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2025, 03-11 Formal A MeetingCity of Spokane Valley City Council Study Session Meeting Formal A Setting Tuesday, March 11, 2025 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 Hohman, City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Rod Higgins, Councilmember Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Laura Padden, Councilmember Robert Blegen, Public Works Director Ben Wick, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney Al Merkel, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Jill Smith, Communications Manager John Whitehead, HR Director Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Steve Roberge, Planning Manager Dave Ellis, Police Chief Mike Basinger, Economic Development Director Caitlin Prunty, Deputy City Attorney Jerremy Clark, Chief Signal Technician Jenny Nickerson, Building Official Eric Robison, Housing & Homeless Coordinator Chad Knodel, IT Manager Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Drew Chukitus, Valley Real Life Church provided 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, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS Mayor Haley provided instruction regarding councihnember reports and noted that the Governance Manual Committee was working on updating the language for the reporting, but until it is updated she asked if council would be agreeable to waiving the current rules and allowing reporting on various topics to include those in which a councilmember represented the city at meetings, events, committees, a task force or any other activity. It was moved by Councilmember Wick, seconded and unanimously agreed to suspend the rules to allow for additional reports from councilmembers. Councilmember Merkel: stated lie is working with the round table regarding fentanyl and looking for ways to solve the problem. Councilmember Wick: attend the AWC City Action Days in Olympia, update on bills discussed in Olympia, update on current road projects and the 6-year plan with a FMSIB update, MRSC looking at a deep dive into Al, Human Rights Board update with a hate report update. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 03-11-2025 Page 1 of 5 Approved by Council: 07-08-2025 Councilmember Higgins: stated he attended a Spokane Regional Clean Air meeting, and they discussed springtime activities, and he noted that since 2009 there should be no more burning in backyards. Councilmember Padden: attended the Spokane Valley Chamber Board meeting and they spoke about the amazing shake -off. It is a hand shaking event for 5th graders. They also spoke about Commissioner Kuney replacing Kerns on the Chamber Board. She attended the WSDOT meeting regarding the overpass discussion for pedestrian crossing bridge, went to meeting with Sheriff Nowels and Attorney Haskell spoke. Councilmember Yaeger: Went to Olympia to meet with our legislators and attended the AWC conference, Wellesley project meeting, Valley Chamber networking event at high school with trade school opportunities. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg: attended a Habitat for Humanity birthday party for former President Carter, Ribbon cutting for Plato's Closet, attended a pre -apprentice graduation for event for eight graduates. MAYOR'S REPORT The mayor spoke about participating in the great shake and attending a girls scout fundraiser event. PROCLAMATION: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited public comment; Glen Stockwell, Ritzville; Rachael Keatts, Spokane Valley; Michelle Kelso, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Al Schrock, Spokane Valley; John Harding, Spokane Valley; and Ken Harding, Spokane Valley all provided comments. 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, March 11, 2025, Request for Council Action Form: $930,612.25. b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending Feb 28, 2025: $734,280.04. c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2024 d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda. ACTION ITEMS: 2. Public Hearing: Ordinance 25-001: Sign Code Changes — Kelly Konkright Mayor Haley opened the public hearing at 6:36p.m. City Attorney Konkright opened the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation that detailed the background of the ordinance and the last time it was reviewed, first amendment right changes, noted that signs must be content neutral, current SVMC status of signs, legal considerations, options for adopting the ordinance, non-commercial sign categories, requirements of the signs for information and placement, and closed with the next steps of the ordinance. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley and Payton Miller, Spokane Valley provided comments. Council discussed how the code would apply to non-profit agencies with signs, real estate signs, garage sale signs, and the limitations for the signs. City Attorney Konkright noted that he would look into the comments and questions and have more information at the next reading. Mayor Haley closed the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to move the Ordinance to a second reading. