2024, 01-23 Formal MeetingMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Formal Format
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
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
Pam Haley, Mayor
Rod Higgins, Councilmember
Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember
Al Merkel, Councilmember
Laura Padden, Councilmember
Ben Wick, Councilmember
Absent:
Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor
Staff
John Hohman, City Manager
Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager
Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator
Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Bill Helbig, Community & PW Director
Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
Jill Smith, Communications Manager
John Bottelli, Parks & Ree Director
John Whitehead, HR Director
Mike Basinger, Economic Development Director
Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager
Dan Baker, Engineering- Planning and Grants
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Darrell Cole with Living Hope Church gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL City Cleric Patterson called the roll; all Councilmembers were present except
Councilmember Wick. It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to
excuse Councilnernber Wick from today's meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Councihnember Higgins to approve the presented agenda,
seconded and agreed unanimously.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUEST'S AND PRESENTATIONS n/a
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Yaeger: nothing to report.
Councilmember Padden: attended an STA meeting and provided committee reports and traveled to Olympia
with other councilmembers.
Councilmember Higgins: nothing to report.
Councilmember Wick: traveled to Olympia to discuss the city's agenda and thanked Valley Chamber as
they mentioned the cross-country course multiple times in presentations. Wick also spoke about HB2211,
HB2231 and attended a FMSIB meeting.
Councilmember Merkel: spoke about the Olympia trip and a cannabis bill and attended the OAC meeting
and testified on HB 1999. He also spoke about the recent all city plow.
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-23-2024 Pagel of4
Approved by Council:
MAYOR'S REPORT
The Mayor attended the STA committee meeting as well.
PROCLAMATIONS:
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:
After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments from the public. Mr. Mike Weissenfels
Spokane Valley; provided thank you to the staff working with the homeless individuals and thank you to
the staff working with the Flora property and taking care of nature and animals on the property. Mr. Dan
Allison, Spokane Valley: spoke about public safety and talk of changing the current form of government.
Mr. Bob West, Spokane Valley_: spoke about the city logo and council committee assignments. Mr. John
Harding, Spokane Valley: spoke about fire department response times.
NEW BUSINESS:
I. 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 a ) rove the Consent Agenda.
a. Approval of Claim Vouchers on January 23, 2024, Request for Council Action Form: $1,936,043.92.
b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending January 15, 2024: $580,668.88.
It was moved by Councihneinber Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent
Agenda.
2. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant O ortuni : Ci Safe Prn razor — Adam Jackson Dan Baker
It was moved by Coinicilmember Higgins and seconded to approve to authorize the City Manager or
designee to apply for the City Safety Program grant for the projects identified in ranked order as shown in
Table 1. Mr. Jackson provided a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the background of the grant and
details on the city safe program grant opportunity. Mr. Jackson also reviewed the projects that this particular
grant would cover and why those projects were chosen, specifically the roundabouts and the University
High School Arterial Safety Improvements. Council discussed the chosen projects and how the funding
would be applied if awarded. Councilmember Merkel questioned the sunk costs in the grant process thus
far. Mayor Haley stated the city was quite successful with the grant process. Mr. Hohman noted that
applying for the grants is an opportunity for the city to apply to get our taxpayer dollars back and if we
don't apply for them, there will be another city that will. This is an opportunity to maximize our own dollars.
Mayor Haley invited public comment. Mr. John Harding, Spokane Valley said he would like to know why
signals aren't funded and wiry they were all roundabouts. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unaniinous.
Opposed none. Motion carried.
3. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant O ortunit : RAISE Pro ram — Adam Jackson Dan Baker
It was Moved by Councihnember Higgins and seconded to authorize the City Manager or designee, to apply
for the RAISE Fiscal Year 2024 grant for the Sullivan & Trent Interchange Project in the amount of
$.25, 000, 000. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Baker lead the discussion with a brief background on the RAISE
program and what action council has taken in the past on the program. Mr. Jackson reviewed the PowerPoint
presentation that included funding the city has already secured for the project and if awarded what the
program funding would be used for. Council questioned the scores in previous applications and Mr. Jackson
slated that we scored well. Mayor Haley invited public comments; no public comments were offered. Vote
by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Councibneinbers Wick, Padden, Yaeger, and Higgins. Opposed:
Councilmeniber Merkel. Motion carried..
