2022, 12-20 Study Session MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Study Session Meeting
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person by Council and staff in
Council Chambers, and also remotely via Zoom meeting.
Attendance:
CounciImembers Staff
Pam Haley,Mayor John Holman, City Manager
Tom Hattenburg, Councilmember Erik Lamb,Deputy City Manager
Brandi Peetz, Councilmember Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Laura Padden, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Deputy City Attorney
Ben Wick, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor,Finance Director
Arne Woodard,Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks &Rec Director
Bill Helbig, Community&Public Works Dir.
Absent: Caitlin Prunty,Deputy City attorney
Rod Higgins, Deputy Mayor Chris Johnston, Code Enforcement Officer
Tim Wirun, Code Enforcement Officer
Jenny Nickerson,Building Official
Mike Basinger, Econ. Development Director
Gloria Mantz, City Engineer
Henry Allen, Senior Engineer
Emily Estes-Cross, Public Information Officer
John Whitehead, Human Resources Director
Dave Ellis,Police Chief
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called roll; all Councilmembers were present except Deputy Mayor
Higgins. It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and unanimously agree to excuse Deputy
Mayor Higgins from tonight's meeting.
APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA: It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and
unanimously agreed to approve the amended agenda.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:After explaining the process,Mayor Haley invited
public comment. Mr. John Harding, Spokane Valley: said he thinks the one opportunity for giving public
comment should come after the items instead of before; concerning the legislative agenda, said he hasn't
heard anyone pushing back on gubernatorial mandates and thinks they are unconstitutional. Mr. Dan
Allison, Spokane Valley: wished everyone a merry Christmas. There were no other public comments.
ACTION ITEMS:
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 Dec 20, 2022 Request for Council Action Form Total: $2,331,646.67
b. Approval of December 6,2022 Council Meeting Minutes, Special Meeting
c. Approval of December 6, 2022 Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent
agenda.
Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session: 12-20-22 Page 1 of 5
Approved by Council: 01-10-23
1 A. Motion Consideration: Adjusting Employee Compensation and Amending City Employee Pay Matrix
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded to authorize the City Manager to provide a 3%
compensation increase to regular employees of the City and to increase the pay grades of City positions by
an additional 2% to allow for increases based upon performance; both changes to become effective on
January 1, 2023, and to amend the City's pay matrix accordingly. Human Resources Manager Whitehead
explained that there is a periodic review of compensation of employees and that inflation in 2022 has ranged
from 7% to 9% which has had the effect of reducing the value of employee compensation; said the City
competes with other employers and many of those provide significant increases to their employee
compensation, which impacts our ability to keep high performing employees. Councilmember Padden
asked if this is limited to one year. It was then moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded to amend
the motion to include the words for the year 2023 only' at the end of the motion. Mayor Haley invited
public comment; no comments were offered. Councilmember Woodard said this proposed action is in
recognition of talent recruited and to recruit for open positions or positions that become open; and that this
is a thank-you from him. Mayor Haley added that this is more of an appreciation for all staff does. Vote by
acclamation to amend the motion: in favor: unanimous; opposed: none. Motion carried. Vote by
acclamation to approve the fully amended motion: in favor: unanimous; opposed: none. Motion carried.
2.Approval of Claim Voucher to HUB Sports Center—Chelsie Taylor
Councilmember Wick announced that he is recusing himself from this item and he left the room. It was
then moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded to approve Claim Voucher #58581 to HUB Sports
Center in the amount of$13,165.34. Finance Director Taylor explained that this claim voucher was
removed from the claim voucher list in order to be discussed separately; that this is a Iodging tax grant
reimbursement payment to the HUB Sports Center that includes two expenses for Wick Enterprizes totaling
$1,000. Mayor Haley invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor:
unanimous; opposed: none. Motion carried. Councilmember Wick returned to the meeting.
3. Motion Consideration: Sullivan/Trent Interchange Gloria Mantz
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded to advance Alternative #2-Diamond Interchange
with Roundabout to final design. City Engineer Mantz went over the background of the project; she stated
that the $42 million estimate was done just a couple of months ago, and that the design phase should take
about two years, which includes right-of-way negotiations. Mayor Haley invited public comment; no
comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous; opposed: none. Motion carried.
4.Motion Consideration: Amended State Legislative Agenda—Erik Lamb, John Hallman
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded to approve the amended 2023 State Legislative
Agenda. Mr.Lamb explained that as previously noted,the changes include removing the Pines GSP Project,
adding a more complete description of the Greenacres Phase 2 project, adding the first policy statement on
public safety to the first page;and that a header was added to page two to indicate the continuation of policy
statements. Mayor Haley invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in
favor: unanimous; opposed.' none. Motion carried.
