2023, 12-19 Study Session
AGENDA
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
STUDY SESSION FORMAT
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 6:00 p.m.
Remotely via ZOOM Meeting and
In Person at CenterPlace Regional Event Center Great Room
2426 N Discovery Place
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
Council Requests Please Silence Your Cell Phones During Council Meeting
NOTE:Members of the public may attendSpokane Valley Council meetings in-person at the address
provided above, or via Zoom 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 be accepted for those items noted on
the agenda as “public comment opportunity.” If making a comment via Zoom, comments must be received
by 4:00 pm the day of the meeting.
Sign up to Provide Oral Public Comment at the Meeting via Calling-In
Submit Written Public Comment Prior to the Meeting
Join the Zoom WEB Meeting
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PROCLAMATION:
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. Resolution 23-013 Adopting Master Fee Schedule - Chelsie Taylor
\[public comment opportunity\]
2. Resolution 23-014 Governance Manual Update – Kelly Konkright
\[public comment opportunity\]
3. Motion Consideration: 2024 Comprehensive Plan Amendments Docket – Levi Basinger
\[public comment opportunity\]
4. Motion Consideration: Barker Rd/BNSF GSP Consultant Design
Supplement Agreement – Rob Lochmiller
\[public comment opportunity\]
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
5. Admin Report: Loop Trail Project Update – Bill Helbig, Rob Lochmiller
6. Admin Report: Fund 312- Capital Reserve Fund Discussion – Chelsie Taylor
7. Advance Agenda – Mayor Haley
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Agenda December 19, 2023 Page 1 of 2
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
ADJOURN
Council Agenda December 19, 2023 Page 2 of 2
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: December 19, 2023 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply:
consent old business new business public hearing
information admin. report pending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Proposed Resolution #23-013 amending the Master Fee Schedule for
2024.
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: The Master Fee Schedule setting 2023 fees was established via
Resolution #22-023 and was adopted by the City Council on December 13, 2022.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: On December 5, 2023, Council considered an
Administrative Report on the proposed resolution establishing 2024 fees. No formal action has
been taken to date. Revenues generated by the fee resolution in 2024 Budget account for:
$4,124,600 or 6.62% of total General Fund recurring revenues of $62,316,100.
$5,600,000 or 99.29% of total Stormwater Management Fund recurring revenues of
$5,640,000.
BACKGROUND: Part of the annual operating budget development process involves City
Departments reviewing the Master Fee Schedule that is currently in place and determining
whether changes in the fees charged and/or language used in the governing resolution should be
altered. Recommended changes to the fee schedule are as follows:
Under Schedule A – Planning – The Community and Public Works Department is proposing
fees increase by the automatic increase implemented in 2021. This increase is the lesser of
80% of the change from September to September of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers (CPI-U), West Region, or 4%. The actual CPI increase as of September 2023 was
3.90%, and 80% of that was 3.12%, meaning that the automatic increase for 2024 was
calculated at 3.12%. The 3.12% increase did not affect any fees of $16 or less.
Under Schedule B – Building - The Community and Public Works Department is proposing
fees increase by the automatic increase implemented in 2021, as described above under
Schedule A. The automatic increase was not implemented for the Building Permit Fees or
Stormwater Utility Charges as those are adjusted under a separate process. Additional
changes under Schedule B are as follows:
o Stormwater Utility Fee increased to $60 annually based on the automatic increase
implemented in 2022. This increase is equal to the change from September to September
of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), West Region. The actual
CPI increase as of September 2023 was 3.90%, and as such, the automatic increase for
2024 was calculated at 3.90%.
Under Schedule C – Parks and Recreation – The Parks and Recreation Department is
proposing some changes to the fee schedule to clarify and simplify various fees related to
Aquatics and CenterPlace.
Aquatics – increase swim lesson fee from $40 to $48 to aid in cost recovery of the
program.
CenterPlace
o Increase the damage deposit for Senior Center Wing meeting room from $52 to
$75 to align with the damage deposits we collect for other meeting rooms and park
shelter reservations.
o Increase the Self-Catered Event fee for groups in meeting rooms from $52 to $75
to match the pricing of self-catered events in the Fireside Lounge and Great Room
and make the pricing consistent.
o Host/Hostess (after hours) fee increased from $25 to $30 per hour. Each after-
hours event requires a minimum of two staff members in the building, and this
increase will aid in cost recovery for part time staff wages.
o Sound System fee of $42/day removed. This equipment is no longer used at
CenterPlace and has been replaced with Wireless Blue Tooth Speakers.
o Package Storage fee of $5 per box per day added for storage of event packages
that arrive 2 or more days prior or remain 2 or more days after an event.
o Pallet Storage fee of $50 per pallet per day added for storage of event pallets that
arrive 2 or more days prior or remain 2 or more days after an event.
Any other changes are minor for clarification or grammar.
OPTIONS: Move to approve the updated fee resolution changes as presented this evening, with
or without further modifications.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Move to approve Resolution #23-013, repealing and
replacing Resolution #22-023, and approving the Master Fee Schedule for 2024.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: The proposed changes are not expected to have a significant
impact on 2024 General Fund or Stormwater Utility Fee revenues.
STAFF CONTACT: Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
ATTACHMENTS:
Memo from the Community and Public Works Department that provides a detailed description
and rationale for the proposed fee changes.
Memo from the Parks and Recreation Department that provides a detailed description and
rationale for proposed fee changes.
Consumer Price Index, West Region — September 2023 News Release from October 12,
2023.
Regional Aquatic Fee Comparisons - 2023 rates.
Resolution #23-013 – clean copy and redlined version.
10210 E Sprague Avenue Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509) 720-5240 Fax: (509) 720-5075 permitcenter@spokanevalley.org
Memorandum
Date: 12/4/2023
To: Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
From: Greg Baldwin, Development Services Coordinator
CC: Bill Helbig, Community & Public Works Director
Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
Oksana Zhukov, Accountant/Budget Analyst
Re: 2024 Fee Resolution Proposals
The Community and Public Works Department would like to propose the following changes to the
current Master Fee Schedule resolution for 2024. We have attached a copy of the Bureau of Labor
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor for the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers
Price Index (CPI-U), West Region, from September 2022 Î September 2023 as required in Resolution
No. 20-016. The Ðall itemsÑ index increased 3.9 percent for the 12 months ending September 2023.
The Master Fee Schedule - Automatic Annual Adjustment is calculated at 80% of any change from
September to September of the CPI index. The calculation is 3.9% X .80 = 3.12%. In no event shall the
cumulative change in rates or charges be more than four percent (4%) per year. The Final Automatic
Annual Adjustment is 3.12% in accordance with the Master Fee Schedule.
We have made changes to the Master Fee Schedule reflecting this 3.12% fee increase for the proposed
2024 Master Fee Schedule. Unit prices were rounded to the nearest dollar. Fees $16 and under are not
affected by the 3.12% increase.
Schedule A Î Planning
Fees have been adjusted by adding this 3.12% fee increase to the base fee value detailed in the 2024
permit fee published in the Master Fee Schedule.
Schedule B Î Building
Fees have been adjusted by adding this 3.12% fee increase to the base fee value detailed in the 2024
permit fee published in the Master Fee Schedule. This 3.12% fee adjustment did not include Building
permit fees, which are updated through the International Code Council (ICC) published updates.
1 | Page 2024 Master Fee Schedule Resolution tƩƚƦƚƭğƌ Α {ǒƦƦƚƩƷźƓŭ 5ƚĭǒƒĻƓƷƭ
2 hr rental /
available select
Fridays and Sundays
Ages 0-2Ages 3-5Ages 6-59Ages 60+
Spokane County
3.006.005.00
1,000.00
Free
$
$ $ $ $ 8 weeks
$ 55.00 30 min session $ 65.00 45 min session
evenings
Saturday, Sunday
2 hr rental for up to 300
people / available Friday,
City of Spokane
58.00
800.00
$
$
$ 8 weeks138.00
Market Comparison - Aquatics Fees
30 min session30 min session
/ available Saturdays
people / available Saturdays
depending on staff availability
depending on staff availability
2 hr rental for fewer than 100
2 hr rental for 100-200 people
City of Spokane Valley
1.00
40.0075.00
300.00400.00
$ Children 5 and under freeFreeAll Ages
$
$ 9 weeks215.00$ $
Open Swim
Pool Rental
2023 RATES
Swim Lessons
Swim Team
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 23-013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON,
REPEALING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION 22-023, AND APPROVING THE 2024 MASTER
FEE SCHEDULE, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
WHEREAS, it is the general policy of the City to establish fees that are reflective of the cost of services
provided by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City uses a resolution to establish the schedule of fees for City programs, permits and
services, and periodically the fee resolution and fee schedule must be amended to incorporate new or modified
services; and
WHEREAS, Council desires to approve the resolution and accompanying fee schedule.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane
County, Washington, as follows:
Section 1. Adoption. The Master Fee Schedule is hereby adopted as provided herein and as shown
and incorporated in the attached schedules.
Section 2. Repeal. Resolution 22-023 is hereby repealed in its entirety.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect January 1, 2024.
th
Approved this 19 Day of December, 2023.
ATTEST: CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
___________________________ _______________________________
Marci Patterson, City Clerk Pam Haley, Mayor
Approved as to form:
___________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 1 of 18
MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
Fee Schedule Page No.
Schedule A: Planning 3
Schedule B: Building/Engineering 5
Schedule C: Parks and Recreation 11
Schedule D: Administrative 14
Schedule E: Other Fees 15
Schedule F: Police Fees 15
Schedule G: Transportation Impact Fees 16
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 2 of 18
MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
Schedule A – Planning
Automatic Annual Adjustment
Unless otherwise specifically amended, Schedule A of this Master Fee Schedule shall be reviewed and
automatically adjusted annually to reflect (80%) of any change from September to September of the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), West Region, 1982-84=100, published by the United States
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or other comparable index if not published. In no event shall
the cumulative change in rates or charges be more than four percent (4%) per year. Unit prices shall be rounded
to the nearest dollar. The automatic adjustment shall be effective January 1 of each year. No other fee
schedules shall be affected by such automatic adjustment.
FEE AMOUNT
AMENDMENTS
Comprehensive Plan Amendment $2,788.00
Zoning or other code text amendment $2,788.00
APPEALS
Appeal of Administrative Decision $836.00
Appeal of Hearing Examiner Findings $1,116.00
Transcript/record deposit on Appeals of Hearing Examiner Decisions $175.00
Appeal of Administrative Decision - Code Enforcement Final Decision
pursuant to chapter 17.100 SVMC $558.00 unless otherwise
waived pursuant to SVMC 17.110
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (SEPA)
Single Dwelling (when required) $312.00
All other developments $391.00
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Review, minimum deposit $2,454.00
Addenda of existing EIS Review $391.00
SHORELINE
Substantial Development Permit - under $50K $1,116.00
Substantial Development Permit - over $50K $1,785.00
Shoreline Exemption $669.00
CRITICAL AREAS
Floodplain Permit not associated with a subdivision $558.00
Floodplain Permit associated with a subdivision $558.00 + $58.00 per lot
LAND USE ACTIONS
SUBDIVISIONS
Preliminary plat $2,788.00 + $45.00 per lot
Final Plat $1,588.00 + $10.00 per lot
Time extensions – file review and letter $558.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 3 of 18
SHORT PLATS
Preliminary 2 to 4 lots$2,230.00
Final plat 2 to 4 lots $1,338.00
Preliminary plat 5 to 9 lots $2,230.00 + $28.00 per lot
Final plat 5 to 9 lots $1,450.00 + $28.00 per lot
Time extensions – file review and letter $558.00
PLAT ALTERATION
Subdivision plat $1,338.00
Short plat $836.00
PLAT VACATION $1,644.00
BINDING SITE PLAN
Binding site plan alteration $2,230.00
Change of Conditions $2,230.00
Preliminary binding site plan $2,230.00
Creating lots within final binding site plan via Record of Survey $1,673.00
Final Binding Site Plan $2,230.00
AGGREGATION/SEGREGATION
Lot line adjustment $278.00
Lot line elimination $223.00
Zero lot line $223.00 + $10.00 per lot
OTHER PLANNING
Administrative Exception $558.00
Variance $1,757.00
Administrative Interpretations $391.00
Home Occupation Permit $111.00
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) $334.00
Conditional Use Permit $1,785.00
Temporary Use Permit $558.00
Small Cell Permit Application $558.00 for up to five sites + $111.00 per additional site
Hourly Rate for City Employees $68.00
Document Recording Service by Staff Hourly
Street Vacation Application $1,523.00
Pre-application Meetings $278.00*
*Fee shall be deducted from land use application, building or commercial permit fees when application is
filed within one year of pre-application meeting.
ZONING map amendments (rezone)* $3,904.00
Planned residential development plan $2,230.00 + $29.00 per lot
Planned residential development modification $586.00
Zoning letter $234.00
*If rezone is combined with other action(s), cost of other action(s) is additional
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 4 of 18
Schedule B – Building
Automatic Annual Adjustment
Unless otherwise specifically amended, Schedule B of this Master Fee Schedule shall be reviewed and
automatically adjusted annually to reflect (80%) of any change from September to September of the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), West Region, 1982-84=100, published by the United States
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or other comparable index if not published. In no event shall
the cumulative change in rates or charges be more than four percent (4%) per year. Unit prices shall be rounded
to the nearest dollar. The automatic adjustment shall be effective January 1 of each year.
Stormwater Utility Charges on Developed Parcels shall be reviewed and automatically adjusted annually to
reflect any change from September to September of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-
U), West Region, 1982-84=100, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics, or other comparable index if not published. Unit prices shall be rounded to the nearest dollar. The
automatic adjustment shall be effective January 1 of each year.
Building permit fees shall not be included in the annual automatic adjustment because updates occur semi-
annually through the International Code Council (ICC) published updates. No other fee schedules shall be
affected by such automatic adjustment.
Fee Payment
Plan review fees are collected at the time of application. Such fees may be adjusted during plan review.
Overages or under payments shall be appropriately adjusted at the time of permit issuance.
Plan review fees are separate from and additional to building permit fees. Permit fees and any other unpaid
fees shall be collected prior to issuance of the permit.
Fees for outside professional services required during the permit process shall be paid by the applicant.
Examples of outside professional services include review by contract reviewers, special inspection or
construction services, consultant services for special topics, surveying or other services required to determine
compliance with applicable codes.
Fee Refund Policy. Refunds authorized under this policy apply only to Schedule B.
PLAN REVIEW FEES
Plan review fees are non-refundable once any plan review work has been started.
Paid plan review fees may be refunded when an eligible request is received in writing.
At a minimum, a $68.00 administrative fee shall be retained.
If the paid plan review fee is less than $68.00, no refund is authorized.
If the paid plan review fee is more than $68.00, the amount for refund shall be calculated at
the rate of 100% of the paid plan review fee minus $68.00.
PERMIT FEES
Permit fees are non-refundable once work authorized by the permit has begun.
Paid permit fees may be refunded when an eligible request is received in writing.
At a minimum, a $68.00 administrative fee will be retained when fees are refunded.
If the paid permit fee is less than $68.00, no refund is authorized.
If the paid permit fee is more than $68.00, the refund shall be calculated at the rate of 95% of
the paid permit fee minus $68.00.
For any application taken or permit issued in error, a full refund of fees paid shall be made. No portion of the
paid fees shall be retained.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 5 of 18
FEES
GENERAL
Hourly Rate for City Employees $68.00
Overtime rate for City Employees (1.5 times regular rate) $102.00
Investigation fee: Work commenced without required permits Equal to permit fee
Working beyond the scope of work $167.00
Replacement of lost permit documents Hourly rate; 1 hour minimum
Revisions to plans requested by the applicant or permit holder shall be charged the hourly rate with a minimum
of one hour. Revised plans submitted in response to reviewer correction letters are not subject to the hourly
assessment.
Washington State Building Code Council Surcharge (WSBCC) – see the Washington State Building Code
Council website for fees.
BUILDING PERMIT:
Building permit fees for each project are set by the following fees. The figures below shall be used to determine
the building permit fees and plans check fees based on the value of the construction work as stated by the
applicant or the value calculated by the Building Official using the latest valuation data published in the
Building Safety Journal by the International Code Council, whichever value is greater.
Valuations not listed in the Building Safety Journal:
Building Type Valuation Per Square Foot
Residential garages/storage buildings (wood frame) $22.00
Residential garages (masonry) $25.00
Miscellaneous residential pole buildings $22.00
Residential carports, decks, porches $18.00
Building Permit Fee Calculation
Total Valuation ___ Building Permit Fee______________
$1.00 to $25,000.00 $69.25 for first $2,000.00 +
$14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $25,000.00
$25,001.00 to $50,000.00 $391.25 for first $25,000 +
$10.10 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $50,000.00
$50,001.00 to $100,000.00 $643.75 for first $50,000.00 +
$7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $100,000.00
$100,001.00 to $500,000.00 $993.75 for first $100,000 +
$5.60 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $500,000.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 6 of 18
$500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 $3,233.75 for first $500,000.00 +
$4.75 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $1,000,000.00
$1,000,001 and up $5,608.75 for first $1,000,000.00 +
$3.15 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Plan Review Fee Calculation % of Building Permit Fee
Plans review fee (general) 65%
Plans review fee – Group R-3 occupancies (single family less than 7,999 sq. ft.) 40%
Plans review fee – Group R-3 occupancies (single family 8,000 sq. ft. or more) 65%
Plans review fee – Group U occupancies (sheds, barns, et.) 25%
OTHER PERMITS:
SITE PLAN REVIEW
New Residential Home Site Plan Review $334.00
Residential Accessory Structure Site Plan Review $89.00
Commercial Site Plan Review $614.00
DEMOLITION PERMIT
Single Family Residence $52.00 flat fee
Commercial Building $145.00 flat fee
Garage or accessory building associated with residence or commercial building $24.00 flat fee
Foundation Only Building Permit: 25% of building permit fee
Swimming Pools, over 2 feet in depth $68.00 + plumbing fees
Re-roof (no plan review charge unless submitted for review) Based on Project Valuation
Change of Use or Occupancy Classification Permit Hourly
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Commercial or Multifamily Building $223.00
Residential Building $167.00
Manufactured Home (FAS) Placement Permit $56.00 per section
Permit or Application Expiration Extension $68.00
Towers, elevated tanks, antennas Hourly
SIGN PERMIT:
Sign Permits are subject to the assessment of the WSBCC fee as noted in Schedule B “General” section and
the following review fees.
Sign Plan Review Fee $95.00
Wall Sign Permit $84.00 per sign (flat fee)
Freestanding or Monument Sign Permit $111.00 per sign (flat fee)
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 7 of 18
RIGHT-OF-WAY (ROW) PERMIT:
A traffic plan and traffic plan review is required if more than 50% of the width of any street is closed or if a
single arterial lane is closed. A minimum plan review fee of $68.00 (hourly rate for City employees) applies
to all right-of-way permits that require a traffic plan. If additional staff time is required, it shall be charged at
the hourly rate.
Fees for outside professional services required during the permit process shall be paid by the applicant.
Examples of outside professional services include review by contract reviewers, special inspection or
construction services, consultant services for special topics, surveying or other services required to determine
compliance with applicable codes.
TYPES OF ROW
Non-cut obstruction without clean up $81.00
Non-cut obstruction with clean up $123.00
Pavement cut obstruction, non-winter $223.00
Pavement cut obstruction, winter $234.00
Working without a permit 100% Permit Fee
Commercial Approach Permit $84.00
Residential Approach Permit $78.00
Multiple Use Permit – overhead $123.00 per 1/4 mile
Multiple Use Permit – underground $725.00 per 1/4 mile
Erosion/Sediment Control – Site Inspection $111.00
Oversized Load Permit Fee $84.00
Structure Transport Permit $167.00 per section
ENGINEERING PERMITS
GRADING PERMIT:
100 cubic yards (cu yd) or less $28.00
101 to 1,000 cubic yards $28.00 for first 100 cu yd. +
$7.00 each additional 100 cu yd
1,001 to 10,000 cubic yards $139.00 for first 1,000 cu yd +
$10.00 each additional 1,000 cu yd
10,001 to 100,000 cubic yards $251.00 for first 10,000 cu yd+
$38.00 each additional 10,000 cu yd
100,001 to 200,000 cubic yards $586.00 for first 100,000 cu yd +
$28.00 each additional 10,000 cu yd
200,000 or more cubic yards $697.00 for first 200,000 cu yd +
$28.00 for each additional 10,000 cu yd
GRADING PLAN REVIEW FEE:
100 cubic yards (cu yd) or less $23.00
101 to 1,000 $28.00
1,001 to 10,000 $38.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 8 of 18
10,001 to 100,000 $38.00 for first 10,000 cu yd +
$28.00 each additional 10,000 cu yd
100,001 to 200,000 $195.00 for first 100,000 cu yd +
$28.00 for each additional 10,000 cu yd
200,001 or more $697.00 for first 200, 000 cu yd +
$28.00 for each additional 10,000 cu yd
Grubbing & Clearing Only (without earth being moved) $76.00
Paving Permit (greater than 5,000 sq. ft. – new paving only) $294.00
OTHER ENGINEERING
Design Deviation $167.00
STORMWATER UTILITY CHARGE ON DEVELOPED PARCELS:
Each single-family unit $60.00 annual
All other properties each $60.00 per 3,160 sq. ft impervious surface
MECHANICAL PERMIT:
Plan review fees for mechanical permits shall be collected at the time of application as noted in the “Fee
Payment” section of this schedule. Permit fees shall be collected when the permit is issued.
Mechanical Permit Fees
A. BASIC FEES
1. Basic fee for issuing each Stand-Alone permit $41.00
2. Basic fee for each Supplemental permit $8.00
B. UNIT FEES (in addition to the basic fee)
1. Installation or relocation of Furnaces and suspended heaters
a. up to and including 100,000 btu $15.00
b. over 100,000 btu $19.00
2. Duct work system $11.00
3. Heat pump and air conditioner
a. 0 to 3 tons $15.00
b. over 3 tons to 15 tons $24.00
c. over 15 tons to 30 tons $29.00
d. over 30 tons to 50 tons $41.00
e. over 50 tons $71.00
4. Gas water heater $11.00
5. Gas piping system $1.00 per outlet
6. Gas log, fireplace, and gas insert installation $11.00
7. Appliance vents installation; relocation; replacement $10.00 each
8. Boilers, compressors, and absorption systems
a. 0 to 3 hp – 100,000 btu or less $15.00
b. over 3 to 15 hp – 100,001 to 500,000 btu $24.00
c. over 15 – 30 hp – 500,001 to 1,000,000 btu $29.00
d. over 30 hp – 1,000,001 to 1,750,000 btu $41.00
e. over 50 hp – over 1,750,000 btu $71.00
9. Air Handlers
a. each unit up to 10,000 cfm, including ducts $15.00
b. each unit over 10,000 cfm $19.00
10. Evaporative Coolers (other than portable) $11.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 9 of 18
11. Ventilation and Exhausts
a. each fan connected to a single duct $11.00
b. each ventilation system $15.00
c. each hood served by mechanical exhaust $15.00
12. Incinerators
a. residential installation or relocation $24.00
b. commercial installation or relocation $26.00
13. Unlisted appliances
a. under 400,000 btu $58.00
b. 400,000 btu or over $117.00
14. Hood
a. Type I $58.00
b. Type II $11.00
15. LP Storage Tank $11.00
16. Wood or Pellet Stove insert $11.00
17. Wood stove system – free standing $29.00
PLUMBING PERMIT:
Plan review fees for plumbing permits shall be collected at the time of application as noted in the “Fee
Payment” section of this schedule. Permit fees shall be collected when the permit is issued.
A. BASIC FEES
1. Basic fee for issuing each Stand-Alone permit $41.00
2. Basic fee for each Supplemental permit $8.00
B. UNIT FEES (in addition to the basic fee)
1. Each plumbing fixture on a trap $6.00 each
(includes garbage disposals, dishwashers, backflow device, drainage, hot tubs, built-in water
softener, water closets, lavatories, sinks, drains, etc.)
2. Water Heater $6.00 each
3. Industrial waste pretreatment interceptor $19.00
(includes its trap and vent, except kitchen type grease interceptors functioning as fixture traps.)
4. Repair or alteration of water piping, drainage or vent piping $6.00 each fixture
5. Atmospheric type vacuum breaker $6.00 each
6. Backflow protective device other than atmospheric type vacuum breakers $6.00 each
7. Medical gas $6.00 per outlet
8. Interceptors $6.00 each
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 10 of 18
Schedule C – Parks and Recreation
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Basic fees to be considered when applying rates
Administrative Fee $32.00
Refuse Fee $52.00
AQUATICS
Pool admission (age 5 and under) free
Pool admission (age older than 5) $1.00
Pool punch pass (25 swims) $20.00
Weekend family discount – 1 child under 13 free with paying adult
At the discretion of the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Department may on occasion offer free
admission open swim days.
Swimming Lessons $48.00
Swim Team Fee $75.00
Pool Rental (fewer than 100 people) $300.00 for 2-hr rental
Pool Rental (101-200 people) $400.00 for 2-hr rental
Refundable Pool Damage Deposit $150.00
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PERMIT $10.00
CENTERPLACE
Conference Center Wing
Auditorium (presentation system included) $79.00 per hour
Auditorium (presentation system included) $475.00 per day
Auditorium (presentation system included) $236.00 per half day
Auditorium Refundable Damage Deposit $75.00
Executive Conference Room $52.00 per hour
Executive Conference Room ½ day $156.00 per 4 hours
Executive Conference Room full day rental $416.00 per day
Executive Conference Room Refundable Damage Deposit $75.00
Meeting Room $42.00 per hour
Meeting Room $263.00 per day
Large Meeting Room $75.00 per hour
Large Meeting Room $225.00 per half day
Large Meeting Room $450.00 per 9 hr day
Meeting Room $131.00 per half day
Meeting Room Refundable Damage Deposit $75.00
Portable Sound System $150.00 per event
Bluetooth Speaker (includes hand-held or lapel microphone) $75.00
Platinum Package $500.00 per event
Great Room
Multi-use/Banquet Hall $105.00 per hour
Multi-use/Banquet Hall - Wedding Ceremony - 2 hours $500.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 11 of 18
Multi-use/Banquet Hall – Wedding Reception – 10 hours $1,310.00
Multi-use/Banquet Hall $840.00 per 9 hr session
Multi-use/Banquet Hall $1,575.00 all day (6 a.m.-1 a.m.)
Small Dining Area $52.00 per hour
Refundable Deposit $210.00
Refundable Deposit – Weddings $500.00
Table Settings (linens and tableware) $3.00 per place setting
Pipe & Drape rental $100.00 per day
Senior Center Wing
Lounge with Dance Floor $105.00 per hour
Lounge with Dance Floor – Wedding Ceremony – 2 hours $500.00
Lounge with Dance Floor – Wedding Reception – 6 hours $850.00
Refundable Lounge deposit $210.00
Refundable Lounge deposit – Weddings $500.00
Meeting room (evening use) $42.00 per hour
Meeting room (evening use) $131.00 per 4 hr session
Meeting room (weekend use) $262.00 per day
Meeting room (weekend use) $131.00 per half day
Meeting room deposit $75.00
West Lawn and CenterPlace
Rental fee $3,500.00 per day
West Lawn Wedding Ceremony - 2 hours (with CenterPlace Reception) $1,000.00
West Lawn Plaza Rental $2,000.00 per day
- North Meadow additional $500.00 per day
North Meadow Rental $1,000.00 per day
West Lawn Plaza Rental - 1/2 day $1,000.00
- North Meadow additional $250.00
North Meadow Rental – ½ Day $500.00
Outdoor Venue Refundable Damage Deposit $500.00
Miscellaneous
Self-Catered Event fee for groups bringing their own food in on Sundays
Groups in meeting rooms $75.00
Groups in Fireside Lounge $210.00
Groups in Great Room $500.00
Host/Hostess (after hours) $30.00 per hour
Presentation System $262.00 per day
(includes projector, podium, DVD/VCR sound system, camera system)
Room Setup $26.00 per hour
Satellite Video Conferencing $262.00 per hour
Additional Microphones $25.00 each
Technical Support $42.00 per hour
LCD Projector/ Television $25.00 per hour
LCD Projector/ Television $100.00 per day
Linens Only $10.00 per table
Wine glass only rental $0.50 per glass
Conference Phone $100.00 per event
Easel Paper Pad $20.00 per pad
Laptop Usage $50.00 per event
Package Storage received two days before or after contracted event $5.00 per box per day
Pallet Storage received two days before or after contracted event $50.00 per pallet per day
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 12 of 18
Business Incentive Rental Policy – The Parks & Recreation Director has the authority to reduce the room
rental rate by one hr. when the rental meets the following criteria: minimum of 25 participants; utilize a
classroom at CenterPlace eight or more times per calendar year; and use in-house caterer for a meal each
reservation.
PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATION
(For groups fewer than 200 people)
Browns – large red (up to five hours) $100.00
Browns – small green (up to two hours) $40.00
Edgecliff (up to five hours) $100.00
Discovery Playground (up to two hours) $40.00
Greenacres – large (up to five hours) $100.00
Mirabeau Meadows (up to five hours) $100.00
Mirabeau Meadows – shelter and stage (up to five hours) $150.00
Mirabeau Springs – shelter and dock (up to two hours) $250.00
Sullivan (up to five hours) $100.00
Terrace View (up to five hours) $100.00
Valley Mission (up to five hours) $100.00
EVENT RESERVATION – include shelter
(For groups of 200 or more people)
Events include but are not limited to activities such as car shows, tournaments, or high-risk activities.
The Parks and Recreation Director shall make the final determination.
General fee (up to five hours): $175.00
Non-profit applications with proof of qualifying as a 501(c)(3) entity (up to five hours): $100.00
EVENT PHOTOS
Mirabeau Springs shelter and dock $150.00 per hour
st
BALL FIELD RENTAL/USE $26.00 1 hour +
$15.00 each additional hour
REFUNDABLE FACILITY DAMAGE DEPOSIT
Fewer than 200 people $75.00
Weddings, Special Events and events with 200 or more people $300.00
SPECIAL EVENTS (See Spokane Valley Municipal Code 5.15)
Application Fee $50.00
RECREATION
Recreation program fees are established at amounts to recover costs, as specified in the Parks and Recreation
revenue policy.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 13 of 18
Schedule D – Administration
COPY FEE
Paper copies up to 11”x17” (b/w or color) $0.15 per page*
Paper copies larger than 11”x17” (b/w or color) $0.87 per square foot*
Scanned copies of paper records $0.10 per page *
Electronics records uploaded to email, cloud-based storage,
CD/DVD, or flash drive $0.05 per every 4 electronic
files or attachments*
Records transmitted in electronic format $0.10 per GB*
Digital Storage Media Device (CD/DVD, flash drive) Actual Cost*
Envelope Actual Cost*
Postage Actual Cost*
Records sent to outside vendor for reproduction Actual Cost*
Customized Service Charge - When the request would require the use of IT expertise to prepare data
compilations or when such customized access services are not used by the agency for other business purposes,
the agency may charge the actual cost. The agency must notify the requestor that it will be doing a customized
service and can require a 10 percent deposit.*
*It is the intent of the City of Spokane Valley to recover the cost of providing public records when the total
cost, including but not limited to the per-page, device, envelope, or postage costs, amounts to $5.00 or more.
