2020, 04-07 Study Session MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Study Session Format
Tuesday,April 7, 2020
Mayor Wick called the meeting to order at 6 pm. The meeting was held in City Hall with Council and staff
participating via ZOOM.
Ben Wick,Mayor Mark Calhoun City Manager
Brandi Peetz, Deputy Mayor John Hohman,Deputy City Manager
Pam Haley, Councilmember Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Tim Hattenburg, Councilmember Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
Rod Higgins, Councilmember Mike Stone, Parks &Rec Director
Linda Thompson, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Arne Woodard, Councilmember Bill Helbig, City Engineer
Mike Basinger, Economic Dev. Manager
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz, seconded and unanimously agreed to
approve the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Proposed Resolution 20-006, Delegating Authority—Cary Driskell
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz and seconded to approve Resolution 20-006 delegating authority
relating to acquisition and disposition of certain types of real property interests. City Attorney Driskell
explained that the only part that changed as a result of the last discussion on this topic, was the amount
under Resolution Section 1;that staff researched several projects over the past several years and determined
there were no acquisitions between $50,000 to $100,000 so he said he reduced the threshold from last
week's recommended $100,000, to $50,000 as currently shown in the resolution, and explained that that
was the only change from the previous draft discussed at the March 31 Council meeting. There were no
comments. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
2. Proposed Resolution 20-007 Authorizing Submittal of RCO Grant Applications—Mike Stone
It was moved by Councilmember Hattenburg and seconded to approve Resolution 20-007 authorizing grant
applications through the Washington Recreation Conservation Office(RCO)for Balfour Park Development
and the Flora Road Property Acquisition. Parks & Recreation Director Stone explained that as we are
interested in applying for a development grant for Balfour Park and for the Flora Road Property acquisition,
that the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) requires a resolution; he said there is a
50%required local match for both these grants; he also noted state grant assistance is requested by the City
to aid in financing the cost of both projects; he said that the City would be requesting $500,000 for the
Balfour Project, and $I million for the Flora Road property acquisition. Mr. Stone noted it is challenging
to have a project that would appeal to citizens and still be competitive in the grant process;that the Flora
property is offset by the Spokane River; and that citizens and Councilmembers have expressed their
preference of having a project to enhance the existing Balfour Park;and that we need a presence on Sprague,
and he mentioned maybe a plaza or having something connect to City Hall.Mr. Stone also noted the grant
deadline was moved from May 1 to June 1; he said we would be able to participate in a technical review;
that we could expect to hear something in October about the grant, and if successful, funds should be
available after July I, 2021. Mr. Calhoun remarked that it is our understanding that the award
recommendations would go to the legislature to appropriate the necessary funds and that Mr. Stone
Council Meeting Minutes:04-07-2020 Page 1 of 6
Approved by Council:04-28-2020
confirmed he is waiting for confirmation from RCO on that issue. City Clerk Bainbridge noted one written
e-mail was received from Mr. West indicating his support of the resolution. There were no other public
comments.
Council discussion included an idea from Councilmember Thompson about including the boy and girl
scouts or camp fire groups to do a presentation in support of the application.Mr. Stone stated that there are
two aspects of the application; i.e. need and community support and said staff is finalizing groups who
would be willing to submit support letters; for need he stated the dire need for additional park property
which is clearly stated in the Master Plan and that we have clearly heard from citizens about their desire for
more park property. Mayor Wick asked if the two projects would be competing against each other and Mr.
Stone said there is a percentage of funds for acquisition,and that he feels both grants fit well in this category;
and in response to a question from Councilmember Haley,he noted we have not asked for support from our
legislative delegation.
The issue of project cost was also discussed and whether to reduce the scope of the project with Mr. Stone
explaining that such scope reduction would need to be identified in the application; he also noted any
reduction would not be able to be done after the fact. The verbiage in the third whereas recital of the
resolution was discussed where it states the City spent $2.5 million for acquisition of the property with an
additional$2.4 million committed in local funds toward park development. After further discussion about
the scope and funding,and mention by City Attorney Driskell that with the changed deadline of June there
is some time to make an adjustment to this resolution prior to approval, Councilmember Hattenburg
withdrew his motion with no objection from Council. Mr. Calhoun said the resolution figures in the recital
will be changed and staff will report back to Council again as to what a $I million project would be with
$500,000 of city funds, and other frontage improvements.
