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2009, 07-28 Regular Meeting MinutesAttendance: Rich Munson, Mayor Dick Denenny, Deputy Mayor Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Diana Wilhite, Councilmember MINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 28, 2009 Mayor Munson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the 164th meeting. City Staff Dave Mercier, City Manager Mike Jackson, Deputy City Manager Mike Connelly, City Attorney Mike Stone, Parks & Recreation Director Kathy McClung, Community Development Dir. Neil Kersten, Public Works Director Ken Thompson, Finance Director Rick VanLeuven, Police Chief Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer Bill Miller, IT Specialist Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk INVOCATION: Father John Steiner of St. Mary's Catholic Church gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Munson led 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 Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: n/a COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS: Councilmember Wilhite: reported that in preparation for budget review in October, the Finance Committee met to discuss the 2010 budget; that she made a presentation to Spokane Regional Transportation Council regarding the structure of the committee and she met with Senator Brown regarding transportation issues for Eastern Washington; she attended the groundbreaking for Discovery Playground, and attended the Spokane Valley Employee Barbeque. Councilmember Schimmels: said he attended the joint meeting with the Spokane City Council; and sat as an extra on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Councilmember Dempsey: reported that this morning she joined the Mayor and Councilmember Gothmann and others at the re- opening of the Pines/Mansfield interchange; attended the joint meeting with the City of Spokane; attended a groundbreaking for a new townhouse complex with Community Frameworks; went to an emergency management training today where she learned the importance of managing community contacts. Deputy Mayor Denenny: said that he attended the STA Board meeting where they had a presentation on a program regarding Washington State University's creation of a website with overlay of transit routes; in the Mayor's absence, chaired the joint meeting with the City of Spokane; attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting where they were briefed on a Moses Lake meeting regarding recycling and what may be needed on the eastern side of the state. • Councilmember Gothmann: reported that he attended a Board of Health strategic planning meeting and said they are trying to move toward statistic- driven issues like a higher mortality rate of infants in some Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 1 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 areas of the county correlates with higher smoking in those areas; attended a party for community members of the Ponderosa area; attended the opening of Discovery Place; the City employee barbeque; the Spokane Regional Health Department meeting where they discussed trial swine flue vaccinations as well as their fee schedule for next year; attended the joint City of Spokane and Spokane Valley Council meeting and the re- opening of Pines this morning at 6 a.m. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Munson reported that he went to the 911 meeting which discussed the process for declaring a state of emergency; that last week Clear Channel Radio got a group of community leaders together in an effort to help get the word out about how to make this a better place to live; mentioned he was interviewed by Mike Fitzsimmons; went to a meeting where several elected officials were interviewed and shared information with the Secretary of the Department of Commerce (formerly CTED); mentioned the STA meeting; attended the Special Olympics where he was a dunk tank target; attended the Discovery Playground groundbreaking; the Valley Chamber meeting, and an Association of Washington Cities retreat in Leavenworth. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comments. No comments were offered. 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. a. Claim Vouchers, Voucher #17798 through #17922; 70909004: total: $613,447.05 b. Payroll for pay period ending July 15, 2009: $269,482.70 c. Approval of June 30, 2009 Regular Council Meeting Minutes d. Approval of July 7, 2009 Council Study Session Meeting Minutes e. Approval of July 14, 2009 Regular Council Meeting Minutes f. Approval of July 21, 2009 Special Council Meeting Minutes It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the consent agenda. NEW BUSINESS: 2. First Reading Proposed Ordinance 09 -015 Interim Ordinance Regarding CPA 01 -09 and Development Agreement — Mike Connelly After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Councilmember Wilhite and seconded to advance Ordinance 09-015 to a second reading. City Attorney Connelly explained that this ordinance does two things: it amends the Uniform Development Code (UDC) and adds a section that sets forth rules for using a developer's agreement, which is allowed by State law but not presently addressed in our Municipal Code; and said that this simply sets forth the rules and does not address the specific comp plan zone change and said if this passes, it would adopt the change to the UDC on an interim basis. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 3. Motion Consideration Shoreline Inventory Contract — Kathy McClung It was moved by Deputy Mayor Deputy Denenny and seconded to authorize staff to negotiate a final scope of work and enter into a contract with URS Corporation to update the city's shoreline master program. Community Development Director McClung explained that staff interviewed four consultants and based on the proposals submitted and the interview process, staff selected URS Corporation as the top firm, which firm also completed the City of Spokane's shoreline master program. Mayor Munson invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 2 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 4 Revenues and Expenditures Report — Ken Thompson Finance Director Thompson explained that each year about this time we start budgeting for the coming year; that the first hearing is set for August 11 to give the public opportunity to respond to revenues and expenses; that the budget for 2010 is estimated at $93 million which was accurate as of last week, but the numbers change and we are now closer to $101 million when you add in the capital projects; but he explained that is still down about $9 million from the current year. Mr. Thompson said the County advises that our assessed value will be close to the current year; he said real estate excise taxes are down dramatically which will crimp us on additional street projects, but he said we have enough funds to see us though this year, but will scale back for 2010 as needed. Councilmember Gothmann asked about new construction versus existing homes, and Mr. Thompson said there is about $100,000 for new construction, but said this is an unusual year as the County advises there will be no increase in assessed value; and he said we don't automatically get the 1% and said we expect it to be flat or even decreased; that we plan on the first $1 00,000 and the 1 %; and said the City Manager will present his balanced budget August 1 1 . Mayor Munson called for a recess at 6:37 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 6:49 p.m. 5. COUNCIL POSITION #2 CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS: a. Mr. Ian Robertson Councilmember Schimmels: Mr. Robertson, I'll ask you question #2, What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the City Council? Mr. Ian Robertson: I think there are several challenges. I think