Copy charges above may be combined to the extent more than one type of charge applies to copies responsive
to a particular request. When combining fees associated with the request, the City will determine the total cost
and charge accordingly.
Copy charges are assessed for each installment of records provided to the requestor. A deposit of 10% may be
required on public record requests.
NSF CHECK RETURN FEE $26.00
CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION PROCESSING FEE 2.5% of transaction amount
Applies to all City fees paid by credit card/debit card except
for those fees under Schedule F – Police Fees (amount of the
alarm fee is intended to cover the total cost of administering
the false alarm program, including, but not limited to, payment
processing fees). Credit card transaction processing fees are
non-refundable.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 14 of 18
Schedule E – Other Fees
BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Business Registration $25.00 annual
Nonprofit Registration $10.00 annual
Out-of-City Business Registration with
annual revenues equal to or less than $2,000 (SVMC 5.05.020(D)) $0.00
Adult Entertainment*
Establishment License, Live Adult Entertainment $1,575.00
Establishment License, Adult Arcade $1,575.00
Adult Arcade Device License $157.00
Manager License $157.00
Entertainer License $157.00
Late Adult Entertainment License Fee* (charged in addition to the license fee)
7 to 30 calendar days past due 25% of license fee
31 to 60 calendar days past due 50% of license fee
61 and more calendar days past due 75% of license fee
Appeal of Administrative Determination – Adult Entertainment License*
Adult Entertainment License denial, suspension or revocation pursuant
to SVMC 5.10 $1,050.00
*Delegation of Authority from City Manager to the Spokane County Sherriff’s Office to act as the Licensing
Administrator for the purposes of administering and enforcing Chapter 5.20 SVMC.
Tow Operator Registration Fee $105.00 annual
Schedule F – Police Fees
FALSE ALARM RECOVERY FEE $65 per incident
Amount of the fee is intended to cover the total cost
of administering the false alarm program, including,
but not limited to, payment processing fees.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 15 of 18
Schedule G – Transportation Impact Fees
SOUTH BARKER CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC and the adopted South Barker Corridor Study and South Barker Corridor
Transportation Impact Fee Rate Study, the following fees are the transportation impact fees applicable within
the South Barker Corridor area identified in the South Barker Corridor Transportation Impact Fee Rate Study.
Base Rate = $1,153 per PM Peak Trip
Land Use GroupITE CodeITE Land Use CategoryImpact Fee Per Unit
210 Single Family & Duplex$1,084 per dwelling unit
Residential
220Multi-Family (Low-Rise) -Not Close to Rail $588 per dwelling unit
Transit
310 Hotel (3 or More Levels)$680 per room
Services 492 Health Club$3.98 per sq ft
912 Bank $15.74 per sq ft
520 Elementary School $2,052 per employee
Institution 522 Middle School$2,236 per employee
525 High School $1,856 per employee
975 Drinking Establishment $7.46 per sq ft
Restaurant 934 Fast Food Restaurant (with drive-thru)$17.13 per sq ft
938 Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru (no indoor seating) $1,912 per drive-thru lane
820 Shopping Center $2.78 per sq ft
Retail 841 Automobile Sales - Used/New $4.32 per sq ft
945 Convenience Store/Gas Station -GFA(4-5.5k) $8,921 per pump
110 Light Industry/High Technology $0.75 per sq ft
140 Manufacturing $0.85 per sq ft
Industrial
150 Warehousing $0.21 per sq ft
151 Mini-Storage $19.37 per storage unit
710 General Office $1.66 per sq ft
Office 720 Medical Office / Clinic $4.53 per sq ft
750Office Park$1.50 per sq ft
ITE Trip Generation manual, 11th Edition
“sq ft” means square foot.
“pump” means vehicle servicing position / gas pump.
“room” means available hotel room.
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC, transportation impact fees for uses not listed in the rate table shall
be based on (1) the most similar land use category identified in the table, or (2) the base rate and the
most similar land use category identified in ITE Trip Generation Manual, as documented by a trip
generation and distribution letter in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Spokane Valley Street
Standards.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 16 of 18
MIRABEAU SUBAREA TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC and the adopted Mirabeau and North Pines Road Subarea Transportation
Impact Fee Rate Study, the following fees are the transportation impact fees applicable within the Mirabeau
subarea identified in the Rate Study.
Base Rate = $698 per PM Peak Trip
Land Use Group ITE Code ITE Land Use Category Impact Fee Per Unit
210Single Family & Duplex$657per dwelling unit
Residential
220 Multi-Family (Low-Rise) -Not Close to Rail per dwelling unit
$356
Transit
310 Hotel (3 or More Levels)$412 per room
Services 492 Health Club$2.41 per sq ft
912 Bank $9.54 per sq ft
520 Elementary School $1,243 per employee
Institution 522 Middle School$1,355 per employee
525 High School $1,125 per employee
975 Drinking Establishment $4.52 per sq ft
Restaurant 934 Fast Food Restaurant (with drive-thru)$10.38 per sq ft
938 Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru (no indoor seating) $1,159 per drive-thru lane
820 Shopping Center $1.69 per sq ft
Retail 841 Automobile Sales - Used/New $2.62 per sq ft
945 Convenience Store/Gas Station -GFA(4-5.5k) $5,405 per pump
110 Light Industry/High Technology $0.45 per sq ft
140 Manufacturing $0.52 per sq ft
Industrial
150 Warehousing $0.13 per sq ft
151 Mini-Storage $11.73 per storage unit
710 General Office $1.01 per sq ft
Office 720 Medical Office / Clinic $2.75 per sq ft
750 Office Park $0.91 per sq ft
ITE Trip Generation manual, 11th Edition
“sq ft” means square foot.
“pump” means vehicle servicing position / gas pump.
“room” means available hotel room.
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC, transportation impact fees for uses not listed in the rate table shall
be based on (1) the most similar land use category identified in the table, or (2) the base rate and the
most similar land use category identified in ITE Trip Generation Manual, as documented by a trip
generation and distribution letter in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Spokane Valley Street
Standards.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 17 of 18
NORTH PINES ROAD SUBAREA TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC and the adopted Mirabeau and North Pines Road Subarea Transportation
Impact Fee Rate Study, the following fees are the transportation impact fees applicable within the North Pines
Road subarea identified in the Rate Study.
Base Rate = $2,195 per PM Peak Trip
Land Use Group ITE CodeITE Land Use CategoryImpact Fee Per Unit
210Single Family & Duplex$2,063 per dwelling unit
Residential
220 Multi-Family (Low-Rise) - Not Close to Rail per dwelling unit
$1,119
Transit
310 Hotel (3 or More Levels) $1,295 per room
Services 492 Health Club$7.57 per sq ft
912 Bank $29.97 per sq ft
520 Elementary School$3,906 per employee
Institution 522 Middle School $4,258 per employee
525 High School $3,533 per employee
975 Drinking Establishment $14.21 per sq ft
Restaurant 934 Fast Food Restaurant (with drive-thru) $32.62 per sq ft
938 Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru (no indoor seating)$3,640 per drive-thru lane
820 Shopping Center $5.30 per sq ft
Retail 841 Automobile Sales -Used/New $8.23 per sq ft
945 Convenience Store/Gas Station -GFA(4-5.5k) $16,983 per pump
110 Light Industry/High Technology $1.43 per sq ft
140 Manufacturing $1.62 per sq ft
Industrial
150 Warehousing $0.40 per sq ft
151 Mini-Storage $36.87 per storage unit
710 General Office $3.16 per sq ft
Office 720 Medical Office / Clinic $8.62 per sq ft
750 Office Park $2.85 per sq ft
ITE Trip Generation manual, 11th Edition
“sq ft” means square foot.
“pump” means vehicle servicing position / gas pump.
“room” means available hotel room.
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC, transportation impact fees for uses not listed in the rate table shall
be based on (1) the most similar land use category identified in the table, or (2) the base rate and the
most similar land use category identified in ITE Trip Generation Manual, as documented by a trip
generation and distribution letter in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Spokane Valley Street
Standards.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 18 of 18
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 23-013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON,
REPEALING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION 22-023, AND APPROVING THE 2024 MASTER
FEE SCHEDULE, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
WHEREAS, it is the general policy of the City to establish fees that are reflective of the cost of services
provided by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City uses a resolution to establish the schedule of fees for City programs, permits and
services, and periodically the fee resolution and fee schedule must be amended to incorporate new or modified
services; and
WHEREAS, Council desires to approve the resolution and accompanying fee schedule.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane
County, Washington, as follows:
Section 1. Adoption. The Master Fee Schedule is hereby adopted as provided herein and as shown
and incorporated in the attached schedules.
Section 2. Repeal. Resolution 22-023 is hereby repealed in its entirety.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect January 1, 2024.
th
Approved this 19 Day of December, 2023.
ATTEST: CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
___________________________ _______________________________
Marci Patterson, City Clerk Pam Haley, Mayor
Approved as to form:
___________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 1 of 18
MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
Fee Schedule Page No.
Schedule A: Planning 3
Schedule B: Building/Engineering 5
Schedule C: Parks and Recreation 11
Schedule D: Administrative 14
Schedule E: Other Fees 15
Schedule F: Police Fees 15
Schedule G: Transportation Impact Fees 16
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 2 of 18
MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
Schedule A – Planning
Automatic Annual Adjustment
Unless otherwise specifically amended, Schedule A of this Master Fee Schedule shall be reviewed and
automatically adjusted annually to reflect (80%) of any change from September to September of the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), West Region, 1982-84=100, published by the United States
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or other comparable index if not published. In no event shall
the cumulative change in rates or charges be more than four percent (4%) per year. Unit prices shall be rounded
to the nearest dollar. The automatic adjustment shall be effective January 1 of each year. No other fee
schedules shall be affected by such automatic adjustment.
FEE AMOUNT
AMENDMENTS
Comprehensive Plan Amendment $ 2,704.002,788.00
Zoning or other code text amendment $ 2,704.002,788.00
APPEALS
Appeal of Administrative Decision $ 811.00836.00
Appeal of Hearing Examiner Findings $ 1,082.001,116.00
Transcript/record deposit on Appeals of Hearing Examiner Decisions $ 170.00175.00
Appeal of Administrative Decision - Code Enforcement Final Decision
pursuant to chapter 17.100 SVMC $ 541.00 unless558.00 unless otherwise
waived pursuant to SVMC 17.110
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (SEPA)
Single Dwelling (when required) $ 303.00312.00
All other developments $ 379.00391.00
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Review, minimum deposit $ 2,380.002,454.00
Addenda of existing EIS Review $379.00391.00
SHORELINE
Substantial Development Permit - under $50K $ 1,082.001,116.00
Substantial Development Permit - over $50K $ 1,731.001,785.00
Shoreline Exemption $ 649.00669.00
CRITICAL AREAS
Floodplain Permit not associated with a subdivision $ 541.00 558.00
Floodplain Permit associated with a subdivision $ 541.00558.00 + $ 56586.00 per lot
LAND USE ACTIONS
SUBDIVISIONS
Preliminary plat $ 2704.00 2,788.00 + $ 44.00 per45.00 per lot
Final Plat $1540.00 1,588.00 + $10.00 per lot
Time extensions – file review and letter $ 541.00558.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 3 of 18
SHORT PLATS
Preliminary 2 to 4 lots$2,163.002,230.00
Final plat 2 to 4 lots$ 1,298.001,338.00
Preliminary plat 5 to 9 lots $ 2,163.002,230.00 + $ 27.0028.00 per lot
Final plat 5 to 9 lots$ 1,406.001,450.00 + $ 27.0028.00 per lot
Time extensions – file review and letter$541.00558.00
PLAT ALTERATION
Subdivision plat $1,298.001,338.00
Short plat $ 811.00836.00
PLAT VACATION $ 1,594.001,644.00
BINDING SITE PLAN
Binding site plan alteration $ 2,163.002,230.00
Change of Conditions $ 2,163.002,230.00
Preliminary binding site plan $ 2,163.002,230.00
Creating lots within final binding site plan via Record of Survey $ 1,622.001,673.00
Final Binding Site Plan $ 2,163.002,230.00
AGGREGATION/SEGREGATION
Lot line adjustment $ 270.00278.00
Lot line elimination $ 216.00223.00
Zero lot line $ 216.00 223.00 + $ 10.00 per lot
OTHER PLANNING
Administrative Exception $ 541.00558.00
Variance $ 1,704.001,757.00
Administrative Interpretations $ 379.00391.00
Home Occupation Permit $ 108.00111.00
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) $ 324.00334.00
Conditional Use Permit $ 1,731.001,785.00
Temporary Use Permit $ 541.00558.00
Small Cell Permit Application $ 541.00 558.00 for up to five sites + $ 108.00 111.00 per additional site
Hourly Rate for City Employees $ 66.0068.00
Document Recording Service by Staff Hourly
Street Vacation Application $ 1,477.001,523.00
Pre-application Meetings $ 270.00278.00*
*Fee shall be deducted from land use application, building or commercial permit fees when application is
filed within one year of pre-application meeting.
ZONING map amendments (rezone)* $ 3,786.003,904.00
Planned residential development plan $ 2,163.002,230.00 + $28.00 29.00 per lot
Planned residential development modification $ 568.00586.00
Zoning letter $ 227.00234.00
*If rezone is combined with other action(s), cost of other action(s) is additional
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 4 of 18
Schedule B – Building
Automatic Annual Adjustment
Unless otherwise specifically amended, Schedule B of this Master Fee Schedule shall be reviewed and
automatically adjusted annually to reflect (80%) of any change from September to September of the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), West Region, 1982-84=100, published by the United States
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or other comparable index if not published. In no event shall
the cumulative change in rates or charges be more than four percent (4%) per year. Unit prices shall be rounded
to the nearest dollar. The automatic adjustment shall be effective January 1 of each year.
Stormwater Utility Charges on Developed Parcels shall be reviewed and automatically adjusted annually to
reflect any change from September to September of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-
U), West Region, 1982-84=100, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics, or other comparable index if not published. In no event shall the cumulative change in rates or
charges be more than four percent (4%) per year. Unit prices shall be rounded to the nearest dollar. The
automatic adjustment shall be effective January 1 of each year.
Building permit fees shall not be included in the annual automatic adjustment because updates occur semi-
annually through the International Code Council (ICC) published updates. No other fee schedules shall be
affected by such automatic adjustment.
Fee Payment
Plan review fees are collected at the time of application. Such fees may be adjusted during plan review.
Overages or under payments shall be appropriately adjusted at the time of permit issuance.
Plan review fees are separate from and additional to building permit fees. Permit fees and any other unpaid
fees shall be collected prior to issuance of the permit.
Fees for outside professional services required during the permit process shall be paid by the applicant.
Examples of outside professional services include review by contract reviewers, special inspection or
construction services, consultant services for special topics, surveying or other services required to determine
compliance with applicable codes.
Fee Refund Policy. Refunds authorized under this policy apply only to Schedule B.
PLAN REVIEW FEES
Plan review fees are non-refundable once any plan review work has been started.
Paid plan review fees may be refunded when an eligible request is received in writing.
At a minimum, a $66.0068.00administrative fee shall be retained.
If the paid plan review fee is less than $ 66.0068.00, no refund is authorized.
If the paid plan review fee is more than $ 66.0068.00, the amount for refund shall be calculated
at the rate of 100% of the paid plan review fee minus $ 66.0068.00.
PERMIT FEES
Permit fees are non-refundable once work authorized by the permit has begun.
Paid permit fees may be refunded when an eligible request is received in writing.
At a minimum, a $ 66.0068.00 administrative fee will be retained when fees are refunded.
If the paid permit fee is less than $ 66.0068.00, no refund is authorized.
If the paid permit fee is more than $ 66.0068.00, the refund shall be calculated at the rate of
95% of the paid permit fee minus $ 66.0068.00.
For any application taken or permit issued in error, a full refund of fees paid shall be made. No portion of the
paid fees shall be retained.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 5 of 18
FEES
GENERAL
Hourly Rate for City Employees $ 66.0068.00
Overtime rate for City Employees (1.5 times regular rate) $ 99.00102.00
Investigation fee: Work commenced without required permitsEqual to permit fee
Working beyond the scope of work $ 162.00167.00
Replacement of lost permit documents Hourly rate; 1 hour minimum
Revisions to plans requested by the applicant or permit holder shall be charged the hourly rate with a minimum
of one hour. Revised plans submitted in response to reviewer correction letters are not subject to the hourly
assessment.
Washington State Building Code Council Surcharge (WSBCC) – see the Washington State Building Code
Council website for fees.
BUILDING PERMIT:
Building permit fees for each project are set by the following fees. The figures below shall be used to determine
the building permit fees and plans check fees based on the value of the construction work as stated by the
applicant or the value calculated by the Building Official using the latest valuation data published in the
Building Safety Journal by the International Code Council, whichever value is greater.
Valuations not listed in the Building Safety Journal:
Building Type Valuation Per Square Foot
Residential garages/storage buildings (wood frame) $ 21.0022.00
Residential garages (masonry) $ 24.0025.00
Miscellaneous residential pole buildings $ 21.0022.00
Residential carports, decks, porches $ 17.0018.00
Building Permit Fee Calculation
Total Valuation ___ Building Permit Fee______________
$1.00 to $25,000.00 $69.25 for first $2,000.00 +
$14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $25,000.00
$25,001.00 to $50,000.00 $391.25 for first $25,000 +
$10.10 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $50,000.00
$50,001.00 to $100,000.00 $643.75 for first $50,000.00 +
$7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $100,000.00
$100,001.00 to $500,000.00 $993.75 for first $100,000 +
$5.60 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $500,000.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 6 of 18
$500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 $3,233.75 for first $500,000.00 +
$4.75 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Up to and including $1,000,000.00
$1,000,001 and up $5,608.75 for first $1,000,000.00 +
$3.15 for each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction thereof)
Plan Review Fee Calculation % of Building Permit Fee
Plans review fee (general) 65%
Plans review fee – Group R-3 occupancies (single family less than 7,999 sq. ft.) 40%
Plans review fee – Group R-3 occupancies (single family 8,000 sq. ft. or more) 65%
Plans review fee – Group U occupancies (sheds, barns, et.) 25%
OTHER PERMITS:
SITE PLAN REVIEW
New Residential Home Site Plan Review $ 324.00334.00
Residential Accessory Structure Site Plan Review $ 86.0089.00
Commercial Site Plan Review $ 595.00614.00
DEMOLITION PERMIT
Single Family Residence $ 50.0052.00 flat fee
Commercial Building $ 141.00145.00 flat fee
Garage or accessory building associated with residence or commercial building $ 23.0024.00 flat fee
Foundation Only Building Permit: 25% of building permit fee
Swimming Pools, over 2 feet in depth $ 66.0068.00 + plumbing fees
Re-roof (no plan review charge unless submitted for review) Based on Project Valuation
Change of Use or Occupancy Classification Permit Hourly
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Commercial or Multifamily Building $ 216.00223.00
Residential Building $ 162.00167.00
Manufactured Home (FAS) Placement Permit $ 54.00 per56.00 per section
Permit or Application Expiration Extension $66.0068.00
Towers, elevated tanks, antennas Hourly
SIGN PERMIT:
Sign Permits are subject to the assessment of the WSBCC fee as noted in Schedule B “General” section and
the following review fees.
Sign Plan Review Fee $ 92.0095.00
Wall Sign Permit $ 81.0084.00 per sign (flat fee)
Freestanding or Monument Sign Permit $ 108.00111.00 per sign (flat fee)
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 7 of 18
RIGHT-OF-WAY (ROW) PERMIT:
A traffic plan and traffic plan review isrequired if more than 50% of the width of any street is closed or if a
single arterial lane is closed. A minimum plan review fee of $683.00 (hourly rate for City employees) applies
to all right-of-way permits that require a traffic plan. If additional staff time is required, it shall be charged at
the hourly rate.
Fees for outside professional services required during the permit process shall be paid by the applicant.
Examples of outside professional services include review by contract reviewers, special inspection or
construction services, consultant services for special topics, surveying or other services required to determine
compliance with applicable codes.
TYPES OF ROW
Non-cut obstruction without clean up $79.0081.00
Non-cut obstruction with clean up $ 119.00123.00
Pavement cut obstruction, non-winter $ 216.00223.00
Pavement cut obstruction, winter $ 227.00234.00
Working without a permit 100% Permit Fee
Commercial Approach Permit $ 81.0084.00
Residential Approach Permit $ 76.0078.00
Multiple Use Permit – overhead $ 119.00123.00 per 1/4 mile
Multiple Use Permit – underground $ 703.00725.00 per 1/4 mile
Erosion/Sediment Control – Site Inspection $ 108.00111.00
Oversized Load Permit Fee $ 81.0084.00
Structure Transport Permit $ 162.00167.00 per section
ENGINEERING PERMITS
GRADING PERMIT:
100 cubic yards (cu yd) or less $ 27.0028.00
101 to 1,000 cubic yards $ 27.0028.00 for first 100 cu yd. +
$7.00 each additional 100 cu yd
1,001 to 10,000 cubic yards $ 135.00139.00 for first 1,000 cu yd +
$10.00 each additional 1,000 cu yd
10,001 to 100,000 cubic yards $ 243.00251.00 for first 10,000 cu yd+
$ 37.0038.00 each additional 10,000 cu yd
100,001 to 200,000 cubic yards $ 568.00586.00 for first 100,000 cu yd +
$ 27.0028.00 each additional 10,000 cu yd
200,000 or more cubic yards $ 676.00697.00 for first 200,000 cu yd +
$ 27.0028.00 for each additional 10,000 cu yd
GRADING PLAN REVIEW FEE:
100 cubic yards (cu yd) or less $ 22.0023.00
101 to 1,000 $ 27.0028.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 8 of 18
1,001 to 10,000 $ 37.0038.00
10,001 to 100,000 $ 37.0038.00 for first 10,000 cu yd +
$ 27.0028.00 each additional 10,000 cu yd
100,001 to 200,000$189.00195.00 for first 100,000 cu yd +
$ 27.0028.00 for each additional 10,000 cu yd
200,001 or more$676.00697.00for first200, 000 cu yd +
$ 27.0028.00 for each additional 10,000 cu yd
Grubbing & Clearing Only (without earth being moved) $ 74.0076.00
Paving Permit (greater than 5,000 sq. ft. – new paving only)$285.00294.00
OTHER ENGINEERING
Design Deviation $ 162.00167.00
STORMWATER UTILITY CHARGE ON DEVELOPED PARCELS:
Each single-family unit $58.0060.00 annual
All other properties each $58.0060.00 per 3,160 sq. ft impervious surface
MECHANICAL PERMIT:
Plan review fees for mechanical permits shall be collected at the time of application as noted in the “Fee
Payment” section of this schedule. Permit fees shall be collected when the permit is issued.
Mechanical Permit Fees
A. BASIC FEES
1. Basic fee for issuing each Stand-Alone permit $ 40.0041.00
2. Basic fee for each Supplemental permit $ 8.00
B. UNIT FEES (in addition to the basic fee)
1. Installation or relocation of Furnaces and suspended heaters
a. up to and including 100,000 btu $ 15.00
b. over 100,000 btu $ 18.0019.00
2. Duct work system $ 11.00
3. Heat pump and air conditioner
a. 0 to 3 tons $ 15.00
b. over 3 tons to 15 tons $ 23.0024.00
c. over 15 tons to 30 tons $ 28.0029.00
d. over 30 tons to 50 tons $ 40.0041.00
e. over 50 tons $ 69.0071.00
4. Gas water heater $ 11.00
5. Gas piping system $1.00 per outlet
6. Gas log, fireplace, and gas insert installation $ 11.00
7. Appliance vents installation; relocation; replacement $ 10.00 each
8. Boilers, compressors, and absorption systems
a. 0 to 3 hp – 100,000 btu or less $ 15.00
b. over 3 to 15 hp – 100,001 to 500,000 btu $ 23.0024.00
c. over 15 – 30 hp – 500,001 to 1,000,000 btu $ 28.0029.00
d. over 30 hp – 1,000,001 to 1,750,000 btu $ 40.0041.00
e. over 50 hp – over 1,750,000 btu $ 69.0071.00
9. Air Handlers
a. each unit up to 10,000 cfm, including ducts $ 15.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 9 of 18
b. each unit over 10,000 cfm $ 18.0019.00
10. Evaporative Coolers (other than portable) $11.00
11. Ventilation and Exhausts
a. each fan connected to a single duct $ 11.00
b. each ventilation system $ 15.00
c. each hood served by mechanical exhaust $15.00
12. Incinerators
a. residential installation or relocation $ 23.0024.00
b. commercial installation or relocation$25.0026.00
13. Unlisted appliances
a. under 400,000 btu $ 56.0058.00
b. 400,000 btu or over $ 113.00117.00
14. Hood
a. Type I $ 56.0058.00
b. Type II $ 11.00
15. LP Storage Tank $ 11.00
16. Wood or Pellet Stove insert $ 11.00
17. Wood stove system – free standing $ 28.0029.00
PLUMBING PERMIT:
Plan review fees for plumbing permits shall be collected at the time of application as noted in the “Fee
Payment” section of this schedule. Permit fees shall be collected when the permit is issued.
A. BASIC FEES
1. Basic fee for issuing each Stand-Alone permit $ 40.0041.00
2. Basic fee for each Supplemental permit $ 8.00
B. UNIT FEES (in addition to the basic fee)
1. Each plumbing fixture on a trap $ 6.00 each
(includes garbage disposals, dishwashers, backflow device, drainage, hot tubs, built-in water
softener, water closets, lavatories, sinks, drains, etc.)
2. Water Heater $ 6.00 each
3. Industrial waste pretreatment interceptor $ 18.0019.00
(includes its trap and vent, except kitchen type grease interceptors functioning as fixture traps.)
4. Repair or alteration of water piping, drainage or vent piping $ 6.00 each fixture
5. Atmospheric type vacuum breaker $ 6.00 each
6. Backflow protective device other than atmospheric type vacuum breakers $ 6.00 each
7. Medical gas $ 6.00 per outlet
8. Interceptors $ 6.00 each
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 10 of 18
Schedule C – Parks and Recreation
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Basic fees to be considered when applying rates
Administrative Fee $32.00
Refuse Fee $52.00
AQUATICS
Pool admission (age 5 and under) free
Pool admission (age older than 5) $1.00
Pool punch pass (25 swims) $20.00
Weekend family discount – 1 child under 13 free with paying adult
At the discretion of the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Department may on occasion offer free
admission open swim days.
Swimming Lessons $40.0048.00
Swim Team Fee$75.00
Pool Rental (fewer than 100 people) $300.00 for 2-hr rental
Pool Rental (101-200 people) $400.00 for 2-hr rental
Refundable Pool Damage Deposit $150.00
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PERMIT $10.00
CENTERPLACE
Conference Center Wing
Auditorium (presentation system included) $79.00 per hour
Auditorium (presentation system included) $475.00 per day
Auditorium (presentation system included) $236.00 per half day
Auditorium Refundable Damage Deposit $75.00
Executive Conference Room $52.00 per hour
Executive Conference Room ½ day $156.00 per 4 hours
Executive Conference Room full day rental $416.00 per day
Executive Conference Room Refundable Damage Deposit $75.00
Meeting Room (day and evening use) $42.00 per hour
Meeting Room $263.00 per day
Large Meeting Room $75.00 per hour
Large Meeting Room $225.00 per half day
Large Meeting Room $450.00 per 9 hr. day
Meeting Room $131.00 per half day
Meeting Room Refundable Damage Deposit $75.00
Portable Sound System $150.00 per event
Bluetooth Speaker (includes hand-held or lapel microphone) $75.00
Platinum Package $500.00 per event
Great Room
Multi-use/Banquet Hall $105.00 per hour
Multi-use/Banquet Hall - Wedding Ceremony - 2 hours $500.00
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 11 of 18
Multi-use/Banquet Hall – Wedding Reception – 10 hours $1,310.00
Multi-use/Banquet Hall $840.00 per 9 hr session
Multi-use/Banquet Hall $1,575.00 all day (6 a.m.-1 a.m.)
Small Dining Area $52.00 per hour
Refundable Deposit $210.00
Refundable Deposit – Weddings $500.00
Table Settings (linens and tableware) $3.00 per place setting
Pipe & Drape rental $100.00 per /day
Senior Center Wing
Lounge with Dance Floor $105.00 per hour
Lounge with Dance Floor – Wedding Ceremony – 2 hours $500.00
Lounge with Dance Floor – Wedding Reception – 6 hours $850.00
Refundable Lounge deposit $210.00
Refundable Lounge deposit – Weddings $500.00
Meeting room (evening use) $42.00 per hour
Meeting room (evening use) $131.00 per 4 hrhrsession
Meeting room (weekend use) $262.00 per day
Meeting room (weekend use) $131.00 per half day
Meeting room deposit $52.0075.00
West Lawn and CenterPlace
Rental fee $3,500.00 per day
West Lawn Wedding Ceremony - 2 hours (with CenterPlace Reception) $1,000.00
West Lawn Plaza Rental $2,000.00 per day
- North Meadow additional $500.00 per day
North Meadow Rental $1,000.00 per day
West Lawn Plaza Rental - 1/2 day $1,000.00
- North Meadow additional $250.00
North Meadow Rental – ½ Day $500.00
Outdoor Venue Refundable Damage Deposit $500.00
Miscellaneous
Self-Catered Event fee for groups bringing their own food in on Sundays
Groups in meeting rooms $5275.00
Groups in Fireside Lounge $210.00
Groups in Great Room $500.00
Host/Hostess (after hours) $2530.00 per hour
Presentation System $262.00 per day
(includes projector, podium, DVD/VCR sound system, camera system)
Room Setup $26.00 per hour
Satellite Video Conferencing $262.00 per hour
Sound System $42.00 per day
Additional Microphones $25.00 each
Technical Support $42.00 per hour
LCD Projector/ Television $25.00 per hour
LCD Projector/ Television $100.00 per day
Linens Only $10.00 per table
Wine glass only rental $0.50 per glass
Conference Phone $100.00 per event
Easel Paper Pad $20.00 per pad
Laptop Usage $50.00 per event
Package Storage received two days before or after contracted event $5.00 per box per day
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 12 of 18
Pallet Storage received two days before or after contracted event $50.00 per pallet per day
Business Incentive Rental Policy – The Parks & Recreation Director has the authority to reduce the room
rental rate by one hr. when the rental meets the following criteria: minimum of 25 participants; utilize a
classroom at CenterPlace eight or more times per calendar year; and use in-house caterer for a meal each
reservation.
PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATION
(For groups fewer than 200 people)
Browns – large red (up to five hours) $100.00
Browns – small green (up to two hours) $40.00
Edgecliff (up to five hours) $100.00
Discovery Playground (up to two hours) $40.00
Greenacres – large (up to five hours) $100.00
Mirabeau Meadows (up to five hours) $100.00
Mirabeau Meadows – shelter and stage (up to five hours) $150.00
Mirabeau Springs – shelter and dock (up to two hours) $250.00
Sullivan (up to five hours) $100.00
Terrace View (up to five hours) $100.00
Valley Mission (up to five hours) $100.00
EVENT RESERVATION – include shelter
(For groups of 200 or more people)
Events include but are not limited to activities such as car shows, tournaments, or high-risk activities.
The Parks and Recreation Director shall make the final determination.
General fee (up to five hours): $175.00
Non-profit applications with proof of qualifying as a 501(c)(3) entity (up to five hours): $100.00
EVENT PHOTOS
Mirabeau Springs shelter and dock $150.00 per hour
st
BALL FIELD RENTAL/USE $26.00 1 hour +
$15.00 each additional hour
REFUNDABLE FACILITY DAMAGE DEPOSIT
Fewer than 200 people $75.00
Weddings, Special Events and events with 200 or more people $300.00
SPECIAL EVENTS (See Spokane Valley Municipal Code 5.15)
Application Fee $50.00
RECREATION
Recreation program fees are established at amounts to recover costs, as specified in the Parks and Recreation
revenue policy.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 13 of 18
Schedule D – Administration
COPY FEE
Paper copies up to 11”x17” (b/w or color) $0.15 per page*
Paper copies larger than 11”x17” (b/w or color) $0.87 per square foot*
Scanned copies of paper records $0.10 per page *
Electronics records uploaded to email, cloud-based storage,
CD/DVD, or flash drive $0.05 per every 4 electronic
files or attachments*
Records transmitted in electronic format $0.10 per GB*
Digital Storage Media Device (CD/DVD, flash drive) Actual Cost*
Envelope Actual Cost*
Postage Actual Cost*
Records sent to outside vendor for reproduction Actual Cost*
Customized Service Charge - When the request would require the use of IT expertise to prepare data
compilations or when such customized access services are not used by the agency for other business purposes,
the agency may charge the actual cost. The agency must notify the requestor that it will be doing a customized
service and can require a 10 percent deposit.*
*It is the intent of the City of Spokane Valley to recover the cost of providing public records when the total
cost, including but not limited to the per-page, device, envelope, or postage costs, amounts to $5.00 or more.
Copy charges above may be combined to the extent more than one type of charge applies to copies responsive
to a particular request. When combining fees associated with the request, the City will determine the total cost
and charge accordingly.
Copy charges are assessed for each installment of records provided to the requestor. A deposit of 10% may be
required on public record requests.
NSF CHECK RETURN FEE $26.00
CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION PROCESSING FEE 2.5% of transaction amount
Applies to all City fees paid by credit card/debit card except
for those fees under Schedule F – Police Fees (amount of the
alarm fee is intended to cover the total cost of administering
the false alarm program, including, but not limited to, payment
processing fees). Credit card transaction processing fees are
non-refundable.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 14 of 18
Schedule E – Other Fees
BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Business Registration $25.00 annual
Nonprofit Registration $10.00 annual
Out-of-City Business Registration with
annual revenues equal to or less than $2,000 (SVMC 5.05.020(D)) $0.00
Adult Entertainment*
Establishment License, Live Adult Entertainment $1,575.00
Establishment License, Adult Arcade $1,575.00
Adult Arcade Device License $157.00
Manager License $157.00
Entertainer License $157.00
Late Adult Entertainment License Fee* (charged in addition to the license fee)
7 to 30 calendar days past due 25% of license fee
31 to 60 calendar days past due 50% of license fee
61 and more calendar days past due 75% of license fee
Appeal of Administrative Determination – Adult Entertainment License*
Adult Entertainment License denial, suspension or revocation pursuant
to SVMC 5.10 $1,050.00
*Delegation of Authority from City Manager to the Spokane County Sherriff’s Office to act as the Licensing
Administrator for the purposes of administering and enforcing Chapter 5.20 SVMC.
Tow Operator Registration Fee $105.00 annual
Schedule F – Police Fees
FALSE ALARM RECOVERY FEE $65 per incident
Amount of the fee is intended to cover the total cost
of administering the false alarm program, including,
but not limited to, payment processing fees.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 15 of 18
Schedule G – Transportation Impact Fees
SOUTH BARKER CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC and the adopted South Barker Corridor Study and South Barker Corridor
Transportation Impact Fee Rate Study, the following fees are the transportation impact fees applicable within
the South Barker Corridor area identified in the South Barker Corridor Transportation Impact Fee Rate Study.
Base Rate = $1,153per PM Peak Trip
Land Use Group ITE Code ITE Land Use Category Impact Fee Per Unit
210Single Family & Duplex$1,084 per dwelling unit
Residential
220 Multi-Family (Low-Rise) -Not Close to Rail $588 per dwelling unit
Transit
310 Hotel (3 or More Levels)$680 per room
Services 492 Health Club$3.98 per sq ft
912 Bank $15.74 per sq ft
520 Elementary School $2,052 per employee
Institution 522 Middle School$2,236 per employee
525 High School $1,856 per employee
975 Drinking Establishment $7.46 per sq ft
Restaurant 934 Fast Food Restaurant (with drive-thru)$17.13 per sq ft
938 Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru (no indoor seating) $1,912 per drive-thru lane
820 Shopping Center $2.78 per sq ft
Retail 841 Automobile Sales - Used/New $4.32 per sq ft
945 Convenience Store/Gas Station -GFA(4-5.5k) $8,921 per pump
110 Light Industry/High Technology $0.75 per sq ft
140 Manufacturing $0.85 per sq ft
Industrial
150 Warehousing $0.21 per sq ft
151 Mini-Storage $19.37 per storage unit
710General Office$1.66 per sq ft
Office720Medical Office / Clinic$4.53 per sq ft
750 Office Park $1.50 per sq ft
ITE Trip Generation manual, 11th Edition
“sq ft” means square foot.
“pump” means vehicle servicing position / gas pump.
“room” means available hotel room.
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC, transportation impact fees for uses not listed in the rate table shall
be based on (1) the most similar land use category identified in the table, or (2) the base rate and the
most similar land use category identified in ITE Trip Generation Manual, as documented by a trip
generation and distribution letter in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Spokane Valley Street
Standards.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 16 of 18
MIRABEAU SUBAREA TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC and the adopted Mirabeau and North Pines Road Subarea Transportation
Impact Fee Rate Study, the following fees are the transportation impact fees applicable within the Mirabeau
subarea identified in the Rate Study.
Base Rate = $698 per PM Peak Trip
Land Use Group ITE Code ITE Land Use Category Impact Fee Per Unit
210Single Family & Duplex$657per dwelling unit
Residential
220 Multi-Family (Low-Rise) -Not Close to Rail per dwelling unit
$356
Transit
310 Hotel (3 or More Levels)$412 per room
Services 492 Health Club$2.41 per sq ft
912 Bank $9.54 per sq ft
520 Elementary School $1,243 per employee
Institution 522 Middle School$1,355 per employee
525 High School $1,125 per employee
975 Drinking Establishment $4.52 per sq ft
Restaurant 934 Fast Food Restaurant (with drive-thru)$10.38 per sq ft
938 Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru (no indoor seating) $1,159 per drive-thru lane
820 Shopping Center $1.69 per sq ft
Retail 841 Automobile Sales - Used/New $2.62 per sq ft
945 Convenience Store/Gas Station -GFA(4-5.5k) $5,405 per pump
110 Light Industry/High Technology $0.45 per sq ft
140 Manufacturing $0.52 per sq ft
Industrial
150 Warehousing $0.13 per sq ft
151 Mini-Storage $11.73 per storage unit
710 General Office $1.01 per sq ft
Office 720 Medical Office / Clinic $2.75 per sq ft
750 Office Park $0.91 per sq ft
ITE Trip Generation manual, 11th Edition
“sq ft” means square foot.
“pump” means vehicle servicing position / gas pump.
“room” means available hotel room.
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC, transportation impact fees for uses not listed in the rate table shall
be based on (1) the most similar land use category identified in the table, or (2) the base rate and the
most similar land use category identified in ITE Trip Generation Manual, as documented by a trip
generation and distribution letter in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Spokane Valley Street
Standards.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 17 of 18
NORTH PINES ROAD SUBAREA TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC and the adopted Mirabeau and North Pines Road Subarea Transportation
Impact Fee Rate Study, the following fees are the transportation impact fees applicable within the North Pines
Road subarea identified in the Rate Study.
Base Rate = $2,195 per PM Peak Trip
Land Use Group ITE CodeITE Land Use CategoryImpact Fee Per Unit
210Single Family & Duplex$2,063 per dwelling unit
Residential
220 Multi-Family (Low-Rise) - Not Close to Rail per dwelling unit
$1,119
Transit
310 Hotel (3 or More Levels) $1,295 per room
Services 492 Health Club$7.57 per sq ft
912 Bank $29.97 per sq ft
520 Elementary School$3,906 per employee
Institution 522 Middle School $4,258 per employee
525 High School $3,533 per employee
975 Drinking Establishment $14.21 per sq ft
Restaurant 934 Fast Food Restaurant (with drive-thru) $32.62 per sq ft
938 Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru (no indoor seating)$3,640 per drive-thru lane
820 Shopping Center $5.30 per sq ft
Retail 841 Automobile Sales -Used/New $8.23 per sq ft
945 Convenience Store/Gas Station -GFA(4-5.5k) $16,983 per pump
110 Light Industry/High Technology $1.43 per sq ft
140 Manufacturing $1.62 per sq ft
Industrial
150 Warehousing $0.40 per sq ft
151 Mini-Storage $36.87 per storage unit
710 General Office $3.16 per sq ft
Office 720 Medical Office / Clinic $8.62 per sq ft
750 Office Park $2.85 per sq ft
ITE Trip Generation manual, 11th Edition
“sq ft” means square foot.
“pump” means vehicle servicing position / gas pump.
“room” means available hotel room.
Pursuant to chapter 22.100 SVMC, transportation impact fees for uses not listed in the rate table shall
be based on (1) the most similar land use category identified in the table, or (2) the base rate and the
most similar land use category identified in ITE Trip Generation Manual, as documented by a trip
generation and distribution letter in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Spokane Valley Street
Standards.
Resolution 23-013 Fee Schedule for 2024 Page 18 of 18
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: December 19, 2023 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
information admin. report pending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Resolution 23-014 Repealing and Replacing Governance Manual
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: Chapter 42.30 RCW; RCW 35A.12.110; City Council Governance
Manual
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
Resolution 23-006, adopted 4-18-2023.
Administrative Report on updates to Governance Manual, 12-12-2023.
BACKGROUND: City Council has the authority to establish its own rules of procedure, policies,
and standards of conduct. Such policies and procedures are identified in City Council’s
Governance Manual, which is periodically updated. City Council also identifies the date, time, and
location of its regular meetings in the Governance Manual.
On April 18, 2023, City Council amended the Governance Manual to identify CenterPlace as the
location of City Council’s regular meetings. This was because the Council Chamber at City Hall
was not available due to it undergoing reconstruction. The construction is now nearing completion,
and it is anticipated that City Council meetings will be able to be held at Council Chambers in
early January 2024. In order to return to conducting Council meetings at City Hall, it is necessary
to again amend the Governance Manual to identify City Hall as the location of the Council’s regular
meetings.
In addition to changing the location of Council regular meetings, the proposed amendments to
the Governance Manual include updates drafted by staff to address situations identified by the
Governance Committee. These updates address:
Committee assignments, including but not limited to delineating whose interests the
Councilmember represents when sitting on a committee, board, or commission
(collectively “committee”) that is not either an in-house committee or committee to whom
the City pays membership dues or to which Washington law requires to include a
representative from the City (see pages 43, 45, and 47 of the proposed amended
Governance Manual).
Revisions to the Statement of Ethics (i.e. Appendix H to the Governance Manual).
Time limits on individual Councilmember reports during City Council meetings (page 9 of
the Governance Manual).
Finally, the proposed updates include a City Councilmember Social Media Policy. The social
medial policy amendments provide specific and clear guidelines for Councilmembers to avert
unintentional violations of the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act.
Staff is preparing and will present Council with a draft Ethics Code which, among other things,
will contain a process to address potential violations of the Governance Manual where
appropriate.
At the December 12, 2023, Council meeting, individual Councilmembers identified desired
modifications and clarifications to the updates. The attached Governance Manual incorporates
those modifications and clarifications.
OPTIONS: (1) Direct staff to bring the amendments back to Council for approval by resolution, or
(2) take other action as deemed appropriate.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Discussion
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: N/A
STAFF CONTACT: Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Amended City of Spokane Valley Governance Manual
Resolution 23-014 Amending the City of Spokane Valley Governance Manual
Governance Manual
Adopted by Resolution 23-006_________
A Comprehensive Collection of
Rulesand Procedures
AdoptedApril 18, 2023____________
Resolution 03-028 adopted 05-13-2003, replaced by
Resolution 04-013 adopted 05-25-2004, replaced by
Resolution 05-021 adopted 09-13-2005, replaced by
Resolution 06-022 adopted 11-14-2006, replaced by
Resolution 07-020 adopted 12-11-2007, replaced by
Resolution 09-012 adopted 09-08-2009, replaced by
Resolution 10-020 adopted 12-28-2010, replaced by
Resolution 12-002 adopted 04-10-2012, replaced by
Resolution 13-005 adopted 04-23-2013, replaced by
Resolution 14-003 adopted 02-25-2014, replaced by
Resolution 15-007 adopted 08-11-2015, replaced by
Resolution 16-012 adopted 11-01-2016, replaced by
Resolution 18-008 adopted 11-13-2018, replaced by
Resolution 18-011 adopted 12-18-2018, replaced by
Resolution 20-010 adopted 07-14-2020, replaced by
Resolution 22-021 adopted 11-22-2022, replaced by
Resolution 23-006 adopted 048-18-2023, replaced by
Resolution ______ adopted _________
Page 1 of 63
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ……………………………..…………………………………………………………. 4
Executive Summary ………………………………..……………………………………………… 5
CHAPTER 1: Council Meetings …………………………..……………………………...……… 7
A. General ………………………………………………………..…………………………..…… 8
1. Time and Location ……………………………………………..……………………….…… 8
2. Open to the Public ………………………………………………..…………………….…… 8
3. Presiding Officer ………………………………………………..………………….…… … 8
B. Meetings ……………………………………………………………………….………………. 8
1. Regular Meetings Formal Format ………………………………………………………….. 8
2. Regular Meetings: Study Session Format …………………………..……………………….. 10
3. Executive Sessions ………………………………………………………………………….. 11
4. Special Meeting ………………………………………………………………….…………. 13
5. Emergency Meetings ……………………………………………………………..……… 14
6. Pre-Agenda/Advance Agenda Meeting …………………………………………………… 14
7. Cancellation of Meetings ……………………………………………………………………. 14
C. Meeting Rules and Procedures ………………………………………………………………… 15
1. Public Comments ……………………………………………………………………………. 15
2. Council Rules of Order ……………………..……………………………………………….. 16
3. Quorum ………………………………………..…………………………………………….. 16
4. Seating Arrangement ……………………………………………….…………………...…… 16
5. Attendance ……………………………………………………………………...…………… 16
6. Respect and Decorum …………………………………………………………………..…… 17
7. Dissents and Protests ……………………………………………………………..………….. 17
8. Remote Meetings/Participation ………………………………………………………………. 18
9. Internet Use ……………………………………………………………….………………… 18
10. Adjournment Due to Emergency or Disruption ………………………………….…..……. 19
11. Permission Required to Address the Council …………………………………….……..….. 19
12. Approaching the Dais ……………………….…………………………………….….…….. 19
13. Out of Order (sequence) Requests ……………………………………………….….……... 19
14. Photographs, Videos etc. Prior Permission Required .……….……………………………. 19
15. Placing Items on a Future Agenda ………………………………..…………….………… 19
16. Motions and Discussion ……………………………………..………….…………….……. 19
Table of Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance ……………..………….…………….…… 21
17. Voting…………………………………………………………..……….…………….……. 22
18. Recusal from Discussion and Consideration ……….……………….….…………….……. 22
19. Ordinances …………………………………………………………………………….……. 23
20. Resolutions …………………………………………………………………………………. 24
21. Community Recognition Program………………………………………………………….. 24
22. Proclamations ……………………………………………………………………………… 25
23. Taxes: Increasing or imposing new taxes ………………………………………..………… 25
24. Hearings …………………………………………………………………….……………… 26
25. Reconsideration ……………………………………………………………………..……… 27
26. Council Materials/packets ………………………………………………………………….. 28
27. Three Touch Principle ………………………………….……………………………….…. 28
CHAPTER 2: Legislative Processes and Procedures …………………………………………. 29
A. Election of Council Officers ………………………………….………………………………. 30
B. Filling Council Vacancies .............……………………………………………………….…….. 30
C. Legislative Agendas ………………………………………………..…………………….…….. 33
D. Council Travel Allocation ……………………………………..………….…………………… 33
E. Council Expense Reimbursement Policy ……………………………………………………… 33
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F. Ballot Measures ……………………………………………………………………………….. 35
CHAPTER 3: Council Contacts …………………………………………………………………. 37
A. Citizen Contacts and Interactions ………………………………………………………..…….. 38
1. Mayor/Council Correspondence ………………………………………………………….…. 38
2. Citizen Concerns, Complaints and Suggestions to Council ……….………………………… 38
3. Administrative Complaints to Individual Councilmembers …………..…………………….. 38
4. Social Media ………………………………………………………………………………… 38
5. Donations ……………………………………………………………………………………. 38
B. Staff Contacts and Interactions ………………………………………………………..……….. 39
1. Role of the City Manager ……………………………….…………………………………… 39
2. City staff Attendance at Meetings ………………………….……………………………….. 39
3. City Clerk – Minutes ……..………………………………………..………………………….39
4. Administrative Interference by Councilmembers ……………………………………………. 39
5. Informal Communications Encouraged ………………………………...……………………. 39
CHAPTER 4: Committees, Boards, Commissions ……………….…………………………… 41
A. Regional Committees, Commissions and Boards …………………………….. ……………… 42
1. Committees ………………………………………………………………………………….. 42
2. Council Relations with Boards, Commissions, Advisory Bodies …..……………….………. 43
B. In-house Committees, Boards, etc. …………………………………………….………………. 43
1. Standing Committees …………………………………………………..…………………..… 43
a. Planning Commission …………………………………………….……………………….. 43
b. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee ……………………………………………………….... 43
c. Finance Committee …….……………………………………………...…………………… 44
d. Governance Manual Committee …………………………………………………………… 45
e. Advance Agenda Committee ……………………………………… ……………………… 44
C. Private Committees, Boards, Commissions …………………………………………………… 45
Appendices:
A. Public Hearings, Quasi-Judicial …………………………………….…………………………. 46
B. Resolution 07-019 Core Beliefs ………………………………………….……………………. 47
C. Statement of Ethics …………………………………………………………..…………………. 49
D. Frequently Used Acronyms ……………………………………………………….…………… 50
E. Application for City Council Member ………………………………………………………… 53
F. Request to Transfer Travel Allocation from One Councilmember to Another .………………… 57
G. Definitions …………………………………………………………..………………….……… 58
Index……………………………………………………………………………………..………… 59
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INTRODUCTION
In December 2002, prior to our City’s official incorporation, then Mayor DeVleming appointed three
members of Council to serve on an ad-hoc Governance Coordination Committee for the purpose of
drafting Council Rules of Procedure, to serve as an aid to effective legislative and organizational
harmony, and to provide procedural rules to conduct meetings efficiently, fairly, and uniformly. The
end-product legislation of that Committee’s four-month process was approved by Council at the May
13, 2003 Council meeting. That historic first manual also included Resolution 03-027, a General
Policy Resolution of Core Beliefs, which was amended by Resolution 07-019, which can be found in
full in Appendix B on page 47. RCW 35A.12.120 states in part, that “The council shall determine its
own rules and order of business and may establish rules for the conduct of council meetings and the
maintenance of order.”
City Council meetings shall be governed by the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, a
copy of which is maintained in the office of the City Clerk. However, in the event of a conflict between
the Council’s Governance Manual and Robert’s Rules, the Council’s Governance Manual shall
prevail.
This Manual has undergone several changes since its inception, with some sections remaining static
over the years, such as Council meeting time and location, and other sections having been modified
to include Internet use, filling Council vacancies, the use of social media, and the option for
Councilmembers to view their packet electronically. This Manual is usually reviewed annually and at
times amended to recognize additional topics or for clarification as the need arises.
This Manual is designed to provide guidance for the City Council and is not intended to be an
amendment or substitute for any state statutes, City ordinances, court decisions, or other authority.
The rules and policies in this Manual do not constitute land use regulations, official controls, public
hearing rules or other substantive rules binding upon or to be used or relied upon by members of the
public, and do not amend statutory or other regulatory requirements.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FOUNDATION: The City of Spokane Valley incorporated March 31, 2003, and is a non-charter code
city operating under a Council-Manager plan of government as outlined in chapter 35A.13 RCW
Optional Municipal Code for Council-Manager plan of government. Under this form of government,
there are two branches of government: legislative and administrative.
PURPOSE OF CITY GOVERNMENT: The general purpose of local government is to promote the
social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of the community, to ensure that resources are used
efficiently and effectively, to ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making, and to provide the
prudent use and stewardship of local community resources. These statements should be considered the lens
through which this Manual is intended and through which the actions of the City Council and staff are viewed.
The City recognizes that individual rights are critically important in our society, and the City is committed
tocommitted to not infringe upon those rights whenever possible. Good governance should reflect the will of
the citizenry and can only occur as a result of an open public process: “All political power is inherent in the
people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to
protect and maintain individual rights.” (Washington State Constitution Article I, Section 1)
OBLIGATIONS: The City acknowledges the importance of complying with the Open Public Meetings Act
and the Public Records Act: “The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve
them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for
the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that
they may retain control over the instruments they have created.” RCW 42.30.010 and 42.56.030.
RCW 42.30.010 Open Public Meetings Act: “The legislature finds and declares that all public commissions,
boards, councils, committees, subcommittees, departments, divisions, offices, and all other public agencies
of this state and subdivisions thereof exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of
this chapter that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.” Unless as
part of an executive session, Councilmembers shall not meet as a quorum of four or more in a non-public
meeting. Unless as part of a duly noted Council meeting, a quorum of four or more Councilmembers shall
not meet as part of a web conference dealing with City business, nor a conference call, serial
communication, social media or even a “straw poll” in executive session. The Open Public Meetings Act
does not prohibit a quorum or more of Councilmembers meeting at social gatherings or events provided
City issues are not discussed. If Councilmembers are involved in a violation of the Open Public Meetings
Act, and are aware that their actions violate the Act, they may be personally liable. If the violation is not
intentional, the City may still be liable for attorney’s fees. However, elected officials’ right to speak freely
and gather publicly is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
RCW 42.56.030 Public Records Act: “This chapter shall be liberally construed and its exemptions narrowly
construed to promote this public policy and to assure that the public interest will be fully protected. In the
event of conflict between the provisions of this chapter and any other act, the provisions of this chapter
shall govern.”
PRIORITIES: The City’s priorities are public safety, pavement preservation, transportation and infrastructure
(including grade separations and park related projects), and economic development. Additional information on
priorities and Council goals can be found in each year’s budget.
BASIC TENETS: Council’s core values and basic tenets of governing can be found in Resolution 07-019,
which is included in its entirety in Appendix B on page 47 of this Manual.
BRANCHES OF CITY GOVERNMENT: The Council is the legislative branch of the City
government. Council appoints an officer whose title shall be “City Manager” and who shall be the
chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch of the City government. “The City
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Manager shall be responsible to the Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the code
city.” RCW 35A.13.010.
Legislative Branch: City Council.
The City Council consists of seven elected officials, each elected to four-year terms. Individual
Councilmembers do not have governing power as individuals, but only when meeting as a Council when a
quorum (four or more) are present. Council represents the City residents and business owners of the City
of Spokane Valley, and is the law-making, policy-making, and budget and spending approval authority of
the City government. Council hires, directs, guides and evaluates the performance of the City Manager.
The City Manager shall be appointed for an indefinite term and may be removed by a majority vote of the
Council (RCW 35A.13.130), or as otherwise agreed to by contract. For functions of the Mayor and Deputy
Mayor, see also Chapter 1(A)(3), page 8 of this Manual.
Some of the duties, responsibilities, and limitations of each Councilmember:
Brings the experience, concerns and knowledge of a typical City resident to City government.
Is cognizant of the needs, wants and concerns of City residents and businesses as a whole.
Contacts residents and businesses to gather feedback and ideas. The resulting information may be
shared with staff or other Councilmembers individually, or with fewer than two simultaneously
(but not serially), or with all Councilmembers at a Council meeting.
Studies internal and external written and documented information related to the government and
administration of the City.
Is prohibited from giving City employees directives, or saying anything that could be taken as an
attempt to influence the conduct of the employee’s job.
Gives feedback and ideas regarding City government and administration to the City Manager.
Participates in assigned City and regional committees and all Council meetings.
When acting in the capacity of Councilmember outside of Council meetings, communicates that
any personal opinion is the opinion of the individual Councilmember and not that of the collective
Council, unless pre-authorized to speak, as Council does not want the public to assume that any
individual personal opinion represents that of the entire Council. Councilmember’s freedom of
speech is protected by the U.S. and Washington State Constitutions. Provided there is no quorum.,
Councilmembers may work together on City Council-related projects and discuss City business in
non-public meetings. No permission is needed, nor is notice required to be given for such
gathering.
Administrative Branch: The City Manager. and City Staff.
The City Manager is the City’s chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch. The City
Manager is an at-will position and reports directly to the Council. The City Manager is directly accountable
to the City Council for the execution of the City Council’s policy directives, for the administration and
management of all City departments, and for the supervision of staff. (See Chapter 3(B), page 39 of this
Manual and chapter 35A.13.RCW for a description of the role of the City Manager.)
Although this summary is provided as an overview of the Governance Manual, reading the entire Manual is
strongly encouraged.
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CHAPTER 1
Council Meetings
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A. General
1. Council Meetings - Time and Location
Through the end of 2023, Rregular meetings of the City Council shall be held at CenterPlace Regional
Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, Washington. The regular meetings of City
Council will be held at Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue,
Spokane Valley, Washington, after notice thereof has been posted on the City’s official website
(www.spokanevalleywa.gov) for at least 72 hours. Regardless of location, regular meetings are held
on Tuesdays beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pursuant to RCW 42.30.070: “If at any time any regular meeting
falls on a holiday, such regular meeting shall be held on the next business day.” As noted, in such
case, the meeting held on the next business day after a holiday would also be a regular meeting, as
opposed to a special meeting. The Council always has the option of cancelling such meeting.
2. Council Meetings - Open to the Public
All meetings of the City Council and of committees thereof shall be open to the public except as provided for
in RCW 42.30.110 (Executive Sessions), or RCW 42.30.140 (Open Public Meetings Act).
3. Presiding Officer
The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Council and be recognized as the head of the City for all ceremonial
purposes. The Mayor shall have no regular administrative or executive duties unless specifically set forth
herein. In case of the Mayor's absence or temporary disability, the Deputy Mayor shall act as Mayor during
the continuance of the absence. In case of the absence or temporary inability of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor,
an acting Mayor Pro Tempore selected by majority vote of the remaining members of the Council, shall act as
Mayor during the continuance of the absences \[RCW 35A.13.035\]. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor (in the Mayor’s
absence) or Mayor Pro Tem are referred to as “Presiding Officer” from time to time in these Rules of Procedure.
