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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025, 09-30 Formal B MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Meeting Formal B Format Tuesday, September 30, 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 Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Rod Higgins, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Laura Padden, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Virgina Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Ben Wick, Councilmember Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Al Merkel, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director John Whitehead, HR Director Dave Ellis, Police Chief Robert Blegen, Public Works Director Mike Basinger, Community & Econ. Dev. Director Jill Smith, Communications Manager Chad Knodel, IT Manager Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Logan Mankins, 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. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: PROCLAMATIONS: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited public comment. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Bob West, Spokane Valley; Kendra Rojas, Spokane Valley; Jim Golly, Spokane Valley; Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Trudy Damsell, Spokane Valley provided comments. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Ice Arena Public Input Session — John Hohman Mr. Hohman opened the discussion with an introduction of the guests at the table including Ms. Shelly O'Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation and Mr. Luke Damskov, Board President of the Spokane Junior Chiefs/ Spokane American Youth Hockey Association. Ms. O'Quinn provided details why we are here this evening and gave a brief background on the need for ice sheets in our region. Mr. Hohman noted that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ms. O'Quinn noted that Innovia is a community organization and they ignite generosity and provided details on why a donor would provide such a gift to our community. She noted that there is a need for ice sheets in our community for our youth to access it. She also noted that there were other sites evaluated in the process and Innovia has been reviewing the ice facility with Garco Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 09-30-2025 Page 1 of 4 Approved by Council: 10-14-2025 for about 10 months. Mr. Hohman provided details on the tourism strategic plan and the benefactor proposal. Ms. Mantz provided details on the requested city contribution. Ms. Mantz also reviewed the proforma and noted that Spokane Sports Facilities Advisory provided a 5-year financial forecast. She also provided details on what funding the ice may provide in the future. Mr. Danskov gave details on the previous ice facilities that were located locally. He noted that there was very little youth hockey and gave details on how many clubs there are in youth hockey right now. He stated that having professional hockey in our state helps bring the demand for ice and ice sports are becoming much more popular, the need is now. He noted that with the previous locations there were a lack of youth programs in place which kept the facilities from becoming profitable. Mr. Lamb provided next steps in the proposal and noted that we are looking for direction from council. He noted the 99-year lease and that it is common practice and he reviewed the cost for the lease could allow for affordable skating that would provide for the entire community to be included and that is where the discount on the lease comes from. This is a public benefit with the open skate and affordable skate portions of the lease. Mayor Haley and Deputy Mayor Hattenburg spoke about the need for this facility and that we need to be doing this for the children and families for years to come. Councilmember Merkel asked about the amount of the donation and the donors name. Mr. Hohman stated that the donor would like to remain anonymous at this time. Councilmember Merkel asked if there were required naming rights for the location and Ms. O'Quinn stated that there were not. Councilmember Merkel also asked about cost overruns, where funding would go if the city later purchased the property and why this was not made a public competitive bid. Ms. O'Quinn provided details for each of the questions. Council also discussed the cost for the potential needs for infrastructure, and it was noted that most of that would likely need to occur if anything was done with that property. Mr. Hohman noted that the city already maintains that the signals and the parking lots. Council spoke about the local interest with the Chiefs, the youth hockey clubs and the NHL Washington Kraken team. Ms. O'Quinn noted that there had been initial conversations, but now that the word is out that there can be more conversations in the near future. Mayor Haley called for public comments. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Susan Hawke, Spokane Valley; Jody Carpenter, Richland; Tyler Pisani, Spokane Valley; Kendra Rojas, Spokane Valley; Diana Wilhite, Spokane Valley; Mark Miles, Spokane Valley; Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley; Ashley Blake, Spokane; Katie Seick, Spokane Valley; Dave Bascatta, Spokane Valley; John Sisser, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; and Jamie Nash, CDA, ID. Mayor Haley noted that they had come to the end of the 45 minute comment period. It was moved by Councilrnernber Wick, seconded to suspend the rules and allow another 30 minutes of public connnents. Vote by acclamation on the motion: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Public comment continued. Amanda Tainio, Spokane Valley; Chris Burnett, Spokane Valley; Jon Love, Spokane Valley; Mike Otis, Spokane Valley Alan Villers, Liberty Lake; John Harding, Spokane Valley; Mark Miles, Spokane Valley; Sarah Herman, Spokane Valley; and Senator Leonard Christian, Spokane Valley. City Manager Holiman came back to the presentation table for further discussion. It was rrroved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to authorize the City Manager to negotiate all relevant agreements, including but not limited to a ground lease, with Innovia, to provide for lease of and use of the City's Sullivan Property for an ice facility and associated commercial development as provided in Innovia's proposal, all subject to further Council approval and appropriation of applicable funding; or take such other action deemed appropriate. Mayor Haley asked for any further discussion from council. Councilmember Merkel asked what the expectation was on further meetings. Mr. Hohman noted that as the motion stated they would return once more discussions were had. Council appreciated the Senator's comments and noted that this is such an impact on our community by this generous person and sounded like a chance that we would not get back again if we turned it down. Councilmember Merkel stated that he felt that things were moving too quickly and asked to amend the RCA slightly so motion to amend to include that we have at minimum two more meetings to discuss this; one meeting where the final at least the final negotiated um deal is presented that allows for a public hearing on what that final settlement is un cause you know again there were a lot of questions that I had and then vote on it that at the meeting after that at least. The amended motion died for lack of a second. Councilmember Wick noted that he was in support of the opportunity, but he hopes that staff really look at the possibility of a shorter least term. Vote by acclamation on the original motion: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed.• None. Motion carried Mayor Haley called for a recess at 8:17prn for 10 minutes and that the meeting would resume at 828pm. Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 09-30-2025 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council: 10-14-2025 2. PUBLIC HEARING: Solid Waste Management Plan — Erik Lamb, Robert Blegen, Michelle Langdon Mayor Haley opened the public hearing at Mr. Lamb introduced Ms. Michelle Langdon and Ms. Addison Coffelt with Great West Engineering. Mr. Lamb, Ms. Langdon and Ms. Coffelt presented a PowerPoint presentation that included the plan intention with documents pertaining to the Solid Waste Program in the City, Guide Program through 2030, align with established state requirements, allocate resources, the technical advisory committee provided diverse input, a draft vision setting for the plan, goal setting that included four goal statements, a data -driven plan, plan development, the disposal and collection services for the Valley, a photo of the waste flow and information on the garbage waste flow, the recycling sort - data collection, information on recycling, information on the organics, details on other wastes and what is accepted at the transfer station and what is accepted through other programs. The group also discussed the education and outreach that WM and Sunshine provide to the surrounding community. They noted that the contamination in the products are a large problem and that the organics are ultimately taken to Barr -Tech Facility. It was moved by Councihnen&r Yaeger, seconded to extend the meeting to 9: 30 p. in. Vote by acclamation on the original inotion: in fm)or: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Ms. Langdon reviewed the implementation plan and the practical steps to get to the goals. She also reviewed the plan implementation considerations that included expanding the facility capacity, balancing requirements, battling misinformation, evolving regulatory landscape, collecting recyclables is not free, organics laws are here and being reviewed for future implementation, extend producer responsibility, contamination is an ongoing issue, room for improvement in education and outreach. They closed with details on the next steps of the plan. Council discussed numerous points of the presentation that included additional details on the organics waste, Department of Ecology's prioritization, and who was included in the technical advisory committee for the review. Mayor Haley called for public comments. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley and John Harding, Spokane Valley provided comments. Mayor Haley closed the Public Hearing at 9:23 p.m. NON -ACTION ITEMS: 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 Merkel spoke about the need for additional details on the ice facility. Councilmember Wick had no comments. Councilmember Higgins had no comments. Councilmember Padden noted that she believes our city is in a very good spot, especially financially when we will have a balanced budget for 2026 and that our city has a lot to be grateful for. Councilmember Yaeger had no comments. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg noted that he stopped by Brown's Park and spoke to Senske staff about the graffiti removal. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Haley had no comments. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS It was moved by Councilmember Yaeger, seconded to extend the meeting by 10 minutes to 9: 40 p. in. Vote by acclamation on the original motion: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. City Manager Hohman spoke about Councilmember Merkel's request to amend the motion and that it was understood that there will be at least two more meetings on anything else that is brought back for the facility. City Manager Hohman also thanked finance staff and the rest of staff for a clean audit and that it just shows the superior work that occurs in the city. Mr. Hohman also provided details on the Coffee with Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 09-30-2025 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council: 10-14-2025 a Cop event later this week and closed with an update on the Pines/ BNSF Grade Separation Project and noted that there would be a groundbreaking event on October 1601. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 9: 36p. in. ATTEST: QAIVI- VI Pam Haley, MayoMar i Patterson, City Clerk Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session: 09-30-2025 Page 4 of 4 Approved by Council: 10-14-2025 Marci Patterson From: Matt Scoville <staticmatt12@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:09 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: New Ice Rinks [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. 1.) Meeting Date: 9/30/25 2.) Matt Scoville 3.) Spokane Valley 4.) New Ice Rinl<s Proposal: My family and I are 100% in favor of new ice rinks in The Valley! I was born and raised in The Valley and played and ref'd hocl<ey for SAYHA throughout the 1990's. My son has been playing since 2014. 1 am currently coaching his team at Eagle's, and even though his youth careerwill be done prior to getting these new rinks, our family would definitely still use Valley ice a lot! I have wanted to get bacl< into being a referree, but being almost 30 minutes away from both Eagle's and Frontier has always kind of deterred me from it. This new proposed facility will be almost walking distance from my house, please vote YES on new ice in The Valley! Thank you for your consideration, and Go Chiefs GoH! Sincerely, Matt Scoville & Family Mard Patterson From: Bill Taylor <BT9380@outlook.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 4:18 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Written Comment for 9/30/2025 Meeting [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Good afternoon, My apologies for being late, recovering from surgery and unable to make the meeting. I also apologize for my tardiness, was unaware of the 4pm deline. I understand if this can not be submitted. Meeting date: 9/30/25 William R Taylor 12317 E Skyview Spokane Valley 99216 Innovia Foundation Ice Facility Proposal As almost 20 year resident of the Valley, I am in favor of this unique opportunity that is being provided to Spokane Valley. Here are the significant benefits to the City of Spokane Valley and the region: 1. Pathway to Permanent Public Ownership at Extraordinary Value: The proposal includes an option for the City to purchase the completed facility, which is projected to be valued at approximately $44 million, for a fixed price of just $9.4 million. This provides a pathway to secure permanent public ownership of a state-of-the-art recreational and economic asset at an extraordinary value, protecting community interests for generations to come. Should the city decide to do so. 2. Significant Economic Impact and Tourism Growth: The facility is projected to drive substantial sports tourism activity. A proforma evaluation estimates that the facility will generate approximately 9,600 new room nights and a total of approximately $6.9 million in direct economic impact at maturity, which is expected to occur in year five of operation. 3. Expanded Youth Access and Community Vitality: The project is described as an investment in community vitality, expanding recreation, and offering inclusive programming. It aims to provide low- or no -cost opportunities for children and youth to participate in ice sports, helping to remove financial barriers. This focus is intended to equip young people with mentorship, confidence, teamwork, and life skills. 4.Operational Sustainability Without Ongoing City Subsidy: The facility is structured to be financially sustainable with diversified funding sources and professional operators. It is designed to serve residents affordably while requiring no ongoing operational subsidy from the City. The related facilities, such as the hotel and commercial pads, will generate revenue to help offset the operations and maintenance costs of the arena. Mard Patterson From: cljdwl@gmail.com Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:08 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Ice Skating Rink [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. I am providing this comment of the Sept. 30, 2025 council meeting. I am unable to attend so this is my statement for the Ice Arena Public Input Session: Carol Woodward Spol<ane Valley I am 100% in favor of the generous offer by a benefactor and the proposal to worl<with Innovia on bringing an ice rinl<to Spokane Valley. What a tremendous asset this would be for our community. That kind of generosity rarely comes along, and to pass it up would be a real disservice to the residents of Spokane Valley. As a resident of Spokane Valley for more than 35 years, I have enjoyed watching our city grow and improve, especially with the many positive changes made in recent years. The ice rinl<will not only benefit our local families, but it will also attract visitors and bring added revenue to city businesses — through hotels, shopping, and dining, just to name a few of the benefits. Please move forward with this proposal. Thank you. Mard Patterson From: Sarah Platt <sarahmcspokane@msn.com> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:44 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Ice Arena Public Input [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. To Spokane Valley City Council, Date: September 30th, 2025 Commenter: Sarah Platt City of Residence: Spokane Valley Wa. Comments on Ice Arena public input session; Pros: Yes, we need more safe all weather indoor public facilities. I have no doubt this ice Arena will serve a wide area, including South Hill, downtown Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Green Acres, etc. Both Eagles Ice Arena and CDA Frontier Ice Arena have become less accessible to Valley residents due to the high traffic demands now more common in our area. MAJOR REQUEST: If this proposal goes through, and the land is leased. I ask that the council consider the need for affordable skate lessons and affordable open skate times be offered to the community. Much like our amazing public swim sessions at valley pools. Our youth and all ages need access to safe areas to recreate that are family friendly and affordable. 1. It will give people a safe place to skate instead of local ponds and rivers that often are dangerous in our fluctuating temps. 2. It gives a sense of sportsmanship and pride when the community as a whole can enjoy the space, not just athletes but those of varying lifestyles and incomes. 3. It will be a great income to our local economy if future sports events are held here. 4. Creates more jobs especially for high school and college age employees Thank you for considering my input, Sarah Platt Mard Patterson From: John + Diana Palm <john.diana.palm@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:16 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: September 30, 2025 Meeting [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. John Palm Colville, WA Proposed ice rink at Sullivan Park For years I have attended events at the Hank Perry Radio Control raceway at Sullivan Park. This is one of the oldest RC tracks and has a long history of hosting events. These events bring in competitors from out of town and out of state that have impacted the local economy. At one time it was proposed the track be moved to the site of the proposed ice rink and improvements would be made to an already great facility. Now, this small club will have to take a back seat to more moneyed interests. While the ice rink may bring in more visitors it will suffer the same issues that currently plague the Hank Perry park and Western Dance Center, namely homeless people damaging public property and creating a nuisance. Over the years I have seen clashes between the homeless and park users resulting in restrooms being vandalized, people overdosing in the dance hall restrooms and general apprehension of being accosted while at this Public Park. There have been numerous thefts from race participants. If these issues aren't addressed, the proposed Ice Rink will suffer the same ill effects. Who will want to go to a nice shiny new ice rink with graffiti tagged all over the walls? Indeed, someone will have to supply security or the whole area will suffer. Folks with children don't let them use the park restrooms unattended. Cars in parking lots will fall prey to vandalism and break- ins. Perhaps a contingency of the plan would be to set aside some of that giant pile of money to address the homeless situation at that site and make this facility one that people can be proud of. Respectfully, a concerned parent, racer and Northeast Washington resident. John Palm z Marci Patterson From: Karin Morris <karin_morrisl9@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:43 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Written public comments/My feedback on the proposed Innovia Foundation ice arena - Tuesday, 9/30/25, council meeting action item Importance: High [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. (Hi Marci - I would like this email below to be included in the public record for the public hearing on the Innovia Foundation Ice Rink proposal tonight - thank you and please acknowledge receipt of this email. I hope this will suffice with the requirements! " ) Meeting Date Your First and Last Name Your City of Residence The Agenda Item(s) that you are public comments speaking to - Public comments will be accepted for Action Items and where indicated on the agenda Best Regards, Karin Tonight, Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Karin Morris Spokane Valley, WA proposed Innovia Foundation ice arena agenda action item - Written From: Karin Morris <karin_morrisl9@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:12 PM To: Pamela Haley <phaley@spokanevalleywa.gov>; Tim Hattenburg<thattenburg@spokanevalleywa.gov>; Rod Higgins <rhiggins@spokanevalleywa.gov>; Ben Wick <bwicl<@spokanevalleywa.gov>; Albert Merkel <amerkel@spokanevalleywa.gov>; Laura Padden <Ipadden@spokanevalleywa.gov>; Jessica Yaeger <jyaeger@spokanevalleywa.gov> Cc: Marci Patterson <mpatterson@spokanevalleywa.gov> Subject: My feedback on the proposed Innovia Foundation ice arena - Tuesday, 9/30/25, council meeting action item Importance: High [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. 