2023, 09-19 Study Session MinutesMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Study Session
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6 psn. The meeting was held in person by Council and staff in
the Great Room at Centerl'lace, 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, and also remotely via Zoom
meeting.
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
Pam Haley, Mayor
Rod Higgins, Deputy Mayor
Tim Hattenburg, Councilmember
Brandi Peetz, Councilmember
Laura Padden, Councilmember
Ben Wick, Councilmember
John Hohman, City Manager
Erik. Lamb, Deputy City Manager
John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director
Mike Basinger, Economic Dev. Director
Lesli Brassfield, Comm. Marketing Officer
John Whitehead, Human Resources Director
Arne Woodard, Councilmember [via zoom] Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Sarah Parr, Accountant / Budget Analyst
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
David Ellis, Police Chief
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Patterson called roll; all Councilmembers were present to include
Councilmember Woodard via Zoom.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed
to approve the agenda.
PROCLAMATIONS: n/a
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she
invited public comment. City Manager Hohman: read a letter from Reclaim Project regarding the recent
purchase of a home for transitional housing. The letter stated that Reclaim would not be seeking the permits
required for the transitional housing due to the overwhelming concern from the neighborhood and would
sell the home and look for a home in a different area. Ms. Rachel Briscoe, Spokane Valley: spoke about
the general public comment and requested an opportunity for discussion with the council and having
dialogue during the general public comment period of each meeting. Mr. John Harding: spoke about the
"halfway" houses in the neighborhoods and questioned who knew about the purchase of the home and how
many of these homes were in Spokane County.
ACTION ITEMS:
1.Motion Consideration: 'IPA 5-vear elan and Marketing Service Proposal — Lesli Brassfield
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins and seconded to authorize Motion to 1) approve the five -year -
Destination Marketing Strategic Plan 2) authorize City Manager or designee to execute a contract with
116 & West for $813,500 to provide destination marketing services through December 31, 2024, and 3)
approve the selection of "Discover THE VALLEY" (name) and "Spokane Valley, WA " (tagline) for
branding the city's tourism initiatives. Ms. Brassfield and Jessica McDonald, H6 & West representative
presented a TPA 5-year plan and contract with 116 & West for destination services. Ms. Brassfield also
presented a new "Brand Name" and "Tagline" for marketing the City of Spokane Valley. Mayor Haley
invited public comment. Mr. John Harding: Asked about the need for a multi -year contract and why there
was no public input regarding the brand name and tagline. Mr. Dick Denneny: Spoke about the surveys and
research that was done 20 years ago to come up with the City of Spokane name. Vote by acclamation: in
Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 09-19-2023 Page 1 of 3
Approved by Council: 02-27-24
favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Higgins, Councibnembers Woodard, Hattenburg and Padden.
Opposed: Councilrnernbers Peetz and Wick, Motion carried
2.Motion Consideration: Approve Ci1y LTAC Application, w/ Spokane Sports Mike Basin er
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins to authorize city staff to submit a 2024 Lodging Tax Grant
Application, in partnership with Spokane Sports, for $4.4 million from the Lodging R7x Facilities Fund
#104 to partially firnd construction a cross country course. Mr. Basinger provided a background on the
project and then introduced Ashley Blake, Spokane Sports Chief Executive Officer to provide an overview
of the project that will coincide with the LTAC Application. Ms. Blake spoke extensively about the potential
for a cross country/cyclocross course at the Flora Park property and what an asset it would be to our
community. The 2-kilometer cross country course at Flora Park is intended to host events for Youth, Middle
School, High School, Collegiate, Post -Collegiate and Masters Athletes. This course will not only host
premier events, but also serve the greater community through programming, clinics, and practice
opportunities. With this application, and potential award of grant funding, the project moving forward
would provide a key tourism asset to grow and attract new sports tourism events in the city. Mr. Basinger
noted staff is committed to working with Kimely-Horn and Spokane Sports to identify a phased approach
with the goal of holding cross country events on the Flora Park site in 2025. To move this project forward,
City Staff are seeking authorization to submit an LTAC application, in partnership with Spokane Sports,
for a $4.4 million lodging tax grant award from the Lodging Tax Facilities Fund 4104 to partially fund
construction of a cross country course at Flora Park. This application would be submitted through the annual
Lodging Tax Grant Application process. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Mayor Haley
invited public comment. Mr. Dan Allison spoke about the idea regarding whitewater rafting. Vote by
acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Higgins, Councilrnembers Woodard, Hattenburg,
Padden and Peetz. Opposed: Councilmember° Wick. Motion carried
Mayor Haley called for a recess at 7:05 p.m.; she reconvened the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
3. Outside Agency Presentations — Sarah Farr
Ms. Farr noted the three-ring binder with the grant materials; mentioned the awarding methodology which
is similar- to the method used in the past, and asked Councilmembers to put their naive on their allocation
sheet and submit it to her by 4 pm October 12, and to please make sure the total amount awarded adds up
to $100,000 each for both categories of Social Services and Economic Development.
