2023, 01-24 formal meeting minutes MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Formal Meeting
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
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:
Councilmembers Staff
Pam Haley, Mayor John Hohman, City Manager
Rod Higgins, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb,Deputy City Manager
Tim Hattenburg, Councilmember Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Laura Padden, Couneilmember John Bottelli, Parks &Recreation Director
Brandi Peetz, Councihnember Bill Helbig, Community&Public Works Dir.
Ben Wick, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Engineer
Arne Woodard, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Deputy City Attorney
Chelsie Taylor,Finance Director
Chaz Bates, Planning Manager
Mike Basinger,Economic Dev. Director
Marty Palaniuk,Associate Planner
Glenn Ritter, Sr. Engineer/Project Manager
Henry Allen, Senior Engineer
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
John Whitehead,Human Resources Director
Emily Estes-Cross,Public Information Officer
Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Nikki Kole, IT Specialist
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Alissa Amestoy of United Methodist Church gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called roll; all Councilmembers were present. Mayor Haley
announced that there would be an executive session at the end of tonight's meeting to discuss potential
acquisition of real estate.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed
to approve the agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Peetz: said she attended the Mental Health Task Force meeting today and that they decided
to go with a youth aspect in that they will find youth who have used or need some of the resources and give
their perspective of what they are going through;shes also mentioned the incorporation of the phone number
9-8-8 which is the national mental health hotline; said she attended the Graze Craze ribbon cutting,which
is a restaurant catering to the grazing style of eating; said she is chair of the Washington Traffic Safety
Committee, which meeting had presentations about a grant coming to the County based on walker safety
in working to decrease fatalities; said there is also a 12-month backlog at the toxicology lab and she
mentioned that many of the pedestrians killed were under the influence of methamphetamines; she
mentioned that upcoming legislation is working to eliminate the provision of turning right after stopping
Council Meeting Minutes,Formal: 01-24-2023 Page 1 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-07-2023
on a red light; and she mentioned that the BAC (blood alcohol concentration) for driving impaired was
proposed to be lowered from .08 to 05.
Councilmember Padden: reported that she attended the Spokane Regional Law& Justice Council meeting
where all concerned departments have given a list of priorities and things to accomplish, and that the
committee is tasked with looking at the list and giving a presentation at the next meeting to determine what
is in progress and what can't be done.
Councilmember Wick: said the Freight Mobility Board has been on the hill' trying to educate as many
legislators as possible about upcoming bills affecting that Board; and that the Board is working to make it
less expensive to apply for grants.
Councilmember Woodard: said he attended the Growth Management Planning Committing meeting for the
County, and he extended thanks to City Planning Manager Chaz Bates for his expertise on the subject; said
there has been a push to include, for example,the industrial zone in the 20 year plan; said the process will
start soon so we will know what properties will be exempted from build-able lots and what that means for
population growth; said he testified on Senator Padden's condo bill dealing with 12 units and under.
Councilmember Hattenburg: reported that the STA(Spokane Transit Authority)had their first meeting of
the year and the route for Argonne will be deferred for further study; and said that the STA is $8.6 million
above budget; and they recently hired 10 new operators.
Deputy Mayor Higgins: said he too attended the GMA meeting mentioned by Councilmember Woodard,
and also extended thanks to Mr. Bates for his invaluable technical knowledge; said he takes good care of
the City.
MAYOR'S REPORT; Mayor Haley reported that she attended the Board Operations meeting with the
STA board and was appointed chair for the Performance Monitoring and External Relations committee;
said the SRTC (Spokane Regional Transportation Council) elected their officers and approved some
funding for Deer Park's dial-a-ride and community shuttle and to replace some special needs vans.
PROCLAMATIONS: n/a
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she
invited public comments.
Mr. John Harding, Spokane Valley: mentioned his concern with a person from our area involved in the
Atlanta protest; said it appears there is a need to re-examine our level of public safety; mentioned the
manpower in the Police Department and that it is up to Council to decide what number is appropriate for
the force, as well as to examine technologies needed.
Mr. Chuck Simpson, Spokane Valley: said someone pulled up in his driveway and he called 9-1-1 and was
thankful to the police for showing up.
Mr. Dan Allison, Spokane Valley: said it appears the Police Department must be close to full staff; that
Broadway was never supposed to be a bus route; mentioned buses stopping even when there is no one to
get off or on the bus and asked about ridership with STA; and noted the light is out at the intersection of
Broadway and Adams.
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 Jan 24,2023, Request for Council Action Form: $2,050,756.02
b.Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending January 15, 20232: $348,481.26
c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 3,2023 Study Session Format
d.Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2023 Formal Meeting Format
e. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Spokane County Regarding Legal Fees
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins,seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda.
