2009, 06-09 Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday,June 9,2009
Mayor Munson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the 161st meeting.
Attendance: City Staff:
Rich Munson,Mayor Dave Mercier, City Manager
Dick Denenny,Deputy Mayor Mike Jackson, Deputy City Manager
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Mike Connelly, City Attorney
Gary Schimmels,Councilmember Ken Thompson,Finance Director
Diana Wilhite,Councilmember Kathy McClung, Community Development Dir.
Neil Kersten,Public Works Director
Absent: Mike Stone,Parks&Recreation Director
Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Cary Driskell,Deputy City Attorney
Steve Taylor, Councilmember Steve Worley, Senior Engineer
Morgan Koudelka, Sr. Administrative Analyst
Mary Kate McGee,Building Official
John Whitehead,Human Resources Manager
Mary May, Engineering Technician
Carolbelle Branch,Public Information Officer
Bill Miller; IT Specialist
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Manuel Denning of Fountain Ministries gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Deputy Mayor Denenny led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present except
Councilmembers Dempsey and Taylor. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and
unanimously agreed to excuse Councilmembers Dempsey and Taylor from the meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously
agreed to approve the amended agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: n/a
COMMITTEE,BOARD,LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS:
Councilmember Schimmels: said he attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the Solid Waste
Liaison Board meetings; and attended the event at the Opportunity Grade School with Mayor Munson.
Deputy Mayor Denenny: said he attended the Agora awards last week as a representative of STA
(Spokane Transit Authority); and went to the groundbreaking for the new treatment plant at the old
stockyards area.
Councilmember Gothmann: reported that he attended a SNAP Board meeting where they spent time
evaluating the Board and how things can be improved; attended the Health District meeting; the
leadership prayer breakfast; went to CenterPlace for the Senior Citizen's Question and Answer session;
attended a Board of Health emergency preparedness meeting where they discussed response to future
emergencies; attended a DUI graduation ceremony; went to Opportunity Elementary School, and
attempted to attended the groundbreaking for the treatment plant but unfortunately couldn't locate the
site.
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Councilmember Wilhite: explained that she attended a potluck with the seniors at CenterPlace; attended
the SRTC (Spokane Regional Transportation Commission) meeting; the prayer breakfast; the DUI
graduation; attended the Mayor of Millwood's talk on what is occurring with their city; and attended a
meeting of church pastors in Spokane and talked to them about things going on here.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Munson reported that he attended a meeting called by the Federal
Marshall concerning the jail, which included discussion of some alternatives to the current jail issue,
whether or not it must be built in downtown Spokane, and how to do it without spending$254 million yet
keep the same level of law enforcement; and said no decision has been reached concerning these issues;
attended the Greater Spokane, Inc. Executive Board Session where they presented some ideas to advance
regional cooperation; attended a GSI Transportation Committee where leaders discussed establishing a
metro mayor's meeting to discuss several regional events; attended the STA Operations and
Administrative meeting where they discussed reconfiguring some of the old buses to provide
transportation for the upcoming wheelchair games; attended the quarterly NE Mayor's Association
meeting; attended an emergency management and training opportunity, and he suggested our Council get
a briefing on the training process; attended the Millwood State of the City address; went to a reception for
the Washington State Economic Development Council, which is comprised of a combination of citizens,
academics, and elected officials trying to press a little different emphasis on economic development; went
to Opportunity Elementary School where three fifth grades put together a mock hearing about the
Constitution and what it means to be a good citizen, and he said most of the students understand that to
have a healthy city, citizens must participate and educate themselves on the issues so they can be
informed voters.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comments.
Lois Harger, 1021 N Skipworth Road, 99206; she said she has always been interested in her city; and this
is the third time she has addressed the situation: that she addressed it to the planning division, then to the
general public in a letter to the editor in the Valley Voice,which she then read into the record: "Is there an
issue of fraud and deceit in the Spokane Valley City Hall? On March 21, 2009, a letter was delivered to
our home addressed with our names on an address label. No indication of sender, front or back of the
envelope. Postage, an automatic stamp machine. The letter was obviously junk mail. I was about to tear
it in half thereby signifying its destination, the fireplace, however, I opened the envelope to find an
official letter from the Spokane Valley Planning Division containing a proposal for a housing
development in our neighborhood. The letter stated we had fourteen days to respond. I did so. Had I not
opened this unmarked envelope, I would have been totally unaware of the development until the graders
rolled in. The proposal was accepted. I do not believe it was in error for these letters to remain
unidentified. I see no reason for lies. Our home was not the only one to receive these unmarked letters.
