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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025, 08-26 Formal A MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Formal Format A Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Deputy Mayor Hattenburg called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person by Council and staff in Council Chambers, and also remotely via Zoom meeting. Attendance: Councilmembers Staff Pam Haley, Mayor (via Zoom) John Hohman, City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Laura Padden, Councilmember Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Ben Wick, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Rod Higgins, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Jill Smith, Communications Manager Al Merkel, Councilmember Robert Blegen, Public Works Director John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Dave Ellis, Police Chief John Whitehead, Human Resources Director Mike Basinger, Community & Econ. Dev. Director Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager Jerremy Clark, Traffic Engineering Manager Sarah Farr, Accting & Finance Program Manager Jonny Solberg, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: Chaplin Joe Fruci 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 AGENDA It was moved by Councilinenaber Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS n/a PROCLAMATIONS: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Deputy Mayor Hattenburg explained the process, he invited comments from the public. Jodie Buehler, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Keith & Shelly Clark, Spokane Valley; Debbie Shrock, Spokane Valley; Al Shrock, Spokane Valley provided general 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, August 26, 2025, Request for Council Action Form: $3,151,872.25. b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending August 15, 2025: $708,987.76. c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 08-26-2025 Page] of 5 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2025 e. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2025 f. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of May 20, 2025 g. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2025 h. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2025 i. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2025 j. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2025 k. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of July 22, 2025 1. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of July 29, 2025 in. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2025 It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda. ACTION ITEMS: 2 Motion Consideration: Solid Waste Collection Contracts Extension — Erik Lamb, Robert Blegen It was moved by Councihnember Higgins, seconded to authorize the City Manager to provide notice to WM and Sunshine of the City's desire to extend the collection contracts and to take such action necessary under such contracts to negotiate and execute a two year extension on contracts: 17-089 "Waste Management: Garbage, Recycling & Conrpostables Collection, 17-187 "Waste Management Drop Box Container Collection ", and 17-188 Sunshine Disposal & Recycling: Drop Box Container Collection " in the form and subject to the terms as such extension is authorized within those contracts. Mr. Blegen spoke about the motion and provided a brief recap of the previous presentation. He noted that there are two two-year extensions on the contracts with the current contract holders and that it was council's desire at the previous meeting to move forward with one of the two year contract extensions available. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg invited public comments. Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley; Kevin Epperson, Spokane Valley provided comments. Council discussed that they would be voting on the current terms of the contracts as presented. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried 3. Motion Consideration: City LTAC Application — Chelsie Walls It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded to authorize staff to prepare and subinit a City application for lodging tax funds for the operating and maintenance costs of The Course Spokane Valley for 2026, or action as deemed appropriate. Ms. Walls spoke briefly about the LTAC application and reviewed information, from her previous presentation. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg invited public comments; no comments were offered. Councilmember Merkel noted that this was not the right course of action for the LTAC funds. Councilmember Padden noted that this is a legitimate request for the funds, and we should submit the application and let the LTAC committee decide. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councihnembers Wick, Higgins, Padden, and Yaeger. Opposed: Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried. NON ACTION ITEMS: 4 Admin Report: CHIP Grant Habitat for Humanity & SNAP — Gloria Mantz Sarah Farr Ms. Mantz introduced Dana Le Roy, Habitat for Humanity Director of Government Affairs and Julie Honekamp, CEO of SNAP. Ms. Mantz provided a brief background on the CHIP Grant and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Le Roy spoke about the type of homeownership at Carnahan, the size of the homes, the phases of the project, and total project costs. Ms. Honekamp spoke about the Broadway Senior Housing Project and noted the number of seniors served, and the amount of funding. Ms. Farr detailed the city's obligations as the applicant for the CHIP Grant that included the financial review, the work with Dept. of Commerce, administration of the grant process, the timeline for the application process, and the next steps for the application submittal process. Council discussed various topics with each of the potential grant recipients. Councilmember Merkel began questioning SNAP about the lack of progress on ground breaking at the location. Councilmember Yaeger poised a point of order and stated that questions need to be about the application process. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg agreed and asked Councilmember Merkel to stick to the application. City Manager Hohman provided clarification and noted that this is a new grant process and we Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 08-26-2025 Page 2 of 5 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 have successfully received more money than applied for for our projects and that these funds would help this project and that this is an opportunity for funding to come back into our community. Council provided consensus to return with a motion for the CHIP Grant application to be submitted. 5. Admin Report: Compression Brake Discussion — Jerremy Clark Mr. Clark presented a PowerPoint presentation on compression brakes that included a brief background on the previous discussion that was had with council, complaints that have been received, the governing legislation, adjacent jurisdictions rules that they have adopted, the code that Spokane County has adopted, and the enforcement options. Council discussed various components of each of the options presented and ultimately City Manager Hohman noted that staff would gather more information for another discussion and perhaps bring in Mr. Ewers for a presentation before returning with an Ordinance. 6. Admin Report: ILA -Spokane County Water District #3 — Adam Jackson Mr. Jackson spoke about an interlocal agreement with Spokane County Water District #3 and provided background details on the project with the water district. Mr. Jackson explained the water lines project and noted that the current state of the roads in the project location were pretty cracked and would not seal up well if just patched. He also noted that it would be a savings to the citizens in the project location as they would not have to have road closures multiple times. City Manager Hohman noted that a similar project done in 2019 turned out very well. Council provided consensus to return with a motion to approve the ILA with the water district. 7. Admin Report: 2026 Budget Estimated Revenues & Expenditures — Chelsie Walls Ms. Walls presented a PowerPoint presentation that included a background on the budget, a 2026 budget summary all funds with a total appropriations of $134 million, the full time equivalent employee count of 118.25, the general fund revenues with recurring revenues of $67.3 million, general fund revenues that include property tax of $14.3 million and general sales tax of $33 million, the general fund expenditures of recurring expenditures of $68.5 million, the general fund of nonrecurring activity, the general fund ending fund balance of $41.4 million, the other fund major revenues that include motor vehicle fuel tax, telephone utility tax, real estate excise tax (REST), Hotel/motel tax, tourism promotion area (TPA) Fees, vehicle license fees, and stormwater management fees. Ms. Walls also detailed the 2026 budget challenges that included the structural deficits in the city operating funds of General Fund #001 and Street O&M Fund # 101. Ms. Walls explained the structural deficits in detail and noted the causes such as the rising costs in public safety and flattening revenue growth. Ms. Walls also provided options for the general fund deficit after meeting with the Finance Committee that included a variety of options of adjustments to the permitting fees, adjustments to the business license, the lodging tax application if approved, the property tax 1 %, utility tax, or CenterPlace fee adjustments. Additional challenges are the law enforcement positions, transportation funding, revenue growth not keeping pace, and the homeless and housing program. Ms. Walls closed with the updated budget timeline moving forward. Council discussed the 1% property tax and options for revenues. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg called for a recess at 7:34pm for 8 minutes and that the meeting would resume at 7: 42pm. INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed) 8. Department Monthly Reports 9. Fire Dept Monthly Report GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Deputy Mayor Hattenburg explained the process, he invited comments from the public; no comments were offered. ADVANCE AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 08-26-2025 Page 3 of 5 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 Councilmember Merkel stated that since the sales tax passed, the city should start hiring the officers now and he moved to amend the budget to do that. Councilmember Yaeger questioned how much money do we have to do that now? City Manager Hohman clarified that we currently have none as funds are not collected until January 2026 and that staff will be coming back shortly to go over hiring options. Council did not provide consensus to amend the current budget. Councilmember Yaeger questioned the money for the grants, the current sanctuary state status and wondered if letters should go out to the State of WA and City of Spokane regarding the risk of federal funding being a sanctuary