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
4. Economic Forecast --- Chelsie Taylor, Grant Forsyth
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-23-2024 Page 2 of 4
Approved by Council:
Ms. Taylor introduced Avista Corp. Chief Economist Dr. Grant Forsyth. Dr. Forsyth provided a very
detailed report and PowerPoint presentation of the current economic forecast that included a 2023 recap
and a housing market review stating the growth in the area is contributed to individuals moving into our
region. Dr. Forsyth also spoke about supply and demand in our housing market. He spoke about the
insurance industry and that some insurance may become more difficult to get in the future. Dr. Forsyth also
spoke about inflation, rent, the federal rates, median wages and the ability to get loans for homes, consumer
spending, our current hybrid work environment, credit card debt and zoning requirements for commercial
space turning into residential space. Council discussed many of these topics in depth with Dr. Forsyth and
thanked him for sharing his time and insight with the council.
5. Admin Report: Potential Grant O ortuni - Bridge Investment Program Adam Jackson Dan Baker
Mr. Jackson reviewed a PowerPoint presentation that detailed a background on the Bridge Investment
Program (BIP), the funding details, what the application considerations would include and what the funding
would be used for if awarded. Mr. Jackson noted that the application was almost the same as the RAISE
application and there would not be a lot of additional work required for this process. Council provided
consensus to continue with the process and return at a later date with a motion consideration.
6. Admin Report: Communications Program & C.ity, Brand Update — Jill Smith
Communications Manager Jill Smith lead the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation that included
background information, the priorities of the program and a review of the city logo. Ms. Smith noted that
communications were identified in the council goals and that the priorities for her department included
creating and implementing a strategic citywide communications plan. Ms. Smith also presented a fresh
update of the city logo that included new fonts and color opportunities. Implementing a new brand would
also include training and new templates and tools for staff to use. Councilmember Merkel questioned
changing the name of the city and Ms. Smith noted that had not come up in any of the information she had
reviewed. Council discussed costs and the need for community input before implementing a new logo. Ms.
Smith agreed that she would share the information with the community moving forward. Council provided
consensus to return to a future council meeting with community feedback and a resolution to adopt the new
logo.
7. Advance Agenda ---- Mayor Haley
Councilmember Yaeger looking into offering a peer court prograrn in our community and would just like
more information on that topic.
INFORMATION ONLY
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Merkel made a general comment about disenfranchising other member cities to join
boards. Councilmember Yaeger questioned the meaning behind the comment. Mayor Haley stated there
was not any disenfranchising with the STA appointments as the City of Spokane councilmember Zappone
seconded the motion made at the STA meeting and the vote was unanimous. Mayor Haley also stated that
she is aware that perhaps philosophically there are differences between the City of Spokane and the City of
Spokane Valley, but that we can get along and work well together as it's a regional system and we need to
be able to work together. Mayor Haley spoke about her board assignments for STA as well.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Hohman thanked Councilmembers Higgins and Merkel for testifying on behalf of the city on
some of the bills today and will coordinate further for any additional testimony. Mr. Hohman also provided
a reminder about the strategic planning workshop scheduled for the 13"' of February and that the strategic
planning committee was working to develop the agenda for the meeting.
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-23-2024 Page 3 of
Approved by Council:
It was moved b')) Councihnember Tliggins,, seconded and ununhnousl)) agreed to ct(�journ. The ineeling
M#011117edca 8.-22
ATTEST:
Marci Ntterson, City Clerk
Pam HaleyMay6i"
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 0 1 -23-2024
Approved by Council:
Page 4 of 4
Marci Patterson
From: b p <bmpeetz@gmaii.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 2:02 PM
To: Marci Patterson; City Council
Subject: For tonight's council meeting; Public Comment
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
Hello Councilmembers,
In regard to the city logo refresh, I just wanted to give some thoughts. First, the logo that the city has is great and really
doesn't need any changes. But, if you were going to change anything I'd say the font could be a little easier to read. That
being said, most of the logos on our side of the mountains look very similar to our old logo and the new logo looks more
like the west side of the state. We have always wanted to be different and stand out from other cities, so I would hope
that we would keep the character we have.
