2020, 10-22 Special McMorris-RogersMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Special Meeting
1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020
Attendance:
Councilmembers:
Ben Wick, Mayor
Brandi Peetz, Deputy Mayor
Pam Haley, Councilmember
Tim Hattenburg, Councilmember
Rod Higgins, Councilmember
Linda Thompson, Councilmember *
Absent:
Arne Woodard, Councilmember
Staff:
Mark Calhoun City Manager
John Hohman, Deputy City Manager
Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Honored Guests:
Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers
Mr. Patrick Bell, Eastern Wa. District Director
Mayor Wick called the meeting to order via ZOOM at 1:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present except
Councilmembers Woodard and Thompson. It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded and
unanimously agreed to excuse Councilmembers Woodard and Thompson. [*Councilmember Thompson
stated later that she had been in attendance since the beginning of the meeting, could hear the meeting, but
had technical difficulties.]
WELCOME: Mayor Wick welcomed everyone to the meeting, and thanked Representative McMorris-
Rodgers and Mr. Patrick Bell for attending.
Spokane Valley Federal Legislative Agenda: Mayor Wick briefly went over the transportation projects
noted on the Legislative Agenda, and Deputy City Manager Hohman explained more about the Bigelow
Sullivan joint project with Spokane County. Representative McMorris-Rodgers mentioned that she was
informed by Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao that someone in her office would be willing to review
these projects and give insights. Mr. Hohman mentioned that we have taken advantage of those services,
have developed a good rapport with Ms. Chao, and have an upcoming conversation scheduled to discuss
the Pines Grade Separation. The Pines Road/BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project was also briefly
discussed with Mr. Hohman explaining that we are making very good progress; that HDR Engineering is
in the design stage; that we were fortunate to have obtained some large parcels needed for the north piece
roundabout; that there have been ongoing discussions with Avista and BNSF on a piece of property; and
that there is a potential for a donation from Avista provided we put in parking and a new connection to the
Centennial Trail; adding that we are short of the actual construction funds at this time.
Distribution of CARES Act Funds: Mayor Wick thanked Representative McMorris-Rodgers for her
efforts; that we were initially allocated about $4.7 million, then were allocated an additional $1.4 million
later; and he briefly mentioned some of the information contained on the Request for Council Action form.
At 1:46 p.rn., via phone-in, Councilmember Thompson mentioned that she had been attempting to get into
the meeting, and was able to hear the meeting; she noted the CARES funds helped with physical and mental
health issues as many people in our community need treatment and many are falling out of recovery.
Representative McMorris-Rodgers extended thanks to Council for their work and said she appreciates
hearing about the CARES funding; said Congress continues working on an additional relief package and
she is hopeful that will be forthcoming perhaps after the election; said she met with the Director of
Agriculture who told her that prior to COVID, about 700,000 people got food from food banks, and today
Council Minutes: 10-22-2020 Page 1 of 2
Approved by Council: 11-10-2020
that number is about 2.2 million; said she appreciates our City allocating funds to help with internet, and
the COVID has shown us the importance of closing that digital divide and said that will be a big priority in
the next package; and added of course there are always more projects then funds can cover.
Mayor Wick again thanked Representative McMorris-Rodgers for her time today.
It was moved by Councilmember Higgins„seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 1:54 p.m.
Ben Wick, Mayor
'stine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Minutes: 10-22-2020 Page 2 of 2
Approved by Council: 11-10-2020