2024, 04-02 Study Session MeetingMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Study Session Meeting
Tuesday, April 2,2024
Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.ni, The niecting was field in person in Council Chambers,
and also remotely via Zoom rneeting.
Attendance:
COUnCilincinbers Staff
Pam Haley, Councilmember John Holiman, City Manager
Rod Higgins, Councilmember Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager.
Tim Haftenburg, Councilmember Chelsiv, Taylor, Finance Director
Laura Padden, Councilmember (via Zoorn) Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator
Al Merkel, COUncilmernber Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Beu Wick, Councilmeniber Bill Helbig, Community & PW Director
Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Jill Smith, Communications Manager
Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
Mike Basinger, Economic De;v, Director
John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director.
John. Whitehead, H.R Director
Erica Anisden, CIP Engineering Manager
Rob Loch.miller, CIPEngincering Manager
Sarah Fart-, Accounting & Finance Program Mug
Morgan Koudelka, Sr. Administrative Analyst
Nikki Kole, IT Specialist
Marei Patterson, City Clerk
ROLI., CALL: City Cleric Patterson called roll; all Councilmenibers were present with Councilmember
I'adden joining the rneeting via Zooni.
APPROVAL OF ANIENDED AGENDA Prior to the motion, COLUicilmember Merkel questioned why the
agenda was amended.. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg noted that the action itern regarding the CDBG funds was
changed to a non -action item as there was not adequate time provided for the review of the 53 applications
received and .for Council to make a decision on the applications. It was movadby DeIntly Meoor Hatienburg,
seconded oncl uncinimously agreed to al -)prove the olnended agencla.
MAYOR'S STATEMENT Mayor Haley read a statement regarding information on the Sprague Ave
storinwater proJect.The Mayor also congratulated Councilmernber Wick as the recipient of the 2023 Hany
E. Nelson Citizen of the Year award.
Councili-nember Merkel stated a Point of Privilege. Mayor Haley asked him to state the point.
CouncilinernberMerkel. then provided a verbal dissent regarding what the Mayor had just presented,
PROCLAMATION:
Mayor Haley read the proclamation for Ncaioncd Public Health Week, which was accepted with thanks from
Ms, Kelly Hawkins and Alisha Thompson and noted that the national focus this year was "for the public
health of it."
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she
invited public coninient. Barb I-loward, Spokane Valley (via Zoornh.spoke about SCRAPS. Mr. Mike Dolan,
Sp
ay Y.?llcy: spoke about the need for council to be non -partisan and not continue to bicker. Ms. Kirri
Njf1sqjj,_,Sp ( spoke about the SCRAPS contract and holding them accountable to the contract,
Cot.iticil Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 04-02-2024 Page: I of it
Approved by Couneil: 04-23-2024
Ms. Anna Rounsville, S)okaneVa ley: spoke about SCRAPS and the Director of SCRAPS ,Mr. T'irn Mal ick
5119liql1e: spoke about the inaccuracies in the SCRAPS presentation at a previous council inceting. Ms. Kelle
Master!Qp,S okane Valley: spoke about the average nuinber of days that the animals are held at SCRAPS
and their clairn not to be a shelter. Ms. Maric Pechous, Suncrest: spoke about the capacity functions at
SCRAPS. Ms. Anna Martin, Spokane Valley: spoke about what a true no -kill shelter represents. Mr. John
Harding, Spokane Valley: spoke about all article in the newspaper and thoughts about the need fora different
forIn ofgovernment for the valley. Ms. Jason Schriver, Spqj�Atjq Valley: spoke about SCRAPS and no -kill
requirements and what little effort it takes to maintain a clean facility. Ms. Kendra 1jbjn4jg,_Spjgn�eVqL1qy:
spoke about the former and Current inanagernent, of SCRAPS. Ms. Kirn Slinger, Spokane Valley: spoke
about her dismay at the way council conducts business.
ACTION ITEM:
1. Motion Consideration. Bid Award, 16th Ave, Preservation-- Erica Arnsden
It was inoved by Deputy AllaYor Halteriburg, and seconded to ctivard the 16th Ave Preservation Project —
Ever green to Adeans conlract to Slictinrock Paving, Inc. in the amount (?1'$1,115, 000 (Ind authorize the City
Manager to finalize and execule the construction conlract, Ms. Anisden provided additional details
regarding the project and tile bid award. Council diSCLIssed the bump outs at the corners/crosswalks and it
was noted that it is cornpliant with ADA requirements and is a safety Factor for pedestrians at the crosswalks.