B. Meetings
1. Regular Meetings: Formal Format
ndth
a. Normally held 2 and 4 Tuesdays. The City Clerk, under the direction of the City Manager in consultation
with the Mayor, shall arrange a list of proposed matters according to the order of business and prepare an
agenda for the Council. On or before close of business on a Friday preceding a Tuesday Council meeting, or
at the close of business at least 24 hours preceding a special Council meeting, a copy of the agenda and
supporting materials shall be prepared for Councilmembers, the City Manager, appropriate staff, and the media
who have filed a notification request.
b. Requests for presentations from outside entities or individuals to be placed on a future agenda, will only be
permitted if they are considered the official business of the City. Such requests should be submitted to the City
Clerk at least 10 days prior to the appropriate Council meeting. The City Clerk shall consult with the City
Manager and the Mayor for a determination of whether the matter is an administrative issue, and whether it
should be placed on an upcoming Council agenda. Playing of videos, DVD’s, PowerPoints, or other electronic
presentations shall be pre-screened and pre-approved by the City Manager who shall determine the
appropriateness of the material. In the event the presenter has no PowerPoint or other material to submit prior
to the meeting, the presenter shall be requested to provide a brief written summary of the topic and items to be
discussed. All written materials, including the written summary, must be submitted to the City Clerk at least
10 days prior to the appropriate Council meeting.
c. Forms of Address. The Mayor shall be addressed as “Mayor (surname).” The Deputy Mayor shall be
addressed as “Deputy Mayor (surname).” Members of the Council shall be addressed as “Councilmember
(surname)” unless waived by the Presiding Officer.
d. Order of Business. The business of all regular formal meetings of the Council shall be transacted as follows,
provided however, that the Presiding Officer may, during a Council meeting, rearrange items on the agenda to
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conduct Council business more expeditiously, without the necessity of a formal action or motion. However,
adding or removing items from the agenda once a meeting has been called to order requires Council to make
a motion and vote on approving the “amended agenda.”
i. Call to Order by the Presiding Officer
ii. Invocation
iii. Pledge of Allegiance
iv. Roll Call (See Chapter 1, C5b \[page 17\] for procedure to excuse an absence)
v. Approval of Agenda/Amended Agenda. In case of an emergency or an extremely time-sensitive
issue which neither the administration nor the entire Council was aware of prior to the distribution of
the agenda and accompanying materials, a new item may be introduced by a Councilmember, and
suggested as an amended agenda item for the present meeting. If a new item(s) is added, Council shall
then consider a motion to approve the amended agenda. (“Three-Touch Principle” should be followed
whenever possible.) It is preferable that any motion to amend the agenda be made at the onset of the
meeting in place of ‘Approval of Agenda,’ recognizing that there will emergencies or other situations
when such motion to amend the agenda might need to be made at other times during the meeting.
vi. Introduction of Special Guests and Presentations.
vii. Councilmember Reports. Council or government-related activities (e.g. synopsis of committee,
commission, task force or other board meetings). These verbal reports are intended to be brief, City
work-related reports of significance in keeping the Council informed of pertinent policy issues or
events stemming from their representation of the City on a regional board, committee, task force or
commission, whether as a formal or informal member. Individual Councilmember reports shall not
exceed 3 minutes in duration. Extended reports shall be placed as future agenda items for presentation
or submitted in writing as an informational memo.
viii. Mayor’s Report. Same as ‘vii’ above except given by the Mayor.
ix. Proclamation. The Mayor will announce the proclamation, announce who has requested this
proclamation and after the Mayor or Councilmember reads the proclamation, invites that person or
other appropriate person to the podium. The original proclamation will be handed to that appropriate
person by the City Clerk or the Mayor, and the individual will be permitted to speak for one or two
minutes.
x. Public Hearings (See page 26 for procedural details)
xi. Public Comments (See page 15 Meeting Rules and Procedures)
xii. Consent Agenda. Items which may be placed on the Consent Agenda are those which have been
previously discussed by the Council; can be reviewed by a Councilmember without further
explanation; are so routine, technical or nonsubstantive in nature that passage without discussion is
likely; or are otherwise deemed in the best interest of the City. The proper Council motion on the
Consent Agenda is: “I move approval of the Consent Agenda.” This motion has the effect of moving
to approve all items on the Consent Agenda. Prior to the vote on the motion to approve the Consent
Agenda, the Presiding Officer shall inquire if any Councilmember wishes an item to be withdrawn
from the Consent Agenda. If any matter is withdrawn, the Presiding Officer shall place the item at an
appropriate place on the agenda for the current or a future meeting, or the matter may be addressed
immediately after passage of the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
xiii. Unfinished Business. \[includes matters that were pending when a previous meeting adjourned, or
matters specifically postponed to the present meeting\]
xiv. New Business \[Action items are designated as New Business\] Any member of the public who
wishes to verbally address the Council on an action item on the current agenda, shall proceed to the
podium at the time when comments from the public are invited during the agenda item discussion. The
Council may hear such comments before or after initial Council discussion. The Presiding Officer may
also invoke a sign-in procedure. If necessary the Presiding Officer in consultation with the City
Manager and/or City Attorney shall rule on the appropriateness of verbal public comments as the
agenda item is reached. The Presiding Officer may change the order of speakers so that comment is
heard in the most logical groupings.
xv. Administrative Reports (includes the Advance Agenda) or tracking of an administrative issue or
topic.
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xvi. Information Only Items These items are generally not discussed or reported.
xvii Council Comments
xviii. City Manager Comments
xix. Executive Session (as required)
xx. Adjournment. No Council meeting should be permitted to continue beyond approximately 9:00
p.m. without approval of a majority of the Councilmembers present. A new time limit shall be
established before taking a Council vote to extend the meeting. When a motion is made to adjourn
into Executive Session for a specified period of time, and if the executive session is the last item on a
regular agenda, no additional motion is needed to extend the meeting beyond 9:00 p.m. since that is
implied as part of the motion to adjourn into Executive Session. In the event that a meeting has not
been closed or continued by Council as herein specified, the items not acted on shall be deferred to the
next regular Council meeting, unless the Council by a majority vote of members present determines
otherwise.
2. Regular Meetings: Study Session Format
strdth
a. Normally held 1, 3 and 5 Tuesdays. The purpose of the study session format is to allow Councilmembers
to be made aware of impending business and allow informal discussion of issues that might be acted on at a
future meeting. Action items are normally not included on a study session agenda, although there will be times
when due to deadlines or other pressing or time sensitive issues, action items must be included. Study sessions
shall be in a less formal setting than regular formal meetings. Council may be seated other than at the dais, but
shall not discourage public observation. If an item is designated as an action item, public comment will be
permitted on that motion/item unless a public hearing on the item was previously held. There shall be one
general public comment at study session for the public to comment on items that relate to the operation of the
City. The City Clerk, under the direction of the City Manager, shall arrange a Council study session agenda
for the meeting. A copy of the agenda and accompanying background materials shall be prepared for
Councilmembers, the City Manager, appropriate staff and the press, on or before close of business on a Friday
preceding a Tuesday Council meeting. Councilmembers have the option of accessing their Council packet via
the City’s website. Unless notified otherwise, the City Clerk shall prepare a hard copy agenda packet for
individual Councilmembers.
b. Action Items. Although action items may be included on a study session agenda, it is the preference of
Council to keep those instances to a minimum. Because a study session is a recognized meeting according to
the “Open Public Meetings Act,” it is permissible for Council to take final action during these meetings. As in
the formal format meetings, public comment will be allowed on action items.
c. Unscheduled Motions. Because study sessions are usually understood by the public and media as referring
to meetings at which Council considers and discusses items and does not take final action or vote, it could be
misleading to the public as to the purpose of the meeting if a motion is made unexpectedly. As it is Council’s
practice to invite public comment after most motions, it would be inappropriate to make a “surprise” motion
unless there is a rare special circumstance. Voting or making a motion when neither is included on an agenda
does not violate state law, but for consistency sake and to avoid any surprises to the public and media, the
practice is discouraged.
d. Presiding Officer’s Role. The role of the Presiding Officer is to facilitate free flowing discussion without
the necessity of each Councilmember being recognized by the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer retains
the option of assuming the function of the discussion leader at any time in order to maintain decorum and
ensure all Councilmembers have the opportunity to be heard, and to keep the discussion properly focused.
e. Outside Request. Outside requests to be included on a Council agenda will only be permitted if they are
considered the official business of the City. Such requests should be submitted to the City Clerk at least 10
days prior to the appropriate Council meeting. The City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and the
Mayor for a determination of whether the matter is an administrative issue, and whether it should be placed on
an upcoming Council agenda. Playing of videos, DVD’s, PowerPoints, or other electronic presentations shall
be pre-screened and pre-approved by the City Manager or designee, who shall determine the appropriateness
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of the material. In the event the presenter has no PowerPoint or other material to submit prior to the meeting,
the presenter shall be requested to provide a brief written summary of the topic and items to be discussed. All
written materials, including the written summary, shall be submitted to the City Clerk at least 10 days prior to
the appropriate Council meeting.
f. Forms of Address. Councilmembers and staff have the option of addressing each other on a first name basis
during the study session format meetings.
g. Order of Business. The business of all study session meetings of the Council shall be transacted as follows,
provided, however, that the Presiding Officer may, during a Council meeting, rearrange items on the agenda
to conduct Council business more expeditiously, without the necessity of a formal action or motion. However,
adding or removing items from the agenda once a meeting has been called to order requires Council to make
a motion and vote on approving the “amended agenda.”
i. Call to Order
ii. Roll Call. The City Clerk shall conduct a roll call of Councilmembers (See page 17 for procedure
to excuse an absence.)
iii. Approval of Agenda/Amended Agenda. In case of an emergency or an extremely time-sensitive
issue which neither the administration nor the entire Council was aware of prior to the distribution of
the agenda and accompanying materials, a new item may be introduced by a Councilmember, and
suggested as an amended agenda item for the present meeting. If a new item(s) is added, Council shall
then consider a motion to approve the amended agenda. (“Three-Touch Principle” should be followed
whenever possible.) It is preferable that a motion to amend the agenda be made at the onset of the
meeting in place of ‘Approval of Agenda,’ recognizing that there will emergencies or other situations
when such motion to amend the agenda could be made at other times during the meeting.
iv. Proclamation (as needed)
v. Public Comments: See Section “C page 15 Meeting Rules and Procedures”
vi. Action items (as needed)
vii. Non-action items
Presenter’s Role. During the Council study session, the presenter should introduce the subject
and give background information, identify the discussion goal, act as facilitator to keep the
discussion focused toward the goal, and alert the Presiding Officer when it is appropriate, to
schedule the topic for a motion or official direction of the Council.
viii. Advance Agenda
ix. Information Only Items. These items are generally not discussed or reported.
x. Council Comments: The purpose of this item is to allow Councilmembers an opportunity to report
on an activity or key issue which either just arose, needs immediate or imminent action, or to simply
report on something in connection with their role as a Councilmember, that transpired since the last
Council meeting. It is also an opportunity for Councilmembers to bring up topics for clarification or
to address other upcoming concerns. Individual Councilmember reports shall not exceed 3 minutes in
length.
xi. City Manager Comments: The purpose of this agenda item is to allow the City Manager the
opportunity to brief Council on activities or issues which either just arose, needs immediate or
imminent action, or to simply inform Council of items that transpired since the last Council meeting,
or will occur before the next Council meeting.
xii. Executive Session (as needed)
xiii. Adjourn. No Council meeting should be permitted to continue beyond approximately 9:00 p.m.
without approval of a majority of the Councilmembers present. A new time limit shall be established
before taking a Council vote to extend the meeting.
3. Executive Sessions
a. Executive sessions shall be held pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act chapter 42.30 RCW. Council
may hold an executive session during a regular or special meeting. Before convening in executive session, the
Presiding Officer shall ask for a motion from Council to publicly announce the purpose for adjourning into
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executive session; when the executive session will be concluded; and the likelihood of Council taking action
at the close of the executive session and return to open session.
i. At the close of the executive session and upon Council’s return to the meeting place, the Presiding
Officer will declare Council out of executive session, and ask for the appropriate motion (i.e. an action
motion or a motion to adjourn).
ii. To protect the best interests of the City, Councilmembers shall keep confidential all verbal and
written information provided during executive sessions. Confidentiality also includes information
provided to Councilmembers outside of executive sessions when the information is considered exempt
from disclosure under the Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers (RCW 42.52) and/or the Public
Records Act (RCW 42.56).
b. RCW 42.30.110 explains the purpose for holding an executive session, some of which include:
i. RCW 42.30.110(1)(b). To consider the selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate by lease or
purchase when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased
price (pending land acquisition).
ii. RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to
review the performance of a public employee. \[The only employee subject to this evaluation is the
position of City Manager.\] However, subject to RCW 42.30.140(4) (labor negotiations), discussion
by a governing body of salaries, wages, and other conditions of employment to be generally applied
within the agency shall occur in a meeting open to the public, and when a governing body elects to
take final action hiring, setting the salary of an individual employee or class of employees, or
discharging or disciplining an employee, that action shall be taken in a meeting open to the public.
\[Note: stating that an executive session’s purpose is to discuss a “personnel matter” is not sufficient
because only certain types of personnel matters are appropriate for discussion in an executive session.\]
(review qualifications of a public employee)
iii. RCW 42.30.110(1)(h). To evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective
office. However, any interview of such candidate and final action appointing a candidate to elective
office shall be in a meeting open to the public (review qualifications of an elected official).
iv. RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). To discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to
agency enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or
potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity
is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the discussion is likely to result
in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. For purposes of this subsection (1)(i),
“potential/pending litigation” means matters protected by Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.6 or
RCW 5.60.060(2)(a) concerning:
(a) Litigation that has been specifically threatened to which the agency, the governing body,
or a member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party;
(b) Litigation that the agency reasonably believes may be commenced by or against the
agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity; or
(c) Litigation or legal risks of a proposed action or current practice that the agency has
identified when public discussion of the litigation or legal risks is likely to result in an adverse
legal or financial consequence to the agency.
c. Council may adjourn into executive session even if it is not listed on the meeting agenda. There is a
requirement in RCW 35A.12.160 that the public be made aware of the preliminary agendas of meetings in
advance of the meeting, but that does not mean that an item that arises after the agenda has been posted cannot
be discussed at the meeting, even in executive session. Since final action on the matter would not be taken at
the executive session, it would not violate any provision in state law to hold an executive session at a regular
Council meeting even if the executive session was not listed on the agenda. \[MRSC Index-General
Government-Executive sessions.\] Although amending the agenda is not required in order to adjourn into
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executive session, it is a good practice for the Mayor to announce at the beginning of the meeting, that Council
will be adjourning into an executive session at the end of the regular meeting.
d. Attendance at Executive Sessions. Attendance shall only be in person. Except in extreme circumstances,
there shall be no virtual attendance at an Executive Session. The City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney shall
attend executive sessions which address litigation or potential litigation. The question of who may attend an
executive session other than the Council, is determined by the City Manager.
4. Special Meetings
a. A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or any three members of the Council. (RCW 35A.13.170,
35A.12.110). Written notice of the special meeting shall be prepared by the City Clerk. The notice shall contain
information about the meeting, including date, time, place, and business to be transacted and shall be posted
on the City’s website and displayed at the main entrance of the meeting location (RCW 42.30.080). The notice
shall be delivered to each member of Council at least 24 hours before the time specified for the proposed
meeting (RCW 35A.12.110). The noticing regarding such decision to hold a special meeting (made by the
Mayor or any three Councilmembers), shall be handled by the City Clerk’s Office through the City Manager.
b. The notices provided in this section may be dispensed within the circumstances provided by RCW
42.30.080, that is: (a) As to any member who, at or prior to the time the meeting convenes, files with the City
Clerk a written waiver of notice; (b) As to any member who was actually present at the meeting at the time it
convenes; and (c) In the event a special meeting is called to deal with an emergency involving injury or damage
to persons or property or the likelihood of such injury or damage, when time requirements of such notice would
make notice impractical and increase the likelihood of such injury or damage; or as otherwise provided by law.
c. Agendas shall be drafted in a form submitted by the City Clerk, approved by the City Manager, and
distributed in a manner similar to agendas for formal and study session meetings. The processes and rules for
agenda content apply to regular formal, study session format, as well as special meetings.
d. Special meeting agendas may include action and non-action items. It is the practice of Council to allow
time for the public to comment on action items and the “public comment” should be so noted on the agenda.
Once the Special Meeting Agenda has been published and distributed, the agenda may be amended provided
the amended agenda is distributed to Councilmembers and to the media, and posted on the City’s website and
at the meeting doorway, at least 24 hours in advance of the special meeting. Final disposition shall not be taken
on any other matter at such meeting, which means that the governing body may address other matters not
identified in the special meeting notice or agenda, provided ‘final disposition’ regarding such matters is not
taken (RCW 42.30.080(3)) Council may not pass a franchise ordinance at a special meeting \[RCW
35A.47.040\].
e. There have been questions about whether it is necessary to call a special meeting in situations where
Councilmembers are invited to attend a public meeting not called by the City as an official Council meeting,
and whether it is legal for a quorum of Councilmembers to be present without violating the Open Meeting Act.
According to the Washington State Attorney General Opinion 2006, No. 6, the “presence of a quorum of
members of a city or county council does not, of itself, cause the Open Public Meetings Act to apply if
councilmembers attend a public meeting called by a third party. The gathering of councilmembers would be a
‘meeting’ for purposes of the Act only if the councilmembers take ‘action’ as defined in the Act, such as voting,
deliberating, or other official business of the council.”
f. There are times when several Councilmembers desire to attend a meeting of a City Department, such as a
meeting scheduled by the City Engineers to discuss a construction project, or a meeting scheduled through the
Finance Department to hear a report from the State Auditors, or a meeting scheduled by the Parks & Recreation
Department to discuss parks or other City business. Because these meetings can at times present questionable
concern when it comes to the Open Public Meeting Act, Councilmembers who desire to attend such meetings
shall notify the City staff at least two working days prior to the meeting, of their intent to attend, and only the
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first three Councilmembers who indicate they will be attending any particular meeting, may attend. This is
necessary in order not to violate, or perceive to violate the Open Public Meetings Act.
g. RCW 42.30.070 states in part: “It shall not be a violation of the requirements of this chapter for a majority
of the members of a governing body to travel together or gather for purposes other than a regular or special
meeting provided that they take no action as defined in this chapter.” \[MRSC Research News – Summer, 2016\]
A quorum of Councilmembers traveling together for a scheduled tour would not be in violation of the Open
Public Meetings Act provided they do not discuss City business. However, comments and discussion as a result
of the tour, shall be done at a regular Council meeting and not during the tour or outside of a regular or special
Council meeting.
5. Emergency Meetings: Emergency Council meetings may be called by the Mayor or any two
Councilmembers, consistent with the provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW. Meeting time, location and notice
requirements do not apply to emergency meetings called for emergency matters as permitted by RCW
42.30.070, 42.30.080, and 42.14.075:
“If, by reason of fire, flood, earthquake, or other emergency, there is a need for expedited action by a
governing body to meet the emergency, the presiding officer of the governing body may provide for a
meeting site other than the regular meeting site and the notice requirement of this chapter shall be
suspended during such emergency.” \[RCW 42.30.070\]
“The notices provided in this section may be dispensed with in the event a special meeting is called to
deal with an emergency involving injury or damage to persons or property or the likelihood of such
injury or damage, when time requirements of such notice would make notice impractical and increase
the likelihood of such injury or damage.” \[RCW 42.30.080(4)\]
“Whenever, due to a natural disaster, an attack or an attack is imminent, it becomes imprudent,
inexpedient or impossible to conduct the affairs of a political subdivision at a regular or usual place or
places, the governing body of the political subdivision may meet at any place within or without the
territorial limits of the political subdivision on the call of the presiding official or any two members of
the governing body. After any emergency relocation, the affairs of political subdivisions shall be
lawfully conducted at such emergency temporary location or locations for the duration of the
emergency.” \[RCW 42.14.075\]
6. Pre-Agenda/Advance Agenda Meetings:
The City Manager, City Clerk, Mayor and Deputy Mayor generally meet at a fixed weekly time to review the
Council agenda of the upcoming meeting, which gives all involved an opportunity to ask questions and gather
any additional materials or research needed for the impending meeting. This meeting also serves as an
opportune time to discuss the Advance Agenda, which is a planning document to aid in scheduling items on
future Council agendas. (see also page 44, Agenda Committee under Chapter 4 internal committees)
7. Cancellation of Meetings:
State law does not require any specific procedure for canceling an upcoming meeting, however, notice of the
cancellation to the public, Councilmembers, and staff should be given by the Clerk in a similar manner that
notice is given for a special meeting. The decision to cancel a meeting will be made by the City Manager in
consultation with the Mayor and/or Agenda Committee and time permitting, will be noted on the Advance
Agenda. The noticing of such decision will be handled by the City Clerk through the City Manager. Upon
cancellation of a formal meeting, either the study session immediately before such meeting or the study session
immediately after such meeting, shall include an opportunity for general public comment.
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C. Meeting Rules and Procedures
1. Public Comments
This is an opportunity for public comments regarding issues relating to the operation of the City, but which are
not otherwise on the agenda for action. If the Presiding Officer is unclear whether comments relate to the
operation of the City, the Presiding Officer shall ask how the comments are pertinent for consideration by the
Council as business of the City. Speakers may sign in to speak, but it is not required. Under the general public
comment opportunity, each speaker may only make comments once and comments are limited to three minute
unless modified by the Presiding Officer. Members of the public shall be prohibited from allocating any of
their own speaking time to other members of the public. This time is an opportunity to hear from various
members of the public in a limited public forum on issues relating to City business, and not an opportunity for
extended comments or dialogue. Although the City Council desires to allow the opportunity for public
comment, the business of the City must proceed in an orderly, timely manner. Council meetings are considered
a ‘limited public forum’ which means the time, place and manner of speech can be regulated. At any time the
Presiding Officer, in the Presiding Officer's sole discretion, may set such reasonable limits as are necessary to
prevent disruption or undue delay of other necessary business. The desired total time for public comments shall
not exceed 45 minutes; however, that time limit may change at the Mayor’s discretion. The Council states that
it is not the business of the City to have discussion about any past, current, or future possible/probable election
or campaign-related issues during Council meetings. The only exception to this prohibition on discussion of
election or campaign-related topics would be if the Council requests that Spokane County place a ballot item
on for election. (See page 35, Chapter 2, F Ballot Measures.)
a. Verbal Comments:
i. Comments shall only be made from the podium microphone, first giving name, city of residence and
subject. No comments shall be made from any other location, and anyone making “out of order” comments
shall be subject to removal from the meeting. An exception to this prohibition shall be allowed when public
comment is only permitted via remote access due to emergency. The public shall be reminded that this is
not an opportunity for dialogue or questions and answers, but public comment. When appropriate, staff
shall research issues and report back to those making the comment as well as to Council. Public comments
are opportunities for speakers to briefly address the entire Council, and those speaking are to address
members of Council and not the audience. Speakers should refrain from personal attacks on individual
Councilmembers. In order to prevent disruption of the Council meeting, members of the public are asked
to refrain from distributing materials to the audience, since Council meetings are not a public forum to
address the audience. Since this is an opportunity for public comment relating to City business, in the
interest of time and keeping in mind all documents submitted during Council meetings become the property
of the City, graphs, charts, posterboards, PowerPoint presentations, or other display materials are not
permitted to be displayed or distributed at the place of the meeting, although written comments and written
materials including photographs and petitions may be submitted to Council via the City Clerk.
ii. Demonstration, applause or other audience participation before, during or at the conclusion of anyone's
public comments is prohibited because it is disruptive. Any disruptive conduct, as determined by the
Presiding Officer, shall be cause for removal from the meeting room. Any ruling by the Presiding Officer
relative to these subsections on public comments may be overruled by a vote of a majority of
Councilmembers present.
iii. Council shall not permit public comments if they relate to any matter upon which a quasi-judicial hearing
has been required, scheduled, or held. (See page 26 for procedure for taking public comment on legislative
matters.)
iv. Disruptive public conduct:
a. Conduct in any form that interferes with Council’s ability to timely conduct the business of the City
will not be allowed. If a situation arises where a speaker exceeds the three minutes (unless permitted to
continue by the Presiding Officer), is speaking on matters other than City business, or is otherwise
disruptive in a manner that interferes with the ability of the Council to conduct the business of the City,
the City Clerk, with permission of the Mayor, will turn off the microphone, and the Mayor will ask the
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speaker to please stop talking and step away from the podium. In the case of remote meetings, the
speaker will be muted.
b. If the speaker continues after the first request, the Mayor will ask the speaker once again to stop
talking, and will warn the speaker that failure to stop will result in a suspension of their privilege to
speak at public comment for 90 days. If the speaker continues, the Mayor will gavel in a five-minute
recess.
c. Upon return from recess, public comment will start again with a caution from the Mayor that if any
other speaker refuses to stop talking after being asked to do so after the three minutes or is otherwise
disruptive, the remainder of the public comment for the night will be terminated.
d. If necessary in the discretion of the Presiding Officer, and in an attempt to reasonably calm a situation
or resolve a conflict, the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney shall act as a staff liaison with a member
of the public who refuses to stop talking and refuses to move away from the podium.
b. Written Comments:
Citizens have the option of submitting written views, opinions, comments, data, and arguments to Council on
any topic and at any time, not just prior to or during public Council meetings. Unless the Mayor asks the Clerk
to read written mailed or e-mailed comments, or the citizen reads their own prepared written comments, such
comments shall not be read aloud during regular or special Council meetings although they shall be included
as part of the public record on the topic and if appropriate, may be publicly acknowledged. Any written
comments submitted to Council via the City Clerk shall be distributed to Council by placing copies at each
Councilmember’s workstation or City desk; or in the case of e-mailed or other electronic comments, shall be
forwarded to Council via e-mail, unless such e-mail has already been supplied to members of Council. If
individual Councilmembers receive written (including electronic) public comments or materials for the
purpose of reading/sharing those materials during Council meetings, those materials should be submitted to
the City Clerk prior to the Council meeting so the Clerk can make copies for later distribution to members of
Council.
c. Electronic Comments:
Councilmembers shall avoid accessing any electronic message during Council meetings. Accessing such
communication could be construed as receiving public comment without the benefit of having the citizen in
person to address their concerns to the entire Council at once. (See also page 18, C9 Internet Use)
2. Council Rules of Order
The City Clerk shall serve as the official parliamentarian for all Council meetings, and shall keep a copy of the
most current “Robert’s Rules of Order” (RONR) at meeting locations during Council meetings.
3. Quorum
At all regular and special meetings of the Council, a majority of the Councilmembers who hold office shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A lesser number may adjourn from time to time, provided
that written notice of said adjournment is posted on the exterior doors of the place where the meeting is held
pursuant to RCW 42.30.090. Council meetings adjourned under the previous provision shall be considered
regular meetings for all purposes. (RCW 35A.13.170, 35A.12.120)
4. Seating Arrangement
Councilmembers shall occupy the respective seat in the meeting place assigned to them by the Mayor.
5. Attendance
a. Unexcused Absences: A Councilmember’s responsibility to attend Council meetings should not be taken
lightly, nor should a decision to remove a Councilmember for missing meetings. Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.060
“a council position shall become vacant if the councilmember fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings
of the council without being excused by the council.” As soon as possible after two consecutive unexcused
absences, and prior to a third consecutive unexcused absence, the absent Councilmember must request a leave
of absence if they desire to remain on the Council. At a third consecutive meeting where a Councilmember is
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not excused and there has been no request for a leave of absence, the absent Councilmember’s office shall be
forfeited effective immediately.
b. Excused Absences: Members of Council may be excused from meetings with prior notification to the Mayor,
City Clerk, or City Manager prior to the meeting, and by stating the reason for the inability to attend.
Acceptable absences may include death of a family member, family or personal illness, inclement weather,
accident, scheduled vacations, family or personal emergency, City related business, or unusual or unforeseen
circumstances. Following or prior to roll call, the Presiding Officer shall inform the Council of the member’s
absence, and inquire if there is a motion to excuse the member. The motion shall be nondebatable. Upon
passage of such motion by a majority of members present, the absent member shall be considered excused and
the City Clerk shall make an appropriate notation in the minutes.
c. Leave of Absence: A Councilmember whose serious health or physical condition would prevent them from
performing the duties of Councilmember may ask to be placed on a leave of absence under the following
conditions:
i. Such serious health or physical condition must be certified in writing by a medical physician.
ii. The request for a leave of absence shall be in writing, and hand-delivered or mailed to the Mayor,
City Clerk, or City Manager at least one week prior to the date when such leave would commence.
iii. The request for a leave of absence must state the anticipated date the Councilmember will resume
their duties.
iv. By majority vote of the whole Council, a leave of absence shall be granted as follows:
a. The absence shall not exceed 90 days from the date the motion is passed by Council
b. The absent Councilmember shall retain pay and medical benefits during the leave of absence
c. At the end of the 90-day leave of absence, the absent Councilmember shall either:
i. Return to normal Council duties commencing with the first Tuesday following the end
of the 90-day leave; or
ii. be subject to RCW 35A.12.060 concerning three consecutive absences, beginning
with the first Tuesday following the end of the 90-day leave.
d. A leave of absence may only be granted twice during a Councilmember’s four-year term, with no less than
six months between each request. Upon approval of a leave of absence, the absent Councilmember shall not
be replaced with a pro-tem Councilmember during the absence.
6. Respect and Decorum
It is the duty of the Mayor and each Councilmember to maintain dignity and respect for their offices, City staff
and the public. While the Council is in session, Councilmembers shall preserve order and decorum and a
Councilmember shall neither by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings of the Council,
nor disrupt or disparage any Councilmember while speaking. Councilmembers and the public shall comply
with the directives of the Presiding Officer. Any Councilmember making disruptive, disparaging or impertinent
remarks, or unreasonably disturbing the business of the Council shall be asked to cease such disruption. Any
other person attending a Council meeting who disrupts the meeting in such a fashion that the Council is
impaired in its ability to attend to the business of the City, may be asked to leave, or be removed from the
meeting. At any time during any Council meeting, any Councilmember may object to personal affront or other
inappropriate comments, by calling for a “point of order.” After the Councilmember is recognized by the
Presiding Officer and the Councilmember explains their point concerning respect and decorum, or lack thereof,
the Presiding Officer shall rule on the remark. If the person making the remark is a Councilmember, the
Presiding Officer may ask the Councilmember to cease. If the person making the remark is a member of the
public, the Presiding Officer shall determine if the remark is actually disruptive, and whether the remark has
impaired the ability of the Council to attend to the business of the City. If so, the Presiding Officer shall seek
the removal of that person from the meeting. Continued disruptions may result in a recess or adjournment as
set forth in #10 below.
7. Dissents and Protests
Any Councilmember shall have the right to express dissent from or protest verbally or in writing, against any
motion, ordinance or resolution of the Council and have the reason therefore entered in the minutes.
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8. Remote Participation
a. Remote Council Meetings: In the event of unusual circumstances such as a pandemic or other health or
safety emergency where Council meetings would need to be held in such a manner as to protect the health,
safety and welfare of Council, staff and citizens, participation in such meetings shall be done remotely provided
an option is available for the public to attend through internet or other electronic means. Council, staff and the
public must be able to see and hear the meeting proceedings. At least a quorum of councilmembers must be
able to participate.
b. Remote Broadcast: All City Council meetings shall be broadcast live using an online remote meeting
platform, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another similar platform, to allow citizens to attend the meetings
remotely. Public comment will be accepted from remote attendees at the appropriate portion(s) of the meeting
as defined per the agenda.
c. Councilmembers may appear at a Council meeting by remote connection: Any Councilmember intending to
attend a meeting remotely should notify the Mayor and City Clerk in advance of the meeting, such request
shall be for reasons where the Councilmember cannot physically attend the meeting, and should be made only
when necessary. Councilmembers’ cameras should remain on for the duration of the remote meeting. If a
technical problem prevents such participation where the remote Councilmember cannot hear or be heard, the
Councilmember shall be counted as an excused absence and the technical difficulty shall be stated for the
record. During any meeting that a Councilmember is attending remotely, the Mayor or presiding officer shall
so state for the record at the beginning of such meeting. In instances where the Mayor is remotely attending a
meeting, the Mayor may still function as the Presiding Officer. More then one member of Council may attend
a meeting remotely, provided all together in person and remotely, there is a quorum of Councilmembers
attending.