We do not know how long this practice has been used nor how far reaching it has been. Clarification
should be forthcoming." Mayor Munson said that staff will look in to this and get back to her and to
Council.
Doug Rider, 19410E Buckeye Avenue: said he is tired of Sally Jackson and her crew with all their
skewed rhetoric that they are putting out about the city;he said he came down a couple weeks ago and got
a copy of our budget and he went through it in detail, and he said he doesn't see a problem with the City's
budget; he said that Sally is putting out that the budget ballooned to $110 million which is an untruth,
when in fact the operating budget according to the 2009 budget is $49 million. He said if one were to read
the whole budget, which he doesn't think these people have even looked at, that there has to be a
carryover and a reserve fund, and that the City has to carry enough money over every year to operate for
the first four months because the tax revenue doesn't usually come in until April, he said he understands
that because he was in the Fire Department and had to deal with that; he said that we have to have a
reserve fund for unknown emergencies; and he said all the rest of the budget, if people would just get it
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and look at it and try and understand what's in there,that he doesn't think we'd have this disincorporation
thing in the works. He said he has had friends tell him how they've been contacted at Target Stores and
some of the others around the valley by people who are apparently hired by some person, and that he
doesn't know who, but that the hired people don't know anything about the City operation, as they were
asked why they were trying to do this and the people gathering the signatures didn't have any answers. He
said the Valley Herald editor has put out a couple excellent editorials in the paper about the city and what
would happen if it disincorporated. He said that Sally Jackson is telling her people that it will go back
like it was, but he said, "that ain't going to happen, and I'll bet anybody in here that that will never
happen if we should disincorporate." He stated if we disincorporated now, he said he is sure that the City
of Spokane the next day would grab everything out probably to Park Road; and he said he is sure Liberty
Lake would probably grab some of the east end as they are looking for more space; and he said he felt he
had to come down and vent his piece about what's going on because he said he thinks it is wrong; and if
the Valley disincorporated it would be a huge disaster for the area. He said that County Commissioner
Mark Richard doesn't want the Valley to disincorporate because the County doesn't have the funds to
maintain what we have here today; and he said if people don't believe him or believe Council, he
suggested they go get the County's budget and compare that with the City of Spokane Valley's budget.
1.PUBLIC HEARING: 2010—2015 Transportation Improvement Plan—Ste_�e Worley
Senior Engineer Worley explained that tonight is an opportunity to take public comment on the annual
adoption of the six-year Transportation Improvement Plan; that he made a presentation to Council last
week on the projects listed in the plan and that list has been posted on the website. Mayor Munson opened
the public hearing at 6:24 p.m. and invited public comment. There were no public comments and Mayor
Munson closed the public hearing at 6:25 p.m.
2. 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# 17393 through# 17515; 526090026, 526090027, 528090046:
total: $2,396,791.61
b. Payroll for pay period ending May 31,2009: $350,090.24
c. Approval of May 19, 2009 Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
d. Approval of May 26, 2009 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
e. Approval of June 2,2009 Special Executive Session Meeting Minutes
f. Approval of June 2,2009 Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the consent
agenda.
NEW BUSINESS:
3. Motion Consideration: Letter of Support Regarding Studded Tires Mayor Munson
It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann and seconded that we approve a letter of support
encouraging the use of non-studded tires on roadways in Washington. For the record, Mayor Munson
read Councilmember Gothmann's draft letter of support, addressed to the Spokane Area Good Roads
Association: "On June 9,2009 the Spokane Valley City Council voted unanimously to authorize and send
this letter of support encouraging our citizens to use non-studded tires for winter driving in Washington
State. Due to improvements in vehicle design for traction control and the advent of superior compounds
in dedicated winter tires, it is apparent that the use of studs in winter tires is no longer an advantage. The
damage to our road system caused by the use of studded tires has resulted in precarious road conditions
due to ruts and loss of traction in rainy conditions. The sale of non-studded tires should be encouraged for
all citizens. We also encourage the State of Idaho to consider a program endorsing the use of non-studded
tires as we have many Idaho residents traveling to our city on a daily basis. We will ask our state
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legislators to support legislation that will encourage the use of non-studded tires for winter tires. Thank
you for your advocacy of this issue." Mayor Munson invited public comment.
