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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025, 05-06 Formal B MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Meeting Formal B Format Tuesday, May 6, 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 Pam Haley, Mayor Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Rod Higgins, Councilmember Laura Padden, Councilmember Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Ben Wick, Councilmember Absent: Al Merkel, Councilmember I1\LM114I1111930 Staff John Hohman, City Manager Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Chelsie Walls, Finance Director John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Robert Blegen, Public Works Director Virgina Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Dave Ellis, Police Chief Steve Roberge, Planning Manger Lori Barlow, Senior Planner Jerremy Clark, Traffic Engineering Manager Erica Amsden, CIP Engineering Manager Miguel Agiurre, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk 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 Councilmember Merkel. It was moved by Councilmember Wick, seconded and unanimously agreed to excuse Councilmember Merkel. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: PROCLAMATIONS: National Police Week Mayor Haley read the proclamation and Chief Ellis accepted the proclamation and spoke about National Police Week. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited public comment. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; John Harding, Spokane Valley provided comments on various topics. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Ordinance 25-005: First Read STV-2025-0001— Lori Barlow Prior to reading the Ordinance title, Councilmember Yaeger recused herself from the item as a conflict of interest. Council approved the recusal unanimously. After City Clerk Patterson read the Ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to Move to advance Ordinance #25-005 to a second reading at a future Council meeting. Ms. Barlow Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 05-06-2025 Page 1 of 3 Approved by Council: 08-26-2025 presented a PowerPoint presentation that included information on the property ownership, applicants' reason for the street vacation, the process for the street vacation, conditions from the utilities, city traffic engineering conditions, the conditions for distribution, and the estimated value of the vacation request. Council discussed fire lane requirements. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. After the vote, Councilmember Yager rejoined the meeting. 2. Resolution 25-010: Spokane Housing Authority Bond — Gloria Mantz It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to adopt Resohition 25-010. Ms. Mantz noted that there were not any further updates since the item had last been presented. The council did not have any additional comments or questions. Mayor Haley called for public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. 3. Motion Consideration: Argonne/1-90 Bridge Design Contract — Erica Amsden, Robert Ble eg_n It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the design services agreement with KPFF in the amount of $1,132, 739, in substantially the form of the attached agreement. Mr. Blegen and Ms. Amsden provided details on the Argonne Road/1-90 Bridge Project - Engineering Design Contract with a PowerPoint presentation that included a project overview, consultant contract info and noted that they selected KPFF as the most qualified. Council discussed the timing of the project, the utilization of funding during this biennium, what public outreach was done for the project and the signage that will be provided at the project location once the project is underway. Mayor Haley called for public comments. John Harding, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Jodie Buehler, Spokane Valley; Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley provided comments. Vote by acclamation: ifs favor: Unanimous. Opposed.• None. Motion carried NON -ACTION ITEMS: 4. Admin Report: WM Update Report — Robert Blegen, Zack Stavros, Zach Bray Public Works Director Blegen provided details with some background on the WM program and their contract with the city. He introduced Mr. Zack Stravros and Mr. Zach Bray from WM. Mr. Bray and Mr. Stavros provided a PowerPoint presentation that included a challenges recap with a driver shortage, job dangers, state leave laws and in-depth new driver training. They continued the presentation with the solutions that included driver retention, hire more drivers, and investing in technology and people. The PowerPoint also detailed the investment for now and the future for the team and staff, the fleet, the recycling upgrades, noted a ribbon cutting event celebration for earth day 2025, the collection service totals for residential services, the annual service guide, and website resource information. Council discussed the drivers requirements for a CDL, the regional fleet growth, and the positive response to missed pickups. 