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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025, 08-19 Formal B MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Meeting Formal B Format Tuesday, August 19, 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 Pam Haley, Mayor (via Zoom) John Hohman, City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Rod Higgins, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Laura Padden, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney Ben Wick, Councilmember Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Al Merkel, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Robert Blegen, Public Works Director Virgina Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Dave Ellis, Police Chief Mike Basinger, Community & Econ. Dev. Director Erica Amsden, CIP Engineering Manager Jill Smith, Communications Manager Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Jenni Spedick with Sun City 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 with Mayor Haley via Zoom. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, to approve the amended agenda. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: PROCLAMATIONS: Honoring Sergeant Salas Deputy Mayor Hattenburg read the proclamation honoring Sergeant Salas and Chief Ellis accepted the proclamation on behalf of the law enforcement. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Deputy Mayor Hattenburg explained the process, he invited public comment. Al Shrock, Spokane Valley; provided comments. Before moving to the Action Items on the agenda, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg spoke about the prestigious award that City Manager Hohman received from the Washington City/County Association. Mr. Hohman was presented with the Excellence Award for a Manager or Administrator at the annual conference. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg noted that the award was well deserved and recognizes an outstanding administrator or manager who has enhanced the effectiveness of local elected officials and consistently initiated creative and successful programs. ACTION ITEMS: Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 08-19-2025 Page 1 of 4 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 1. Motion Consideration: Pines/BNSF GSP Bid Award — Robert Blegen, Erica Amsden It was moved by Councilrnentber Higgins, seconded to award the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project to Active Construction, Inc in the amount of ,$11, 625, 625 and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the construction contract. Mr. Blegen provided background on the Pines/BNSF GSP project and an overview of the request for bids. Mr. Blegen stated that there were seven bids that were submitted and reviewed by staff. He provided details regarding the need to reject two of the bids as they were unresponsive. Mr. Blegen and Ms. Amsden provided details on the engineers' estimates and what is currently driving the bidding costs. Ms. Amsden also noted that the current bid came in just over a million dollars under the original low bid from the first round of bids. Council discussed details on the remainder of the project, the contractor requirements for the project, the funding for the project and the ability to continue with the project into the next phases. Councilmember Merkel was speaking about other contributions set aside and Councilmember Higgins poised a point of order and noted that Councilmember Merkel was speaking about money going outside the project and not part of the current project. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg agreed with the point and Councilmember Merkel poised a point of order and said that Councilmember Higgins point of order was not a point of order. Councilmember Higgins continued with his point of order and noted that Councilmember Merkel was being argumentative. City Manager Hohman noted that he would follow up and send an email regarding the funding sources to help identify where the finds are and where they came from. City Manager Hohman also addressed the comments regarding the low bidder and that ACI is a well-known contractor and is capable of completing the project. City Attorney Konkright also stated that the law does require the city to accept the low bidder if they meet all the bidding requirements. City Manager Hohman commented that this is great news for our community and that this is a great bidder and a great price for the project. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg invited public comments. Mike Dolan, Spokane WA; Tracy Christen, Spokane Valley; Al Shrock, Spokane Valley provided comments. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilrnembers Padden, Wick, Higgins and Yaeger. Opposed• Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried. 2. Motion Consideration: NCAA Venue Lease Agreement — John Bottelli It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded to authorize the City Manager to execute the NCAA Ventre Lease Agreement and the corresponding Operation Agreementfor the 2027 NCAA West Region Cross Country Championship in Spokane Valley. Mr. Bottelli spoke about the contract and provided lease agreement details. Those details included the venue, venue owner, and he noted that Spokane Sports is putting on the event. The city will continue to work with Spokane Sports with the lease agreement and future events as well. Council discussed any potential funding from the event, insurance requirements and the number of athletes that the event will bring to the area. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg invited public comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley provided comments. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. NON -ACTION ITEMS: 3. Admin Report: Sullivan Property Update — John Hohman City Manager Hohman introduced Ms. Shelly O'Quinn, Chief Executive Officer for the Innovia Foundation. Mr. Hohman spoke about the 11 acres at Sullivan Park and provided details on the park location and said that the park is a great benefit to the city. He noted that there is a specific opportunity for our community. Shelly O'Quinn presented a PowerPoint presentation that included the partnership opportunity for a dual ice-skating rink in Spokane Valley. She commented that it would create opportunities for youth and for ice sports and all the benefits that come with it. She noted that this vision would allow access and opportunity for all the youth in our community, and we (Innovia) hope to bring that vision to life. The city has shown that our own tourism study shows the need for ice in our area, and this is an incredible opportunity for us. The location is ideal for a project of this size and is large enough for a sustainable project. Ms. O'Quinn commented that this is an idea that we would like to explore with our donor. Mr. Hohman commented that he was looking for council consensus to return with a plan from the benefactor and what the plan would include. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg echoed the comments of Mayor Haley and that everyone is so dedicated to making this project happen. Council discussed the dance hall and the racetrack and Mr. Hohman noted that the existing features would stay on the property. Council also discussed the potential funding, and a public hearing to get input from the citizens. City Manager Hohman closed by stating that this is an incredible opportunity. Council provided consensus to move forward with reviewing a potential plan for a dual ice rink. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 08-19-2025 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 4. Admin Report: City LTAC Application Discussion — Chelsie Walls Ms. Walls provided details on the city LTAC application for the Cross Course. Ms. Walls also detailed the current costs for the course and noted that if the city submitted the LTAC application and were successful in getting the funding that the funds would not need to come out of the General Fund for the 2026 budget. Currently, the operating and maintenance costs will be borne by the City's General Fund in the Parks and Recreation Department. These costs are currently estimated at about $257,000. Council discussed the plans when the course was designed, if there were any projections on revenue when the course opened, and how funding would be maintained in the future. Councilmember Padden noted that the request was not unusual as we have gotten similar requests in previous years from the HUB. Council provided consensus to allow the city to return at a later date with a motion to submit an LTAC application. INFORMATION ONLY: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Deputy Mayor Hattenburg stated that the general public comment rules still apply and called for public comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley provided comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Merkel noted that he was encouraged by some community support for some of these projects yet hardly agree that when government gets involved that a lot of times things don't work out right. He stated he was confused as to why maintenance costs were not figured out in advance and disappointed that the plan for the course is to apply for money from the LTAC fund. He was excited to see that someone from the community wants to do something, but it is really important that we encourage community members to do things on a private basis and without our support or tax dollars. Closed by saying we should look at the opportunities and wants to see the proposal. Councilmember Wick stated that this was not the time to rehash agenda items, but he looks forward to the proposal and that there are still a lot of questions but is looking forward to the options presented. Councilmember Yaeger provided details on the allegations that she has done something incorrectly with her social media pages. She noted that if something was done incorrectly, she is an adult and will correct the problem and the behavior. She closed by thanking the gentleman that wants to build an ice arena. Councilmember Padden extended a thank you to the benefactor that wants to give back to the community and that there are a lot of good things going on in our community. This city has managed to accomplish a lot of really good things; Pines GSP Project, Barker Project, and we aren't $20 million in debt like our neighbors to the west and we are fiscally responsible. Councilmember Higgins noted that things had been left out during Deputy Mayor Hattenburg's statement regarding City Manager Hohman's award. He added that Mr. Hohman was nominated by his staff and that it was done unanimously. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg had nothing to comment on. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Haley (via Zoom) noted that she appreciated everyone's patience in her absence and can return in person in two weeks. She also noted that she has appreciated council picking up the slack. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS City Manager Hohman invited Public Works Director Blegen to speak about the operators' strike. Mr. Blegen provided details on the shrike and noted that Operators Union 302 has been on strike since last Tuesday and they could not get the Wellesley project started for paving and that it would affect the schools in the area. Looking at potential opportunities for sub -contractors to use different paving companies and also looking at what the city can do for crosswalks if not paved before school starts. The city is looking at when we could get that paving done if not completed prior to the school year starting. Staff are still in problem solving mode and actively working with the contractor and we were one week ahead when the project got to the paving stage and with the current delay, we are now on a critical path to completing the project. Mr. Hohman provided an update on the utility tax proposal for the wastewater utility facility in Spokane and noted the location was good for engineering purposes when built, not for tax purposes. The increased 21 % tax Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 08-19-2025 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 on the utility would be passed on to the rate payers and as of now, the city has resisted adding on any utility tax other than the telephone tax. The City of Spokane currently taxes all utilities, and they still came forward with a demand of $57 million for owed taxes from Spokane County as a whole. Mr. Hohman stated that there have been three meetings thus far with senior staff and they are trying to see if there was a way to resolve the situation. The first meeting sounded hopeful, the second meeting in July didn't