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilrnembers Padden, Yaeger and Higgins. Opposed: Councilrnembers Wick and Merkel. Motion carried. 3. Public Hearin: Ordinance 25-002: Energy Code Chan1jes — Caitlin Prunty, Jenny Nickerson Mayor Haley opened the public hearing at 7:10p.m. Deputy City Attorney Prunty opened the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation that included a review of the recap of the conflict between I-2066 & WSEC, the history before council, proposed change to SVMC, effects of the proposed change, implementing the proposed change and the next steps for the ordinance and noted that the update would be done through an administrative interpretation. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Kelly Lotze, with Spokane Homebuilders Assoc.; John Harding, Spokane Valley; and Grant Guinn, Spokane County provided Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 03-11-2025 Page 2 of 5 Approved by Council: 07-08-2025 comments. Council discussed the current code concerns and the conflict with WSEC and I-2066. Mayor Haley closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. 4. Ordinance 25-002: First Read -Energy Code Changes — Caitlin Prunty, Jenny Nickerson After City Clerk Patterson read the Ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to place on a fixture agenda for an ordinance second reading. Ms. Prunty and Ms. Nickerson provided details on the current Washington State Energy Code and the passing of State Initiative 2066. Ms. Prunty gave details on the code background and that it was amended in March 2024 and had new requirements for earning Energy Equalization Credits (EEC's). Specifically, section R406 now requires that each new single-family home built in Washington reach a higher minimum amount of EECs based on its size and penalizes the use of combustion heating equipment (natural gas) as the primary heating source. In response, State Initiative 2066 ("I-2066") was placed on 2024 Washington ballots and was approved by the voters. Ms. Prunty noted that the amendment in the ordinance specifies that the WSEC is adopted to the extent its provisions do not conflict with RCW 19.27.A.020(3). This change will allow the City to comply with I-2066 and RCW 19.27A.020(3) until such time as the SBCC amends the WSEC. Council discussed the ability to move forward with the ordinance and still have time to make changes if necessary. City Attorney Konkright agreed. Council discussed the process to determine what is allowed and not allowed and Councilmember Merkel suggested creating a formal process with business partners. Mr. Konkright noted that the building official and the city attorneys are the ones to create the interpretation. After much discussion, Councilmember Higgins called for the question. Vote by acclamation on calling for the question: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilrnembers Padden, Yaeger, Wick and Higgins. Opposed: Councihnember Merkel. Motion carried Mayor Haley then called for the vote on the motion. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed • none. Motion carried 5. Motion Consideration: Appoint TPA Committee Member — Mayor Haley It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to confirm the Mayoral appointment to the Tourism Promotion Area Commission, of Amanda Alcamo, representing a Midscale hotel with a term beginning immediately upon appointment and expiring December 31, 2026 Mayor Haley provided details on the application process and noted that Ms. Alcamo has been on the TPA Committee and this is a re -appointment for her. Mayor Haley invited public comment. Grant Guinn, Spokane Valley hotelier provided comment. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilrnembers Padden, Yaeger, Wick and Higgins. Opposed • Councihnember Merkel. Motion carried. Mayor Haley called for a recess at 7: 34pm for 10 minutes and that the meeting would resume at 7: 44prn. It was moved by Councilmember Merkel and seconded to extend the break by 5 minutes as Councihnember Higgins had not returned. Vote by acclamation: in fcn,or: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmernbers Padden, Yaeger and Merkel. Opposed: Councilmember Wick. Motion carried. 6. Motion Consideration: WSDOT Signal Maintenance ILA - Jerremy Clarlc It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to authorize the City Manager to enter into a interlocal agreement with WSDOT for signal maintenance. Mr. Clark briefly reviewed the WSDOT Signal Maintenance ILA and noted that there had not been any changes since it was previously discussed. Mayor Haley invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: unanimous. Opposed: none. Motion carried. NON -ACTION ITEMS: 7. Admin Report: Short Term Rental Update — Lesli Brassfield Ms. Brassfield introduced Mr. Grant Guinn, Spokane Valley hotelier and Mr. Derek Baziotis, Government Affairs Manager with Washington Hospitality Association and noted that they would be presenting on the hoteliers' impacts on short-term rentals. Mr. Baziotis and Mr. Guinn opened the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the short-term rentals maintained in our area, the unit type of rental, the listing type of rental and what revenue and taxes are generated from the short-term rentals. Mr. Baziotis reviewed the requirements that they are looking for regarding the short-term rentals. Council discussed the potential Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 03-11-2025 Page 3 of 5 Approved by Council: 07-08-2025 regulations that were suggested and thanked them for the presentation. Mayor Haley noted that further discussion would occur when they heard from some of the short-term rental owners. 