2023, 05-23 Formal Meeting MINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Formal Format
Tuesday, May 23,2023
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 CenterPIace Regional Event Center, 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
Tim Hattenburg, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Laura Padden, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks&Recreation Director
Brandi Peetz, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Engineer
Ben Wick, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney
Arne Woodard, Councilmember John Whitehead,Human Resources Director
Mike Basinger, Economic Dev. Director
Others in attendance: Sean Walker, Assistant Police Chief
Kelly Konkright, Attorney Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager
Eric Robison, Housing&Homeless Coordinator
Emily Estes-Cross, Public Information Officer
Chaz Bates,PIanning Manager
Jenny Nickerson,Building Official
Levi Basinger,Planner
Kendall May, Recreation Coordinator
Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Nikki Kole, IT Specialist
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Brad Bruszer of Genesis 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 Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed
to approve the agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS n/a
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Peetz: said she attended the Chamber's Government Action Committee where state
representatives gave an update on what took place during the legislative session; attended the D.R. Horton
development ribbon cutting, and said the amenities within the development are impressive; went to the Law
Enforcement Awards where she heard great stories of life saving and of going above-and beyond;
participated in the Jr. Lilac Parade;went to the Indians Baseball Game; and also attended the ribbon cutting
for Valley Dermatology in Spokane Valley.
Councilmember Padden: said she attended the Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon to cheer on two of
her sons who were participating; attended the Spokane Regional Law & Justice Council and said they are
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Approved by Council: 06-27-2023
still re-organizing and have now determined their top priority is getting and retaining staff, and that they
have formed focus groups to investigate such things as diversion, racial equity training, and mental health;
also stated they are waiting to get more data on the MacArthur report concerning funding.
Councilmember Hattenburg: said he attended the employee staff luncheon, which was a fun event seeing
staff get together and of their years-of-service awards; also went to the law enforcement event; attended a
Spokane Valley Connects event at the Presbyterian Church which event was the largest to date, with over
380 guests; said the hiring of STA(Spokane Transit Authority) coach operators is about 95%; spoke of the
zero fare for youth 18 and under riding the bus; and of STA's partnership with Library Districts for free
passes.
Councilmember Woodard: said he also attended the employee luncheon.
Councilmember Wick: said he also attended the staff appreciation luncheon and mentioned some of the staff
received their 20-year award; went to the Sheriff's recognition event;attended the Idaho Central Performing
Arts Center fundraiser at Arborcrest; went to a third grade class for a mock interview process; said the
Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) is in the process of a new executive director search;
said they are looking at legislation passed; also looking at how the Board could be more supportive with
letters of support; said he is chair of the AWC. (Association of Washington Cities) Large City Advisory
Council and they have a meeting coming up the end of this month.
Deputy Mayor Higgins: reported he went to the SRTC(Spokane Regional Transportation Council) meeting
and he was appointed to their executive committee to serve for the next year; attended the ribbon cutting to
commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Clearwater Summit Group [landscaping industry], said they
transferred from Hillyard some time ago to our city because they were looking for a central location; said
they are a full-service operation and operate year-round, and will be a sub-contractor on Balfour Park.
MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Haley reported that she attended the GSI Legislative Update where they went
over their priorities; also attended the City staff employee luncheon, and said it is always great to tell staff
how much they are appreciated; said she spoke at a Veteran's event; said the STA I-90 high performance
transit was award $7.5 million, and the Argonne Park&Ride also received an award; said that STA's sales
taxes are staying pretty much level.
PROCLAMATIONS: n/a
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she
invited public comments. Mr. John Harding, Spokane Valley: spoke about public safety and the rail system
and he read a portion of a letter discussing an agreement where the UP Railroad would consider closing off
their Iine and using the NP's line; said the letter was from Glenn Miles from SRTC; and he asked why we
can't talk to the rail lines and ask them about switching the line just north of the freeway.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: 2023 Budget Amendment—Chelsie Taylor
Mayor Haley opened the public hearing at 6:21 p.m. Finance Director Taylor gave a brief overview of the
items proposed for the budget amendment. Mayor Haley invited public comment, Mr. John Harding,
Spokane Valley: spoke about how studies show that stormwater runoff doesn't affect the aquifer because it
doesn't go that far into the ground and he questioned the need for the stormwater fees.There were no further
public comments and Mayor Haley closed the public hearing at 6:35 p.m.
2. First Reading Ordinance 23-011 Amending 2023 Budget—Chelsie Taylor
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded
to advance Ordinance 23-011 amending the 2023 budget, to a second reading. There was brief Council
discussion about the difference with the LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) fund and the TPA
(Tourism Promotion Area Commission)fund,with Director Taylor explaining that once we get a few months
of activity, we will have a closer idea of those amounts as we received the numbers from the County.