9. Internet Use
a. Use of the City’s network systems implies Council is aware of and understands that the system is provided
to assist in the performance of their roles as Councilmembers, and as such, Councilmembers are obligated to
use, conserve and protect electronic information and information technology resources and to preserve and
enhance the integrity of those resources which belong to the citizens of Spokane Valley.
b. As noted on page 16, Councilmembers shall avoid accessing any electronic message during Council
meetings whether by e-mail, text, or other means,. Accessing such communication could be construed as
receiving public comment without the benefit of having the citizen in person to address their concerns.
Likewise, Councilmembers shall avoid browsing the Internet during Council meetings in order that Council’s
full attention can be given to the topic at hand.
c. Information technology resources are provided for the purpose of conducting official City business. The use
of any of the City’s information technology resources for campaign or political use is prohibited unless it has
been determined by the City Attorney, Washington State Attorney General, or Washington Public Disclosure
Commission, that such use is not a violation of RCW 42.17A.555 or is otherwise authorized by law.
d. Confidential material shall not be sent via e-mail or text.
e. All letters, memoranda, and interactive computer communication (e-mail, text, tweet, etc.) involving
Councilmembers, the subject of which relates to the conduct of government or the performance of any
governmental function, with specific exceptions stated in the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) are public
records. Copies of such letters, memoranda and interactive computer communication shall not be provided to
the public or news media without the member of the public or news media filing a public record request with
the City Clerk. With this in mind, texting and tweeting concerning City business is strongly discouraged.
f. E-mail communications that are intended to be distributed among all Councilmembers, whether concurrently
or serially, shall be considered in light of the Open Public Meetings Act. If the intended purpose of an e-mail
is to have a discussion that should be held at an open meeting, the electronic discussion should not occur, and
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Council discussion should wait until everyone has had ample opportunity to view the message before including
such topic(s) on an upcoming agenda.
10. Adjournment Due to Emergency or Disruption
In the event of an emergency such as a fire or other natural or catastrophic disaster, threatened violence, or
inability to regain or retain good order, the Presiding Officer shall forthwith declare a recess, adjourn, or
continue the meeting, and the City Council as well as everyone in the room shall immediately leave the meeting
room and if necessary, leave the building. The Presiding Officer may reconvene the meeting when it has been
determined by the appropriate safety officials that it is safe to do so.
11. Permission Required to Address the Council
Persons other than Councilmembers and staff shall be permitted to address the Council upon recognition and/or
introduction by the Presiding Officer or City Manager.
12. Approaching the Dais by Members of the Public
Once a Council meeting has been called to order, members of the public are prohibited from stepping between
the speaker's podium and the dais, or stepping behind any part of the dais or stepping behind those sections
adjacent to the dais. If citizens wish Council to receive materials, those materials should be handed to the City
Clerk prior to the meeting or during the public comment section of the agenda, and the Clerk will distribute
the materials to members of Council. Council reserves the right to invite anyone forward to the podium to be
addressed by Council.
13. Out of Order Requests
Occasionally a member of the public may wish to speak on an agenda item but cannot remain until the item is
reached on the agenda. During “General Public Comment Opportunity,” such person may request permission
to speak by explaining the circumstances. The Presiding Officer in his/her sole discretion shall rule on whether
to allow the out of order request. Alternatively, the member of the public could also discuss their request with
the Mayor prior to or after the meeting.
14. Photographs, Motion Pictures or Videos Requiring Artificial Illumination – Prior Permission
Required
No overhead projection, photographs, motion pictures, or videos shall be used by the public at City Council
meetings without the prior consent of the Presiding Officer or the City Manager.
15. Placing Items on a Future Agenda:
a. New Item Council Business: During the Advance Agenda portion of a council agenda, a Councilmember
may request to have items placed on a future agenda. Each request shall be treated separately. The City
Manager is most familiar with staff’s workload and shall determine when the item can be prepared and brought
forward to Council, unless the Council wants to discuss the item prior to staff’s involvement. The following
process shall be used to propose an item for a future Council meeting:
i. A Councilmember may propose an item and give a brief explanation of the issue and its importance
to the City.
ii. Councilmembers may ask clarifying questions.
iii. By a show of hands, a consensus of four or more Councilmembers may move the item forward to
a future agenda.
b. Except for routine items such as those found on most Consent Agendas, requests for items to come before
Council shall be routed through the City Manager or come directly from the City Manager as part of the normal
course of business.
16. Motions and Discussion
a. Order of Procedure:
i. Member of Council makes a motion by stating: “I move . . .” After the motion is seconded, staff
makes their presentation, then the Mayor will ask Council if there are any questions of staff. Once all
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questions have been addressed, the staff member shall step away from the podium to allow for any
public comment.
ii. The Mayor will invite public comments. Public comments should be limited to one comment per
person per topic and limited to three minutes. The Mayor can remind the public this is time for
comments and not discussion; and if the public has questions, those questions shall be addressed by
staff at another time outside the meeting.
iii. The Mayor will open the floor to Council for discussion. The maker of the motion normally begins
the discussion. The discussion must have bearing on whether the pending motion should be adopted
(RONR §43); and can be prefaced by a few words of explanation, but must not become a speech
(RONR §4). All Council remarks should be addressed through the Mayor.
iv. When discussion has ended, the Mayor will re-state the motion or ask the Clerk to re-state the
motion. Once the motion is re-stated, the Mayor will call for the vote, which is normally taken by
voice. The Mayor or the Clerk will then state whether the motion passed or failed.
b. In General:
i. Except in rare circumstances, Council motions shall be in the form of an affirmative motion.
Affirmative motions are preferred to prevent “approval by default” of a failed negative motion.
ii. Unless otherwise stated by the presiding officer, agenda items requiring Council action shall begin
with a motion by a Councilmember prior to discussion. If a motion fails, the agenda item shall be
considered concluded. However, said item could be reconsidered if done during the same meeting, or
through Council majority vote it could be brought back at a later meeting to “rescind an action,” or to
“amend something previously adopted.” (Mayoral appointments excepted. See Chapter 4, page 41 for
further discussion on Committees.)
iii. Councilmembers should direct questions to the City Manager or the designated presenter.
iv. Main motions are made when no other motion is pending (see chart below). They are debatable
and subject to amendment. Since seconding a motion means “let’s discuss it,” if there is no second but
discussion ensues, the matter of having a second to proceed is moot and the motion can proceed.
However, if there is no second and no discussion, the motion does not progress. Note that the motion
does not “die for a lack of a second” but it merely does not progress.
v. The maker of a motion can withdraw their motion with the approval of the majority of
Councilmembers (see notes below table below). The person making the motion is entitled to speak
first to the motion. A maker of the motion may vote against the motion but cannot speak against their
own motion.
vi. No Councilmember should be permitted to speak twice to the same issue until all Councilmembers
wishing to speak have spoken. All remarks shall be directed to the Presiding Officer and shall be
courteous in language and deportment (Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, Article VII, Section
43, Decorum in Debate), keeping in mind it is not the Councilmember, but the measure that is the
subject of debate.
vii. When an amended motion is on the floor, the vote is taken on whether to adopt the amendment. If
adopted, the next vote is on the fully amended motion.
viii. Motions should be reserved for items marked on the agenda for action, so as to avoid any surprises
for Council, staff and the public.
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Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance
Roberts IF YOU YOU SAY INTERRUPT NEED Can be Can be VOTE
ND
Rules of WANT TO 2 Debated Amended
Order §
11 Postpone I move to postpone . . . No Yes Yes No Majority
indefinitely (the . (an affirmative vote
purpose is to can be reconsidered; a
prevent action negative vote cannot.)
or kill an issue.) indefinitely
12 Modify wording I move to amend the No Yes Yes Yes** Majority
of motion motion by . . .
14 Postpone to a Ex: I move to postpone No Yes Yes Yes Majority
certain time the motion to the next
Council meeting.
16 Close debate I move the previous No Yes No No Majority*
question, or I call for
the question ***
17 To Table a I move to lay on the No Yes No No Majority
motion table, the motion to
19 Complain about Point of Privilege Yes Yes Yes Yes Chair
noise, room decision
temperatures etc
20 Take break I move to recess for . . No Yes No Yes Majority
21 Adjourn I move to adjourn No Yes No No Majority
meeting
23 Object to Point of Order Yes No No No Chair
procedure or decision
personal affront
25 Suspend rules I move to suspend the No Yes No No Majority*
rules and . . .
34 Take matter I move to take from No Yes No No Majority
from table the table the motion to
35 Reconsider I move we reconsider No Yes Yes Yes Majority
something action on . . .
already
disposed of
It should be noted that the purpose of tabling a motion is not to simply postpone an issue or a vote. If the intended purpose
is to postpone, then the motion to postpone should be used. If more information is needed or desired in order to make the
most informed vote possible, then an option would be for the maker of the motion to simply withdraw the motion. The
consent of the seconder is not needed to withdraw a motion, however, withdrawal of a motion should be done with the
approval of a majority of Councilmembers present \[Mayor, I request permission to withdraw my motion. The Mayor
asks if there is any objection, and if none, the motion is withdrawn. If there is objection, the Mayor will call for a vote.\]
While a motion is still on the table, no other motion on the same subject is in order. The motion to table enables the assembly
to lay the pending question aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has arisen. The motion to “Lay
on the Table” is out of order if the evident intent is to kill or avoid dealing with a measure. (Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
th
Revised, 10 Edition)
*(Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised states 2/3 vote required. Council direction is to base vote on majority except on
matters where 2/3 (or majority plus one) is required by state statute.
** If the main motion to amend can be amended.
***Call for the Question: if it is felt that debate on a motion on the floor has continued longer than warranted, a member of
Council may “call the question.” The “call for the question” is a motion to end debate and vote immediately. If this “call
for the question” motion is passed by a majority vote, then the vote must be taken on the original debated motion on the
floor.
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17. Voting The votes during all meetings of the Council shall be transacted as follows:
a. The Presiding Officer shall first call for a vote from those in favor of the motion, followed by a call for those
opposed to the motion, and afterwards shall state whether the motion passed or failed. Unless otherwise
provided by statute, ordinance, or resolution, all votes shall be taken by voice or a show of hands. At the request
of any Councilmember or the City Clerk, a roll call vote shall be taken by the City Clerk. The order of the roll
call vote shall be determined by the City Clerk.
b. Unless otherwise provided by statute, ordinance, or resolution, in case of a tie vote on a motion, the motion
shall be considered lost.
c. Every member who was present when the question was called, shall give his/her vote. If any Councilmember
refuses to vote “aye” or “nay,” their vote shall be counted as a “nay” vote unless the Councilmember has
recused themself due to actual or perceived appearance of a conflict of interest, which shall be so stated prior
to the vote at hand. Abstentions are not permitted as abstentions are equivalent to not voting, and the members
of the public expect their elected officials to vote on issues.
d. The passage of any ordinance, grant or revocation of franchise or license, and any resolution for the payment
of money, any approval of warrants, and any resolution for the removal of the City Manager shall require the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the whole membership of the Council (RCW 35A.12.120). Except as
provided in “e” below, all other motions or resolutions shall require an affirmative vote of at least a majority
of the quorum present.
e. Majority Plus One: The passage of any public emergency ordinance (an ordinance that takes effect
immediately), expenditures for any calamity, violence of nature, riot, insurrection, or war; and provisions for
a lesser emergency, such as a budget amendment (RCW 35A.33.090), shall require the affirmative vote of at
least a majority plus one of the whole membership of the Council. (RCW 35A.13.190).
18. Recusal From Discussion and Consideration.
a. Situations may arise when a Councilmember should consider whether to recuse themselves from the
consideration and decision-making on a particular item. These situations can arise in various ways, including
having an interest in a contract being considered by the City, or when a Councilmember has a bias in some
fashion regarding an issue before the Council. For additional discussion and explanation, please see page 49
Appendix C – Spokane Valley Councilmembers’ Statement of Ethics. The overarching goal of the conflict of
interest laws is to prevent municipal officers from engaging in self-dealing. Seattle v. State, 100 Wn.2d 232,
246 (1983). \[Self-dealing is defined as a situation in which a fiduciary acts in his own best interest in a
transaction rather than in the best interest of his clients. A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in the best interest
of his clients. A fiduciary is a person to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit of another.\]
b. Prohibited acts. There are some conflicts which cannot be waived, and some actions in which
Councilmembers shall not engage. RCW 42.23.070 prohibits municipal officers from:
i. Using “his or her position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself, herself, or others.”
ii. Directly or indirectly giving or receiving or agreeing to receive “any compensation, gift, reward,
or gratuity from a source except the employing municipality, for a matter connected with or related to
the officer’s services as such an officer unless otherwise provided for by law.”
iii. Accepting employment or engaging in business or professional activity that “the officer might
reasonably expect would require or induce him or her by reason of his or her official position to
disclose confidential information acquired by reason of his or her official position.”
iv. Disclosing confidential information “gained by reason of the officer’s position, nor may the officer
otherwise use such information for his or her personal gain or benefit.”
c. Conflict of interest – contracts. In contractual matters, Councilmembers are required to avoid directly
benefitting from contracts entered into by the City. When a Councilmember is aware that they may benefit
from such a contractual relationship, they are required to recuse themselves. Other situations may arise where
a Councilmember may indirectly benefit. In these circumstances, the determination of whether a conflict of
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interest exists such that they should recuse themselves will have to be made by that Councilmember based on
facts and circumstances known at the time.
d. Bias for or against a proposed action. There will be situations for each Councilmember where, based upon
their current or prior work or personal relationships, that Councilmember may not be able to participate in a
discussion and decision on a given issue because they likely can’t be objective. In such an event, the
Councilmember must give due consideration to their potential to be predisposed, and whether they believe
they can objectively consider and decide on the issue. If the answer is yes, then the Councilmember may
proceed. If this self-analysis is difficult as to whether the Councilmember can be objective, but the
determination is that they can, the Councilmember should strongly consider disclosing the nature of the
potential bias to the Council, and then announce whether they believe they can or cannot proceed. If the
Councilmember does not believe they can be reasonably objective, they should recuse themselves from the
discussion and consideration. The purpose for recusal under such circumstances is that the Council wants the
public to have the utmost confidence that decisions are made objectively, and that all citizens and businesses
will be treated equally and fairly.
e. Process and Disclosure: When a Councilmember determines recusal is appropriate, or when it is required
by law, the Councilmember shall announce that they need to recuse themselves, explain the factual
circumstances, then step off the dais and out of the meeting place. A staff member will retrieve the
Councilmember once that issue is finished being discussed. The determination of whether to recuse oneself
from an issue, and then formally recusing, shall occur before any discussion has taken place on that issue to
ensure that Councilmember does not participate in the matter in any fashion.
f. The following is an example of appropriate language where recusal is warranted:
Following careful analysis and consideration, I think it is appropriate for me to recuse myself from any
discussion and decision on this matter. I have known the owners of * business for * years, am friends with
them, and believe it would be most appropriate for me not to participate in this matter. As such, I will
recuse myself and step out of the room. OR
Following careful analysis and consideration, I think it is appropriate for me to recuse myself from any
discussion and decision on this matter. I own a business that competes directly with the business at issue,
and believe it would be most appropriate for me not to participate in this matter. As such, I will recuse
myself and step out of the room.
g. The following is an example of appropriate language where the Councilmember determines that he/she
does not need to recuse themselves from the matter: Following careful analysis and consideration, I think
it is appropriate for me to participate in the discussion and decision on this matter. Although I am
somewhat familiar with this matter from my prior association with *, I believe I can be objective and
unbiased. As such, I will not recuse myself, and will participate with the rest of the Council in the
discussion and decision.
19. Ordinances
a. Except for unusual circumstances or emergencies, ordinances and resolutions shall customarily be prepared,
introduced and proceed in normal fashion with an administrative report, then first and second reading in
accordance with the “Three Touch Principle.” Prior to final passage of all ordinances or resolutions, such
documents shall be designated as drafts.
b. A Councilmember may, in open session, request the City Manager bring forth an ordinance for a specific
purpose.
c. Ordinances shall normally have two separate readings at separate Council meetings. Unless waived by the
City Council at each reading, the title of an ordinance shall be read by the City Clerk prior to its passage.
However, if a Councilmember requests that the entire ordinance or certain sections be read, such request shall
be granted. Printed copies shall be available upon request to any person attending a Council meeting.
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d. The provision requiring two separate readings of an ordinance may be waived at any meeting of the Council
by a majority vote of all members present. This would require a successful motion to suspend the rules and
pass the ordinance on a first reading.
e. If a motion to pass an ordinance to a second reading fails, the ordinance shall be considered lost, unless a
subsequent motion directs its revision and resubmission to a first reading.
f. Any ordinance repealing any portion of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code shall also repeal the respective
portions of the underlying ordinance(s). Ordinances repealing earlier ordinances shall not apply to acts,
incidents, transactions or decisions occurring before such repeal.
g. Council may not pass a franchise ordinance at a special meeting \[RCW 35A.47.040\].
h The passage of any ordinance, grant or revocation of franchise or license shall require the affirmative vote
of at least a majority of the whole membership of the Council. \[RCW 35A.13.170\]
i. The passage of any public emergency ordinance (an ordinance that takes effect immediately), expenditures
for any calamity, violence of nature, riot, insurrection, or war; and provisions for a lesser emergency, such as
a budget amendment (RCW 35A.33.090), shall require the affirmative vote of at least a majority plus one of
the whole membership of the Council. (RCW 35A.13.190).
j. Occasionally, an ordinance will be on an agenda the same night as a public hearing on the same topic, such
as a public hearing on a budget, amended budget, proposed tax, or moratorium, and an ordinance approving
that item. When that occurs, after the public hearing has been closed and Council moves to the ordinance action
item, public comment shall not be taken on the ordinance since it was just taken as part of the public hearing
process. Public comment will also not be taken during the ordinance’s second reading at a subsequent Council
meeting. This procedure will also be used if a public hearing on a specific issue is held before the Planning
Commission; so that when the resulting ordinance comes before Council, public comment will not be taken on
either the first or the second reading.
20. Resolutions
a. A resolution may be approved on the same day it is introduced. While it is not necessary to have the title of
a resolution read aloud, Council may ask the City Clerk to read the resolution title in order to facilitate public
understanding and/or comment. A Councilmember may request that the entire resolution or certain sections be
read, and such request shall be granted and the City Clerk shall read as requested. Printed copies shall be made
available upon request to any person attending a Council meeting.
b. The passage of any resolution for the payment of money, any approval of warrants, and any resolution for
the removal of the City Manager shall require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the whole
membership of the Council.
c. Occasionally, a resolution will be on an agenda the same night as a public hearing on the same topic, such
as a public hearing on an amended Transportation Improvement Program, and a Resolution approving that
amendment. When that occurs, after the public hearing has been closed and Council moves to the resolution
action item, public comment shall not be taken on the resolution since it was just taken as part of the public
hearing process. This procedure will also be used if a public hearing on a specific issue is held before the
Planning Commission, which would result in a resolution for Council consideration.
21. Community Recognition Program:
a. In an effort to acknowledge outstanding citizens, businesses and organizations who have made a significant
contribution, or have had or continue to have, a positive impact on the citizens of our community, the Council
has implemented a Community Recognition Program.
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b. Eligibility: Must be a citizen/resident or an owner/operator of a business within Spokane Valley City limits.
City of Spokane Valley elected officials, staff members and their relatives are not eligible for nomination,
however, they may submit nominations. There is no limit to the number of nominations one may submit.
c. Selection: will be made by the Mayor with confirmation by the Council. If selected, recognition will take
place at a City Council meeting and depending upon the nature of the nomination, the honoree will be presented
with a proclamation, certificate of appreciation, and/or a key to the City.
d. Process: Nominations shall be submitted on a Community Recognition Form, addressed to the City Clerk,
and may be made at any time.
e. Selection of these recipient(s) will typically be held during a formal format Council meeting, under the
Agenda Item of Introduction of Special Guests and Presentations.
22. Proclamations:
a. Ceremonial proclamations not associated with the Community Recognition Program.
i. These proclamations are not statements of policy but are a means by which the City can recognize
an event, group or individual. As part of the ceremonial duties of the Mayor, the Mayor is charged
with approval of proclamations at his/her discretion; and reserves the right to decline any proclamation
request as well as the right to make exceptions to these guidelines and procedures. Individual
Councilmembers will not issue proclamations, and requests for a proclamation should be directed to
the Mayor or the City Clerk.
ii. Proclamations will be considered for approval which will proclaim certain events or causes when
such proclamation positively impacts the community and conveys an affirmative message to Spokane
Valley residents. Proclamations will not be considered which are potentially controversial, political or
religious in nature unless approved by the majority of Councilmembers.
iii. Proclamations can be issued at the discretion of the Mayor, and may be for organizations,
individuals, or businesses within or outside Spokane Valley’s jurisdiction.
b. Procedure for proclamations to be read at a Council Meeting:
i. The person making the request need not be a Spokane Valley resident
ii. Requests should be made at least four weeks in advance of the scheduled Council meeting
iii. The person asking for the proclamation should agree to be in attendance or have someone attend in
their stead
iv. The City Clerk will inform the requestor whether the proclamation request is approved
v. The person making the request shall draft the proclamation and send it to the City Clerk once
approval is given
vi. The City retains the right to modify and/or edit the proposed proclamation as it sees fit
vii. It is the Council’s preference to have proclamations read at formal meetings, which are generally
ndth
held the 2 and 4 Tuesdays; however, proclamations may be read at Study Sessions due to scheduling
conflicts.
c. For those instances where proclamations are requested for events other than to be read at an open Council
meeting, the same procedure as above shall be followed, but instead of having someone at a Council meeting
to officially receive the proclamation, the City Clerk will mail the proclamation to the requestor, or it can be
hand-carried by the Councilmember attending the event to read the proclamation.
d. Reading of these proclamations will typically take place at a formal format Council meeting, immediately
after the Mayor’s report, or could take place as the first agenda item on a Study Session.
23. Taxes: Increasing or Imposing New Taxes The Council strongly believes in fiscal restraint, and that
increasing the tax burden on its property owners and citizens by increasing or imposing new taxes should be
avoided except as a last resort. In addition to complying with all applicable statutory requirements, increasing
or imposing new taxes should only be done as follows:
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a. As requested by the City Council, the City Manager in consultation with the Finance Director, shall notify
the City Clerk of Council’s desire for a proposed ordinance, and ask the City Attorney to prepare a draft
ordinance.
b. Within 14 days following notice to the City Clerk, the City Clerk shall publish a notice of public hearing
once a week for two consecutive weeks in the official newspaper of the City, stating
i. the date, time and place of Council’s public hearing
ii. the purpose of the hearing: that a tax increase or new tax has been proposed
iii. that a copy of the proposed draft ordinance shall be furnished to any City taxpayer who requests it;
and
iv. that any City taxpayer may appear and provide verbal or written comment for or against the
proposed draft ordinance.
c. Preceding such public hearing, staff will provide an administrative report to Council describing the financial
deficit and need for the increased or new tax; and if Council concurs and after the public hearing, the proposed
draft ordinance shall proceed as follows:
i. Proceed with a first reading of the proposed draft ordinance (same or different meeting as the public
hearing)
ii. Second reading of the proposed draft ordinance at a subsequent meeting.
d. Approval of increasing or imposing new taxes requires an affirmative vote of a majority plus one of the
whole Council.
24. Hearings: \[note: See Appendix A, page 46 for quasi-judicial hearings\]
a. Purpose
i. Held to obtain public input on legislative decisions on matters of policy
ii. Are required by state law in such matters as comprehensive plan use plans, or annual budget
iii. Do not involve legal rights of specific private parties in a contested setting
iv. Affect a wide range of citizens or perhaps the entire jurisdiction
v. Decisions reached as a result of these hearings are not second-guessed by the courts, and if
challenged, are reviewed only to determine if they are constitutional or violate state law
b. Process
i. State statutes do not specify how public hearings should be conducted. Because legislative hearings
are generally informal, the main concern is to provide an opportunity for all attending members of the
public to speak if they desire. Individual comments shall be limited to a specific amount of time as
determined by the Presiding Officer , and the public should be advised that comments must relate to
the matter at hand. The “ground rules” for the conduct of the hearing may be stated by the Presiding
Officer at the beginning of the hearing:
a. All public comments shall be made from the speaker’s podium, shall be directed to the Mayor
and Council, and any individual making comments shall first give their name and city of residence.
Speakers may be asked to spell their last name because an official recorded transcript of the public
hearing is being made.
b. No comments shall be made from any other location, and anyone making “out of order”
comments shall be subject to removal from the meeting.
c. Unless otherwise determined by the Presiding Officer, all public comments shall be limited to
three minutes per speaker and members of the public are not permitted to give any of their own
speaking time to other members of the public. This time is an opportunity to hear from various
members of the public in a limited public forum, and not an opportunity for extended comments
or dialogue.
d. At the discretion of the Presiding Officer, members of the public shall only speak once per issue.
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e There shall be no demonstrations, applause or other audience participation, before, during or at
the conclusion of anyone’s presentation. Such expressions are disruptive and take time away from
the speakers.
f. Unless read and/or handed in by the individual speaker during the public hearing, previously
received written public comments shall be read by the City Clerk at the pleasure of the Mayor. In
the interest of time, the Mayor may limit the reading of such comments to the Clerk reading who
the letter or written material is from, and if easily discernible, whether that person is for or against
the issue at hand. All written comments become an official part of the record.
g. These rules are intended to promote an orderly system of holding a public hearing, to give
persons an opportunity to be heard, and to ensure that individuals are not embarrassed by
exercising their right of free speech.
ii. The Presiding Officer declares that the public hearing on the topic at hand is open, notes the time
for such opening, and asks staff to make their presentation.
iii. After staff presentations, the Presiding Officer calls for public comments.
iv. The Presiding Officer asks if any members of Council have questions of any of the speakers or
staff. If any Councilmember has questions, the appropriate individual shall be recalled to the podium.
v. The Presiding Officer declares the public hearing closed and notes the time for such closing.
25. Reconsideration
a. The purpose of reconsidering a vote is to permit change or correction of an erroneous action, or to take into
account added information or a changed situation that has developed since the taking of the vote. Any action
of the Council, including final action on applications for legislative changes in land use status, shall be subject
to a motion to reconsider except:
i. any action previously reconsidered;
ii. motions to adjourn or motions to suspend the rules;
iii. an affirmative vote to lay an item on, or take an item from, the table;
iv. previously passed motion to suspend the rules; or
v. a vote electing to office one who is present and does not decline.
b. Such motion for reconsideration:
i. shall be reconsidered during the same Council meeting;
ii. shall be called up when no business is pending (no action is pending);
iii. if action is pending, the Mayor asks the Clerk to note that the motion to reconsider has been made
and shall be taken up when a member calls the motion to reconsider the vote when no other business
(action ) is pending;
iv. shall be made by a member who voted on the prevailing side on the original motion. This means a
reconsideration can be moved only by one who voted aye if the motion involved was adopted, or no if
the motion was lost. It is permissible for a Councilmember who cannot make such a motion, but
believes there are valid reasons for one, to try to persuade someone who voted on the prevailing side,
to make such a motion.
v. a member who makes this motion should state that he or she voted on the prevailing side;
vi. needs a second, and can be seconded by any member;
vii. is debatable if the type of motion it reconsiders is debatable; and
viii. is not amendable and requires a majority vote to adopt.
c. Step 1: A member of Council who voted on the prevailing side makes the motion, such as "I move to
reconsider the vote on the resolution relating to holidays. I voted for \[or against\] the resolution." This motion
needs a second, which can be seconded by any Councilmember.
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d. Step 2: If the motion for reconsideration is adopted, the original motion is then placed before Council as if
that motion had not been voted on previously; and Council again takes that motion under discussion, followed
by a new vote.
e. Any motion for reconsideration of a matter which was the subject of a required public hearing or which is a
quasi-judicial matter, may not be discussed or acted upon unless and until the parties or their attorneys and the
persons testifying have been given at least five days advance notice of such discussion and/or action.
26. Council Materials
a. Council Material: Councilmembers and staff should read the agenda material and ask clarifying questions
of the City Manager or other appropriate staff prior to the Council meeting when possible. A good opportunity
to do this is at the Advance Agenda meeting. Council recognizes there are times when Councilmembers may
wish to bring additional documentation to a meeting on a specific subject, whether that subject is on the agenda
or not, in order to share with Council and staff. When possible, the materials should be distributed to
Councilmembers and staff prior to the Council meeting, or if distributed during a meeting, Councilmembers
should indicate they would like the materials considered for a future meeting, since except in an emergency,
Councilmembers would normally not take time at the dais to read material just received. Pre-scheduled
materials Council wishes to share as part of the Council packet could also be included on study session agendas
under “Council Comments.”
b. Council Packets: Councilmembers shall personally pick up their agenda packets from their City desk, unless
otherwise arranged by the Councilmember or further directed by Council. Councilmembers have the option of
accessing their Council packet via the City’s website. Unless notified otherwise, the City Clerk shall prepare
a hard copy agenda packet for individual Councilmembers.
c. Packet Materials: Request for Council Action form (RCA): This is a cover sheet used by staff to introduce
an agenda item. It includes the agenda item title, citing of governing legislation associated with the topic,
previous Council action taken, and background on the topic. Options for Council consideration are also
included, as well as a staff recommended action or motion. The options and recommended action or motion
should be viewed as aids to Council in making a motion or taking action, but should not be thought of as
obligatory, as Council always has the option of making a motion different from what is included on the form.
Generally, by the time an item is ready for a motion, Council has already read, heard, and/or discussed the item
at least three times (such as an informational item, an administrative report, and lastly as an action item), and
the wording of a motion would not normally be controversial, although it is important to state the motion as a
motion, such as “I move to” or “I move that” or other similar language.
27. “Three Touch Principle”
Decision makers and citizens at all levels of the City should have adequate time to thoroughly consider the
issues prior to final decisions. It is the intent of the Council that the Council and administration shall abide by
the “Three Touch Principle” whenever possible. These procedural guidelines are designed to avoid “surprises”
to the City Council, citizens and administrative personnel. Any request or proposal for adopting or changing
public policy, ordinances, resolutions or City Council directives which require a decision of the City Council
or administration, should “touch” the decision makers three separate times. This includes verbal or written
reports, “information only” agenda items, or any combination thereof. To facilitate the Council’s strategic use
of legislative time at its meeting, staff may satisfy the first touch by issuing an informational memorandum,
unless the subject matter is complex in nature. Quasi-judicial matters and any subject discussed in executive
sessions are excluded from application of the “Three Touch Principle.”
It is recognized that unexpected circumstances may arise wherein observance of the “Three Touch Principle”
would be impractical. However, when unusual circumstances arise which justify a “first discussion” decision,
the persons requesting the expedited decision should also explain the timing circumstances. This principle
excludes staff reports and other general communications not requiring a Council decision.
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CHAPTER 2
Legislative Process
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A. Election of Officers Procedures for electing officers are as follows:
1. Biennially, at the first meeting of the new Council, the members thereof shall choose a Presiding Officer
from their number who shall have the title of Mayor. In addition to the powers conferred upon him/her as
Mayor, he/she shall continue to have all the rights, privileges and immunities of a member of the Council. If a
permanent vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the members of the Council at their next regular meeting
shall select a Mayor from their number for the unexpired term. Following the election of the Mayor, election
of a Deputy Mayor shall be conducted in the same manner. The term of the Deputy Mayor shall run
concurrently with that of the Mayor. (RCW 35A.13.030) There are no term limits for the office of Mayor or
Deputy Mayor.
2. The election for Mayor shall be conducted by the City Clerk. The City Clerk shall call for nominations. Each
member of the City Council shall be permitted to nominate one person, and a nomination shall not require a
second. A nominee who wishes to decline the nomination shall so state at that time. Nominations are then
closed. The election for Deputy Mayor shall be conducted by the Mayor, and nominations shall be made in the
manner previously described for the election of the Mayor.
3. Except when there is only one nominee, election shall be by written ballot. Each ballot shall contain the
name of the Councilmember who cast it. Selection of Mayor and of Deputy Mayor shall each be determined
by majority vote of Councilmembers present. The City Clerk shall publicly announce the results of the election.
Thereafter, the City Clerk shall record the individual Councilmember’s vote in the minutes of the meeting.
4. If the first round of votes results in no majority vote of Councilmembers present, the voting process shall
be repeated no more than two more times. During subsequent votes, Councilmembers do not have to vote the
same as they did in the previous vote. If after three attempts, Council is unable to agree on a Mayor by majority
vote of Councilmembers present, the office of Mayor shall be temporarily filled by an Acting Mayor, which
shall be the Councilmember who just previously served as Mayor if that person is still a member of Council,
or if the previous Mayor is no longer a Councilmember, then by the Deputy Mayor, or if such person prefers
not to serve as Mayor or if that person is no longer a member of Council, the Councilmember with the next
highest seniority. The Acting Mayor shall continue in office and exercise such authority as is described in
RCW 35A.13 until the members of the Council agree on a Mayor, which shall be determined at the next
scheduled Council meeting, at which time the role of Acting Mayor shall cease and terminate.
5. At the next scheduled Council meeting voting for Mayor shall proceed in the same manner as the initial first
round of voting from the previous Council meeting, but Councilmembers shall only vote on the
Councilmembers who received the highest number of votes. If after three voting attempts, there is still no
majority vote of Councilmembers present, the vote shall be determined by whichever Councilmember has the
most votes at the third voting attempt. If at that time, there is a two-way tie of Councilmembers receiving the
most votes, the tie shall be broken based on the flip of a coin. The City Manager shall flip the coin. If there are
more than two Councilmembers tying with the most votes, that tie shall be determined by another means of
chance to narrow the Councilmembers down to two, at which time the outcome shall be determined by written
ballot.
B. Filling Council Vacancies
1. General Process: (Note that public comment shall not be taken during this entire process.) If a vacancy
occurs on the City Council, the Council shall follow the procedures outlined in RCW 35A.13.020 and Council’s
adopted procedure in compliance with RCW 35A.13.020, as well as RCW 42.12.070. The timeline will vary
depending on when the process begins. Pursuant to RCW 35A.13.020, City Council has 90 days from the
vacancy to appoint a qualified person to the vacant position. If this timeframe is not met, the City’s authority
in this matter would cease and the Spokane County Board of Commissioners would appoint a qualified person
to fill the vacancy. In order to be qualified to run for Spokane Valley City Council, or hold such position, a
person must be \[RCW 42.04.020\] a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older, a resident of the City
of Spokane Valley for a year or more preceding his or her election, a registered voter in the City of Spokane
Valley at the time of filing the declaration of candidacy and at the time of filing the declaration of candidacy
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if the candidate had ever been convicted of a felony, they must no longer be under the authority of the
Department of Corrections, or currently incarcerated for a felony.
Pursuant to RCW 42.12, remaining members of Council shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy as
an interim position who will serve from the date of appointment until the person elected in the November odd-
numbered year general election takes office, which is the date the election results are certified, normally around
th
the 26 of November. (See also 35A.12.040) Immediately upon the election being certified, that just-elected
person will take the oath of office, take their position as a member of Council, and complete the remainder of
the unexpired term.
a. Procedure for Filling a Council Vacancy, Timeline/Procedure-Publication: The City Clerk shall
publish the vacancy announcement inviting citizens of the City who are interested and qualified to sit as a
Councilmember, to apply on an application form provided by the City (see Appendix E page 53 for
application). Qualifications to sit as a Councilmember are set forth in RCW 35A.13.020, which refers to RCW
35A.12.030: (1) must be a registered voter of the city at the time of filing his or her declaration of candidacy;
(2) has been a resident of the city for a period of at least one year next preceding his or her election. Additional
qualifications include those stated above under #1 General Process, and that Councilmembers shall not hold
any other office or employment within the Spokane Valley City government \[RCW 35A.12.030\]. In order to
avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, no member of Council's immediate family may be currently
employed by the City of Spokane Valley since employment is considered a contractual matter, and a
councilmember would have a prohibited interest in a contract between a family member who is an employee
of the city, and the city. (See Appendix G page 58 Definitions for description of immediate family.) If possible,
the vacancy announcement shall be published for three consecutive weeks.
b. The City Clerk shall establish the deadline to receive applications, for example, no later than 4:00
p.m. on a certain date.
c. RCW 42.30.110(1)(h), set a special meeting with an executive session beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Council shall meet and adjourn to executive session to review and discuss all of the applications. After the
review and discussion, Council shall return to meeting place and the Special Meeting shall be adjourned.
d. Hold a regular 6:00 p.m. meeting, same evening as above special meeting. Pursuant to RCW
42.30.110(1)(h), Council shall meet in open session and part of this agenda shall include selection of applicants
to interview. Selection shall be by nomination and second. A vote shall be taken and candidates receiving a
majority vote of those councilmembers present, shall be interviewed. Immediately after this Council meeting
or as soon as practicable, the Clerk shall send a list of potential questions to all those to be interviewed.
e. Schedule the conducting of the interviews for an upcoming Council meeting. Pursuant to RCW
42.30.110(1)(h), the interviews shall be conducted during an open Council meeting. Each interview shall be a
maximum of 30 minutes.
f. Schedule a special 5:00 p.m. meeting with an executive session. Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(h),
Council shall meet and adjourn to executive session (closed session) to discuss applicants. After the discussion,
the Special Meeting shall be adjourned as usual.
g. Hold a regular 6:00 p.m. meeting, same evening as “f” above special meeting. Pursuant to RCW
42.30.110(1)(h), Council shall meet in open session; and the last action item of that agenda will include a vote
to fill the vacancy. Upon selection of the new Councilmember, that person shall be sworn in by the City Clerk,
and take their seat at the dais.
2. Nomination Options for Conducting Interviews:
a. After holding an executive session to review applications, during a subsequent open session, any
Councilmember may
i. nominate an applicant to be interviewed
ii. the nomination must be seconded
iii. Councilmembers may make more than one nomination, but only one at a time
iv. the Mayor shall ask if there are further nominations
v. if no further nominations, the Mayor shall close the nominations
vi. votes shall be taken on each applicant in the order of nomination
vii. votes shall be by raised hand
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viii. applicants receiving a majority of votes of those Councilmembers present, shall be interviewed
ix. once all voting has taken place, the City Clerk shall summarize which applicants shall be
interviewed based on the voting outcome. As soon as possible after the Council meeting, the City Clerk
shall notify each applicant to inform them if they will or will not be interviewed; notify those to be
interviewed of the date and time for their interview, and send each person to be interviewed, the list of
possible interview questions; or
x. Instead of the above nomination process, after holding an executive session to review applications,
Council may choose to interview all applicants
b. The length of the interview shall be determined based upon the number of applicants and interviews
shall be done in last-name alphabetical order. The City Clerk shall notify all applicants of the date, time and
procedure for their interview. To keep the process as fair as possible, on the date of the interview, applicants
not yet interviewed shall be asked to wait in a waiting area outside the meeting place and away from viewing
or hearing the meeting’s proceedings.
c. If during open session, Council has nominated only one person to interview, or in the case of more
than one vacancy, one person per vacancy, Council may forego the interview process and move to make the
appropriate appointment.
3. Interview Questions/Process:
During the interview, each Councilmember may ask each candidate a maximum of three questions, which
includes any follow-up questions. Candidates shall be interviewed in alphabetical order of last name.
4. Nomination and Voting Process to Select Applicant:
a. Nomination Process: Councilmembers may nominate an applicant to fill the vacancy. A second is required.
If no second is received, that applicant shall not be considered further unless no applicant receives a second,
in which case all applicants who were nominated may be considered again. Councilmembers may not make
more than one nomination unless the nominee declines the nomination and unless there is no second to the
nomination; in which case the Councilmember make another nomination. Once the nominations are given, the
Mayor shall close the nominations and Council shall proceed to vote.
b. Voting Process. RCW 42.12.070 states that where one position is vacant, the remaining members of the
governing body shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position. By adoption of this policy, Council
has chosen the following process for making such appointment:
i. Except when there is only one nominee, a vote for an applicant shall be by written ballot. Each ballot
shall contain the name of the Councilmember who cast it.
ii. The vacancy may only be filled when a majority of the remaining City Council (whether present or
not) affirmatively votes for the applicant, i.e. if five City Councilmembers are present, this would
require at least four Councilmembers voting for an applicant. If subsequent rounds of voting are
needed, each round of voting follows the same process. The Mayor may ask for Council discussion
between voting rounds.
iii. Round One Vote: The City Clerk shall publicly announce the results of the election. The applicant
receiving the majority of votes shall be the new Councilmember. If no applicant receives a majority of
votes from the City Council, then the three applicants receiving the most affirmative votes would be
considered in a second round.
iv. Round Two Vote: Round Two proceeds the same as Round One. If one of the three applicants still
fails to receive a majority of affirmative votes, then the two applicants of the three who received the
most affirmative votes would then be considered in a third round; or if there are only two applicants
and they receive tie votes, a third round shall be taken. Councilmembers may change their vote
between rounds.
v. Round Three Vote: Round Three proceeds the same as Rounds One and Two. If after this round,
the vote of the two applicants results in a tie, then the City Manager, with concurrence of Council shall
flip a coin to determine who shall fill the vacancy, with the applicant whose last name is closest to the
letter A being assigned “heads” and the other person assigned “tails.” In the rare circumstance where
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both applicants' last name begins with the same letter of the alphabet, the applicant whose entire last
name is closest to the letter A shall be assigned “heads” and the other person assigned “tails.” In the
equally rare circumstance where both applicants have the same last name, the applicant whose first
name is closest to the letter A shall be assigned “heads” and the other person assigned “tails.”
5. Seating of New City Councilmember:
Once an applicant either has received a majority of votes or wins the coin flip, if the appointed applicant is at
the meeting, the City Clerk shall administer the oath of office, and the new Councilmember shall be officially
seated as a City Councilmember. If the appointed applicant is not at the meeting, such action is not official
until the applicant takes the oath of office.
C. Legislative Agenda
Councilmembers work each year (or sometimes every two years) to draft a State and a Federal “legislative
agenda” to address Council ideas, suggestions and specific legislative programs in terms of upcoming or
pending legislative activity in Olympia and Washington, D.C. that would or could have an effect on our City.
These agendas can also be addressed during Council’s participation in the Association of Washington Cities
(AWC)annual conference, and the annual National League of Cities Conference held in Washington, D.C.
D. Council Travel Allocation
Council is allocated a budget to handle certain City business-related travel expenses. The total allocation of
travel funding budgeted for the legislative branch for the fiscal year shall be apportioned equally among six
Councilmembers, and the Mayor may receive additional funding based on the extra travel demands of the
office. These monies may be used to defray expenses for transportation, lodging, meals and incidental expenses
incurred in the conduct of City business. Periodic updated statements of expenditures are available to
Councilmembers upon request to the Finance Department or the City Manager’s Executive Assistant. Should
a Councilmember exhaust their apportionment of funds, that person shall be personally responsible for
payment of any travel and related expenses unless they have requested and received written affirmation from
another Councilmember of their voluntary allocation to grant the travel related expenses from that granting
Councilmember’s travel apportionment. Such granting of travel allocations shall be documented with the
appropriate completed form (see Appendix F, page 57). During the last six months of a Councilmember’s
current term of office, Councilmembers shall not incur City business-related travel expenditures outside a 50
mile radius unless such travel fulfills the obligations of the Councilmember’s service on statewide or regional
boards, commissions or task forces.
E. COUNCIL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
1. Travel Approval and Expense.
a. General Travel: Councilmembers are entitled to payment of and reimbursement for lawful expenditures
incurred on official City business when such expenditures are within the allotted budget. The City shall not
reimburse Councilmembers for meals or beverages with constituents when there is not at least a quorum present
as that would not be considered official City business. The City shall not reimburse an expense associated with
fundraising or political events. The City shall also not reimburse an expense if that expense is reimbursable by
another agency. Each Councilmember shall be permitted to travel within the constraints of each
Councilmember’s allotted budget, which may also include donated allocation(s) from another
Councilmember(s). (See Appendix F page 57 for Request Form.)
b. Allowable Travel Expense. Allowed travel expenses include transportation, lodging, meals, and other related
expenditures lawfully incurred by Councilmembers in the course and scope of their Councilmember duties.
i. Meals are provided as a per diem rate at 35% above the amounts posted by the General Services
Administration at www.gsa.gov/perdiem. For each full day of travel, all three meals are reimbursable
unless they are provided by a third party. Meals provided through a third party such as through a
conference registration, will be subtracted from the per diem amount. Per diems on the first and last
day of a trip are governed as set forth below.
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Departure Day
Depart before 8:00 am Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Depart before 12:00 noon Lunch and dinner
Depart after 12:00 noon Dinner
Return Day
Return before 12:00 noon Breakfast
Return between 12:00 noon & 7:00 p.m. Breakfast and lunch
Return after 7:00 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
ii. Lodging is reimbursed for the actual cost of the room, minus any room extras. If paid in advance, a
receipt is required for reimbursement.
iii. Tips are allowable expenditures when they approximate 15% or less, unless the personal service
provider sets a mandatory group rate at a higher percentage, or the tip is already included in the
expenditure. Please carefully examine your bill and be aware of statements such as “A service charge
of __%/$ will be added to your bill.” Reimbursement for tips is limited to valet services, and taxi/ride
share transportation. Tips on meals are included in the per diem rates above.
iv. When staff is making and paying for air travel arrangements, airline trip insurance may be
purchased on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the City Manager. Times when such trip
insurance may be purchased include necessary travel when the weather is questionable.
v. A monthly mileage stipend of $25 for each Councilmember, and $50.00 for the mayor, shall be
provided for local travel for City business within 15 miles from City Hall. If travel is beyond 15 miles
from City Hall, mileage shall be reimbursed according to the current IRS mileage rates for traveled
miles as determined by such websites as google maps, or other internet apps or mileage distance
calculators, using the shortest route between two places.
c. Non-Reimbursement or Prohibition of Travel Expense.
Unauthorized travel expenses include but are not limited to the following items, for which no reimbursement
shall be allowed:
i. Liquor
ii. Expense of a spouse or other persons not authorized to receive reimbursement under this policy
iii. Personal entertainment/movies
iv. Theft, loss, or damage to personal property
v. Barber or beauty parlor
vi. Airline or other trip insurance (see b iv directly above)
vii. Personal postage
viii. Reading material except for that associated with official City business
ix. Personal telephone calls
x. Personal toiletry articles, including toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, brush, candy, gum, tissues, and
other miscellaneous items
xi. Dry cleaning/laundry service
xii. Prohibited expenses charged to the City in error shall be immediately reimbursed.
d. Conferences/Meetings/Seminars.
i. Where a meal is included in a registration package, the cost of a meal eaten elsewhere shall not be
provided in the per diem rate unless its purpose is to allow the conduct of City business.
ii. For meetings or seminars hosted by an organization for which the City pays membership dues,
lodging is limited to the amounts that are reasonable and necessary based upon the government or
conference rate offered by the host hotel(s).
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iii. When an extra day’s stay would reduce airfare beyond the extra day’s hotel and meals, a
Councilmember may stay an extra day.
2. Payment of Expenses.
a. Use of City Credit Cards. Use of City credit cards for travel is authorized pursuant to chapter 2.65 SVMC.
b. Prepayment. Examples of travel expenses subject to prepayment include registration fees, airline tickets,
and certain lodging where the cost is part of the registration package. Prepayment is generally handled by the
City Manager’s Executive Assistant.
c. Direct Billing. Direct billing to the City for expenses such as meals and lodging is prohibited.
d. Expense Reimbursement Report. Expense Reimbursement Forms shall be completed no less than monthly.
Councilmembers shall complete the Expense Reimbursement Form and submit it to Finance, documenting the
amount due the Councilmember or City as appropriate. The actual amounts expended shall be written on the
form with itemized receipts attached. The completed Expense Reimbursement Form shall be submitted to
Finance within 45 days after completing travel. Expense Reimbursement Forms submitted more than 45 days
after completing travel shall not be honored.
3. Use of Personal Vehicle.
a. Reimbursement. Expenses for the use of personally-owned vehicles in the course of City business are
reimbursed at the then-current U.S. Government (IRS) rate. Councilmembers who use their personal car for
City business shall carry, at a minimum, the Washington state required insurance coverage. Councilmembers
shall be responsible for maintaining this coverage at their own cost.
b. Passengers. Should more than one Councilmember travel in the same personal vehicle on City business,
only the individual owning the vehicle is entitled to reimbursement for transportation.
4. Cancellation.
A Councilmember shall adhere to cancellation deadlines when canceling conferences, seminars, regional
meetings, hotel, and airfare, or any other pre-payment or obligation made on his/her behalf. Except in the case
of a personal or family emergency, or in the event the cancellation was a City business decision, expenses
incurred by the City resulting from failure to conform to cancellation deadlines are the personal responsibility
of the Councilmember, and those expenses shall be repaid to the City within fourteen calendar days of the
cancellation.
F. Ballot Measures:
1. State Law
RCW 42.17A 555. State law has enacted statutory prohibitions (with limited exceptions) against the use of
public facilities to support or oppose ballot propositions:
“No elective official nor any employee of his or her office nor any person appointed to or
employed by any public office or agency may use or authorize the use of any of the facilities of a
public office or agency, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a campaign for election
of any person to any office or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition.
Facilities of a public office or agency include, but are not limited to, use of stationery, postage,
machines, and equipment, use of employees of the office or agency during working hours,
vehicles, office space, publications of the office or agency, and clientele lists of persons served
by the office or agency. However, this does not apply to the following activities:
(1) Action taken at an open public meeting by members of an elected legislative body or by
an elected board, council, or commission of a special purpose district including, but not
limited to, fire districts, public hospital districts, library districts, park districts, port
districts, public utility districts, school districts, sewer districts, and water districts, to
express a collective decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, resolution,
order, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot proposition so long as (a) any
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required notice of the meeting includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and
(b) members of the legislative body, members of the board, council, or commission of the
special purpose district, or members of the public are afforded an approximately equal
opportunity for the expression of an opposing view.
(2) A statement by an elected official in support of or in opposition to any ballot proposition
at an open press conference or in response to a specific inquiry;
(3) Activities which are part of the normal and regular conduct of the office or agency.”
\[emphasis added\]
2. City’s Implementation of RCW 42.17A.555
In the City’s implementation of RCW 42.17A.555, the City Council shall not, during any part of any Council
meeting, consider requests from outside agencies or individuals, for Council to support or oppose ballot
measures; nor shall Council permit any public comment on any past, current, or future possible/proposed ballot
issue, whether or not such comments seek endorsement or are just to inform Council of upcoming or proposed
ballot issues; nor shall Councilmembers disseminate ballot-related information.
3. Providing Informative Materials to Council
The requestor has the option of mailing materials to individual Councilmembers via the United States Postal
Office. Because even the use of e-mail for ballot purposes could be construed as use of public facilities and
could be interpreted as being in violation of RCW 42.17A.555, materials should be sent via regular mail
through the United States Postal Office. Information shall be objective only and not soliciting a pro or con
position.
4. Public Comment.
Council has determined that ballot issues (including past, current, or possible/proposed ballot issue) are not the
business of the City, and has chosen not to support or oppose ballot issues as those are left to the will of the
people voting. The use of any of the City’s facilities including the use of the Council chambers, other meeting
location, and/or broadcast system would likely be construed as being in violation of RCW 42.17A.555 and
therefore, general public comment on ballot issues, or proposed ballot issues shall not be permitted. (See page
15, Chapter 1, C Public Comments for more specific direction on allowable public comment)
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CHAPTER 3
Council Contacts
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A. Citizen Contact/Interactions Outside of a Council Meeting
1. Mayor/Council Correspondence
Councilmembers acknowledge that in the Council/Manager form of government, the Mayor is recognized by
community members as a point of contact. To facilitate full communications, staff shall work with the Mayor
to circulate to Councilmembers, copies of emails and written correspondence directed to the Mayor regarding
City business. This provision shall not apply to invitations for mayoral comments at various functions, nor
requests for appointments or other incidental contact between citizens and the office of the Mayor.
2. Concerns, Complaints and Suggestions to Council
When citizen concerns, complaints or suggestions are brought to any, some, or all Councilmembers, the
Councilmember should, when deemed appropriate and/or necessary, consult with the City Manager to, first
determine whether the issue is legislative or administrative in nature and then:
i. If legislative, and a concern or complaint is about the language or intent of legislative acts or
suggestions for changes to such acts, and if such complaint suggests a change to an ordinance or
resolution of the City, the matter may be referred, with Council consensus, to a future Council agenda
for Council’s recommendation in forwarding the matter to a committee, administration, or to the
Council for study and recommendation.
ii. If administrative, and a concern or complaint regards administrative staff performance, execution
of legislative policy or administrative policy within the authority of the City Manager, the
Councilmember should then refer the complaint directly to the City Manager for review, if said
complaint has not been so reviewed. The City Council may direct that the City Manager brief the
Council when the City Manager's response is made.
3. Administrative Complaints Made Directly to Individual Councilmembers
a. When administrative policy or administrative performance complaints are made directly to individual
Councilmembers, the Councilmember should then refer the matter directly to the City Manager for review
and/or action. The individual Councilmember may request to be informed of the action or response made to
the complaint. However, the City Manager shall not be required to divulge information he/she deems
confidential, in conformity with applicable statutes, ordinances, regulations, policies or practices.
b. Although citizens’ direct access to elected officials is to be encouraged to help develop public policy, City
Councilmembers should not develop a “personal intervention” pattern in minor calls for service or
administrative appeals which may actually delay a timely customer service response. The best policy is to get
the citizen into direct contact with customer service unless an unsatisfactory result has occurred in the past. In
that case, refer to the paragraph above.
4. Social Media
Councilmembers shall not use social media as a mechanism for conducting official City business, although it
is permissible to use social media to informally communicate with the public. Examples of what may not be
communicated through the use of social media include making policy decisions, official public noticing, and
discussing items of legal or fiscal significance that have not been released to the public. As with telephone and
e-mails, communication between and among Councilmembers via social media could constitute a “meeting”
under the Open Public Meetings Act, and for this reason, Councilmembers are strongly discouraged from
“friending” other Councilmembers.Councilmembers shall comply with the City Councilmember Social Media
Policy which is attached hereto as Appendix H and wholly incorporated herein.
5. Donations
On occasion, Councilmembers could be contacted by citizens or businesses regarding donations. See Spokane
Valley Municipal Code 3.34. for policy on donations.
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B. Staff Contacts and Interactions
1. Role of the City Manager
The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City of Spokane Valley. The City Manager is
directly accountable to the City Council for the execution of the City Council's policy directives, and for the
administration and management of all City departments. The powers and duties of the City Manager are defined
by Washington law RCW 35A.13.080. Such duties may be expanded by Ordinance or Resolution. Balanced
with the City Manager’s accountability to the City Council for policy implementation is the need for the
Council to allow the City Manager to perform legally defined duties and responsibilities without interference
by the City Council in the management decisions of the City Manager.
2. City Staff Attendance at Meetings
a. The City Manager or his/her designee shall attend all meetings of the City Council, unless excused by the
Presiding Officer or Council. The City Manager shall be responsible to the Council for the proper
administration of all affairs of the City. The City Manager shall recommend for adoption by the Council such
measures as he/she may deem necessary or expedient; prepare and submit to the Council such reports as may
be required by the body or as the City Manager deems advisable to submit; keep the Council fully advised as
to the business of the City; and shall take part in the Council’s discussion on all matters concerning the welfare
of the City. (RCW 35A.13.080)
b. It is Council’s intent that the City Manager schedule adequate administrative support during Council
meetings for the business at hand, keeping in mind that the City Manager must also protect the productive
capability of department directors and of all staff. Required attendance at meetings by City staff shall be at
the pleasure of the City Manager.
3. City Clerk - Minutes
The City Clerk, or in the Clerk’s absence the Deputy City Clerk shall keep minutes as required by law, and
shall perform such other duties in the meeting as may be required by the Council, Presiding Officer, or City
Manager. In the absence of the City Clerk and the Deputy City Clerk, the City Clerk shall appoint a replacement
to act as Clerk during the Council meeting. The Clerk shall keep minutes which identifies the general
discussion of the issue and complete detail of the official action or agreement reached, if any. As a rule and
when possible and practical, regular meetings, or those Council meetings held at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, (which
includes formal format and study session format) shall be video-recorded. Special meetings shall not normally
be video-recorded. Executive Sessions shall not be video or audio recorded. Original, signed and approved
minutes shall be kept on file in the City Clerk’s office and archived according to State Record Retention
Schedules. Copies of the approved minutes shall also be posted on the City’s website as soon as practical after
such minutes are approved and signed. Whenever possible, video recordings of Council meetings shall be
posted on the City’s website.
4. Administrative Interference by Councilmembers
Neither the Council nor any of its committees or members shall direct or request the appointment of any person
to, or his/her removal from, any office by the City Manager or any of his/her subordinates. Except for the
purpose of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative branch solely through the
City Manager and neither the Council nor any committee or member thereof shall give any directives, tasks,
or orders to any subordinate of the City Manager, either publicly or privately; provided, however, that nothing
herein shall be construed to prohibit the Council, while in open session, from fully and freely discussing with
the City Manager anything pertaining to appointments and removals of City officers and employees and City
affairs. (RCW 35A.13.120.)
5. Informal Communications Encouraged
RCW 35A.13.120 should not be construed as to prevent informal communications with City staff that do not
involve orders, direction, or are meant to influence actions or administrative policy. Members of the Council
are encouraged to interact informally and casually with City staff for the purpose of gathering information,
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obtaining explanations of policies and programs or providing incidental information to staff relevant to their
assignment. Such informal contacts can serve to promote better understanding of specific City functions and
problems. However, Councilmembers must be careful in such interaction to avoid giving direction or advice
to members of City staff. While maintaining open lines of communication, City staff responding to information
requests from Councilmembers shall inform their supervisor of such contact and provide the supervisor with
the same information shared with the Councilmember.
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CHAPTER 4
COMMITTEES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS
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A. Regional Committees, Commissions and Boards of Outside Organizations in which City is a Member.
1. Appointment, Removal, and AttendanceCommittees
a. Spokane Valley Councilmembers and/or residents who seek representation on any standing committee,
board, or commission required by state law for which a representative of the City is required by Washington
law or to which the City pays membership dues (collectively referred to herein as “Outside Organization
Committees”), shall be appointed (or approved) by the Mayor with confirmation by the Council.
b. Appointment Process: Any committee, board, commission, task force, etc., requiring Mayoral appointment
of committee members, shall also require confirmation by the Council, which shall be by majority vote of
those present at the time the vote takes place. By majority vote, Council can reject the appointment. If Council
fails to confirm the recommended appointment, the Mayor could either make another recommendation, or the
appointment may be postponed to a later date, giving City staff opportunity to further advertise for committee
openings. This process also applies to the annual appointment of Councilmembers to Committees and Boards,
which is usually done during the first few weeks of January.
c. Attendance at Committee/Board meetings: Attendance at these meetings is important so that a report can be
given to the full Council concerning the meeting’s activities, plans, agenda, etc. If the assigned
Councilmember cannot attend the committee meeting, every effort should be made to give advance notice to
the committee alternate to attend in their stead if possible.
d. Removal Process of Councilmember. Any Councilmember on any committee, board, commission, task
force, etc., requiring Mayoral appointment, may be removed by the Mayor, with confirmation by the Council,
which shall be by majority vote of those present at the time the vote takes place.
e. Removal Process of Citizen: Any citizen on any committee, board, commission, task force, etc., requiring
Mayoral appointment, may be removed by the Mayor, with confirmation by the Council, which shall be by
majority vote of those present at the time the confirmation vote takes place. Reasons for removal include
conflict of interest, unexcused multiple absences, or for those committees which require the appointee to be a
Spokane Valley citizen, failure to qualify as to residency.
f. A Councilmember or citizen may resign due to conflicts of time or scheduling commitments, or other
personal reasons. A vacancy caused by resignation, shall be filled as soon as appropriate, but not sooner than
two weeks, with notation of such on the advance agenda.
g. These committee, commission board appointments as well as removals, shall be placed as action items on
Council meeting agendas, and when possible and practical, will be noted on the Advance Agenda at least two
weeks prior to such action.
h. If an Outside Organization Committee offers a Councilmember a position on said committee, and the
Councilmember accepts the appointment without the official approval of the Mayor which has been confirmed
by Council, then the Councilmember shall resign from the Outside Organization Committee. If the
Councilmember does not so resign, then (1) the Councilmember is prohibited from using City funds or
resources for purposes related to their participation on the committee, or to otherwise further the interests of
any committee; (2) the Councilmember’s service on said committee shall be in that Councilmember’s personal
capacity only – not as a representative of the City or Council; and (3) the Councilmember shall notify said
committee in writing that his service thereon is only as a private citizen and not as a representative of the City
or Council. The Mayor may also send formal written notification to the Outside Organization Committee that
said Councilmember does not have authority to represent the City or Council on said committee.