8. Admin Report: Land Capacity Report — Steve Roberge Mr. Roberge provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation that included an OFM population projection, a population allocation, housing allocation, commercial and industrial capacity, residential capacity, and a detailed review of the land capacity analysis. Council discussed the some of the projections and noted that they are looking forward to the next steps with the Comprehensive Plan update. 9. Admin Report: SVPD Recruiting & Retention Update — Chief Ellis Chief Ellis provided a PowerPoint presentation that included an overview of the recruiting and retention efforts. The Chief reviewed the hiring trends, the 2024-2027 recruiting and retention plan, and an update on the SVPD hiring status. He provided details on the national average for the vacancy rate and what the SCSO has averaged each year, fully staffed at current levels. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg thanked Chief Ellis for pointing out the great numbers and taking the positive with those great numbers. Councilmember Yaeger requested an overview of the 23 separations that were noted in the presentation. Chief Ellis stated that retirements accounted for half of it, some were changes in career, some that didn't complete training and hopefully looking at a slowing in the retirement phase moving forward. 10. Admin Report: HCDAC RFP Homeless Services Update — Gloria Mantz, Eric Robison Ms. Mantz and Mr. Robison provided details with a PowerPoint presentation and reviewed the applications and the funding that is available for each of the allocation opportunities, an update on the HUD call for projects and the applications, a time for the application process, the number of applications received (32 applications in total), the funding available for each of the homeless services options that the applicants were able to apply for. Eric reviewed the intervention type of application and funding - they were outreach, homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re -housing. It was moved by Councilmember Yaeger, seconded and unanimously approved to extend the meeting to 9: 30 P. In. INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed): GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: General public comment rules apply. After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited public comment. Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley provided comments. ADVANCE AGENDA Councilmember Padden stated the recently various children have been impacted by fentanyl overdose and she would like to expand the regulations regarding reckless endangerment with the fentanyl use and perhaps just have staff look into it. There was consensus to move that request forward. Councilmember Padden spoke about a neighborhood cleanup and perhaps use fiunds that have been saved up in the garbage fees. City Manager Hohman noted that it is a time-consuming project to take on and our staff that would normally take on such a task has recently retired, and we are looking to replace him. It could be added, but it could take a while. There was a consensus to move that request forward. Councilmember Padden requested that once a week or monthly, perhaps have a notice on the website on how many people were released from jail that had ICE detained. Mr. Hohman noted that staff can look into it but it may not be information that is available. Councilmember Merkel requested bringing SCRAPS back into to discussion. Mayor Haley stated that it is already on the advance agenda and to leave it up to staff to bring back. There was not consensus to advance the request. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Hohman noted that there was an incident at Balfour and the cameras caught the person and the police were able to locate the person and arrest him. Mr. Holman also noted that the settlement agreement for the Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 03-1 1-2025 Page 4 of 5 Approved by Council: 07-08-2025 city hall litigation has been executed and now a 90 day clock for payment has started. Mr. Hohman closed with a reminder that the community conversations event is next week on Tuesday at 5:00pm. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. A ST: �k-)� Q AAQ illlqt�� Marci Vafterson, City Clerk Pam Ha ey, ayor Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 03-11-2025 Approved by Council: 07-08-2025 Page 5 of 5 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, March 11, 2025 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 PLEASE PRINT TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE 't2 ehael Kral s �t c,we r�o Gil Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. :;i m m 9 m 3 3. m :c 0 a: 0 a: 0 a: 0 a: 0 m 0 = 0 00 O. 000 R m = = = = = = - - - mm33339 C L4, a a m 52. 