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
3. 2020 BUILD Grant Application—Adam Jackson
Standing in for Mr. Jackson, Deputy City Manager Hohman explained about the BUILD grant application
and of the May 19 due date; and said that staff wants to see what happens with the state funding budget and
will continue coordinating with Spokane County.Via his new PowerPoint,Mr. Hohman explained the three
scenarios and what each entails, with scenario I maximizing 80% of federal funds which reduces the risk
of having to have higher `other funds,' and might allow future applications to reduce the BUILD request
amount; scenario 2 with a BUILD request of 50% of the project cost which is a lower request than 2019,
maintains the risk of higher other funds, and might not allow future applications to reduce the BUILD
request amount; and scenario 3 where the County's share of the joint application would stay at
approximately$10 million and the City's request to BUILD would be reduced to about$15 million,which
would require the City's share to secure an additional estimated $11.6 million for the Sullivan and Trent
interchange project. Mr. Hohman said those funds would be difficult to come up with under normal
circumstances, but in today's world, it would be impossible. He also mentioned a concern of taking this
project forward and having it weaken our INFRA application because he explained that if you give USDOT
two options, one with more of a local match, they will always go with the option of us paying more locally.
Mr. Hohman said that he knows the County will be applying for their separate Bigelow Gulch project and
that there is some talk of the federal government coming up with a new stimulus package as part of the
COVID-19 relief process; said our federal lobbyist reports that he hasn't heard definitely but that it might
focus first on small businesses, Mr, Holtman further explained that we would hate to be in a position if a
stimulus package with federally channeled funds would go through an existing grant program, and us not
having our projects in line; said he believes our best course is to take the application like we did in 2019
and hire HDR to update the benefiticost ratio and submit it by May 18;he said we would still look for some
letters of support but the more important letters for us would be from the three members of the federal
Council Meeting Minutes:04-07-2020 Page 2 of 6
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delegation; said we believe this is a strong project and the project is on our federal agenda as one of our
highest priorities.
There was lengthy discussion including comments about safety and grade crossings; of the need for us to
apply and that the economic impact of COVID-19 will be huge so we would be looking at possible ways
to get people back to work; mention from Mayor Wick of his hesitance with Bigelow and his preference to
fund the Bigelow/Sullivan combined project but that we also don't want to do anything that would adversely
affect our INFRA grant. Councilmember Woodard mentioned his preference for scenario 1.
Councilmember Hattenburg said he also likes scenario 1 and asked if would be possible to have the grant
approved with a lesser amount. Mr. Hohman said that is possible and we usually ask for a little more than
we actually receive. Mr. Holtman also mentioned that staff conducted interviews with representatives from
two engineering firms for the Pines design, and said a selection will be made soon. Finally, it was
determined that Council had no objection to moving forward with scenario 1. It was agreed that a motion
consideration will be brought to Council at next week's meeting.
4. Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) Requalification--Mike Basinger
Via his PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Manager Basinger explained a little about the
purpose,partners and roles of entities associated with the CDBG;entitlement eligibility,project types,some
of our funding history with the CDBG,funding limits, and entitlement options,including the option of what
we are currently doing, which is we have deferred our status as an entitlement grantee and we participate
as a part of the urban county, and that we have done so since 2003; he said this option gives us a 20% set-
aside which together with other projects funded to other entities in our community, grants our community
about $600,000 for projects. He further explained that under option 1 of accepting the status as an
entitlement grantee,we would have to add staff and could only use 20% of those funds as support staff; he
said he conducted research several years ago and it was estimated then that we would need about three full
time employees to handle the program.
There was discussion about the difference between us and the City of Spokane and of formula options of
focusing on poverty or overcrowding and that there are some areas of the City of Spokane that suffer
extreme poverty and overcrowding; questions about what would happen with the County if we were to take
option 2, which is for us to accept the status as an entitlement grantee and enter into a joint agreement with
Spokane County. Mr.Basinger said he contacted the County and they thought they would be able to remain
as an entitlement and have our community as an entitlement due to having the sole source aquifer.
