2024, 01-09 Formal MeetingMIN uTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Fortual For
Tuesday, January 9', 2024
Mayor I-Taley 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 Zoorn meeting.
Alten(lance:
Coll lici Imern bers,
Para Haley, Mayor
Tim Hatteoburg, Deputy Mayor
Rod Higgins, Councifinernber
Al Merkel, Councilmember
Laura Padden, Councilinember
Ben Wick, COUncilmember
Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember
Staff
John Holunan, City Manager
Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager
Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator
Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Bill I-Ielbig, Community & PW Director
Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
Jill Smith, Communications Manager
Virginia Clough, I.,egislative Policy Coordinator
Julie Meyers-Lehrrian, Executive Assistant
Nikki bole, ITSpecialist
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Brad Bruszer with Genesis Church gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance,
11OLL CALL City Clerk Patterson called the roll; all Councifinernbers were present.
APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA It was inoved by Councihnember Merkel to contend the agenda
to "include an items about repealing the license plate It -ix. " With no second,, the molionftliled
1( was moved by Dej)uty Alayor 11altenburg to approve the presented amendecl agenda, seconded and
agreed to ky Mayor Hale.),, DeputY Alqyor 1-K-ittenburg, Councilinembers Jaeger, Higgins, Wick and
Paciclen, 01.q)osed by Coiinciltiieiribet-.Alf(,,t-lceL
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS ANI) PRESENTATIONS n/a
COUNCILMEMBER RE, POILTS,
Councilmember Merkel: spoke about the need for public safety on the agenda and that he attended ride-
alongs with our officers. He also spoke about a special budget workshop he is hosting at a later date.
Councilmernber Padden: Nothing to report.
COUnCilmember Higgins: Nothing to report.
Councilmeniber Wick: noted that lie testified on 1-113 2008- creating a task ftll'Ce 011 housing cost driver
analysis,
Deputy Mayor Hattenbulg: said lie attended a safety and security overview for STA for the buses, plaza
area and restrooms, at the plaza.
CounciltneipberYac,er: said went to the precinct and toured the facility,
MAYOR'S RE PO11T
The Mayor had nothing to report.
YROCLAXATIONS:
Comicil. Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-09-2024 Page I of 4
Approved by Council:
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:
After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments ftorn the public. Ms. Barb Howard,
Sp qkqne Yallcy_(viq /oom).: spoke about not using the city logo for 8 profit to" elected officials, Mr,, Dali
Allison S')olc4ne Valley: spoke about his concern getting police officers hired and Mayor Haley working
with Mayor Brown on homeless issues, Mr, John Hardingjp okqiiq Valley-, spoke about the increase in
park staff,
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 ConsetILAgenda. $3,401,331,62.
a. Approval of Claim Vouchers on January 9,2024, Request for Council Action Foi-in:
b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending December 15, 2021 $549,200,51
c. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending December 31, 2023: $739,054.06
It was n7oved bye Delizily.A11ayor I-fattenburg, seconded and unaniniouslY agieed to qpl.n-ove the Consent
Agenda,
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3. May _iil�Al piptionArea f—TPA) --ornmission -..Mayor Haley
It was moved by Delwily Mwyor I-Iattenbui-g and seconded to confillin 1hefiollmi4n,04aYoral q191mintinent
to the BSI-aokane Yalley� 7TA Commission: Midscale., Jessica Glasson, Floliday hin Expressjbi- a one-yem,
terin. Mayor Haley reviewed the TPA Commission and the narne of the volunteer and then asked for any
public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclonialion: infavor: unaniinotts. ())posed: none.
A4,'otion carried
4, Ma yoi ral - -A-PP-Q-i1-1-tl--rieiits:Cotinciliiiciiibei-stoCoi-nmittees--- Ma-vorHaley
It was moved 1µy Deptity Mqyor Tlatlenbuig and seconded I inove to authorize the creation J'the Council
Public 5qfely Committee, the Council Sftwtegic Planning Connniftee, and to corifif-In the Mayoral
al)I)ointinents of Councilinetnbers to the coininittees and boards as listed on this Januat)) 9, 2024 Request
fir Council Action fit'in. Councilinember Merkel stated that Regional Homelessness is not listed. Mayor
Haley noted that it is not currently meeting and once it is active again, they will discuss representation.