5. Motion Consideration: Federal Legislative Agenda;Erik Lamb, John Hohman
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded to approve the proposed 2023 Federal Legislative
Agenda as presented. Mr. Lamb stated that the agenda includes three primary funding requests and three
policy statements as shown on page one; he also noted the three, one-page sheets attached to the agenda,
which further explains funding requests.Mayor Haley invited public comments;no comments were offered.
There was discussion about the verbiage. Councilmember Padden expressed her concern about the
bipartisan infrastructure law; she stated that our federal delegation was split on that and she suggested
removing the actual direct references to that in the first part; she said that the funding for that is very fluid
and a lot of that has not been appropriated; she suggested that we just keep it that we are in favor of federal
Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session: 12-20-22 Page 2 of 5
Approved by Council: 01-10-23
funding of infrastructure,then they can do as they wish on the various bills. Mr.Lamb explained that it was
his understanding for keeping that, is precisely for the reasons Councilmember Padden just voiced in terms
of some of the uncertainty on the funding,that was the reason for putting that in there in terms of continuing
that identified funding; he said the point was this was identified funding opportunities for the city and
because of the potential benefits for us and the use of funds, the reason for including it and identifying it
was to be able to speak to our delegation to let them know we will be able to use these funds and they
should be kept at this level, and that would be true for any new members as well as working with our
delegation even though they may have been split on this particular bill. Mr. Hohman said that an
infrastructure bill is one of those items that has been a long-term goal of Congress which they passed and
that they have established a lot of programs; one that we were a recipient of was a very significant award
of the Pines GSP project; he stated that one of the reasons this was included in the agenda was to protect
that funding; he said it has been appropriated but one never knows and we want to make sure that award is
protected; he also mentioned that another item to think about is that we have a whole host of projects that
could use this infrastructure law; said he understands the concern about being more general; said he just
had a conversation with the Representative's representative about that and the guidance was, is that they
are aware of what's included in our agenda, and that we don't want to lose the ability to continue to fight
for the projects we have here.
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard and seconded to amend the motion by changing the title for that
section that Continued funding for the IIJA BIL Programs—make that the title of that section, and within
that section, remove 'at the authorized levels' in sentence one. Mayor Haley invited public comments; no
comments were offered. Mayor Haley commented that although our Congresswoman did vote against the
bill,once it became law she became our cheerleader with Senator Patty Murray;that they both worked very
hard to get us that money;that she wants to make sure Council honors what they did for us and that it was
successful. Vote by the acclamation on the amended: in favor: Mayor Haley, Councilmember Woodard,
and Councilmember Padden; opposed: Councilmembers Peetz, Hattenburg, and Wick; the motion failed.
Vote by acclamation on the original motion to approve the proposed 2023 Federal Legislative Agenda as
presented: in favor: unanimous; opposed.' none. Motion carried.
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
6.Neighborhood Restoration—Bill Helbig,Henry Allen
Mr. Allen gave a recap of the Neighborhood Restoration Program, which he explained was an opportunity
to provide neighborhood clean-up events around the City.Mr.Allen further explained that although Council
was in favor of having such an event,unfortunately,for various reasons,it never came to fruition.Mr.Allen
also mentioned that should we have such an event,we need to have realistic expectations; he said that all
jurisdictions he contacted held annual events but there are underlying problems sometimes associated with
cleanup events such as persistent personal issues or mental health issues. Mr. Allen also stated that those
other jurisdictions also suggested things that would help neighborhoods such as putting in sidewalks, or
planting street trees; and he said that staff is looking to hear Council's thoughts about re-starting the
neighborhood restoration program.
Discussion included the need for the appropriate location, who would oversee the event, and what funds
would be used. Mr. Helbig said funding would be the solid waste fund,the admin fund not the roads fund,
so it would come out of fund 106. Finance Director Taylor added that the solid waste fees are part
administration and part roadwear fee and they are accounted for separately,with Mr.Helbig explaining that
Sunshine was chosen as we have a contract with them for that service. Mr. Allen stated in looking for the
appropriate location, that staff looked at the lower income areas and the Edgecliff area qualified, and that
if we were to re-start this program, that would be a reasonable place to start. Mr. Hohman said the issue of
mandatory pickup plays into this as well. Mr. Allen said of the five municipalities he contacted, four had
mandatory collection and the cost is built into their solid waste fees. Mr. Lamb added that Waste
Management was part of the initial discussions but they didn't want to provide dumpsters at that level; he
Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 12-20-22 Page 3 of 5
Approved by Council: 01-10-23
added that Waste Management does provide curbside pickup of big bulky items; that we collect$125,000
directly from Sunshine and using the fee from them is the fairest way to use that to distribute throughout
the community; that Waste Management doesn't have pickup from all areas of the community so we don't
want to subsidize the cost. Councilmember Wick stated likely most people won't use it to fix a problem
and Mr. Allen agreed that there are those who do not want their material removed but the purpose of a pilot
program is to find out what happens.