Mayor Haley called for public coninient. Mr, Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley questioned the butnp outs and
the impact oil snow removal, large trucks and questioned why children need them. City Manager Hohnlan
stated the bump outs have been reviewed by the engineering department and are the best practice for all
pedestrian traffic. Vote by accloination,- inj�tvoruncinimous, 01?posed none. Motion car-ried.
2. Motion Consideration: Connnute'Fri Reduction Interlocal — Morgan Koudelka
11 l,iws inoved hy Deptq.)s.Alfqyor I-Itittenburg and seconded to withorize Cily Manager to finalize and execute
the 2023-2025 IhIerlocal Agreenientfor S;l)olaane County Coinintite Tri13 Pied uction,Services. Mr, Koudelka
briefly explained the inteflocat agreement and a background oil the program. Councilinernber Merkel made
a motion to amend the contract to include: rnonitoring and evaluation reqUirenlents such that we are collecting
inforination front the employers within the city to retake sure that they're happy with the projcct and also to
put, in a process where we can have input into the administrator that the County has chosen should they
choose to change the administrator. With no second, the inotion, died, Mayor Haley Continued tile discussion
to include cost questions Should the city try to administer the funding in house. Mr. Koudelka stated that
there is not tinie for current staff to administer the funding and the funding we receive would not cover
additional staff to adrnin ister funds, Mayor Haley called for public continent; no comments were provided.
Kole by acclamation on the original inotion.- in favor., Mayor Ilaley, Delnay U-O)or Eattenburg,
Councihneinbers Ili,gg ins, Wick, Yaeger and Padden. Opposed.- Cotincihneniber _Alkrkel. Allotion ctirriecl
3. Motion Consideration: Barker Corridor Right of Way
Consultant Contract — Rob Lochmiller
It was inoved by Delway Mayor 1-1allenburg and seconded to authorize the City Mciriager to fintdize and
execute the coiisziltcintagl'eelr7enti,t)ilhE],)icLtiticlSolittit)77,!y, Ine in on ainountnot to exceed $675,5729.00forts
tl7exS'otithB(ii-l(ei,Coi-i,-i4,loi-Iiyipl„ovei?ients. Mr. Lochl-nillerprovided details oil the project regarding the scope
of work for the contractor, background on the project and an overview of the breakdown of project. Council
discussed cost and qualifications of the consultant to do the project. As a federal Funded project, there are
additional details required for the contractor on the project. This project was extensively reviewed all(] wi I]
serve current and future traffic well, Mayor Haley called for public comment. Mr. Bob West, Spokane
Valley: stated that lie appreciated the City Managers comments but feels that we should just; train all engineer
on staff to do the work. Vote by accl(uncilion on the origincil 7notion: infiiipor,, Mayor 11aley, Dej)uty A11q),or
1-latlenhurg, (.7ounedineinbers Iliggins, Wick, Yaeger and Padden. Oj)j.)ose& Councilinettiber Allerkel.
Motion Carried.
4. M-atiot+
Mayor Haley called for a recess at 7:35 p.m,; she reconvened the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 04-02-2024 Page 2 of 4
Approved by Council: 04-23-2024
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
-twould jrban DevO pment,_2024 Pn)g�LqLi 'qp4in Goria Mantz
— ---- __L . ... .. ..... ..... ....... . _L 11111,� —
Ms. Matitzprovided details our the background ofthe funding and reviewed the current city set -aside amounts
for each funding Opportunity. She stated that the County receive(] 53 applications in total for all funding
sources and provided a summary sheet detailing each application. Deputy Mayor HattenbUrg provide(]
additional details on the applications and the selection process as he and Councibriernber Wick are part of
the selection board. lie highlighted some of the, Spokane Valley businesses that service out- residents and
that they would be prioritizing those applications during the selection process. Those applications included
Habitat for I lurnanity, Reclaim. Meals on Wheels, Valley Partners, Alexandria's House, Family Services
and Mirabeau Townhouse. Council discussed the applicants and how funding is appropriated. Ultimately,
council agreed that recommended applicants were a good option to move forward with during the selection
process.