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-24-2023 Page 2 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-07-2023
2. First Reading Ordinance 23-003 Closed City Property—Cary Driskell
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded
to advance Ordinance 23-003, adopting chapter 6.5 SVMC relating to City-owned properties closed to
public use, to a second reading.After City Attorney Driskell gave a brief explanation of the purpose of the
ordinance, Mayor Haley invited public comments. No comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in
favor: unanimous; opposed: none. Motion carried.
3.Motion Consideration: City Hall Remediation Award,Progressive Design Build Contract—Bill Helbig
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to award the City Hall Remediation Progressive
Design Build project CIP #0322 to Garco Construction, Inc.for an initial contract amount of$350,000
with a total not to exceed amount of$4 million for additional remediation work, and authorize the City
Manager to finalize and execute the construction contract and associated change orders. Director Helbig
explained about the issuance of a request for Qualifications for Progressive Design Build concerning City
Hall, and of the negotiated agreement with Garco Construction. Mayor Haley invited public comments.
Mr. Chuck Simpson, Spokane Valley: said Garco is by far the best contractor and he commended the City
for hiring them.Mr.John Harding, Spokane Valley: suggested the City was putting the cart before the horse
since the outcome has not yet been determined; asked if anyone will be held accountable in rebating the
money they owe for a poor job. Mr. Dan Allison, Spokane Valley: said he previously worked with Garco
and highly recommends them. There were no further public comments. Vote by acclamation: in favor;
unanimous. Opposed:none. Motion carried.
4. Motion Consideration: City Hall Remediation Construction Management Consultant Contract— Bill
Helbig
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to approve the City Hall Progressive Design Build
Remediation project CIP#0322 Construction Management agreement for CBRE/Heery, Inc., in an amount
not to exceed$354,754 and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the contract. Director Helbig
explained that this company is currently contracted to assist with the Design Build and the attached
agreement is for time and materials; that they will assist with the initial remediation efforts Garco is
expected to perform through the end of 2023. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Mr. Dan Allison,
Spokane Valley: asked if the company is local. Mr. Hohman replied they are.There were no further public
comments. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
5. Motion Consideration: Balfour Park Construction Bid Award—Gloria Mantz, Glenn Ritter
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to award the Balfour Park Expansion project CIP
#0316 to Cameron Riley, LLC in the amount of$3,810,723.87 which includes the base bid and Additive
Alternate#1(Events Plaza),Additive Alternate#2(Veteran's Memorial),Additive Alternate#3(Foot Truck
Arc Lighting) and applicable sales tax, and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the
construction contract. After Ms.Mantz gave a brief history about this project,Mayor Haley invited public
comments. Mr.John Harding, Spokane Valley: said it would be helpful to see the map or design to see what
it is the City is purchasing.Mr.Chuck Simpson: regarding the police area,restroom,and maintenance room
amounts to about $950,000, he asked if there is a way to do it cheaper. There were no further public
comments. Councilmember Woodard commented that it is about time to do this project; and that the park
is essential to the central part of the city; and the price would be more if delayed further; and the building
purchase is the next agenda item. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion
carried
6. Motion Consideration: Balfour Park Multi-Use Building Purchase—Gloria Mantz
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to authorize purchase of the Balfour Park Multi-Use
Building from Public Restroom Company (PRC) in a total amount not to exceed$850,292 which includes
delivery, installation, and the applicable sales tax, and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute
the contract. City Engineer Mantz noted that this is a companion item to the previous agenda item. Mr.
Ritter then explained the background as noted on the Request for Council Action form.Mayor Haley invited
public comment.Mr.Dan Allison,Spokane Valley: said a drawing would be nice so people will know what
Council Meeting Minutes,Formal: 01-24-2023 Page 3 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-07-2023
they are spending money on;that he usually is not in favor of spending money on parks but for this project,
feels it is time to get it done. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
7. Motion Consideration: Interlocal Agreement for Cooperative Purchasing—Chelsie Taylor
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to authorize and approve the interlocal contract for
cooperative purchasing through the Houston-Galveston Area Council and authorize the City Manager to
finalize and execute the agreement in substantially the form provided. Finance Director Taylor explained
that this concerns bringing in a temporary staff member to assist in the Finance Department while permanent
staff members focus on training on the new software system;that in order to take advantage of governmental
pricing rates, we would like to enter into an interlocal agreement with HGAC, which includes the agency
of Robert Half; that once the interlocal is in place, Robert Half will provide a completed Terms and
Conditions and when accepted by the City, the temporary employee is anticipated to begin work January
30, 2023 at a rate of$67.10 per hour. Director Taylor said she expects to need the temporary services
through at least 2023, and that there are funds available in the budget to cover the expense. Mayor Haley
invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed
none. Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:
8. Solid Waste Management Plan Update—Bill Helbig
Director Helbig explained that tonight is the kick-off of the Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Management
Plans update; and he introduced Ms. Michelle Langdon with Great West Engineering who will be assisting
the city in these necessary updates. Ms. Langdon briefly went over the project's purpose, regulations,
usability, and several tasks including project management, project initiation, Technical Advisory
Committee assistance, existing plan and systems analysis, identify future needs, development activities for
implementation, draft plan preparation, and final plan preparation. Mr. Helbig added that as we move
through the process,there will be significant presentations to Council,and opportunities for required public
comment.