number one is re- development and making our city more beautiful and functional and stuff we've been working on for the last six plus years; and I'm real encouraged when I see cities like Leavenworth that have just re- invented themselves over the years when they had a new vision, and I think with our new vision we can do the same, and I think that's one of the big needs. Another challenge is the $4 million we need for street preservation. I think those are there. And number three I think I'd list solid waste management. We know that's coming up next year and there's gong to be some critical decisions that need to be made in the right direction. So I would say those would be the three biggest challenges that I see today, and maybe the economy. I should add the fact that knowing how to go forward when times are tough as they are right now. Mayor Munson: Two more questions, Gary. Councilmember Schimmels: Thank you. Mayor Munson: Go ahead, you have two more questions if you want. Councilmember Schimmels: If I want? Let me, let's make a round and then Mayor Munson: That's fine. Whatever you guys want to do. Deputy Mayor Denenny: Mr. Robertson, I know that you've been involved in various pieces of this city since the beginning, and I'm sure you've seen the activities we've been involved in, so I'd like to go to the question on the time element and your ability to participate in other committees and boards and the commitment I think to the additional task that's over and above just the council. Mr. Ian Robertson: Yea, I'm heavily involved; and I know, in fact I do plan to give up three boards and groups that I'm working with in order to do this, yea it would definitely mean an adjustment, but I just want to focus and focus all my energy in working on the city, so yes, I'll give you 110% and do the best Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 3 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 as I've done in everything I've tried to do as Planning Commission or whatever; so, and if you give me choices on which committees, I do have a list but I won't give you that tonight. Deputy Mayor Denenny: And the general open question on #11, is you know, what do you think is the most important function of a city council member? Mr. Ian Robertson: Okay, if I had my teleprompter I could move a little faster, but most important function of a city council member, ABC comes to mind: I want to be an advocate, #2 budget, and #3 is constituency. By an advocate I mean it's our job to publicly support and recommend causes and policies particularly, I think that's number one. Number two is what you're already doing is present a balanced budget and make sure we have a positive cash flow and those things; and number three constituency, we represent the whole city not just an area of the city, but we are elected at- large, you're elected at- large, and we need to keep that in mind all the time. Listen, listen, listen. I think that's what hopefully I've been good at that at the Planning Commission, and I think that's the most important function as far as city council members are concerned. Deputy Mayor Denenny: And, I think I'll leave it at that. Mayor Munson: I have two questions I'd like you to respond to. Local residents of the valley paid about 70 %, this is #6, 70% of the Milwaukie right -of -way before the City was incorporated; that's that $3.1 million that was paid for the entire right -of -way. Should the city expend any funds to purchase the extension of Appleway? Mr. Ian Robertson: Now what number was that were you giving me? Mayor Munson: 6 Mr. Ian Robertson: Number six, okay, yeah, my short answer is no. I think we've got enough to keep us busy for the next twenty years with other areas of the city without going after something that we don't have as of today. So I think if we do not have that particular street there are other alternatives that we could, like 4 Street perhaps, or some other things that we could go that route. And actually, the, today the freeway's the best east/west way to get through the city. When we started, back you know, before the city, we didn't have six lanes on the freeway. We do now. Totally different, so, I think we can get along fine without spending more money on that. Mayor Munson: What if any concessions do you think the City of Spokane Valley should agree to so we may acquire the Milwaukie right -of -way? Mr. Ian Robertson: None. Short answer. I think I'll elaborate if you want me to, but no, I just think we've got plenty on our plate right now at these times to be concerned about those things. Mayor Munson: Alright. Mr. Gothmann? Councilmember Gothmann: Question, there we go; question 24. We spend about $450,000 annually on leasing our present city facility, city hall facility. In addition a city hall building would add to the attractiveness of a city center. Should we build a city hall? Mr. Ian Robertson: Should a city hall be built? Yes. Should we build a city hall, I'm not quite so sure. I think the, what will happen with a city hall, number one is the same thing that happened with CenterPlace. CenterPlace started before we were a city, but that beautiful building has been an attraction, and it's attracted three other beautiful buildings beside it. So I think a city hall will attract something Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 4 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 once an investment's been made. Number two, I feel very strongly that we do not want to take as any property unless we have to off the tax rolls, so I would absolutely suggest a public /private partnership. There is no tax benefit for a city or a church or a non - profit owned property, and Y think if we can work out something with developers where they can pay taxes on it I would, would prefer that. I also really like what the City Manager said a week or so about let's go green. You know the federal government is just determined there're going to give the funds to somebody, and if we turn it down as a state, some other state is going to get it. So 1 think there are some funds available and I hope we've got the right whoever in Washington looking into those things. I think that, that's tremendous possibilities for the future. Councilmember Gothmann: Ok. Very good. Question 23: Contracts are negotiated by our city manager. Contract disputes are also handled by him. Given these facts, how can we move toward better contract resolution between the County and the city? Mr. Ian Robertson: Oh, you know, we have a very knowledgeable city manager, fully capable of handling negotiations and possible contract disputes. And when you have disputes, sometimes you've got to go to a third party to resolve them, and that's just life. And I think a current example is the Sheriff's Department billing dispute with the County. We had a disagreement. The County went to a state group, we went to a national group. One said the County was right. The other said the City was right. Now the two are going to get together, compare notes and work these things out. This is standard conflict negotiation whether it's on a high school campus and it's going to be solved by the principal, or whether us in city hall; and I think just let it run its course, and I think we're on the right; now what often happens is somebody goes to the media or somebody, the only exercise is you know, jumping to conclusions, and can escalate it, you know just like kids we, a few will tend to take sides ... [tape switches to side two] you shouldn't be the wheeler- dealer; I mean even if you wanted to go out and buy a race track or something, we don't want him to have that authority. Councilmember Gothmann: Ok, very good. Thank you. Mayor Munson: Rose? Councilmember Dempsey:. What do you hope to accomplish as a council member and what do you offer the city? This is question #10. Mr. Ian Robertson: The thing on the planning commission more and more, if we're thinking, hey this is a twenty -year plan. What is going to be best in this place for my grandchildren and your grandchildren; that was the thing that we just kept thinking on the plans, or what, whatever we were doing. So what we hope to accomplish I think just, I've been a dedicated voice in the community. What I want to accomplish is just bring the community together more and more, and I think I've done it; we're working with the school district, facilities option committee, business groups, the Chamber giving me the Community Caring Award, the Citizen- of-the -year Award; good things, on that, and just say we've got to be able to work with all different diversity throughout our entire area; and I think with the founding of the HUB, you know, working with the sports community; and all of that; pulling, and it's great what can happen you know when everybody's pulling in the same direction at the same time, and I think that's what we need more and more at this particular time. So, I'm not saying I'm going to do it alone, but we're a team, and we're going to work in that with, for the betterment of the city. Yes. Councilmember Dempsey: Ok, and question #I7: How do you feel about the telephone utility tax that was implemented by the City Council? Mr. Ian Robertson: Okay. Um, you know, the, it was clear in the survey that was taken this year and in previous surveys, that streets were to be a major concern of what we are doing; and frankly, you know, Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 5 of 18 Approved by Council: 48 -11 -49 some, we don't want to get like some other city where streets have not been maintained for twenty years. And let me say, I really appreciate, when I see all the work that's going on this summer on Sprague and on all the intersections, and Argonne, and the Barker Bridge, and all of these things, you know, sometimes we forget all the good things that are happening. And I've forgotten what the question is now. Councilmember Dempsey: The telephone utility tax. Mr. Ian Robertson: Get me o f f on a .... Oh yea, the tax, that's what that was for; for that particular thing, yes. I think sometimes, you know, everybody wants great service and nobody wants to pay for it; that's life and that's why you as council members have to make those, those tough decisions; that sometimes we do need to do that; and there maybe are some other ways of funding some things, but that's the way it is just now. Councilmember Dempsey: Okay. And how do you, what do you feel about extended mass transit? Mr. Ian Robertson: Oh I'm for it, particularly to the airport early at morning and late at night so my wife doesn't have to go on that; that kind of thing, and sometime Dr. Rudy and I will talk to you about monorail and some of our; you know, there's a great big difference between doing nothing and high- speed bullet trains; I mean there's a lot of choices we have behind, between that; I'm not for one or the other extreme, but I think, you know, particularly for all the people who may not have the transportation, I think it's very important. I think it's very important for students with our universities in this metropolitan area. I think for poorer people especially that it is an absolute necessity; and I guess my British background is coming out on that also, yes. Councilmember Dempsey. Thank you. Mayor Munson: Diana? Councilmember Wilhite: Good evening. My first question to you is, what are the three highest priorities a city needs to address and how do you propose to address those issues? Mr. Ian Robertson: I think communication with the community is number one. We have done, we, I include myself as being part of the team all of this time; I think a fantastic job in moving from the county environment to where we are today. You have led in a lot of the heavy lifting, and some of the non - glamorous stuff and all the changes; and I remember when we started the HUB and cry about all of those things. I really feel we need to seriously talk about video taping council meetings so that not just a few of us know the good things that are going on; not just council meetings, but presentations that I've really appreciated. And I'll tell you, we've got the tools today, streaming video where people can look at that kind of stuff, and I think this area of communications, call it selling if you want, that really communications, we've just got to do a better job of marketing what we are doing, and the transparency in government. Number two, and you've heard me talk about public /private partnerships; we've got to figure more ways, not just the government working with business in the support of business, but also the NGO's, and non - government organizations like the faith. Just two weeks ago, where we had three hundred people from four churches working seven projects for the city and for Central Valley School District. I get excited about that; well you know, we can save money, but involvement of people; so I would be one that would definitely say let's work out more of these partnerships; and let's make sure, ah, City Manager, that nobody's going to lose their job because we've got too many volunteers doing that because you've got to make that commitment to, or somebody is saying, you know, am I going to be out of work because we've got too many volunteers around here; so those are caveats. And number three I think would be, you said three didn't you? A sustainable community. Now I use the word sustainable and you know, we don't like that word on there, but I tell you, we have to protect the environment, and Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Page 6 of 18 aquifer, the air quality, the open space and move to alternate, clean energy sources now. We need to get away from our dependence on Middle East oil, and we're not going to rely on, to Washington to do it, we need to set some examples, and I believe on technology that I'm familiar with that we can move in that direction as soon as possible. So that may be a hot button and I won't go into more detail now. Councilmember Wilhite: Thank you. My next question is, if a majority of the Council took a position that you were against, how would you handle your response to the public? Mr. Ian Robertson: You already know the answer to that because I did disagree with one thing, and you knew nothing about it. But I did, and I'm not going into what it is because, I did talk to the Mayor on this particular thing. I did talk to Councilmember Bill Gothmann on that particular thing, and they told me why they voted that way, and you know, it's just like with my wife, the times we disagree I have to admit, she could be right; and I have to admit they could be right, but I don't; that's it; and you're wondering which one it is. Mayor Munson: Not really. I think I know. Councilmember Wilhite: And then, do you think the City should contract with the County for services, utilize private companies, or hire city personnel, and there were three that we had: Animal control, Street Sweeping, Stormwater maintenance? That's question #19. Mr. Ian Robertson: Okay. You know, my philosophy really is, basically what you, what you, what we have been doing as a city; that we have been hiring out to private companies wherever we possibly can. And I think when we look at the fact that we have only 84 full time employees in this city; smaller cities like Kent have 771, Yakima 708, and all of those things; so we have the flexibility so much more in keeping there; so um, I just learned this, allows us greater flexibility in good times and bad times, and I think you've dong an excellent job in doing that up to this point; and let's keep moving that same direction. Councilmember Wilhite: Thank you very much. Mayor Munson: Gary do you want to ask another