2009, 08-25 Regular Meeting MinutesAttendance:
Mayor Munson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the 1 66th meeting.
Rich Munson, Mayor
Dick Denenny, Deputy Mayor
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember
Ian Robertson, Councilmember
Gary Schimmels, Councilmember
Diana Wilhite, Councilmember
Absent:
Rose Dempsey, Councilmember
MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
City Staff
Dave Mercier, City Manager
Mike Jackson, Deputy City Manager
Mike Connelly, City Attorney
Ken Thompson, Finance Director
Kathy McClung, Community Development Dir.
Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Mike Stone, Parks & Recreation Director
Rick VanLeuven, Police Chief
Greg McCormick, Planning Manager
John Whitehead, Human Resources Manager
Karen Kendall, Assistant Planner
Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer
Bill Miller, IT Specialist
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Carrie Acosta, Deputy City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor David Johnson of Valley United Methodist Church gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Life Scout Jeff Hager led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Deputy City Clerk Acosta called the roll; all Councilmembers were present except
Councilmember Dempsey. It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann, seconded and unanimously
agreed to excuse Councilmember Dempsey from the meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously
agreed to approve the agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: n/a
COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS:
Councilmember Wilhite said the Spokane Regional Transportation Council is looking at the make -up of
the board and is considering whether they should increase Spokane Valley's participation and
representation on the board. She said she participated in a press conference regarding hate literature some
valley residents received and said people from Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, and Stevens County
participated along with police officers from those communities to discuss our response to hate literature.
She attended the Washington State Department of Transportation's ribbon cutting ceremony for the first
three miles of the North Spokane Corridor. She said there were dignitaries and a parade with fifty -one old
cars and a variety of trucks. She attended a conference held by Representative McMorris to discuss
funding for the transportation needs of the Walla Walla and Spokane areas; and she attended the
dedication ceremony for the new facility for the Department of Fish and Game at Mirabeau Park.
Councilmember Robertson said he attended the hate literature rally and met with Steve Becker, the
Governor's new representative for Eastern Washington.
Council Regular Meeting: 8-25-2009 Page 1 of 8
Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
Councilmember Gothmann attended the Spokane Valley Business Association meeting where he
presented and discussed the "City Finance 101" materials. He also met with Chuck Simpson about
possible improvements in processing permits, and he met with Dick Behm and business owners where he
again discussed "City Finance 101" and Mr. Behm discussed disincorporation. He attended the Kootenai
County Human Rights Conference and he met with Glenn Miles to discuss the SRTC.
Deputy Mayor Denenny said he attended executive sessions with STA.
Councilmember Schimmels had no report.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Munson reported that he received two applications for the vacancy on the
Planning Commission and asked if Council would like to extend the application period. Currently the
deadline is September 2nd; he would like to extend the deadline to September 30th. Council consensus.
He said he attended a conference call with the Association of Washington Cities to reestablish the
legislative agenda. He said he represented Spokane Valley at the human rights rally where he stated we do
not condone hate activity and we will enforce the law. He also attended a luncheon of volunteer seniors; a
two -day celebration of recognizing the refueling mission at the air force base. He attended a meeting to
discuss alternatives to what was decided regarding the jail proposal and the essential facilities process. He
said the topic is on the agenda for the County Commissioners tomorrow where they will discuss
reopening the process and looking at a few properties that were not looked at previously. Mayor Munson
said he thinks they may see progress in renewing that idea because the downtown jail is $265,000,000 and
to expand it in thirty years is an additional $146,000,000. The alternative rural plan is $229,000,000, but
because of the current income being given by the Sheriff's service for housing federal prisoners hey think
they can put away enough money to build modules for next thirty years as expansion is needed without
going back to the voters. He said he was asked to write a letter on behalf of the Mayors in the region
asking the Board of County Commissioners to reconsider the public facilities process and asked Council
if they would allow him to write a letter to the Board of County Commissioners to reconsider the public
facilities process that each of the mayors would sign. Councilmember Gothmann asked if Mayor Munson
is requesting the process be reopened, or if he is requesting they change the process. Mayor Munson
clarified the request would be to reopen the process only. Council Consensus. Mayor Munson said he
attended the Fish and Wildlife opening; the 9 -1 -1 board meeting, where he said they may be at a point of
having to prioritize their top three areas including Reverse 9 -1 -1. He attended the Big Tent meeting and
said he did not hear a commitment from the state legislators there to push for change in the TBD that he
had asked for. He said they talked about SRTC reorganization and discussed the street utility, but he said
there is still resistance from the business community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comments. None given.