Councilmember Peetz said she will be voting no on this ordinance as she was opposed to the stormwater
increases as she would have preferred something more gradual. Vote by acclamation: in favor:Mayor Haley,
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Approved by Council: 06-27-2023
Deputy Mayor Higgins, and Councilmembers Padden, Hattenburg, Woodard, and Wick Opposed.
Councilmember Peetz. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
3. 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 May 23, 2023, Request for Council Action Form: $1,165,856.81
b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending May 15, 2023: $524,266.66
c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2023
d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of May 9,2023
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda.
4. Second Reading Ordinance 23-010, Chronic Nuisance—Erik Lamb
After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded
to approve Ordinance 23-010 amending chapters 7.05 and 17.100 SVMC related to chronic nuisances.
Deputy City Manager Lamb went over the background of the proposed changes. There was Council
discussion concerning victims of domestic violence, and Mr. Lamb said the proposed changes provide the
flexibility that law enforcement can work on the cases individually. There was also discussion about the
receivership and the court process,with Mr.Lamb explaining that due-process is built in and staff is willing
to work with owners who are also willing to work with us; reminding Council that other people create a
nuisance within the neighborhood,but we and Law Enforcement are willing to work with anyone who needs
assistance; and that there is coordination with code enforcement, the Police Department, and our `huddle
team.' Mayor Haley added that if someone needs help we will help and we are hopeful that the situation
results in voluntary compliance; said we can't close down houses now and some of these situations have
been going on for years;that the aim is to help the neighborhood but we won't make the one person homeless.
Mayor Haley invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor
Haley, Deputy Mayor Higgins, and Councilmembers Peetz, Padden, Hattenburg, and Woodard. Opposed.
Councilnmember Wick. Motion carried.
5. Motion Consideration: 8th Ave Sidewalk&Preservation Bid Award—Gloria Mantz
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to award the 8"Avenue Improvements Project—CIP
#0340 contract to N.A. Degerstrom, Inc. in the amount of$2,675,046.50 and authorize the City Manager to
finalize and execute the construction contact pending TIB approval. After City Engineer Mantz went over
the project and bid process, Mayor Haley invited public comments. No comments were offered. Vote by
acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
6. Comp Plan Amendment 23-01, City Initiated Map Amendment—Levi Basinger
Planner Basinger explained about the.one,City-initiated map amendment,which proposes to change the area
in question from single family residential and neighborhood commercial, to parks, recreation and open
space; that this particular area lacks park space and this would provide new park space for area residents;
and the proposed change is compatible with existing land use and properties; and he reiterated the Planning
Commission's conditions of recommended approval.Councilmember Wick pointed out that the slides 3 and
6 look like the areas differ; that slide 3 looks like just the first two parcels and on slide 6 it looks like it
includes the four parcels. Mr. Basinger said he will check that. There was Council consensus to move
forward as proposed.
7. Street Vacation STV 23-01, Oaks Academy Street Vacation—Levi Basinger
Mr. Basinger went over the background for this proposed street vacation, showing the proposed right-of-
way to be vacated, the Planning Commission conditions for recommended approval, the process for the
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Approved by Council: 06-27-2023
vacation, and of the process to move forward with this vacation request should Council concur. There was
Council consensus to move forward as proposed.
8. Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)Requalification—Mike Basinger, Eric Robison
Mr. Basinger explained about the re-qualification process and of the question of whether we would like to
continue with the County; he explained that staff sent the Country specific proposal modifications but have
not yet received a response;that if Council elects to become its own entitlement,the timeframe for creating
the required Plan, staffing up and preparing to take over the CDBG funding is short, and action would need
to be taken soon, adding that staff will return to the June 6 Council meeting to discuss new information and
any additional details needed for Council to make a decision. There was Council discussion about financial
costs; and of sewer projects.
Concerning the Donwood sewer project, Mr. Hohman explained that this is a neighborhood with a
manufactured home subdivision at the northwest corner of Euclid and Barker; that the sewer infrastructure
costs a certain amount of money, including hook-up fees, service fee and a general facilities charge, which
is what all pay for the sewer plant, and another fee for their portion of the sewer lines; the last time we did
such a project in the near-by neighborhood,we used CDBG funds to offset the expenditures of those charges;
that there were grants as well as zero-interest loans depending on the resident's income; with each resident
who wanted to apply,having to document their income level. Mr. Hohman said the County staff handled all
that previous arrangement for us as we don't have staff or the expertise to work with the neighborhood; he
also clarified that this sewer project would not extend to the mobile home park to the south because mobile
home parks are a different project and there is state law that mobile home parks cannot be forced to connect;
and that this Donwood is the last area, aside from mobile home parks, that is still on septic tanks. Mr.