2. Council Relations with RegionalOutside Boards, Commissions and Council Citizen Advisory Bodies Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Hanging: 0.19", Tab stops:
Not at 0.46"
to Which They Are Appointed
a. The purpose of these appointments is to provide Council with insight into areas of interest or concern within
each board. As liaisons and representatives of the City, it is the duty of Councilmembers to remember that their
sole purpose in attending these meetings and participating as an appointed board/committee member is to
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represent the City; and as such during those meetings, Councilmembers may not act as a representative of any
other business, group or organization without the express consent of the Council.
b. Councilmembers are encouraged to share with all Councilmembers, copies of minutes from any statutory
boards, commissions, or committees on which they serve and participate. Communications from such boards,
commissions and bodies to the City Council which seek action or feedback, should be acknowledged by the
Council, preferably by a letter from the Mayor. Any member of the Council may also bring such
communication to the Presiding Officer’s attention under the agenda item “Committee, Board and Liaison
Reports.” If any member of the Council requests that any such communication be officially answered by the
Council, the Presiding Officer may place the matter on an upcoming agenda for a specific Council meeting,
or take other appropriate action.
B. In-House In-House Committees, Boards, etc.
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0.99" + 6.6"
1. Standing committees or commissions required by law The members of standing committees, boards, and/or
commissions of the City (collectively referred to under this subsection B as “in-house committees”) shall be
appointed by the Mayor for a time certain (not to exceed the term provided by law or the term of office of the
appointing Mayor) with and confirmed by Council confirmation by majority vote. Such appointments are
generally made at the first or second meeting in January. The Mayor, with approval by majority vote of those
Councilmembers present at the time the vote occurs, has authority to remove and replace members from in-
house committees. Following are established in-house committees:
a. Planning Commission -- 7 members.
“SVMC 18.10.010 Establishment and purpose.
There is created the City of Spokane Valley Planning Commission (hereafter referred to as the
“Planning Commission”). The purpose of the Planning Commission is to study and make
recommendations to the Mayor and City Council for future planned growth through continued review
of the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, development regulations, shoreline management,
environmental protection, public facilities, capital improvements and other matters as directed by the
City Council.
18.10.020 Membership.
A. Qualifications. The membership of the Planning Commission shall consist of individuals who
have an interest in planning, land use, transportation, capital infrastructure and building and landscape
design as evidenced by training, experience or interest in the City.
B. Appointment. Members of the Planning Commission shall be nominated by the Mayor and
confirmed by a majority vote of at least four members of the City Council. Planning commissioners
shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and shall serve without compensation. The
Mayor, when considering appointments, shall attempt to select residents who represent various
interests and locations within the City.
C. Number of Members/Terms. The Planning Commission shall consist of seven members. All
members shall reside within the City limits. Terms shall be for a three-year period, and shall expire on
the 31st day of December.
D. Removal. Members of the planning commission may be removed by the Mayor, with the
concurrence of the City Council, for neglect of duty, conflict of interest, malfeasance in office, or other
just cause, or for unexcused absence from three consecutive regular meetings. Failure to qualify as to
residency shall constitute a forfeiture of office. The decision of the City Council regarding membership
on the planning commission shall be final and without appeal.
E. Vacancies. Vacancies that occur other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the
unexpired term in the same manner as for appointments.
F. Conflicts of Interest. Members of the planning commission shall fully comply with Chapter 42.23
RCW, Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers; Chapter 42.36 RCW, Appearance of Fairness; and such
other rules and regulations as may be adopted from time to time by the City Council regulating the
conduct of any person holding appointive office within the City. No elected official or City employee
may be a member of the planning commission.”
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b. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee -- 5 members.
“SVMC 3.20.040 Lodging tax advisory committee.
The City Council shall establish a lodging tax advisory committee consisting of five members. Two
members of the committee shall be representatives of businesses required to collect the tax, and at least
two members shall be persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by this chapter. The City
shall solicit recommendations from organizations representing businesses that collect the tax and
organizations that are authorized to receive funds under this chapter. The committee shall be comprised
equally of members who represent businesses required to collect the tax and members who are
involved in funded activities. One member of the committee shall be from the City Council. Annually,
the membership of the committee shall be reviewed. The Mayor shall nominate persons and the
Councilmember for the lodging tax advisory committee with Council confirmation of the nominees.
Nominations shall state the term of committee membership. Appointments shall be for one- and two-
year terms.”
c. Finance Committee-- 3 members.
The Finance Committee generally consists of three Councilmembers. Meetings are conducted on an
as-needed basis as determined by the City Manager. Matters that should be addressed by the Finance
Committee, include, but are not limited to:
i. authorizing on short notice, approval of change orders that are in excess of the amounts
authorized in SVMC 3.35.010(C), in circumstances where such a change order is necessary to avoid a
substantial risk of harm to the City. In such an event, the City Manager shall provide appropriate
information to the city council at its next regular meeting setting forth the factual basis for the action.
ii. during the last six months of a Councilmember’s current term of office, incurring City
business-related travel expenditures requires the prior authorization of the Finance Committee, except
when such travel fulfills the obligations of the Councilmember’s service on statewide or regional
boards, commissions or task forces.
iii. a Councilmember shall adhere to cancellation deadlines when canceling conferences,
seminars, regional meetings, hotel, and airfare, or any other pre-payment or obligation made on his/her
behalf. Except in the case of a personal or family emergency, or in the event the cancellation was a
City business decision, expenses incurred by the City resulting from failure to conform to cancellation
deadlines are the personal responsibility of the Councilmember and those expenses shall be repaid to
the City within fourteen calendar days of the cancellation. This is generally tracked by the City
Manager’s Executive Assistant.
d. Governance Manual Committee – 5 - 6 members
This committee usually consists of two or three Councilmembers, the City Manager, the City Attorney,
and the City Clerk. The purpose of this Committee is to periodically review the Governance Manual
for edits needed for clarity or correction, or to add or edit specific sections by Council consensus, or
by request of staff as the need arises. After discussion as a committee, the matter may be scheduled as
an administrative report on a future Council agenda. The finalized Governance Manual shall be
approved via Resolution. All edits, revisions, and additions to the Governance Manual shall be
approved via a Resolution. All reports to Council regarding adoption of any proposed edits, revisions,
and/or additions to the Governance Manual shall be presented by a Councilmember sitting on this
Committee, who shall be chosen by (a) the Councilmembers on the Committee, or (b) the Mayor if the
Committee Councilmembers are unable to agree on the same. This committee should strive to meet
quarterly throughout the year, e.g. in February, May, August, and November.
e. Agenda Committee – Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Manager, City Clerk
At the Mayor’s option, and either by a schedule determined by the Mayor or by personal individual
invitation, the Mayor may invite a third Councilmember to attend this weekly meeting. The attendance
by a third Councilmember is at the third Councilmember’s discretion. Other staff may be invited at the
discretion of the City Manager. As noted in Chapter 1(B)(4), this committee generally meets at a fixed
weekly time to review the Council agenda of the upcoming meeting as an opportunity to ask questions
and/or request additional materials or research needed for the impending meeting, and to review the
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Advance Agenda, which is a planning document to aid in scheduling items on future Council agendas.
Since this is a standing committee of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk, no
committee appointments are necessary.
2. When required by law, committee meetings should be open to the public, including the media, unless
discussing matters which would qualify for an executive session if discussed within the whole Council. All
Council committee meetings shall be for the purpose of considering legislative policy matters, rather than
administrative matters unless requested by the City Manager. Legislative policy considerations should be
brought to the Council unless referred to a committee for pre-study.
3. The Mayor may appoint such other ad hoc advisory committees or liaisons from the Council or community
for the purpose of advising the Council in legislative policy matters. All ad hoc committees shall be defined
by a clear task and a method of “sunsetting” the committee at the conclusion of the assigned task. As with all
committee vacancies, ads announcing a vacancy or soliciting membership or participation in a task force or
other committee shall be placed on the City’s website, and in the City’s official newspaper.
C. Private Committees, Commissions, and Boards
The Council recognizes there are various other private committees, boards and commissionscommittees
(collectively referred to under this subsection C as “committees”), such as Spokane Neighborhood Action
Partners (SNAP), which appointments are made by their own board. These boards and committees which do
not require an appointment by our Mayor or , with confirmation by our Council, but are nonetheless important
aspects of our community and we recognize the time commitment any Councilmember may extend as a
member of any of those committees and/or boards. As well, Council appreciates hearing a periodic report or
update on activities and issues surrounding those boards and committees.
However, a Councilmember sitting on such a committee, board, or commission may only participate in their
capacity as a private citizen. Councilmembers are prohibited from (a) acting on such committees in any
capacity as a representative of the City; (b) characterizing, either by omission or affirmative action, their
committee participation as being on behalf of or as a representative of the City; and/or (c) using City funds or
resources for purposes related to their participation on the committee, or to otherwise further the interests of
any committee.
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APPENDIX A
Quasi-Judicial Hearings
1. Purpose
Quasi-judicial public hearings involve the legal rights of specific parties, and the decisions made as a result of
such hearings must be based upon and supported by the “record” developed at the hearing. Quasi-judicial
hearings are subject to stricter procedural requirements than legislative hearings. Most quasi-judicial hearings
held by local government bodies involve land use matters, including site specific rezones, preliminary plats,
variances, and conditional uses. (MRSC Public Hearings When and How to Hold Them by Bob Meinig, MRSC
Legal Consultant August 1998)
2. Specific Statutory Provisions
a. Candidates for the City Council may express their opinions about pending or proposed quasi-judicial actions
while campaigning, pursuant to RCW 42.36.040, except that sitting Councilmembers shall not express their
opinions on any such matter which is or may come before the Council.
b. Ex-parte communications should be avoided whenever possible. During the pendency of any quasi-judicial
proceeding, no Councilmember may engage in ex parte communications with proponents or opponents about
a proposal involved in the pending proceeding unless the Councilmember: (1) places on the record the
substance of such verbal or written communications; and (2) provides that a public announcement of the
content of the communication and of the parties’ rights to rebut the substance of the communication shall be
made at each hearing where action is taken or considered on the subject. This does not prohibit correspondence
between a citizen and his or her elected official if the correspondence is made a part of the record, when it
pertains to the subject matter of a quasi-judicial proceeding. (RCW 42.36.060)
3. Actions/Procedures for a Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing
See Spokane Valley Municipal Code Appendix C for City Council Appeal Hearing Procedures.
Page 46 of 63
APPENDIX B: RESOLUTION 07-019
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 07-019
AMENDED GENERAL POLICY RESOLUTION OF CORE BELIEFS
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY AMENDING RESOLUTION 03-027,
ESTABLISHING A GENERAL POLICY RESOLUTION EMANATING FROM THE CORE BELIEFS OF
THE CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY AND SETTING FORTH DUTIES OF BOTH ELECTED AND
APPOINTED OFFICIALS OF THE CITY TO HELP GUIDE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE
DECISIONS TOWARD EFFECTIVE, RESPONSIVE, AND OPEN GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, as the elective legislative body, is charged with
promulgating Ordinances and Resolutions which become the law of the city; and
WHEREAS, such Ordinances and Resolutions must provide enforceable provisions subordinate to, and in
harmony with, all other applicable federal and state statutes and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide a clear set of general policy guidelines for the conduct of city
government;
Section 1. Modifying Resolution 03-027 as set forth below by adding new section 7. The remainder of
the resolution 03-027 is unchanged:
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley does hereby affirm and resolve that
the following core beliefs shall serve as guidelines for the conduct of affairs by all branches of Spokane Valley
City Government.
Section 1. We believe that Spokane Valley should be a visionary city encouraging its citizens and their
government to look to the future beyond the present generation and to bring such ideas to
public discussion and to enhance a sense of community identity.
Section 2. We believe that elected body decision-making is the only lawful and effective way to conduct
the public’s legislative business and that careful observance of a clear set of Governance
Coordination rules of procedure can best enhance public participation and decision making.
Section 3. We believe in the City Council as policy leaders of the City. One or more City
Councilmembers are encouraged to take the lead, where practical, in sponsoring Ordinances
or Resolutions excepting quasi-judicial or other public hearings and the statutory duties of the
City Manager as set forth in RCW 35A.13.020.
Section 4. We believe in hearing the public view. We affirm that members of the public should be
encouraged to speak and be heard through reasonable rules of procedure when the public
business is being considered, thus giving elected officials the broadest perspectives from
which to make decisions.
Section 5. We believe that the City of Spokane Valley’s governance should be known as “user friendly,”
and that governance practices and general operations should consider how citizens will be
served in the most responsive, effective and courteous manner.
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Section 6. We believe that the economic and commercial job base of the community should be preserved
and encouraged to grow as an alternative to increasing property taxes. We believe it imperative
to have an expanded and diverse economic base.
Section 7. We believe that Councilmembers set the tone for civic discussion and should set an example
by:
(a) Setting high standards of decorum and civility.
(b) Encouraging open and productive conversation amongst themselves and with the
community about legislative matters.
(c) Demonstrating respect for divergent points of view expressed by citizens, fellow
Councilmembers and the staff.
(d) Honoring each other and the public by debating issues within City Hall and the Community
without casting aspersions on members of Council, the staff, or the public.
(e) Accepting the principle of majority rule and working to advance the success of “corporate”
decisions.
Section 8. We solicit the City Manager’s support in conducting the affairs of the city with due regard for:
(a) Promoting mutual respect between the Citizens, City staff and the City Council by creating
the organizational teamwork necessary for effective, responsive and open government.
(b) Providing the City Council and public reasonable advance notice when issues are to be
brought forward for discussion.
(c) Establishing and maintaining a formal city-wide customer service program with emphasis
on timely response, a user-friendly atmosphere, and an attitude of facilitation and
accommodation within the bounds of responsibility, integrity, and financial capability of the
city, including organizational and job description documents while pursuing “best practices”
in customer service.
(d) Seeking creative ways to contain or impede the rising cost of governmental services,
including examination of private sector alternatives in lieu of governmentally provided
services.
(e) Providing a data base of future projects and dreams for the new City of Spokane Valley
so that good ideas from its citizens and leaders are not lost and the status of projects can be
readily determined.
th
Approved by the City Council this 11 day of December, 2007.
ATTEST: /s/ DIANA WILHITE______________________
Diana Wilhite, Mayor
/s/ CHRISTINE BAINBRIDGE___________
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
/S/ MICHAEL F. CONNELLY___________
Office of the City Attorney
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APPENDIX C: STATEMENT OF ETHICS
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCILMEMBERS’ STATEMENT OF ETHICS
By adoption of the Resolution which adopts this Governance Manual, the Spokane Valley City
Councilmembers hereby agree to be bound by the following rules of ethics:
1. DECLARATION OF PURPOSE:
Formatted: Font: Bold, Font color: Black
Provide guidelines and set high ethical standards for Councilmembers to perform their duties in an open,
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Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 +
honest, and unbiased manner.
Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.19" + Indent at: 0.44"
Establish procedures for prevention and/or elimination of possible conflicts of interest.
Improve and strengthen the public’s perception and trust in their local government.
2. DEFINITIONS: Formatted: Font: Bold, Font color: Black
(a) Compensation: Anything of economic value regardless of amount, however designated, which is paid,
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Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 +
loaned, advanced, granted, transferred, or gifted, or to be paid, loaned, advanced, granted, transferred
Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.19" + Indent at: 0.44"
or gifted for or in consideration of personal services to any person or that person’s immediate family
Formatted: Underline
as that term is defined in RCW 42.17A.005.
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(b) Contract: Includes any contract or agreement, sale, lease, purchase, or any combination of the
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foregoing. A contracting party is any person, partnership, association, cooperative, corporation,
Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"
whether for profit or otherwise, or other business entity which is a party to a contract with a
municipality.
Formatted: Underline
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(c) Confidential Information: Includes any information provided during executive session to any
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Councilmember (whether written or oral), statements subject to the attorney-client privilege, and
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information considered exempt from disclosure under RCW 42.23 et seq. and/or the Washington
Numbering Style: a, b, c, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
Public Records Act (RCW 42.56 et seq.).
Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"
Formatted: Font: Italic
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3. PROHIBITED CONDUCT:
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(a) Acceptance of Gifts: No Councilmember, based upon their position with the City of Spokane
Formatted: Font: Bold, Font color: Black
Valley, shall receive, accept, take, seek, or solicit, directly or indirectly, anything of economic value
regardless of the amount, as a gift, gratuity, or favor from any person or entity outside the City
Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 0", Numbered +
Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 +
organization. Exceptions to this prohibition are if an item less than $50.00 value is provided to a
Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.19" + Indent at: 0.44"
Councilmember while that person is participating in business related to their position as a
Councilmember. Campaign donations made and reported in conformance with Washington law are
exempt from this provision. \[RCW 42.23.070\]
(b) Interest in Contracts, Exceptions: Councilmembers must comply with all applicable provisions of
RCW 42.23.030, including but not limited to those provisions prohibiting No Councilmembers
fromshall being beneficially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract where the City of
Spokane Valley is named as a party to the contract; and preventingno Councilmembers fromshall
accepting, directly or indirectly, any compensation, gratuity or reward in connection with such
contract. This prohibition shall not apply to the exceptions specified in RCW 42.23.030 which are
incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
(c) Special Privileges Prohibited: Councilmembers are prohibited from using their position as a
Formatted: Font: Bold
member of City Council to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself, herself, or others.
(d) Conflict of Interest/Incompatible Service: No Councilmember shall engage in or accept private
employment or render services for any person, or engage in any business or professional activity
when (1) the Councilmember might reasonably expect doing so would require or induce them by
reason of their official position to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of their
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official position, or (2) doing so is otherwise when such is incompatible with the faithful discharge
of his/her official duties as a Councilmember.
(e) Confidential Information: Councilmembers are prohibited from disclosing confidential
information acquired by reason of such official position, nor shall such information be used for the
Councilmember’s personal gain or benefit.
(f) Inappropriate Councilmember Intervention: Councilmembers shall not intervene or interfere
with the administration or operation of the City’s executive branch of government in violation of
Chapter 3 of the Governance Manual, paragraphs A.2 - .4 and/or B.3.
PERSONAL OR PRIVATE INTERESTS, PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: Any Councilmember who has a
Formatted: Font: Font color: Black
financial or other private or personal interest in any ordinance, resolution, contract, proceeding, or other
action pending before the City Council or any of its committees, shall promptly disclose such interest at the
first public meeting when such matter is being considered by the City Council, and a summary of the nature
of such interest shall be incorporated into the official minutes of the City Council proceedings. Any
Councilmember who feels disqualified by reason of such interest in any matter before the City Council, shall
make a public statement and disclose the reasons why that Councilmember feels disqualified, and state that
they are recusing themselves from the issue, and with permission of the Presiding Officer, will leave the
meeting place until such time as the issue at hand has been disposed of in the regular course of business.
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Appendix D: Frequently Used Acronyms
AACE - American Association of Code Enforcement
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
ADT - Average Daily Traffic
ATF - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
AWC - Association of Washington Cities
BOCC - Board of County Commissioners
CAFR - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
CDBG - Community Development Block Grant
CIP - Capital Improvement Plan
CM - City Manager
CM/AQ - Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Program
COVID-19 – CO=corona, VI=virus, & D=disease; 2019 novel coronavirus; infectious disease caused by
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; WHO declared it a global pandemic March 2020
CTED - Community, Trade, & Economic Development (now Department of Commerce)
CTR - Commute Trip Reduction (legislation)
CUP - Conditional Use Permit
DEIS - Draft Environmental Impact Statement
DEM - Department of Emergency Management
DNR - Department of Natural Resources
DNS - Declaration of Non-Significance
DOC – Department of Commerce
DOE - Department of Ecology; Department of Energy
DOT - Department of Transportation (also WSDOT)
E911 - Enhanced 911
EA - Environment Assessment
EDC - Economic Development Council
EEO/AA - Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
EIS - Environmental Impact Statement
EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
ERU - Equivalent Residential Unit (for measuring water-sewer capacity and demand)
ESU - Equivalent Service Unit (for measuring stormwater utility fees)
F & WS - Federal Fish & Wildlife Service
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FAA - Federal Aviation Administration
FCC - Federal Communications Commission
FEIS - Final Environmental Impact Statement
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
FICA - Federal Insurance Contribution Act
FIRM - Flood Insurance Rate Maps
FLSA - Fair Labor Standards Act
FMLA - Family Medical Leave Act
FMSIB – Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
FY - Fiscal Year
GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GASB - Governmental Accounting Standards Board
GIS - Geographic Information System
GMA - Growth Management Act
GPM - Gallons Per Minute
HOV - High-Occupancy Vehicle
HR - Human Resources
HUD - Housing & Urban Development (Department of)
ICMA - International City/County Management Association
L & I - Labor & Industries (Department of)
LID - Local Improvement District
MGD - Million Gallons per Day
MOA - Memorandum of Agreement
MOU - Memorandum of Understanding
MPO - Metropolitan Planning Organization
MRSC - Municipal Research Services Center
NEPA - National Environment Policy Act
NIMBY - Not In My Backyard
NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
PE - Preliminary Engineering; Professional Engineer
PERC - Public Employment Relations Commission
PMS - Pavement Management System
PPE - Personal Protective Equipment
PPM - Parts Per Million; Policy & Procedure Manual
PUD - Public Utility District
PW - Public Works
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QA - Quality Assurance
RCW - Revised Code of Washington
REET - Real Estate Excise Tax
RONR - Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised
ROW - Right of Way
SAO - State Auditor's Office
SBA - Small Business Administration
SEPA - State Environmental Policy Act
SMA - Shorelines Management Act
SWAC - Solid Waste Advisory Committee
TIB - Transportation Improvement Board
TIP - Transportation Improvement Program
TMDL - Total Maximum Daily Load
UBC - Uniform Building Code
UFC - Uniform Fire Code
UGA - Urban Growth Area
WAC - Washington Administrative Code
WACO - Washington Association of County Officials
WCIA - Washington Cities Insurance Authority
WCMA - Washington City/County Management Association
WHO – World Health Organization
WSDOT - Washington State Department of Transportation
WSP - Washington State Patrol
WUTC - Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission
WWTP - Wastewater Treatment Plant
Page 53 of 63
APPENDIX E
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
10210 E. Sprague Avenue
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 720-5000
APPLICATION FOR INTERIM COUNCIL POSITION
Thank you for your interest in serving the Spokane Valley community as an Interim Council Member. An
Interim Council Member is the term used for someone toserve in a vacated council position until that vacated
position can be filled as a result of the next general municipal election (held odd years) \[RCW 42.12.070\]
To be considered, applicants must use this form. Applications shall be completed, signed, and received at
the City Clerk’s office, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, no later than ________ p.m. on
_____________________ (late arriving applications will not be considered). Applications may be hand-
delivered or mailed. Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted because the original application
with the original signature must be received by the City.
During the interview process, Current Councilmembers will ask applicants several questions on a variety of
topical subjects, which could include but are not limited to: budget, pavement preservation, transportation,
infrastructure, public safety, economic development, planning and development, open space, familiarity with
Council meetings, Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, and Council/Manager form of
government.
Name(please print): _____________________________________________________________________
Complete Residence Address: _____________________________________________________________
Complete Mailing Address: (if different from above address): ____________________________________
Length of time lived at current address: _______
U.S. Citizen? \[ \]yes \[ \]no WA State Registered Voter? \[ \]yes \[ \]no
If you have lived at your current address less than one year, please list your previous addresses and state
how long you lived at those residences:
Complete Previous Address Length of Time at this Address
________________________________________________________ ______________________
________________________________________________________ _______________________
Which is your preferred way for us to contact you: \[Note: If you have an unlisted phone number, or do not wish
your e-mail address made public, do not include that information. Once this document is submitted to the City, it
becomes subject to public disclosure.\]
\[ \] Home Phone __________________ \[ \] work phone ______________________
\[ \] Cell Phone ______________________ \[ \] other message phone _______________
\[ \] e-mail address: (please print plainly): _____________________________________________________
\[ \] regular mail to residence or mailing address shown above
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EMPLOYMENT: Start with most recent
1. \[ \] present \[ \] previous
Name of Employer: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________
Position held: ____________________________________ Dates of Employment: _________________
2. \[ \] present \[ \] previous
Name of Employer: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________
Position held: ____________________________________ Dates of Employment: _________________
3. \[ \] present \[ \] previous
Name of Employer: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________
Position held: ____________________________________ Dates of Employment: _________________
EDUCATION:
Name of High School _____________________________ Address: _______________________________
Diploma or GED: \[ \] yes \[ \] no
Trade School/College/University:
Name of School _____________________________ Address: ___________________________________
Diploma: \[ \] yes \[ \] no Degree or Certification Earned: ___________________________
Trade School/College/University:
Name of School _____________________________ Address: ___________________________________
Diploma: \[ \] yes \[ \] no Degree or Certification Earned: ___________________________
Other Certifications/Licenses: _____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: name of social, fraternal, organizations, etc.
1. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
2. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
3. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
4. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
5. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
LOCAL, STATE OR NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING
GOVERNMENT BOARDS, COMMITTEES, OR COMMISSIONS
1. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
2. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
3. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
4. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
5. \[ \] current \[ \] previous_________________________________________________________________
1. Are you a registered voter in the City of Spokane Valley? Yes \[ \] No \[ \]
2. Have you continuously resided within the city limits of the City of Spokane Valley for a year or more?
(State law requires a councilmember to be a resident of Spokane Valley for at least a year prior to
appointment, and to be a registered voter at the time of application.) Yes \[ \] No \[ \]
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3. Have you ever been convicted of anything other than a minor traffic infraction? Yes \[ \] No \[ \]
4. If you answered “YES” to #3 above, please explain: __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Do you or your spouse or any immediate family member (spouse, children, siblings, parents) have a
financial interest in, or are you an employee or officer of any business or agency which does business with
the City of Spokane Valley? Yes \[ \] No \[ \] If yes, please explain: ___________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Is any member of your immediate family currently employed, either full time or part time, by the City of
Spokane Valley, or currently perform any volunteer work for the City of Spokane Valley?
Yes \[ \] No \[ \]
If yes, please explain: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
7. Would your appointment create a conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest?
Yes \[ \] No \[ \]
If yes, please explain: ____________________________________________________________________
8. Why are you interested in serving in this position? ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
9. What do you feel is the primary responsibility of a Councilperson? ______________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
10. Have you ever attended a live meeting of the Spokane Valley City Council? Yes \[ \] No \[ \]
If yes, give an estimate of how many meetings you have attended in the past twelve months:
___________________
11. Appointment to the City Council will require your attendance at regularly scheduled Council meetings,
which generally occur on Tuesday evenings, as well as other special meetings that may be scheduled from
time to time. This meeting commitment includes preparation time, such as reading the Council packet
materials. Councilmembers also participate on various boards and committees (such as STA, Visit Spokane,
Health Board, etc.) as assigned by the Mayor and confirmed by Council. Many of these groups meet during
regular work hours. Can you commit the appropriate time and energy to participate as an interim member of
the Spokane Valley City Council. Yes \[ \] No \[ \]
Page 56 of 63
12. References: Please list name, address and phone number:
1. _____________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________
Once submitted, applications and related materials become a public record subject to public disclosure, and
could be included in Council agenda packets. Selection of the applicant must be approved by a majority vote
of the remaining Councilmembers. No City officer shall hold any other office or employment within the
Spokane Valley City government.
By signing this application, I certify under penalty of perjury, that such appointment would not represent a
conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest; that I recognize this application is subject to
public disclosure; and that the information entered hereon by me is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief.
________________________________________________________ ________________________
Signature Date Signed
Page 57 of 63
APPENDIX F
CITY COUNCIL
10210 E Sprague Avenue Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509) 720-5000 Fax: (509) 720-5075 www.spokanevalley.org
_______________________________________________
Request to Transfer Travel/Registration Budgets
Transfer to
Transfer from
Councilmember’s name
Councilmember’s name
Account numberAmount
Account numberAmount
SignatureDate
SignatureDate
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 58 of 63
Appendix G: Definitions
Action: All transactions of a governing body’s business, including receipt of public testimony, deliberations,
discussions, considerations, reviews, and evaluations, as well as “final” action. \[RCW 42.30.010,
42.30.020(3)\].
Codified: The process of forming a legal code (i.e., a municipal code or book of laws) by collecting and
including the laws of a jurisdiction or municipality.
Consensus: A collective judgment or belief; solidarity of opinion: “The consensus of the group was that they
should meet twice a month. General agreement or harmony. \[Random House Webster’s College Dictionary,
April 2001\] \[Wikipedia: explains it as a group decision making process, or Does anyone object?\] It is not
unanimity, but more a process for deciding what is best overall. Members of the group reach a decision to
which they consent because they know it is the best one overall. It differs from voting which is a procedure
for tallying preferences. It does not require each member of the group to justify their feelings. \[Taken from:
Consensus Is Not Unanimity: Making Decisions Cooperatively, by Randy Schutt.”\] Similar to a type of verbal
“show of hands” on who feels particularly strong on this?” Sometimes thought of as preliminary approval
without taking final “action.” A show of hands is not an action that has any legal effect. \[“Voting and Taking
Action in Closed Sessions” by Frayda Bulestein.\]
Ex-parte: from a one-sided or partisan point of view; on the application of one party alone. An ex-parte judicial
proceeding is conducted for the benefit of only one party. Ex-parte may also describe contact with a person
represented by an attorney, outside the presence of the attorney.
Immediate Family: includes a spouse or domestic partner, dependent children, and other dependent relatives,
if living in the household. For the purposes of the definition of "intermediary" in this section, "immediate
family" means an individual's spouse or domestic partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent,
grandparent, brother, half brother, sister, or half-sister of the individual and the spouse or the domestic partner
of any such person and a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half-brother,
sister, or half-sister of the individual's spouse or domestic partner and the spouse or the domestic partner of
any such person (RCW 42.17A.005(24)).
Motion: An enacted motion is a form of action taken by the Council to direct that a specific action be taken
on behalf of the municipality. Once approved and entered into the record, is the equivalent of a resolution in
those instances where a resolution is not required by law, and where such motion is not in conflict with existing
state or federal statutes, City ordinances or resolutions.
Ordinance: An enacted ordinance is a law passed \[enacted\] by a municipal organization legislatively
prescribing specific rules of organization or conduct relating to the corporate affairs of the municipality and
those citizens and businesses therein. Council action shall be taken by ordinance when required by law, or
where prescribed conduct may be enforced by penalty. Special ordinances such as adopting the budget,
vacating a street, amending the Comprehensive Plan and/or Map, and placing a matter on an election ballot,
including general obligation bonds, are not codified into the City’s municipal code.
Resolution: An enacted resolution is an administrative act which is a formal statement of policy concerning
matters of special or temporary character. Council action shall be taken by resolution when required by law
and in those instances where an expression of policy more formal than a motion is desired.
Regular Meeting: Any Council meeting that meets at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery
Place, Spokane Valley, Washington on a Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. shall be deemed a “regular meeting.”
