2023, 04-18 study session MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Study Session, Special Meeting
Tuesday,April 18, 2023
Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person by Council and staff in
the Great Room at CenterPlace, 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, 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
Tom Hattenburg, Councilmember Bill Helbig, Community &Public Works Dir.
Brandi Peetz, Councilmember Dave Ellis, Police Chief
Laura Padden, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Engineer
Ben Wick, Councilmember Morgan Koudelka, Sr.Administrative Analyst
Arne Woodard, Councilmember Mike Basinger,Eeo.Development Director
Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
John Whitehead,Human Resources Manager
Emily Estes-Cross, Public Information Officer
Virginia Clough,Legislative Policy Coordinator
Chad KnodeI,IT Manager
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called roll; all Councilmembers were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded, and unanimously agreed
to approve the agenda.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she
invited public comment. Ms. Barbara Howard, Spokane Valley (via zoom): spoke about an ongoing issue
she has with Crime Check where they ask people to call back, said the citizens pay for all the services, and
that she feels it is time for our own department. Mr. John Wilson, Spokane Valley: talked about junk and
inoperable vehicles that he sees scattering the landscape or stored in front of driveways;gave the City Clerk
copies of an ordinance from the City of Bellevue, which she distributed to Councilmembers; said among
other regulations, Bellevue requires an inoperable vehicle to be sight-screened from public view; and said
he hopes Council will look at that ordinance and maybe take some action.
ACTION ITEM:
1. Resolution 23-006 Repealing and Replacing Governance Manual to Temporarily Change Regular
Council Meeting Location—Erik Lamb
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to waive the rules and adopt Resolution 23-006
repealing and replacing the Governance Manual to temporarily relocate regular Council meetings to
CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, Washington. Deputy City
Manager Lamb explained that we are required by state law to identify our regular meetings, and that this
change only changes the meeting place,or reference to the Council Chambers meeting place,to CenterPlace
as the current meeting place noted in the Governance Manual, is Council Chambers. Mr. Lamb said that
normally proposed changes go before the Governance Manual Committee, but as the Chambers are
currently under construction, staff are asking Council to waive that regulation. He also noted that this
change will save significant staff time involved with setting special meetings each week. Mayor Haley
invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed:
none. Motion carried.
Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session:04-18-2023 Page 1 of 3
Approved by Council:05-09-2023
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
2.Police Staffing Assessment Update—Erik Lamb, Chief Ellis,Morgan Koudelka
Deputy City Manager Lamb introduced members of the Matrix Consulting Group Mr. Richard Brady,
President,zooming in for tonight's meeting,and Ms.KeIli Sheffer,in person, Support Functions Manager.
Mr. Lamb stated that tonight is an opportunity to discuss where we are in the law enforcement assessment;
that last year we approved a five-year renewal for our law enforcement agreement,and that part of that was
identifying a need for a staffing assessment to determine the appropriate number of officers.Mr.Brady then
went through his PowerPoint explaining his company's approach; that they use extensive input and data
analytics to create appropriate and achievable implementation strategies; he went over the study's
objectives and gave an overview of the study's process and of what it will include as part of their staffing
analysis; he noted the final draft report will be completed in late May and will be revised with City staff
before being finalized. There was discussion concerning relationships between staff levels and workloads;
patrol officers and the need to balance workloads; caseload work standards; tier status; cost comparisons;
crime statistics and overall crime. Council thanked staff, Mr. Brady and Ms. Sheffer for their presentation.
3. Massage Business Ordinance—Erik Lamb
Deputy City Manager Lamb explained that he and Sgt. Johnson will be discussing this agenda item and the
next as one item together since the issues are connected. Mr. Lamb said staff is proposing adding a new
section to chapter 8.20 SVMC to adopt by reference, state law provisions related to the unlicensed practice
of professional services; and to also amend chapter 5.05 SVMC which will clarify the procedure to revoke
business licenses generally. Spokane County Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Johnson added that the city is
experiencing an influx of illegal massage parlors and without the necessary regulations,these are difficult
to combat; said the illegal establishments are typically run by Chinese people with a different culture and
who are of a very tight-knit group; said there have been many failed investigations throughout the country,
adding that many of these investigations include human trafficking, which usually requires some kind of
cooperation by the victim, but which doesn't often happen; he said investigations take a while and the
licensing process usually takes too long and the managers of those businesses are not interested in waiting;
he said human trafficking is about money, and an updated ordinance will help law enforcement to quickly
deal with these situations; said we want them shut down and if we are successful,hopefully the County and
Spokane City will follow suit. Mr. Lamb further stated that we are looking at a two-prong approach to this
issue: adopt state criminal law provisions and make it a violation to conduct a business without a license.