9/30/25 Dear Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, and City Councilmembers, I'm writing to you to share my thoughts on the above subject and have spent quite a bit of time thinking about this and have been reading the information provided in the agenda packet and also reading various comments by neighbors on Nextdoor and offer a slightly different perspective to please consider. This proposed ice rink sounds like a good idea, however I think it would be best for the City to sell this parcel of land to Innovia Foundation (or the private investor) and that way, they can own/build/manage it outright, while still having the positive economic impact the City will receive, especially after 5 years, if the stated projections are accurate. I also do not believe the City is in a position at this current and uncertain economic time to enter into this proposed contract as it has been written. Both Innovia and the investor seem to have all the funding and resources necessary to successfully build and maintain this new facility and other commercial buildings, so in my mind it would be better if Innovia (or someone else) buys it (and handles the management of this property) from the City. Here are some thoughts/concerns/questions I have: I don't believe that the public has been told what other uses were in mind for this property. Given the short turnaround time for a decision to proceed with this proposal (or not) also raises concern; is there a reasonable explanation? • What is the total amount of the investor's donation, I thought I read somewhere over the weekend that it was $20 million. Is that enough or will other donors need to come forward? • If the city decides to purchase this facility at a later time, how can we afford to pay $9.4 million for it? Where would the money come from? Who would manage it? • Has the city's legal department had a chance to review everything and approve it? • What other uses have been thought of? A few people have mentioned using this facility as an indoor swimming pool instead. Why is there a 99-year lease and who does that benefit? Can that timeframe be shortened? Who's going to pay the property taxes on this land? I asked 2 school board members from 2 different local school districts and they were not aware of this ice skating rink proposal; I found this interesting! • If this facility was turned into a year-round swimming pool, perhaps some or all of the other outdoor pools in the Valley could close, then sell off the property(ies). Have any studies been done on this? • Just wondering if anyone has contacted the nearby Western Dance Hall or the Remote Car Dirt Track to find out their thoughts, since they are next door to this property? • 1 also noticed that three of the school district letters in the agenda packet submitted very similar letters of support. That's interesting! • 1 recently asked Councilmember Wick if his kids would use the ice skating rink and he said "No." FYI... here is a link to a Spokesman Review article from 9/9/2019 that addresses this land and mentioned that the citizens would have input in the future of the property: Purchase would double Sullivan Park as Spokane Valley seeks to add green space "Stone said the future of the park could include a new trail system, food and recreation, depending on what Spokane Valley citizens say they want in the coming years." I trust that you will give full consideration to my thoughts. This decision you're going to be making tonight carries a lot of weight and requires thorough, careful, and sound decision -making. Thank you all for your time. Please know that I always want what's best for Spokane Valley and that's why you were elected, to serve and represent the citizens of Spokane Valley. Please confirm receipt of this message via email and/or contact me if you have any questions, my phone number is below. Best Regards, Karin Morris 20-year Spokane Valley Resident 509-999-2009 cell September 30, 2025 City of Spokane Valley City Council 10210 E Sprague Avenue Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Good evening Council Members, my name is Amanda Tainio and my family and I are residents of the City of Spokane Valley. I have two youth hockey players, one boy and one girl. With the formation of the Seattle Kraken in 2021, youth hockey in WA State has grown. Now in 2025, Seattle will have its own PWHL (Professional Women's Hockey League) team. My daughter is over the moon excited and has already participated in the PWHL Seattle outreach events, focused towards girls and women in hockey. With our NHL, hometown Spokane Chiefs, and now new PWHL mentorship opportunities, youth hockey will continue to grow, especially amongst female players; however, more local ice is needed in order to accommodate them. The demographics of the Spokane region in the 1990's may not have been fully ready for the previous privately owned Spokane Valley indoor ice rinks (Ice World USA and Planet Ice), but the Spokane region in 2025 is ready, and a new ice rink is fundamental. My family is fully supportive of the Spokane Valley ice rink proposal and the community and economic benefits it would provide. Thank you, Amanda, Marc, Liam, and Alivia Tainio Joseph Ghodsee Speech for Sep 301" 2025 Good evening everyone, first I want to thank Council woman Yeager for checking in on the use of Cedar in our parks. Our amazing parks and Rec told me that Cedar absorbs children's falls much batter than other martials and soon the oils will settle and the allergic reactions will cease. Now for the matter at hand. Since the tragedy of Charlie Kirks assassination, I have seen some local council members insinuating Democrats were to blame. I will out my own shame. Democrats are not to blame. All evidence shows that Nick Fuentes and his Groyper army are. As a child I was Far Right, Like fascist, borderline domestic terrorist, far right. This is how I know Nick Fruentes is a Nazi and is not mad at Trump for stripping due process and illegally detaining immigrants. Nick is mad that Trump is not executing immigrants without due process. On a stream a few months ago, Nick declared war against Charlie Kirk for pushing too moderate of a message and not being violent enough. All the references made by the assassin were jokes inside of this Nazi community. So please, cool the rhetoric because we are scared. Democrats are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Our community is scared and blaming our neighbors is how we bring this