2024-05-23 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESRegular Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Spokane Valley City Hall
May 23, 2024
I. Chairman Robert McKinley called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in
person and via ZOOM meetings.
II. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge Of Allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Marianne Lemons took attendance, and the following members and staff
were present:
Susan Delucchi
Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Michael Kelly
Chaz Bates, Planning Manager
Bob McKinley
Lori Barlow, Senior Planner
John Robertson
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Vadim Smelik
Marianne Lemons, Administrative Assistant
Justin Weathermon
Dan Wilson
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Robertson moved, and it was seconded to approve the meeting agenda
for May 23, 2024, as submitted. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor,
zero against, and the motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Wilson moved, and it was seconded, to approve the April 11, 2024,
minutes as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero
against, and the motion passed.
Commissioner Smelik arrived at 6:04 p.m.
VI. COMMISSION REPORTS: Vice -Chair Delucchi reported that she spent seven days in California
and encouraged proper traffic planning in Spokane Valley so as to avoid some of the issues she
encountered on the trip.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Chaz Bates reported that the CPA-2024-0002
update was approved by the City Council and went into effect on May 22, 2024. He also encouraged
the Planning Commission to attend the Veterans Memorial dedication at Balfour Park on May 24,
2024.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: Starla Dillard, Spokane Valley, requested information regarding surplus
properties owned by the City.
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IX. COMMSSION BUSINESS:
a. Study Session: STV-2024-0002 — Hutchinson Road & Riverside Avenue Street Vacation
Senior Planner Lori Barlow presented a staff report regarding a privately initiated street vacation
request to vacate a 60' X 130' segment of Hutchinson Road and a 40' X 270' segment of
Riverside Avenue located north of Sprague Avenue and east of Argonne Avenue. The
applicant for the request is MacPherson Holdings, LLC and CANUSA Land Holdings Corp.
The vacation on Riverside Avenue is a 40' wide segment of road lying within 120' of the
Argonne and Sprague intersection. The Hutchinson Road segment intersects with Riverside
Avenue with a forced east turn movement.
Ms. Barlow explained that when an applicant submits a street vacation request, they must
provide reasons or explanations for the request outlining why they want the vacation and how
the change meets the code. The applicant listed the following:
• Reason 1: Non -Compliant Street. The requested vacated section is a non -compliant
street that does not meet the requirements of the Spokane Valley Street Standards
(SVSS). The intersection is 120' north of the Argonne Road and Sprague Avenue
intersection. The required separation distance is 660' according to the SVSS. The
pavement widths on Riverside Avenue and Hutchinson Road vary from 20' to 40' in
width and the required width for a local access road is 30' and a commercial street is
40' per the SVSS.
• Reason 2: Safety. The removal of the intersection will eliminate incoming and
outgoing traffic onto a 35-mph principal arterial of Argonne Road and will eliminate
pedestrian risk for employees and patrons crossing from the parking lot to Ultimate
Truck.
• Reason 3: Theft Prevention. The display area and business are separated by Riverside
Avenue which has led to increasing amounts of theft over the years and if the street
vacation is granted, the property owner can fence the area and place gates on both ends
of the vacated street to prevent theft.
Ms. Barlow explained that Riverside Avenue currently functions as a secondary driveway to
Ultimate Truck. Riverside Avenue and Hutchinson Road are both paved but do not have curbs,
gutters, or sidewalks. Riverside Avenue only provides access to the properties owned by
Ultimate Truck and CANUSA, LLC. Hutchinson Road does not provide access because the
existing businesses have access to Argonne Road by going north to Main Avenue.
Ms. Barlow stated that the request was sent out to agencies for review and comment. Avista
responded that they have a gas service in the right-of-way (ROW) of both Riverside Avenue and
Hutchinson Road. They also have an electric service line along Hutchinson Road. Lumen, Spokane
County Wastewater, and Modern Electric and Water Company all responded that they have utilities
located in the ROW of Hutchinson Road. The service providers have requested an easement so that
they have adequate access to their utility lines.
Ms. Barlow mentioned that Hutchinson Road and Riverside Avenue are designated as a "Bike
Friendly Route". If this vacation is granted, the Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan Appendix B
Figure 27 regarding the Bikeway Network will need to be updated.
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Ms. Barlow stated that Spokane Valley Development Engineering Department issued potential
conditions that include installing a "Dead End" sign at Hutchinson Road and Harrington Road and
removing the existing curb returns, curb ramps and street signs. This will need to be replaced with
concrete Type B curb and gutter, and sidewalk at Riverside Avenue and Argonne Road. If full
access on Argonne Road is desired by the applicant, a 30' wide driveway approach will be required.
If gated emergency access only is provided to Argonne Road, a 24' wide driveway approach and
gate will be required.
Ms. Barlow explained that Spokane Valley Fire Department issued potential conditions that include
fire access being provided to the building from Argonne Road and a "Drive Aisle" on site that
allows for through access to Hutchinson Road. They also stated that different requirements will
apply if the property is addressed off Hutchinson Road.
Ms. Barlow stated that the public hearing for this application will be held on June 13, 2024.
Commissioner Wilson asked if the ROW is shared with the Union Pacific Railroad. Ms. Barlow
answered that it is not, it is a City ROW.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there is a requirement on how far from Argonne Road the
proposed gate would need to be located. Ms. Barlow answered that the standard would be regulated
so that it does not cause a site distance issue. Commissioner Robertson asked for additional
information about the proposed fencing/gate to be installed by the applicant. Ms. Barlow responded
that she would get additional information for the public hearing.
Commissioner Kelly asked if the property owners will be purchasing the property that is being
vacated. Ms. Barlow answered that the City has a resolution outlining the cost of vacated ROW that
the property owners will be required to pay.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Vice -Chair Delucchi stated that a transportation meeting regarding a
new development near Good Samaritan Hospital will be held on May 30, 2024, at Evergreen Middle
School. Chairman McKinley thanked the veterans for their service.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Delucchi moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting at
6:44 p.m. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the motion passed.
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Bob McKinley, Chairman
Marianne Lemons, Secretary
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Date Signed