9i m !R m 2L 5i m = m - 0 = m = 0 CO Ri i5L �L �l �i il Q aO 0 0 a 0 q 0 a = = = x m = at 3: En C0 fn cn cn —M Ln. L�. L.. o 0 0 = - = - < < < < < < aq OQ 04 OQ OQ aq aq pq m OR 0 F 0 F 0 0 F 0 a 0 0 m m m m to 0) X.0 C/) c 'a C4 ID —1 = 0 0 > 0 0 cn '0 m 3 a: m w a: 03 x 0 Ln cn 'o c) :K CD CD (D C --j 0 3 S m CX OA in '0 m :3 0 0 0 - m to: W 3 �3 Ca 0 2� B S @ ID n 3 0 A 5-0 3 < R > 0 > Mmm :F =! cn 'a 77 0 a c cn R C-) 0 o m 0 0 m 0, cn m cx 0 (D 0 cn M 9 cn 5 0 3 c3 3 I m 0 m 0 ID m w 0 C) . 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C, U, w m cn (0 co CD mw w $0 m - C� S p 0 C� p 0 0 P 00 C, C� 0 m co C� 0 0 N) w to C) w j CD S 0 C> 0 O CD 0 m O C, N cn 0 m V m P .% 14 6% 61). 10 6% tl) G& Va fo 6) t4 -G) -co Iw. V) io ld) fo U). 0) pppppppp 0 O C> W O ppppppppp w O m cn C, N 0 0 (n c 0 0 C) 0 (D 0 0 0 C) 0 0 0 0 0 0 C> c) P-Snppp C) C, 0 0 C) C� CD C� 0 0 0 C, 3 C, (D 0 C� 0 0 C, C, 0 C> C) C) 0 a 0 C� C� C, — — — — — — — C> 0 0 C) C, 0 0 0 0 C) C, 0 C, to 4) 6) 6) 61) 6% — .60 — fA — S) — 11% — — — — — — .60 N) cy) Cl) tj N) N3 (0 cn w w Cl) C� cn PO N) Cn co C� CD N) cn Cl) �j cy) PO p. -cn 1.0 0C) C) 0 C) 0 C, 1:01 N Cl Cl OICT)m I m City Council, Mayor Hailey, City Leadership, My name is Ben Lund, a 36-year resident of Spokane Valley. Tonight, I want to talk about the why. But first, we need to discuss the what. Spokane Valley operates under a Council -Manager form of government. While this system takes time for decisions, it offers key benefits: QLower taxes — Professional management keeps costs down. QSafer communities — Public safety is based on strategy, not politics. QLess homelessness — Policies focus on stability, not election cycles. QEffective policing — Law enforcement remains free from political interference. In contrast, cities with a Strong Mayor system often face: XHigher taxes — Bigger budgets, more spending. XPolitical instability — Priorities shift with each election. XPublic safety concerns — Policing becomes a political tool. Spokane Valley's Council -Manager system has kept taxes low, built a strong economy, and won legal battles that saved taxpayers millions — like the $11.5 million lawsuit victory that paid for City Hall. History's Warning Signs History warns us about leaders with unchecked power. Adolf Hitler was elected twice —first as Chancellor, then consolidating power as Fuhrer. While extreme, it proves that elections alone don't ensure good governance when one person holds too much power. Many of the most mismanaged cities —Spokane, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York —operate under Strong Mayor systems. The results speak for themselves. In contrast, cities with Council -Manager systems have more stability and less political turmoil. The Most Prevalent Form of U.S. Local Government Structure Council -Manager Government: More than 92 million individuals live in cities operating under council- manager government. 62% of U.S. cities with populations of 50,000* or more operate under the council-manager form. Now, imagine Mr. Merkel as a Strong Mayor. He has already disregarded governance rules, the law, and taxpayer money under the current system. Giving him executive power would only make things worse. The Why So why does this matter? Because could you imagine CM Merkel with executive power? That's why he and his followers try to undermine this Council to create dysfunction and push their own agenda -Strong Mayor. But here's the truth: Spokane Valley doesn't have a bad system. We have a City Council member who refuses to follow the rules. That is the real issue. And that's why this conversation matters. i ` `rational Bipartisan Public N {irks Project in 694 Nears r -- Washington StateEconomic Development Corp. NP Washington State is oGreat National Investment Completion of these 3 l'rojems will double %Vz01 rigion Statc 's Fc onomy and also double the si/e of k%rasliuietmi State Ports tier C cniuries to conle. 2-26-2025 Council Position 1: Rod Hiapins Council Position 2: Jessica Yaeger Council Position 3: Al Merkel CouncilPosition 4 Ben Wick Council Position 5: Pam Haley Council Position 6: Tim Hattenburg Council Position 7: Laura Padden Glen R TO: SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR PAM HALE FROM: GLEN R STOCKWELL CHAIRMAN OF WA STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NP RE: (1) Requesting a "Joint Bipartisan Letter of Support" to be sent to Congressman Michael Baumgartner requesting he speak with President Trump about bringing the Largest Economic Development and Jobs Project in US History to Washington State. (2) Washington State Economic Development NP would like to ask the Mayor and City Council if they would work with (WSEDNP), the Spokane City Council, Spokane County Commissioners on a "New Solid Waste Project that would Save, and Create New Revenue Contracts over 50+ million dollars per year"? Mayor and Council, There are some great past and current opportunities the Council could help Spokane County, the Region, and the state that you could help to lead in 20251 My name is Glen R Stockwell. I am the Chairman of Washington State