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2024, 12-23 Special Meeting
City of Spokane Valley City Council Study Session Meeting Special Meeting — Formal A Tuesday, December 23, 2024 Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in person in Council Chambers, and also remotely via Zoom meeting. Attendance: Councilmembers Staff Pam Haley, Mayor John Holtman, City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Rod Higgins, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Ben Wick, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator John Whitehead, HR Director Dave Ellis, Police Chief Absent: Jerremy Clark, Chief Signal Technician Laura Padden, Councilmember Susan Nielsen, Economic Development Specialist Al Merkel, Councilmember Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: City Clerk Patterson called roll; all Councilmembers were present except Councilmembers Padden and Merkel. It was moved by Councilmember Yaeger, seconded and unanimously agreed to excuse Councilmembers Padden and Merkel. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenbuyg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: Vicki Carter, Director of Spokane Conservation District Ms. Nielsen introduced Ms. Carter and provided an overview of the previous letter of support and noted that she was there to answer questions from last week. Ms. Carter stated where the funding is coming from for the grant that the support letter will be submitted for. She noted that they are looking for a May completion date for the scale house market. Council had no questions for Ms. Carter and wisher her well on the completion of the scale house market. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS Councilmember Wick: noted that he had nothing to report. Councilmember Higgins: noted that he had nothing to report. Councilmember Yaeger: noted that he had nothing to report. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg: spoke about the STA meetings. MAYOR'S REPORT The mayor spoke about the new double-decker bus that was just delivered for STA. PROCLAMATION: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited public comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley provided comment. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 12-23-2024 Page 1 of 3 Approved by Council: 02-25-2025 CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Consent Agenda: Consists of items considered routine which are approved as a group. Any member of Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately. Proposed Motion: I move to approve the Consent Agenda. a. Approval of Claim Vouchers, December 23, 2024, Request for Council Action Form: $3,160,517.86. b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending December 15, 2024: $579,652.84. c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2024 It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda. ACTION ITEMS: 2 Ordinance 24-019• Second Reading Amending SVMC 3.49 Donating Surplus Land — Kelly Konkright After City Clerk Patterson read the Ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded approve Ordinance 24-19: An Ordinance Amending SVMC 3.49 to Authorize Surplus Land to be Donated for Affordable Housing and Codes Grant Award Process. City Attorney Konkright spoke about ordinance and reviewed the changes to the ordinance from what it read previously. Mayor Haley invited public comment: no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed.- none. Motion carried 3. Resolution 24-014: Interim Housing & Homeless Task Force — Gloria Mantz It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to approve the Resolution #24-14, extending the term of the Interim Housing & Homeless Task Force through March 31, 2025 or until the Permanent Task Force is established; and approve to earmark $35,000 for shelters beds from Fund #110. Ms. Mantz provided a brief overview on the background of the task force and why the resolution is necessary and noted that she will be back in Jan with a proposal for the permanent task force. She also stated that nothing had changed from her previous presentation. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Arne Woodard, Spokane Valley provided comment. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed.- none. Motion carried 4. Resolution 24-016: Rules for Planning Commission — Tony Beattie It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to approve Resolution 24-016, adopting the Planning Commission Rules of Procedure and repealing all previous versions. Mr. Konkright provided details regarding the updates that were made. Mayor Haley invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried 5. Motion Consideration: ILA w/ WSDOT for Signal Maintenance — Jerremy Clark It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the Amendment to extend the 2014 Interlocal Agreement for Signal Maintenance with the Washington State Department of Transportation through March 31, 2025 in substantially the form as presented Mr. Clark provided brief details on the amended interlocal agreement. Mayor Haley invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed- none. Motion carried. 