city/state. City Manager Hohman suggested scheduling a visit with Cardinal to visit and that would be a good opportunity to direct questions to our representative. Councilmember Merkel requested that while we move into phase 2 of hiring officers that we set service standards in the public safety contract such as response times to calls, number of patrol officers on the street, and look to the community for more items. Mr. Hohman noted that he will get a copy of the existing agreement to Councilmember Merkel as the items he listed are currently in the agreement. Councilmember Merkel continued to insist they were not and that the contract needed to be amended. Councilmember Higgins poised a point of order and stated that the councilmember needed to quiet when a point of order called and stated that he was needlessly attacking the city manager. Councilmember Merkel poised a point of order at the time Councilmember Higgins was speaking his point of order and then stated that none of this is a point of order. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg stated that he has full faith in Chief Ellis and his staff and they have the structure in place and they work with Sheriff Nowels about these items stated and there are standards already in the contract. That request did not get consensus to move forward. Councilmember Padden spoke about the keeping families together law and there has been some concern at the state level about it and hoping for a presentation to further explain it and what the concerns are and see if that is something we would consider for our legislative policy statements. There was a consensus to move forward with the request. Councilmember Wick requested an update from Fairchild Airforce base on the operations and projects. There was consensus to move forward with the request. Councilmember Merkel spoke about the garbage contract and requested it to be re -opened for negotiations or for a change order that would allow ending recycling requirements. City Attorney Konkright noted that the two-year extension is for the same terms of the previous contract and was renewed as the contract existed. Mr. Hohman stated council had already decided to extend the contract under the existing terms, so you can't unwind the decision made earlier in the evening. Councilmember Merkel requested a school zone camera and speed zone camera update. City Manager Hohman noted that an update is already planned and will be presented at an upcoming meeting. Councilmember Padden requested clarification on the advance agenda and what can be put on it and that we are not taking further action on something that has already been brought up. Mr. Hohman noted that historically this portion of the meeting was used for councilmembers to bring forward topics that they are interested in. Councilmember Yaeger asked if they can take things off the agenda. City Manager Hohman stated that yes, we can take things off. Councilmember Wick questioned comments from the sheriff regarding grant funding and with our upcoming sales tax we are eligible for that grant and would like to have a discussion with the Sheriff about it. There was not consensus to move that request forward. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS Councilmember Yaeger attended an opioid meeting, the K-9 country club ribbon cutting, a Fairchild Airforce base refueling mission, and the Cops and Kids car show. Councilmember Padden: stated that she attended Tom Towey's memorial event, the Memorial for Sergeant Salas, the Cops and Kids car show, the ribbon cuttings multiple city schools for safe vestibules and noted that five schools updated safe vestibules at the school entrance and there should be five more schools next year. Councilmember Higgins: stated that he had nothing to report. Councilmember Merkel attended some of the events as well, such as the Cars and Cops show and Sergeant Salas' Memorial. Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 08-26-2025 Page 4 of 5 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 Councilmember Wick: attended both memorials as previously mentioned, the Fairchild Airforce base event and noted that there are 67 planes housed at the base and shared an update on what the base is currently working on. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg attended most of the events such as the K-9 ribbon cutting, the Cops and Kids car show, and took some routes on the STA. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Haley attended the Orchard Vista groundbreaking ceremony today and noted that she was told it would be built very quickly with the help of our permitting department. She also attended the Cops and Kids car show. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS City Manager Hohman gave an update on the Wellesley project and thanked staff for the persistence on Big Sky Construction and POE Asphalt. Mr. Hohman noted that POE brought in their management staff to pave the project and worked well with Big Sky Construction. Mr. Hohman also thanked Chief Ellis and his staff for being present at the project site due to protestors getting out of hand. Mr. Hohman stated that Big Sky has made great progress and should be done this week, just in time for school to start. City Manager Hohman gave a big thanks to staff and police for the Cops and Kids car show event and noted it was a successful event and will be working with staff to see what we can do in the future for the event to continue in the Valley. He closed with providing details of the 2023 tourism analysis and noted the impact of $1.5 million in projected economic impact from the Course. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Councilmember Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 8:17p.m. ATTEST: I � A (w. otiJ M rci Patterson, City Clerk 290�-- W&' Pam Haley, Mayor Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 08-26-2025 Approved by Council: 09-23-2025 Page 5 of 5 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, August 26, 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 (e. tar Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. Debbie Shrock, Spokane Valley WA City Council, August 25, 2025 I would like to talk this evening about the Parks and Recreation Department, under the leadership of John Botelli, who has been a public servant for about 28 years. I met with John about a month ago to learn more about the city I have lived in for 20+ years. Though I took my grandchildren to many parks in the area, I had no idea of what it takes to keep them safe, usable and updated. I learned that the latest park expansion project in Green Acres area was completed this year, 15 years after the 2010 master plan was created. Keeping tabs on the population growth, major increase of multi -family units and a new elementary school in the area was a clear indication that it was time to move forward. John oversaw the project that ultimately received two grants to help with funding, finding contractors to do the work, and monitoring the progress. All this, with we, the tax payers, paying only 25% of the cost. I went to the park today and talked to kids who were totally enjoying themselves on the new climbing towers, slides, merry-go-round and of course, the splash pads. The kids were excited to share what their favorite things are about the park. Parents love the openness and how there is something for everyone, from babies to grandparents. Families are thrilled to have a safe and active place for their kids to enjoy being energetic. This is important because our children ARE our future! Our city currently has nine parks being maintained, some natural open space areas along with Apple way Trail and part of the Centennial Trail. The City has acquired three additional properties for future park purposes to serve our growing community. In total, there are approximately 345 acres of park land. That's a LOT of work! I asked John what keeps him going. His response was, "the work we do is to create a legacy for the future; creating cherished spaces for a healthy, happy community. It's keeping talented, long-term staff with no silos — having open communication, to keep doing the good work as part of a lean and mean city — not a bloated government." I sincerely want to thank John and the Parks and Recreation staff, for their years of hard work to provide safe, beautiful places for all of us to enjoy. I am reminded of the adage "build it and they will come". Our city IS growing - quickly. I would like to thank the city council and city manager for having such great team players, responsibly and consistently looking, planning and building for the future while keeping our costs as low as possible. THANK YOU! Al Shrock, Spokane Valley WA City Council, August 26, 2025 I have yet to experience a less than stellar reception and ongoing interaction with the permit center at the Valley City Hall. Whether it's a new pole building or the demo of an old deck and building a bigger and better one, my job is always easier managed when I take my plans to my partners, and that's the sense I get, RaLtners. They care about my projects and spend their time to understand. This makes my plans more accurate and my experience more pleasant. An example would be how Adam Jackson pops down the stairs from his engineering desk to spend time with me explaining how the storm water system works, or there is Jenny Nickerson, walking behind the front counter and overhearing a problem I'm having. She steps up to the desk and directs the conversation to solutions that I'd never thought of. It's like having a pro -Bono top tier team at my drawing table. This is accomplished during the initial process at the front desk. Get all the hidden issues uncovered by identifying any red flags, smoothing out and leveling the plans with solutions, all within the scope of the code. This efficient process will transition from a concept to a final build -able project. When the well -cured plans are set before the formal review, it's a quicker stamp of approval. Several years ago, our city manager zeroed in on this ideal. A slogan was born. "The Friendliest Permitting Center in Washington" and the permit team became not just technicians, but Permit Facilitators, making possible the dreams of many into actual realities. These team members are professionals of the highest caliber. They are respectful and kind - people of integrity. If you have met Jenny Nickerson, the lead building official, you would be looking at a person radiant with an instant smile and a warmth in her personality. Your visit will be nothing but enjoyable. Her demeanor sets the tone of your experience at the Permit Center. So, build something — and find out for yourself how a successful city operates! Marci Patterson From: Shelly Clark <shellyclarkmomof7@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, August 22, 2025 10:24 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Day of Service [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or 11 clicking links. Dear Spokane Valley Council Members, We would love to be added to the agenda under public comments on this upcoming board meeting August 26, 2025. It is an invitation and announcement regarding the "Day of Service 2025.tt The following is a screenshot of the website which provides further information. We look forward to seeing you on Monday. Thank you for the opportunity to share. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Keith and Shelly Clark 509-435-6562 Q 1USTSERVE Our 2025 Service Projects We have a great need for large dump trallers to help haul away debris and yard waste. If you have one or know someone who does, please let us know) Project 1: Mica Cemetery congrega Mans: Flceman, Hodron Hags, B.I. vino, and Adams Wards This 3. acre cemetery Is very overgrown and needs a lot of Work. We'll be clearing the jungle, cleaning headstones, and repalnting the cemetery sign. Tools Needed: • Lann marress, ne. Ulmmers, rases • Glo,xs, nhecNarran s, chamsaws • Coppers, P.I. saws,largo lraIs', Project 4: Re -bark Parks G�scorery Pan, 6 Bronn'a Park aLl ao• Volunm— C 9re0aUon: Gppmrvn:ty s'hrd Project 2: Chester Cemetery I— verumnrs eongregaUans: Autumn Crest, Uslvnan H31s, and Sundse yhrds This fiP acre cemel¢ry needs a good clean up, mowing, and trimming. Kids can help pick up thousands of pinecones! We'll also clean headstones and paint a bench. Tools Needed! • tann mavras, need • G!wes,nheNbarrows, ehamiavrs • Loppeis,pda sans, large ba3ers Project 5: Re -bark Parks Tonaee VN Pan,CFd90CVIPatA :Ll 4o• volrnteen Congrcgadon: Chesler Creek lvald Project 3: Saltese Cemetery 30 • valunloere Congregadon: SpaNsh Br h(mlh missbnarles) This cemetery Is better maintained but needs end -of - me, attention. Tasks Include picking up pinecones and raking pine needles. Tools Needed: • Roues, nneelnarrons, Q..— �'ustServe Pr5smts National ]Day of QMLervice 'k 4 FW- 7,L P* lk 0 rT0 September Oth 89*3041*030 G�o�uactyou� tva��,/�"�stS�vE Sib .tom scat Aw Q R coh�ol ,ow,re 40,*,Mar&& Our 2025 Service Projects We have a great need for large dump trailers to help haul away debris and yard waste. If you have one or know someone who does, please let us know! Project 1: Mica Cemetery 160+ Volunteers Congregations: Freeman, Horizon Hills, Bella Vista, and Adams Wards This 3+ acre cemetery is very overgrown and needs a lot of work. We'll be clearing the jungle, cleaning headstones, and repainting the cemetery sign. Tools Needed: ® Lawn mowers, weed trimmers, rakes • Gloves, wheelbarrows, chainsaws • Loppers, pole saws, large trailers Project 2: Chester Cemetery 120+ Volunteers Congregations: Autumn Crest, Dishman Hills, and Sunrise Wards This 6+ acre cemetery needs a good clean up, mowing, and trimming. Kids can help pick up thousands of pinecones! We'll also clean headstones and paint a bench. Tools Needed: • Lawn mowers, weed trimmers, rakes • Gloves, wheelbarrows, chainsaws • Loppers, pole saws, large trailers Project 3: Saltese Cemetery 30+ Volunteers Congregation: Spanish Branch (with missionaries) This cemetery is better maintained but needs end -of -summer attention. Tasks include picking up pinecones and raking pine needles. Tools Needed: 8.26.2025 Title: Revenue on Ice Ben Lund — 37-Year Resident of Spokane Valley Good evening Deputy Mayor, City Council, leadership, and fellow residents. Tonight, I want to speak about the proposed ice skating rink presented last week. Innovia is leading this effort, and a Spokane Valley resident has stepped forward willing to donate millions of dollars. He believes in our city, our leadership, and the work of our economic development team. Most importantly, he has chosen Spokane Valley as his first choice for this investment. This is no small opportunity. Post Falls is just minutes away, and we've already lost Cabela's, Buck Knives, and other businesses that wanted a regional hub. This time, we have the chance to become that hub — hosting state and national competitions and perhaps even serving as an international training site for Olympic athletes. The possibilities are tremendous. Some have tried to frame projects like this as "vanity projects." not true". Every proposal goes through extensive vetting — economic analysis, engineering, legal review, and public discussion. These are not frivolous ideas Our economic development team and leadership team have shown time and again they can handle these challenges responsibly. Unfortunately, the last Council meeting was one of the most disrespectful I've attended because of Councilmember Merkel's comments- this should be left to private enterprise only. A community member wants to give back millions to Spokane Valley, and dismissing that gift with negativity sends the wrong message. After the presentation, I made a point to ask Shelly O' Quinn from Innovia about it, and her response was very clear: "That is obvious — Councilmember Merkel does not represent the spirit of this community. " If you need proof that public -private partnerships like this work, just look at the Avista Stadium renovation -Spokane County $5.7 mil, City of Spokane Valley $2.5 million, State of Washington $5.8 million and $3 million from private sources. A $17 million project to preserve the home of the Spokane Indians baseball team. Working together, they delivered results that kept a vital community asset thriving for the future. Life on Ice has the potential to be the same — and possibly even bigger. It could put Spokane Valley on the map as a regional and national hub, strengthen our economy, and give our young athletes opportunities to chase their dreams right here at home. Let's welcome investment, respect donors, and make Spokane Valley a place where future champions — and future opportunities — are trained. Thank you.