Councilmember Woodard said he would like to stay with option 4,the status quo option,for at least another
three years and see what happens with the stimulus packet and that the public would be better served with
the amount we are doing now.Councilmember Higgins agreed with the idea of staying as we are for another
three years.There was some Council discussion about our municipality not getting credit or recognition for
our commitment and involvement in these types of projects,and Councihnember Higgins reminded Council
that CDBG doesn't have anything to do with the homelessness issues where we hear talk about us not
participating,and he noted the surrounding area is very cognizant of who we are.Councilmember Woodard
concurred that this is not connected with homeless programs as the CDBG deals with infrastructure.
The interlocal agreement was also briefly discussed with Mr. Basinger pointing out that paragraph numbers
2, 13 and 14 explicitly sets out that we may not participate in a HOME consortium except through the
County, and that we would participate in the Regional County Homeless Program and Regional Affordable
Housing Trust Fund program;and that the HCDAC,or the County's Housing and Community Development
Advisory Committee reviews the program and makes recommendations to the Board of County
Commissioners for funding of applicant proposals.
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There was general Council consensus that none of the Councilmembers wants option 1 or 3; that staff will
do further research on option 2 including contacting the County for their viewpoint on us taking that option,
to get more information on the trust fund,and to come back for a motion consideration at a future meeting.
5. Gambling Tax: Punchboards and Pulltabs—Chelsie Taylor
Finance Director Taylor explained that at the March 24, 2020 Council meeting, a Councilmember
mentioned that he had a request from a business, that the City waive gambling taxes for punchboards and
pull tabs for two quarters in 2020 due to the economic hardship being experienced as a result of the current
pandemic, and Council agreed that staff would bring forth an administrative report at a future meeting.
Director Taylor stated that the City collected$76,573 in taxes on punchboards and pull tabs in 2019,and if
taxes were waived,that would mean a reduction in revenues of approximately$19,000 per quarter; and she
noted if all gambling taxes were based on total collections,that would mean an estimated revenue reduction
of approximately $105,000 per quarter. Director Taylor said that since the last conversation from the dais,
she has received a total of three e-mails making a request to waive taxes, Councilmember Higgins said
when he was initially contacted by a business, that person said they were speaking on behalf of several
people who felt as that person felt.Councilmember Higgins added that if we were to waive those taxes after
mid-March, due to the current economy and business closures, those waived taxes would be substantially
less than the $38,000 for two quarters.
Councilmember Haley stated that she was contacted by some businesses and there was discussion about
some money coming from the federal government for small business, but she added that $10,000 in
assistance won't even pay payroll taxes; she said small businesses will be in trouble so we need to offer
some help. There was brief discussion about how the tax is paid and Ms. Taylor noted that tax, along with
the telephone tax, is remitted directly to the City; she also noted the first quarter tax due date is generally
April 1.There were some suggestions about postponing the tax versus waiving it; or whether to waive some
or all;and if extending the deadline,what would be the new deadline date. City Attorney Driskell reminded
everyone that the first quarter is already past and under Washington law, we cannot forgive a tax due;
however, he said we could discuss extending the time to pay; and he suggested if Council wants to do
something in that regard,that it should be done before the second quarter taxes are due.
Councilmember Thompson said she supports delaying the payment and she recognizes this is a special
request from a special sector of business; but if we give one type of business a break, there are plenty of
others who could use some assistance too; said she cannot support waiving the taxes on pull tabs or
punchboards but is not opposed to a two month delay. Deputy Mayor Peetz said she too is not opposed to
postpone the taxes and agrees with Councilmember Thompson's comments as all small businesses are
taking hard hits; she also noted that these establishments can still sell food and liquor so there are other
ways to get revenues;said she knows we need to remain fiscally responsible while taking care of businesses
and she agrees with delaying the payment, but doesn't want to waive the tax. There was discussion about
how long to delay each quarter's tax and what the deadline should be and Mr. Driskell suggested he and
Finance Director Taylor look at what a logical timeframe would be based on past payments,and then come
back to Council and make a recommendation. Councilmember Hattenburg also noted that he doesn't want
the public to think Council is favoring one type of business over another. Based on the discussion, Mr.
Calhoun asked if Council would be in favor of extending the deadline to pay the first and second quarter
taxes or if Council would like to waive the taxes. All Councilmembers except Councilmember Woodard
concurred to extend the deadline rather than waive the taxes; and Mr. Calhoun said that staff will bring this
issue back to Council for a determination as soon as possible.