Economic Development NP, an approved IRS 501 C3 Non -Profit. Many years ago, I/aka/ Stockwell and Associates Inc. and Inland Recycling Inc. initiated in the mid 80's the concept of bringing all of WA State's, and North Idaho's Solid Waste to Adams County. I sighted the Original Washtucna Landfill on the Blankenship Farm sight on the old Mullen Road. In 1988 we were preparing for applying for the Seattle Long Haul Solid Waste Disposal Contract to Adams County. I called the Seattle Solid Waste Director, and she said if I want to succeed, you need to form a Joint Venture with either Waste Management or Rabanco (both had Solid Waste Collection Contracts in Seattle WA). Within 2 weeks Waste Management called me to set up a meeting at our Engineering Company in Spokane WA (I knew she told them to contact me). 2 of 6 We setup a meeting and created a Joint Venture Agreement to submit our Joint disposal contract to the Seattle City Council. I negotiated for the "15Y time in WA State's History Free Transportation and Disposal of Adams County's waste for perpetuity and a multi -million dollar annual Host Fee" (which Waste Management has never honored). In 1990 Seattle awarded us (Waste Management & Stockwell and Associates Inc., Inland Recycling Inc.) with a 37 year disposal contract. The entire community supported my proposal. My companies worked directly with WA State DOE, Spokane Solid Waste Director Dennis Heinz. Regrettably during the sighting of the Spokane incinerator / Waste to Energy Project the Spokane City Council decided to build the antiquated facility on Sunset Hill. Actually DOE offered to give Adams County Commissioners the 60 Million Dollar Grant in 1988. Mayor and Council, if you would consider working with Washington State Economic Development NP on these two issues we would agree to sign a "Non -Revocable Performance Based Contract", stating if we can't provide several valid 50+ Million Dollar Savings and Revenue Contracts, you will owe us nothing! Our Service Fee will be $ .10 cents per Dollar of Disposal Savings and $ .10 cents per Dollar of each Revenue Contracts for the time and duration of the contracts. The $ .90 cents per Dollar of contract would be returned to each community on the number of tons disposed of, and those communities can use those funds to balance their government shortages! Note, if you, the Spokane Valley City, the Spokane City Council & County of Spokane extend your disposal contracts to "Waste Management" it will undermine the Millions of Dollars you each will receive for many years to come! All contracts would be required to be Bipartisan Contracts, and it would be great to "Reach Out" to both Governor Ferguson and President Trump they both are reported Environmentalist! Respectfully Submitted, Glen R. Stockwell S��jD�ut * Chairman of Washington State Economic Development NP �„���,*�' / 509 — 540 — 6899 Cell / StockwellStocky@aol.com 3 of 6 fl The Spokane Valley City, Spokane City, and the Spokane County has a much larger Landfill operator that has been disposing of Solid Waste for much longer than Waste Management! In 1980, Waste Management acquired Waste Management, Inc was founded Service Corporation of America and In Chicago, Illinois on Jan. 1, 1968. became the largest waste hauler in the United States. In 1988, 1 negotiated for the 15t Time in Washington State History; 1. Free Transportation and Disposal of Adams County's Waste for Perpetuity. 2. 1 negotiated with Waste Management a Multi -Million Dollar per year Host fee for Adams County. 3. In 1988 DOE offered to give Adams County the 60 Million Dollar Grant! In 1988, 1 was asked to attend a meeting at the Spokane Convention Center, I suited up, went and the Speaker on stage told the crowd "Glen Stockwell, is WA State's Number 1 authority on something". I remember what that subject is please allow me the opportunity to prove to you, I can save Spokane County 50+ Million Dollars per year, and WA State 600 + Million Dollars! Respectfully Submitted, Glen R Stockwell Chairman of Washington State Economic Development NP - 509-540-6899 Cell 4 of 4 Glen R Stockwell — American Trump urges bipartisanship low ' ,_,r - . .._ w:.xr .,.-.�� � .rrw r ,r•x � racr.a.>uars u.ana;,.us rrs cortr ucnrro: .. , .. r. . , . .., . �r.c rare„ v.a� rxan,[� c r-r r. r.aK'r-uu:a r:rrr ntarnv• 4+ BILLION BIPARTISAN DOLLARS IS CURRENTLY SETTING ON THE FEDERAL TABLE TO FINISH THE ENTIRE COLUMBIA BASIN & EXPANSION OF WA PORTS! PRESIDENT TRUMP CAN NOW ISSUES THOSE BILLIONS BY EXECUTIVE ORDERS! .. U.�r.a oo.-.... �-r JrT�ua�._e• ki/ CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL BAUMGARTNER SHOULD ASK PRESIDENT TRUMP TO COME TO SPOKANE WA JUST LIKE THE 2016 SPOKANE TRUMP RALLY & MAKE HIS ANNOUNCEMENT THAT HE WILL FINISH PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S PROJECT! IF THE WA DEMOCRAT PARTY WOULD WRITE A "LETTER OF SUPPORT" TO GOVENOR FERGUSON TO FORM AN "EXECUTIVE ORDER JOINT VENTURE" WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP, AND THE WA STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY WOULD WRITE A "LETTER OF SUPPORT" TO CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL BAUMGARTNER REQUESTING HE ASK PRESIDENT TRUMP TO FORM A BIPARTISAN JOINT VENTURE WITH GOVERNOR FERGUSON TO FINISH THE ENTIRE COLUMBIA BASIN PROJECT WE COULD HAVE THE PROJECT FUNDING WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR, 75+ YEARS! 