9. Spokane Valley Police Department Update—Chief Ellis
Police Chief Ellis went through his presentation giving updates on the 2022 statistics, hiring/recruitment,
community policing and engagement, marine rescue enhancements, the new Spokane Valley Police
Department homeless outreach truck,and the camera trailer which has now been delivered and deployed at
Hometown Suites. There was some brief discussion about the proliferation of the deadly synthetic opioid
fentanyl, with Chief Ellis stating that law enforcement is seeing more of the skittle or rainbow fentanyl,
which is made to look like candy; said there have been multiple arrests and throughout the County law
enforcement is seeing a significant increase in over-dosing. There was also brief discussion about gangs,
shoplifting and investigative techniques to address that, such as use of cameras.
At 7:38 p.m., Mayor Haley called for a recess until 7:45 p.m. At 7:45 p.m.,the meeting was reconvened.
10.Fire Department Monthly Report—Chief Soto
Deputy Chief Zack Bond, on behalf of Fire Chief Soto, gave a report on the Fire Department's monthly
activities.
11. Code Text Amendment, SVMC 19.30—Marty Palaniuk
Via his PowerPoint, Mr. Palaniuk explained that an issue was brought to the attention of staff concerning
the intrusion of more intense land uses into areas of less intense uses, and he noted that the cause of this is
because the City code currently does not include criteria for a change to the land use designation map; he
noted there are criteria for zoning map amendments to allow land use changes when adjacent to the same
or higher zoning classification, but nothing to change the land use designation map. Mr. Palaniuk stated
that the proposed solution is to develop criteria to consider for privately initiated site-specific
Comprehensive Plan map amendments, including the effect on surrounding land use and traffic circulation;
existence of logical boundaries;avoid creating or expanding peninsulas,islands or protrusions into different
Council Meeting Minutes,Formal: 01-24-2023 Page 4 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-07-2023
land use; and that such request must meet zoning map amendment criteria. Mr. Palaniuk rioted existing
regulations compared with proposed regulations, all as shown on the PowerPoint slides. After brief
discussion, Mr. Palaniuk asked for Council consensus to proceed to a first ordinance reading, and Council
concurred.
12.Advance Agenda—Mayor Haley
Councilmember Peetz asked about the process for an amended agenda and that if possible, she would like
to see something on-line immediately once the agenda is amended. Mr. Hohman said staff will try to get
those changes out as soon as possible; that perhaps in those cases, the Mayor could ask for clarification of
the change; and said staff will discuss this in tomorrow morning's Directors' meeting.
13. Department Reports
These reports were for information only and were not reported or discussed.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were no additional Council comments.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS •
Concerning comments made tonight about City Hall,Mr.Hohman said the legal case is continuing, and as
we find things, claims are amended;that the focus is to place blame with Meridian Construction; he noted.
there will be further updates as staff works through the issues;he expects some kind of mediation this spring
with a court case this summer. Mr. Hohman also noted that there are many legislative issues so far this
session and staff work to stay on top of the issues; he extended thanks to Ms. Virginia Clough, the City's
Legislative Policy Coordinator who is working on a system to track some of issues of concern to our City;
and said he appreciated the testimony provided on behalf of some of the bills. Mr. Hohman mentioned a
new opportunity that has generated from the Washington Recreation Park Association will be holding the
upcoming Great Outdoors Legislative Day February I which will be attended by our staff; that one of the
request staff will be looking for from the legislature is to allocate$5 million to support deferred maintenance
grants for local parks; said staff assumed Council would be supportive of that but wanted to discuss it;
adding that the WRPA also has a program which we have taken advantage of,which help fund Greenacres
Park, and said that funding for improvements is coming from this program; and there were no objections
from Council for us supporting this at the legislative process. Mr.Hohman said that we are in the last week
of having our City Attorney with us as a city employee; that Mr. Driskell is moving on to other pastures
and that this is to notify the community and to also publicly thank Mr. Driskell for his more than 20+years
of steadfast support of the City. Mr. Hohman stated that Mr. Driskell was.involved with the City before it
officially became a city and he extended appreciation for his service; and said we will definitely miss him.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded, that Council adjourn into executive session for 30
minutes to discuss potential acquisition of real estate, and that no action will be taken upon return to open
session. Council adjourned into executive session at 8:18 p.m. At 8:45 p.m.,Mayor Haley declared Council
out of executive session at which time it was moved by Councihnernber Woodard, seconded and
unanimously agreed to adjourn.
gf4rN
ATT
�� � � Pam Haley,Mayor
f1G
--Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Meeting Minutes,Formal: 01-24-2023 Page 5 of 5
Approved by Council: 02-07-2023