Mayor Haley asked for any public comments; no comments were offered, Vole by acclaination: infiavor:
Alla d:
yor 11aley, Delnity Allayor Haltenbw-g, Councihneinbe7-s Iliggins, Paddc-�n, Wick and )`aeger. 0pl)ose
Councilinember Merkel. Alofion carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: pan
5-Adm"in R _ort: Governance Manual Social Media Review - Kellylamed -Konkridjohn.1--lolit
City Manager I-Iolinian opened the discussion on the social media. review, Mr. I-1ohnian provided details
regarding the use of the city logo for personal accounts. Councih-nernber Merkel created a chart showing
costs for police items and asked how much staff time was used to fit into the cost of specific items, City
Manager Hohnian explained the process of getting items put on the advance agenda and how to process, the
requests of each topic and the importance of those topics, Councilinember Higgins poised a Point of Order,
Mayor Haley asked that lie speak to the point, Councilmernber Higgins noted that Couricilinember Merkel
was turning it into a circus and that they are trying to conduct business here and I think this is turning into
a debate and needs to be put in the Governance Manual Committee and deal with it there. Councilmernber
Yacger pointed out a specific section and stated tine could have been saved by asking to use the logo.
Councilinernber Merkel poised a Point of Privilege about being interrupted and asked what was going on.
Mayor Haley asked if there were questions or Just a debate, Councilmeniber Merkel stated he had questions,
Mayor Haley advised to continue with questions. Councilmember Merkel continued with questions.
Councilmeniber Merkel poised a Point of Order and noted that lie took offense to COUncilinernber Higgins
statement. Councili-neniber Higgins stated that it was intended that way. Councilmernber Merkel poised
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 0 1 -09-2024 Page 2 of 4
Approved by CounciL
another Point of Order stating that intending offense is against ethics code in the Governance Manual and
then immediately asked for a ruling. Councilmember Higgins noted that there was yet to be a ruling on his
original point of order. Mayor Haley stopped all conversation and stated that we are here to conduct a
business meeting and proceeded with closing all council comments and questions. Mayor Haley then asked
for consensus to move forward with the Governance Manual. A consensus was reached to move forward
with the Governance Manual.
G. Admin Report: Planning Commission Meetin Ounce 24-001 Update —_Tony Beattie
Mr. Beattie opened the conversation with a review for the request for changing the required number of
Planning Commission meetings from once per month, every month, to once per month for nine months out
of the year. Mr. Beattie stated that this is consistent with other state law related to planning commissions
and does not reduce the number of regular meetings scheduled. Council suggested a minor change to add
that in January following an election year there not be a meeting on the second Thursday as this is not
enough time to get new members appointed to the commission. Consensus was provided to move forward
with the Ordinance.
7. Admin Report: Zayo Franchise -- Tony Beattie
Mr. Beattie presented a Franchise agreement for Zayo Group, LLC. Mr. Beattie explained that in 2013,
Council approved a franchise with Zayo Group, LLC for installation and maintenance of fiber optics
telecommunications facilities within the boundaries of the City of Spokane Valley. The ten year franchise
requires renewal, and Zayo Group, LLC has requested that the City grant it a new franchise on the same or
similar terms. There are a few minor substantive differences in the insurance section, a requirement of
grantees, and a change in the monthly fee of fiber pair per mile if utilized. Council discussed miles used for
Zayo, the cost of the increment, and what telecommunications are being used by the city. Consensus was
provided to allow staff to move forward with the Franchise agreement and come back at a later date.
Mayor Haley called for a recess at 7:12 p.m.; she reconvened the meeting at 7:20 pan.
8. Open Public Meetings Act & Public Records Request Training -- Kelly Konkright
City Attorney Konkright presented a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the Open Public Meetings Act
(OPMA) and public records training. Mr. Konkrigbt provided specific details on what a public record
included and noted those records could be on city devices or a personal device. Ile stated that best practice
is to not use personal devices for city related business. He also slated that the city has methods for preserving
records and can provide those records if requested. Council discussed exemptions to certain records and
what it means to represent the council. Mr. Konkright then moved into the OPMA training and reviewed
the rules and requirements for an open public meeting and what the executive sessions are and when they
are used. Council discussed guidelines for the meetings and executive sessions. Mr. Konkright closed the
presentation stating that if council ever had any questions regarding either topic that they could contact the
legal department.
9. Advance Agenda — Mayour Haley_
There were no suggested changes to the Advance Agenda.
INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed):
10. Hearing Examiner 2023 Annual Report
COUNCIL COMMENTS
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Hohman stated the police item is scheduled for the January 30" council meeting and the Governance
Manual Committee will continue to work through new requests to include office hours and printing
materials for use outside of city -initiated meetings. Mr. Hohman asked for consensus to add those topics to
the Governance Manual committee review. Consensus was provided to add those topics. Finally, Mr.