City Manager Holtman told Council staff is not advocating for a pilot project,just seeing if Council wants
to potentially do this. Councilmember Hattenburg added that something Iike this could also give an
opportunity to help people be aware of some of the nonprofits we have who could help. Councilmember
Wick noted there would need to be an education process so people would not continue to drop off materials
after the event ends. Mr.Allen agreed that such location would need to be monitored for a while afterwards
to let people know the collection event is over. Mr. Lamb said another idea is to open the transfer station
for a week or two and encourage people to get tickets to take their materials to the station; that our Code
Enforcement process is set up to require those responsible to pay and not have neighborhoods subsidize
people getting rid of materials,keeping in mind there will always be special circumstances as well as those
individuals who would not be willing to clean up their area.
Further discussion included mention that previously it was brought up about having Union Gospel Mission
tow cars, and of handling graffiti; said she isn't sure how the current conversation moved from restoration
to garbage although garbage would be a piece of it; she also noted there are people who don't have the
funds to dump tires. Councilmember Woodard said that just because such an event could fail doesn't mean
we shouldn't do something as a key to this issue is to help those who might become a code enforcement
issue in the future. Councilmember Wick brought up the idea of having an event associated with the City's
20th Anniversary and maybe do a big cleanup in the spring and allow residents to take loads to the transfer
station.Mr. Hohman said this has been a good discussion with lots of different ideas for staff to sort through
and bring Council options at a future meeting. Council agreed.
7. Code Enforcement 2022 Highlights---Bill Helbig et al
Mr. Helbig introduced Building Official Jenny Nickerson, Deputy City Attorney Caitlin Prunty, Code
Enforcement Officers Chris Johnston and Tim Wirun. Mr. Helbig, Ms. Nickerson, and Ms. Prunty then
went through the PowerPoint presentation of the 2022 code enforcement highlights,which included several
abatements. Council thanked the team for their diligence on these projects.
8.Fire Department Monthly Report—Chief Soto
Chief Soto went through his PowerPoint presentation discussing the Department's response numbers for
November.
9. Advance Agenda—Mayor Haley
There were no suggested changes to the Advance agenda.
I0. Department Reports
The Department reports were for information only and were not reported or discussed.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Woodard distributed some information about Wreaths Across America. Mayor Haley said
that she was invited to Sheriff's Knezovich' s retirement party,where she had the opportunity to thank him
for all he did for us and wish him well.
Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session: 12-20-22 Page 4 of 5
Approved by Council: 01-10-23
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Hohman mentioned that as per our policy, there will be a third residential city plow; said the
appropriations bill is still moving through the federal process;we have two earmarks: one for Pines and one
for Sullivan/Trent Interchange; he also introduced our new PIO Emily Estes-Cross fi•om the City of
Kennewick.And finally,Mr. I-lohman reported that Council held 54 meetings this year with about 98 hours
of meetings and he commended Council for their tremendous amount of work
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
It was moved by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn into executive
session for approximately 45 minutes to discuss pending/potential litigation, and that no action will be
taken upon return to open session. Council adjourned into executive session at 7:56 p.m. At 8:44 p.m.
Mayor Haley declared Council out of executive session, at which time it was moved by Councilmember
Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn.
ATTE ciziX
Pam Haley,Mayor
istine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session: 12-20-22 Page 5 of 5
Approved by Council: 01-10-23
Chris Bainbridge
From: AOL Mail® <Ilydeemer@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2022 3:28 PM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: SPRAGUE AVENUE STORMWATER/ LANE REDUCTIONS PROPOSAL
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley.Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
Meeting Date : December 20, 2022
Larry Deemer
Spokane Valley 99212
Council Members and Engineering Staffs :
My request is that you reconsider your inclination to
proceed with the proposal to convert two lanes to swales
and catch basins.
In summary : public works, and especially ones that
involve deconstructing existing and paid-for
infrastructures, should be
NECESSARY
EFFECTIVE
w/o BETTER ALTERNATIVES
EVIDENCE BASED
As to NECESSITY:
* Adding swales and catch basins to existing drywells
in any single section of road in the valley will not
protect the aquifer unless it is part of a plan that cover
most of the roadways. Most of our
roadways do not have the extra space for these additions.