Representatives from the following organizations gave a brief presentation in response to our call for
Outside Agency Funding:
Econornie Development:
1. Idaho Central Performing At Center: $10,000
2. JAKT Foundation - CRAVE: 40,000
3. JAKT Foundation -- farmers Market: $30,000
4. SNAP financial Access: $75,000
5. Spokane Valley Arts Council: $26,000
6. Spokane Valley Heritage Museum: $19,000
7. Spokane Valley Summer Theatre: $20,000
8. Spokane Workforce Council: $15,000
Social Services:
1. Christ Kitchen: $10,000
2. Elevations A Children's Therapy Resource Foundation: $20,000
3. Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels: $32,850
4. Inland Chess Academy: $2,500
5. Joya Child & Family Development: $14,300
6. NAOMI: $20,000
Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 09-19-2023 Page 2 of 3
Approved by Council: 02-27-24
7. Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners� $49,914
8. Spokane Valley Partners: $100,00t O
9. Teen & Kid Closet: $12,000
10. Widows Might: $52,50O
11. YMCA of the Inland Northwest: $8,800
4. Advance Agenda Mayor Haley
Councilmernber Peetz noted that she would like an update on the Monsanto funding, Coun cil meni ber Wick
mentioned an update on the river clean tip and City Manager I-lohnian noted that he would speak to staff
and bring it forward at a later date.
Deputy Mayor Higgins spoke about the I% property tax and City Manager noted that it was on the advance
agenda and would be discussed next week.
COUnCilmeniber Wick asked for more leeway in allowing the mayor to speak during the public comment
period and acknowledge the speaker. City Manager I Johnian said he would investigate what other cities are
currently doing and perhaps craft Our introduction to public coninient differently and noted that lie and key
staff are available to speak to during the week, at city hall.
Mayor Haley mentioned that she thanks each person for speaking and that during a business meeting the
back -and forth discussion is generally not done. Site also said that perhaps they needed to have town hall
meeting and that Would allow for more of a discussion with that type of setting.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were: no further Council continents.
CITY MANAGER COMMJ,N'rs
Mr. lJohnian noted that the Valleyfest Celebration would take place that weekend, beginning Friday
evening with the parade and Saturday with, the 20"' Anniversary city celebration. City Manager Hohnian
also inctitioned that the State Auditors Exit Conference would take place on Friday at City Hall at 2:OOPM'.
It was moved 1))f Deputy Mayon- 1.1iggins, ,sec on(lect and unanimously qgi;eed to aeljourn. The meeting
adJourned at 8:46 p.m.
ATTEST:
Marc-i 1 tterson, City Clerk
1 ai ii Haley, Mayor
COLHICH Meethig Minutes, Study Session: 09-19-2023
Approved by Council: 02-27-24
Page 3 of 3
Reclaim Project Recovery
Kenny Carlson, Executive Director
1804 W Broadway Spokane WA, 99201
nl ()11_['T Phone: (5090-954-7023, kenny@reclaimprojectnw.org
September 14, 2023
Dear City of Spokane Valley Staff, Mayor and City Council members,
Together, overthe last two years, we have built an excellent foundation for a strong long-term
relationship between the City of Spokane Valley and Reclaim Project Recovery.
Reclaim Project Recovery is excited forthe opportunity to address -the needs of the Spokane Valley and
serve your citizens in a mannerthat is received in a positive light. We have absolutely no doubt -that we
could win the supportof the neighborhood surrounding the house on 11t' but not without a substantial
fight and collateral damage to the equity of the relationship between the Spokane Valley government,
and its citizens. It is not by any means a normative practice for The Reclaim Projectto back down from
hard things like this butas mentioned above, it is more important to us that we move forward together
with the support of the Spokane Valley's staff, Council and citizens collectively. It is our intention to
build a bridge forthese men in your community and not a wall.
Dueto the unprecedented amount of concern over operating a transitional house at 111' we will not be
applying for a permit. We are excited to find a new location to serve Spokane Valley with the much
needed transitional, sober, workforce development housing. We appreciate the continued support by
the City of Spokane Valley staff, Mayor and Council Members.
We are putting the house at 13513 E 111" up for immediate resale and we will be educating ourselves on
the best practices and possibilities as we integrate into the valley.
Sincerely
Kenny Carlson, Executive Director
Reclaim Project Recovery
Cc: Shawn Kingsbury, Founder & CEO
Aaron Allen, Co -Founder & CFO
Mard Patterson
From: James Allen <jallen-72065@msn,com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 6:49 AM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
SUbject: Transitional' housing for Convicted Felon 13513 E 11 th AVE
[UTERNALIThis email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always rise caution when opening attachrflenLs or -
clicking I i riks.
Please deny the permit request for the property a 13515 E. 11111 for Transition Housing for Convicted Felons. Approval of
this permit would create an unsafe situation in our neighborhood. This property is located on a street that is used by
children walking to school. In addition, this type of business will reduce home values.
Again, please deny this permit.
James Allen
Spokane Valley
Marci Patterson
From: James Allen <jallen-72[365@rnsn,com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 7:03 AM
To, Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: Fw: Transitional housing for Convicted Felon 13513 E 1 1th AVE
[EXTERNAL] This ernail originaLed outside the City of Spokane Valley,, Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links,
correction of address
From: James Mien <jallen_72065@msn.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 6:48 AM
To: councilmeetingpLibliccomment@spokanevalley.org <councilmeetingpubliccomment@sp,ol(anevalley.org>
Subject: Transitional housing for Convicted Felon 13513 E 11th AVE
Please deny the permit request for the property a 13513 E, 11111 for Transition Housing for Convicted Felons. Approval of
this permit would create an unsafe situation in our neighborhood. This property is located on a street that is used by
children walking to school. In addition, this type of business will reduce home values.
Again, please deny this permit.
James Allen
Spokane Valley
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September I q , 2023
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