After brief discussion, Council concurred to bring this and the next item, forward for an ordinance first
reading.
4. Business Licensing—Erik Lamb
See discussion on item#3 above.
5. Potential and Pending Projects—Chelsie Taylor,John Hohman
Finance Director Taylor explained that tonight's discussion will focus more on the next layer of general
fund excess fund balance to be transferred into the capital reserve 312 fund, which will be included in the
upcoming 2023 budget amendment; that this transfer will consist of the 2021 fund balance in the general
fund that is in excess of our minimum fund balance policy of 50%of recurring expenditures; that the 2023
transfer will be about$5.4 million;she went over some of the figures on the allocation worksheet,and after
the shown adjustments,that there is approximately $4.4 million available to be allocated by Council; that
the worksheet shows some potential allocations for Council discussion, such as City Hall repairs, the
recently acquired facility on Balfour park for property repairs and equipment, and Greenacres Park City
match of$500,000. Concerning the acquired facility on Balfour park, Mr. Hohman explained we know it
needs a new roof and interior finishes need to be updated; and we have contracted with a construction
management firm that helped with the White Elephant, and those costs will be brought forward later; he
added that we have not yet received Garco's City Hall repair cost estimates for phase 1 and 2 and hope to
know more soon, adding that those will also be discussed more at the June budget workshop.
Council had the following suggestions: put some funds aside for the Sullivan Bridge; cameras in parks and
on trails; funds to address density issues associated with legislation 1110; the take-out at Sullivan for the
Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session:04-18-2023 Page 2 of 3
Approved by Council:05-09-2023
River; and food festival sponsored courts. Concerning the cameras, Mr. Hohman said he met with the
Sheriff's Office to discuss what the County is doing and they generated another list of'hot spots' in parks
where cameras are needed, so we can put in a placeholder for that. Councilmember Padden suggested
adding a report on the status of the River Loop Trail and Mr. Hohman said we can give a future update on
that issue,hopefully within the next several weeks. Councilmember Hattenburg said he wants to make sure
there are enough funds to take care of the City Hall repairs; and Mayor Haley said that needs to be the
priority.Councilmember Wick mentioned development around the HUB and perhaps we could discuss that
later.Mr. Hohman said perhaps that could be integrated into the tourism study.
6. Legislative D.C. Trip Update—Virginia Clough
Ms. Clough gave a presentation/update on the recent trip to Washington, D.C., and of the six prominent
meetings they held there, as outlined in the Request for Council Action form.
7.Advance Agenda—Mayor Haley
With Council concurrence, it was decided to add an upcoming discussion of ADU (accessory dwelling
units) based on recent/pending legislation, a report from SNAP of what they do and the impact on the
community, and the issue of abandoned vehicles, parking in rights-of-way,recreational vehicles, etc.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were no additional Council comments.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Hohman talked about today's Barker Road ribbon cutting and expressed appreciation to the
public for their patience; said the project is substantially complete and the fencing has been installed. Mr.
Hohman also gave a brief update on some of the recent state legislation, such as the passing of House Bill
1337 concerning accessory dwelling units,or ADU,which has now been sent for the Governor's signature;
said that the bill allows for two attached ADUs per lot and that it is not required that the owner of a lot
reside in or occupy the ADU; said that off-street parking will also be impacted; mentioned the Blake Bill
and said that he is unsure how it will come together, adding that the session is projected to end Sunday; he
mentioned vehicle pursuits, and the condo and middle housing bills. Mr. Hohman also referenced a copy
of a draft letter distributed at the Council dais,to state legislators regarding SB 5536 dealing with controlled
substances. After Councilmembers took a few minutes to read the letter,there was no objection in having
the Mayor sign the letter and having it forwarded on to the legislators.