5. Admin Report: Impact Fee Areas — Robert Blegen, Jerremy Clark Mr. Blegen and Mr. Clark noted that the item was brought up at the winter workshop and there were many questions and they returned with additional information on the impact fee areas. Mr. Clark provided a PowerPoint presentation that included details on the background of the Transportation Impact Fees, calculation of impact fees, project selection VS zone allocation and options for a city-wide impact fee. He noted that staff recommended the Three -Zone Program. Council discussed the planned action ordinance and the backbone for the industrial growth in the north corridor, and the impact to the areas outside the map noted. Council provided consensus to move forward with the transportation impact fee rate study based on the three zones specified in the presentation. 6. Admin Report: Electric Scooter Regulation Update — Kelly Konkright, Erik Lamb Mr. Lamb and Mr. Konkright provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Lime Scooter Regulations that included a background on the scooters, the regulations that were adopted in 2020, SVMC Chapter 9.20 and noted the regulations that were adopted, enforcement, penalties, and staff coordination with Lime to address any calls for services regarding the scooters. Council discussed any age limits for renting/riding the scooters, scooters that may be in the city's portion of the Spokane River, and any accidents involving scooters and vehicles. Council did not provide consensus to return with further information regarding questions on the scooters. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 05-06-2025 Page 2 of 3 Approved by Council: 08-26-2025 Mayor Haley called for a recess at 7: 47pm for 13 minutes and that the meeting would resume at 8: 06pm. 7. Admin Report: Reckless Endangerment W/Fentanyl Use — Chief Ellis, Lieutenant Kiehn Chief Ellis and Lieutenant Kiehn presented a PowerPoint presentation that included information on the current laws used for charging, how they are currently investing child exposure to fentanyl, the significant case examples in 2025, proposal to support legislation to amend RCW 9A.42.100 to include fentanyl and synthetic opioid language. Council discussed the potential of the county adopting any of the same language and supporting any option to make it tougher on the fentanyl uses. 8. Admin Report: Investment Policy Update — Chelsie Walls Ms. Walls presented information on the current investment policy, the resolution for banking authority, the LGIP Investment Policy, and the LGIP historical interest rates. Council discussed the AWC finance committee and noted that they use an investment firm. Ms. Walls stated that after the fees and the additional staff needed to work with the investment firm, that is was easier to keep the duties in-house. INFORMATION ONLY: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Mayor Haley stated that the general public comment rules still apply and called for public comments. No comments were provided. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Wick noted that it was teacher appreciation week and to thank a teacher. Councilmember Higgins noted that was administrative assistants week. Councilmember Padden stated that it is important for everyone to see that we are all treated equal and not above the law and the police are the tip of the spear for keeping peace for our communities. Councilmember Yaeger had no comments. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg also echoed the statements from Councilmember Padden and added comments about the law enforcement memorial and that it also has a memorial for the dedicated K9 officers as well. Mayor Haley also echoed comments from Councilmember Padden and Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and noted how important our law enforcement officers are. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Hohman spoke about working with STA and noted that there is a meeting on the Argonne Station design open house on June 18th 4-6pm at the Spokane Valley library. Mr. Hohman recommended that council adjourn into Executive Session for 20 minutes to discuss pending litigation. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded that Council adjourn into executive session for approximately 20 minutes to discuss pending litigation, 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 8:27p.m. At 8:46p.m. Mayor Haley declared Council out of executive session, at which time it was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. A 1)s,,T,�,,,, : Marci atterson, City Clerk Q�" O�J' Pam Haley, May Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 05-06-2025 Approved by Council: 08-26-2025 Page 3 of 3 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, May 6, 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 TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK PLEASE PRINT ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE L Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. r-I 0"'� Spokane 4,,;0*Valley (PROCcAX9VOW CITT 041' SqV 2CX M VA.GLE ZWASYfIXGT09V' 91lationafft face Week WHEREAS, In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, National Police Week; and WHEREAS, there are more than 800, 000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated officers and K9's of the Spokane Valley Police Department; and WHEREAS, public safety is the Spokane Valley City Council's highest priority; and WHEREAS, law enforcement officers and our law enforcement K9's work to protect the residents of Spokane Valley from criminals who seek to perpetrate violence and harm