6 Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity- Homeless Outreach Program — Gloria Mantz It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to (1) approve authorizing the City Manager to develop and submit the recommended grant application to Spokane County HCD, and (2) approve extending the term of the Frontier Behavioral Health contract for Homeless Outreach Services for up to two years. Ms. Mantz gave a detailed background on the grant opportunity and said that funding would be intended to assist with providing resources to fund homeless crisis response systems to support communities in ending homelessness. She also provided details on the cost for the current homeless outreach program and how this finding would assist with offsetting those costs. Ms. Mantz also noted details on the current Frontier Behavioral Health contract and that extending it by two years would allow our homeless outreach team to continue their efforts to provide services within our community. Mayor Haley invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 12-23-2024 Page 2 of 3 Approved by Council: 02-25-2025 NON -ACTION ITEMS: INFORMATION ONLY (will note be reported or discussed): 7. Department Monthly Reports 8. Fire Dept Monthly Report GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: General public comment rules apply. After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited public comment; no comments were offered. ADVANCE AGENDA There was nothing for the Advance Agenda. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Hohman provided a recap of activities for 2024 that included the number of regular and special meetings held, strategic meetings held, and ordinances and resolutions passed. Mr. Hohman also noted the total meeting time was over 113 hours for the year. Mr. Hohman reminded council that there was no meeting the next week due to the holiday and that the next meeting was going to be on January 7'. He closed with thanking staff and council and wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m. ATTE T: l Marct tterson, City Clerk Pam Haley, Ma r Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 12-23-2024 Approved by Council: 02-25-2025 Page 3 of 3 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, December 23, 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. You may only speak at one of the comment opportunities, not at both public comment opportunities. NAME TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK PLEASE PRINT ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. DRAFT ADVANCE AGENDA as of December 23, 2024; 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 December 24, 2024 Formal A Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Canceled [due Tue Dec 17] December 31, 2024 Formal B Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Canceled [due Tue Dec 24] January 7, 2025 Formal B Meeting, 6:00 p.m. [due Tue Dec 311 Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week Oaths of Office for Councibnembers 1. Motion Consideration: Volunteer Committee Appointments — Mayor Haley (10 minutes) 2. Motion Consideration: Board Appointments — Mayor Haley (10 minutes) 3. Motion Consideration: Lodging Tax Funding Allocation — Sarah Farr (15 minutes) 4. Admin Report: Economic Forecast Presentation — Mike Basinger, Grant Forsyth (30 minutes) 5. Admin Report: Potential Grant Opportunity: Raise Grant - Adam Jackson (10 minutes) 6. Admin Report: Permanent Homeless & Housing Task Force Resolution — Gloria Mantz (10 minutes) Executive Session: Review of a Public Employee [*estimated meeting: 95 mins] January 14, 2025 Formal A Meeting, 6:00 p.m. [due Tue Jan 71 Proclamation: Recognizing Youth Sports 1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes) 2. Ordinance 24-018: First Reading Amend SVMC 7.05 Camping on Private Prop. — Kelly Konkright (10 minutes) 3. Resolution: Permanent Homeless & Housing Task Force— Gloria Mantz (10 minutes) 4. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity: Raise Grant — Adam Jackson (10 minutes) 5. Motion Consideration: Interim Housing & Homeless Task Force — Gloria Mantz (10 minutes) 6. Admin Report: ILA with SVFD — Kelly Konkright. Jenny Nickerson (10 minutes) 7. Admin Report: Sign Code Update — Kelly Konkright (10 minutes) 8. Advance Agenda — Mayor Haley (5 minutes) [*estimated meeting: 70 mins] January 21, 2025 Formal B Meeting, 6:00 p.m. 1. Motion Consideration: ILA with SVFD — Kelly Konkright, Jenny Nickerson 2. Motion Consideration: Greenacres Park Phase 2 Bid Award — Glenn Ritter 3. Admin Report: OPMA & PRA Training — Kelly Konkright January 28, 2025 Formal A Meeting, 6:00 p.m. 1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) 2. Admin Report: Innovia Grant Update — Sarah Farr 3. Admin Report: SNAP Grant Update — Sarah Farr 4. Admin Report: VOA Crosswalk 2.0 Grant Update — Sarah Farr 5. Admin Report: Habitat for Humanity Grant Update — Sarah Farr 6. Advance Agenda — Mayor Haley 7. Info Only: Department Monthly Reports; Fire Dept Monthly Report February 4, 2025 Formal B Meeting, 6:00 p.m. February 11, 2025 Formal A Meeting, 6:00 p.m. 1. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) [due Tue Jan 141 (10 minutes) (10 minutes) (20 minutes) [due Tue Jan21] (5 minutes) (15 minutes) (15 minutes) (15 minutes) (15 minutes) (5 minutes) [due Tue Jan281 [due Tue Feb 4] (5 minutes) Draft Advance Agenda 12/23/2024 9:58:53 AM Page I of 2 2. Advance Agenda — Mayor Haley (5 minutes) February 18, 2025 Formal B Meeting, 6:00 p.m. [due Tue Feb 111 February 25, 2025 Formal A Meeting, 6:00 p.m. [due Tue Feb 181 I. Consent Agenda (claims, payroll, minutes) (5 minutes) 2. Advance Agenda — Mayor Haley (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: 250th USA Celebration Aquifer Protection Area Report Camera Update DOT Clean Up Electric Scooter Regulations Gang Task Force Update Group Home Discussion Investment Policy Review Lithium -Ion Battery Policies Mirabeau Park Forestry Mgmt. Oversize & Overweight Vehicle Permit Peer Court Potential Legal Remedies Re: CM Merkel Protection of Utility Infrastructures SCRAPS Sign Code Review Draft Advance Agenda 12/23/2024 9:58:53 AM Page 2 of 2 Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Grants The Healthy Food Financing Initiative What does this program do? The Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) provides loans, grants, and technical assistance resources to improve and support access to fresh, healthy, affordable food in urban and rural underserved communities. HFFI is using additional USDA -allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA - available at this link: https://www.usda.gov/arp) resources to expand its services and reach. With an additional $30 million in available grants, the Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Program — which focuses on improving access to capital and capacity building — is the first funding opportunity available under this expanded initiative. What is an eligible area? • Those in USDA's Low Income, Low Access census tracts (information is available at this link: htti)s://tinyurl.com/b8v6e*d2) • Census tracts adjacent to USDA's Low Income, Low Access census tracts, with median family incomes equal to — or less than — 120 percent of the area median family income • Census Block Groups in Limited Supermarket Access (LSA) areas meeting one or more additional distress criteria When used in conjunction with additional distress criteria, other measures of limited access to supermarkets or grocery stores adopted for use by local governments or philanthropic healthy food initiatives can also be used to determine eligibility. For help determining if your project is in an eligible area, email help(a)investinainfood.com. Who can apply? • State, local, Tribal governments and their agencies • Nonprofit organizations • Cooperative businesses • For -profit businesses USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. How can funds be used? • Support new or existing partnerships, such as state or local food funds or financing programs • Explore, establish, or grow a healthy food financing fund for underserved communities • Increase internal and external capacity building • Identify and improve access to seed capital What are some of the grant terms? • HFFI Partnerships Program grants range from $200,000 to $3 million How do we get started? HFFI is a public -private partnership administered on behalf of USDA Rural Development by Reinvestment Fund (information is available at this link: https://www.investinginfood.com) — a Community Development Financial Institution. For additional information, email help(@investinainfood.com. What governs this program? HFFI was first authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill (information available at this link: htti)s://www.usda.aov/farmbill). •..• • .. : •..: .•.. ••... 0 VV . : O : . ••.•: ........ :.......... ........ . ......... . •.• . .. .. . . . .. ... •• ... .............. . .. .......... ....... .......... ............. ... .......... . ..... .. . . ..•.. MWY 000 USDA .:•:.::.:••I: :11 ....... :.. ... 1. .. . ..... ... ... . . .. . ... . ............ .... ... .............. . a .. ...... . .. ... ... ..:.. . ........... . .. . .... . . ...... .• ...•: •.. • ..:::•'.: .. . • . ...... •. . .. This QR code takes you to our partners at www.investinginfood.com. NOTE: Because information changes, always consult official program instructions or contact your local Rural Development office for help. A list is available at this link: https:Hgo.usa.gov/xJHPE. You will find additional resources, forms, and program information at https:Hrd.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Public Comment December 23, 2024 Good evening, City Council, Mayor Hailey, Mr. Hohman, and Mr. Kronkriaht. My name is Ben Lund, and I have been a Spokane Valley 1 V resident for 33 years. Councilmember Merkel, I sincerely hope this will be the last time I need to address you regarding your behavior, as I believe your resignation is long overdue. On December 20, 2024, Next -Door deleted your Ponderosa account and your posts on the Spokane Valley page. However, I saved a copy of one particularly notable comment before it was removed: "Justin Hanvey • HiCo Village • 13m I've watched this go downfor months now, and all I've seen is Albert Merkel causing trouble at every turn, attempting to turn citizens against the City Council, badmouthing members and their families, and from what several reports have shown, engaging in abusive behavior towards fellow City Councilmembers and staff. I wish they would just fare you already. It's been time for that for a while now. nThen this City Council really can get back to YVVrkan6 for the people aiGd not clea/ian� up your mess of a tenure as council member. Be funny if you block me or delete this comment, just proving you don't work -for the people, just the ones who agree with your political agenda. " This sentiment is not an isolated one. Tens of thousands of residents feel similarly, as evidenced by the growing negative publicity surrounding your actions. It has reached a tipping point. Mr. Hohman, I have provided you with a copy of this post to ensure the City is prepared should a public records request be filed. We must avoid unnecessary legal exposure due to 1hls si-ILL M1o11. Councilmember Merkel, your refusal to adhere to laws and standards of accountability has cost the City an estimated $100,000, just for this violation. This could have been avoided had you chosen to follow the rules rather than attempting to control the narrative by twisting and distorting the truth. Even Nextdoor, a public platform, deemed your actions to be biased and removed your account. Your tenure as a City Councilmember has effectively been reduced to ashes. To my fellow Councilmembers. I urge you to consider the damage that has been done and act decisively to restore public trust in our leadership. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you. 12.19.2024 A Albert Merkel Ponderosa- 2 hr ago Good evening members of the public Tonight, the Spokane Valley City Council conducted a shortnotice special meeting to publicly slap me on the wrist for the biased Hearing Examiner's decision against me. Here is the statement I made: This decision is fundamentally flawed, biased, and emblematic of the mismanagement and irisplaced priorities ofthis city's leadersrip. It's a classic story, when someone makes valid criticisms of your policy that you cant defend, attack them personally, say its about the way they talk or the methods they use to communicate, its even got a name DEFLECT. From the outset, this so-called "independent" process has been anything but independent. Let me begin by pointing out a deeply troubling fact: weeks before the Hearing Examiner's decision was issued, the City Manager publicly announced HIS CERTAINTY that I would be found in violation. This blatant pre judgment of the outcome not Dilly iiil(IGtiliiiies tii� ci°�Ciiiiiiicy or this process uuL also proves that the Iicatitir, i nallliliei` is nothing more than a hired hand for the City Manager, rubber-stamping decisions made behind closed doors. The decision itself claims to be the result of a rigorous investigation. Yet, it references a post from my Nextdoor account relating to city conditional use permits —a post I made four years before I was even elected to this Council. How can an investigation be considered thorough wllcii it includes SUC13 a glaring and easily identifiable e11i)r . if t111s is the level of scrutiny applied, it casts doubt on the validity of every other finding in this decision. Despite illy strong objections and udder protest, I will register illy Nextdoor account with Page Freezer to bring this issue to a close and end the deflections. However, let me be clear: I do not acknowledge this decision as legitimate. It is not grounded in law but rather in an overreach of authority by a Council majority that has consistently abused its power to target me personally. This is a waste of city resources —both time and money —to document and index information that is clearly not a public record. The irony here is rich: the very posts they claim to lack access to have repeatedly been presented as part of this record, demonstrating that the city has had full access to this information all along. Today, this Council majority once again demonstrates its obsession with distracting from real issues by directing its focus at me. But I will not let this pass without addressing the real failures of this administration. I reprimand this Council and the City Manager for wasting the public's time and resources on this charade while neglecting the issues that matter most to our residents. Where is your attention on the rapidly deteriorating public safety in Spokane Valley? Where is your concern for our crumbling infrastructure, which you have ignored in favor of albatross projects like the Sprague "road diet" and the dangerous, costly "circle of death" at 16th? And where is your accountability for allowing our local economy to stagnate under over -taxation, like the burdensome license plate fees imposed on our residents? Next year, the people of Spokane Valley will have a choice to make. They will decide whether this sham investigation and baseless accusations against me deserve their attention —or whether the real crimes are the Council's failure to protect public safety, its reckless financial mismanagement, and its waste of taxpayer dollars on misguided projects. These attacks on my person may continue, but you the citizens have to ask if I am right about my criticisms. Spokane Valley, Do you feel safer? Are you glad about the Sprague road diet? Is homelessness and the economy getting better? I say NO to these questions, what do you say? I remain committed to serving the people of Spokane Valley, not to perpetuating these distractions. My focus is and always will be on making our city safer, stronger, and more responsive to the needs of its residents. Thank you. Al Merkel Spokane Valley City Councilman As per the above, I will be registering this nextdoor account or a successor account with page freezer as demanded by the city staff so that the they can waste more of your tax money indexing and collating all my posts as public records. this will of course cost the citizens even more money, but I will not stop communicating with you all as the value of those communications to you as citizens is undeniable. I am sure they will soon hire more staff members solely to track my posts. I am sorry to have to post this message during the Christmas season, which should be a season of celebration and thankfulness, but unfortunately this city council and this city manager are determined to waste your taxes and attack with vitriol even during this time. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I am very thankful to be your representative and to fight for what all of us want our city to be. disclaimer: nothing in this post reflects the position of the city council or the city as a whole. 26 Albert Merkel Author • Ponderosa • 2h • Edited I want to add, that Councilmember Yaegers husband and Mr. Ben Lund almost physically attacked some of the folks that were at the meeting who expressed disbelief in this waste. They approached and threateningly challenged these valley residents unprovoked, with Mr. Ben Lund demanding that they leave a public meeting, something he had absolutely no right to do. Police and city staff even interjected to bring calm to the situation. here is the thing, why were they so mad? if they are right, then why get mad and physical? in my experience when individuals resort to physical threatening in a public political process, it must be because they recognize that they are on the wrong side of the issue and can't defend their positions any further. This is an unfortunate thing to happen in our city. I hope we the citizens can come together for change this next year, so that we can have the bright future we all hope for. PJ Mike Dolan • McDonald - 1 h Albert d'1 1 What _ Albert �. 1 T� T _ talking '._ 1 Illy name is Mike Dtua11. hat Albert reports above is accurate. It was crazy. 1 was talking with a friend who I hadn't seen in some time during a break in the meeting. A person who later identified himself as councilman Yeager's husband came over (:ve were sitting in a separate section). And started yelling that I was insulting him, he was literally yelling, I mentioned he was interrupting a private conversation, next Ben Lund came over demanding to know my name, which I told him, he kept telling I was not allowed here (city council meeting) and I need to get out_ Such an angry person!! Then, councilwoman' eaters mother started accusing m of attacking her every time I see her, not true of course, WOW! The officers came over and calmed the situation and I was able to resume my conversation. Jay went down to see the special meeting, sure didn't expect to be personally attacked. So much for peace on earth Goodwill towards men. I didn't think councilwoman was actually married, oh well. 2 Scott Buettner •Pine Valley -5Om Albert I would like you to stop lying I never got close to Mike and didn't threaten him in one bit! I am sorry that is someone is publicly trying to humiliate your wife you won't step in and ask to explain it more which is exactly what I did. It's a public space and I let Mike has his first amendment rights and I am entitled to mine! But tell the truth instead of victimizing yourself and everyone around you! ! 2 PAULA BOWES •Valley•39m DANG, free excitement. I will have to start attending. Albert Merkel Author • Ponderosa • 32m Scott except you didn't just speak you came across the room to talk at him. public information requests have already been filed with the city for the camera footage. just to say your wife (are you legally married?) is a public figure. no one came at her or you or was even speaking with you. you chose to go and act in a threatening manner all by yourself. I am not sure CM Yaeger or any public figure nee -us that type Qf prvtCCtioii, you should probably ilvt SCCA this kind of confrontation, it's one thing if someone charges AT YOU, but if you are charging in you are probably in the wrong. Peggi Malone Burnham • Vaney • 2h I've nearly been hit a few times at the Bowdish traffic circle and came upon a pretty bad accident there a couple weeks ago. Sorne people line up, and Keep g0-111g th ough without allowing L le cross traffic to enter. Sometimes they race to beat the other person entering the circle. It seem exceedin-lv ulanaero„s to me. it Albert Merkel Author - Ponderosa -2h Pe�9i completely agree. I tried to get the city to conduct a public engineering review, but the city manager said the he would rather handle it "in house" See more PAULA BOWES -Valley-41m Albert the area was too small/limited for that intersection to be changed into a roundabout. First time I used it (I live very near) I was nearly t-boned. Ben Lund -Monroe Ash -1h • Edited So, how many federal, state and Goverance violations by Albert Merkel are listed in the examiners report, and resolution no- 24-015? That is the definition of lawlessnes! ! Ask the city for the video of this meeting, so you know the truth and not the twist. Message me and I am happy to give you copy of the examiners report and resolution. How many times has he lied? This is all recorded. Remember he said the police approved his homeless plan. Then Sherriff Nowles, at the