Deputy City Manager Lamb then gave a brief update on the regional homeless collaboration; that cities
such as Airway Heights, Cheney, Millwood, and Liberty Lake are also being asked to participate; said a
consultant who had worked with the City of Houston will be in town next Monday for a community
discussion; he said more details will follow. Concerning the jail, Mr. Lamb said the Board of County
Commissioners elected to put the issue of funding a new community correction center,to a ballot measure;
said there have been significant issues with the current facility which is very old and can only accommodate
about 800 beds a night.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: [RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and (l)(i)] Potential Acquisition of Real Estate;
Potential Litigation
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn into executive
session for approximately 30 minutes to discuss potential acquisition of real estate, and potential litigation,
and that no action will be taken upon return to open session. Council adjourned into executive session at
7:45 p.m. At 8:05 p.m.,Mayor Haley declared Council out of executive session as which time it was moved
by Councilmember Woodard, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn.
•
✓Christine Bainbridge, City let Pam Haley,Mayo'
Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session:04-18-2023 Page 3 of 3
Approved by Council:05-09-2023
PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN-IN SHEET
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
6:00 P.m.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY
THIS IS FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES
You may sign in to speak but it is not necessary,as the Mayor will afford the public the opportunity to speak.
NAME TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE
PLEASE PRINT WILL SPEAK ABOUT
141 L'kji '-411 e)1,9f0He e M1,6
Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure.
Home I/)/ C Government f/city-government)/ Departments(/city_
government/departments)./ Development Services(/city
government/departments/develo ent)/ Codes and Guidelines city_
government/departments/development/codes-and=guidelines)./ Code Compliance ci
government/departments/development/codes-and-ouidelines/code-compliance)/ Storage of
Inoperable Vehicles
Storage of Inoperable Vehicles
The City of Bellevue regulates the storage of inoperable motor vehicles.inoperable motor vehicles and vehicles in various states of
disrepair on residential neighborhoods must be stored in one of the following ways:
• In a vented garage
• In a carport(if open-sided,the vehicle must be screened from neighboring property and the public right of way)
• In a side or rear yard in compliance with setback requirements,which are typically five feet from the property line(the vehicle must
be screened from neighboring property and the right of way)
STREET
Required
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1 }In a carport or vented garage
- . In a side yard or rear yard if in
2 compliance with setback requirements
applicable to accessory structures_ (5'typ)
Locations for Inoperable
Vehicle Storage
(figure 1)
What about my right to store my inoperable vehicle on my property?
The City Council has determined that the concern for protecting the aesthetics,integrity,vitality and property values in residential
neighborhoods outweighs the interest of those desiring to store inoperable motor vehicles on residential properties unless they are
properly screened.
Screening
Inoperable motor vehicles must be screened from neighboring property and the public right of way by a legally permitted solid structure
or fence or by dense landscaping at least six feet in height.
Screening may consist of:
• A solid board fence,at least six feet in height
• A legally permitted solid structure
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• Dense landscaping,at least six feet in height
INOPERABLE
VEHICLE
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Solid Board Fencing
Site Screening
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Fence Optional
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1 INOPERABLE ''
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the Screening
Requirement
Screening and Slopes
(figure 2)
Permitted Solid Structures
Possible structures may include a garage,house,shed,playhouse,solid walls of a carport or a guest house.Legally permitted refers to
structures which meet all applicable city codes.
What if I am making repairs on my vehicle and can't move it right away?
Open or unscreened storage of an inoperable motor vehicle is permitted for a seven-day period while the vehicle is under repair or
awaiting repair.
What type of plant materials are acceptable for screening?
The following Is a list of suggested plants,which,according to Sunset's Western Garden Book,are well-foliaged from the ground up and
can provide a dense screen.This list is only a suggestion for suitable plants;other plants may be used if they provide the appropriate
end result.Remember that plant spacing,height at time of planting,and ongoing care and maintenance are necessary considerations
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when determining if the required screening is provided.Where available,both the common and Latin names are provided.