Joe Tortoreli of the Spokane Area Good Roads Association, said that his Association is advocating for
good roads in the Spokane area; that studded tires create about $18 million annual damage to highways
according to their statistics; that studded tires are an out-dated means of traction and they'd like to ban
their use as several other states have done. Councilmember Schimmels asked Mr. Tortoreli if this drafted
letter has enough "teeth"to satisfy the Association's needs and Mr. Tortoreli responded that it does, and
said their next approach will be to Idaho.
Dick Behm, 36265 S Ridgeview Road: as per his letter distributed at the meeting, Mr. Behm asked
Council to give further consideration to endorsing the elimination of the use of studded tires; he said that
he believes that studded tiers increase the safety of drivers, not just for traction but they aid in the ability
to stop or maintain control on ice-covered roads. He said other winter tires, although vastly improved, do
not have that ability to stop as quickly. He said the Cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley are the
economic center of a vast region serving Eastern Washington, and Northern and Central Idaho; and said
this area includes mountains, hills and valleys and has severe winter conditions that create hazardous
driving conditions; he said anything that will increase the safety of driving should be considered, and said
that studded tires are the choice of many who live in these areas. Further, he explained if Washington
bans studded tires, would that stop people from Idaho coming to Spokane Valley, and said he cannot
envision our police department going to the Valley Mall and ticketing all the Idaho vehicles with studded
tires. Mr. Behm asked Council not to endorse the elimination of studded tires and instead consider other
means to decrease their use, such as a public campaign and/or a tax; he said he understands that they
damage roads,but said he believes other alternatives are available to decrease that damage.
Doug Rider, 19410 E Buckeye: said he has been to a lot of accidents caused by ruts in the streets and all
we need do is look at downtown Spokane; he said the State needs to eliminate studs; that there are tire
compounds that are just as good, and added that on ice, studs do nothing,
Councilmember Gothmann explained that his re-writing the letter is not to ban, but rather encourage the
use of non-studded tires, which he explained is more of a"carrot instead of a stick approach" and said he
doesn't use studded tires, but his wife does; and he feels we need a public campaign to encourage the use
of non-studded tires. Councilmember Wilhite said that this letter will encourage people to examine
alternatives, and there is a need to let the public know about the damage studs do to roads. Deputy Mayor
Denenny said that this issue has been ongoing for at least the last five years, that he feels the safety of
studded tires been demonstrated not to be such a great enhancement; that the new technology answers the
questions where in the past studded tires might have been required, and the damage to roads today can't
be accepted; he said you hit a point where you have to say we won't allow it any more; and said he would
like to see council use the original letter. It was then moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny to amend the letter
to change the word "encourage" to the original letter's word of "ban." There was no second and
therefore, the motion was not discussed or acted upon. Brief Council discussion followed including the
pros and cons of discussing this with Idaho; mention that what adjoining states do affects our area; having
this as a topic for the next Northeast Mayor's discussion, and mention from Mr. Mercier that he believes
city vehicles do not use studded tires. It was then moved by Mayor Munson and seconded, to remove the
sentence: "We also encourage the State of Idaho to consider a program endorsing the use of non-studded
tires as we have many Idaho residents traveling to our city on a daily basis." Vote by acclamation to
amend the motion: In Favor: Mayor Munson. Opposed: Deputy Mayor Denenny, and Councilmembers
Schimmels, Wilhite and Gothmann. Abstentions: None. Motion to amend fails. Vote by acclamation on
the original motion that we approve a letter of support encouraging the use of non-studded tires on
roadways in Washington: In Favor: Mayor Munson and Councilmembers Schimmels, Wilhite, and
Gothmann. Opposed: Deputy Mayor Denenny. Abstentions:None. Motion carried.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comment.No comments were offered.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
4. Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant—Mary May
Engineering Tech May explained the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant as per her
PowerPoint presentation; she gave an overview of the Recovery Act Funding showing the City of
Spokane Valley's grant portion of $823,400 and said this grant is not competitive, all we need do is
complete the paperwork and apply; that the purpose is to spur economic growth and create/retain jobs,
and to assist government in implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy
use, and improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building and other appropriate sectors; she
explained that eligible use of funds are primarily for energy efficiency and energy conservation, that this
is community-wide and not just for municipal buildings and facilities, and that we don't have to do capital
projects, and can do programs. Ms. May explained that the grant application timeline is tight, with a
deadline of June 25 for the completed grant application, and said the award of the grant is expected in the
fall of 2009.Ms May also explained some of the partnering program ideas such as working with AVISTA
and other utility companies; and said the funds could be used for LED replacement in traffic signals and
street lights, or even for traffic improvements such as signal coordination; or for the creation of a bike and
pedestrian MasterPlan. According to her table, Engineer Tech May explained the proposed funding
aspects showing a breakdown of the $823,400, with $400,000 going to the Sprague Avenue traffic
improvement; $100,000 for bike and pedestrian implementation, $38,500 for bike and pedestrian master
plan, $88,000 for sustainability, and $65,000 for signal LED replacements; and other figures as shown on
the table in her PowerPoint; and explained that sustainable land use would include all those things our
comprehensive plan touches upon; and explained as part of the application process, staff will be asking
council for a letter giving the City Manager the authority to make the application. Community
Development Director McClung added that the figures in the chart were the best available numbers to
give to Council and when the grant is put together,the numbers could vary slightly.