question? Councilmember Schimmels: Ian, I would address question #4, the first statement says have you read the Sprague /Appleway Plan, well I know you have; but my question is, what is your opinion of the SARP as it stands today? Mr. Ian Robertson: yes, I've read it. Councilmember Schimmels: I know you have. Mr. Ian Robertson: I'm not a congressman that's passing on something that they've never read, and I've not only read, learned inwardly digested and all that, but as chair of the planning commission, I've lead the hearings and all of those things; and I've read every comment. As a Planning Commission, I've emphasized to them that our job is to come up with the ideal plan, knowing that there will be changes when it gets into the political arena and changes would be made. It's such a massive plan that you know, half of it could be left out and we've still got plenty, plenty to do; so that was my initial sense going in. I think what has happened over time is we've forgotten the purpose of the plan. It was to bring about new vitality in our city particularly the areas that you know, nothing's going on just now; functionality and beauty. It's hard to put a price on beauty; but those are the areas, we've, I think looking back, and this was the thing that, boy, Fred Beaulac was one, and, that I think we made some mistakes in not notifying Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 7 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 people that change is possible, change could happen to their, um, to their property; and I know we discussed that with the staff and I said you've got to do, because, that was the complaint they had against the County before we became a city; and looking back, I think we could have saved ourselves and, we just didn't, and you know, look, hindsight is great isn't it? On that kind of a thing; but I think the dis, the advantage is, that we have a plan and we can move forward with a plan, whatever it is; and I think we've had some of the best people in the, in the nation helping us in these things; and that's, yea, there'll be changes. You know what? I was bugged, I guess I'll just start it now, that you left out the sustainability things; and a good reason because it runs, right at the last minute there, I mean, there was enough on your plate at that particular time, but that left the whole people aspect out of it; where the plan looks like it's just buildings; the whole; when Kathy McClung came as our Community Development Director, I remember talking with her philosophy, and I says, what's your philosophy of community development, she said you know, it's more about people then buildings. I said Kathy you and I are talking the same language; and I think when we left out the standards of how we measure a plan, the progress of a plan, and, I hope that at some future time when we're doing some mid- course corrections, that we can talk a little bit more about those, those, ten things that I think are essential for quality of life, but, I won't go into more details then that just now. Manor Munson: Dick did you have a question? Deputy Mayor Denenny I really don't. Mayor Munson: Well, I just have one more. Ian, are you aware and knowledgeable about the Open Meeting Act? The Open Public Meeting Act? Mr. Ian Robertson: Yes, we operate on the planning commission and our good attorney briefed us on what we could, what we couldn't do, who we could talk to, who we couldn't, and all of those things, and yea, the RCW, the Revised Code of Washington that you know, that governs all of that, yes, yeah. Mayor Munson: Bill? Councilmember Gothmann: Are you knowledgeable about the Public Disclosure Act? Mr. Ian Robertson: Oh yes, my, all my finances will be out in the open and um, disclosing conflicts of interest and those kind of things, and the meetings and all of those things that you know, are really good. Transparency in what we're doing is absolutely for building trust in a community, and these are good things, yea. Councilmember Gothmann: I agree. Mr. Ian Robertson: And I think I only fell afoul once with the City Manager years and years ago, that he, I won't get into detail Mayor Munson: That's a pretty good record. I've gotten a lot more then that. Mr. Ian Robertson: No, I'll tell you what it was. It was a couple of us on the planning commission, you know, something was in front of us, and we said man there's a simple solution; and we went down and told the guy how he could, you know, solve it right then; and that was not our job; so I understand that, guilty once and I hope I don't do that again. Mayor Munson: Rose? Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 8 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Councilmember Dempsey: No I'm fine. Mayor Munson: Diana? Councilmember Wilhite: Well, just one question, tell us why you want to be on the City Council. Mr. Ian Robertson: Why? Basically I've got three reasons why and umm, Meagan, Kelsey and Ian my three grandchildren. When we moved up from Los Angeles you know, I almost cried the first Wednesday night when I saw parents actually taking their children to activities at a church. I looked at the schools and said what's different about the schools, something was different. They had grass around them. Sometimes we don't realize because we've lived here forever perhaps the tremendous benefits that we have as this community, a small -knit community, those values. When I looked at the survey, this survey that the city took in January of this year, the opportunities for the faith community, the opportunities for volunteering that we have in this, there are so many good things Oh we've got some things that need fixing, but all in all, I think having been a, you know, on a planning commission you're supposed to sit there and have no opinion on anything until everything else is, you know, already taken place, and then like a judge, you come and pronounce whatever. I'm ready to talk about some of these issues that I really feel are important, the direction that we're going, and look forward to a little, a little different perspective. But I think we've just got to look at the long -range view; it's, we've got a lot of good things going for us and I appreciate the leadership of just being a city, but we need mid - course, tweaking, continuous improvement, we'll be doing that forever. Thank you. Mayor Munson: Any further questions from council? I hope this wasn't an inquisition for you; we tried not to make it that way. Mr. Ian Robertson: No, and let me say on behalf of the three of us here, I am so glad that there were sixteen that applied, and that we know interest is good and whoever you choose, we're going to be a part of the city as we move forward toward. Thank you Mr. Mayor. b. Diana Sanderson Mayor Munson: Next, Mrs. Sanderson. And again, Mrs. Sanderson, this really is not an inquisition. Ms. Sanderson: I might get water though as I tend to run out of Mayor Munson: Well, Diana, Gary started off the first time, it's your turn to start. Councilmember Wilhite: Good evening. Nice to have you here. My first question is what are the three highest priorities the city needs to address, and how do you propose to address those issues? Ms. Sanderson: My first I think concern, or need I see for the city is, identity, and it is that identity of having us know we're not just a small little farm community that we once upon a time were, but now are 80,000 and more people; and I see that we've had people live here as much as I have the last 30 some years, and it has said this is home, and kind of do the umm, sitting back, that's why I'm here; not to sit back. But I think we need to have people say how can we have a city that we all believe in, some initiative piece that is going to be open for diversity and for a lot of new growth. I think we are going to continue to grow; it's a beautiful place. Lately I went to Kirkland and I just happened to drive through for an hour because I wanted to see, ok, what is this city doing, and they have about less then us, a few less people, but they're annexing a large group. And they have done a great job of what they had in place there and yet they had kind of a fusion of how to unite each of the different communities, even by sign, similar signs, ways of having us say we are part of a larger, larger city. Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 9 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Mayor Munson: We're not going to annex the City of Spokane until they fix their roads. Ms. Sanderson: Ok, ok. Oh, the other two, I'm sorry, the other two where really community interest in having, having us pay attention to people, the people of our city and the needs that arise. I think that we have to deal with the meth problem. We need to have ways to have young people who have been trapped into this, have ways to come off so we can be pro- active. I, I tried to call or talk to people wherever I was the last week; and I, the younger people are saying the meth is the problem, and one out of three kids not graduating from high school, we have got to do something to make that somewhat better for our community. Councilmember Wilhite: Ok. My next question is, if the majority of the Council took a position that you were against, how would you handle your responses to the public? Ms. Sanderson: For many years I've worked in, on committees and commissions, I truly believe in a consensus model. So that if we as a group were to decide something and the majority said it was to be, then we are that group, and we buy that; we say and we stand by it and we don't backbite and we do not come after each other; that doesn't help our city. Councilmember Wilhite: Ok. And what do you think is the biggest challenge facing the City council? Ms. Sanderson: I really think it is the extension of what you're doing into our homes. Because we in the home place are not always knowing how it's touching our heart or our lives. I know that in the paper, I read the paper, but that isn't giving the whole synopsis, and I'm sorry I don't go on the Internet and look at what decisions have been made and why. But I think we have to really try to see how many more single households we have then we used to have. You know, I just go on the premise of the 1700 households that worked with and many more single households; so I think we have to have some way to draw those people. Councilmember Wilhite: Thank you. Mayor Munson: Rose. Councilmember Dempsey: How do you feel about the telephone utility tax? Ms. Sanderson: You know, I think it's fine. I think that it was a way to say, you know, we're using a cell phone now a days, and it is a way to say, I have this little piece of luxury and I guess we've applied some taxes, sin -taxes so much I think we need to say everyone has to have a part in how we can have this government work. Councilmember Dempsey: What do you hope to accomplish as a city councilmember? Ms. Sanderson: Well, first of all, I hope to bring an enthusiasm for the city to have ways to meet and talk with people; to have their, somewhere, to listen to what they're saying, but also to say what part of it are you working on; and encourage a participation to have things happen. I know quite a few people that are good friends that are on the disincorporation group, and they're my dear friends; they're good friends. But, I, I at least appreciate that they are not apathetic; they are truly energetic for the most part, and I hope too that this city be a valuable piece for all of us; so that would be one of mine. Councilmember Dempsey: And why do you want to be on the city council? Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 10 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Ms. Sanderson: Well, I think it offers an opportunity to see the nuts and bolts of how things are put together, but also to say how can we do this with our region. We are not an isolated group, and I was very impressed with how many committee meetings each of you are involved in that are touching the other parts of our whole aquifer area of things we have to do together, to make the good happen; so I would love to be a part of that. I can come up with ways to solve problems that maybe are different from other people's doing it, but I think we do best by drawing each other together, and hearing other people. Councilmember Dempsey: Thank you. Mayor Munson: Bill? Councilmember Gothmann: The city requires an additional $4 million per year in order to preserve streets, that is, increase their life so that complete reconstruction will not have to occur so soon. I'm on number 22. In so doing, we can spend $1 now or $12 in the future. What solutions would you propose? Ms. Sanderson: I have given this one a lot of thought, and I've come up with the thought that I don't know has happened in our area at all, but I know no one likes a new tax. But I think we could have a tax on every garage door in a dwelling, and it would be $50 for every garage door you've got; and I think that would cause us to remember we are providing houses for our cars, and if we're going to use them, we should pay for the street, it's a direct correlation. And I don't know how much money that's going to make, maybe somebody has a better ballpark figure, but I truly think we can't keep doing the tabs when we have had people vote down they wanted them raised; I don't think we can keep doing things like adding to the, you know, the cigarette tax, and all this. I think we have to come up with a new one, and I don't know what, how long that takes. We used to have a wardrobe created in England because they taxed you for every room in the house, do you recall that, that's why that sort of sparked my mind. Councilmember Gothmann: Yea, Rose had an interesting question. Would you tax carports? Ms. Sanderson: No. I'd figure you can't keep too much valuable under it; you protect something, but you cannot store stuff; I guess I'm noticing as you move into the 60s you had accumulated maybe more than you need. Councilmember Gothmann: We spend, number 24 question, we spend about $450,000 annually on leasing our present City Hall facility. In addition, a City Hall building would add to the attractiveness of a city center. Should we build a city hall. Ms. Sanderson: Well, what I'd like to know is how much it's going to cost us to lease something from someone. Is it going to be the same price the $450,000? I mean, what would we, what would be our ballpark number of a lease with anyone. Is there any piece of property that is open to being bought? I do know it would come off the tax thing, but I do think it means we don't have to pay as much all the time. Umm, I'm unrealistic my husband says, so he's my good counterpart on some things that no one wants to sell that land; but, I think there's something about um, having something that is our city hall. I read the wonderful rejuvenation plan; I see that there is a potential for that location; umm, I don't know that everybody who comes through our city is going to come see the city hall; but I guess you know, you're in a good pattern here; so it isn't a life and death issue for me. I think you've done a plan and you've worked on it and if it can happen, we should have it happen. Councilmember Gothmann: Ok. Very good. Thank you. Mayor Munson: Do you plan to run in November win or lose this particular contest? Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 11 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Ms. Sanderson: Well, I would say I would try this and then I'm going to support whoever is the final person in their election. Mayor Munson: And if you are chosen you will run? Ms. Sanderson: I will, I will. Mayor Munson: Have you read the final Sprague /Appleway Revitalization Plan? Ms. Sanderson: I have, and it's amazing. It is, I'm sure every piece in it has been very long, to come to. One part that I was very intrigued by is why you wanted only two people to live above a business. It made me think of many of the communities that started in our country like the Little Italy in New York or the Hispanic neighborhood that grew out of, you know, people living in their own restaurant until they could afford a house. So, I, I just found that a little a piece; and I do think that if, if I were to want to change something, I would maybe move your street over a ways to Bowdish that you want to close. I think University is a tremendously big arterial and you've got to have people come into this with a buy - in; and I think that a lot of them go up you know, go south to Ponderosa, or wherever, and umm, I don't know if all of that is already in stone; so I would just speak that on my behalf. Mayor Munson: One last question for you from me: Local residents paid for about 70% of the Milwaukie right -of -way before this city was incorporated. Should the city expend any funds to purchase the extension of Appleway? Ms. Sanderson: Yes. All the way to our City limits; Barker Road. Mayor Munson: We should buy it? Ms. Sanderson: Yes. Mayor Munson: What concessions do you think we'd have to make to be able to buy it? Ms. Sanderson: I think if we are working with the County and we know some day we will have a light rail, then we have them come in on some percentage of that light rail, something, they're not going to want to give it to us, but I think we, in stages in days ahead, ten years down the road, we're going to want that land. I come from a somewhat background, after being married for 37 years to a farm person, land is important; very important. Mayor Munson: What's all I have. Dick? Deputy Mayor Denenny: I'm going to go to question #9 and change it just a little bit; but what is your understanding of our form of government? I'd like you to kind of tell me what you think you're stepping into; how we operate. Ms. Sanderson: I would, the way I understand it, the Council is advisory and policy- making. They hire the City Manager. The City Manger is your administrator and needs to have room, needs to administrate and carry out the details. I think that form is very helpful rather than one of us, one of the people on your group being mayor having to have all that information and knowledge and precision. So I think, I like this form. I think it gives us the possibility of hiring somebody with great skills that can help us to move forward, but we also have to have that person know we are the boss too; I mean, I've worked in a different sector and I've always been in more of a advisory capacity; but I do know a lot can be done with that. Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 12 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Deputy Mayor Denenny: And I guess following along with that question eleven, what are the most important functions of a city councilmember; what do you find, think that is going to be your most important function in this position? Ms. Sanderson: I think, I read through what you are trying, the areas you are trying to cover from the aquifer to the policing, the services provided, the roads, all of this; but I think it's connection to people. I think we've got to do some connecting to people; and one of the examples that came to my mind; I have, you're going to deal with a person who's gotten to be right- brained for a year of being retired. My daughter and a group of people over in Seattle would start at one bar with a putter, and you had to putt all the way to the next one. And it was a continuous thing to find all these different neighborhoods. I think we should do something to involve people to say, let's go up and down that corridor, let's have a putting day and see what can happen to have people, young people, middle -aged people, everyone come and say what do you think of this spot? What can we do? I just, I believe in the creativity of people. Deputy Mayor Denenny: Those were the two main questions I had. Councilmember Schimmels: I would go to item 15, what do you envision the City of Spokane to be like in ten, possibly twenty years down the road? Mayor Munson: Spokane Valley. Councilmember Schimmels: Excuse me. Ms. Sanderson: That's ok, I know which one. I look, you know, I grew up in Spokane City; and I never imagined that when I was a little girl and walked under railroad trestles the park with my Grandma, that it would be a beautiful park, River Park; and I think we have potential here to piggyback on with even the cities we're with, in union and different times not in union, to jump on board with the sports programs that are coming here; use our facilities, get some of this open so that our, our, umm, people that tried to be a competitive piece can be part of it; there's new marathons, rallies, that people run 180 miles just in relay, and somehow all of that is perfect for this location; we have great things. We have the centennial trail; why not see how we can move ten years from now to have some of that be part of our core piece that draws more people here. I hope that answers, I think it can change so much; look what happened to the year we got the computer. I mean now you don't need to have office buildings as often sometimes as you did before you go could do it on a computer. I think it's amazing to me. Councilmember Schimmels: Thank you. Go to number 3: the seven of us serve on over 20 boards, committees and task forces. Does your life style allow you to serve on at least four outside committees and share these responsibilities? Ms. Sanderson: Yes it does; the number one thing after we retired was we wanted to have time for each other; so we kind -of kept the end of the week for that and we do some different things, and I've helped with the schools with the grandchildren. But I, I truly believe that's a potential. I can do that. I need to do some studying because some of these issues are not as clear to me at this moment. I'll be very honest, I would have to do a good brush up and I would, because I can usually tackle something; so I Councilmember Schimmels: Well, we're still in a learning mode also. Ms. Sanderson: They say adult learners learn two things every year that demand at least ten hours of learning; so we're good. Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 13 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Councilmember Schimmels: Weil that's all I have. Thank you. Mayor Munson: That's all I have. Does anybody else wish to ask questions? Thank you very much. Hopefully it wasn't too difficult, it didn't seem to be. Ms. Sanderson: Thank you very much for what you're doing. Thank you very much. c. Ben Wick Mawr Munson: Mr. Ben Wick. Welcome back to the arena. Mr. Wick: I think this is a hot seat here. Mayor Munson: Well, Ben, we'll start with Rose Dempsey. Councilmember Dempsey: Okay. Let's start with the telephone utility tax. Mr. Wick: The telephone utility tax huh? Well, the telephone utility tax definitely went to a good cause helping our street fund out. 1 think actually back in, before there was a city when I was participating on the Boundary Review Board financial feasibility study for the city, we actually kind of decided in that group, that um, it made more financial sense for the city to actually impose the same tax that you guys actually went forward and imposed with the telephone excise tax — utility tax sorry; and so, umm, I do agree it was a good and needed decision; urn, and it was to a good cause dedicating it to the street fund. Councilmember Dempsey: What do you hope to accomplish as a city councilmember? Mr. Wick: What do I hope to accomplish? I hope to accomplish some, well, I hope to help you guys out; and increase communication. I think that a lot of problems can be resolved, issued can be helped just by going through talking, opening more lines of communication, and working through the issues. Councilmember Dempsey: Ok. And why do you want to be on the City Council? Mr. Wick: Why do I want to be on the City Council? Well, I actually was a long time, 1 always wanted to be part of the city before there was a city actually. 