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.
•
1111
!I 1011 !I 1011 0
$2,303,574.31
b. Payroll for pay period ending August 15, 2009: $254,898.08
c. Approval of August 11, 2009 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
d. Approval of August 18, 2009 Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Schimmels asked that the Claim Vouchers be pulled from the consent agenda for further
discussion. It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the
consent agenda with the removal of Item A, Claim Vouchers.
Councilmember Schimmels asked about vouchers #18159, #18160 and #18161 for approximately $6000
each for Broadway Reconstruction and asked what they pertain were. Finance Director Thompson said he
Council Regular Meeting: 8 -25 -2009
Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
Page 2 of 8
was not certain; however, his recollection was that there were several pieces of right-of-way connected to
that project that were about $6000 each. He said he would look into it and let him know for sure.
Councilmember Schimmels said that is what he suspected and it would not be necessary to get back to
him. He then asked for clarification at to voucher #18082 to Clearpath. Mr. Thompson said he believes
that is for a consultant contract doing research on real estate. It was moved by Councilmember Schimmels
and seconded to approve the remainder of the consent agenda. Vote by acclamation: In Favor:
Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion passed
NEW BUSINESS:
2. First heading Proposed Ordinance 09 -017 Amending UDC Title 19 — Karen Kendall
After Deputy City Clerk Acosta read the ordinance title, it was moved by Councilmember Wilhite and
seconded to advance Ordinance 09 -017 to a second reading at the September 8, 2009 Council meeting.
Assistant Planner Kendall explained that due to the changes made to the Comprehensive Plan adopted in
Ordinances 09 -008 and 09 -009, staff is updating the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) to become
consistent with the zoning designation changes, as well as modifying sections of the code to correct
inconsistencies and errors. She said in Chapter 19.120, Permitted Use Schedule, the table has been
condensed and represents the proposed recommendation of the Planning Commission to remove the
NAICS and the Community Facilities Zoning columns, and add a column for Parks and Open Spaces. In
addition, they are adding lighting language to Golf Courses, changing "P" (permitted) to "S" (conditions
apply) for Community Facilities use. She said the Public Utility District Facility standards are defined,
but staff has given more clarification and changed "P" to "S." They also changed the definition in
Appendix A for "Community Facilities" as shown on the slide, removing transit stations. Ms. Kendall
then asked Council if they had questions. With regard to the change made on pages four and five of nine,
Mayor Munson asked if they can change all of the words rather than just a few because he said the idea of
"designated areas" has not been added to the new section. Ms. Kendall said staff did not carry that
forward because we do not do a review on vendors and do not have a process for that. She said based on
the Mayor's recommendation she would take that language back to staff if that was the desire of Council.
Deputy Mayor Denenny said this is not in our budget. Councilmember Gothmann said he prefers to trust
the property owner to make the decision and that he doesn't view it as a large problem and doesn't
necessarily want staff to have to enforce it. Robertson said he thinks the Planning Commission did a good
job and agrees that it should be up to the property owner. Mayor Munson conceded to leave it as proposed
by the Planning Commission. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote
by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
3. Motion Consideration: A I •roval of Tourism Promotion Area Interlocal Agreement — Mike Connelly
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded to approve the amendment of the Tourism
Promotion Interlocal Agreement. City Attorney Connelly said Spokane Valley, Spokane, and Spokane
County adopted a tourism agreement in 2004 setting a rate of $1.50 per room per night. He said the
agreement was amended in 2006 removing the two -year sunset clause and now the hoteliers have asked
that the nightly rate be increased to $2.00. He said the County and the City of Spokane have passed this
agreement. Councilmember Wilhite said that both Liberty Lake and Cheney are in this Interlocal as well.
Councilmember Robertson said he is for the increase because he said it benefits all of us. Mayor Munson
invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous.
Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited public comments; no comments were offered.
Council Regular Meeting: 8 -25 -2009 Page 3 of 8
Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
4. Comprehensive Emer ey Management Plan — Tom Mattem
Tom Mattern with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) introduced Lisa Jameson who
coordinates the planning efforts specific to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. He said we
have had two federal disasters: the Valley fire and the 2008 winter storm, in addition to severe winter
weather. He said they have made some improvements, such as planning efforts and participation with the
community. He explained that by resolution the Sheriff is the director of the DEM and that as the Deputy
Director he is actually the person responsible to handle emergencies. Mr. Mattern said that in looking at
the Hazard Identification Vulnerability Analysis (H1VA), Spokane Valley has met the first two statistics:
severe local storm and wild fire. He said using community input they had developed a plan, but found it
lacked a threat and risk assessment. He said the Interlocal agreement was amended on 2005 and it will
likely be adjusted in the near future and he explained that they are in the process of updating the
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), consisting of the basic plan, vulnerability
assessment (HIVA), emergency support functions (ESF), terrorism annex, and a catastrophic plan. He
said the CEMP provides policy and authority in Spokane County and provides us with the bigger picture.
The ESF breaks down into fire, transportation, telecommunications and warning, and identifies the
response for a particular hazard. He said it provides a baseline, and that each agency plan will support the
ESF which will support the overall plan. ESF also includes public works and engineering and animal
rescue. Mr. Mattern discussed the proclamation of an emergency and said by statute a proclamation of
emergency bypasses the rules and laws of a city and allows us to buy things needed during an emergency
while the DEM forwards the proclamation to the state, hoping the state declares a proclamation as well.
He said there is no guarantee any money will come in until the proclamation gets to the federal
government level. On approved items, the federal government gives a 75% reimbursement, and local
government is responsible for the remaining 25 %. In his experience, he said the state of Washington has
taken up 12 -1/2% of the 25 %, so that belays 12 -1/2% recovery for the local agency. Councilmember
Gothmann asked if the proclamation of emergency funds also provide resources such as state, airport,
federal resources. Mr, Mattern said yes, but if Spokane Valley declares an emergency and Spokane
County declares an emergency but have no resources, they then ask the state. Then the federal
government resources become available. He said one of the challenges that the DEM is always asked by
the state whether an agency has exhausted all their resources. Mayor Munson said he thinks we're not bad
at dealing with an emergency, but the recovery of cost is difficult. Mr. Mattern said cost recovery is
important, and that money is a resource. He said if we think we want to declare an emergency and think
we can support it, it is better to declare the emergency as long as we can justify the need and have the
systems in place that will track the cost from the beginning of the declaration. City Manager Mercier
pointed out for clarification that it is a narrow window of recovery limited to 48 hours and that all of the
expenses outside of that time frame are paid for by the local agency without any recovery.
Mayor Munson called for a recess at 7. p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:12 p.m.
5. Outside Agencies Presentations — Ken Thompson
Finance Director Thompson said proposals were received by agencies asking for funding for 2010. He
said our proposed 2010 budget includes $ 141,000 for outside agencies; however the requests total
$236,598.00. He asked the council to pencil in their individual allocations and return them to him by
September 2; he will then put the numbers into a spreadsheet for the September 8 meeting for their final
discussion and allocations. He said the representatives of the requesting agencies will give a five (5)
minute presentation and he asked Council that as they consider each request, they also think about not
funding those requests that include salaries. He said it is very difficult to account for salaries if the
employee of that agency is not spending 100% of their time on a City project because then our finance
department needs to look at the timesheets for the full year. He said additionally, we don't like to fund
capital requests (equipment) because it brings up the question of who is liable should it get destroyed and
who is responsible for it if there is a loss. Councilmember Wilhite said that as a private business owner
Council Regular Meeting: 8 -25 -2009 Page 4 of 8
Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
she serves on the board of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and is in a position of a conflict of
interest so she will excuse herself from that portion of the discussion. Councilmember Robertson said he
is on the board of Community Minded Television. City Attorney Connelly said if a member of the
Council has a conflict, they should not vote or persuade others on the Council to vote in a certain way.
