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2009, 10-27 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Formal Meeting Format Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Mayor Munson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the 170th meeting. Attendance: Rich Munson, Mayor Dick Denenny, Deputy Mayor Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Ian Robertson, Councilmember Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Diana Wilhite, Councilmember City Staff: Dave Mercier, City Manager Mike Connelly, City Attorney Mike Stone, Parks & Recreation Director Ken Thompson, Finance Director Neil Kersten, Public Works Director Kathy McClung, Community Development Dir. Rick VanLeuven, Police Chief John Hohman, Sr. Development Engineer Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney Lori Barlow, Associate Planner Greg McCormick, Planning Manager Morgan Koudelka, Sr. Administrative Analyst Gloria Mantz, Stormwater Engineer Henry Allen, Development Engineer John Pietro, Administrative Analyst Mike Basinger, Senior Planner Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk INVOCATION: In the absence of a pastor, Councilmember Robertson gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Munson led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda as presented. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: n/a COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS: Councilmember Schimmels: reported that he attended the County sponsored Regional Wastewater meeting last week, and said it appears much like the efforts toward the street utility, there is a lot of talk and nothing happening, but said he still has high hopes. Councilmember Wilhite: said she attended the Lodging Tax Committee meeting where they reviewed allocation of funds and said that recommendation will be coming before Council within the next few weeks; went to the National Association of Women Business Owners' 100 anniversary and as that organization's Past President, was pleased to have represented Spokane Valley at that function. Councilmember Robertson: reported that he attended the Solid Waste management meeting and said he was impressed seeing the various mayors and members of the County Board of Commissioners working together, along with members of Kootenai County, on this regional topic. Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 1 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 Councilmember Gothmann: explained that he attended the SVBA (Spokane Valley Business Association) Meeting; attended some Health Department meetings and said that it is now being reported that the HIN1 flu is now killing children, and he suggested people in those susceptible groups get their flu shot; he attended the Employment Security's ten -year anniversary; attended the Meals on Wheels appreciation dinner held at Good Sanitarium; attended the Central Valley School District focus group which is trying to strategically analyze its future direction; said he visited with Susan Meyer of the Spokane Transit Authority along with Airway Heights City Manager Albert Tripp and County Engineer Bob Brueggeman regarding the Transportation Improvement Board. Councilmember Dempsey: said she also attended the SVBA meeting last week; attended the ITA Board Meeting (International Trade Alliance) which was the first board meeting with the new board at which meeting they spent most of the time telling everyone what they did and she mentioned that ITA brings in more dollars into the County than tourism. Deputy Mayor Denenny: said he also went to the wastewater meeting and feels this is a good opportunity to bring everyone together to discuss the issue, and said he feels once Mr. Maxwell gets involved, we will see some good results; he attended the STA meeting which revolved around the budget, and said the projection is for a revenue decrease at 1 -2% for next year, and in response they will be looking at 2% reduction in services; and said that last week he gave testimony at the Community College for the public process with the Department of Ecology regarding the TMDL (total maximum daily load) and the ongoing attempt to get that finally resolved so a permit can be issued. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Munson said he checked the election ballot statistics and at this point, less than 10,000 people have voted and he urged everyone to vote. Mayor Munson reported that he attended the GMA (Growth Management Act) Steering Committee meeting where they discussed some additions to the growth management areas which were denied by the Committee, and said that this is an advisory committee to the County Commissioners which makes the final determination as it must meet the standards of the County -Wide Planning Policies; he attended the wastewater meeting and spoke with Mayor Verner and others about services which could be consolidated; he hosted seventeen cub scouts October 21 at City Hall; attended the STA meeting and said if revenues don't improve, we could see up to a 7% reduction over the next few years; he attended the Chamber Transportation Committee meeting where they heard from the "Good Roads" people who are sponsoring an effort to get funding for the North /South Freeway; he attended a leadership breakfast hosted by Whitworth college; had an opportunity to do a ride along with a member of the local police department; mentioned that the Association of Washington Cities is putting