2025, 01-28 Formal A MeetingMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Formal Format A
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
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
Pam Haley, Mayor John Hohman, City Manager
Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager
Laura Padden, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Rod Higgins, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney Jessica
Yaeger, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director
Ben Wick, Councilmember Robert Blegen, Public Works Director
Al Merkel, Councilmember Jill Smith, Communications Manager
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
Mike Basinger, Economic Development Director
John Whitehead, Human Resources Director
Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Sarah Farr, Accounting & Finance Program Mngr.
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Zach Reiber, United Methodist Church gave the invocation.
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.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to approve the
agenda. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers Yaeger,
Padden, Higgins and Wick. Opposed: Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried'
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS n/a
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Merkel attended the roundtable event hosted by Dr. Valasquez regarding the fentanyl crisis.
Councilmember Wick provided clarification on the WSDOT information that was spoken about at an earlier
meeting and noted that they do have a crew that cleans up. He attended an AWC ad hoc nominating
committee, East Valley School district committee meeting, a FMSIB meeting, and noted that the Heritage
Museum restoration is complete on the front of the building.
Councilmember Higgins: stated that he had nothing to report.
Councilmember Padden: went to Washington DC to the inauguration event and while there met with the
federal lobbyist and introduced Baumgartner to the lobbyists.
Councilmember Yaeger: attended a Spokane Valley Chamber event, attended a local inauguration event,
and a GOP event.
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg: stated that attended a state of education event sponsored by GSI, noted that the
community college is rebranding, provided details on 2025 key areas for STA that included safety, security,
preventable accident reduction program, and that he is now chair of planning and development committee,
and provided a tax update for STA.
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Approved by Council: 04-08-2025
MAYOR'S REPORT
The Mayor provided an update on the STA meetings she attended and noted that they are still searching for
a CEO.
PROCLAMATIONS:
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:
After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments from the public. Mr. Ben Lund, Spokane
Valley; Mr. Al Schrock, Spokane Valley; Ms. Debbie Schrock, Spokane Valley; Mr. John Harding, Spokane
Valley provided general comments.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pending Litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)].
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded that Council adjourn into executive session for
approximately 15 minutes to discuss pending litigation, and that action may be taken upon return to open
session. Council adjourned into Executive Session at 6:27p.m. Senior Deputy City Attorney Beattie
requested a five minute extension of the Executive Session at 6:42p. in.
Council returned at 6:46p.m. at which time Mayor Haley stated that they were out of Executive Session.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded that council approve the CR2A Settlement
Agreement resolving the city's claims against Meridian Construction for defective construction of city hall
in the amount of $11, 750, 000.00. Mr. Hohman and Mr. Konkright provided details on the history of the
building and what led to the lawsuit. Mr. Hohman detailed the issues with the council chamber area and what
was done to correct those issues. He also detailed the costs and reviews associated with the issues and
corrections throughout the building. Mr. Hohman also provided details on the timeline regarding filing the
lawsuit with Meridian Construction up to where the city is currently today. Council did not have any
questions. Mayor Haley invited public comment; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley, John Harding, Spokane Valley,
provided public comment. Council commented that this has been a long and tedious task and they are proud
of staff for a great job on the outcome. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion
carried
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, January 28, 2025, Request for Council Action Form: $1,837,185.27.
b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending January 15, 2025: $742,489.49.
c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 29, 2024
d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2024
e. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 7, 2025
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent
Agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
NON ACTION ITEMS:
2. Admin Report: Innovia Grant Update — Sarah Farr
Ms. Farr provided a history on the ARPA finding and what the finding could be used for. Ms. Farr also
identified what the city used the funds for and noted that the grant recipients would be providing updates
this evening on what they have done with their funding thus far. Ms. Farr introduced Mr. Ben Small,
Executive Director of LaunchNW with Innovia Foundation. Mr. Small provided a PowerPoint presentation
that reviewed the current projects and how they have implemented those projects in the Spokane Valley high
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Approved by Council: 04-08-2025
schools and the current success of the programs. Mr. Small also provided details on where they see the
programs going in the future and how and where they hope to expand the programs in the future. Council
discussed the success of the programs and noted that they look forward to hearing more about the expansion
of the programs in the future.
3. Admin Report: SNAP Grant Update — Sarah Farr
Ms. Farr introduced Ms. Amber Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of SNAP. Ms. Johnson provided a
PowerPoint presentation providing an overview on the Broadway Senior Housing project, the milestones of
the project, the next steps for the housing project and when they anticipate residents to be able to move into
the facility. Ms. Johnson also spoke about some of the challenges that they have encountered thus far and
what they have done to overcome those challenges. Council discussed the low income housing brackets and
the next steps for the project.
4. Admin Report: VOA Crosswalk 2.0 Grant Update — Sarah Farr
Ms. Farr introduced Ms. Fawn Schott, President and CEO of Volunteers of America (VOA). Ms. Schott
provided a PowerPoint presentation that detailed the new Crosswalk 2.0 location. She reviewed the number
of children that will be able to use the facility, photos of the construction of the facility, explained what
Crosswalk does for children and how they assist all ages of children. Council discussed how many more
youth can receive assistance at the new location and that with double the occupancy it will allow for more
opportunities for growth.