As far as colors and branding.... (in regard to the 116 & west presentation) I would hope that we would go in another
direction. Those colors and branding don't match our city or our citizens. Please keep the Spokane Valley character and
use funds on more important issues.
Thank you.
Jan. 23, 2024
Bob West, Spokane Valley
For many years, it has been interesting to say the least, regarding
our City Politics and Community awareness. A good analogy
would be from the Wizard of Oz himself, when he states, "Pay
no attention to that man behind the curtain!" The word
transparency comes to mind, and I feel it is time to pull back the
curtain.
At the last special meeting, due to a change in the meeting time
and deadline to comment, along with the 6-8 inches of snow I
was unable to present my concerns. There are exceptions made
by this council all the time and rules suspended regularly when
it benefits certain councilmember's agendas. Mr. Merkel asked
for an exception and was rebuffed. So here I am tonight. I have
two comments this evening.
My first question is an admin report on the new city logo: 1)
How much has it cost the taxpayers in consultation fees and staff
time developing this new logo? and 2) How much will it cost the
taxpayers in manhours and money in changing over from what
we have now? I am thinking that is a chunk of change,
especially when our priority is providing more police officers.
Secondly, I cannot help but notice what appears to be a
concerning and consistent distribution of committee
assignments. These assignments are made with retaliation and
are all about power and control as evidenced by comments by a
councilmember, in a Northwest Grassroots meeting. I would
also direct your attention to the recent Range article yesterday,
titled "A War of Maneuver."
Transparency and the use of individual councilmember skill sets
are crucial for maintaining the trust of the community. I urge the
City Council to consider a more thoughtful and transparent
approach to council and committee assignments. We, the people
that have voted you in office, expect reports on the committees
that have been assigned. We expect somewhat of a summarized
accounting and not, "I have nothing to report!" which is
unacceptable. It would be interesting to see if these meetings are
attended and if so, that the deliberations are only shared with
select council members. Maybe, if one individual has too many
committees, then they should be spread out.
In addition, it is my recollection there has never been staff
appointed to committees in lieu of Council Members. Is this
covered in the Governance Manual? If this holds true, then
citizens should be able to apply and allowed to represent the city
on these committees as well, in my opinion.
Thank you for your time. I have created some charts looking at
the number of assignments over the years and it shows clear
preferential treatment by the majority. Maybe it's time to
consider a better way of doing this.
2024 SPOKANE VALLEY COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS
COMMITTEES
PAM
ROD
Tim
LAURA
Jessica
BEN
Albert
HALEY
HIGGINS
Hattenburg
PADDEN
Yaeger
WICK
Merkel
Aging and Long
ALT
X
Term Care
Valley Chamber of
X
Commerce
Spokane Regional
X
ALT
Clean Air Agency.__
Continuum of Care
Gloria Mantz, Eric Robison (alt) - Staff
for the Homeless
Spokane Count
SV Finance
X
X
X
Committee
Growth Mgmt
X
X
Steering Committee
of Elected Officials
SV Governance
X
X
X
Committee
Greater Spokane Inc.
X
Must be Mayor)
Spokane County
X
ALT
Human Rights Task
Force
Lodging Tax
X
Advisory Committee
Mayors Assoc of NE
X
Washington (Must be
Mayor)
Spokane Regional
X
X
ALT
Transportation
Council
Spokane Transit
X
ALT
X
ALT
Authority
Wastewater Policy
X
X
Advisory Board
Housing and
X
X
Community
Development
Advisory Cmte
Strategic Planning
X
X
X
Committee (New
2024
Opioid Abatement
X
Council New 2024
Public Safety
X
X
X
Committee (New
2024
Spokane Regional
Elected not to participate
Law and Justice
Council
Visit Spokane
Elected not to participate
TOTALS
6 10 1 7 4 1 3 1 4 2
2023 SPOKANE VALLEY COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS
COMMITTEES
PAM
ROD
ARNE
LAURA
TAM
BEN WICK
BRANDI
HALEY
HIGGINS
WOODARD
PADDEN
HATTEN
PEETZ
Aging and Long Term
Care
.,,,. T
X
�T
L
Valley Chamber of
T
Commerce
-„(yl
Spokane Regional Clean
Air Agency
4 T
X
` A ��
Continuum of Care for
the Homeless Spokane
T
X
���
County
SV Finance Committee
T .�
.�„� T
X
Growth Steering
Committeeee of of)~tected
Officials
Co mitteeallee
Committee
X
T T
X
X
Greater Spokane Inc.