Council discussion included mention of the long time for street light LED cost recovery; mention of the
preference of using "energy efficient and cost reduction" instead of sustainability which is difficult to
define; mention from staff of the hope to have future opportunities to partner with school districts, and/or
other municipalities, but such is not identified for this particular project; mention from Ms. McClung that
we would use existing staff on some aspects of the bike and pedestrian MasterPlan as the $128,700 was
putting a price on the cost of Public Works and Community Development's staff time to put the plan
together. There was consensus to bring this item forward on the next council agenda for motion
consideration.
Mayor Munson called for a recess at 7:15 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
5. Cable Franchise—Morgan Koudelka
Via his PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Koudelka went over some of the cable franchise renewal facts,
explained what the city can regulate, the franchise process, the ascertainment phase, mentioned that staff
and representatives of Comcast have tentatively agreed to a draft franchise agreement, went over the
major items of that draft agreement, and explained the next steps in the process. Mr. Koudelka added that
there are still some minor points being worked out and he is hopeful to finalize the agreement within the
next few days. Councilmember Gothmann mentioned the tree trimming section on page 13 of the draft
ordinance, and asked about the land being public or private. Deputy City Attorney Driskell said he would
anticipate that refers to public land but will check. Mr. Driskell also mentioned that the new cable code
results from the tug between Comcast and the City regarding competitive equity, as they want to ensure
they are competitive with other cable providers and satellite, although the city does not deal with satellite;
and stated that they are trying to carve out as much flexibility as they could; and reiterated Mr.
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Koudelka's statement that he is hopeful to complete this soon. Mr. Koudelka added that the FCC has
ruled that if a new entrant comes into our market, we may have as little as three months or a maximum of
six months to issue a new franchise, which is a disadvantage from a negotiation standpoint; and said that
the 350 monthly cable subscriber fee would amount to approximately$100,000 annually.
6. Hearing Examiner Rules—Mike Connelly
City Attorney Connelly gave a brief background of the adoption of rules of procedures for the hearing
examiner, as noted in his June 9, Request for Council Action form; and said our rules in SVMC 10.20
Appendix B clearly set forth the authority of the Hearing Examiner;that he made two changes; one was in
the motion for reconsideration as the old rule was vague and didn't state the basis for a motion; and the
updated version explains that a new outcome cannot merely be inserted as there were past occasions
where a decision was based on grounds that neither party anticipated; and he said if there were no basis
for the motion, the matter would have to be re-opened with a hearing. Mr. Connelly said the proposed
rules have been reviewed by the Hearing Examiner, by our legal department, and if Council now desires,
the next step would be to pass this to the Planning Commission to go through the process of obtaining
their recommendation to Council. Mr. Connelly mentioned that there have been so many dramatic
changes we are treating this as starting over, and the redlines are just the changes from last week; and that
all will be presented as new. There was Council consensus to move this forward to the Planning
Commission.
7. Appleway Negotiations—Mike Connelly
City Attorney Connelly said tonight is just an overview of where we are and where we're going; that
negotiations are ongoing as objectives are worked out; he said they had come up with an agreement when
STA (Spokane Transit authority) stepped up and said they had the funds to buy the right-of-way on the
south side of the street; that a list of objectives was presented to Council and to the Board of County
Commissioners who went over it with their attorney; but that in the midst of all this, the Supreme Court
refused to hear our appeal and we received no offers from the Commissioners to move ahead. Mr.