5. Admin Report: Habitat for Humanity Grant Update — Sarah Farr
Sarah Farr introduced Ms. Colleen Weedman, Chief Program Officer of Habitat for Humanity and Mr. Eric
Lyons, COO of Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Weedman spoke about the finances for the projects and the
current Collins Lane unit. Mr. Lyons provided details on the construction of the homes and how they fund
the homes and who they sell the homes to. They also spoke about the home ownership classes and the
volunteer hours required to assist with building the homes.
Mayor Haley called for a recess at 8.•15pm for 10 minutes and that the meeting would resume at 8: 25pm.
6. Admin Report: House Bill 1256 Discussion — Robert Blegen, Erica Amsden
Mr. Blegen provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding details of House Bill 1256 that included an
overview of the House Bill and the definitions per the RCW and noted that it requires certain products to be
domestically produced. Mr. Blegen provided details on the waivers that can be granted and the process for
the waivers and noted that the Bill has similar requirements to the Build America Buy America Act. Ms.
Amsden reviewed the potential project impacts that included cost increases, project delays, additional
documentation efforts and an audit risk if requirements are not followed. Council briefly discussed the
waiver process, any changes potentially being requested by legislators, and the potential ability to do a
similar program locally.
It was moved by Councibuember Yaeger, seconded and unanimously approved to extend the meeting by
thirty minutes at 8:55 p.m.
7. Admin Report: Accomplishments Report — John Hohman
Mr. Hohman provided a detailed review of the accomplishments of 2024 with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Hohman provided information on five themes that included safe and accountable community, connected
and maintained network, strong and diverse economy, exceptional quality of life, and strategic and
responsive government. Mr. Hohman highlighted some of the projects that were completed in 2024 to
include the Sprague Ave Stormwater and Multi Modal construction project, the Pines Road and Mission Ave
Road project, the City Hall repairs project and the Pines Road GSP advancement in the construction project.
He concluded the discussion with an overview of staff maintaining a fiscal budget for 2024, the number of
meetings held, and thanked staff for their continued support and ability to provide exceptional service to the
community. Councilmember Merkel stated that our budget didn't include 10 new officers, that Pines GSP
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-28-2025 Page 3 of 5
Approved by Council: 04-08-2025
had not seen a lot of progress, and that many of the citizens did not want the Sprague Road diet project.
Councilmember Higgins poised a point of order and asked that Councilmember Merkel please stick to the
facts and Mayor Haley agreed. Councilmember Merkel said that the city needs to spend more time on the
budget. Mr. Hohman noted that he needed to convey the proper information and that the 10 police officers
are in the 2025 budget and that was an accomplishment of 2024 by providing a balanced budget and
including the new officers and the Pines GSP project has had a lot of challenges in working with the railroad
but that all the utilities have been relocated and paved the way for the work to continue. Mr. Hohman noted
that the project continues to move forward even if you can't see a lot of things happening at the site. He also
noted that the Sprague project speaks for itself and there have not been any backups or problems.
INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed)
8. Department Monthly Reports
9. Fire Dept Monthly Report
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:
After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments from the public. Joseph Ghodsee,
Spokane Valley provided comment.
ADVANCE AGENDA
Councilmember Yaeger spoke about Resolution 16-001 that addressed the city not being a sanctuary city
and requested an updated resolution. Council provided consensus to move the request forward.
Councilmember Padden noted concern about HB 1380 that would undo the supreme court decision on Grants
Pass and would like more information on that. Mr. Hohman noted as information became available, he would
make sure that it got to council.
Councilmember Padden requested an update on group home regulations and the legal options for the city.
Mr. Hohman noted it would be coming forward soon.
Councilmember Yaeger requested an update on when the next round of funding for officers would be
discussed. Councilmember Wick said that the public safety committee is actively working on options and
would come forward with those options soon.
Councilmember Merkel said that different apps being used by the homeless outreach officers and requested
a presentation on the apps and requested that we sync them to make their job easier. Mr. Hohman said he
would speak with Chief Ellis regarding the matter.
Councilmember Wick requested a concept for community conversations with the citizens and Mr. Hohman
said that the idea was in the works and the first one would be in March.
Councilmember Merkel spoke about a WSDOT property issue and that the infrastructure is falling apart,
specifically fences and he feels the city should push on WSDOT for that and he requested ordinance to
require WSDOT to clean up the property or impound their funding.
Mr. Hohman suggested speaking with WSDOT and would provide details. Councilmember Wick noted that
could be with WSDOT for cleaning up some of the properties and that we will get a better partnership
working with them.
Councilmember Merkel requested a report on missed advanced agenda items. Council did not provide
consensus to move that request forward.