(Must be Mayor)
Spokane County Human
Rights Task Force
�
X
Lodging Tax Advisory
T
Committee
X
Mayors Assoc of NE
Washington (Must be
Mayor)
eRegional
Transpartatia�e Council
Transportation
T T
•,,��[j„
X
ALT
,
Spokane Transit
Authority
.,,r r
.(yam
z T
LYl
Wastewater Policy
Advisory Board
�
X
IICBAC
� T
Spokane Regional Law
and Justice Council
TOTALS
4
6
g
2
1
4
4
20 9
2022 SPOKANE VALLEY COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS
COMMITTEES
PAM
ROD
ARNE
LAURA
TIM
BEN
BRANDI
HALEY
HIGGINS
WOODARD
PADDEN
HATiEN
WICK
PEETZ
Aging and Long Term Care
X
AT T
Valley Chamber of
Commerce
X
Spokane Regional Clean Air
Agency
; T
X
A�T
Continuum of Care for the
Homeless
ametess Spokane County
ALT
SV Finance Committee
T T
T �
X
Growth ee of ,lath
Committee of Elected
T
!yl
Officials
RV Governance Committee
X
T ,.
z T
Greater Spokane Inc.
(Must be Mayor)
T
X
Hotel/Motel
Association
T T
1y),,,.
Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee
X
Mayors Assoc of NE
Washington (Must be
T ,
X
Mayor)
Spokane Regional
Transportation Council
X
X
r�
AT it
Spokane Transit Authority
X
X
ALT
Wastewater Policy Advisory
Board
X
X
Visit Spokane
X
ALT
Spokane Regional Law and
Justice Council
X
HCDAC
X
TOTALS
4
7
10
3
1
1
5
24 7
2021 SPOKANE VALLEY COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS
COMMITTEES
PAM
ROD
ARNE
LINDA
TIM
BEN WICK
BRANDI
HALEY
HIGGINS
WOODARD
THOMPSON
HATTEN
PEETZ
Aging and Long Term
Care
ALT
Valley Chamber of
Commerce
T r
X
Spokane Regional
Clean Ali- Agency
X
1/""�1
ALT
Continuum of Care for
the Homeless Spokane
T '
X
County
SV Finance Committee
X
X � T
T
X
Growth Mgmt Steering
Committee ofE[cctcd
Officials
Governance co
Committee
X
X
X
Greater Spokane Inc.
(Must be Mayor)
X
TPA
T T
Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee
Mayors Assoc of NE
Washington (Must be
T T
X
Mayor)
Spokane Regional
Transportation Council
Spokane Transit
Authority
X
ALT
B Policy
Advisory Board
AdvisWastory
= T
X
Visit Spokane
ALT
T r
HTAL'I'H DISTRICT
BOARD
T T
N(��(
HCDAC
X
TOTALS'
4
4
3
3
3
S
4
11 18
"KANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
6:00 p,.m.
G]KN EllAl, 13IJB'11.,IC COMM ENT 0Pll"0R'Y(JNJTV
THIS IS FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
YOUR SPEAKING TIM] El WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES
You may sine in to smak but it is not necessary, as the Mayor Nvill afford the public the opportunity to speak.
NAME
PLEASE PRIN'll
TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU
WILL SPEAK ABOUT
YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE
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Ileicve note thail once iqfimnation is entered on thisfivin, it becoines to, public record subject to public iflyclovire,