5. A d in i n Report— Police Fly1d i.pg_�Update — Erik Lamb, Chief Ellis, Chc,lsip'j:Ulor, Morgan Koudelka
Mr, Lamb opened the discussion by introducing city staff, Chief Ellis and Deanna Gregory with Pacifica
Law Group (via Zoom). Ms. Gregory then presented a PowerPoint presentation that detailed options for
council to review for election considerations for funding the police and the legal requirements for each
option. Ms. Gregory provided details on a property tax levy lid lift and a public safety sales tax and a utility
tax. She went over differences in the options in great detail and then provided information on thilitig for each
option for election purposes, and implementation of funds, Mr. Lamb reviewed the cost of the officers and
Mr. Koudelka provided details on the remaining phases of the implantation of the officers. Council
thoroughly discussed the variety of options and questioned timing of each election cycle and when funding
Would happen. If council chose to utilize the August primary election, staff noted that they would need to
return in a very short period of tinic with all the necessary documentation to proceed with getting the item
on the ballot. Ultimately at the end of the discussion, the consensus was to not proceed with putting anything
oil the August ballot.
R was moied by Councihneinher 1"oeger and seconcled and una"imously qAreed to extend lire ineeling by 30
mimites.
6. Adinin Re Ott: Yellowstone Franchise Agrpeip_qnt=.TqEy B attic
P_ Le
Mr, Beattie provided details regarding the need For the franchise agreement. This agreement will allow
Yellowstone to make necessary changes to the pipeline location within the Pines Grade Separation Pro.ject.
Council discussed the pro ' iect tirneline and if there were any fees associated with the agreement. A consensus
was provided to bring the Eranchise ordinance forward to a future tweeting.
7. Advance Agenda — Mayor Haley
Councilinember Merkel proposed a mandate that the 3 touches happen within a calendar year, there was not
consensus to move that request forward,
Councilinember Yaeger questioned the timing of'Executive Sessions and the possibility of having them at
the beginning of the meeting. City Manager Hollinan noted that there are tirnes, when the E`XeCL1tiVC Sessions
are at the beginning of the meeting and that it was typically based oil the availability of the councilmembers,
COUncilinernber Merkel requested an Ordinance that would prohibit the council from taking action after an
Executive Session unless in emergency situations. There was not consensus to bring that item forward,
1COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilinernber Merkel requested that any amended agendas be posted to the city's website after the council
meetings.
CITMANAGER COMMENTS
Mr, HEohnian thanked the members of the public that attended the Right Sizing Police Project Open House
that evening. He also mentioned that the council meeting the following week would be a Special Meeting
that would be a follow -Lip on the Strategic Nanning meeting from February and would be facilitated by
Andrew Ballard with Marketing Solutions,
COLUICH Meeting Minutes, Stud), Session: 04-02-2024 Page 3 of 4
Approved by COUneiL 04-23-2024
tt was mo ved ,4))Deputy Mo or Iloftenburg, seeonded and 1171anhnousl, agreed Io ac(journ. The mecting
adjourned at 9:06p.m.
ATH","ST:
Pam Haley, May&
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
Council Meeting Minutes, Study Sessiow 04-02-2024 Page 41 of'4
Approved by.COLUICH: 04-23-2024
AMENDED AGENDA
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY C013NCIL
KE,GULAR MEETING
STUDY SESSION FORMAT
Tuesday, April 02, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Reinotely ida ZOOMMeeting and
In Person at Spokane Valley City Hall, Council Chambers
1.0210 E. Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99' 206
Council.Requests Please Silence Fo ar Cell Phones During Council.meeling
NOTE: Members of the public may attend Spokane Valley Council meetings in -person at the address
provided above, or via Zoorn 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 he acme for those items noted on
the agenda as "public commentol)portunity," If making a comment via Zoom, comments must be received
by 4:00 pm the day of the meeting.
0 to Provide Oral Public Col"Ilerlt at the
• Submit Written Public Comment Prior to the mqq
• join the Zoom WEB-M in p
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CAIJI,
APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA
NLAYOR'S STATEMENT
PROCLAMATION: National Public Health Week
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: This is an opportunity for 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 keep remarks civil. Remarks will be limited 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. To comment at the meeting in person: speakers may sign in to speak but it
is not required. A sign -in sheet will be provided at the meeting.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Motion Consideration: Bid Award, 16111 Ave, Preservation— Erica Arnsden.