Connelly said that the resolution before you is a draft to set forth the formal process; and if we, the
County and the STA all adopt similar resolutions, we can have representatives in mediation to move
toward the common goal: we want a roadway, a right-of-way, and want to preserve some ability to have
some form of high speed transit some time in the future. After brief council discussion on the agreement
and the process, and mention by Attorney Connelly that this resolution attempts to define the method of
negotiation and once approved, the City Manager would appoint someone to be engaged in such
negotiation, and then communicate to the STA and the Board of County Commissioners; and that the City
Manager can attach the resolution to a letter to the Board of County Commissioners asking them to
proceed in this same manner. Council had no objection and concurred to bring this Resolution back next
week for formal adoption consideration.
8. Solid Waste System—Deputy Mayor Denenny/Councilmember Schimmels
Deputy Mayor Denenny explained that this is more for informational purposes; he explained pursuant to
an interlocal agreement, we entered into the "Spokane Regional Solid Waste System," and as part of that
system,the last of those bonds will be retired by December 2011 and our agreement will end then as well;
that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) and the liaison board have had numerous meetings
regarding the various government forms to consider what might allow the continuation of the agreements,
but with the bonds paid off, would offer more of a voice by the participants; that all the issues concerning
solid waste were previously deferred to the City of Spokane, as it was the City of Spokane which
originally issued the bonds, and with the bonds paid off, it creates an entirely different
dynamic/environment related to what individual entities may do; and said we are the first that may be
coming up for that franchise agreement; and said some things to consider would be what kind of
governance would we feel comfortable with if want to continue to participate in a regional system; and
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whether we want to continue to participate in a regional system or authorize the City to begin its own
solid waste treatment, or other options and directions to consider.
Councilmember Schimmels added that the SWAG committee sent two recommendations to the liaison
board and to the County Commissioners, and there was a difference of opinion and misunderstanding on
the word "asset," but said a lot of people think that the City of Spokane paid for the other two transfer
stations, but the system paid for that; and that was discussed at the last SWAG meeting, but there are
some people on the liaison board who are sidetracked and he said he doesn't think it merits any further
argument;that they should get to the meat of it on the governance issue, we have a metro, we have a non-
profit group; he said he believes it should be something conceived around a metro system with a joint
voice from the participants; and said he feels that is what will happen. Deputy Mayor Denenny explained
the function of the SWAG committee which gives recommendations to the liaison board and to the
commissioners, and said the Liaison Board is a policy board for the entire region, and makes
recommendations to the Spokane City Council, as they are the entity authorized to operate the plant.
Deputy Mayor Denenny stated that the City of Spokane issued bonds which were paid for by the
participants throughout the region; that the City of Spokane claims ownership, and the question that
lingers is whether there will be a discussion that will allow the City of Spokane to participate in a region-
wide collection and governance of that which will be beneficial to all participating communities; and
create new interlocal agreements which will allow us to continue on a regional path; and to do that, he
said he feels the City of Spokane will have to somewhat relinquish some of the "ownership" of that; and
that he feels that is not the same as having a personal "asset."
In response to Mayor Munson's mention of having significant cash reserves, Councilmember Schimmels
said he does not think that is the case; and Deputy Mayor Denenny said the reserves are being quickly
absorbed. Councilmember Schimmels said that will pretty much be washed out; that there is a cash flow
situation this year,a decrease; we have an audit being performed by the State Auditor along with the audit
on the operation of the transfer plant,the whole system; that there has always been pros and cons between
the County and anyone else that's involved. Deputy Mayor Denenny said it purposely tried to use the
reserves to off-set rate increases and to diminish those reserves by the time the bonds are paid off and the
interlocals run out; and he asked Mr. Connelly concerning the apparent glaring differentiation in the dates
of termination of those interlocals; and he asked what kind of a position does that put the City of Spokane
Valley in when most of the other entities interlocals, aside from Liberty Lake, will be running out to 2014
and 2015; and us at 2011? Attorney Connelly said the bonds will be paid off by 2011; so the reason
behind the agreements won't be there; and said he feels it does not give us any advantage or disadvantage;
it's just that we will either have to have a short term extension until all the agreements are renewed, or we
will have to make a decision as to what participation we want to do in our regional system. Deputy
Mayor Denenny said he feels there will not be a resolution for a regional system and a new governance
until the majority of the interlocals are up for termination; and Mr. Connelly said then the question will
be, what type of an interlocal do we want to enter into; what type of flow control do we want to agree to;
and said there are various options to consider in looking at long term future disposal. Mayor Munson
asked Mr. Mercier if our staff has the capability to be able to make recommendations to Council to
answer some of the questions posed by Mr. Connelly; and Mr. Mercier said while we have a talented
staff, they have not applied their talents to solid waste issues because we have been a tangential
participant in the organization; and said he feels specialized expertise will likely be warranted and he feels
there will likely be a collaborative effort as a region to ask all of the right questions and determine the
appropriate answers; and in the interim while we wait for the other interlocals to terminate, Mr. Mercier
said he recommends we continue to prompt all the other members, regardless of when the terminal date
is,to address these questions prior to the retirement of the bonds in December 2011.