innocent lives; and WHEREAS, almost daily, law enforcement officers face dangerous circumstances and the threat of serious bodily injury or death to ensure the safety of all Spokane Valley residents; and WHEREAS, Spokane Valley's law enforcement also seek to assist our community through a variety of nontraditional means, including nonarrest pathways that connect individuals with treatment and recovery programs; and WHEREAS, the Spokane area is home to the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Project, the first dedicated in the state of Washington, to honor all law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty; and WHEREAS, May 15th is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of all fallen officers and their families and U.S. flags should be flown at half- staff; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pam Haley, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council and the citizens of Spokane Valley do hereby proclaim May 11-17, 2025, as NATIONAL POLICE WEEK in the City of Spokane Valley and I urge citizens to join in our appreciation to all our officers and K9's who serve and protect our communities. Dated this 6th day of May 2025. Pam Haley, Mayor City Council Speech — May 6, 2025 City Council, Mayor Haley, and City Leadership, Ben Lund-36 year resident. First a big shout to present and past City Councils and leadership. We live in one of the best cities in all of Washington because of their leadership -Managed economic growth, superior understructure. A place where our children want to live or maybe come back to and raise their families here too. "Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing." — Warren Buffett Every one of us manages risk in our daily lives — we carry car insurance, home insurance, health insurance. Some of us even shovel our sidewalks to avoid slip -and -fall liability. As a business owner, I carry $1.5 million in liability insurance. My premium is $300 a month. The City of Spokane Valley also carries liability coverage — through the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), a self-insurance pool of cities. Our coverage is $5 million, with an additional umbrella, and we pay a $620,000 annual premium. Let's break that down. Councilman Merkel publicly referred to the Bowdish roundabout as a "circle of death" — from the dais and again on social media. Does anyone here see the legal risk in that? Bob Roscoe from WCIA sure does. In fact, he called it a huge liability issue. That's an open door to litigation. Yes, insurance will cover it — for now. But not without consequences. Now let's look at the 68 unfulfilled Public Records Act requests. WCIA's own Bob Roscoe stated that the average settlement on PRA violations is $8 million. Let that sink in. These are not insurable penalties. When that judgment hits, it will annihilate our budget. "Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing." Councilman Merkel — it's such an easy fix. Just follow the law. And here's the final risk no one wants to say out loud: If either of these events happen, WCIA could vote to remove us from their insurance pool. That would create a new annual liability line item of $1.8 million — unbudgeted and unsustainable. Let me remind you: The City has already spent $350,000 in 17 months due to your conduct. That's $20,588 per month. So sad, on items that CM Merkel is promoting his own behavior has created a loss of $130,000 of transportation and $230,000 in lost public safety personal. "Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing." Councilman Merkel — what are you doing? �� k ',,' f' Rules of order Mike Dolan 05/06.2025 For more information on point of order please review your copy of Roberts rules of order section 43: 19-28, section 6:17 (1), section 23: 1 and 2 In a nutshell, the rules of decorum boil down to one basic idea: discussion, remarks, and commentary should be kept strictly germane, Robert's Rules of Order defines it formally as: Confining remarks to the merits of the pending question. If we keep this one rule without exception, it automatically excludes personal remarks, insults, inflammatory language, and irrelevant information. It says what is allowed, which keeps the parameters for discussion very specific and restricted. This usually works to the benefit of discussion, decision making, and efficient handling of business. This means that Point of Order should not be used frivolously or excessively. It should be used for significant and disruptive violations of the rules of decorum, the rules of debate, and to minimize hindrances to the handling of business. All members should be aware of their rights, and how to process a Point of Order (and Appeal). Examples of when to use a point of order: • If the chair makes a procedural error. • If a motion requires a specific vote type (e.g., 2/3 majority) and the chair announces it passed with a simple majority. • If a debate is not relevant to the motion being discussed. If you serve as an elected official on a local government council or board, you should know the types of remarks that are inappropriate during discussion at meetings. • Members of a council or board must be courteous to one another. • They must speak to the issues, and not to personalities. • They must stay on topic, and keep their remarks relevant to the item at issue.