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2019, 03-19 Study Session MINUTES SPOKANE VALLEY COUNCIL MEETING STUDY SESSION Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers Spokane Valley, Washington March 19, 2019 Attendance: Councilmembers Staff Rod Higgins, Mayor Mark Calhoun, City Manager Brandi Peetz, Councilmember Cary Driskell, 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, Councilmember Mark Werner,Police Chief John Holman, Deputy City Manager ABSENT: Pam Haley, Deputy Mayor 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 except Deputy Mayor Haley. It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to excuse Deputy Mayor Haley from tonight's meeting. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA: It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the amended agenda. 1.Arts Council—Mike Stone;Dr. James Harken Parks and Recreation Director Stone introduced Dr. Jim Harken and Mr.Jim Sullivan, both of the Spokane Valley Arts Council; said now that the agreement between the City and the Arts Council has been finalized, they have been invited to begin dialogue with Council about potential art objects.Dr. Harken talked about starting this new process and that this is an opportunity to give some advance information to the City for funding and placement purposes;and he mentioned information about several sculptures noted in the packet material, including a sculpture that he personally owns and is willing to donate to the Arts Council to give to the City; said the"Indomitable Spirit" originally cost$26,000 to build and he would let the City have it for$25,000 delivered, adding that maybe when Balfour Park is updated that would be a good place for it. Dr, Harken said that the "Huckleberry Daze" sculpture might be placed in Greenacres Park, or Mission Park; and that the "Rock Star" also might be best placed at Balfour Park near the music venue that might be over there; and said these are only suggestions. The last piece described by Dr. Harken was a piece he said is currently in his yard, and one that he plans to donate to the Valley Arts Council to give to the City, perhaps near a veteran's memorial; he noted the last time it was appraised it was valued at $80,000. Dr. Harken proposed giving the City all three bronze sculptures in 2020,for free,except for the placement cost; and said he and the artists discussed this and if the City could come in around $32,000 or $33,000, they could do all three in one year. Council thanked Dr. Harken and Mr. Sullivan for their presentation. 2. Department of Ecology Agreement Bill Helbig City Engineer Helbig explained the background surrounding the Department of Ecology's call for projects as noted on his March 19,2019 Request for Council Action,including the proposed agreement;and he went through his PowerPoint concerning the Drywell Retrofit Program, what that program includes, and the financial information showing Ecology's share, our share, and total eligible costs. There was brief discussion about this program and Mr. Helbig explained that this program is only associated with water Council Study Session: 03-19-2019 Page 1 of 3 Approved by Council: 04-09-2019 quality issues. There was Council consensus to place this agreement on the next Council's consent agenda for approval consideration. 3.Historical Review of Spokane Valley Mayoral Ball Events—Cary Driskell, Chris Bainbridge City Attorney Driskell went over the information contained in the Request for Council Action concerning the previous mayoral ball events, stressing that these events were not city-sponsored events, nor were any staff members involved in the event planning or preparation. 4. HB 1406/SB 5646 Encouraging Investments in Affordable and Supporting Housing Mark Calhoun City Manager Calhoun explained that at the March 5,2019 Council meeting, Councilmember Wick asked for a report concerning this bill which is currently being contemplated by the State Legislature. As noted in his March 19,2019 Request for Council Action,Mr. Calhoun went over the background of the bills,which he said appear to be nearly identical,and about the sales and use tax,what occurs if a City does or does not levy a qualifying local tax;what constitutes a qualifying local tax,and how such might or could be imposed and collected. Mr. Calhoun also noted the tax would expire twenty years after first imposed, and that the tax would be based on taxable retail sales in the jurisdiction for state fiscal year 2018. Discussion included a suggestion from Councilmember Wood about the idea of setting up a fund similar to what we use with our outside agencies; or as Councilmember Woodard added,just for those specific types of organizations such as Hearth Housing. Mr. Calhoun confirmed that we would not necessarily have to impose a tax if we wait an additional twelve months, but we would have to adopt legislation to allow us to participate; and Councilmember Wick likened it to the process used for Lodging Tax funds. It was noted that while staff and members of Council are in Olympia next week, this would be a good topic to discuss with some of the legislators, and discuss further here if the bills get adopted. Mr. Calhoun agreed this is something to examine further as we don't manage the money or incur administrative costs for such things as the auditor's office filing fees that are earmarked for the homeless, so if we were to take on something like this,there would be some administrative costs. 4a. City Hall Update—John Hohman Deputy City Manager Hohman explained that in addition to the City Hall building punch list of items to be completed or fixed by the construction contractor Meridian after our move into the building, staff noted what appeared to be some settling of the building along the curved east wall of the Council Chambers; he explained that after Meridian was advised of the issue in 2018,staff continued monitoring the issue through the assistance of several experts, and that it has become apparent that repairs will need to be done on the wall and footing to avoid further settling and damage. Mr. Hohman said the issue is being investigated to look at possible remediation,but staff wanted to let the Council and public know we are working to resolve this problem; and that it will likely take some time working with the various insurance companies, as well as with a structural engineer, and he added that this space remains safe to occupy. 