1
* Swales / catch basins add another PASSIVE process
to existing drywells and do not constitute an active
TREATM ENT.
* No street flooding or other stormwater problem
exists in this section of Sprague that is not handled by the
existing dry wells.
* Non-stormwater issues (speeding, emergency
vehicle access, pedestrian safety) have more direct,
better, and cheaper alternatives.
* Not a priority. Other arterial roadbeds have OVER
five lanes.
* Five lanes is not excessive or dangerous under
engineering standards; but rather ideal : 2 turn lanes, 1
bus lane, & 3 through lanes.
As to EFFCTIVENESS :
* Swales and catchbasins, like drywells, do not
TREAT stormwater but retain sediments (sand and leaf
litter ) and slow down the filtration of water and any
pollutants (like ice melt chemicals) through the depth of
the soil above the aquifer.
* Swales add to the pollution load through the
fertilizers used to maintain the grass cover.
* Swales draw down the aquifer by the irrigation
(usually excessive and poorly timed ) used to maintain the
grass.
As to BETTER ALTERNATIVES :
* Aquifer Protection : Facilities that actually TREAT
specific pollutants; prioritize, identify, remedy, prevent the
real major pollution sources (industrial and commercial) ;
cover open aquifer sites.
2
* Speeders : synchronize the traffic lights and
inform the public of the "green wave" speeds; identify
speeding zones / times /drivers and install traffic cameras;
increase police visibility/presence.
* Pedestrian Safety : Traffic light and crosswalk at
an intersection ; Wheelchair-accommodating-island in the
crosswalk; bus stop beyond the intersection/crosswalk.
* First Responder Safety : Using remote control of
traffic light at University; Flashable caution lights across
Sprague and yield reminder signs; flagger personnel
accompanying egress of emergency vehicles.
* Generous service level, comfort, safety of
drivers/passengers :
Wait a few years of typical Valley growth .
As to the EVIDENCE :
* Peak traffic count: is not captured by the recent
summer/fall special studies. Peak traffic occurs at times
between Halloween and Easter.
* Cause of Speeding : The occurrence of speeding in
this stretch of Sprague is not evidence that the speeding is
caused by the availability of 5 lanes. Speeding may be a
behavioral pattern of certain drivers and may be observed
elsewhere, even on two lanes .
* Control of Speeding : Is creating congestion the
appropriate way to regulate speeding?
* STA Crosswalk : Sprague Avenue is one of the
heaviest used routes in STATs entire system ; the stops
after University and before Farr, however, are among the
least used in the entire system .
3
* Real Issues : Actual pedestrian and traffic
issues/needs will not be observable until after the library
and park have been operational .
* Priority : Other 5-lane (even 7 lane) stretches exist
in the Valley; Proposed solutions are not
applicable/feasible to most Valley roads; current statistics
suggest continued accelerated growth and the need for
accommodating proportional increases in traffic rather
than creating a bottleneck.
* Increased Risk to first Responders : Is crossing 5
lanes of one-way traffic more dangerous than crossing 2
lanes of two-way traffic?
And finally, still UNRESOLVED :
* WHY? : This stretch? Now? Using Covid
funds? WHY?
Thanks in advance for your consideration . L. D .
4
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: December 20, 2022 Department Director Approval: ❑
Check all that apply: ❑ consent ❑ old business 11 new business ❑ public hearing
❑ information ❑ admin. report ❑ pending legislation
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Motion Consideration adjusting employee compensation and amending
the City Employee Pay Matrix
BACKGROUND: City staff and Council periodically review the compensation of employees and
make changes as necessary. Inflation in 2022 has ranged from 7% to 9% which has had the
effect of reducing the value of employee compensation. The City competes with other employers
to retain and recruit qualified employees. Many of those employers are providing significant
increases tc employee compensation which impacts our ability to keep high performing
employees who are critical to providing City services.
OPTIONS: Authorize the City Manager to provide a 3% compensation increase to City employees
and increase pay grades by an additional 2%, effective January 1, 2023; or provide additional
direction to staff.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: I move to authorize the City Manager to provide a 3%
compensation increase to Regular employees of the City and to increase the pay grades of City
positions by an additional 2% to allow for increases based upon performance. Both changes to
become effective on January 1, 2023; and to amend the City's pay matrix accordingly.-..,
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: As determined by a future budget amendment.
STAFF CONTACT: John Whitehead, HR Manager
ATTACHMENTS: None