go well as deliverables didn't come forward at the meeting and the meeting today was disappointing to report that there was zero progress and the city moved backward to the $57 million demand. Senior staff were looking forward to a solution and since the City of Spokane has backed up to the $57 million demand, there will be follow-up conversations moving forward. Finally, Mr. Hohman stated that this weekend there is the Cops and Kids car show on Sprague Ave at Balfour Park and that part of the road will be closed during the event. EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 7: 41p.m. ATTEST: (T � U(�W , PWOZrA Pam Haley, Mayor Marti atterson, City Clerk Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 08-19-2025 Page 4 of 4 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 AMENDED AGENDA SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FORMAL B FORMAT Tuesday, August 19, 2025 6:00 p.m. Remotely via ZOOMMeeting and In Person at Spokane Valley City Hall, Council Chambers 10210 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Council Requests Please Silence Your Cell Phones During Council Meeting NOTE: Members of the public may attend Spokane Valley Council meetings in -person at the address provided above, or via Zoom at the link below. Members of the public will be allowed to comment in -person or via Zoom as described below. Public comments will only be accepted for those items noted on the agenda as "public comment opportunity." Citizens must register by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting to provide comment by Zoom. Please use the links below to register to provide verbal or written comment. • Sign up to Provide Verbal Public Comment at the Meeting via Calling -In • Submit Written Public Comment Prior to the Meeting • Join the Zoom WEB Meeting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION: Chaplin Joe Fruci PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IZ1771WN-111 w M APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: PROCLAMATIONS: Honoring Sergeant Salas GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: This is an opportunity for the public to speak on any subject except agenda action items, as public comments will be taken on those items where indicated. Please keep comments to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Government. This is not an opportunity for questions or discussion. Diverse points of view are welcome but please keep remarks civil. Remarks will be limited to three minutes per person. If a person engages in disruptive behavior or makes individual personal attacks regarding matters unrelated to City business, then the Council and/or Mayor may end that person's public comment time before the three -minute mark. To comment via zoom: use the link above for oral or written comments as per those directions. To comment at the meeting in person: speakers may sign in to speak but it is not required. A sign -in sheet will be provided at the meeting. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Motion Consideration: Pines/BNSF GSP Bid Award — Robert Blegen, Erica Amsden [public comment opportunity] 2. Motion Consideration: NCAA Venue Lease Agreement — John Bottelli [public comment opportunity] Council Agenda August 19, 2025 Page 1 of 2 TYO�OvLA�HVo9VSpokane Valle ® CZty of Spokane Valley, Washington y 716noring Sergeant eant Kenneth Salas WHEREAS, Sergeant Kenneth Salas served a 34-year law enforcement career with Spokane County Corrections Department, Spokane Valley Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff's Office; and WHEREAS, throughout his career, Sergeant Salas served in numerous assignments, including Patrol, School Resource Deputy, Traffic Unit, and the Emergency Operations Team, demonstrating versatility, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to public safety; and WHEREAS, in 2004, Sergeant Salas earned the rank of Detective/Corporal, and in 2009, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he served as the Downtown Dayshift Patrol Sergeant Supervisor, mentoring deputies and ensuring the safety of our surrounding community; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Salas also honorably served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Washington State Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of Technical Sergeant, continuing a life of service that extended beyond his law enforcement duties; and WHEREAS, on the morning of August 9, 2025, Sergeant Salas was tragically killed when he was struck by a motorist while assisting with a significant traffic hazard on 1-90; and WHEREAS, every day, law enforcement officers like Sergeant Salas risk their lives to protect our communities and -ensure our safety. Their selfless dedication deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council and the citizens of the City of Spokane Valley, do hereby proclaim our deepest gratitude and respect for the life, service, and selfless sacrifice of Sergeant Kenneth Salas, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and peers in the Spokane County Sheriffs Office as we, Honor the Life, Legacy, and Ultimate Sacrifice of Sergeant Kenneth Salas in Spokane Valley, Washington and l encourage our community to join the City in honoring Sergeant Salas and his exemplary service to our surrounding community. Dated this 19th day of August 2025. Tim attenburg, Deputy M cr 8/20/2025 Mission Ignite generosity that transforms lives and communities Vision ` Vibrant and sustainable communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive We can't do this work alone We partner with donors, nonprofits, and local leaders to improve the quality of life and MAKE MORE POSSIBLE in our region. 8/20/2025 CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY , PARKS & RECREATION GUIDE 509720-52W 500Ue .Wk,WAQ. R al41 3 LIFE ON ICE WHERE EVERY KID GETS THEIR SHOT. 21 The Vision Inspire and engage young people in life through the power of ice sports, fostering personal growth, resilience, and joy while building lasting connections to their community both on and off the rink. 2 8/20/2025 5 9 8/20/2025 7 Benefits: City of Spokane Valley Ice Rink p Economic impact Youth engagement W Fills a recreational gap ft Collaborative partnership makes more possible for our community! I n ignite generosity. ake more possible INNOVIAf FOU N DATION make ossi e. INNOVIAV FOUNDATION