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-09-2024 Page 3 of 4
Approved by Council:
Holunan reminded COUncil that there WOUld be no meeting next week as many of the councilmembel'S WOUld
be in Olympia,
It was moved Viay Depito, Maym- Rattenbui%, seconded and unanimousl)) agived to adjourn, Thenieeling
adjoumed at 8:14 1). in.
ATTE ST:
Pam Haley, Mayd"'
Marci I 'tterson, City Clerk
COL11161 Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-09-2024
Approved by COL11161:
Page 4 of 4
AMENDED AGENDA
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FORMALFORMAT
Tuesday, January 09, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Reniotely via ZOOMPleeting and
In Person at Spokane Valley City Hall, Council Chambers
10210 E. Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
242-64N 1-1 iseovery-111twe
S 1-ppoh-n-ne-V a111eyy--W-A---9-9-2-1 6
CotmcilReqttesfs Please Silence Your Cell Phones During Councilm.eeting
NOTE: Members of the public t-nay attend Spokane Valley Council meetings in -person, at the address provided
above, or via Zoom at the link below. Members of the public will be allowed to comment in -person or via
Zoom as described below. Public comments will only be those items noted on the Agei �daq�
at nortumtv..'..' If making a comment via Zoom, comments must he received by 4:00 pm the
day of the meeting.
• jStj_gp up tea flrovide Oral Public Cornment at the lie tin _via Callil-Ig-JI!
• SUbIllit Wt itten Public Comment Prior to the Meetira
• Join the Zoom WEB Meeting
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALL TO ORDER
IN -VOCATION: Pastor Brad Bruszer, Genesis Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
MAYOR'S REPORT
PROCLAMATIONS:
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: This is an opportunity lot, the public to speak on any
subject except agenda action items, as public comments will be taken on those items where indicated. Please
keep comments to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Government, This is not an opportunity for
questions or discussion. Diverse points of view are welcome but please keel) remarks civil. Remarks will be
Ihnited to three minutes per person. If a person engages in disruptive behavior or makes individual personal
attacks regarding matters unrelated to City business, then the Council and/or Mayor may end that person's
public comment time before the three -minute mark. To comment via zoom: use the link above for oral or
written comments as per those directions. 'I'o comment at the mecting in person: speakers may sign in to
speak but it is not required. A sign -in sheet will be provided at the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Cotincil Agenda January 09, 2024 Page I of'2
Marci Pattersion
From: Brett Woollett <brett.gbc@gmail,com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 10:10 AM
To: City Council; Rod Higgins; Jessica Yaeger; Albert Merkel; Ben Wick; Pamela Haley; Tim
Hattenburg; Laura Padden, John Hohmain; Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: Albert Merkel
[EXTERNAL] This email originated Outside the City cif Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments 01,
clicking links,
Dear City Council,
Ben Wick, Thank you for not voting to try to suppress the first amendment. I want to be informed in the easiest
way possible. Suppressing the transfer of public information from a city council member should be a crime.
The city council works for the residents of their city. That would be the equivalent of me telling my employer that
they have to spend time and research to get any answer from me. I will not willingly communicate my opinion or
views on my workflow. I WOULD BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY! If you support suppressing the flow of information
on a public platform You should BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY!!
Stop trying to silence Al on Nextdoor, or anywhere else! Our elected officials are supposed to tell us what is
going on. This is a waste of city resources and will be remembered come election time. Instead of trying to
silence Al, try to take a page out of his book and communicate with us rnore. Allow voters to have our say!! I
Support Al's right to free speech! You should support my right to listen. Best regards,
Briett Wool lett
• Valley, WA r•
Marcy Patterson
From: erikandbecky@%com
Sent: Saturday, January 6, 2024 5:09 PM
To: City Council; Albert Merkel; Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: Spokane Valley Council
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley, Always use caution when opening attachments 01,
clicking links.
Dear Council,
li do not think you should attempt to keep Albert Merkel from posting public informative information, on Nextdoor. Al is
doing a great service to keep us localls informed about things that are happening that l, for one, pay taxes for, and I am a
conservative voter and vote in every election. Mr. Merkel has always, at all times, been a positive and kind person on
Nextdoor. I have never seen a negative comment once from hirer, even if l disagree with him on Nextdoor. I have never
met Mr. Merkel, and I do not know him personally at all. Please don't use my tax dollars to silence someone who is just
doing his job in a respectful and kind mianner for us taxpayers that live in this area.
Thank you,
Erik Ellis
.. . . .... ......... .. . ....... .. .nNVY�"1 Why
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