Social Services Agencies
1. Project Access — John Driskoll, the Executive Director of Project Access, said they donated
medical care of over $200,000 to cancer patients. He said the number of uninsured people in the state has
increased 21% in the last six months. Physicians are increasing their participation in the program as
volunteer physicians and they provide nearly $1,000,000 in medical care. He said they try to keep their
funding requests to local agencies relatively constant; and they are asking for $0.28 per capita. Deputy
Mayor Denenny asked him to elaborate on the services Project Access provides. Mr. Driscoll said their
strength of network includes specialists in fields such as cardiology, cancer care, MRI's and lab work and
that all hospitals accept patients from Project Access. He said they also have a pharmacy program for
patients that pays their prescriptions. He said they try to give comprehensive medical care.
2. ARC of Spokane — Lance Morehouse, Director of Advocacy and Family Support for ARC of
Spokane discussed their Parent to Parent program. He said the mission is to promote independence and
enhanced quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. They provide services and support to
people with developmental disability, they employ 130 adults including 100 people at their community
center for daytime activities. They help people manage money and pay bills for 530 individuals. He said
they are in contact with 1,500 people through their newsletters countywide and that approximately 400
people in Spokane Valley receive their newsletter. He said the Parent to Parent program provides
information and emotional support to families when they first find out they have a child with a
developmental disability and they have monthly support groups. He said they are committed to do two
Sib -shops in Spokane Valley. The legislature cut funding for their program but the ARC feels it is a very
important program and they are maintaining the position in their current budget. He said they made a
small funding request; however, a large portion is to pay for salaries. Councilmember Gothmann asked if
they could reallocate the funds requested to pay for other costs of the program with regard to the $5000
requested for salaries. Mr. Morehouse said they would do that. Councilmember Gothmann said he thinks
that for us to say at the last minute that we should try not to support salaries is unfair to the requesting
agencies.
3. Center Pointe — Spike Cunningham, Director of Center Pointe, said the agency has been in
existence over 55 years. He said they are day center for disabled adults to go for ceramics, art, and
pottery, and it is a safe place for people with disabilities to enjoy care while also offering respite care for
caregivers attending to their needs. He said the ceramics class is one of the most popular but it is also the
most expensive program because of the cost of materials and equipment. He said they run their
organization very lean and efficiently and they have a high number of volunteers, including over thirty
volunteers from Gonzaga and Whitworth. He said they strive for fun, quality and patience, which he is
important. He said the challenge they are faced with is that their clients are on a fixed income and can not
afford the larger pieces; he enjoys the pride his clients take in making the major projects.
4. Hearth Homes — Karen Fournier, Director, said they house homeless women and children,
recently opened a house in the Valley and they are a member of the Chamber. She said they asked for
salaries but they do not currently pay salaries; all funding is administrative funds for the house, expenses,
and a newsletter. She said the goal is to save children and raise the mothers, working with caseworkers
from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). She said with the current economy they have
received calls from mothers who don't have domestic violence or drug issues, but they lost their jobs,
started living in their cars, then lost their cars, then called Hearth Homes for help. She said they are
working toward their license to house youth, hopefully within the next six months. Currently Hearth
Homes is a small organization but their goal is to become a national organization, setting up houses
through remodeling rather than building new. She said they have a few faithful funders but they haven't
been out in the community enough to get much funding. Councilmember Gothmann asked how many
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Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
people they are currently serving. Ms. Fournier said they have three bedrooms in their Spokane house and
five bedrooms in the valley house. She said the residents pay a small stipend and some rent which she
said helps the women learn budgeting skills.
5. Valley Meals on Wheels -- Pam Almeida, Executive Director, reported that this year was an
amazing year; they opened their 4 program. In Spokane Valley they serve five to seven people a day,
and up to twenty -two people on the days they have a special event or entertainment. In November of last
year they lost their food contract; however, Valley Meals on Wheels stepped forward and opened a
kitchen to prepare the meals not only for the Valley but for the County as well. They have gone from a
very small organization to a large organization that cares for senior citizens. 350 meals a day are delivered
to elderly and disabled citizens in Spokane Valley, up to 500 meals a day in the entire county. She said
Medicare used to pay for liquid nutrition but not any longer, but Valley Meals on Wheels continues to
provide it to their clients.