6.Lodging Tax Update--Erik Lamb, Chelsie Taylor
Finance Director Taylor gave a brief background of the Lodging Tax Funds and associated 2%hotel/motel
tax; she also mentioned the additional 1.3% portion dedicated to capital facilities which funds are put into
Fund 104,which as of December 31, 2019, has a balance of over$2.6 million. Director Taylor went over
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Approved by Council:04-28-2020
the allocation of awards approved by Council at their December 2019 meeting, which is as shown on page
two of her Request for Action Form; and she informed everyone that we were notified that Oktoberfest
would not be held. Director Taylor said we know our revenues won't measure up when it comes to making
the payments on these allocations and that there will be an impact to the lodging tax revenues.
Deputy City Attorney Lamb explained that staff doesn't have all the necessary information tonight about
the full impact we will be facing, and said tonight is just to give Council an opportunity to think about it;
he said staff has some options for Council to consider but he and Ms. Taylor are not looking for any
direction tonight; and that staff will return once we have more information on trending revenues. Mr. Lamb
said that the City has entered into agreements with all the recipients listed on the chart, and reminded
Council that disbursements are given on a reimbursement basis. Mr. Lamb stated that we have never
encountered anything like this before where we wouldn't have sufficient funds and the agreements did not
address what kind of allocation would be made if there were a lack of funds; he said he feels at this time
that all recipients awards would be pro-rata based on the total amount of funds collected, and that all
agreements will be amended to make that clear.
Mr. Lamb said there are options to address the decreased collections: (I) allocate available 2% funds to
applicants first and any remaining collections to Fund 104; (2) re-allocate available 2020 funds to fewer
number of applicants; or (3) re-allocate money in Fund #104 that was originally allocated from the 2%
portion, to the 2020 applicants. Mr. Lamb stressed that under all options, since Council already approved
the 2020 awards and agreements have been executed,any change to an allocation would require review and
comment from the LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee). Mr. Lamb also noted that the City doesn't
transfer funds into fund 104 until the end of the year. He stated that ultimately any action would have to
take some kind of motion to indicate the desire to fund the first 9 agencies (minus Oktoberfest); and that
any remaining funds beyond that $310,600 would be put into fund 104, keeping in mind that it would be
far less than the $450,000 indicated. Again Mr. Lamb said that any change in use of revenues would have
to be reviewed by the LTAC and then Council could modify or move forward from there. Mr. Lamb said
staff does not have a specific date of when to come back with more information and Ms. Taylor indicated
that some collection of lodging taxes have been moved out to June so we won't know about those funds
until sometime in July.
Councilmember Thompson commented that it would be good to know how many recipients would still be
able to do their projects. Mr. Calhoun noted that some of the grants would be used almost exclusively for
marketing purposes so there is a difference between a project or event and marketing; that if an event were
not to occur,then we would not pay. Mr.Lamb reiterated that any change in funding would have to go back
to the LTAC since they already made their recommendations and Council also made allocations, and that
agreements have been entered into. Mr.Calhoun said staff will contact each of the nine remaining recipients
to determine their intentions, and Council concurred. It was also suggested that if one agency decided they
could not do their activity,and another agency determined they just needed more funds,maybe funds could
be redistributed; and Mr. Lamb again stressed that Council could not do that without going to the LTAC
and that we would have to look at each particular circumstance. Mr. Lamb said since we know that
Oktoberfest won't happen,those funds would go back into the fund unless Council wants to make a different
award; but the change would have to go back to the LTAC for review. In summary, Mr. Lamb said staff
will contact the remaining nine agencies to see how and if each wants to move forward; that this will be
discussed again. It was also decided that the proposed letter to each award recipient would not be necessary.
7. Advance Agenda—Mayor Wick
Councilmember Haley mentioned that Meals on Wheels has had a huge increase in clientele due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, which increase was not budgeted; said just for those new Spokane Valley clients
they would need about$8000 and if this continues until August,they would need about$23,400; she also
mentioned that many of their volunteers are elderly and should not be going out delivering meals,but mostly
Council Meeting Minutes:04-07-2020 Page 5 of 6
Approved by Council:04-28-2020
she would like to discuss at a future meeting,the initial$8,000 need.Mayor Wick suggested Council handle
this emergency in much the same manner as we did with Spokane Valley Partners, and there were no
objections from Council to bring this back to a future meeting for further consideration.