5.Advance Agenda—Mayor Higgins Councilmember Peetz suggested having a`trunk or treat'event at City Hall similar to what law enforcement does at the precinct, and that our parking lot would be a safe place for kids to come to on Halloween. After brief discussion about the idea, there was not a majority of Councilmembers in favor of the idea so it did not progress. Councilmember Peetz also suggested having a law enforcement recognition night or introduction of new officers, and that it could be done at the more formal meetings. Councilmember Thompson agreed that would be a good opportunity to introduce them and thank them for their work. The idea of also doing this with new employees was mentioned and Mr. Calhoun noted that our own staff generally leave work at 5:00 p.m., so if we did that it would have to be voluntary. Concerning the law enforcement officers,it was mentioned that it could be done quarterly, and Mr. Calhoun suggested the new officers could be mentioned in the Police quarterly report. Councilmember Thompson said for staff and new officers, if they couldn't attend the meeting perhaps we could have a slide with their picture and Council Study Session: 03-19-2019 Page 2 of 3 Approved by Council: 04-09-2019 introduction as a means of feeling more connected. Councilmember Peetz also suggest perhaps recognizing officers like Todd Miller, with a proclamation, or certificate. Mayor Higgins said he would suggest exercising caution as he thinks these things are best taken care of inter-departmentally; and that we have a union and should not be involved in personnel issues, as this is a City Manager prerogative. City Clerk Bainbridge added that she would have to cheek, but believes the community recognition program with either a key, certificate or proclamation does not permit staff to be nominated. Councilmember Peetz also mentioned as a non-city item,that she would be having coffee with Police Chief Werner on April 6 and she invited members of the community to attend for a community conversation. 6. Council Check-in Mayor Higgins Councilmember Woodard said that last Thursday the SRTC (Spokane Regional Transportation Council) moved the Appleway Trail project construction into the year 2019 instead of 2020, and that it was an exchange of two projects so we can finish up the trail from University to Liberty Lake. Councilmember Thompson mentioned that she assisted Meals on Wheels last week serving meals at the Senior Center at CenterPlace; said she also went bowling with staff the previous week;that she attended the NLC (National League of Cities) conference and will be sharing more later; and mentioned an ad in Sunday's paper advertising for police candidates in Tacoma. 7. City Manager Comments—Mark Calhoun Mr.Calhoun noted that in conjunction with last week's water district project,the Water District has awarded the contract;he mentioned the Labor&Industries' (L&I)Prevailing Wage for landscape labor and that this week L&I implemented an emergency rule so work like mowing, weeding, etc., which was $11.50 then moved to$37.19 an hour,will now be$12.00 an hour.Mr. Calhoun also reminded everyone of this Friday's Mayor's State of the City address at 11:30 at CenterPlace,and that registration is through the Chamber,and that he has learned the event is now sold out. Mr. Calhoun noted the event will be recorded and will be posted later to our website. It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. ,L.,1 .As AT 11JS L.R. Higg Christine Bainbridge, ity Clerk Council Study Session: 03-19-2019 Page 3 of 3 Approved by Council: 04-09-20I9 Agenda Item 4a CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Request for Council Action Meeting Date: March 19, 2019 Department Director Approval: 12 Check all that apply: ❑ consent ❑ old business ❑new business ❑public hearing ❑ information admin. report ❑pending legislation ❑ executive session AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Administrative report—City Hall update. GOVERNING LEGISLATION:Not applicable. PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: Multiple meetings relating to the design and approval of the City Hall contract, including the bid award to Meridian Construction on May 3, 2016. The building was substantially completed in early September, 2017, and the City received a certificate of occupancy on September 5,2017. BACKGROUND: Since the City moved into City Hall in early September, 2017, staff noted various punch list items to be completed or fixed by the construction contractor, Meridian, which they did over several months. In addition to these punch list items, staff noted what appeared to be settling of the building along the curved east wall of the Council Chambers. After advising Meridian of the issue in 2018, staff continued to monitor the issue through the assistance of several experts to analyze the extent of the issue, including potential fixes. It has become apparent to staff that there will need to be repairs on the wall and footing to avoid further settling and damage. As you may note, there are several signs of the settling on the back wall, including several gauges to monitor whether settling continues to occur. On February 21, 2019, the City filed a claim against Meridian Construction pursuant to the contract to work toward resolution. Staff is providing this report to let the Council and public know where we are on this. We do not know what the likely repair costs are yet, or what temporary impacts there may be on use of this room, but we will keep Council updated on those issues as need be. The City contracted with a structural engineer, who has provided an analysis that shows the Chambers are safe to occupy while this issue is addressed. OPTIONS:Not applicable. RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION:Not applicable,for informative purposes only. BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Unknown. STAFF CONTACT: John Hohman,Deputy City Manager ATTACHMENTS:None.