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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025, 06-17 Formal B MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Meeting Formal B Format Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Deputy Mayor Hattenburg 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 Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Rod Higgins, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Laura Padden, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Ben Wick, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney Al Merkel, Councilmember Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Robert Blegen, Public Works Director Virgina Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Absent: Sean Walter, Assistant Police Chief Pam Haley, Mayor John Whitehead, HR Director Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Jill Smith, Communications Manager Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager Sarah Farr, Accting & Finance Program Manager Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Mike Drew with Spokane Valley Assembly of God 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 except Mayor Haley and Councilmember Yaeger. It was moved by Councilrnernber Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to excuse Mayor Haley and Councilmember Yaeger. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: Ms. Jayne Singleton, You Rock Recognition Award Deputy Mayor Hattenburg introduced Ms. Singleton and spoke about the work she had done within our community and honored her dedication to the museum. Ms. Singleton accepted the award and thanked everyone for attending the meeting to celebrate with her and gave some history on the museum. PROCLAMATIONS: Prior to the general public comment period, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg read a statement regarding the tragic events involving law enforcement that took place over the weekend in multiple jurisdictions and ultimately ended in our city. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg spoke about an armed man that highjacked multiple vehicles, shot an individual, shot at the law enforcement while in a high-speed chase and ultimately wrecked the vehicle he was driving at the Trent and Pines intersection. The situation ended with a law enforcement involved shooting of the armed individual. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg expressed condolences to the families involved in the incident and gratitude to the law enforcement that were also involved in the tragic situation. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-17-2025 Page I of 4 Approved by Council: 08-26-2025 GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Deputy Mayor Hattenburg explained the process, he invited public comment. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Chuck Simpson, Spokane Valley; Bob Conway, City of Spokane; Bob West, Spokane Valley; Mike Kelly, Spokane Valley; Virginia Gaad, Spokane Valley provided comments on various topics. ACTION ITEMS: 1. PUBLIC HEARING: 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) — Adam Jackson Deputy Mayor Hattenburg opened the public hearing at 6:30p.m. Mr. Jackson provided a PowerPoint presentation that included details on the Transportation Improvement Program such as the purpose as required by RCW 35.77.010, must be referenced in the comp plan, required for REET expenses, required for grant eligibility, information on the 34 projects in the program that includes land use changes, stormwater projects, master plans and studies, capital projects by partner agencies. Mr. Jackson also provided information on the three 2026 closeout projects, the five bridge and grade separation projects, the 10 intersection improvement projects, the 11 reconstruction/preservation projects, the one annual arterial preservation project, and the four safety, sidewalk, trail, and stormwater projects. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg called for public comments. Bob West, Spokane Valley; Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley provided comments. Council discussed the various projects and Councilmember Wick noted that we are our own advocate and we have to advocate for our own community and carry the message. This is how we score better for grants. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg closed the hearing at 6:45p.m. 2 Motion Consideration: 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Adoption — Adam Jackson It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded to approve Resolution 25-012, adopting the 2026-2031 Six -Year TIP as presented. Mr. Jackson noted that he had nothing further to provide. There were no additional questions. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilrnembers Padden, Wick, and Higgins. Opposed: Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried. 3. Motion Consideration: Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern WA ILA - Erik Lamb It was moved by Councilruernber Higgins, seconded to Approve Amendment No. 4 to the interlocal agreement for the Eastern Washington Area Agency on Aging in substantially the form presented, or take other action deemed appropriate. Mr. Lamb provided background details on the Aging and Long Term care agreement. Mr. Lamb noted there was a change in federal law and thus required a change to the agreement. Councilmember Merkel made a motion to table the ILA until Councilmember Yaeger could return and possibly provide any additional details. There was no second and the motion died. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg called for public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers Padden, Wick, and Higgins. Opposed: Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried NON -ACTION ITEMS: 4. Admin Report: STA presentation Argonne Station —Mike Basinger, Karl Otterstrom Mr. Basinger introduced the STA Argonne Station and Mr. Karl Otterstrom, Co -Interim CEO and Chief Planning & Development Officer, and Dan Wells, Director of Capital Development. Mr. Otterstrom opened the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation that included a background on the "STA -Moving Forward" program, a background on the corridor development plan, background on the Argonne Station P&R, the purpose and need of the Argonne Station P&R, a review of the location of the station, project stakeholders, an alternatives analysis, a revised concept of the project, a preliminary design, funding sources, public outreach, and the project schedule. Councilmember Merkel questioned the Mirabeau transit project and stated that it was a big project and was it necessary. Mr. Otterstrom stated that it added to the parking which was a small cost and added the sidewalk for anyone along that path and added amenities for the bus drivers. Council discussed the number of buses that would be coming and going at the Argonne Station and Councilmember Wick noted that he appreciated the strategy as it would allow people to better move throughout the city. Council also discussed the potential impact on the traffic in the area, if there was any financial responsibility to the city, and if there was any need for additional property. Mr. Otterstrom noted that at this time there was not going to be any need for additional property. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-17-2025 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council: 08-26-2025 5 Admin Report: Ecology Solid Waste (LSWFA) Grant Discussion — Robert Blegen, Sarah Farr Ms. Farr opened the discussion regarding the Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance (LSWFA) Grant with background information on the grant funding and details on the terms of the grant. Previously staff provided options for the use of the grants funds that included Homeless Encampment Response (HER) and Lithium Battery Fire Safety Storage Cabinet. Ms. Farr also provided approximate costs for each of the options and details for what each of those options would cover within the grant details. The HER program will assist with cleanup and disposal of homeless related materials on public property. Mr. Blegen provided details on what the Lithium Storage Cabinet would be used for and that it would be located at the Sunshine University Road Transfer Station and help to minimize the risk for potential fires caused by the lithium batteries while they wait to be transferred to a recycling vendor. Council discussed how long the batteries would remain in the cabinet and then provided consensus to return at a future meeting with a motion consideration for the grant. 6 Admin Report: Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant — Erik Lamb Sarah Farr Mr. Lamb opened the discussion regarding the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant that included details on the grant background, funding details and how we have utilized grant funding in the past. Mr. Lamb detailed information on funding and noted if the grant was awarded and that it is pending on the approval of the Public Safety Tax Measure. Council questioned whether there was an option to take a portion of the funds if awarded and Ms. Farr stated that we would need to take all the funds, but that it could be spent over a five-year period and there were options to be flexible with the finding. Council provided a consensus to return at a future meeting with a motion consideration for the grant. 7 Admin Report: Joint Personnel Recovery gency (JRPA) Memorandum of Understanding- Erik Lamb Mr. Lamb opened the discussion with background information on the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JRPA) training within Spokane Valley and what the primary purpose of the MOU is and that law enforcement is aware of what is going on with the training efforts. Council provided a consensus to return at a future meeting with a motion consideration for the MOU. INFORMATION ONLY: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Deputy Mayor Hattenburg stated that the general public comment rules still apply and called for public comments. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Catherine Nelson, Spokane Valley provided comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Merkel addressed a comment made two weeks ago by the Mayor and then went on to speak about stories that may have pertained to the councilmembers. He also spoke about Campaign signs and Councilmember Higgins poised a point of order and attempted to speak to the point, but was unable to do so as Councilmember Merkel continued to speak over him. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg reminded council about the rules of decorum. Councilmember Padden took time to thank the police for a very difficult week and handling it with grace and professionalism and with all the craziness going on she was very appreciative of the law enforcements efforts to keep us safe. Councilmember Higgins spoke about the gentleman at the end of the dais and that he ought to look in the mirror when making accusations and not be casting aspersions. Councilmember Wick spoke about the shopping cart pick up and that staff are continually trying to get the stores to assist with the pick-up and that there has been little progress with locking cart wheels as they are very expensive. He also spoke about the potential for any lithium -ion penalties/charges and noted it would be hard at a local level to handle that, but perhaps more at a state level. Councilmember Wick stated he had a FMSIB meeting and gave updates on the rail and cargo and closed with a reminder that next week is AWC conference and he will not be at the council meeting next week. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-17-2025 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council: 08-26-2025 Deputy Mayor Hattenburg noted that he attended the Habitat for Humanity ribbon cutting event and that these homes stay family homes and are a great asset to our community. He gave an update on the Appleway Trail at university and noted that 700 trees from lands council were planted that the Conservation District staff was on site as well to assist. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg closed by noting that he attended boy scout merit badge event. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Deputy City Manager Lamb addressed the public comments and spoke about the current Public Safety Committee members and that they are recommended by the mayor and then provided named the members of council. Mr. Blegen came forward about a Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) support letter for a grant application to gather information on data and analysis for collisions and near miss crashes. The council reviewed the letter and provided consensus to allow Deputy Mayor Hattenburg to sign the support letter. Mr. Lamb provided details on the Wellesley Ave Preservation Project that starts next week and noted that this project is one where we took community input and revised the project to better serve the community. Mr. Lamb closed noting that it would be appropriate for a five-minute executive session. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded to go into executive session for potential acquisition of real estate for approximately 10 minutes and that no action will be taken upon return to open session. Vote by acclamation: in favor. Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Council adjourned into Executive Session at 8:13p.m. At 8:19p.m. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg declared Council out of executive session. It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 8:20p.m. ATTEST: Marci atterson, City Clerk Pam Haley, M yor Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 06-17-2025 Approved by Council: 08-26-2025 Page 4 of 4 Spokane 00 10210 E Sprague Avenue ♦ Spokane Valley WA 99206 Valley Phone: (509) 720-5000 ♦Fax: (509) 720-5075 www.spokanevalleywa.gov ,;OO June 18, 2025 The Honorable Sean Duffy Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington DC 20590 Dear Secretary Duffy: On behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council, I write in support of Spokane Regional Transportation Council's planning and demonstration grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant program. Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) is our regional and metropolitan transportation planning organization. SRTC's successful 2022 application to SS4A resulted in our region's first ever Regional Safety Action Plan adopted in 2024. Now, SRTC's proposed request for supplemental planning efforts will help our local jurisdictions identify exactly how to best improve safety at specific locations on our network. The application proposes Leveraging AI Powered Cameras to Collect Safety Data in the Spokane Region. As we all work towards Target Zero statewide, enhanced data collection and analysis will bring more opportunities for funding and project implementation in Spokane County. Most importantly, this artificial intelligence -assisted near -miss analysis of our transportation system will help our local communities identify solutions before a collision occurs. Transportation safety is critically important to our community. The proposed request is consistent with regional goals and supports outcomes defined in the Regional Safety Action Plan. I respectfully request your full and fair consideration to the Leveraging AI Powered Cameras to Collect Safety Data in the Spokane Region application submitted by SRTC. Respectfully, `� w ?9�4 On hkhaIF(f Pam Haley Mayor PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, June 17, 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 P NT TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. June 17, 2025 Good evening, City Councilmembers, Mayor Haley, and City Leadership. Ben Lund, 36-year resident. I want to address two critical points raised by CM Merkel during the recent budget meeting —both of which are deeply concerning and deserve serious attention. First, his repeated call for a zero -based budget (ZBB) overhaul reflects a strong -mayor mindset one where a single executive drives all financial decisions, often at the expense of collaboration and stability. That is not how Spokane Valley was designed to function. Our council-manager system promotes transparency, balance, and professional oversight —not political overreach. We already dedicate 64% of our general fund to public safety, which requires careful planning —not drastic resets with no operational roadmap. CM Merkel hasn't offered a clear explanation of how his overhaul would impact core services. We've seen how this plays out elsewhere. Cities like Knoxville, Jacksonville, and Fresno tried zero -based budgeting under strong mayor systems. In every case, the process created administrative chaos, staff fatigue, and internal conflict —ultimately abandoned within a few years. There were no lasting improvements. Second —and perhaps even more troubling —is CM Merkel's suggestion to eliminate Spokane Valley's economic development department as a cost-cutting measure. That proposal is a direct threat to the city's long- term growth and resilience. Economic development isn't a luxury —it's a necessity. It attracts employers, supports small business, leverages grant funding, and expands our tax base without raising rates. Remove it, and you remove our ability to grow smartly, compete regionally, and respond to changing economic conditions. Look at what happens when cities ignore or defund economic development: • Stockton, California went bankrupt in 2012, • Detroit, Michigan, largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. • Gary, Indiana. With minimal development planning, it became one of the most economically distressed cities in the country. We are not Stockton, not Detroit, and certainly not Gary —but we could echo their mistakes if we don't learn from them. Spokane Valley is not broken. We are a well -managed city with a proven system of checks and balances that protects taxpayers while enabling growth. Let's protect the structure that works —and reject risky, political experiments that threaten the very stability that makes this city thrive. Thank you. R FOR4 ' EASE i 0