2021, 08-10 Formal Meeting MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Mayor Wick called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in City Hall with Council, staff
and some members of the public participating in person; and some members of the public participating
remotely via Zoom meeting.
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
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 Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Rod Higgins, Councilmember Bill Helbig, City Engineer
Linda Thompson, Councilmember Morgan Koudelka, Sr. Admin. Analyst
Arne Woodard, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks,Rec, Facilities Director
Erik Lamb,Deputy City Attorney
Marty Palaniuk, Planner
Gloria Mantz, Engineering Manager
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Mike Szott of Living Hope Community Church gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council, staff and the audience stood for 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 Peetz, seconded, and unanimously agreed
to amend the agenda to add a new item, motion to purchase real property; this will occur right before the
Consent Agenda. It was then moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz, seconded and unanimously agreed, to approve
the amended agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: n/a
COMMITTEE,BOARD,LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS
Councilmember Thompson: reported that she attended some National Night Out parties where there were
great conversations and lots of games and opportunities to talk about the new legislation impacting law
enforcement;said she attended the Farmers Market;went to the Spokane Regional Transportation Council
(SRTC)orientation and said they are getting ready for their new executive director;said she is on the AWC
(Association of Washington Cities)Board and they received word that AWC's CEO Peter King announced
his retirement after 45 years with the AWC.
Councilmember Higgins: said he also attended some National Night Out parties; and via zoom, attended
the Aging and Long Term Care meeting, and that based on their membership survey, they will probably
continue meeting via zoom; and that part of the Aging and Long term Care,said that the dementia resource
catalyst group received $375,000 to be allocated among their participating five counties and that they also
have rent increase vouchers to help with the rents that have increased sharply; that the vouches will be
financed by American Rescue Plan funds that have not yet been spent; said the Long Term Care group
continues with their move to North Point,which should be completed within the next few months;and said
he attended the fireball tour this afternoon in Spokane Valley.
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Approved by Council: 08-24-2021
Councilmember Haley: mentioned that STA (Spokane Transit Authority) does not meet in the month of
August; said there have been numerous emails and texts between STA members because of the new
legislation dealing with law enforcement; said there can't be Limited Commission Officers, which means
the security with STA can no longer have a limited commission; that they are uncertain of all the
ramifications of that but some of it includes the security officers can no longer carry pepper spray or
handcuffs and that those security officers have been a big help on the buses and on the plaza in keeping the
number of assaults and crimes down; said she attended the Continuum of Care meeting and that she is on
the grant approval committee, and that they are going through the steps of scoring grant requests; said they
are still having trouble getting housing for the people who want housing due to lack of availability.
Councilmember Woodard: said that he also attended several National Night Out parties;went to the fireball
tour today and said the company will have about 800 new employees per shift,and that's during their slow
time.
Councilmember Hattenburg: mentioned he too attended the tour today and that the building is huge and
could likely fit about 12 football fields in it; said he attended some National Night Out gatherings,and there
was a lot of talk about not tying the hands of police officials; said he attended a capital kickoff for a project
for a performing arts center,which would be located in the Mirabeau Park area by the Tru Hilton;that they
are going to purchase five acres and have so far raised about$6 million out of a needed $25 million which
they hope to raise through endowments, grants, and private donations, that this project will be about three
years or more in the making, and said that this group is not affiliated with the City of Spokane Valley.
Deputy Mayor Peetz: said she attended the Chamber Board meeting where they had talked about having
incubator space in their new building, but decided against that and are instead, looking for tenants; she
attended the Regional Transportation meeting; went to the tour of Ridgeline High School; participated in
National Night Out; went to the Government Action Committee where it was learned our unemployment
rate is back to pre-pandemic levels; said they talked about the upcoming long-term care which will be
implemented soon; and said she attended the Fireball tour.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Wick reported that he attended some National Night Out parties, went to the fireball building tour
which he said included some interesting technology; attended the SRTC meeting and mentioned that the
new director starts Monday, and that they also chose new legal counsel; and he reminded everyone of the
Farmers Market held Friday evenings at CenterPlace.
• PROCLAMATION: n/a
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY [11:
Mayor Wick explained the process and invited public comment. There were no comments offered, either
via Zoom or in person.
New Item: Motion to purchase real property.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute
any paperwork necessary to purchase the real property whose street address is 12614 East Sprague
Avenue, Spokane County, parcel number 45222.0313, consistent with the terms set forth in the purchase
and sale agreement and any addendums, executed by the parties on or about July 29, 2021; the purchase
price is $2,225,000 plus normal costs associated with a transaction of this nature. City Attorney Driskell
explained that the property in question is the former White Elephant building, and said the property should
secure ample space for law enforcement well into the future. Mayor Wick invited public comment; no
comments were offered. Mr. Driskell also noted there are no immediate plans for the building, but that a
space analysis will be conducted. Vote by acclamation: In favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion
carried.