Mayor Munson said he would assume that the two boards will come up with a series of recommendations;
and Deputy Mayor Denenny responded that the County has asked the SWAG to whittle it down from the
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two they recommended; keeping in mind they are only recommendations; and said that the County had
asked them to whittle that down and give the pros and cons of what is the most advantageous.
Mayor Munson asked what is the role for the City of Spokane Valley to address those recommendations;
and Councilmember Schimmels said he feels we should not do anything; that the County is basically
outside looking in; that they have control or can choose whether to ratify the financial matters, the large
amounts; but they have nothing to do or say about the daily operation as they gave that up years ago; and
he said he looks at the two entities, the County and the City of Spokane, as reaching a common ground
and everyone else, the small cities like Deer Park and Cheney, has their say, including us, and said if
anybody wants to sell the plant or tear it down, they have a viable enterprise out there; it is well permitted
and well run; and it would behoove the County and the City of Spokane to settle some of their
differences; hopefully all of them.
Councilmember Gothmann suggested there might be two levels of decisions to be made: the first is to
consider if we want to continue with the system; and the second is, if our residents are better off staying
with a regional system, then the next question is governance; but the first question needs to be addressed
first. Councilmember Schimmels said we should task ourselves with this report; that he talked to Mr.
Connelly, the report is condensed and there is a lot of repetitious information because of the interlocals
and the changes; but to try to understand the bottom line; and he said as much as he has been around that,
he can't see we could ever afford to go out on our own; there are the federal and the state mandated plans
which would all have to be initiated up-front; and said perhaps three years would do that but he has his
doubts. Councilmember Gothmann said he feels what they should request from staff is now that we have
the question answered, that the best deal is to stay regional; so the next question then is governance; and
he asked who will set the rates? Mr. Mercier said that he feels it is important that this City not try to
resolve those questions independently; that Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley agreements terminate 2011;
and economically we represent 30-35% of the bulk of the trash flow; and that choices we might make
would substantially alter the economics for the balance of the users of the system; and therefore feels that
all the entities dependent upon the disposal method should start working together now to answers the
question if long-haul is the less expensive; or the regional plan, or some other option as opposed to trying
to do an independent analysis and to act individually as opposed to collectively.
Mayor Munson asked how much influence should we expect to have on the negotiations between the
County and the City of Spokane based on the fact that we are relatively large contributors to the system;
and how does Council interact with that negotiation process; is it pro-actively, or a wait and see?
Councilmember Schimmels said he estimates that within the next ninety days we should have the results
from the state auditor; we should have our contractor on the audit of the plant; and we should have a lot of
questions answered; then we could address the rest of it; but we need that foundation. Deputy Mayor
Denenny and Councilmember Wilhite concurred that we need the rest of the information. Deputy Mayor
Denenny also mentioned that there are ongoing meetings, some of which are addressing recycling, which
is a very expensive component of this. Mayor Munson summarized that the answer to many questions
then is we need more data, which should be coming in the next year, and we should be patient until we
receive that data. Councilmember Schimmels said Lincoln County has started an anaerobic digester in the
Fishtrap area; and that is basically for food waste initially, but that could also take the compost which we
are hauling clear to south of Yakima, Roosevelt possibly, so there are some things happening; he said that
Ian Robertson is working with a firm that's a second firm, same comparison of a product; and he said it
gets very complicated as there are multiple players.
Mr. Mercier said that as we are waiting for further information; this creates an opportunity for our
representatives on the appropriate boards to press questions on the issue of governance and a collective
approach to answering the questions posted, so we can make some progress in that regard while waiting
for other material.
