2024, 10-01 Formal B MeetingMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Formal B Format
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person by Council and staff in
Council Chambers, and also remotely via Zoom meeting.
Attendance:
Councilmembers
Staff
Rod Higgins, Councilmember
John Hohman, City Manager
Laura Padden, Councilmember
Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager
Ben Wick, Councilmember
Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember
Chelsie Taylor, Finance Director
Al Merkel, Councilmember
Bill Helbig, Public Works Director
Absent:
Pam Haley, Mayor
Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor
Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator
Mike Basinger, Economic Development Director
John Whitehead, Human Resources Director
Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director
Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Glenn Ritter, Senior Engineer
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
INVOCATION: In the absence of a pastor, Councilmember Higgins asked for a moment of silence to
recognize the hurricane victims.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Patterson called roll; all Councilmembers were present except Mayor Haley and
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg. It was moved by Councilmember Wick, seconded and unanimously agreed to
excuse Mayor Haley and Deputy Mayor Hattenburg.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Councilmember Wick, seconded and unanimously agreed to
approve the agenda.
SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS:
PROCLAMATIONS: The Fire Prevention Week proclamation was read by Councilmember Padden and
accepted by Fire Marshal Johnson. The Cybersecurity Awareness Month proclamation was read by
Councilmember Higgins and accepted by IT Manager Chad Knodel.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Councilmember Higgins explained the process,
he invited public comment. Mr. John Harding, Spokane Valley and Ms. Jodie Buehler, Spokane Valley all
provided comments on various topics.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Motion Consideration: Stormwater Services Contract Amendment - Adam Jackson
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 09-03-2024 Page] of 3
Approved by Council: 11-26-2024
It was moved by Councilmember Wick and seconded to approve Contract Amendment #2 to Cameron Reilly,
LLC resulting in a total contract amount not to exceed $550, 000, and authorize the City Manager to finalize
and execute the amendment. Mr. Jackson provided an overview of the changes to the contract that included a
review of the current stormwater services, budget, time and materials, awarded contractor, and noted that there
would be additional services to be provided with the amended services. Council questioned a cost analysis,
requirements to fund the program or contract and the inspection and oversight requirements of the contract.
Also discussed were the price comparisons to bidding each project and the need to provide amendments and
renewal options for this type of contract. Councilmember Higgins stated a point of order and Deputy Mayor
Hattenburg asked to speak to the point. Councilmember Higgins stated that this is a stormwater project and we
have been down this road and not need to speak of projects that have already been approved by council. Deputy
Mayor Hattenburg agreed. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg called for public comment; no comments were offered.
Vote by acclamation on the motion: in favor: Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers Wick, Higgins,
Yaeger, and Padden. Opposed: Councilnermber Merkel. Motion carried.
1. Motion Consideration: 2025 State Legislative Agenda — Virginia Clough, Briahna
It was inoved by Councilmember Wick and seconded to approve the proposed 2025 State Legislative Agenda.
Ms. Clough provided details on the updates and changes that were made to the Legislative Agenda and noted
that Ms. Murray was available for questions via Zoom as well. Staff discussed the changes and reviewed the
updated language and noted that they would like to continue to see updates as things progress with the
Legislature. Councilmember Higgins called for public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by
acclamation on the motion: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried.
2. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity, Commerce Grant and Housing Authority- Gloria
Mantz, Sarah Farr
It was moved by Councilmember Wick and seconded to authorize the City Manager to apply for the CHIP
grant in partnership with SHA. Ms. Mantz provided background details on the previous report and asked for
any additional questions. Councilmember Higgins called for public comment; no comments were offered. Vote
by acclamation on the motion: in favor: Councilinenabers Wick, Higgins, Yaeger, and Padden. Opposed:
Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
3. Admin Report: East Valley School District Pedestrian Undercrossing Agreement - Bill Helbig Tony Beattie
Mr. Helbig spoke about the history of the project, the need for the undercrossing agreement, and the agreement
provisions. The PowerPoint presentation showed the location of the underpass and noted that the underpass
would be used to access the East Valley School grounds on both sides. The school would be the only entity
using the underpass. The school would maintain the lights, clean up, surface painting, and locks on the
underpass. Mr. Helbig stated that he was seeking consensus to return with a motion at a later meeting. Council
discussed a termination clause in the agreement and the estimated cost of maintenance. Council provided
consensus to return at a later date with a motion for the agreement.