Social Media: A term used to define the various activities that integrate technology, social interaction and
content creation. Through social media, individuals or collaborations of individuals create on-line web content,
organize content, edit or comment on content, combine content, and share content. Includes many technologies
and forms including syndicated web feeds, weblogs (blogs), wiki, photo-sharing, video-sharing, podcasts, and
social networking. (From MRSC, and Social Media and Web 2.0 in Government, WebContent.gov)
Page 59 of 63
Appendix H
Formatted: Space After: 0 pt
City Councilmember Social Media Policy
Official Councilmember-Specific Social Media Accounts.
Councilmembers may choose to create and maintain a Councilmember-specific social media account, such as
on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and/or Instagram, to communicate with constituents as part of their
Councilmember role. When doing so, Councilmembers agree to the following guidelines:
Requirements:
1. Before setting up a social media account on any given platform, you must receive written
verification from the City’s IT manager that the social media platform is sufficiently compatible with
the City’s social media archiving platform to assure that all content, including posts and comments,
is archived for public records retention. Such verification may be by email from the IT manager to
you. If the IT manager does not provide the above verification, then you are not able to establish a
Councilmember specific account on that particular social media platform.
2. Create the account using your @SpokaneValleyWA.gov email alias. On Facebook, per Facebook
policy, create a ‘page’ from your personal ‘profile’.
3. When creating Councilmember accounts, include:
- Title including your official role of “Councilmember” in the name (Ex. Councilmember first last
name)
- Category of “Government Official”
- Identifiable, official Councilmember photo (can be provided by city staff)
- Disclaimer, “All content is mine and does not represent the views of the Spokane Valley City
Council or City of Spokane Valley.”
4. Familiarize yourself with and adhere to the City of Spokane Valley Social Media Policy, outlined in
Administrative Policy and Procedure No. 300.020 Communications Policy.
5. Contact the City’s IT manager regarding your new account(s) and provide the account handles. The
IT manager or designee will associate your account with the City’s social media archiving platform,
currently Page Freezer, to assure that all content, including posts and comments, is archived for
public records retention. Content may be public record if it relates to the conduct of government or
the performance of your office.
6. Be aware that the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) applies to social media/electronic platform
interactions between elected officials just as it does to in-person or phone interactions. Please do not
have a discussion of agency business publicly or privately on social media, because if it constitutes a
quorum, you may be in violation of the OPMA. An OPMA prohibited meeting may be deemed to
have occurred electronically when a quorum is ultimately involved and a discussion of city business
occurs.
7. Once a Councilmember term ends, close the page. All records will be archived through the City’s
archiving platform.
8. Be aware that all posts, comments and content are public records when they are set forth on an
official city account, and may constitute speech protected by the constitutions of Washington and the
United States of America. Do not delete posts, comments or content unless they violate the city’s
Social Media Policy as outlined in Administrative Policy and Procedure No. 300.020
Communications Policy. Formatted: Font:
Page 60 of 63
9. The Council desires to ensure Council remains in compliance with the OPMA. The Council therefore
agrees that this policy prevents any individual Councilmember from (a) following another
Councilmember’s social media accounts, and (b) engaging (such as liking, sharing, and commenting)
on any fellow Councilmember’s social media pages.
Recommendations:
10. For best practices, post regularly (suggested minimal post of once per week). Accounts that are not
actively used should be closed or hidden.
11. Keep your followers informed of city events, projects and opportunities to get involved and inform
city decision-making by sharing City of Spokane Valley social media messages.
Personal or Campaign Social Media Accounts of Individual Councilmembers.
Councilmembers who maintain a personal or campaign social media account shall:
1. Use a personal or campaign email alias. Do not use an @SpokaneValleyWA.gov alias to set up and
manage any personal or campaign account. State law prohibits the use of official city accounts for
campaign purposes so all campaign-related social media communications must be made on personal
or campaign accounts. Campaign purposes include supporting or opposing any candidate for public
office and supporting or opposing any ballot proposition.
2. Post a disclaimer on your personal account that identifies the account purpose and that the opinions
expressed are your own.
3. Not write posts on personal or campaign accounts that relate to the conduct of city government or the
performance of your office. Merely posting Council agendas or information regarding city events or
providing general information regarding the City’s activities is not conducting city business and will
not convert your personal post or the posts of others into public records. Personal communications
that are not related to the conduct of government or the performance of your office are not public
records. However, if you use your personal account to transact city business, any posts or comments
generated in doing so may be public records.
4. Not link private or campaign accounts to a city account, with the exception of Facebook
requirements for setting up a Facebook page.
5. Refrain from discussing personal accounts in public meetings or documents.
6. Not use city devices to maintain or access private accounts.
Resources.
City of Spokane Valley Social Media Policy
Association of Washington Cities social media guidelines for elected officials
MRSC social media policies
Page 61 of 63
INDEX
4 M
45 days · 35 majority of the whole · 22, 24
45 minutes · 15 majority plus one · 26
maker of the motion · 20, 21
mileage stipend · 34
9
N
90 days · 16, 17, 30
negative · 20, 21
new taxes · 25
A
Advance Agenda · 14
O
Attendance at Committee/Board meetings · 43
Outside Request · 10
B
P
ballot · 35
bias · 23
budget amendment · 22 parliamentarian · 16
per diem · 33
Presiding Officer · 10
prevailing side · 27
C
coin flip · 33
R
Council-Manager · 5
rearrange · 8, 11
recuse · 22
D
Robert’s Rules · 4
Disruptive public conduct · 15
S
E
speak twice · 20
surprise · 10
ethical · 51
Excused Absences · 17
Executive sessions · 11
T
Table a motion · 21
F
three minutes · 15, 16, 20, 26
tie vote · 22
franchise ordinance · 24
V
G
vote to extend the meeting · 10
gift · 51
W
L
waived · 24
leave of absence · 17
withdraw · 20
Page 62 of 63
M
4
majority of the whole · 22, 24
majority plus one · 26
45 days · 35
maker of the motion · 20, 21
45 minutes · 15
mileage stipend · 34
9
N
90 days · 16, 17, 30
negative · 20, 21
new taxes · 25
A
O
Advance Agenda · 14
Attendance at Committee/Board meetings · 42
Outside Request · 10
B
P
ballot · 35
parliamentarian · 16
bias · 23
per diem · 33
budget amendment · 22
Presiding Officer · 10
prevailing side · 27
C
R
coin flip · 33
Council-Manager · 5
rearrange · 8, 11
recuse · 22
Robert’s Rules · 4
D
Disruptive public conduct · 15
S
speak twice · 20
E
surprise · 10
ethical · 49
Excused Absences · 17
T
Executive sessions · 11
Table a motion · 21
three minutes · 15, 16, 20, 26
F
tie vote · 22
franchise ordinance · 24
V
G
vote to extend the meeting · 10
gift · 49
W
L
waived · 24
withdraw · 20
leave of absence · 17
Page 63 of 63
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 23-014
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY,
WASHINGTON, REPEALING AND REPLACING THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
GOVERNANCE MANUAL.
WHEREAS, written rules of procedure regarding how the City Council conducts its policy-making
business for the City best ensure an atmosphere conducive to efficiency, uniformity and consistency; and
WHEREAS, the rules and procedures adopted by the Council for conducting the policy-making
business of the City need to be amended from time to time to reflect changes in the law and practice of the
Council.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane
County, Washington, as follows:
Section 1: Council last amended the City of Spokane Valley Governance Manual via Resolution 23-006
(hereinafter “Governance Manual”) on April 18, 2023.
Section 2. The Council hereby repeals the aforementioned Governance Manual in its entirety, and replaces
it with “City of Spokane Valley Governance Manual,” which contains Appendices to that Manual, all of
which are attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effective upon adoption.
th
Adopted this 19 day of December, 2023
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Marci Patterson, City Clerk Pam Haley, Mayor
Approved as to Form:
___________________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Resolution 23-014 Governance Manual
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: December 19, 2023 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
informationadmin. reportpending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Motion Consideration - 2024 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment
(CPA) Docket
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: The Growth Management Act (GMA) RCW 36.70A; SVMC Chapters
19.30 and 17.80
PREVIOUS ACTION TAKEN: Administrative Report to Council December 12, 2023
BACKGROUND: The GMA allows local jurisdictions to consider amendments to their Comprehensive
Plan once each year. The City codified this process in 17.80.140 SVMC. Consistent with state law and the
SVMC, staff published notice on September 15 and 22, 2023, notifying the public of the annual amendment
process and that the City would accept applications for the 2024 cycle through November 14, 2023. The
notice was also sent to all agencies, organizations and adjacent jurisdictions that may have an interest in
amending the comprehensive plan.
CPAs are divided into two categories: map amendments and text amendments (including charts, tables, and
graphics). CPAs may be privately-initiated or City-initiated. This year, there are two City-initiated map
amendments.
As part of the annual comprehensive plan amendment cycle, the City Council is presented with proposed
amendments that may be considered for the year’s amendment cycle. This process, known as docketing,
provides the City Council the opportunity to remove items from the docket.
Staff presented the 2024 CPA Docket at the December 12, 2023 City Council meeting. At the meeting, City
Council directed staff to proceed to a motion consideration. Items included in the Docket will be considered
for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The amendment process will include staff analysis, a public
hearing and recommendations from the Planning Commission prior to the City Council taking final action
on the proposed amendments.
OPTIONS: Approve the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket or take other action as appropriate.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Move to approve the 2024 Comprehensive Plan
Amendment Docket as proposed.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: N/A
STAFF CONTACT: Levi Basinger, Planner
ATTACHMENTS: 2024 Comprehensive Plan Docket
Exhibit 1
City of Spokane Valley
2024 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket
CITY INITIATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP AMENDMENTS
File NumberMap Summary of Amendment
CPA-2024-01Land Use Map Change land use designation and zoning for parcels
35233.9191, 35233.9192, and 35233.9176
(approximately 44 acres) from Multi-Family
Residential to Mixed Use and
Change land use designation and zoning for parcels
35233.0513, 35233.0709, 35233.0710, 35233.0604,
35233.0605, 35233.0606,35233.0607, 35233.0608,
35233.0609, 35233.0505 (approximately 5.2 acres)
from Multi-Family Residential to Single-Family
Residential
CPA-2024-02Land Use Map Change land use designation and zoning for parcel
55183.0723 (approximately 0.83 Acres) from Single-
Family Residential to Corridor Mixed Use
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date:December 19, 2023 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
information admin. report pending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Motion Consideration: Barker Road/BSNF Grade Separation Project
Consultant Design Supplement Agreement
GOVERNING LEGISLATION:
RCW 35.77.010, Perpetual Advanced Six-Year plans for coordinated transportation program
expenditures.
SVMC 3.35.010, Contract Authority
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
May 7, 2013 – Administrative Report, Bridging the Valley;
June 23, 2015 – Passed Resolution No. 15-005 adopting the 2016-2021 Six Year
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which included both the Barker Road and
the Pines Road Grade Separation Projects (GSP);
April 5, 2016 – Passed motion to obligate federal earmark funds for the design of the GSP;
November 8, 2016 – (Special 5 pm Meeting) Information Report on the status of the Barker
GSP;
November 15, 2016 – Administrative Report on the Barker GSP status;
November 22, 2016 – Informational Report;
December 6, 2016 – Administrative Report;
December 20, 2016 – Administrative Report;
January 10, 2017 – Motion failed to contract with David Evans and Associates (DEA) for
project design services;
February 21, 2017 – Administrative Report;
February 28, 2017 – Passed Resolution 17-006, amending the 2017 TIP;
May 23, 2017 – Passed Resolution No. 17-011 adopting the 2018-2023 Six-Year TIP, which
included the Grade Separation Project;
August 22, 2017 – Passed motion to enter into contract with DEA for the project’s Phase 1
(Initial Contract);
October 24, 2017 – Administrative Report to discuss alternatives;
January 30, 2018 – Administrative Report to discuss alternatives with Council consensus to
move the project forward with Alternative 5;
March 2, 2018 – Administrative Report to discuss alternatives;
March 13, 2018 – Administrative Report to discuss history and alternatives;
March 16, 2018 – Administrative Report for Council and Chamber of Commerce;
March 27, 2018 – Passed motion to select preferred alternative for advancing project;
April 10, 2018 – Passed motion to execute supplemental agreement with DEA for the
project’s Phase 2 design (DEA Contract Supplement #3);
December 4, 2018 – Administrative Report to discuss project status;
September 10, 2019 – Adoption of Ordinance 19-012 authorizing use of condemnation for
property acquisition with regard to three property owners;
November 12, 2019 – Adoption of Ordinance 19-020 authorizing use of condemnation for
property acquisition with regard to a fourth property owner;
January 14, 2020 – Passed motion to execute supplemental agreement with DEA;
January 21, 2020 – Passed motion to acquire two properties for the project;
March 31, 2020 – Passed motion to execute agreement with Avista Corporation;
Page 1 of 4
May 12, 2020 – Passed motion to execute BSNF Overpass Agreement;
June 30, 2020 – Passed motion to execute an Interlocal Agreement with WSDOT for Project
Construction and Construction Administration;
February 2, 2021 – Administrative Report on bid award;
May 4, 2021 – Passed motion to amend Avista Corporation agreement;
January 18, 2022 – Administrative Report on Change Orders;
March 29, 2022 – Passed motion to execute Change Order No. 38;
May 24, 2022 – Passed motion to execute Change Order No. 3 and 7;
September 13, 2022 – Passed motion to execute Change Order No. 40;
February 7, 2023 – Passed motion to execute Change Order No. 27 and 37;
March 14, 2023 – Adoption of Resolution 23-004 Closing a Portion of North Flora Road to
Public Use;
May 2, 2023 - Passed motion to execute Change Order No. 24 and 57;
May 2, 2023 - Passed motion to execute Amendment #2 to the Interlocal Agreement with
WSDOT for Project Construction and Construction Administration;
June 20, 2023 - Passed motion to execute Change Order 22, 31, 44, 47, 49, 59, 64, and 67;
August 29, 2023 - Passed motion to execute Change Order 29, 41, and 68.
October 3, 2023 - Passed motion to execute Change Order 23, 56, 60, 65, and 70.
November 14, 2023 - Passed motion to execute Change Order 69.
BACKGROUND:
The City has been working with David Evans & Associates (Consultant) to provide alternative
design/analysis, final design of the preferred alternative, environmental services, right-of-way
services and design support during construction for the Barker Road/BNSF Railroad Grade
Separation Project (Project).
The original contract has been supplemented as follow:
Total
Supplement
Agreement Contract Description and Date
Amount
Amount
Initial Agreement $172,535.00 Phase-I Concept Development Design
Services (Council Approved August 22,
2017)
Supplement #1$7,456$179,991.00Phase I -Evaluate roundabouts and
signals for each of the five alternatives
(September 26, 2017)
Supplement #2 $14,624.43 $194,615.43 Phase I – Bridging the Valley
evaluation, support for additional public
and legislator meetings (April 16, 2018)
Supplement #3 $2,302,275.61 $2,496,891.04 Phase II – Engineering design and
right-of-way services of Alternative #5
(Council Approved April 10, 2018)
Supplement #4 No change $2,496,891.04 Changed effective date of contract
(September 24, 2019)
Supplement #5 No change $2,496,891.04 Released $89,516.48 of the
management reserve for additional
ROW Services. Supplement #3
Page 2 of 4
anticipated one relocation. As design
progressed, the City discovered the
parcel had 4 tenants. In addition, the
limits of the project were extended
south to match with the Barker Road
Widening Project constructed in 2019
which require the addition of two
additional parcels. During design, the
City discovered two additional parcels
not shown in the assessor map. The
negotiations and valuations of the
additional parcel. The consultant
prepared relocation plans and provided
relocation services for the additional
tenants. (September 24, 2019)
Supplement #6 No change $2,496,891.04 Released $10,383.79 of the
management reserve for additional
surveying services to tie into the Barker
Road Widening project constructed in
2019.(November 26, 2019)
Supplement #7 $300,000.00 $2,796,891.04 Additional design and right-of-way
services
Supplement #8 $49,963.29 $2,846,854.33 Additional on-call right-of-way support
for relocation coordination and property
owner relocation claims.
Supplement #9 $250,000.00 $3,096,854.33 Provide on-call design support for
construction (surveying, engineering,
geotechnical and environmental).
Supplement #10 $49,420,36 $3,136,274.69 Additional on-call design support for
construction (surveying, engineering,
geotechnical and environmental).
Supplement #11 No change $3,136,274.69 Released $9,732.17 of the
management reserve for additional
surveying services related to
completing the record of survey and
monumentation work.
City staff is requesting to increase the contract amount by $25,000.00 to $3,171,274.69 to provide
on-call support during the condemnation court case with one of the abutting property owners. The
consultant will be providing expert testimony through deposition and/or in court. This work will be
paid for on a time and material basis as deemed necessary by our legal counsel.
OPTIONS: 1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Supplemental Agreement #12 with David
Evans and Associates in the amount of $25,000,00, or 2) Take other appropriate action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Move to authorize the City Manager to finalize and
execute a Supplemental Agreement #12 with David Evans and Associates with a new contract
amount not to exceed $3,136,274.69 for the Barker Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project.
Page 3 of 4
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: To date, the City has secured funding in excess of $26,000,000
for the Barker Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project, from seven sources. The DEA supplement
will be funded from the project funds.
STAFF CONTACT: Robert Lochmiller, Engineering Manager
ATTACHMENTS: Supplement Agreement
Page 4 of 4
B!ofx!Ubtl!25/6.#Eftjho!Tvqqpsu!Tfswjdft!gps!Dpoefnobujpo#!jt!beefe/!!Dpotvmubou!xjmm!qspwjef!po.dbmm!fohjoffsjoh!tvqqpsu
evsjoh!uif!dpoefnobujpo!qspdftt!sfmbujoh!up!uif!IjhiFTU!qbsdfmt/
Supplement 12
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: December 19, 2023 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
informationadmin. reportpending legislationexecutive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Loop Trail Project Update
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: N/A
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
August 24, 2021: Administrative Report on potential and pending projects worksheet and
allocation of Capital Reserve Fund #312 reserves, which included this project.
February 1, 2022: Administrative Report on proposed 2022 federal legislative agenda,
which included this project.
September 6, 2022: Administrative Report on Potential and Pending Projects Worksheet
and allocation of Capital Reserve Fund #312 reserves, which included this project.
September 27, 2022: Administrative Report on Potential and Pending Projects
Worksheet and allocation of Capital Reserve Fund #312 reserves, which included this
project.
BACKGROUND:
The Loop Trail Project (CIP No. 338) was envisioned to provide a new 10-foot asphalt trail on the
north side of the Spokane River, mirroring the Centennial Trail that is on the south side of the
river. The proposed trail would be over 4.7 miles in length, beginning at Plantes Ferry Sports
Stadium Park at the northwest limit of the project and ending at Flora Road/future Flora Park at
the southeast limit of the project. The project would include two pedestrian river crossings to
connect the proposed trail to the Centennial Trail, one is near Pines Road just south of Trent
Avenue and one at Flora Road. Near the southeast end of the project an elevated trail/boardwalk
or large retaining walls are needed due to steep cross slopes. The trail crosses two railroad
properties and the secured perimeter of the Kaiser Aluminum’s Trentwood Plant.
For ease of project descriptions and development, the project is divided into two segments: 1)
Plantes Ferry Park to Sullivan Park and 2) Sullivan Park to Flora Park. In late 2021, staff hired a
consultant to survey the entire 4.7-mile project. This was a large endeavor due to the length of
the project, type of terrain (forested), limited access points, limited recorded survey
monumentation in the vicinity, railroad approval and gaining access into the Kaiser property. The
final survey was completed in August of 2022.
In the Fall of 2022, staff began designing Segment 2 from Sullivan Park to Flora Park. As part of
the work, staff also contracted with a consultant to prepare a Type, Size and Location Report
(TS&L) for all the anticipated structures throughout the entire project (Segments 1 and 2). This
report provides various bridge type alternatives, contains hydraulic (river flow) risk assessment,
preliminary geotechnical analysis, and estimated cost for each alternative structure needed to
complete both phases of the project.
The TS&L report also documented potential environmental impacts associated with constructing
the bridges over the Spokane River. The consultant did not identify environmental concerns at
the two proposed river crossings but did identify potential risk for where the trail crosses the West
Discharge Ravine area of the Kaiser’s Trentwood Plant. Kaiser is under an Agreed Order based
on the Model Toxic Control Act with the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) and has
completed the remedial work there. However, under the Agreed Order, the site continues to be,
and will be monitored, and tested for several more years, until the DOE considers it complete.
Based on discussions with DOE, the remediation work done by Kaiser was established assuming
cleanup to industrial exposure levels. If a trail was to be constructed across this portion of Kaiser
property, the public would potentially have access to this area and the project will trigger additional
remediation work that will need to be approved by DOE and Kaiser. Based on the extensive
cleanup and remediation work that Kaiser has conducted, it is very likely that the cost and liability
to the City to pursue the trail at this location will be significant. The cost of this remedial work
makes Segment 1 of project unfeasible and unlikely to receive federal funding.
In discussions with DOE, they also mentioned that the Spokane River along the entire project
limits (both segments) is within the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Super Fund
Site. Given that information and the discussion during the meeting, there is potential for Lead
and other metal containments to be accumulated along the shoreline where the trail project may
increase public access to the shoreline. This concern will require extensive testing along the entire
river length to determine if any of the Bunker Hill legacy contamination remains at levels
determined to be harmful to human health. If locations are found, the project would be required
to remove and appropriately disposed of off-site in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Staff needs to continue having conversations with DOE to define the remediation efforts and
costs.
In Segment 2, Sullivan Park to Flora Park, the TS&L report also identified constructability issues
along the Central Pre-Mix property that will require an elevated boardwalk or retaining walls. The
cost of these improvements is estimated at $2.9 million. Central Pre-Mix has stated that they are
expected to mine at this location for another 20 years. Additional property rights could be acquired
after mining ceases that would eliminate the need for the elevated boardwalk or retaining walls.
The other significant structure in Segment 2, a pedestrian bridge across the river at Flora Road,
is recommended in the TS&L report as a timber-thru arch bridge. This bridge provides access
between the future Cross-Country Course and Flora Park to the neighborhood and Centennial
Trail south of the river. The bridge design is estimated at $575,000 and its construction at $3.4
million.
To date, approximately $267k has been expended on surveying, environmental investigations,
and conceptual design work.
Staff recommends the following:
Defer Segment 1 of the project between Plantes Ferry and Sullivan Park due to the
significant environmental challenges, potential liability for the City for unknown cleanup
and remediation work, and lack of support from property owners.
Phase Segment 2 of the project between Sullivan Park and Flora Park into two projects:
1) Trail project and 2) Flora Pedestrian Bridge project.
Put the Trail project for Segment 2 on hold until Central Pre-Mix ceases mining and
adequate property rights can be acquired for the trail and the probable river bank
environmental cleanup efforts are quantified.
Use $575,000 of the existing project budget for the design of the Flora Pedestrian Bridge
and pursue grant funds for its construction.
OPTIONS: Discussion only regarding project status and challenges.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION:
Consensus to:
Defer Segment 1 of the project between Plantes Ferry and Sullivan Park due to the
significant environmental challenges, potential liability for the City for the unknown cleanup
and remedial work, and lack of support from property owners.
Phase Segment 2 of the project between Sullivan Park and Flora Park into two projects:
1)Trail project and 2) Flora Pedestrian Bridge project.
Put the Trail project for Segment on hold until Central Pre-Mix ceases mining and
adequate property rights can be acquired for the trail and the probable river bank cleanup
efforts are quantified.
Use $575,000 of the existing budget for the design of the Flora Bridge Pedestrian bridge
and pursue grant funds for construction.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Council has allocated $1,750,000 for design from the Capital
Reserve Fund #312, of which approximately $267,000 has been expended to date. Based on the
current estimates, approximately $23.5 million in additional funds will need to be secured just to
fund the trail construction in its entirety. Anticipated environmental costs associated with known
environmental issues have not been estimated, but would likely make the Plantes Ferry to Sullivan
Segment unfeasible.
STAFF CONTACT: Bill Helbig, PE, Community and Public Works Director
Rob Lochmiller, PE, CIP Engineering Manager
___________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS: Presentation
Trail Exhibit
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: December 19, 2023 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
informationadmin. reportpending legislationexecutive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Review of Potential and PendingProjects Worksheet and allocation of
Capital Reserve Fund #312 reserves.
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: n/a
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: Council last discussed the Potential and Pending
Projects Worksheet at the June 13, 2023 Council Budget Workshop.
BACKGROUND:
In the 2024 Budget development cycle, Council discussed the budget on eight separate
occasions beginning with the June 13, 2023 Budget Workshop and ending with the November
21, 2023 budget adoption. As part of this process Council discussed the Potential and Pending
Projects worksheet and worked toward prioritizing how money in Capital Reserve Fund #312
th
should be allocated. The last formal discussion on this topic occurred at the June 13 Budget
Workshop; however, this funding has also been referenced during Council conversations on
other topics since that time.
OPTIONS: Council discretion.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Consensus from Council on how Capital Reserve
Fund #312 reserves should be allocated.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Allocations for projects will be incorporated into future
budgets based on project timelines and actual expenditures. Some projects may require a
budget amendment during 2024.
STAFF CONTACT: John Hohman, City Manager, and Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
___________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS:
Allocation Worksheet for Capital Reserve Fund #312
Potential and Pending Projects Worksheet
\\\\svfs1\\Public Folders\\City Clerk\\AgendaPackets for Web\\2023\\2023, 12-19\\Item 6 allocation of 2023 transfer to Fund
312
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 12/13/2023
Allocation of 2023 General Fund Transfer to Capital Reserve Fund #312
New 2023 Sources of Funds:
General Fund - 2023 transfer of 2021 fund balance >50%5,358,054
Total 2023 additional sources5,358,054
Less 2023 Allocations and Adjustment to Date:
-Adjust Flora Rd Property grant funding (1)(1,000,000)
-Adjust out remaining amounts for River Loop Trail875,000
-Greenacres Park City Match(500,000)
-Balfour Property Acquisition(791,000)
-Adjustments to Capital Reserve Fund #312 financed
projects that were previously underway39,631
Total allocated/changes to allocations thus far(1,376,369)
Remaining to be Allocated3,981,685
Potential Allocation Concepts to be Discussed by Council
-City Hall Repairs600,000
-Balfour Property Repairs & Equipment
-Property Acquisition1,000,000
-Sullivan Rd Interchange at Trent
-Planning for Barker/I-90 Interchange200,000
-HUB Expansion
-Service Level Stabilization Reserve Fund #121400,000
-Cross Country Course at Flora Park
-Plante's Ferry Park Improvements
-Balfour Park Improvements Phase II City Match1,500,000
-Summerfield Park Improvements
-Public Safety Campus
Total 3,700,000
Remaining to be Allocated281,685
(1)The Flora Property grant funding is in process and expected to be received by the end
of 2023.
DRAFT
ADVANCE AGENDA
as of December 14, 2023; 10:00 a.m.
Please note this is a work in progress; items are tentative
To: Council & Staff
From: City Clerk, by direction of City Manager
Re: Draft Schedule for Upcoming Council Meetings
th
District Legislators
December 18, 2023 – Special Meeting, 2:30PM @ City Hall, N212 – 4
December 26, 2023 – No meeting - Holiday- City Closure
January 2, 2024 Study Session, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Dec 26\]
1. Council Officer Selection of Mayor and Deputy Mayor - Marci Patterson (15 minutes)
2. Motion Consideration: DNR Agreement, Tree Canopy Inventory – Adam Jackso (5 minutes)
3. Admin Report – potential grant opportunity: City Safety Program – Adam Jackson, Dan Baker (5 minutes)
4. Admin Report – potential grant opportunity: RAISE Program – Adam Jackson, Dan Baker (5 minutes)
5. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
\[*estimated meeting: 35 mins\]
January 9, 2024 Formal Meeting, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Jan 2\]
OPMA Training (20 minutes)
1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes)
2. Mayoral Appointments: Planning Commissioners - Mayor (5 minutes)
3. Mayoral Appointments: Councilmembers to Committees – Mayor (5 minutes)
4. Admin Report: City Brand Update – Jill Smith (5 minutes)
5. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
\[*estimated meeting: 45 mins\]
January 16, 2024 Study Session, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Jan 9\]
1. Resolution: City Brand Update – Jill Smith (5 minutes)
2. Motion Consideration – potential grant opportunity: City Safety Program – A. Jackson, Dan Baker (5 minutes)
3. Motion Consideration – potential grant opportunity: RAISE Program – Adam Jackson, Dan Baker (5 minutes)
4. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
January 23, 2024 Formal Meeting, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Jan 16\]
1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes)
2. Economic Forecast – Chelsie Taylor, Grant Forsyth (30 minutes)
3. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
4. Info Only: Department Monthly Reports; Fire Dept Monthly Report
January 30, 2024 Study Session, 6:00p.m. \[due Tue Jan 23\]
1. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
February 6, 2024 Study Session, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Jan 30\]
1. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
February 13, 2024 Formal Meeting, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Feb 6\]
1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes)
2. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
February 20, 2024 Winter Workshop, 8:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m \[due Tue Feb 13\]
1. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
February 27, 2024 Formal Meeting, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Feb 20\]
1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes)
Draft Advance Agenda 12/14/2023 4:33:31 PM Page 1 of 2
2. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
3. Info Only: Department Monthly Reports; Fire Dept Monthly Report
March 5, 2024 Study Session, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue Feb 27\]
1. Advance Agenda –Mayor(5 minutes)
March 12, 2024 Formal Meeting, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue March 5\]
1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes)
2. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
March 19, 2024 Study Session, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue March 12\]
1. Advance Agenda –Mayor(5 minutes)
March 26, 2024 Formal Meeting, 6:00 p.m. \[due Tue March 19\]
1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes)
2. Advance Agenda – Mayor (5 minutes)
3. Info Only: Department Monthly Reports; Fire Dept Monthly Report
*time for public or council comments not included
OTHER PENDING AND/OR UPCOMING ISSUES/MEETINGS:
9-1-1 calls (delays, holding, etc.)
Appleway Trail Amenities
Ethics Code
Gang Task Force Update
Mirabeau Park Forestry Mgmt.
ORV usage on streets
Park Camera Update
Park Lighting
PFD Presentation
Public Safety Comparison
Protection of Utility Infrastructures
SCRAPS
Street Scaping, signs, trees, etc.(info)
Vehicle Wgt Infrastructure Impact
Yellowstone Franchise Agreement
Zayo Franchise Ordinance
Draft Advance Agenda 12/14/2023 4:33:31 PM Page 2 of 2