Council Regular Meeting:06-09-2009 Page 8 of 9
Approved by Council:06-30-2009
8a. Park Road Reconstruction #2: Broadway to Indiana—Steve Worley [formerly information only item#101
Engineer Worley explained about the status of this project, that a federal grant application was submitted
in 2006 for this improvement; and at that time, it was anticipated that the improvement would coincide
with the Park Road Bridging the Valley Project; that the County had received $5 million at that location
for that project, and we got that grant for the design phase only; adding that we waited so long because we
were so successful with so many other projects, and there are only so many projects which can be
completed in a year; that we anticipate getting started on the design phase, and when the next call comes
out we will submit a grant application for additional funding for the right-of-way phase and/or the right-
of-way construction phase; and said this is just to start that design phase to get a better idea of how much
right-of-way is needed. There was Council consensus to bring this forward for motion consideration at
the next meeting.
INFORMATION ONLY: The Grafos Investment Property (SARP) was for information only and was
not reported or discussed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: N/A
It was moved by Councilmember Schimmels, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
41/A TTES ..
/ ichar@ Vinson,Mayor
• Li.A
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Regular Meeting:06-09-2009 Page 9 of 9
Approved by Council:06-30-2009
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
SIGN-IN SHEET
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DATE: June 9, 2009
YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES
Please sin in if you wish to make public comments.
NAME TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU ADDRESS TELEPHONE
PLEASE PRINT WILL
,-C—NLek-4-iVv•5 .34' 5 VIkri210, 7.26 ?203
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CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
„,,, Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant
a t
(EECBG)
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
• " Energy and persistence
conquer all . "
❑ Benjamin Franklin
1
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
"The Block Grants are a major investment
in energy solutions that will strengthen
America's economy and create jobs at the
local level.
... used for the cheapest, cleanest and
most reliable energy technologies we
have - energy efficiency and conservation
... empower local communities to make
strategic investments to meet the nation's
long term clean energy and climate
goals."
- Secretary Steve Chu
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Recovery Act Funding Overview
o Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy - $16.8 billion
• 10-Fold Increase in Budget
o Weatherization & Intergovernmental - $11.6 B
• Steward of 70% of EERE Recovery Act Funds
• Significant investment in State and Local Govt's
• Weatherization Assistance $ 5.0 B
• State Energy Program $ 3.1 B
• EECBG Program Formula $ 2.8 B
• EECBG Program Competitive $ 400 M
• Appliance Rebate Program $ 300 M
o City of Spokane Valley: Formula Grant
$823,400
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City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Program Purpose
o To spur economic growth and create/retain jobs.
o To assist state, local, and tribal governments in
implementing strategies to:
1. Reduce fossil fuel emissions
2. Reduce total energy use
3. Improve energy efficiency in the transportation,
building, and other appropriate sectors
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Objectives
Recovery Act Objectives
o Spur economic growth and create
jobs
o Transparency & accountability
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City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Objectives
EECBG Objectives
o Save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
o Invest funds for economic stimulus effect now and to
meet long-term energy goals
o Create comprehensive energy strategies that
benchmark current performance and set goals
o Develop programs and projects that will persist beyond
grant period
o Leverage funds with public and private sources
o Coordinate at regional levels
"Frilpr at
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Eligible Use of Funds
o Primarily for energy efficiency and
energy conservation
o Community-wide; not just municipal
buildings and facilities
o Don't have to do capital projects,
can do programs
o Prioritize activities that pay
dividends year after year
4
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Eligible Use of Funds (coned)
1. Strategy Development
2. Building Energy Audits & Retrofits
3. Financial Incentive Programs
4. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs
for Buildings and Facilities, including Retrofits
5. Development and Implementation of
Transportation Programs
6. Building Codes and Enforcement to promote EE
7. Energy Distribution Technologies for EE
including combined heat and power systems &
district heating and cooling systems
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Eligible Use of Funds (cont'd)
8. Material Conservation Programs including
source reduction, recycling, and recycled
content procurement programs
9. Reduction and Capture of Methane and
Greenhouse Gases
10. Traffic Signals and Street Lighting
11. Renewable Energy Technologies on Government
Buildings
12. Any Other Appropriate Activity