Councilmember Merkel stated that advance agenda items should all result in a vote. Mr. Hohman noted that
some of them do not need a vote as staff are actively working on the items. Councilmember Wick pointed
out that there is not always a need to vote as the discussion sometimes clarifies the item and the request or
vote is then unnecessary. Councilmember Higgins poised a point of order and stated that perhaps we need
to limit the number of items or the time on the advance agenda. Councilmember Merkel stated that it was
not a point of order. Mayor Haley noted that council was going to move on with city manager comments
and ended discussion.
It was moved by Councilmember Yaeger, seconded and unanimously approved to extend the meeting by
ttiventy minutes at 9:25 p.m.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-28-2025 Page 4 of 5
Approved by Council: 04-08-2025
City Manager Hohman asked Ms. Clough to provide updated information on some of the current bills coming
up. Ms. Clough reported on SB5251 expanding the uses of Lodging Tax Revenues. Council ultimately chose
to stay silent on the bill for the current time.
Mr. Hohman noted that President Trump freezing grant awards and that a judge has put that on hold and
staff will continue to monitor and move forward with our projects as they are reimbursement -based grants.
Staff will provide additional details if necessary.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 9: 41p. in.
ATTEST:
Marci ktterson, City Clerk
qpor'_ Nw
Pam Haley, Mayor
Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 01-28-2025
Approved by Council: 04-08-2025
Page 5 of 5
PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
6:00 p.m.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY
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speak. The public comment opportunity is limited to a maximum of 45 minutes.
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Spokane Valley City Council — January 28, 2025
Debbie Shrock, Valley Resident
Comments on upcoming Ordinance 24-018 "Camping on Private Property
My name is Debbie Shrock. I am also a Valley resident.
I expressed my thoughts on the proposed "Camping on Private Property" Ordinance 24-018 a couple of
weeks ago as I had just learned of it that evening. I believe it is going to be brought up next Tuesday for
a 2°d read with the time limit amended to 30 days.
After more consideration, I strongly feel that this proposal has been put together hastily from one
vantage point only — how can we get private property owners who are not managing their properties
and allowing homeless folk to camp in tents, shelters or old RVs to clear their land of these camps?
Non -management of these properties by the owners are allowing unhealthy and unsafe situations to
form in several areas of the Valley jurisdiction.
The proposed "solution" seems to be to come up with a way to require those not managing their
properties to pay a penalty if they do not manage it properly. What happens if they don't pay? What if
they pay, but don't address the issue? Unfortunately, this proposed ordinance is placing what I believe
are unreasonable restrictions on those citizens who are using their properties responsibly.
What about the well -kept homes where the property owners park their RVs on their property because
they periodically may use it for camping trips or travel throughout the year. Or, if they have family
who comes for a prolonged visit due to health issues, or if family members need a place to stay for a
time? They, as property owners have the right to use their RV as an extra bedroom for as long as
needed as long as it does not become unsafe or unsightly for the community.
What about the elderly/disabled/sick property owners who are no longer able to keep up their property,
many of which have no family to help. Are these folk going to be hit with penalties for their yards
being an eyesore or becoming an "unsafe" place? And, if they can't address it physically or financially,
what then?
There are already some ordinances in place to address unsafe or unhealthy properties. I know this
because I am aware of several home owners here in the Valley who have had to move their RVs to their
back yard, or get rid of cars that are not running or not licensed because of creating "eyesores" — and
they were told that if they did not comply, they would be fined.
So, do we really need this new ordinance or regulation that limits legitimate uses of one's own
property?
Thank you for listening.
Spokane Valley City Council — January 28, 2025
Al Shrock, Valley Resident
Comments on upcoming Ordinance 24-018 "Camping on Private Property
My name is Al Shrock and I am a Valley resident. Thank you for the opportunity to speak this evening.
I would like to address Ordinance 24-018 regarding the issue of "Camping on private property", or
"Alternative living spaces". I realize the need for ordinances or laws that govern the actions of the
public for safety and unacceptable conditions for alternative living spaces.
These specifics, I would suggest, would relate to 1) the consideration of unsafe open fire practices
especially during hot or dry seasons, 2) sanitation issues that encourage a rodent population which
could introduce disease, and 3) garbage accumulation which would do the same as well as produce
unsightly landscape exagerated with piles of items left out in the open, and 4) These unkept living
practices can indicate the mindset of individuals who could produce an unsafe atmosphere to hikers and
the general public.
I believe non-compliance should be addressed to the offending party directly.
With this in mind, I don't think it is the city's place to dictate restrictions on matters of the heart and
conscience in caring for loved ones and friends with an RV on their own property. My view is that there
should not be a time limit set for a family to give assistance to help someone in need of a place to stay,
possibly leading to this conversation. "OK Mom, you have 30 days to get well or we're digging a hole
in the back yard."
I see two different issues. 1) The homeless camping in unhealthy and unsafe living situations and 2)
Applying a directive that prevents families in addressing the needs they have for their friends and
family on their property in a safe and acceptable manner to the community.
In conclusion:
Can we just move forward with the issue of non-compliance by confronting the offenders face to face.
I would urge us to make living in the valley a pleasant experience for all of us by introducing a law or
ordinance that serves both considerations equally.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.