6. Big Brothers, Big Sisters — A representative of Big Sisters, Big Brothers thanked the
Councilmembers and Spokane Valley for their past support and said significant changes have occurred
due to changes in the community as a whole. Big Brothers, Big sisters has focused more directly at high -
risk youth, such as those having more severe issues such as a parent incarceration, domestic violence, and
or drug problems. He said unstable families create risk factors leading kids to quit school, get involved
with drugs, and potentially not succeeding and not becoming a part of the community. He said their one -
on -one mentoring program becomes a target for pedophile activities; therefore, their proposal includes
funding for multiple background checks for volunteers and other areas that lead to safety for the kids in
the program. He said they monitor the initial focused connections between the parent, child, and volunteer
to enhance the health of the relationship and ensure nothing inappropriate occurs in order to keep the kids
safe. Deputy Mayor Denenny asked about their target age focus for kids. He said typically between the
ages of six and twelve, but they support the youth in the program up until age eighteen or high - school
completion.
7. Spokane Valley Partners — Ken Briggs, CEO, said their project has a chance to leverage a
significant amount of money through the Murdock challenging grant of $100,000. He said they are asking
for 5% or 6% funding that is a capital project but are not asking the City to insure it. He said the funds
request includes the mortgage and that their cash flow has been negative for the last year and a half and
they can not continue in that way. Last year they had 24,000 hours of volunteer work. Deputy Mayor
Denenny asked if they need to raise $112,000 in order to capture the $100,000 grant. Mr. Briggs said that
figure is changing daily and now they are down to $97,000.
8. Coalition of the Responsible Disabled (CORD) — none present
9. Spokane Valley Arts Council — Jim Harken, President, said the Valley Arts Council started in
2003 and is a completely volunteer organization. Originally, he said the goal was to increase the level of
art appreciation in the area. As businesses come in to a community, they look at schools, art museums,
and organizations that support the Arts. He said they started with a board of five people. He said they
planted a sculpture near CenterPlace that now belongs to the City. They accumulate money to put into
projects such as placing art into new playground designs and working directly with the parks department.
Currently they have thirteen members on the board who put their own money into the program. They are
working with KXLY and their sister station in Coeur d'Alene to run commercials from 5:30 a.m. — 11:30
p.rn., raising the awareness of Arts in this area as well as promoting Spokane Valley in other areas around
the states. Mr. Harken said most of the funds requested would be used to spread the word about the Arts
using media, which is expensive, and he said the plans for next year go bigger than they were this year.
10. Community Minded Television — Robert Foote, General Manager, said the mission of channel
14 is to strengthen community through digital media. The funds requested will be used for the "P" portion
outlined in their scope proposal. For the last two years Spokane Valley has received the benefits of
Community Minded Television without having been asked for financial support. They are asking for
$25,000 in operating funds to go directly to the training and development of youth and others. He said
they use information and advocacy pieces from various agencies to help bring training and resources to
create programs about their communities and neighborhoods. They broadcast content at a reduced cost.
Council Regular Meeting: 8 -25 -2009 Page 6 of 8
Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
Councilmember Gothmann asked if the $25,000 they are asking for is dependent on the $75,000
subscriber fees. Mr. Foote clarified that it is.
Economic Development Agencies
11. Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce — Eldonna Shaw, President and CEO, said
she is proud that they are growing business in Spokane Valley and thanked Council for the funds granted
last year. She said nationally the small to medium -sized businesses are where most of the jobs are and
those businesses will help to get us out of the crisis we are in now. She said they have helped thirty -nine
business entrepreneurs get started with their twelve -week program to assess their capabilities and develop
their work plan. They have over fifteen trained Next Level Trainers. She said they want to provide
referrals to resources and partner with SNAP and various universities and to be a "one stop" place for
information for people who want to expand or develop their business. She said the funding requested is to
help expand the resource center. They are also asking for the assistance of a college student, providing
them with a stipend and learning experience. She said it would be a learning opportunity for the student as
well as provide assistance to the Chamber; however, the student would be an intern, not an employee. She
said growing business adds to the tax base of Spokane Valley. Councilmember Gothmann asked her to
clarify that the money would not be used to fill space, but to provide information. Ms. Shaw confirmed it
would be to provide information. Deputy Mayor Denenny asked what they charge people to be in the
Incubator. Ms. Shaw said it is free to the public to use their resources, and $275 a month to in the
Incubator that includes furnished office space and Internet access.