4. Admin Report: Balfour Facility Discussion - Gloria Mantz, Glenn Ritter
Ms. Mantz opened the discussion with an explanation of why the property was purchased and where it is
located. She stated that it was built in the 1960's and is a split-level building. Currently if the city were to
update the building it would cost quite a bit of money as it is not ADA compliant. Photos were shown that
explained how exposed the building is as a liability due to homeless individuals sleeping in the open areas
outside the building. Mr. Ritter followed up with details on what would need to be done in order to make it
ADA complaint just to gain access into the building. Mr. Ritter also went over the other options that were
reviewed for the building. Mr. Ritter noted that staff would recommend option four to demolish the building.
Council discussed the options and liked the option of a demo to the current building and the option to lease or
build at a later date. Consensus was provided to move forward with option four and demolish the building.
IINFORMATION ONLY:
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 09-03-2024 Page 2 of 3
Approved by Council: 11-26-2024
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: General public comment rules apply. After
Councilmember Higgins explained the process once more, he invited public comment; no comments were
offered.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilmember Merkel noted that he was glad the city recognized the fire prevention week and stated that
council has been somewhat remiss in recognizing the fire danger in Ponderosa and will continue to look into
that. He also highlighted that he was contacted by several people regarding the hiring of the "Planning
Director" and likes the idea of having an interviewing committee. He continued with stating that we are coming
up close to winter and spoke about snow gates on snowplows. He noted that this year he is proposing for a
program for senior citizens to apply to and we have a contract with someone who will come to their homes and
clear the berms. Councilmember Merkel closed with wanting to address some of the issues from the previous
week when his mic was shut off. Councilmember Padden raised a point of order and stated that the mic was
shut off due to state law and RCW as the motion was a direct conflict of interest for Councilmember Merkel
and that making a statement at this time would also be a conflict of interest. Councilmember Higgins agreed
to the point and asked to move any other council comments. Councilmember Merkel questioned what he should
not speak to, and Councilmember Higgins stated that it was the topic he was perusing and needed to cease.
Councilmember Padden noted about the Merkel discussion from last week was a clear conflict of interest and
still despite it all he tried to participate and vote. Councilmember Padden further discussed the comments from
Councilmember Merkel regarding transparency regarding the hiring of an employee for the city and wanting
to participate and yet he has violated so many of the governance manual rules, state laws and refusing to be
transparent for information and has no credibility on the topic.
Councilmember Yaeger spoke about critical issues regarding the impact of Councilmember Merkel's actions
on our community. She stated he has consistently demonstrated a disregard for the principles of transparency
and accountability that we as councilmembers are sworn to uphold. His behavior raises serious concerns about
his commitment to our city and the citizen. His failure to provide public records is a breach of trust.
Councilmember Yaeger noted that she was clearing up the information regarding defunding the police and
noting that it is our highest priority to fund public safety. She encouraged our citizens to seek out information
and not to follow the misinformation he is providing blindly and urged Councilmember Merkel to resign.
Councilmember Higgins noted a word of caution and stated RCW 42.17A.55 and stated that it is illegal for a
councilmember to cross the line in trying to manage what is the city managers prevue and believes that we are
dangerously close to crossing that line now and noted that as a word of caution.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
City Manager Hohman address some of the issues we have heard tonight and wanted to follow up on some of
the comments from this evening and would like to encourage the community to watch the meeting from last
week and that it is available online to view. Mr. Hohman noted that the hearing for Councilmember Merkel
will be on October 24th at 9:OOAM. Mr. Hohman also clarified information on the city plowing in the winter
and that the city owns a number of trucks with plows on them. The plows do not allow for the ability to have
the gates on them. The gates go on the graters, and we do not own any as we contract with businesses for those
services. There is a cost for those business owners to add the gates and equipment after the fact. Not a feasible
option for us to do this or ask a contractor to do that. Mr. Hohman also addressed the planning manager position
and stated that Mike Basinger is the Director and available to contact at any time and that we are hiring for a
Planning Manager and there will be many opportunities to speak in the future about the planning needs of our
community.
