to Balfour
Park as mentioned, it is currently undeveloped and there wouldn't be any damage; however,he said we are
being asked by a wide variety of groups about use of City Hall and its grounds. With the exception of
Councilmember Wick and Thompson,there was consensus to move this forward to the February 26 agenda
for a motion to consider passing a resolution.
5. Places Where Alcohol Consumption on City Property is Permitted—Cary Driskell
City Attorney Driskell explained that Council previously approved Resolutions 04-020 and 05-010 which
established limited areas where alcohol could be consumed, after obtaining an appropriate permit from the
Parks and Recreation Department; and that in the intervening fourteen years,the City has identified several
other places in CenterPlace where alcohol consumption may be permitted,as well as other venues identified
in the draft resolution.
Parks and Recreation Director Stone mentioned the additional proposed places in CenterPlace where
alcohol could be consumed, as well as all of the area of the undeveloped portion of Balfour Park excluding
the portion owned by the Library District. Mr. Driskell added that once the Park is developed, staff can
bring this to Council again; and Mr. Stone agreed the Park would be re-addressed once developed.
Councilmember Wood asked about allowing alcohol, with permits, in other parks and Mr. Stone said it
would be difficult to enforce the regulations; to have people show up in our parks and drink beer would
send a message to others that it would be okay to consume alcohol; he said the Masterplan idea is to create
venues where it would be appropriate; and he added that very few parks anywhere permit alcohol
consumption. Councilmember Wood mentioned he has seen people drink beer in the parks and Mr. Stone
explained that we do not want to turn them into criminals; but when we find those instances, we ask the
people to remove the alcohol from the site; that currently alcohol consumption is related to a special event
with a permit for that event indicating where and when the alcohol can be consumed. Councilmember Peetz
agreed that the parks are for families, and generally where youfind alcohol,you also find trash.
Councilmember Thompson said that she didn't see a map for the space on the Park and questioned how to
physically show that boundary; perhaps with a stake or two and she asked if staff communicated with the
Library District; said she has a concern of the normalization of alcohol at community events; that the
proposed Farmers Market is near the playground; said she realizes this is an interim plan for the park but it
opens the door for the norm,and that she would not support this. Mr. Stone replied that the particular space
for the Farmers' Market is on the extreme northeast end of that site,but he appreciates and understands her
concerns. Councihnember Wick asked about allowing alcohol consumption in one room over another, and
that if all the rooms could permit alcohol, it would be more than 50%. Mr. Stone said there was an idea to
make the entire facility permitable for alcohol, but that direction would need to come from Council rather
than staff. Councilmember Wisk also mentioned there would be times not to allow alcohol consumption,
as well,such as when the youth summer programs are underway.Mr. Stone explained that is how the Center
is operated now; that staff is not promoting the use, but is trying to share that we are being requested by
citizens to have events that include alcohol.
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Approved by Council:02-26-2019
Deputy Mayor Haley said she too doesn't see any room difference; said that at the moment, Balfour is not
a park, and people are looking for places to hold a car rally or a beer garden; said she would like to look at
this again when Balfour is developed as a park. Mr. Stone said that as far as property is concerned, even
though it is undeveloped, Balfour is a park; but staff felt some rules and regulations would be needed now;
and agreed that car shows would work in the Balfour Park area. Councilmember Woodard mentioned that
we are talking about alcohol permits for functions in a special facility;and with the permit,there are special
rules to adhere to. Mr. Stone said he can also add language in the resolution about special event permits.
Councilmember Thompson said she is in favor of making the changes,but not supportive of having alcohol
in Balfour Park now. Mayor Higgins asked if there was Council agreement to include the entirety of
CenterPlace and moving forward with a resolution with the suggested changes. Council concurred.
6. University Road Preservation, 16r'to Dishman Mica—Gloria Mantz,Robert LochmiIler
Mr. Lochmiller briefly went over the background of this project including its location,existing conditions,
project design, temporary traffic control, budget and funding, public outreach, and tentative upcoming
schedule. Mr. LochmiIler said residents will be able to get in their cars from their home; that usually the
safest way is to close the roads but sometimes that is not an option; and he mentioned that in this case,the
Water District would be working on one side of the road, and we would be on the other.
7. Mission Avenue Preservation and Sidewalk,University to Union—Gloria Mantz,Erica Amsden
Ms. Amsden briefly went over the background of this project including its location, existing conditions,
project design, temporary traffic control, budget and funding, public outreach, and tentative upcoming
schedule.A question arose about the dog park and Splashdown,and Ms.Amsden said the dog park will be
accessible through side streets and local access will be allowed; and the project will not be in front of the
park so park access will not be interrupted.