Council Meeting Minutes,Formal: 08-10-2021 Page 2 of 5
Approved by Council: 08-24-2021
NEW BUSINESS:
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.
Proposed Motion:I move to approve the Consent Agenda.
a. Approval of Claim Vouchers on Aug 10, 2021, Request for Council Action Form: $1,942,393.99
b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending July 31, 2021: $587,014.80
c. Approval of July 20,2021 Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session Format
d. Approval of July 27,2021 Council Meeting Minutes,Formal Format
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda.
2. Second Reading Ordinance 21-010 Batch Text Amendments—Marty Palaniuk
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz and seconded to
approve Ordinance No. 21-010 as proposed. Planner Palaniuk explained that the purpose of this ordinance
is to relocate the regulations governing cargo containers, and add a reference to the R-4 zone in applicable
sections of the zoning code. Vote by acclamation:In favor: unanimous. Opposed.' none. Motion carried.
3. Motion Consideration: Council Goals &Priorities for Use of Lodging Tax—Chelsie Taylor
Finance Director Taylor noted there are two motions,to be taken one at a time. (1)It was moved by Deputy
Mayor Peetz and seconded to approve the Council goals and priorities for the use of lodging tax revenues
as written. Finance Director Taylor explained that these goals and priorities were presented to Council as
an admin report July 20, and there have been no changes. There were no public comments. Vote by
acclamation:In favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
(2) It was moved by Deputy Mayor Peetz and seconded to authorize staff to submit an application to the
LTAC for a new building at the Spokane Fair&Expo Center using amounts in the Hotel/Motel Tax-Tourism
Facilities Fund#104. Director Taylor stated that also at that July 20 Council meeting, the question arose
about the process for bringing forward an application for the City to use the funding in the Hotel/Motel
Fund 104, and after discussion, staff concluded that an application could be made during the same LTAC
(Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) meeting in October when the Committee considers the awards for the
2% lodging tax; she added that if this motion passes, staff will start working on an application to get before
the LTAC, and she stated that we would want to tie up all the $2.8 million as well as any future revenues
until the building is completely funded. There were no public comments. Vote by acclamation: In favor:
unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY [21: Mayor Wick invited public comment. It was
noted that no one had signed up viz zoom to comment. In person comments: Mr. John Harding, Spokane
Valley: spoke about the situation with police officers and that the legislature has tied the hands of the law
enforcement officers; mentioned about whether this was being negotiated with the unions; said we need to
look at ways to enhance our enforcement situation now to help an officers better perform their duty; said
he also feels it is value well spent to have a K9; and that he would also like to look at drones as they are
safe and efficient ways to inspect an area from a distance; adding that he also understands that GPS
technology exists for identifying where shots have been fn-ed.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
4. Spokane County Stabilization Center Briefing—Cary Driskell,Morgan Koudelka
City Attorney Driskell introduced Spokane County consultant Ariane Schmidt, of Integrate Technology,
and Pioneer Human Services Regional Director Dan Sigler. Via his PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Sigler
talked about the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center (working title MHCSF aka Mental Health Crisis
Stabilization Facility); he mentioned that this would be a pre-booking jail diversion option for eligible
individuals, which will be located at 1302 W Gardner Avenue; he noted the operating model, showed the
floor plan design, and went over the estimated timeline showing the facility opening in October; and it was
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Approved by Council: 08-24-2021
noted the more open floor model is more safe. Ms. Schmidt stated that there are two contracts; she
explained that the annual Use Occupancy Agreement they have with Spokane County, and the Operating
Contract they also have with Spokane County, means it is not necessary for any additional interlocal
agreements; said that Pioneer will prepare a budget based on the prior year, which of course the first year
being different; said they are on target with the budget proposal, and this will not require any debt nor any
general county fund to be used in the capital portion of this facility.Ms. Schmidt said that the dedicated fee
has been removed, and said this will be a "free to come facility for law enforcement officials;" said they
are identifying funding which won't require that municipality fee; she also noted that judges won't really
know if a person is in crisis as this all occurs pre-booking,which means a first appearance or public defender
won't be necessary as this will be a true diversion program;that officials will write a field report and note
when an individual is eligible and chooses to come to this facility; and again said judges won't need to be
involved; and she added that this will be funded completely without a commitment of Spokane Valley, so
it would be free to use.In response to Mr. Calhoun's question about revenues,Mr. Sigler said there is a lot
of investment in state legislature with behavior health; she mentioned managed care organizations, federal
mental health, and block grant funding,with some of those designated specifically for this project.