It was moved by Councilmember Wick, seconded to adjourn. Vote by acclamation: in favor: amartimous.
Opposed: none. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
ATTEST:
Marci atterson, City Clerk
?A, d4/4,
Pam Haley, Mayor
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 09-03-2024
Approved by Council: I 1-26-2024
Page 3 of 3
PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
6:00 p.m.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY
#1
Please sign up to speak for up to THREE minutes and the Mayor will afford the public the opportunity to
speak. The public comment opportunity is limited to a maximum of 45 minutes.
NAME TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK
PLEASE PRINT ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE
0
N)
Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure.
CITY OF
Spokane city of Spokane Vaffey, Washington
.,,;o0Valley° (ybersecunty Rareness Month
WHEREAS, We recognize the vital role that technology has in our daily lives and in the future
of the City of Spokane Valley; and
WHEREAS, Many government agencies are increasingly reliant on the internet, information
systems, and other information technology resources to provide efficient,
comprehensive, and effective services to the residents we serve; and
WHEREAS, Critical infrastructure sectors are increasingly reliant on information systems
and technology to support financial services, energy, telecommunications,
transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems; and
WHEREAS, National Cybersecurity Awareness month is a national effort coordinated by a
coalition ofprivate companies, nonprofits, and government organizations to raise
awareness about cybersecurity among all digital citizens, helping them to stay
safer and more secure online; and
WHEREAS, Maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each
of us play a critical role, and awareness of information security essentials will
improve the security of the City of Spokane Valley's information infrastructure
and economy; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Homeland Security, the Multi -State Information
Sharing and Analysis Center, the National Association of State Chief Information
Officers, and the National Cyber Security Alliance have declared October as
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month is "Secure Our World" and
empowers individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part
of cyberspace.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pam Haley, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the
Spokane Valley City Council and the citizens of the City of Spokane Valley, do hereby proclaim
the month of October 2024 as
CYBERSECURITYAWARENESS MONTH
and encourage residents to learn about cybersecurity and put that knowledge into practice in their
homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses.
Dated this 1st day of October 2024.
Pile ; Pam Haley, May
� FUTURE
Partners Inland Northwest is embarking on a capital
and operational campaign to remodel our recently
purchased building to better support our mission to
feed, clothe, and empower our neighbors.
The building will be used to create an efficient
environment of services to assist the
marginalized, impoverished, homeless and
needy in the Inland Northwest. The building will
house our food, clothing, and diaper banks as
well as our emergency assistance program.
Additionally, future growth plans include other
community agencies that share our mission and
desire to improve the lives of our neighbors in
need.
The increase in demand for our services
necessitates the move to a new facility in 2026.
With the consistent growth in demand for food,
diapers, and clothing, we must increase our
storage capacity, operational efficiency, and
ability to serve a growing population of
neighbors in need.
PartnersINW
Food I Family I Future
2022 i ARP Funds secured for 5.5 million.
We purchased the Ziggy's Home
Improvement store at 17002 E. Sprague Ave,
202 ' Spokane Valley- 65,000sgf on 6 acres. This
new building and our current facility are
Owned free and clear. Ziggy's is leasing thc�
store from us through 2025.
We begin renovation in January 2026 to
202641
transform the facility into a regional
distribution center and home of wrap around
services.
Project Costs
• $6.4M: acquisition of Ziggy's
• $5.5M: renovation estimate from
Lydig based upon ALSC predesign
work.
• 1.5M: Future Fund
• $13.4M: total project cost
Funding received to purchase Ziggy's:
• $4M: City of SpokaneValley (ARP
funds)
• $1.5M: SpokaneCounty (ARP funds)
• $900K: Ziggy's (building equity
donated)
ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROJECTIONS /
EXPECTATIONS (Still needed: >$7M)
Equity from current building: $1.25M
State Appropriations
Federal Appropriations
Private Foundations
Local Partners(business/private)
Projected Flog Plan