heinous violence to our great city. Please be truthful about who the real agitators are. As for why I bring this up. This morning Trump instructed a room full of our nations generals "San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles. They're very unsafe places. And we're gonna straighten them out one -by -one. This is gonna be a major part for some of the people in this room. It's a war, too. It's a war from within." This is not the rhetoric of a Republican; this is not the rhetoric of a Democrat. This is the rhetoric of a dictator who ignores our constitution and is threatening to invade American cities. I ask, as the pressure builds that our city leaders show a united front and cool heads to protect our city and the community values that made Spokane Valley the city that I love. This is not a matter of Republican verses Demcrat, this is Americans who will protect our nations Constitution and those that will see it destroyed. 9/30/2026 — "Silencing the Opposition" Ben Lund, 37-year resident and business owner serving Spokane for 25 years. Good evening, Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers, and City Leadership, Thank you to Mr. Hohman and Mr. Konkright for clarifying how community comments are supposed to work. From the start of my participation, it has been clear there is a coordinated effort to silence opposition voices. When elected officials, candidates, or coalitions use platforms like community comments and NextDoor to discourage citizens from speaking or mute and block them, it blocks open dialogue about taxpayer costs and council conduct. This undermines the public's right to know. Just because Nextdoor allows muting does not mean councilmember's or their coalitions can participate in that practice without consequence. Different rules apply to public officials and candidates, who carry responsibilities of transparency and accountability. Citizens being muted or censored directly affects their ability to participate in civic dialogue, which is central to city business. It is especially troubling when this behavior is not only practiced but openly encouraged by members of Councilmember Merkel's coalition. Even more troubling, Nextdoor has been "gamed" through selective moderation that amplifies one side and silences the other. And when facts or evidence are lacking, their fallback is personal attacks. For councilmembers to be called names such as the "group of six," and for our city manager to be called "Big John"or for citizens to be disrespected simply for raising concerns, is both childish and destructive. Spokane Valley deserves better. This Council should be about business, not name-calling, false accusations, or drama. And when residents raise legitimate questions about taxpayer costs or once -in -a -lifetime opportunities for our city, dismissing them as "chasing the shiny object" is out of line — especially when the donor and the sponsoring organization are in the room,. That very much out of order, unnecessary and speaks more about the individual than the opportunity. Transparency is not optional. Respect for open dialogue is not optional. And accountability is not optional. These are the foundations of good governance — and that is what Spokane Valley deserves. These concerns are not just opinions — they are rooted in our United States Constitution, Washington State law and Spokane Valley Governance Manual. So I ask: What kind of leadership do we want? Get to the truth, please. Thank you City of Spokane Valley 10210 E Sprague Avenue Spokane Valley, WA 99206 September 30, 2025 To Council and staff: Good evening, Councilmembers, As a former member of this council, I've heard the same request repeatedly from our community: we want a rink. Parents, kids, families, this isn't a new idea. Over the years, countless constituents have come before you asking for this very thing, and I have raised it myself on multiple occasions. I'm encouraged to see it finally being considered, and I urge you to think not only about today's needs, but also about the future growth, amenities, and quality of life for our community. You don't have to be an athlete or have children in sports to recognize the value of facilities like this. They provide kids with discipline, teamwork, and fun, and now more than ever, our youth need safe, positive outlets. Since COVID, participation in youth sports has declined, but we are finally seeing numbers climb again. Beyond that, it's about tourism and economic growth: tournaments, visitors, and events that bring new energy and dollars into Spokane Valley and beyond. This is more than just ice. It's an investment for our kids, our families, and our future. The community has spoken and it's yourjob to help make it a reality. Thank you, Council, for considering what this investment could mean for the region. Sincerely, Brandi Peetz Public Comment - Ice Facility SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN UP ICE FACILITY Please sign up to speak for up to THREE minutes. NAME PLEASE PRINT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE i,,G 5Po v4(— *USA .tJ `1�C� (Jl�� 5 0A'an e va fit 111 1 r / . , ( \ 0 iC C .n�,I� C , a.- T14M c) V C= -k ALP Please note that once information is entered on this forni, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, September 30, 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 14 N NL__P4 VAS 5' C S L` Lu Please note that once information is entered on t its form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:00 p.m. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY #2 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 YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE ABOUT Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure.