2008, 07-11 Special Emergency Meeting MinutesMINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING
Friday, July 11, 2008 10:00 a.m.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
11707 East Sprague Avenue, Suite 101
Attendance: City Staff:
Rich Munson, Mayor Dave Mercier, City Manager
Dick Denenny, Deputy Mayor Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Diana Wilhite, Councilmember Legal Interns Brian Holleran and Dena Burke
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
ABSENT:
Councilmember Gothmann
Councilmember Schimmels
Councilmember Taylor
Mayor Munson called the meeting to order at approximately 10:00 a.m.
Agenda Topic: To consider a resolution declaring an emergency or disaster in the City of Spokane
Valley.
Mayor Munson announced that the purpose of today's meeting is to affirm a proclamation of an
emergency signed by him last night, and he noted that one was also from the Board of County
Commissioners for the County, and said that this declared emergency was announced by Governor
Gregoire for this area on the state -wide level.
It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite and seconded to approve Resolution 08-015 proclaiming an
emergency or disaster in the City of Spokane Valley, Washington. City Manger Mercier stated that under
Washington statutes, the community Mayors are identified as the elected official authorized to create a
declaration of emergency, and that the expectation is that the entire legislative body and mayor reports the
activity and situation, and invites authorization of the entire council to support that ongoing resolution;
that we don't know when the state of emergency can be lifted, and could continue for another four or five
days; and at the appropriate time we would rely on the same mechanism used in lifting the winter
emergency declaration, which is, we will wait for confirmation from the County Sheriff, who has the dual
role of Sheriff and Director of County -wide Department of Emergency Management, to determine when
the emergency conditions will abate.
Mayor Munson said that he and Mr. Mercier spent most of last night assessing and observing the
situation, and that they were impressed with the organization; and stated that the Sheriff's Office did a
wonderful job in the evacuation process; adding that reserves were called in from Rosalia and Kootenai
County. Deputy City Attorney Driskell added that he was at the staging area last night and while being
far from disorganized, there were a few communication issues. Councilmember Wilhite said that she was
also in that vicinity and expressed gratitude for the well- organized actions of the Red Cross; and said that
although there were not a great deal of people in the building, the parking lot was quite full of RV's and
travel trailers, and said the community also responded well with complimentary food from Albertson's,
and a Pizza delivery, and that many people brought grocery bags filled with books, games, and activities
for the children.
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Approved by Council: 07 -22 -08
Mayor Munson expressed thanks to Governor Gregoire for flying over; and said that he, Mr. Mercier and
the Governor went to the relocation center and talked to folks there, and that peoples' attitudes were very
positive and appreciative; and said that he too was impressed with the way things were conducted.
Mr. Mercier said as is typical with emergency responders, we will focus on dealing with the situation
until such is lifted, after which there will be a de- briefing by all participating agencies to discuss which
lessons were learned, what went well, and what could be improved. Mr. Mercier also thanked Cary
Driskell for his assistance several years ago in helping to prepare the Emergency Response Book,
complete with all the appropriate documents to initiate actions at a moment's notice, and mentioned that
the County may consider using our materials as a model as last night they found our materials very
practical.
There were no public comments. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None.
Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
In closing, Mr. Mercier said the after work will include calculating the total cost and determining how
that will be divided, and said that this emergency declaration triggers avenues of reimbursement which
would not otherwise be available; that the effort is to get all the available resources without concern for
costs now; as we can't calculate costs now, but will presume operating on the legislative intent to take
care of the dangerous situation now and deal with cost afterwards.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
Christine Bainbri • ge, City Clerk
Special Emergency Meeting 07 -11 -08 Page 2 of 2
Approved by Council: 07 -22 -08