[public comment opportunity]
2. Motion Consideration: Commute Trip Reduction Interlocal — Morgan Koudelka
[public comment opportunity]
3. Motion Consideration: Barker Corridor Right of Way Consultant Contract — Rob Lochrnil ter
[public comment opportunity]
4, -Mofien Genf,,�idefatkm,
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
4. dinin Report: I lousing and, Llrban Developniei,fl, 2024 Program Funding .--- Gloria Mantz
5. Admin Report: Police Funding Update —;Erik Lamb, Deanna Gregory
6. Admin Report: Yellowstone Franchise Agreement —Tany Beattie
7. Advance Agenda._ Mayor I-Taley
Council Agenda April 2, 2024 Page 1 of 2
"00, ,
Sgryo17
I1q) J)rortafllatfoll
City of Spokane Val, Washington
Nationaf Tuffic Yfeafth Week
WHEREAS, The week ql'April I through Aril 5, 2024, is National Public IIcalth TIVeek recognizing
the contributions oj''public health in the areas qj'ilnproving the health oj'the people of the
United States and achieving health equity; and
WHEREAS, Each 10 percent increase in local public health spending contributes to a 69 Percent
decrease in infant, deaths, as 3.2 percent decrease in deaths related to cardiovascular
disease, as 1. 4 Percent decrease in deaths due to diabetes, and a LI Percent decrease in
cancer related deaths; and
WI-IF�RT,,AS, Public health prqfessionals help connnunities prevent, preparefir, 7nitigate, and recover
from the impact oj'a,full range of health threats; and
WHEREAS, Public health professionals collaborate with partners outside of the health sector,
including city planners, transportolion qfficials, education qfficials, and private sector
businesses, recognizing that other sectors can influence health outcomes and support
health equity qf ,Ibrts.
NOTV, THEREFORE, 1, Pain Raley, Afayor of the City oJ'Spok-ane YalleY, on hehall'of the Spokane
''alley City Councih)winhers, do hereby proclaim the week qfjIPril.1 through April 5, 2024, as
National Public Health ffeek
and I encourage citizens to support the goals ofNational Public Fk-allh J47eek and the vision of Spokane
Regional Health District to hell) create healthy lives, safe environments, and thriving connn unities in the
,Sj'-)okane region.
Dated this 2"" day oj"April, 2024.
Pam Haley, Alfqyo--"
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
6:00 p.m.
E N E R A L, IV LJ B L, I C C 0 M M E N'"J" 0 1) P 0 11UTUN rr Y,
Please sign up to, speak for up to THRE E minutes and the Mayor will afford the public the opportunity to
speaicrhe public comment opportunity is limited to a maxiinuin of 45 minutes.
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TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK
ABOUT
YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE
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I'leasenote tho(once hillbrination is entered on thisfivin, it heconie�v e,r public, recorel subject to public disclovtre%
I would like to remind our Councilmembers to support and respect previous Council
decisions as those involved lots of discussion and evaluation of the facts. We must work
together as a unit and provide factual information to our citizens, even when we don't
agree with the previous Council decisions.
Tonight, I'll highlight some of the background information and the benefits of the
Sprague Avenue Stormwater and Multimodal Project. This project is located right
outside City Hall and expands only three city blocks from University Road to Herald
Avenue.
This stormwater project has been planned for many years; however, the scope has
expanded more recently.
The City Council reached a consensus to proceed with the Sprague Avenue Stormwater
and Multimodal project in December of 2022 due to the many benefits. The project was
initially stormwater-only when it was originally scoped in 2014. However, it was
expanded in 2021 when the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) and the Washington State
Pedestrian and Bicycle Program (PBP) awarded grants to improve the crossing between
City Hall and the STA bus stop near Balfour Park and the library on Sprague Avenue.
In 2023, the scope was increased to implement the enhanced level of service approved
by Council for the stormwater utility. Staff will discuss this in more detail later in April.
The project will protect our drinking water.