• Berberis(several types)
• Carpinus betulus(European hornbeam)
• Crataegus monogyna(Hawthorne)
• Liquidambar styraciflua(American sweet gum)
• Lonicera(several types)
• Thamnus frangula"Columnaris"(Tall buckthorn)
• Bamboo(several types)
• Calocedrus decurrens(Incense cedar)
• Damellia japonica
• Camellia sasanqua
• Chamaechparis lawsoniana(False cypress)
• Cupressocyparis leylandil
• Escallonia
• Euonymus kiautschovica Ilex(some)(Holly)
• itea ilicifolia(Holly-leaf sweetspire)
• Juniperus(columnar types)(Juniper)
• Mahonia aquifolium(Oregon grape)
• Myrica californica(Pacific wax myrtle)
• Osmanthus heterophyllus(Holly-leaf osmanthus)Photinia
• Platycladus orientalis(Oriental arborvitae)
• Podocarpus(some)
• Prunus laurocerasus(English laurel)
• Pseudotsuga menziesii(Douglas fir)
• Pyracantha(Firethorn)
• Rhamnus alaternus(Italian buckthorn)Sequoia sempervirens(Coast redwood)Taxus(Yew)
• Teucrium(Germander)
• Thuja(Arborvitae)
• Tsuga Canadensis(Canada hemlock)
• Tsuga heterophylla(Western hemlock)
• Umbellularia californica
I would like to convert my carport to an enclosed garage to store my inoperable motor
vehicle. Are building permits required?
Yes.You can apply for a building permit online at MyBuildingEerrnit(baps://mybuildingpermit.com/),Contact Permit Processing
(mailto:permits@bellevuewa.gov)for information and assistance.Hours are 8 a.m.to 4 p.m.,Monday through Friday(Wednesdays,10-
4).
I would like to build a fence around my vehicle. Are there any height restrictions I
should be aware of?
Yes.Learn more about fences(/city_government/departments/development/zoning-and-land-use(zoning-r=ec uirements/fences/).
I have a large residential lot. Can I charge to store other inoperable motor vehicles?
No.Parking or storage of inoperable motor vehicles for compensation is not permitted within a residential land use district.
Aside from a flat tire, my motor vehicle is operable. Do I need to screen it?
No.You need to repair the tire in order to operate your motor vehicle legally on the public roads and contact the Code Compliance
officer to demonstrate that your vehicle is now operable.
I've repaired my motor vehicle to make it operable and legal to drive on public roads. I
don't plan to actually drive it on public roads at this time. Do I need a current license?
No.Motor vehicles are not required to be currently licensed to be legally stored on your property.
I received a letter from the city regarding an apparently inoperable motor vehicle on
my property. The vehicle does operate although I'm not using it currently. What should
I do?
Contact the Code Compliance officer upon receiving notification so you may demonstrate that your vehicle is operable.
What is the ordinance number of this regulation?
Ordinance No.4654,which regulates the storage of inoperable motor vehicles,was adopted by the Bellevue City Council on June 6,
1994,as Section 20.20.470 of the Bellevue Land Use Code.
3/4
My neighbor has an inoperable motor vehicle that I don't think is legal. What can I do?
To file a complaint about an inoperable motor vehicle,call Code Compliance at 425-452-2047 or use the IA"Bellevue
.(h_ ps://believuewa gov/cifyrgovemment/departments/finance/mybellevue/customer-assistance)portal online.
I don't understand some of the terms used. Please define them.
• Vehicle-A motorized conveyance that includes, but is not limited to an automobile,car,motorcycle,small watercraft,jet ski or
snowmobile in operable condition.
• Inoperable Motor Vehicle-A motor vehicle which is apparently inoperable or which requires repairs in order to be operated
legally on the public roads,such as repair or replacement of a window,mirror,windshield,wheel,tire,motor or transmission.
• Neighboring Property-All abutting properties.