1 remember corning home and asking my parents why do we write Spokane on our mailing address, and at the same time there was a meeting for the incorporation effort; and I went down and got involved with that and helped collect signatures to form a city and get involved Councilmember Dempsey: How old were you then? Mr. Wick: I was .... 18, 19 something like that. I was the youngest of the 52 that first ran; and I signed up against Mr. Munson, no hard feelings; I didn't say how it was for me. But I always kind of wanted to help make it a better place and really be proud of where I live in the Spokane Valley; even through college. I went out to Eastern Washington University to get my degree, but I didn't move out there; I really like the Valley so I chose to commute my long -haul days back and forth every day, especially through winter time when it was the most trying; but, I made it back all four years through there; so I'm really proud of where I live and want to help make it a better place. Councilmember Dempsey: Okay. Thank you. Mayor Munson: Any others? Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 14 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Councilmember Dempsey: No, that's all for now. Councilmember Gothmann: The City, #22, the City requires an additional $4 million per year in order to preserve streets, what solutions do you propose and you know, that increase the life of the streets so complete reconstruction will not occur so soon, and in so doing we can spend $1 dollar now or $12 in the future; so what solution would you Mr. Wick: Well, this is kind of like the million - dollar question, or the multi - million dollar question as it is huh? I don't know, the garage door tax was pretty interesting one that came up earlier, but right now with the current economy, I think we definitely have to be good stewards of our budget, kind of scale back as the economy scales back; and then hope to increase our tax base as opposed to increasing our taxes. Maybe look at how we can increase more businesses moving here, streamline our permitting process or something of that nature to kind of encourage more growth, so that we have a bigger base so that way we don't have to charge as much per individual. Councilmember Gothmann: Yea, that's a very tough question. We spend about $450,000 annually on leasing our present City Hall facilities; in addition a city hall building would add attractiveness to a city center; should we build a city hall? Mr. Wick: Well, it would definitely increase the attractiveness of the city, especially in looking through the Sprague /Appleway Revitalization Plan; however, it's kind of hard to say if we should buy one or not not knowing how big we want to build one, how much it's going to cost, things of that nature. I would definitely be for trying to acquire the land to build one on now, definitely include it in our plans, but as far as jumping right out and saying, yea, we definitely should build one or no we shouldn't build one, I think it's kind of early. I mean, are we going to build a thirty-story building, probably not, I wouldn't go for that one; but something that makes sense at the right time. I definitely think we should plan for it though, and try and acquire the land for it. Councilmember Gothmann: You're not a Sears Towers advocate I take it? Mr. Wick: Yea, a Sears Tower of Spokane Valley Mayor Munson: A Sears Tower that is no longer Mr. Wick: The space needle of Spokane Valley. Councilmember Gothmann: Okay, thank you very much. Mayor Munson: Have you read the final Sprague Appleway Revitalization Plan? Mr. Wick: I have read it though actually I went on to your guys' website; and this is another one that I kind of went through, communication. I was amazed at how hard it was to kind of get off your website; I kind of feel that I was a computer science person I should be able to get this pretty easily; and in going through there downloading it, I actually got, I think it's the final draft, but it was still with marked -up, so you had a bunch of comments, cross -outs, adds, and so it was kind -of hard to go through but I was able to read through it and see some of that. Mayor Munson: What's your opinion of the SARP? What are the strong points and weak points? Mr. Wick: Well, I definitely think it is a vision for the future; the strong points is that it definitely sets a atmosphere and presence for identity for our city of Spokane Valley; some of the disadvantages of course, Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 15 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 as with any long range plan, it definitely is going to cost money; it's definitely change which is going to be a little hard for some people to accept; so it's kind of, I guess that would be kind of the disadvantage is that it is going to cost us money; communication is going to be definitely key to try and get it out there; hopefully maybe we can revise our website a little bit more to get more information out there; clean it up so that way we have more of a final draft or an appearance of a final draft on our website, something easy to follow; I think that would definitely smooth the way with it. Mayor Munson: I think Carolbelle's making copious notes on this. One last question for you, two actually, win or lose this particular contest, do you plan to run for office in November. Mr. Wick: I do. Mayor Munson: And last, local residents paid for about 70% of the Milwaukie right -of -way before the city incorporated. Should the city expend any future funds to purchase the extension of Appleway? Mr. Wick: Well, I think this debate back and forth on the Milwaukie right -of -way is another example where, umm, I think our community of regional relations kind of comes into play. I think the County is a little, um, we have strained relations that are kind of really coming through in this Milwaukie right -of- way judgment. I know that they said that they would give the land to the Spokane Valley if they would help pay 70% of the additional right of way needed to support mass transit, but I think the City is already thinking toward mass transit, and I would say that we would already be proponents of including mass transit in our plans for that property; so this is where I think the communication break down between the County and the City is kind of coming to light in that; would we come up with any concessions, it's kind of hard to know. I know that Mr. Connelly was saying that we, we haven't even gotten feedback from the County on what our current status is with that; but I think increased communication and really understanding that there are, the City of Spokane Valley isn't going to go against mass transit; we are very big proponents as I've learned from different city council meetings; but, so I think it will work itself out. Mayor Munson: Dick? Deputy Mayor Denenny: I want to go back on why you would want to be on the council, but ask it in a little different way; and, what do you think you, your personality, your age, what will you bring to this council that others may not? Mr. Wick: Well, I am of a slightly different generation. I have a different way of thinking and looking at things. I also really want to get involved and be out there; I've already been on some of the county commissions, like the Fair and Expo Advisory Board, and have worked with Commissioner Richard and some of the other commissioners there on that; and so I would