5
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Reporting and Measuring Success
o Desired, Measurable Outcomes: 4.4• Jobs created and/or retained r
• Energy saved
• Renewable energy capacity \
• GHG emissions reduced I
• Funds leveraged '°
o Web-based reporting system under development
o Individual output metrics based on activity type
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Grant Application Timeline
o Idea Generation: Through May 7, 2009
o Draft Grant Application: Week of May 25th
o City Council Meeting (s): June 2nd /
June Stn
o Completed Grant Application Due: June
25th mow'
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6
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Fund and Project Implementation
Schedule
o 60-day Review at Federal Level
o Award of Grant, expected Fall '09
o Funds to be obligated/committed
within 18 months of being awarded
o 36-month period of performance
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Project Ideas
7
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Partnering Program :
• Work with AVISTA and Other
• Utilities
• Leverage State and Federal Funds
I • Assist Residential and Commercial
Projects
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Traffic Signals: LED Replacement
Street Lights: LED Replacement
--- . -- -
8
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Traffic Improvements:
• Signal Phasing (flashing yellows)
• Signal Coordination
• Sprague Avenue ITS (University to
Sullivan)
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City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan :
• Creation of Plan including
priorities and cost estimates
• Implementation
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City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Sustainability Chapter for
Comprehensive Plan
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City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Building Audits and Retrofits
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City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Recommended
Projects
City of Spokane Valley EECBG
City Council Meeting June 9, 2009
Project Estimated $ Proposed
EECBG $
Partnering Program TBD 0
Signal LED Replacements 65,000 65,000
Street Light LED Replacements 457,930 0
Signal Phasing (flashing yellow) 105,000 33,550
Signal Coordination 150,000 75,000
Sprague Ave ITS 400,000 400,000
Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan 128,700 38,500
Bike & Ped. Implementation 173,716 100,000
Sustainability Chapter in CP 189,200 88,000
City Facility Audits & Retrofits 163,933 5,350
Pre-Award Consultant Costs 18,000 18,000
Total 1,851,479 823,400
11
Spokane Valley City Council 06/09/09
Studded Tires
I would ask the Council to give further consideration to endorsing the
elimination of the use of studded tires. As a professional driver making
deliveries for over 60 years I sincerely believe that studded tires increase
the safety of drivers on the road, not just for traction but the ability to
stop or maintain control on ice covered roads. Other winter tires,
although vastly improved, do not have that ability to stop as quickly.
The Cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley are the economic center of a
vast region, serving Eastern Washington, Northern and Central Idaho.
This area includes plains, mountains, hills and valleys and has severe
winter conditions that create hazardous driving conditions. Anything
that will increase the safety of driving in these conditions should be
considered. Studded tires are the choice of many who live in these areas.
If indeed Washington bans studded tires will that keep the regions
customers from Idaho from coming to Spokane Valley? I can envision
our police dept. going to the Valley Mall and ticketing all the Idaho
vehicles with studded tires?
Again I ask that you do not endorse the elimination of studded tires and
instead consider other means to decrease their use, such as a public
campaign and/or a tax instead of making them illegal. I understand
that they damage roads; however I sincerely believe that other
alternatives are available to decrease that damage.
I understand this is a feel good idea, but please give it further
consideration.
Thank you,
Dick Behm
p
vI11''J® 11707 E Sprague Ave Suite 106 ❑ Spokane Valley WA 99206
509.921.1000 0 Fax:509.921.1008 ❑cityhall @spokanevalley.org
June 10, 2009
Spokane Area Good Roads Association -
PO Box 14009
Spokane Valley WA 99214-4009
Re: Use of Non-Studded Winter Tires
On June 9, 2009, the Spokane Valley City Council voted to authorize and send this
letter of support encouraging our citizens to use non-studded tires for winter driving in
Washington State. Due to improvements in vehicle design for traction control and the
advent of superior compounds in dedicated winter tires, it is apparent that the use of
studs in winter tires is no longer an advantage. The damage to our road system caused
by the use of studded tires has resulted in precarious road conditions due to ruts and
loss of traction in rainy conditions.
The sale of non-studded tires should be encouraged for all citizens. We also encourage
the State of Idaho to consider a program endorsing the use of non-studded tires as we
have many Idaho residents traveling to our city on a daily basis.
We will ask our state legislators to support legislation that will encourage the use of non-
studded tires for winter tires. Thank you for your advocacy of this issue.
Sincerely,,,
Richard M. Munson, Mayor
RMM/skp
•