2003, 04-29 Study Session MinutesINFORMATION ONLY -NO ACTION REQUIRED
City of Spokane Valley
City Council
Study Session Notes
April 29, 2003
Mayor Michael DeVleming opened the Study Session at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Michael DeVleming, Deputy Mayor Diana Wilhite,
Councilmember Dick Denenny, Mike Flanigan, Richard Munson, Gary Schimmels, and Steve
Taylor.
Staff present: Interim Manager Lee Walton, Interim Deputy Manager Stan McNutt, Interim
Human Resources /Contracts Manager Don Morrison, Interim Public Works Director Richard
Warren, Interim Finance Director Robert Noack, Interim City Engineer Dick Thiel, and Interim
Administrative Assistant Sue Larson sitting in as City Clerk.
County animal control operations review presentation: Mayor DeVleming introduced
Spokane County Director of Animal Control Nancy Hill who presented an overview of the
animal control problems and concerns. Hill explained the purpose of animal control is to protect
the public and provide good service. Hill described Calgary's philosophy regarding Calgary's
population versus the cat and dog population and how well their animal services work.
Hill explained what she would like to see accomplished within Spokane Valley.
• Convenient outlets to pay fees.
• Low pet licenses
• Implementing the plan
Councilmember Munson questioned what the cost of a County -wide campaign would be for the
City to promote pet licensing since a campaign such as this has never been accomplished in
America. Hill explained that support is the best help the City can give.
Questions were asked by Councilmember Flanigan regarding property and space with positive
answers coming from Hill for current and future facilities.
Hill asked that the City of Spokane Valley consider adding a staff person. Right now Animal
Control runs 12 -hour shifts and there is a need for several officers. As of now, there are no
officers on duty for the complaints that come in.
Hill will keep the Council updated and posted as to the process on the upcoming campaign.
SCOPE Program Review: Lt. Steve Jones, Inspector Dave Wiyrick and SCOPE Director
Bonnie Abernethy presented to the Council the SCOPE Program and what it involves, including
patrolling the trails, being the ears and the eyes of the community, finger printing kits and
volunteers who help with traffic control. The three presenters would like to see the SCOPE
Program continue and bridge gaps between Law Enforcement and the Community to make for a
safer community.
Economic Development: Mark Turner with the Economic Development Council reviewed their
program explaining that their mission was to create good quality jobs for Spokane County.
Employee job description resolution: The Council had many questions pertaining to the
employee pay scale. They were briefed by Interim Human Resources Manager Morrison. City
Manager Mercier explained how the organization chart will remain influx for quite some time.
He suggests that the Council allow broader salary ranges for the time being allowing him to
recognize the ability of each employee and make good judgments.
Regional Wastewater Treatment System: Interim Public Works Director Warren gave the
history on the sewers and treatment system that has been operated by Spokane County and the
City of Spokane. He explained what the future needs of a new regional system would be and
said that the best site for a new plant would be near the Stockyard and Brown Building Supply
which would provide a good flowing system.
City Manager Commentary: City Manager, Dave Mercier discussed customer service and its
importance to the Council. He suggests changing our reference to a "Customer Care Program"
that better defines the way we may see the City's customers benefit.
Mayor DeVleming closed the study session at 9:30 p.m.
Administrative Assistant Sue Larson
NOTE: It is our practice to provide Study Session Notes for information, but these are not
included as action items on Council agendas.
Council Study Session Notes, April 29, 2003
C: Muller -Study Session Notes 4 -29 -03