together a federal agenda in an attempt to approach the federal delegation with issues that affect Washington State, like infrastructure and health care; that this morning he attended a 911 Board meeting which discussed budgets; and he met with several people from the Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, which is a regional group funded by five member counties and entities, which group provides programs for the aging population, and said he hopes to have a representative from that group address Council in December so Council can get an idea of exactly what they do as they seek Council representation on their board, which requires about $14,000 annually, and Mayor Munson said we normally fund these types of issues through the outside agency funding, so this will need to be discussed by Council. Mayor Munson said he also attended a meeting with the leadership of Greater Spokane, Inc; and attended the Navy Ball. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comments; no comments were offered. 1. PUBLIC HEARING: Amending 2009 Budget — Ken Thompson Mayor Munson opened the public hearing at 6:24 p.m. and invited Finance Director Thompson to the podium. Mr. Thompson explained that state law requires a public hearing and an amendment to the budget when we believe we will exceed our appropriations; that there are several changes in funds as noted on his accompanying "Exhibit A Amendments to the 2009 Budget ", including the street fund, debt service fund, capital grants, the Barker Bridge, and Parks Capital; adding that the street improvements at Council Regular Meeting 10 - - 2009 Page 2 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 VOUCHER LIST DATE WNOUCHER NUMBERS: TOTAL AMOUNT 10 -09 -2009 18590-18626; 1005090012 and 1008090021 $694,585.16 10 -16 -2009 18628 -18659 $133,441.36 10 -19 -2009 18660 -18732 $928,039.39 GRAND TOTAL $1,756,065.91 12 and Blake were due to a local utility water line breaking which damaged the road, and he said he expects we will be reimbursed by the local utility. Mayor Munson invited public comments; no comments were offered and Mayor Munson closed the public hearing at 6:27 p.m. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) — Greg McCormick Mayor Munson opened the public hearing at 6:27.5 and invited Planning Manager McCormick to the podium. Mr. McCormick explained that Spokane County has estimated receiving $1,550,000 in CDBG funding for 2010 year; that in 2008 Spokane County agreed to establish a 20% set aside for the City of Spokane Valley capital projects, which would result in an estimated $312,000. Mr. McCormick said the only project is the Corbin Sewer Project, full width paving in conjunction with the County sewer project, with estimated costs of $778,507; that we would be limited to the $310,000 and will need to decide how to handle the difference. Mayor Munson invited public comments; no comments were offered and Mayor Munson closed the public hearing at 6:29 .m. 3. 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. a. Approval of the following claim vouchers: b. Approval of Payroll for pay period ending October 15, 2009: $246,963.04 c. Approval to send Letter Rcc gnizing Centennial Trail as a Nati nal Recital n Trail d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of September 29, 2009 e. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2009 f. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2009 Deputy Mayor Denenny asked that item c, the Centennial Trail Letter, be removed to discuss separately. It was then moved by Councilmember Gothmann, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the consent agenda with the exception of item 3c. c. Approval to send Letter Recognizing Centennial Trail as a National Recreation Trail Parks and Recreation Director Stone explained that he revised the Request for Council Action form to further explain the criteria for the National Trail Status, and that he also included the draft letter for council consideration. Mr. Stone said that although we are not the property owner, the letter of support is being ask from jurisdictions and municipalities as part of the requirements of the designation; and that such designation allows the trail to be listed throughout the United States as a trail of local and regional significance, which gives the trail tremendous exposure, and enables us to apply for additional funding and grants as noted in his Request for Council Action form. Mr. Stone also noted as part of this process, that the trail must remain open for public use for at least ten consecutive years, and he again confirmed we would have no financial responsibility. It was then moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to send a letter of recognition regarding the Centennial Trail's request to be designated as a national recreational trial. Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 3 of 9 Approvcd by Council: 11 -17 -2009 NEW BUSINESS: 4. Second Reading Proposed Ordinance 09 -017 Code Amendment CTA 01 -09 Community Facilities Zone — Karen Kendall After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded, to approve ordinance 09 -017. Assistant Planner Kendall explained via her PowerPoint presentation, of the proposed changes to Title 19 which include new language concerning community facilities, moving already existing language from 19.40.030 to 10.40.010 concerning public utility transmission facility, adding general provisions to 19.60.010 concerning mobile food vendors, and replacing the community facilities district with the Parks /Open Space designation. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 5. First Reading Proposed Ordinance 09 -031 Residential Lighting — Christina Janssen After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Councilmenrber Wilhite and seconded, to advance ordinance 09 -031 to a second reading. Planning Manager McCormick, for Christina Janssen, explained that the changes as recommended by the Planning Commission include a new section concerning design standards with regard to outdoor residential lighting; and said that there were some concerns about this item and it was removed from the batch code amendments; that staff spoke with the citizen who initially voiced the concern about outdoor lighting, and said he feels this addresses the situation. Mr. McCormick also said that these regulations would apply to new homes, not to existing lights, but to any new lights. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 6. First Reading Proposed Ordinance 09-032, CTA 05 -09, Affordable Housing — Mike Basinger After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded to advance ordinance 09 -032 to a second reading. Senior Planner Basinger explained that when the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2006, it included several policies and goals regarding affordable housing; and that Policy HP -1.3 calls for development regulations and incentives that encourage greater diversity of housing types, costs and designs that may include bonus incentives, clustering, and transfer development rights; he said the intent of the proposed text amendment is to develop regulations that promote affordable housing in the various named districts; that staff presented the proposed amendments to the Planning Commission which held a public hearing on the amendments October 8. Mr. Basinger also noted that these amendments were reviewed by our legal department which provided some suggested changes for council consideration, and he handed said changes to the Clerk who will distribute them to Council prior to the second reading. Mayor Munson invited public comment. Art Noll, Development Director with Spokane Housing Authority (dba Northwest Washington Housing Solutions), 55 W. Mission, Suite 104, Spokane: said he is pleased to support this amendment to the zoning code and that Spokane Housing Authority would be happy to assist with implementation if needed. Sheryldene Rogers, Residential Development with the Barbieri Company, 818 W. Riverside, Suite 300 Said she supports this amendment; for sixteen years she has represented non - profit clients in development special needs concerning housing for low income or those with disabilities; she said it is the intent of Congress to save taxpayer money down the road, and these projects must be an asset to the community, and most provide high levels of services of the residents; that there is no return on investment for any non - profit or other stakeholders involved, but there is a huge economic benefit to the jurisdiction in which these are built; she said the more units on a site the lower per unit cost; that people need the choice of going to a higher or lower density; and said she is pleased the City recognizes the need for affordable housing. Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 4 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 Chuck Keefer 13006 East 25 Avenue, 99216: said he is here as a private citizen to speak in favor of the adoption of the amendment; and to speak on behalf of the need for low income senior citizens housing; that he was the President of Grays Court Corporation during its initial planning and construction and said Grays Court is a HUD 202 project on Broadway off McDonald, which was completed about thirteen and a half years ago; and when they opened they had full capacity immediately; and over the past years the need has increased, but there are no other housing facilities built in this City to his knowledge; and he said he feels the reason is because it is a difficult project and process; that HUD offers to fund these projects once a year and this year it offered to fund 55 units in the State; and according to HUD's estimates, Spokane County is underserved for those housing units by almost 3,000. Vote by Acclamation to advance ordinance 09 -032 to a second reading: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 7. Proposed Resolution 09 -016 Shoreline Master Program — Lori Barlow It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded to approve resolution #09 -016 accepting the public participation plan for the 2009 Shoreline Master Program update. Associate Planner Barlow explained the Shoreline Master Plan (SMP) update process; the requirements per the State Statutes of involvement of all interested persons and entities and of the efforts to inform the people about the program; the various public participation program elements, tasks of the technical review group, planned open house and community meetings, task of the Shoreline Advisory Committee, and of the need to maintain a webpage for press releases, and to provide opportunity for comment. Ms. Barlow also explained about the informational mailings, e-mail notifications and mailing lists; and spoke of the involvement with the Planning Commission in such things as study sessions and holding public hearings, . that the Council can expect quarterly updates, will be asked to consider acceptance of each phase of the SMP; and will also hold a public hearing prior to final adoption. In response to council questions, Ms. Barlow said the shorelines within our city include Spokane River, Shelley Lake, and the two gravel pits. There was council /staff discussion concerning the context of the notice to property owners, and Ms. Barlow said that the notice did not include a statement to encourage citizens to be part of the development as it could affect their ability to use their property; and Council asked that Ms. Barlow send Council a copy of the mailing notification and the notice of the open house. After some brief discussion about funding and that the aforementioned committees would be not need mayoral appointment, Mayor Munson invited public comments. No comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 8. Motion Consideration: 2010 CDBG Projects — Greg McCormick/Steve Worley It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded to direct staff to prepare the CDBG application for the selected project. Planning Manager McCormick explained that the only project for consideration is the Corbin Sewer Project, a full -width paving project in conjunction with the County sewer project, with an estimated cost of $778,507; and that the set -aside for Spokane Valley infrastructure projects is $310,000. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 9. Motion Consideration: Park Maintenance Contract — Mike Stone It was moved by Councilmember Robertson and seconded to approve a new contract with Senske Lawn and Tree Care in the amount of $560, 532.25 for the 2010 Park Maintenance contract and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute said contract. Parks and Recreation Director Stone explained that this is the end of a long process; that staff moved forward with this as a bid package as opposed to an RFP (request for proposal); that three bids were received with the lowest responsive bid being submitted by Senske, and Mr. Stone said that this bid is $48,000 less than the first contract with Senske in 2005, and $85,000 less than the current contract for 2009; and said he felt one of the key factors to this bid was the Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 5 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 potential seven year contract. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation.: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 10. Motion Consideration: Aquatics Contract — Mike Stone It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite and seconded to approve a new contract with the YMCA for operation and maintenance of our pool facilities and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute said contract. Parks and Recreation Director Stone explained that only one response was received, that from the Y, and that this is a one -year contract with option for four renewals. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. Mayor Munson called for a short break at 7:40 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:47 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comments; no comments were offered. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 11. Related Court Services Study — Morgan Koudelka; Anne Pflug, Washington Department of Commerce Senior Administrative Analyst Koudelka gave a brief background on this issue explaining that Council directed the City Manager to conduct an alternatives analysis of all remaining County contracts; and also that the state statute notification guidelines required that the City provide termination notice for the Court contract by February 1, 2009 or continue the contract until 2014; and that Council decided to provide the termination notice with the understanding it was to allow time to conduct an analysis of service options; and that the County agreed the City could rescind the termination notice by December 1, 2009. Mr. Koudelka explained that the City hired Anne Pflug of the Washington State Department of Commerce, to conduct the analysis of the court and court- related services, including prosecution, public defense, probation, and pre - trial; and he expressed thanks to Spokane County District Court and the City of Spokane for their cooperation, courtesy and helpfulness in this endeavor. Ms. Pflug explained that this is part one of the study requested by the City, and part two will come at a later date; that tonight's focus is on the court portion. Via her PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Pflug explained that the problem statement was to determine the feasibility of alternative justice services provision in advance of the potential loss of the current service provider, Spokane County and its District court; she reviewed the study questions, explained their approach to the study; gave background on the criminal justice system and the average misdemeanor costs; went over caseload profile for 2008 cases; explained the distinguishing characteristics of the court caseload; went over the court operations and facilities; explained the key performance indicators for court performance; went over the performance indicator concerning the hearings per case filed in 2008 as well as the revenue collected per case filed in 2008; discussed the evaluation process for District Court and Spokane and of streamlining initiatives; went over the rough court cost comparison between 2007 and 2008; discussed customer service and current and potential court facilities and judicial options concerning meeting expectations of fairness and professionalism; talked about the location assumptions of the Spokane Valley Municipal Court option including staffing assumptions, facility, and short term and mid to long -term impacts; and went over the contract with the City of Spokane for court administration also including location assumptions, staffing assumptions, feasibility and short and mid to long term impacts; and explained the same type of analysis with the Spokane County District Court. Policy considerations for Council, she explained included willing and active partner; motivation and capacity to meet mutual criminal justice goals; impact on quality of justice; and impact on speed and cost. Her financial analysis summary was that all three options are financially feasible, with the District Court contract option the least expensive in the short and mid -term; that the City of Spokane Contract option Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 6 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 does not break even assuming fee and fine collections practices and operating results are unchanged; that the Spokane Valley Municipal Court option has the highest start-up, short and medium term costs; but breaks even in year five assuming fee and fine assessment practices are modified to meet the state average. Ms. Pflug said all three options are feasible from a legal, operating and financial perspective; and said the City could reduce overall criminal justice costs in the short and mid -term by implementing additional DWLS (driving while license suspended) case management programs and jail alternatives for pre and post- sentence lower risk offenders. Ms. Pflug also noted the status of working relationships, and concluded that the parties have come a long way in re- organizing service delivery since incorporation; and recommended consideration be given to improving Spokane Valley's attractiveness as a contracting customer and /or partner by better defining the city's expectations and goals. She also summarized court operations and recommendations including evaluation of the existing initiatives to reduce the impact of the DWLS -3 caseload; followed by future service delivery and associated recommendations. Mayor Munson then invited Judge Gregg Tripp of the Spokane County District Court, and Virginia Rockwood, District Court Administrator for Spokane Valley, to speak. Judge Tripp confirmed that they are committed to serve the public of Spokane Valley in the city of Spokane Valley; and he and Ms. Rockwood discussed budget issues and mentioned that they intend to maintain a presence here with no service cuts; that most citizens everywhere are aware of potential upcoming law enforcement budget cuts; that they find Ms. Pflug's analysis one of the most detailed and comprehensive they have been involved with; and that her findings are accurate and based on numerous hours of interviewers in the offices dealing with pre - trial, probation, and most important, that they conducted blind tests. Deputy Mayor Denenny voiced his concern that there would be no reduction in services; he said the findings and the report are very positive but if reductions occur, Spokane Valley doesn't want to end up paying for administrative costs as we are not asking for any reductions; and said the desire is to maintain the same service at the same load. Judge Tripp said they just voted on a cost - savings measure, of dealing with paperwork on -line rather than printing and distributing; and said by using the service on -line, it reduces the wait time, and they are examining ways to expedite traffic citations on -line as well; he said they realize they will lose some staff but are not sure which positions or how many; and expects Spokane Valley would not be treated any worse and would be treated as well as others; that there is a contract and they will try to make it work as best they can. Ms. Rockwood added that the cost per case includes such things as pre -trial services, jail, probation, and other factors; and Judge Tripp said that after their day -long meeting with the consultant, they are researching ways to dispose of 50% of the criminal cases in the first court appearance; and said they are always looking for ways to reduce the number of hearings. At 9.•05 p.m. it was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to extend the meeting for 30 minutes. Other issues discussed included the desire to move toward some performance based modeling so the citizens are aware of the performance measures; the need for all parties to work together to determine what operating standards are desired and how to define, measure and achieve those results; discussion of early case resolution; mention that the Spokane Valley traffic infractions are done at the Valley location and E- ticket mitigations are being researched. Ms. Rockwood also stated that all county departments were asked to reduce between 10 and 12 %. Mr. Mercier commented that they are concerned about what level of impairment might beset the district court system with 2010 budget reductions and depending on which economic forecast is used, the picture is not likely to be better in 2011; he said the Court's efforts are applauded in streamling, and Spokane Valley realizes this is a concern which cannot be completely addressed at tonight's meeting; and said that the determination as to whether court services remain to community residents rests primarily with the Board of County Commissioners in their budget authority. Mr. Mercier also mentioned that it would be comforting to the community to have some sense of Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 7 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 collective commitment moving forward to reconcile these opportunities; and he enumerated a short list of items from the study and said he would solicit the judiciary's response by November 10, on where they might convey their ideas they think are worthwhile and which have a sense of workability, and the list would include the mutual setting of goals and performance measures and reporting system, would address the overriding concern of some assurance to have direct access to court services within our city limits, preferably at the current precinct building; and disposition of judicial cuts, to include in- custody video hearings; electronic home monitoring; early case resolution; DWLS -3 (options for case load reductions), and authorized monetary assessments allowed by law included in sentencing and increasing revenue collections; and again said we would appreciate hearing back with written communication by November 10 if possible; and Judge Tripp responded that they look forward to working with us. It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite, seconded and unanimously agreed to extend the meeting to 9:45 p. m. 12. Street Standards —John Hohman Senior Development Engineer John Hohman and Development Engineer Gloria Mantz explained that this report is a culmination of about one and one -half years' work. Mr. Hohman went through his PowerPoint presentation, which explained that the street standards is a technical manual that addresses goals and policies of the adopted City of Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan related to transportation; that it establishes development engineer street - related improvement requirements for land actions and building permits; establishes technical requirements for such things as street design and materials; improves emergency access; provides conformity to existing and future streets; establishes criteria for use of private versus public streets, and that it is to be used with Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual to regulate the engineer elements of development projects. Mr. Hohman went over some of the reasons to adopt street standards, explained the comprehensive plan goals and policies which require the establishment of design standards for transportation facilities, briefly did a comparison of existing and proposed standards, and pointed out the areas where no changes are proposed; discussed public involvement, the adoptions schedule and the organization of the street standards manual. Chapter 2 of the manual, Mr. Hohman explained, contains the development engineering requirements and explains the typical improvements for short plats with less than four lots, or more than five lots, long plats, binding site plans, building permits for typical improvements, modifications to the standard section, and possible reduced sections for local access street; adding that requirements established in Chapter 2 can be modified through a variance, and the technical requirements in the remainder of the street standards can be modified through a design deviation. Stormwater Engineer Mantz discussed Chapter 3 traffic analysis; Chapter 4 Plan Submittal requirements; Chapter 5 Land disturbing activities (grading); Chapter 6 utilities; Chapter 7 street elements, including public and private streets and driveways; and Chapter 8 pavement design. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to extend the meeting to 10:00 p.m. Senior Engineer Hohman discussed the remaining chapters of the plan, including inspection and certification; maintenance; standard plans for streets, utilities, stormwater and traffic. Mr. Hohman said this plan has larger ramifications then just to the City of Spokane Valley; that staff has been in discussions with Spokane County and the City of Spokane in developing regional standards; and said that the jurisdictions have reviewed the document and feel it is in -depth and a good draft to use; although the City of Spokane might choose not to participate, although circumstances could change later regarding that decision; and all agreed this could be used as a starting point for a regional document similar to the regional stormwater manual. Mr. Hohman also noted that Spokane County is doing some minor changes; that there are only two people in the County's Development Engineering so while they are not overly Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 8 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 excited about this project, he said they would work with us; and he reminded everyone that the stormwater manual took five years to complete and that this document could likely take longer. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to extend the meeting to 10:10 p.m. Mr. Hohman said that City and County staff came to resolution on what the geometrics should look like and that is already included in document for items such as lane width and connectivity, which were things agreed on at staff level from a technical standpoint; so he said change for that won't be necessary and the County wouldn't have to administer anything differently. In response to Council question about notifying stakeholders about this coming up for a first reading November 17, Mr. Hohman said that staff can notify them, and that this issue was brought up at the October Is' Developer's Forum, and said he will lay out those dates again. Council thanked staff for their work on this project; and also thanked Anne Pflug for her work on the court study. INFORMATION ONLY: The Departmental reports, Association of Washington Cities Wellness Program, Greater Spokane, Inc Quarterly Report, and the Spokane County Library District Quarterly report were not reported or discussed. EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn into executive session for the purpose of discussing potential litigation pursuant to RCW 4230.110(1)(1); that council anticipates being back into regular session in twenty minutes; and that no decisions would be made upon return. Council adjourned into executive session at 10:09 p.m. At 10:27 Mayor Munson declared Council out of executive session. It was then moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m. ATTES Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk Richard M. Munson, Mayor Council Regular Meeting 10 -27 -2009 Page 9 of 9 Approved by Council: 11 -17 -2009 REVISED Consent agenda Item #3c CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Request for Council Action Meeting Date: October 27, 2009 City Manager Sign -off: Item: Check all that apply: ® consent ❑ old business ❑ new business ❑ public hearing . ❑ information ❑ admin. report ❑ pending legislation AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Centennial Trail Designation Letter GOVERNING LEGISLATION: N/A PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: Information Only Item on October 13 agenda. BACKGROUND: The Friends of the Centennial Trail and the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation are applying for National Trails (NRT) status. The NRT program works to protect the beautiful natural corridors of our country. Its aim is to promote the expansion of new pathways to establish a national network of trails. Benefits of an NRT designation include fundraising support, promotion of trail preservation efforts, access to relevant contacts, and training opportunities. Through designation, the Centennial Trail would be recognized as a trail of regional significance. To be designated as a National Recreation Trail, letters of consent from property owners and letters of support are needed by the applicant. The State of Washington is the landowner assuming all criteria responsibilities and will provide a consent letter. The City of Spokane Valley is being asked to provide a letter of support of this designation for their application. The application deadline is November 1, 2009. The criteria for NRT designation is as follows: -The trail must be open to public use and be designed, constructed, and maintained according to best management practices, in keeping with the use anticipated. -The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws. -The trail will be open for public use for at least 10 consecutive years after designation. -NRT designation must be supported by the landowner(s), public or private, whose property the trail crosses. OPTIONS: 1) provide additional direction to staff. RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: The City of Spokane Valley supports the Centennial Trail's application for National Trails status and agrees to send a letter of support. BUDGET /FINANCIAL IMPACTS: No additional requirements from what the City is currently doing. STAFF CONTACT: Michael D. Stone, Director of Parks and Recreation ATTACHMENTS: None Spokan e Walley October 27, 2009 National Recreation Trail Program Coordinator National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program 1849 C Street NW (Org Code 2235) Washington, DC 20240 11707 E Sprague Ave Suite 106 • Spokane Valley WA 99206 509.921.1000 • Fax: 509.921.1008 • cityhall®spokanevalley.org On behalf of the City of Spokane Valley, I would like to express our support for designation of the Centennial Trail as a National Recreation Trail. The Friends of the Centennial Trail and the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation have worked very well to ensure that this trail stays the tremendous community resource it has been since it was constructed. Hundreds of residents utilize the trail daily for hiking, walking, biking, running and many other activities. The Centennial Trail links Cities and Counties in both Idaho and Washington. It is truly a greenbelt that connects this region. The Centennial Trail is a good candidate for designation as a National Recreation Trail. It incorporates many important features and has been a great model for trail planning and development in the Inland Northwest. The Centennial Trail: • is a 37 mile community resource of local and regional significance • focuses on the Spokane River and its wildlife and vegetation habitat • promotes commuting, recreation and family activities • promotes the importance of volunteers in urban trails • encourages a healthy community life style • promotes cooperation among agencies and jurisdictions • created opportunities for education about wildlife and the environment We fully support the designation of Centennial Trail as a NRT trail, as it has proven to be so valuable to not only our City but to all whose boundaries it runs through. Thank you for your consideration of such a worthy trail. Sincerely, Richard M. Munson, Mayor City of Spokane Valley