Our entire city is located over the Spokane -Val ley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which is
the sole source of drinking water for most people in Spokane County and Kootenai
County, Idaho. While the aquifer is out of sight, it should not be out of mind as it
provides a precious, invaluable resource that we must preserve for future generations.
Stormwater runoff from Sprague Avenue directly discharges to drywells located within
the road, which infiltrate into the aquifer without treatment. The project will provide
stormwater swales along both sides of the road, which will provide excellent stormwater
treatment by removing pollutants before infiltration into the aquifer. Using the existing
grassy areas for swales is not feasible because of the numerous underground utilities,
irrigation lines and mature street trees.
This project will extend the already three -lane Sprague Avenue another three
blocks.
Sprague Avenue from Sullivan Road west to the project border at University Road is
already three lanes, so while this project will reduce the project area from five lanes to
three lanes, it is simply extending those three lanes from University Road to Herald
Avenue before they expand to five lanes.
Matching the lane configuration within the project limits to the lane configuration east
of the project allows the installation of swales on both sides of the road without having
to relocate utilities, buy property from the adjacent property owners to accommodate the
swales, or impact parking areas and/or driveways.
The location will create safe access to gathering places in our community.
The area surrounding City Hall is considered by many the heart of the city. It connects
multifamily development, the Appleway Trail, City Hall, the Spokane Valley Library
and the improved Balfour Park. The park and the library will soon host many events that
will bring additional pedestrian, bicycle and transit traffic, as well as vehicles that may
choose convenient parking across the street at City Hall.
By converting travel lanes to stormwater swales, we reduce excessive vehicle speeds
and create a shorter mid -block pedestrian crossing, which will result in a safer
pedestrian environment. In addition, the project will construct a high-performance
transit bus stop and an improved delineated bike lane, adding additional safe options for
how people choose to travel.
A couple of interesting facts about this project.
• I-90 (Broadway to Sullivan), which is three lanes has about 95,000 to 105,000
vehicles per day in both directions
Sprague Avenue has five lanes and just over 16,000 vehicles per day in one
direction.
• Sprague Avenue currently uses only 20% of its capacity.
With three lanes, it's estimated to use 27% capacity based on future traffic
projections.
• With the current configuration, over 60% of drivers exceed the posted speed
limit, with over 120 drivers a day driving over 50 mph. The new configuration
is expected to reduce excessive speeds by 30 percent.
The Sprague Avenue Stormwater and Multimodal project will be constructed this year
and will bring many benefits to our community, from clean drinking water and a safer
environment for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.
invite the community to visit the project webpage at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Sprague
for more details on the project.
Now switching gears, I would like to end by taking a moment to celebrate some of
the past work and achievements of one of our own.
Please join me in congratulating Councilmember Ben Wick, who last week was honored
by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of the prestigious
Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year Award.
Ben has been a lifelong advocate for Spokane Valley. He has served on the City
Council for over ten years and has made impactful contributions to the Spokane Valley
over several decades. Councilmember Wick is a member and current President of the
Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club, Honorary Commander emeritus with the Fairchild
Airforce Base, and volunteer with the Spokane County Interstate Fair. He has advocated
for transportation projects and serves in the Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic
Investment Board.
Congratulations, Ben, thank you for your hard work and dedication to our community.
�Ma,rci Patterson
From: Nathan Sulya <nate,sulya@grnaH.corn>
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 1222 PM
To: Council Meeting PUbHc Comment
Subject: General Public Comment
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley, Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links,
Meeting Date* 4/2
Narne: Nate Sulya
City: Spokane Valley
Item: For general public comment
The City of Spokane Valley does not need to operate its own police department. Pursuing the matter
is foolhardy and a waste of tirne and energy. Departments across the country are struggling -to hire
and retain personnel. In the long run, this always leads to increased costs. I ook at the City of
Spokane, They have a recruitment for Police, Officers that is open continuously. They cannot attract
candidates. Is the City of Spokane Valley really going to be able to entice officers (i.e., provide more
financial incentive) better than Spokane? Unlikely. Additionally, Spokane is facing a $50M budget
deficit, due in large part to the dernands of public safety (police and fire), This is a cost Spokane
Valley simply cannot afford. Invest in our infrastructure instead.
Also, the electronic notice sign at the corner of Mission and Pines has a typo.
RM