Hohman said this is a high priority project with the neighborhood's proximity to the River; so that is a
consideration to include in the analysis of how would this project be affected in relation to our decision
regarding staying with the County or becoming our own entitlement; so the options to consider include
staying within the County's consortium, being our own entitlement, or being our own entitlement but
contracting with the County administering the program,and if we become our own entitlement,what impact
might that have on the County's funding; adding that staff is working to get an extension of time.
9. Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program —Adam Jackson
Mr. Jackson went over the background of the annual, six-year TIP program, including state requirements,
and of the categorized projects of close out projects, bridge and grade separation projects, intersection
improvement projects, annual local access street projects, annual arterial preservation project, other
reconstruction/preservation projects, and safety, sidewalk, trail and stormwater projects, for a total of 42
total projects.There was some discussion about 8'1' and Pines and 4'1' and Bowdish, and of the need for more
traffic modeling on Barker before doing more as staff continues to work with the Department of
Transportation and the City of Liberty Lake.
10. Aquatics Update—Kendall May, John Bottelli
Recreation Coordinator May gave an update on the aquatics program, including the status of the three pools
and planned programs; with Mr. Bottelli going over the mechanical details. Ms. May then continued with
the discussion of the operations agreement with the Valley YMCA, staffing recruitment, individual pool
program offerings, and the ever-popular Paws in the Pool Event.
1 1. Advance Agenda—Mayor Haley
There were no suggested changes to the Advance Agenda.
INFORMATION ONLY
The(12)Fire Department Monthly Report, and the (13)Department Monthly Reports were for information
only and were not reported or discussed.
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Approved by Council: 06-27-2023
COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were no further Council comments.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Legislative Policy Coordinator Clough spoke about an AWC (Association of Washington Cities) survey
concerning next year's legislative priorities; she referenced a copy of a list of priority areas and AWC would
like no more than five chosen priorities,and said we should return the list to AWC by May 30,and she asked
Councilmembers to return such list to her or Executive Assistant Marci Patterson. Ms. Clough also noted a
letter from the Buick Club of America concerning their 50t'Anniversary National Meet, which will be held
in our City mid-July; and that they would like a welcome letter in their packet for their attendees, signed by
our Mayor. Councilmember Wick suggested they add the Heritage Museum as one of the City's attractions.
There was Council consensus to send the letter.
Mr.Hohman said the Monsanto award,which was as a result of a class action lawsuit by municipalities with
bodies of water that were contaminated with PCB's by products made by Monsanto;that we did not opt out
of the lawsuit, and we received a settlement of about $3.5 million and will be looking for Council's
recommendations later to direct those funds as appropriate.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded that Council adjourn into executive session for
approximately 10 minutes to discuss pending litigation, and that no action will be taken upon return to open
session. Council adjourned into executive session at 7:59 p.m. At 8:10 p.m. Mayor Haley declared Council
out of executive session at which time it was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded and unanimously
agreed to adjourn.
A S Qom-
Pam Haley, Mayor
ristine Bainbridge, City Clerk -
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Approved by Council: 06-27-2023
Spokane
Walley 10210 B Sprague Avenue ♦ Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509)720-5000 • www.spokanevalley.org
Buick Club of America
50th Anniversary National Meet
May 22
} 2023 D�
cnIft
Dear Buick Enthusiast and Honored Guest,
Thank you for visiting the City of Spokane Valley, the site of Buick Club of America's 50th
National Meet! On behalf of the City Council, it's my pleasure to welcome you to our city
and hope you take some time to explore all the wonderful amenities Spokane Valley has
to offer.
The City of Spokane Valley is home to over 107,000 residents and offers something for
everyone including shopping, brew pubs and restaurants, wine tasting, aviation museum,
Friday night farmers market, outdoor recreation and more! If you're visiting with children
and want more family-friendly entertainment, Spokane Valley has three city swimming
pools, splash pads, a trampoline park and ample parks and trails.
You can learn more about what to do, where to eat and places to stay in Spokane Valley
at www.visitspokanevallev.com I
Additionally, CRAVE! NW, the Inland Northwest's premier food and drink celebration is
also happening during your stay. Visit https://cravenw.com for more information about this
amazing food festival.
Deputy Mayor Rod Higgins will be stepping in for me this year to select a recipient for the
Mayor's Trophy that will be presented at the Awards Dinner on Saturday night as I have a
prior commitment. Please enjoy your stay here and thank you for choosing Spokane Valley
as the venue for this exciting event!
Sincerely,
Pam Haley, Mayor
City of Spokane Valley