5, Interlocal Agreement Fire District 8, Ponderosa Park Property—Cary Driskell
City Attorney Driskell explained about the background of this agreement and how it ties in with the City's
recently completed acquisition from Central Valley School District, of approximately 17.7 acres of vacant
property; and of previous discussions with the Fire District about their desire to build a new, larger facility
that better meets their needs, including space for some training. There were no objections to bring this back
next week for a motion consideration.
6. Argonne/Montgomery Construction—Gloria Mantz,Bill Helbig
City Engineer Helbig and Engineering Manager Mantz went over the background of this construction
project at this busy area,and of some of their obstacles experienced along the way;she explained the project
design and what will be needed for traffic control; she mentioned their various ways of doing public
outreach, and of the tight project schedule, along with construction delays due to material procurement
issues. Council said they appreciated hearing this report.
7. Tourism Study Update Plantes Ferry—John Holman
Deputy City Manager Hohman explained that the last time this was before Council was May, 2020, when
Council was given an update on the project proposals and in the fall of 2020,the Fairgrounds Building was
added to the 2021 State Legislative Agenda;and that the City was awarded$750,000 toward the completion
of the building.Mr.Hohman noted that staff was also meeting with Central Valley School District to discuss
the property adjoining the new Ridgeline High School; said over subsequent conversations, the available
property for sports field development was significantly reduced due to other district needs; and that
discussions have also continued with Spokane County regarding Plantes Ferry Park. Mr. Hohman noted
that upon analyzing any project, one of the components was it should have the ability to become self-
sustaining. As shown on the PowerPoint slides, Mr. Hohman went over the details of the 2016 Sports
Complex study as well as findings, which showed that a 12 triangular field facility for Plantes Ferry and
the Ridgeline High School,would be underused for the foreseeable future.Mr.Hohman went over some of
the revised plans for Plante's Ferry which would be developed by Spokane County, as well as the financial
analysis which Council has previously seen.Mr.Holman also mentioned that the Plantes Ferry fields would
be a pay-as-you-play concept.
Council discussion included comment from Deputy Mayor Peetz that she wants to look at all options,
including partnership with the County or perhaps other entities. Councilmember Haley said she opposes
borrowing money then still being faced with a multi-million dollar annual deficit; said she feels Council
needs to commit to the Fairground Building; that in speaking to the County Assessor's office, there are
people who can't pay their property tax, so we don't want to spend money on things that will put a hardship
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Approved by Council: 08-24-2021
on citizens. Councilmember Thompson said she would like to explore ways so everyone can play,but there
doesn't seem to be a high enough percentage of our own community to support that; and she mentioned
there are other options like maybe the property on Flora, or the River Loop. Councilmember Woodard said
he is concerned Council is spreading itself too thin as there other projects that need to be completed.
Councilmember Higgins said he agrees with Councilmember Haley and feels this price is high,and we are
already stretched thin. Mayor Wick mentioned that we still haven't engaged the public on this; that he has
seen the community come together for the HUB;that there are different grant programs and opportunities;
and maybe we need a masterplan before we can be competitive for those grants;that planning phases takes
a long time,and maybe the hoteliers would contribute more; said the sports complex at Plantes Ferry makes
the most sense, but maybe more talk is needed about planning.
Councilmember Hattenburg agreed that he would like to see how strongly the public feels about this and
perhaps Council needs to look at the feasibility study. Councilmember Haley said she is not saying take it
off the table; but we have property we purchased that we need to do things with, like the Greenacres Park;
and she mentioned Browns Park is very much used and they don't have to pay to play; said she is not in
favor of borrowing money to put into a business we know will lose money as that is not fair to the citizens.
Deputy Mayor Peetz agreed there are many projects, and feels Plantes Ferry could be done in phases; said
she is not asking for a definite yes or no on this project,but likes the idea of going to the public to see what
they want. Regarding the idea of doing a study now, there was apparent Council consensus to just let this
sit for a while and see how things move with the economy and how the citizens are doing, and maybe think
about a study in the future.
8. Vehicle Replacement -John Hohman
Mr. Hohman explained about the current condition of our 2006 Dodge Dakota, and that staff is seeking
Council consensus to advance the purchase of an F150 vehicle in the 2021 budget year even though once
the order is placed, we will likely not get the vehicle before 2022. There was Council consensus that staff
proceed as requested.
9. Advance Agenda—Mayor Wick
There were no suggested changes to the Advance Agenda.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Calhoun had no additional comments.
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
ATT (,),
)3,4:4,,h/ Ben Wick,Mayor
hristine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Meeting Minutes,Formal: 08-10-2021 Page 5 of 5
Approved by Council: 08-24-2021