12. Greater Spokane Incorporated — Robin Toth, Director, said they have six full -time and one
part-time person. They are asking for funds to pay programmatic expenses, business recruitment,
retention, expansion and asset development. They have helped to recruit six businesses to the area since
2003 and have had three bio -fuel and three call - center businesses looking at this area. She said they have
a website and do national advertising in trade magazines. They also focus on procurement of technical
assistance for the region and help to get people certified; they help entrepreneurs and home -based
businesses. She said workforce development is key, and they have several programs in area schools. They
also have a campaign to buy and shop locally. Mayor Munson asked if GSI has a specific plan put
together to promote the SARP and said the challenge is to sell the SARP because he said he thinks it is
the future of Spokane Valley and said that will be instrumental in whether he votes to grant GSI funding.
Ms. Toth said she thinks it would take three to six months to develop a strong plan to market. Mayor
Munson said that speaking for himself, not the Council, he would like to see something by October 1,
which is when the SARP takes effect. Councilmember Gothmann said that money not spent in Economic
Development could be spent in Social Service requests. Secondly, the total amount of the 2009 budget
allocated $156,000 last year. Finance Director Thompson said that figure included the Site Selector for
$15,000, which was taken off. He said to be the same as last year we would budget $141,000. Deputy
Mayor Denenny said the discretion is up to the Council and he does not feel held to the original
allocations. Councilmember Robertson said he thinks this that a City investment of 5% is a great way to
leverage funds and he complimented Council, staff and the City Manager for the work they have done to
be able to give funds to outside agencies.
Mayor thanked all who gave presentations and said city could not exist without their work.
12. INFORMATION ONLY: The Hot Topic Newsletter Insert, Department Reports, and Response to
Public Comments were for information only and were not reported or discussed.
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION: N/A
Council Regular Meeting: 8 -25 -2009 Page 7 of 8
Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
It was then moved by Councilmember Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The
meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
AT-
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
chard Mun : ;Mayor
Council Regular Meeting: 8 -25 -2009 Page 8 of 8
Approved by Council: 09 -22 -09
TIE SPOKESMAN- REVIEW I THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009
SPOKESMAN.COM /VOICES
SPOKANE VALLEY, MILLWOOD, LIBERTY LAKE AND VALLEY NEIGHBORHOODS
Living green
Upcoming tour, fair
promote sustainability
PAGE 4
Celebrate
Green Bluff Grange,
church turning 100
PAGE 6
Tourism
Council
also backs
re- opening
jail site
selection
STEFANIE
PETTIT
By John Craig
johnc @spokesman.com, (509) 927 -2165
A night at a motel in Spokane
Valley will cost 50 cents more
under a tourism tax increase
approved Tuesday by the City
Council.
The Spokane Valley council
joined Spokane County
commissioners and the Spokane
City Council in granting the
Y
Spokane -area hotel industry's
request to boost the lodging tax
from $1.50 to $2 a night. All of
the money goes to promote
tourism.
Spokane Valley Councilwoman
Diana Wilhite said Liberty Lake
and Cheney also participate in
the voluntary tax program.
Also Tuesday, the council
authorized Mayor Rich Munson
to write a letter endorsing a
l
ax increase OK'd
proposal for Spokane County
commissioners to re -open the site
selection process for a new
county jail. Munson said the
current plan for a new jail on the
county courthouse grounds is too
expensive at an estimated
$265 million.
Munson said officials now
believe a second jail at a less
urban site, such as a vacant
portion of the state's Pine Lodge
Corrections Center at Medical
Lake or a new facility near
Spokane International Airport,
could be acquired for
$229 million.
In a preliminary review of
amendments to Spokane Valley's
development code, the council
rejected Munson's call to retain
authority for complaint
See TAX, 18