really like to kind of build up community relations and be going on that; also being a computer scientist I like the technology of the blackberries or whatever phones you were playing with, laptops, I do that as a day job, so kind of increase our utilization of technology as a tool. I definitely am a little more out there on the edge then some; I've been immersed with it longer. Deputy Mayor Denenny: And the other question back to the number of boards, etc. that we are on and the number of hours that this job, being more than as I think you probably picked up on, then coming to a Tuesday night meeting, how will your current status, your place in life currently, allow you to do that? Mr. Wick: Well, I know, I thought long and hard; and earlier I've been on, actually, throughout my life I've always been on more boards and being always very involved in things and giving 110 %; right now I would really want to stay on the Fair and Expo Advisory Board; but before I applied to this position I Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 16 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 actually went to my work and seeing what their flexibility is, and they were very willing and flexible in my hours with that and would like to cut back my travel for job- related; but I would keep my day job. My hours there though, are fairly early in the morning, so I go to work at six or five in the morning, and get done at two or three in the afternoon; so I would have the ability to come to some of the later meetings; or as well, they would be willing to let me work on nights or weekends if possible to go through that. Also my fiancee is holding a job and plans to go to school at the same time, so my home life is sitting at home. [tape changes] Councilmember Schimmels: What do you think is the biggest challenge, so I'd say #2 would be the first thing you could answer, then finish off with Mr. Wick: Finish off with huh? Ok. Well the three highest priorities that I see for the city would be the street fund is definitely one of the top three, and these are in no particular order; trying to figure out a secured funding to maintain our streets is definitely of high importance; that is a big budget challenge that you guys have in front of you so that is definitely a high priority. Being diligent in our budgeting way and expanding our tax base for the future is how to remedy that. The second one would be regional relations. Trying to improve communication is kind of the key there; working more with each other. I know you guys are trying to do more with the County and other boards across the region; that is definitely a big one there so I think a lot of our other issues, like the Milwaukie right -of -way and some of those things, will kind of work themselves out if we had better relations and communication back and forth, especially like contracts, is another example with that. I think there's a lot of miscommunications going on between the city and the county, and so, improving dialogue and relationships there would definitely kind of ease some of those situations. And the last one I have is, which I hate to sound like a broken record, is kind of like the disincorporation effort. I know that it seems to be gaining momentum, there seems to be more signs out there; but everybody that I talked to about that, doesn't seem to understand or doesn't have the whole picture behind it; and so it kind of relates back to the communication issue. They, I know a number of people that work for the County are kind of fearful of the city and they think that they're going to potentially lose their jobs or support disincorporation to kind of keep their jobs; and so communication is a big key on that one. And so with that, I go to the next question, of what's the biggest challenge right now for the city, and I would say communication; and I would definitely want to work on getting out there, working with the other boards, and the public in making sure that all the sides and all the information is being disseminated. Councilmember Schimmels: Could I ask one more? Mayor Munson: Absolutely. Councilmember Schimmels: Go down to question 19, do you think the City should contract with the County for services, utilize private companies, or hire City personnel for animal control, street sweeping, stormwater maintenance? Mr. Wick: I would say if it makes sense. Currently like your city council does, we step back and look at how much it's going to cost, if the contracts are fair, make sure that everybody understands what we're looking for in the contracts; and if it makes the most sense for our city, then yea, I would support contracting out to private business or the County or whatever makes the most sense; kind of a little vague but that's it. Mayor Munson: Any other questions? Thank you very much, we appreciate your coming and talking to us. Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry Diana. Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Page 17 of 18 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Councilmember Wilhite: If the majority of the council took up a position that you were against, how would you handle your response to the public? Mr. Wick: To the public? Well, while at the council meeting I could raise my opinions; and hope to share my insight of what my thoughts were on the issue, but once the majority of the council decides, that's the council's position; and it would be carried forward from there unless there's something new that comes out, then I'd bring it back to council. Councilmember Wilhite: What do you think are the important functions of a city councilmember? Mr. Wick: Well, there's two major functions that I see as a city councilmember: number one is they are the ones that have to be the most informed; I think they need to do the homework, know what the decisions, or what the issue or topic is that's being discussed; and make the informed decision. I know a lot of the public don't take the time to understand the whole story or get all the information and so I'd say that's the number one priority of a Councilmember is to get all the information, spend the time, or take the time to really understand the topic before making a decision. And the other one is communication. Getting back out there, letting everybody know what is going on so everybody has the full story and working together; and getting their input into it as well. Councilmember Wilhite: Okay. Thank you. Mayor Munson explained that Council can move forward with the proposed agenda for August 4, or can vote on a choice tonight. It was then moved by Councilmember Schimmels and seconded by Councilmember Gothmann that the Council evaluate the qualifications of the candidates and vote tonight. Deputy Mayor Denenny said he would prefer to have time to absorb the information received tonight and not vote tonight but as previously scheduled for August 4. With that statement, Councilmember Gothmann withdrew his second, and with no second, the motion was not acted upon. Mayor Munson also asked the City Clerk to provide a transcript of this section of the meeting. Council decided to cancel the August 4 executive session but keep the August 4 6:00 p.m. meeting, adding that it will be a short meeting as that is National Night Out Against Crime in which several councilmembers participate. INFORMATION ONLY: The following items were for information only and were not reported on or discussed: Small Works Roster Update, Approval of Community Re- Licensing Agreement, Fire Department Quarterly Report, Library District Quarterly Report, and Department Reports. It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite, seconded and unani rte: ly agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. hristine Bainbridge, City Clerk Council Regular Meeting: 7 -28 -2009 Approved by Council: 08 -11 -09 Page 18 of 18