8. Council Check-in—Mayor Wick
Mayor Wick announced that he received a request for our Council to sign and send a letter to the Governor
asking that residential construction be opened; said he received a letter just prior to the meeting tonight to
sign on with regional mayors, and that Council has a copy of the draft letter for our Council before them.
There was discussion about whether to just send the joint letter or just our own or both, and it was
determined to send both. Several Councilmembers mentioned the need to get the construction going again
and of the hardship not only on the workers,but on those waiting for their homes to be completed,as waiting
means those incomplete homes might not be secure, and many people are stuck with no place to go while
they wait for their homes to be finished. Councilmembers agreed to send both letters.
9. City Manager Comments--Mark Calhoun
City Manager Calhoun said that based on the Governor's recent announcement to extend the stay home
stay healthy proclamation through May 4, our City will do likewise, which includes keeping the Senior
Center closed through May 4, cancelling Parks and Recreation programs and play structures; and keeping
City Hall doors closed; he also mentioned that about half of our work force is alternating working from
home and City Hall and that we are doing everything we can to adhere to social distancing; and he remarked
how productive the staff has been in these circumstances and said that is a testament to our workforce.
Mayor Wick added that he will be participating in a town hall-type meeting tomorrow from 6:00 to 7:00
p.m. with Spokane Mayor Woodward and County Commissioner French, to talk about what we are all
doing concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it will be an opportunity to hear questions from the
public; he said a public service announcement is coming out soon on how to participate.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
1
ATI S : Ben Wick,Mayor
LA-1/4.4-1k1,
Office of the City Clerk -
Council Meeting Minutes:04-07-2020 Page 6 of 6
Approved by Council:04-28-2020
Written Comments: 04-07-2020
Item #2 - in favor
Chris Bainbridge
From: Robert West <refman50@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 9:40 AM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: RCO Grant for Acquisition of Flora Property
For Meeting April 7, 2020
I am in favor in going forward with this acquisition and grant application. •
Bob West
Spokane Valley,WA
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments
or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
1
4/7/2020
Potential Grant Opportunity PP tY
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)
April 7, 2020
Adam Jackson, P.E., Planning &Grants Engineer
Community & Public Works
Spol�an�
�iValley°
BUILD Considerations -- Scenario 1 s °
Pines Road/BNSF GSP — Maximize 80% of Federal Funds
• 2019 BUILD App: Future Eligible Project Costs
Status Source Amount %of Total
• $17.6 M BUILD request Requested BUILD $ 17,886,500 62%
• $2.5 M City secured Federal Secured CRISI $ 1,246,500 4%
Secured STBG $ 3,795,000 13%
• $5.4 M "Other"assumed Subtotal $ 22,928,000 80%
• 2020 Scenario 1 Notes: Status Source Amount %of Total
Secured City $ 3,700,000 13%
• Similar request as 2019 Non-Federal Expected BNSF $ 300,000 1%
• Reduces the risk of Other(City,FMSIB,TIB) $ 1,732,000 6%
higher"Other"funds Subtotal $ 5,732,000 20%
Total Future Eligible Project Cost $ 28;660,000 100%
• May allow future
applications to reduce Previously lnccurred Project Costs
BUILD request amount Status Source Amount
Non-Federal Expended City $ 1,000,000
1
4/7/2020
BUILD Considerations --- Scenario 2 *Mane
Pines Road/BNSF GSP — BUILD Request of 50% Project Cost
■ 2019 BUILD App: Future Eligible Project Costs
Status Source Amount %of Total
• $17.6 M BUILD request Requested BUILD $ 14,330,000 50%
■ $2S M City secured Federal Secured CRI51 $ 1,246,500 4%
■ $5.4 M "Other"assumed Secured STBG $ 3,795,000 13%
Subtotal $ 19,371,500 68%
■ 2020 Scenario 2 Notes: Status Source Amount %of Total
Secured City $ 3,700,000 13%
• Lower request than 2019 Non-Federal Expected BNSF $ 300,000 1%
• Maintains risk of higher Other(City,FMSIB,TIB) $ 5,288,500 18%
Subtotal $ 9,288,500 32%
"Other"fundsTotal Future Eligible Project Cost $ 28,660,000 100%
• May not allow future
applications to reduce Previously Inccurred Project costs
BUILD request amount Status Source Amount _ _
Non-Federal Expended City $ 1,000,000
BUILD Considerations — Scenario 3 *Wane
Bigelow-Sullivan App Future Eligible Project costs
• 2020 INFRA A Status Source Amount %of Total
pp• Requested BUILD($10.6M Cnty+$14.4M CSV) $ 25,000,000 38%
Federal
• $33.2 M INFRA request Secured FHWA(Via Spokane County) $ 8,412,616 13%
• $10.6M County request subtotal $ 33,412,616 51%
■ $22.6M City request Status Source Amount %of Total
• Unsecured$3,533N Secured City($500k+FHWA Match$) $ 1,124,005 2%
Non-Federal Secured State+Local(Via Spokane Cnty) $ 19,413,097 30%
• 2020 Scenario 3 Notes: Expected Other(City,FMSIB,TIB) $ 11,650,282 18%
• Max BUILD: $25 M Subtotal $ 32,187,384 49%
Total Future Eligible Project Cost $ 65,600,000 100%
• $10,6M County request to
be same as INFRA
Previously Inccurred Project Costs
• $22.6M City INFRA request Agency Project Amount
to be reduced to fit$25M City Sullivan Corridor $ 494,562
max.