6of6 3 Mard Patterson From: Janet V. <windupdo112@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 11:49 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Regarding massage businesses [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. What if we allowed a massage business to operate under a doctor - chiropractor - or medical? What if we don't allow any new massage businesses, and require spa business to do a mandatory phase out in a certain time frame? Mard Patterson From: Jenny Nickerson Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 10:30 AM To: Marci Patterson Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL]FW: Public Notices for February 14, 2025 - Energy Code changes Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Marci, I forwarded the notice of public hearing email regarding the 3/11 PH on the topic of energy code to a member of Wagstaff's team who I've been chatting with about an upcoming project and received the email which is intended as a comment. Should I suggest that Mr. Overholtzer send his comments directly to you or is the forwarded email below an appropriate submission of the comment? Thanks! JRN Jenny Nickerson, MCP H Building Official 10210 E. Sprague Ave H Spokane Valley, WA 99206 509-720-5305 H InickersonOSpokaneValleyWA.gov Spokane ems' ,,;w*Valley° This email and any attachments may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Washington State's Public Record Act, chapter 42.56 RCW. From: Doug Overholtzer <Doug.Overholtzer@wagstaff.com> Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 3:44 PM To: Jenny Nickerson<jnickerson@spokanevalleywa.gov> Cc: 'Shane Mercier (shane@maparchitecture. net)' <shane@maparchitecture.net>; Marshall Ruehl (marshall@yg- construction.com) <marshall@yg-construction.com>; Justin Cook (jcook@dci-engineers.com) <jcook@dci- engineers.com>; David Teterin <david@kartchnerengineering.com>; David Teterin <david@kartchnerengineering.com> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL]FW: Public Notices for February 14, 2025 - Energy Code changes [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Jenny, Here are my thoughts on the subject matter on Natural Gas in the WSEC Commercial Code. Any penelaties in the WSEC code based on Natural Gas Use that produce on site renewable generation requirements or higher triggers of those already required should be removed from our perspective here at Wagstaff from the WSEC Code. It can be considered to discourage use. Efficient radiant natural gas tube heaters for work space heating are still very much the preferred method of heating work areas, the most efficient for our building operations. This has been reviewed with Wagstaff and Avista multiple times on energy efficiency. Based on the requirements of large manufacturing high roof buildings to adequately maintain temps in those buildings for manufacturing machining metal tolerance requirements, due to overhead cranes requiring a significant tall structure a large ceiling height. Natural Gas Radiant heaters at the workspace with a fan to push the heat back down from the roof to the workspace is the most efficient way to produce the results required for the large buildings with overhead cranes and meet manufacturing machining results. Any maximum design heating temperatures to building design should be done away in the WSEC Code from our Perspective. Not using the actual data from exact degree days from the airport for sizing building heating requirements over a 10 year span should be stripped from the code. With the new code on the new building when the temperatures hits the minimum design temp of the building. Wagstaff will likely have to send employees home as the machines will not hold tolerances on metal parts. We typically design in a buffer for those cold weather operation days to hold machine metal tolerances in our building designs based on the actual temperature data and number of days from the airport. Typically -10F to 68/70 degrees is what we design the heat load too based on that data by the actual number of days. Using anything less puts about 2 weeks a year of Wagstaff production of metal parts in jeopardy based on the number of days that hit those low temps. We run 24-7 here at Wagstaff. So night times get colder. We over insulate our roof and wall area to compensate for these low temp days. About 2 weeks a year we reach them. Even with the over design and efficiencies we still have tolerance problems during this time frame but we are still able to produce parts that meet those tolerances. We have had to retrofit several buildings that did not so we could with additional insulations, natural gas radiant tube heaters. This maximum heat design requirement in the WSEC Code is a discouragement of Natural Gas use in my humble opinion has deleterious effects on manufacturing metal components on cnc machining operations and should be done away with in the WSEC Code. Any reference to Natural Gas savings of Hot Water Heaters in