next meeting said his office and the City would he sued if implemented his plan. Yes, I am mad he keeps wasting our tax money ($186,000 so far) and he thinks this joke without any remorse to his behavior causing the City and all the committees he used to belong to to have liability problems as well. Do you really want the city spending more money because of Albert Merkel's lawlessness? Remember Albert if you edit or delete this post it is a violation Governance and State and federal laws as lined out in the examiners report. If you do what you say you are going to do by registering this post, it will be used against you in legal action because of your fasle claims in paragraph 7. Councilman Hattenburg completed destroyed your narrative in closing comments because of Amazon and FedEx moving their operations to Valley. Also paragraph 3 is a lie and false claim. Happy trails Merkel! Bonny Jean Gulden • Ponderosa • 1 h Ben Why did you interrupt Mike Dolan's conversation, `yelling' and demanding to know his name? Why would he not be welcome at a public hearing? Ben Lund • Monroe Ash • 51 m Bonny save the drama please. It did not go down like exactly like that. Albert Merkel purpose of this nn c.+ is +n f— o+ and lia a +—, + Hain in11n�vers fnv 1q1O a� A a -D ++ - in —,]I- 71,,, a rAnnmmAn�a rv.�t is uv Ivy i.�t a. lie and .iy L� 6aui IvIIvVvvau Xvl 1110 uugvridu. i ii��iri� ui vvuv 11v avvviaiiiavuu� for city council. Now that is a very scary thought. Bev Stamper Otis Orchards, WA • 59m Ben get over yourselfl I see you not only attacking Albert Merkel, but it sounds like you will attack anyone without your beliefs. What right do you have to tell someone they can't attend a meeting and verbally attack them. Are you on the city council, if not, then why were you at the meeting? Honestly MR. BEN LUND, I could care less about anything that comes out of your mouth, as you are nothing but a miserable BULLY, that needs to find a hobby Pa Shirley A. • Prairie View • 46m I'm sick of this Peyton Place crud. Albert Merkel Author •Ponderosa•27m Shirley agreed. now that this is over, we will see how long before this council majority tries to distract from the real city issues. hopefully they won't, and wll finally join me in actually trying to solve problems for the city. they are running out of excuses about the problems we are having. Bonny Jean Gulden •Ponderosa•45m • Edited Ben Drama? I referred to Mike Dolan's comment, not Al's. Most of us don't have time to watch hours of frustration and attend endless meetings where our viewpoints are brushed aside. We are too busy working to pay the ever increasing taxes. Create a city, they said. You will have more representation and less taxes, quick before Spokane envelopes you. Spokane Valley `enveloped' us and the experience has been one endless frustration. I took the time to write a multi page letter to the mayor. Not a word back. The vote went on as if we had not written. Oh, btw, I did take time to read the long report of the process against Al. Sounded like they didn't find much if anything wrong and he still has freedom of speech and maybe the council should move on and try to figure out why we would vote for someone we knew would rile a lot of feathers in an attempt to get things done differently. Please, please spend as much time focusing on what `we the people' actually want and less on what businesses and you want. Ben Lund Monroe Ash • 26m Bonny yes, I was referring Mike's drama. It did not go down that way. Yes, I too was here when we first became a City. I voted for it. Why? Aren't you glad you are not part of Spokane? That is city is a nightmare. The City of Spokane Valley is way better. The fact is, if we would have not become our own city, Spokane would have taken us over by now. So, the main point please see. Albert Merkel is the problem with this city coucil because of his lawlessness, costing us $186,000, exposure to huge liability problems with every committee he goes, every next door post, his lies and twists, attacks on others from Council members, staff and the leadership of City of Spokane Valley and citizens like you and me. So you think lawlessness is OK? Albert Merkel Author •Ponderosa•24m Bonny exactly. tonight they made comment about how fewer of my supporters are coming to council meetings. they misunderstand that as I have advised there isn't much point for people to come, the city council majority and city manager don't actually care about anyone's opinion. making comments are just a waste of time when your representatives don't listen. Aside from comments that only attack my person (irrelevant to the city residents), I try to talk with each and every commentor, and find out how I can help. PAULA BOWES Valley•43m That hearing administrator decision thing is a sham. My experience the same. I am going to ask a friend of mine who also had a recent hearing (property land decision thing) what his opinion was. As I was reading the hearing decisions, I came across his name. PAULA PAULA BOWES • Valley• 38m Peggy Doering, did you attend the council meeting? Albert Merkel Author • Ponderosa - 24m PAULA yeah it's unfortunate that this seems to be the case. Ben Lund •Monroe Ash •21m PAULA it is not about your opinion or mine. Lawlessness mean law. How many laws has Albert Merkel broken getting elected and now after being elected? Research that first please before you ask for opinions. Is Lawlessness Ok? Albert Merkel Author • Ponderosa, 18m Ben none. Ben Lund -Monroe Ash- l2m Alhert I guess you use fuzy math and need reading glasses. (I have copies of the reports and will make copies of them to who ever wants them) . Please stick to that defense. It is clear that is just getting started. The tripping point! Scott Buettner -Pine Valley-20m Across the room I was 8 feet away I was on the end of the aisle.. maybe if you can't understand the space you shouldn't comment and make things up. 12,19.2024 Valley Albert Merkel posted the same as his deleted ponderosa post. He only had 1comment from Jodie of which I responded. See Screen Shots from my phone. You can clearly see that the 12,19.20 post was deleted. Spokane Valley Politics and Government (not official city page) A group to discuss individuals thoughts on city government and write informative posts, commentary, or criticism about Spokane Valley. THIS GROUP IS NOT AN... See more 107 members Get the most out of groups 1 of 3 steps completed 33.33333333333333 Share something with the group ... Ben Lund Monroe Ash- 8 Dec Please watch this week's city council meeting. https://www.spokanevalleywa.gov/129/Agendas- Minutes-Videos Agendas, Minutes & Videos I Spokane Valley, WA spokanevalleywa. gov Add a comment... Ben Lund Monroe Ash• 23 Nov $143,000 is less than multiple $1,000 000, right? The city is facing multiple $1,000,000 lawsuits over Albert MMerkel lawlessness. No, the hearing examiner did not find him innocent, just not able to enforce any penalty. Understand process please -hearing, found guilty, Albert Merkel appealed, found not able to enforce, city will appeal (they have every legal to as well) 1) Albert Merkel has to pay his own attorney in the District Court 2) This illegal post and all his illegal accounts and all illegal posts will now be evidence. At the hearing, they had 1,000 page. How much more will be added? NEVER EVER FORGET THAT THIS WAS 100% PREVENTABLE IF ALBERT MERKEL OBEYED THE LAWS AND RULES IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! Finally, more evidence of Albert Merkel twists, lies, and false claims 1) The hearing examiner has no and has never been influenced in any way by the City or Mr. Hohman 2) The City Manager position is an not an elected position, period. 3) Yes, by being proactive in trying to limit Albert Merkel illegal behavior, the City and Mr Hohman is trying desperately to prevent multiple $1,000,000 lawsuits that will take services away from you 4) The City and Mr Hohman is for us. Albert Merkel is not because of the huge liability risk the city is now under, period. People your attacks on me because of explaining the facts will be entered into evidence. Please be kind and respectful with your responses. See more Add a comment... 8 Ben Lund Monroe Ash 26 Nov Happy Thanksgiving, neighbors! While I hope you're all enjoying time with family and friends, I wanted to address some confusion regarding recent posts about the ongoing investigation involving Albert Merkel. Truth & Fact #1: The document from Evans, Craven, and Lackie that Mr. Merkel referenced is from the first investigation —it is old news. Truth & Fact #2: This document has no bearing or precedence on the current investigation. The issues being examined now are entirely separate. We are currently awaiting the hearing examiner's conclusions on Mr. Merkel's alleged violations of federal, state, and governance policies regarding social media and public records. No official announcement has been made yet. It's unfortunate that Albert Merkel's Ponderosa Nextdoor account was recently taken down again (this being the second time in two months). It's important for everyone to have access to accurate and truthful information, but we've kept copies of relevant posts that may now become part of the evidence. The Process Reminder: The hearing examiner was very clear:. The chain of evidence starts fresh. • If found guilty, either party can appeal, which may move the case to superior court. • Legal representation for this process is paid out of pocket Albert Merkel Finally, I'd like to highlight an essential principle: City council members have a fiduciary responsibility to the city. This means they are legally and ethically obligated to: • Act in the best interests of the city, - Protect public resources, • Avoid conflicts of interest, and • Be transparent and accountable. Any breach of this duty can lead to serious legal consequences, as outlined by government laws and regulations. Let's hope for a resolution that upholds integrity and benefits our entire coniniunity. Enjoy this Thanksgiving day with your loved ones! See more Add a comment... Ben Lund Monroe Ash- 22 Nov Albert Merkel, I have a suggestion for you. Given the environment at City Council that you have created, it will be challenging for your proposals to gain traction. To improve your effectiveness, I encourage you to bring in respected individuals who share your viewpoints and can speak to their merits. Examples: Homelessness: If you support Camp Hope 2.0 in Airway Heights, invite the Mayor of Airway Heights to explain why he approves of this initiative to our City Council. If you have changed your thoughts on that, please invite a respected individual to speak who supports them. Homeless Identification Requirements: You mentioned discussing with law enforcement the idea of limiting Spokane Valley resources to homeless individuals with ID. This is not sufficient. Bring in the Sheriff or Police Chief who endorses this idea to validate your stance. Leadership requires collaboration and the ability to build trust. Trust is one of the most critical attributes of effective•leadershipF. Unfortunately, Albert; your-actioris—including costing the city $143,000 and presenting false or twisted statements —have significantly eroded trust in your leadership. It's important to understand that attacks on me or others who disagree with you will not change these facts. Regardless of the outcome of your appeal, your behavior will likely leave you too preoccupied to fulfill your duties as a City Councilman effectively. Finally, remember that platforms like Nextdoor represent only a fraction of the Spokane Valley population. Convincing the broader 90% who are concerned about your actions is where your focus should lie. Good day. See more Add a comment... 4 Ben Lund Monroe Ash• 19 Nov My speech at City Council Meeting November 19, 2024 Mayor Hailey, City Council, and vie::'ers online, good evening. My name is Ben Lund and I live in Spokane Valley. Tonight, I address Councilman Merkel directly to shed light on his role and responsibilities as a public servant. Mr. Merkel, this is a moment for education, because your understanding of your duties appears lacking. You serve as a public representative, and this role is not about personal agendas or self-interest. Your focus should be on representing the community, engaging collaboratively, and implementing well -thought-out solutions that consider logistics, economics, and practicality. Let's clarify something essential: does a city councilman have a fiduciary responsibility to the cll.y : �l'lat.31 T says. 1 es, a city council UQ3eJ have a fldilciarj' TeSpoili1b111ty I,V tl'1V V1Ly. 1hIS means council members are legally and ethically required to act in the city's best interest, protecting public resources and ensuring their Uec1011WID belleIII -the community. This duty includes managing city finances prudently, avoiding conflicts of interest, and being transparent and accountable in their actions. This fiduciary duty is typically outlined in government laws and regulations, and breaches of this duty can lead to legal consequences for council members." However, you have not upheld this duty. Your actions have already cost Spokane Valley .P ti t t F��. T t l ,pi-r�,CCC i11112VeS�iga�ioilS, legal fees, a13u Stair iivurS, i12iS iS ililacGcp�able, gild accOiziitabiiity for these costs is warranted. 1. Motion for Accountability: I urge the City Council to consider a motion to bill Mr. Merkel $500 per day per unauthorized Nextdoor account for each day he has been in violation of federal public records laws, Washington State RCWs, and the City of Spokane Valley Governance Manual. 2. Pursuing Legal Action: Additionally, I call on Mr. Hohman and Mr. Kronkight, who have the necessary evidence and documentation, to file appropriate charges against Mr. Merkel.. Mr. Merkel, your options are straightforward: if you genuinely care about this community, resign. Doing so would spare the city further costs and allow you to avoid bearing additional legal expenses for your own defense. Alternatively, we, the concerned citizens of Spokane Valley, will pursue your removal from office. P.S. Mr. Merkel, your comments suggesting that those who disagree with you are "attacking" or "silencing you" are unfounded and misleading. This narrative is a distortion of the truth and has no place in the factual discussions we are having regarding your conduct and performance in office. Ben Lund See more f1af1K YOU ZO all if1@ TUIKS iflai have stood up for him, and thank you, Al,..... See more Like Reply Share Ben Lund • Monroe... Now ••• Jodie Wouldn't you agree that lawlessness Trump's (pun intended) any Next Door aaccount? I can provide you copies of the Examiners report and resolution upon request. So you could count up the number of violations- Federal, State and Governance Manual. In order for the City to w%AS0&1% SArtA5r%aoA ! Aft .wAft I Dec Z® 6 Albert Merkel We took an action based on your account report Decision: It's been determined that this neighbor has broken community quidelines, so we've taken an Albert Merkel . Nundelusa • 1 ,- LAW rwo'ey JodieB. At, I'm sorry for all the vitriol. Thank you to all the folks that have stood up for hum, and thank you, Al.... See more Like Reply share © Son Lund odie Wouldn't you agree. at lawlessness Trump' -,,pun intended) any Next move torwaro, iegai investigations had to been completed,. This has provided ample time for Albert Merkel to change his behavior, which he has not. (Just because he says he will follow the social media rules, does not mean his behavior will change) Moving forward, the roFmlt s and evidence of this investigation provides one of the foundations. Ben Lund Jodie Wouldn't you agree that lawlessness Trump's (pun intended) any Next Door accoount? I can provide you copies of the Examiners report and resolution upon request. So you could count up the number of violations -Federal, State and Governance Manual. In order for the City to move forward_ leoal Dec 19