• Unsecured$11.7M County Bigelow-Gulch Project $ 5,623,814
2
SlokaneCITY COUNCIL
� \Talley r 10210 E Sprague Avenue ♦ Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509)720-5000 i Fax: (509)720-5075 ♦ www.spokanevalley.org
April 7, 2020
Governor Jay Inslee
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia WA 98504-0002
Dear Governor Inslee:
The City of Spokane Valley implores you to reconsider your recent moratorium on the
construction of single-family residences within Washington State. The initial proclamations
issued categorized construction development as an essential business. It is the position of the
City of Spokane Valley that construction of single-family homes should remain an essential
function during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
Within the City of Spokane Valley there is a significant need for affordable housing. By issuing
a moratorium on development of single-family residences, it will have the effect of further
distancing the affordability gap within our community. There is no doubt these are
unprecedented times for our State and Nation. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak is forecasted
to have a significant impact on our local, national, and global economy. By enacting restrictions
on single-family residential development, this is perpetuating the economic divide, impacting
revenue sources for our constituents and local government agencies.
The City of Spokane Valley has received assurance from the development community of their
ability to maintain safe social distancing practices while maintaining the continuity of
construction services. Per the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advisory memo provided on March 28, 2020 residential
construction is a recognized essential critical infrastructure work function during the COVID-19
illness. We urge you to consider implementing an amendment to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy
Proclamation to allow for the development of single-family homes,
Sincerely,
Ben Wick, Mayor
On Behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council
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April 7, 2020
The Honorable Jay Inslee
Governor
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
Re: Residential Construction Non-Essential Determination
Dear Governor Inslec,
As Mayors in Washington, we fully recognize the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19
pandemic outbreak, and appreciate the leadership and actions you and your office have taken to
slow the spread of the disease to keep our citizens safe and healthy. We arc in this together, and
so it is imperative we recognize the unique challenges that each community across the state faces
during this time. With this in mind, we implore you to reconsider your recent designation of
residential construction activities as a non-essential activity.
Many cities in Eastern Washington arc facing a housing shortage. With less than a 2% rental
vacancy rate, we have a significant need for affordable housing—especially single-family
residences. By enacting restrictions on single-family residential construction through the 'Stay
I-come, Stay Healthy' order, the affordability gap and economic divide in our community will
continue to grow during a time when unity and flexibility is so important. In fact, the Department
of Homeland Security's Cybersccurity and Infrastructure Security Agency(CISA) advisory
memo provided on March 28, 2020 recognizes that residential construction is an essential critical
infrastructure work function during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The City of Spokane recognizes the need to ensure social distancing measures to flatten the
curve and save lives during the health emergency we are facing, and we have received assurance
from the development community of their ability to maintain safe social distancing practices
while continuing this vital construction service. With this assurance, we urge you to consider
implementing an amendment to the `Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order to allow for construction
activities on single-family homes to continue.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
41 .1 A/ f : / p. «i
N I d'ne Woodward Ben Wick
a +or, City of Spokane Mayor, City of Spokane Valley
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