the code should be stripped in my humble opinion. The engineers have designed these tanks efficiently. And they are already rated by how efficiently they are use by the energy star labels. Like Supports off the floor/Closet Seals/Insulations and selaing closets, etc. Should be stripped from the WSEC code for hot water heater closets. How to plumb the Hot Water Tank fixture itself by bending pipes to retain heat and use less gas, etc. Location of the fixture to use point requirements, to reduce use of natural gas. These things stymie flexibility of the design area for use. Natural gas should be well ventilated for life safety and health is as far as the code should limit it. Sealing things up is the exact opposite to those life safety and health objectives of good ventilation when a fuel source is burned. At this point in time the evaluations for Wagstaff have been completed on energy efficiency and hot water tank usage, pros and cons, and we will likely never go back to natural gas hot water heaters moving forward. The damage is done. Electric on demand will be used here going forward and when older heaters need to be replaced those will be used where feasible. But those that come after us shouldn't be put into those positions with using or deterring use of fixtures. That tax alone is a 100k penalty tax burden a year on our Melt Furnace Operations of Aluminum for Building C and CWest and the countdown has begun to start figuring out how to reduce that tax burden by reducing usage due to it. Spending more money on capital investments always is not the answer. F In this case with SRCAA requirements the balance of CO2 to Nox discharge creates an in -efficient burn cycle of the natural gas burners on the furnaces. This is required in the Spokane region for right balance of air emissions to keep our air healthy in our region. It is nothing but a catch 22. Improve efficiency of Natural gas burner furnaces. You are out of compliance with air emission balance requirements. Be in compliance of air emissions balance requirements reduce natural gas efficiency of furnace burners. They are tuned for the right proportional air balance for our region and tested yearly and reviewed by SRCAA for maximum efficiency at the tuned requirements. That leaves us at the stale mate to reduce cost you reduce usage. Or find an alternate fuel source to melt aluminum. Discouraging use. Anything you can do to rid of us of that fake climate tax on natural gas "discouraging use," here is also appreciated. Whether it is sharing an email or not. Kind Regards, Doug Overholtzer Plant Engineer, Wagstaff, Inc. Office: 509.922.1404 x 3338 Mobile: 208.277.4485 Email: doug.overholtzer@wagstaff.com www.wagstaff.com From: City of Spokane Valley<spokanevallev@public.govdelivery.com> Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 7:02 AM To: Jenny Nickerson<inickerson@spokanevalleywa.gov> Subject: Public Notices for February 14, 2025 [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. View as a webpage Mard Patterson From: Erik Lamb Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 2:02 PM To: Jenny Nickerson; Kelly Konkright; Tony Beattie; Caitlin Prunty Subject: FW: Thank You for Supporting Energy Choice in Spokane Valley I would also include this. Erik Erik Lamb I Deputy City Manager 10210 E. Sprague Avenue I Spokane Valley, WA 99206 (509) 720-5100 1 elamb spokanevalley.org S0 pokane ,:�Valley® This email and any attachments may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Washington State's Public Record Act, chapter 42.56 RCW. From: Schmidt, Rep. Suzanne <Suzanne.Schmidt@leg.wa.gov> Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 1:21 PM To: Chelsea Martin <cmartin@modernelectricwater.com>; City Council<CityCouncil@spokanevalleywa.gov> Cc: Joe Morgan<jmorgan@modernelectricwater.com> Subject: RE: Thank You for Supporting Energy Choice in Spokane Valley [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Mayor Haley and Spokane Valley City Council, I would also like to thank you for your leadership in supporting energy choice. Your decision to uphold the will of the voters in Washington State, is much appreciated and respected. Thankyou, Suzanne Schmidt State Representative 41h Legislative District Washington State House of Representatives Office: (360) 786-7820 Email: Suzanne.SchmidtCa7leg.wa.gov 468 John L. O'Brien Building, Olympia, WA 98501 From: Chelsea Martin <cmartin@modernelectricwater.com> Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 12:38 PM To: CitVCouncil@SpokaneValleyWA.gov Cc: Joe Morgan <imorgan@modernelectricwater.com> Subject: Thank You for Supporting Energy Choice in Spokane Valley CAUTION: External email. Dear Mayor Haley and Spol<ane Valley City Council Members, On behalf of Modern Electric Water Company, we sincerely appreciate your leadership in protecting access to natural gas and supporting energy choice in Spokane Valley. Your decision aligns with the will of Washington voters and helps ensure energy reliability for our community. Please find attached a letter expressing our gratitude and outlining the importance of this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate your commitment to the residents and businesses of Spokane Valley. Best regards, Chelsea Martin Modern Electric Water Company Chelsea Martin Government Relations & Communications Coordinator Office: 509.755.9007 cmartin@modernelectricwater.com MODERN Electric Water Company reliably serving the Spokane Valley since 1905 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail transmission may contain legally privileged, confidential information belonging to the sender. The information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action based on the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received in error, please contact sender and delete all copies. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Legislature. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Modern Electric Water Company 904 North Pines Road Spokane Valley, WA 99206 February 27, 2025 Spokane Valley City Council City of Spokane Valley 10210 E Sprague Ave Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Dear Mayor Pam Haley and Spokane Valley City Council Members, On behalf of Modern Electric Water Company, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your unanimous decision to align Spokane Valley's policies with the will of Washington voters by protecting access to natural gas'. Your leadership in affirming energy choice and reliability is commendable. We appreciate your commitment to safeguarding the interests of your constituents, including many of our customers who have voiced their support to us for Initiative 2066. As Washington State embarks on an ambitious electrification effort, our energy demand is projected to nearly double by2050—a dramatic increase driven largely by electrification of transportation and heating sectors.2 This raises serious concerns about grid reliability. The current trajectory of energy policy in Washington risks placing our state in an unsustainable position, where demand outstrips supply, leaving us vulnerable to rolling blackouts and energy shortages. In fact, studies already indicate that by 2050, Washington may need to import as much as 43% of our electricity just to keep our lights on. 3 This is why natural gas remains a critical baseload resource. It currently accounts for approximately 18% of Washington's electricity generation4, providing a reliable baseload power source essential for meeting increasing demand and preventing potential blackouts. Despite rapid expansion of renewable energy, solar and wind cannot sustain our 24/7 energy needs, particularly during extreme weather events when energy demand surges. ' Spokane Valley City Council, Washington State Energy Code and the Passing of State Initiative 2066, February 11, 2025, https://www.spokanevalleywa.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=158. 2 Washington State Department of Commerce, 2021 State Energy Strategy, December 2020. s "Washington could rely on other states for almost half its energy by 2050," Gazette -Tribune, December 16, 2024. a U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), "Washington State Profile and Energy Estimates," EIA.GCV, accessed February 27, 2025. Without firm, dispatch able energy sources like hydropower, nuclear energy and natural gas, we risk jeopardizing our grid's stability. Recent grid emergencies in other states should serve as a warning: When baseload resources are removed prematurely, blackouts follow.s" Your February 11 decision to protect access to natural gas is a necessary step to ensure that Spokane Valley and the greater Eastern Washington region do not fall into the same crisis that has plagued other areas. At Modern Electric Water Company, we believe in a balanced and diversified energy mix that embraces renewables without sacrificing reliability. The people of Washington made their voices clear in the 2024 election, and we appreciate that you have acted in accordance with their decision. We know this choice was not made lightly, and we commend your leadership in standing up for the energy security of our region. Thank you for protecting consumer choice, grid stability, and the future of affordable and reliable energy in Spokane Valley. Sincerely, Joe Morgan, Chief Executive Officer Modern Electric Water Company Spokane Valley, Washington JMorgan@ModernElectricWaterCompany Chelsea Martin, Government Relations Coordinator Modern Electric Water Company Spokane Valley, Washington CMartin@ModernElectricWaterCompany IMob MODERN Electric Water Company EST 1908 reliably serving the Spokane Valley since 1905 5 North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Rising peak demand, 83 GW of planned retirements create blackout risks for most of US: NERC, Utility Dive, https://www.utilitydive.com/news/generator-retirements- threaten-grid-reliability-NERC/702504/. 6 Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), ERCOTApproves $100 Million Plan to Prevent Blackouts, Express - News, https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/ercot-generators-cps-energy-braunig-texas-grid- 20187546.php. New Report Exposes Threats to Kentucky's Electricity Supply, Link NKY, https:Hlinknky.com/press- releases/2024/02/29/press-release-new-report-exposes-th reats-to-kentuckys-electricity-supply/.