8.Evergreen Crossing,Mission to Indiana—Gloria Mantz,Erica Amsden
Ms. Amsden briefly went over the background of this project including its location, existing conditions,
project design, temporary traffic control, budget and funding, public outreach, and tentative upcoming
schedule. CounciImember Woodard asked about the pothole on the deck and whether WSDOT
(Washington State Department of Transportation) will take care of it. Ms. Amsden said that if later
Councilmember Woodard will let her know where the pothole is, she will pass that information on to
WSDOT.
9. Knox Sidewalk, Sargent to Hutchinson—Gloria Mantz, Glenn Ritter
Ms. Mantz introduced Mr. Glenn Ritter who will be taking Craig Aldworth's position when he retires
February 15"'. Mr. Ritter went over the background of this project including its location, existing
conditions, design, public outreach,temporary traffic control, budget and funding,and tentative upcoming
schedule.
10. Wilbur Avenue Sidewalk,Boone to Broadway---Gloria Mantz, Glenn Ritter
Mr.Ritter went over the background of this project including its location,existing conditions,design,public
outreach,temporary traffic control, budget and funding, and tentative upcoming schedule. Councilmember
Woodard asked if staff has talked to the Central Valley School District. Ms.Mantz replied that the project
will be in June after school. Councilmember Woodard suggested talking with the school district because
they might be starting to research putting a cross-walk across Broadway, and if they are going to do that,
once the sidewalk is in,he said the kids will travel that more so it would be a great time for them to install
flashers.
11. Argonne Road Preservation,Valleyway to Broadway—Gloria Mantz, Glenn Ritter
Mr.Ritter went over the background of this project including its location,existing conditions,design,public
outreach, temporary traffic control, budget and funding, and tentative upcoming schedule.
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Approved by Council:02-26-2019
12. Advance Agenda—Mayor Higgins
Councilmember Wick mentioned Washington State Senate Bill 5521 relating to the distribution of
Connecting Washington funds to local and state transportation agencies; he said this would codify the
distribution of Connecting Washington funds to the County Road Administration Board, the Freight
Mobility Strategic Investment Board, and the Transportation Improvement Board;said the FMSIB has had
a tough time; that this still has to go through the hearing process, and he would like Council to consider
sending a letter in support of passing this bill. City Manager Calhoun said the first time for Council to view
a draft letter would be February 26 and since he's not sure if that would be a timely response,with Council
consensus, he would ask Mr.Driskell to draft a letter,and then send Councilmembers an e-mail and a hard
copy; and said that Mr.Driskell and Councilmember Wick could work together to develop the language for
the letter. Council agreed.
13. Carnahan Properties
This item was for information only and was not reported or discussed.
14. Council Check in—Mayor Higgins
There were no additional Council comments.
15. City Manager Comments—Mark Calhoun
City Manager Calhoun mentioned that both the February 12 and the February 19, 6 pm Council meetings
will be cancelled; that there will be a Council/staff workshop meeting February 19 beginning at 8:30 a.m.,
in Council Chambers; and that the next regular Council meeting will be February 26'x'; he noted the annual
accomplishments report is scheduled for the March 5 Council meeting, and the Mayor's State of the City
address is set for March 22,jointly sponsored by us and the Chamber of Commerce, and that more details
will follow.Mr.Calhoun noted the City was contacted with a request for a letter of greeting or proclamation
for the April production in Spokane of Shen Yun, and that letter is at the dais. There were no objections
from Council in sending the letter.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to
adjourn into executive session for approximately 15 minutes to discuss pending litigation, and that no
action will be taken upon return to open session. Council adjourned into executive session at 7:38 p.m. At
7:48 p.m. Mayor Higgins declared Council out of executive session, at which time it was moved by Deputy
Mayor Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn.
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Council Study Session:02-05-2019 Page 5 of 5
Approved by Council:02-26-2019
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
GENERAL CITIZEN COMMENTS
SIGN-IN SHEET
YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES
This sign-in sheet is for making comments not associated with an action item on tonight's
agenda. If you wish to comment about an individual action item on tonight's agenda (such a
a otion to approve an ordinance, resolution, or contract) the Mayor will ask for comme s
on ,ose items once that item is reached on the agenda.
Please sign in if you wish to make public comments.
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SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
GENERAL CITIZEN COMMENTS
SIGN-IN SHEET
YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MIN[JTES
This sign-in sheet is for making comments not associated with an action item on tonight's
agenda. If you wish to comment about an individual action item on tonight's agenda (such a
a otion to approve an ordinance, resolution, or contract) the Mayor will ask for comme s
on ose items once that item is reached on the agenda.
Please sign in if you wish to make public comments.
NAME TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU YOUR CITY OF ' IDENCE
PLEASE,,' NT WILL SPEAK ABOUT
C64,--tC(
Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure.