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2024, 06-04 Study SessionMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Study Session Meeting Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in person in Council Chambers, and also remotely via Zoom meeting. Attendance: Councilmembers Staff Pain Haley, Councilmerber John Hohman, City Manager Rod Higgins, Councilmember Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director Laura Padden, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Al Merkel, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Bill Helbig, Community & PW Director Jill Smith, Communications Manager Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney Dave Ellis, Police Chief Mike Basinger, Economic Dev. Director Absent: John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Ben Wick, Councilmember Jerreiny Clark, 'Traffic Engineering Manager Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager Rob Lochmiller, CIP Engineering Manager Lesli Brassfield, Tourism & Marketing Manager Lori Barlow, Senior Planner Chad Knodel, IT Manager Marei Patterson, City Clerk ROLL CALL: City Clerk Patterson called roll; all Councilmembers were present except Councilmember Wick. It was moved by Councilmember Merkel, seconded and unanimously agreed to excuse Councilmember Wickjrom the meeting this evening. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. PROCLAMATION: 80th Anniversary of D-Day Mayor Haley read the proclamation and Ms. Raeanna Victor with the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted the proclamation and thanked the city for recognizing the anniversary of D-Day. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited public comment. Mr. Ted Pulver, Spokane, Mr. Don Meier, Spokane Valley, and Mr. John Harding, Spokane Valley all provided comments on various topics. ACTION ITEM: 1, Second Reading: Ordinance 24-010: 2024 Budget Amendment — Chelsi.e.. Taylor After City Clerk Patterson read the Ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mo))or Hattenburg and seconded to amend Ordinance #23-021 which adopted a budgetfor the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 as proposed. Ms. Taylor provided additional details regarding the budget amendment. Council provided additional comments on the ordinance. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried. 2. Motion Consideration: Interlocal A reement with Spokane Transit Authority -- Bill Helbi Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-04-2024 Page 1 of 4 Approved by Council: 07-23-2024 It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the Master Design and Construction Agreement between the Spokane Transit Authority and the City. Mr. Helbig provided details on the background of the interlocal agreement as well as an overview of what the interlocal would outline for services between the city and STA. Council discussed the projects that would be part of the interlocal and the project efficiencies that come with having an interlocal agreement. Mayor Haley called for public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilrneinbers Padden, Higgins and Yaeger. Opposed: Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried. 3. Motion Consideration: Interlocal Agreement with Spokane County Water District No. 3 for the Broadwa at I-90 Preservation -Phase 2 Project - Rob Lochmiller It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the Interlocal Agreement behveen Spokane County Water District No. 3 and the City for the Broadway at I-90 Preservation Project -Phase 2. Mr. LochiniIler provided background details on the interlocal and provided details on the project that included a new water main within the limits of the road preservation project on Broadway Ave. Mayor Haley called for public comment; no cornrnents we offered. Vote by acclamation: infavor.- unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried 4. Motion Consideration: Broadway at I-90 Preservation -Phase 2 Bid Award — Rob Lochmiller It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to avvard the Broadway at I--90 Preservation Project -Phase 2 to Hahne Construction, Inc. for the Base Bid and Alternate B Bid in the amount of $2, 080, 000 plus applicable sales tax and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the construction contract. Mr. Lochmiller presented details of the project and noted that the city received four qualified bids for the project. After verifying the bids, staff recommended awarding the bid to the lowest responsive bidder, which was Halme Construction. Council discussed criteria for the project and bids. Mayor Haley called for public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unaninous. Opposed: none. Motion carried. 5. Motion Consideration: Communily Oriented Policing Services COPS Hiring Program (CHP)Grant Opportune for Police Hiring - Erik Lamb, Chief Ellis It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded move to authorize the City Manager or designee to execute and submit all required documents to apply for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP) grant through the U.S. Department of .Justice for hiring ten additional officers. Chief Ellis and Deputy City Manager Lamb presented a grant opportunity for the city. The grant may offer up to $100K per position and the grant cycle runs for three years. Once approved, the city is required to keep positions for at least one year. Initially staff thought the sheriff's office should be the one to apply for the grant, however in the last week, we found out that the city would be the one that would have to submit the grant. The sheriff's office has largely completed the application and is working with city staff to complete the grant if approved. Staff also spoke with Cardinal about letters of support for this initiative. Chief Ellis indicated that Spokane County has used this grant in year past as well. Council discussed the use of this funding in the future as grant funding becomes available. Mayor Haley called for public comments. Mr. John Harding, Spokane Valley provided comment. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none, Motion carried. NON -ACTION ITEMS: 6. Admin Report: Presentation Aging & Lon -Term Care _ Lynn Kimball Ms. Lynn Kimball, Executive Director of Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington met to discuss a PowerPoint presentation that included a review of who they assist, a list of additional resources within the city, the number of services that were provided in 2023, an overview of their clients age range, ethnicity distributions, and a review of how they serve the aging members of our community. Council discussed the need for these important services within our community and thanked Ms. Kimball for the presentation. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-04-2024 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council: 07-23-2024 It was moved by Mayor Haley and seconded to take a ten-lninule breakftom 7: 50 p.m. to 8: 00 p.m. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried. 7. Admin Report.: Right -Sizing Police Services Community Outreach Update —Erik Lamb Chief Ellis Jill Smith Mr. Lamb, Chief Ellis and Ms. Smith presented an update on the first phase of the right -sizing police services community outreach. Ms. Smith noted that they used many methods of communication, worked with our community partners to help get the word out. There were five events held in person and Ms. Smith noted that there was a low attendance at most of the events. Ms. Smith reviewed the survey results and stated that it was available online and in paper form. There were 641 responses, and it was noted that there were higher responses from women, half of those responses were from ages 55 to 74 years old and that 92% live in Spokane Valley. Ms. Smith also reviewed the funding source options that were presented in the survey as well. Mr. Lamb highlighted some of the survey results as well that included what areas the public felt were most important in public safety. Mr. Lamb also reviewed what potential next steps could include and provided details on the key items that were shown with the results of the survey. Council discussed current performance standards, how to potentially proceed with next steps, and what is being done at the present time in order to hire the officers. S. Admin Report:. Spokane Regional Emergency Communications SREC Update — Erik Lamb Chief Ellis Mr. Lamb opened the conversation with a PowerPoint presentation that included the history of SREC, the participating agencies, an overview of the board composition and the potential City of Spokane participation. Chief Ellis highlighted the process of SREC, how they are governed and spoke about the current board meetings. Mr. Lamb detailed the current level of participation by the City of Spokane and noted that the request for the 90 day extension from the City of Spokane to further evaluate SREC was granted in May. Mr. Lamb stated that he would return to council at a later date with further updates as they become available. Council discussed the call volume, adding a City of Spokane Valley representative to the board, what resources SREC utilizes, staffing concerns with SREC, and funding for SREC. 9. Advance Agenda.— Mayor Halay Councilmember Merkel requested that the flock camera discussion be brought back. There was not consensus to move forward with the request. Councilmember Merkel requested visual signifiers for votes on the dais. There was not consensus to move forward with the request. Councilmember Merkel requested the city explore costs for a mass casualty drill. Councilmember Yaeger stated there was an upcoming safety item on the agenda and it may be best to explore that option after that item is presented. Councilmember Merkel requested staff upgrade the SCRAPS contract review. There was not consensus to move forward with the request. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Merkel noted that there was a dog attack on a little girl on May 26"' and that the animal had previous complaints filed and that SCRAPS had not taken action on the dog. Councilmember Merkel felt that it should have been handled right away. Councilmember Merkel also stated that a girl had been accosted at the Value Village and that he fclt that there have been awful things happening at that location and on the STA buses as well. Mayor Haley stated that the STA contracts with Spokane Police Department and they do have security, but simply cannot be on every bus that travels in the region. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Hohman reminded council that the following week would be the city budget meeting and that it is an all day event and therefore we will not be having the regular evening meeting next week. He also mentioned that the coffee with a cop event is tomorrow and the Farmer's market at CenterPlace starts this Friday. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-04-2024 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council: 07-23-2024 It was ino>>ed by Deputy Mayor Hatlenburg, seconded and unannszously agreed to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. ATTEST: q Pam Haley, Mayor Marci attersen, City Clerk Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-04-2024 Page 4 of 4 Approved by Council: 07-23-2024 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, June 4, 2024 6:00 p.m. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY Please sign up to speak for up to THREE minutes and the Mayor will afford the public the opportunity to speak. The public comment opportunity is limited to a maximum of 45 minutes. NAAWA TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK PLEASE PRINT ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE f Please note /tat once information is entered on this form, it becontes a public record subject to public disclosure. Spokane ..;, "galley, Proclamation City of Spokane Valfey, Washington 80th,Anniversary of O-Day Whereas, June 6, 2024, will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War 11 and this event ultimately led to the liberation of Europe, and Whereas, more than 16 million American men and women served in the US Armed Forces during World War Il, and another 3.5 million worked as federal civilian employees during the war, and Whereas, less than 1 percent of the Americans who served during World War II are still with us today, it is more imperative than ever to tell the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world, and Whereas, the service, courage, and sacrifice of our veterans, including the more than 407,316 who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the 671,278 who were wounded during World War 11 deserve to be recognized and honored, and Whereas, 73, 000 American Soldiers fought on D-Day and Whereas, the countless veterans and civilians who suffered physical and mental wounds and continued to sufferlong after the war came to an end deserve recognition and respect. Now. therefore, I Pam Haley, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council and the citizens of the city of Spokane Valley, do hereby proclaim, Thursday, June 6, 2024, as 80th Anniversary of D-Day in the City of Spokane Valley, t will urge all citizens to celebrate D-Day by remembering and honoring our veterans and encourage them to explore the stories of those who courageously served in this campaign and protected the freedoms we enjoy today. Dated this Ott, day of June 2024. Pam Haley, Mayor 2024 Investigation of fraud /extortion Spokane Valley community leader Albert Merkel d.o.b. 1/16/1986, currently Spokane Valley City Councilman The following is not this investigator's opinion, it is reported information given to this investigator for the authorities to use. Tapes of interviews are available and have been given to the Government and media. 1) Requested by Ailing Senior Citizen and City council follower. 2) Review of Mr. Merkel's published resume showed reported false/misleading background/employment statements confirmed by taped interviews with businesses/supposed colleagues. 3) Review of employment investigation shows terminations from US Government contracting Positions confirmed by taped interviews and direct statements by supposed colleagues to Government officials. 4) Numerous Abuse instances reported by many female coworkers Past and present employments. Taped and confirmed by coworkers. 5) Many past and present female coworkers complained and sued, some are in the preparation of filing Law suits against Spokane Valley councilman Merkel's current and past employers. WA Human rights commission has been investigating Mr Merkel /Sequoia for 3 years! 6) Councilman Merkel's last employer Spokane valley business Sequoia Detox center, just settled a Spokane Superior Court Harassment suit of a female co-worker for approximately $100,000.00 this past month. Merkel was FIRED from SEQUOIA after an audit showing substantial six figure loss. 7) Councilman Merkel has been accused by current CEO of Sequoia Valley employer of Fraud, Extortion ,female abuse, and theft of funds given to the business from the Federal government. The Leadership confirmed this by interview by Government authorities and this investigator's taped interviews. 8) Councilman Merkel's associates who claimed they were "fooled" by Councilman Merkel to take and benefit by theft of Federal and business funds have confessed to this investigator on tape. 9) The US Attorney's office has been advised and forwarded this investigation to the FBI last month. 10) Documentation by Mr/Councilman Merkel shows intentional bank fraud on his home refinancing with Safi bank. Provided by people intimidated by Councilman Merkel. 11) Mr.Merkel verbally and by action reportly extorted Spokane Valley small business for money and Position by saying his position as a community leader will close down the business . This has been communicated to Government authorities and shared with local and Federal Government. This Summary of investigation information was presented to client May 2024 . Case ongoing Ted S. Pulver Private Investigator