• Public Right of Way-All public streets and property dedicated to public use for streets,together with public property reserved for
public utilities,transmission lines and extensions,walkways,sidewalks,bikeways or equestrian trails.
• Type 1 Landscaping-intended to provide a very dense sight barrier to significantly separate uses.Planting of rows of trees
and/or shrubs at least six feet in height.
This information is intended to provide guidance in applying certain regulations and is for informational use only.It is not a substitute
for the Bellevue City Code.
Contact
450 110th Ave NE
P.O.Box 90012
Bellevue;WA 98009
Telephone
425-452-2047(te1:425.452-2047)
Email
codecompliance@bellevuewa.gov(mailto:codecom•lianceCi bellevuewa.gov)
Business Hours
8 a.m.to 4 p.m.,weekdays
4,4
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Update To Be Provided During Tonight's City Manager's Comments
DRAFT
SB 5536 Mayor's Letter:
Hello State Legislators,
As local governments, public safety is our number one job, and we are asking for help from the state
Legislature to restore tough boundaries, maintain local control, and protect our communities. We, the
undersigned mayors, have become increasingly concerned with the changes made by the House to SB
5536.The changes represent a step back in accountability and make it more difficult for local
governments to keep our communities safe.
We recognize substance use disorder is a medical issue and that substance use disorder treatment and
services are necessary.'We appreciate that the Legislature has taken-action to approve crisis response
facilities and has allocated funding to construct those facilities to ensure that treatment and services are
available, However, even with available facilities, substance use disorder impairs individual decision-
making ability which prevents many from entering necessary treatment and services without being
adequately compelled. Given that, any final version of SB 5536 needs to ensure that the final bill
enacted encourages individuals to obtain necessary treatment, holds individuals accountable, and
directs the court to implement a mandatory penalty that is often necessary for the individual to enter
and complete treatment.
We are supportive of the Senate's proposal to make possession of controlled substances punishable as a
gross misdemeanor and for the additional statutory guidance to the judiciary on appropriate sentencing
levels. However, there are specific issues within the House-approved version of SB 5536 that are gravely
concerning to local cities who are accountable for and must deal with the local impacts associate with
drug use.
• We are concerned that the version passed out of the House lacks adequate accountability to
compel an individual to seek and complete the services they need. Though We recognize
substance use disorder is categorized as a medical issue,and that treatment services are
necessary. However, someone that suffers from substance use disorder does not have the right
to victimize the community. Tile state must recognize that substance use disorder impairs
individual decision-making ability and has substantial impact on the individual and the
community they live in and that individual requires incentives, which often includes being
compelled, to seek help_The law that ultimately gets passed out of the legislature needs to
contain tougher guardrails so that individuals enter and complete the necessary treatment and
services. We are urging that the legislature retain the mandatory minimums and gross
misdemeanor penalty in the Senate version for final passage of the bill.
• We are also concerned with the addition to the legislation language that restricts the ability of
local jurisdictions to regulate the public use of drugs. The House insertion into the Senate bill
will preempt local laws passed or being considered by many cities across the state.The public
use of drugs presents an immediate and prolonged health and safety risk to our local public
from the discarded paraphernalia, effects of the drug on the user, and potential contact with the
substance by law abiding people. For these reasons cities ought to have the power to address
this dangerous situation in a manner that is best to protect their e-ie+4sfamilies,visitors,
workforce, businesses, and others in their community. We are concerned that current local
laws that have proven to be effective at addressing these impacts will be replaced with a state
law that will fail to address the local issues. Public use is different than simple possession for
these reasons and should be treated as such.
Our citizens communities are tired of the rampant drug use and the resulting violence, vandalism, and
crimes that typically accompany substance abuse. We hear about it every single day. Decriminalizing
drugs and taking away necessary accountability has sent the wrong message to the small percentage of
criminal element that is negatively impacting the overwhelming majority of law-abiding citizens
individuals in our communities.
Our families, businesses, and individuals deserve to live in a community where they feel safe and you
can help us get there. Please address the measures outlined above so that we can stand in partnership
in the safety of our communities.
Regards,
(Mayor's Signatures)