2025-02-27 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESRegular Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Spokane Valley City Hall
February 27, 2025
I. Vice -Chairman John Robertson called the regular meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. The meeting was
held in person and via ZOOM meetings.
II. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge Of Allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Marianne Lemons took attendance, and the following members and staff
were present:
Michael Kelly
Bob McKinley, absent
Emily Meyer
John Robertson
Justin Weathermon
Ann Winkler
Dan Wilson
Tony Beattie, Deputy City Attorney
Steve Roberge, Planning Manager
Miguel Aguirre, IT Specialist
Marianne Lemons, Administrative Assistant
There was consensus from the Planning Commission to excuse Commissioner
Weathermon
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Wilson moved, and it was seconded, to approve the meeting agenda for
February 27, 2025. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero
opposed, and the motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Meyer moved, and it was seconded, to approve the meeting minutes for
the February 13, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Winkler requested the following to be added to
Agenda Item #lb: "The Planning Commission offered a lot of comments and asked a lot of questions
to ensure that the Commission was looking out for the citizens of Spokane Valley." Commissioner
Wilson moved, and it was seconded, to approve Commissioner Winkler's amendment to the minutes.
There was no discussion. The vote on the amendment motion was six in favor, zero opposed, and the
motion passed. The vote on the motion to approve the minutes as amended was six in favor, zero
opposed, and the motion passed.
VI. COMMISSIONER REPORT: Commissioner Meyer reported that during the Comprehensive Plan
Update, the Planning Commission will need to remember that the market will dictate what housing is
actually built within the City limits. She feels that it is the job of the Commission to allow the
market to show what is needed. She also reported that she spoke to some developers to find out why
they would choose to build in the City of Spokane instead of the Valley and they responded that the
parking requirement is lower in Spokane. She feels that the City is missing out on growth due to
restrictions.
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Commissioner Wilson reported that he attended a Workforce Development forum sponsored by
Congressman Baumgartner regarding a 45-million-dollar federal grant for a new Research and
Development Hub in the Spokane area. He stated that this will help achieve the State's legislative
goal of double manufacturing output but will also require available and affordable housing for the
workers. He explained that the region's aerospace industry provides good jobs for people in the
Valley but will put more pressure on Growth Management, City Planning, and utilization of public
resources. However, he said that if it is done well, it will bring an economic boom to the region.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Steve Roberge reported that the Planning
Commission meeting on March 13.2025, will be a study session for a street vacation located on
Appleway Avenue and a Comprehensive Plan Update schedule and overview outlining what will
occur over the new few months in the process. He also reported that a Land Capacity Analysis
Report will be presented to the Commission that will show available land capacity within the City
limits under the current zonings.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment offered.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Findings of Fact: CTA-2024-0002 — Right -Of -Way (ROW) Permits
Senior Planner Lori Barlow provided a brief overview of the Findings of Fact for CTA-2024-0002
explaining how they formalize the Commission's recommendations made after receiving public
comment during the public hearing and Planning Commission deliberations.
Commissioner Wilson moved, and it was seconded, to approve the Findings of Fact for CTA-2024-
0002 regarding Right -Of -Way permits. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in
favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed.
b. Presentation: Department of Commerce Presentation on Housing
Planning Manager Steve Roberge introduced Pranjali Rai, Kathleen Weinand, Michael Burnham,
and Ananda Gordon -Peabody with the Washington Department Of Commerce. They gave a
presentation regarding Climate Control and how to integrate climate goals and policies into local
Comprehensive Plans.
The Planning Commissioners asked questions and requested clarifying information on the materials
that were presented. They also expressed some concern about implementing the changes once they
are adopted and encouraged public participation through the process to provide directions on what
the citizens would like to occur.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: There was nothing offered for the Good Of The Order.
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XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Wilson moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting at
7: 21 p. m. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed.
Bob McKinley, Chairman Date Signed
Marianne Lemons, Secretary