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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025, 02-25 Formal A MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Formal Format A Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Mayor Haley 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 Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Laura Padden, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Rod Higgins, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Ben Wick, Councilmember Robert Blegen, Public Works Director Al Merkel, Councilmember Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Dave Ellis, Police Chief Chelsie Walls, Finance Director John Whitehead, Human Resources Director Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager Caitlin Prunty, Deputy City Attorney Chad Knodel, IT Manager Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Jeremy Anglin, Valley Real Life 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. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the amended agenda. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS n/a COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS Councilmember Yaeger: attended a meeting for the DSHS Board and noted that they were reorganizing different services, attended the Opioid Abatement Committee meeting and provided an update about transport services, the recovery house, using Al for monitoring services, and a dashboard services update. Councilmember Merkel poised a point of information regarding the Governance Manual regarding councilmember reports. Mayor Haley provided clarification on the meaning of councilmember reports. Councilmember Padden: noted that her committee was Valley Chamber and that they will meet Wednesday and she will have more to cover later. Councilmember Higgins: stated he attended the Commute Trip Award Ceremony and an SRTC board meeting and provided an update on the call for projects that was being published. Councilmember Wick attended the HCDAC committee meeting and gave an update and attended a Meals on Wheels event and gave an update for funding. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg: provided an STA update on staffing and safety. MAYOR'S REPORT Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 02-25-2025 Pagel of 4 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 The Mayor provided an update on the Commute Trip Awards Ceremony that she attended and noted that the city received a silver award. Mayor Haley also gave an update on the board operations committee for STA and spoke about the travel for board members. Councilmember Merkel poised a point of order and noted that he didn't get to give a report. Mayor Haley stated that he did not have any boards or committees that were approved to present on. Councilmember Merkel then went on to ask the parliamentarian for a read on the city Governance Manual. The city clerk noted that that was the intention for that section regarding the Governance Manual. Councilmember Merkel then asked for a vote on the point of order. Mayor Haley went straight to the appeal and asked that those that agreed with the point of order to raise their hand. Councilmembers Merkel and Wick raised their hands. PROCLAMATIONS: GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments from the public. Melinda Seymour, Spokane Valley; Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; John Harding, Spokane Valley; Ken Harding, 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, February 25, 2025, Request for Council Action Form: $910,213.86 b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending February 15, 2025: $739,646.82 c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2024 d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of December 23, 2024 e. Resolution 25-002: STV-2025-0001 It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent Agenda and remove the Resolution to be voted on separately. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve Resolution 25- 002: STV-2025-0001. ACTION ITEMS: 2. Motion Consideration: Stormwater Manual ILA with Spokane County - Adam Jackson It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to authorize the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Spokane County for the update to the Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual. Mr. Jackson provided a brief background on the details of the update of the manual and the need for the updates. Council discussed the details of how the consultant would be selected. Mr. Jackson noted that the county had selected the individual. Mayor Haley invited public comments. John Harding, Spokane Valley; Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Mike Kelly, Spokane Valley provided comments. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers Wick, Higgins and Yaeger Opposed: Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried 3. Motion Consideration: ARPA Camera Funding - Erik Lamb, Chief Ellis Prior to reading the motion, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg stated that there would be two separate motion considerations and that he would read them individually to be voted on. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to approve and allocate the use of up to $350, 000 of the available ARPA-related law enforcement firnding for a pilot project up to three years and authorize the City Manager to take such action necessary to implement such project; or take such other action as may be deemed appropriate or necessary. Mr. Lamb provided details on the park camera project that included the storage of data, costs, getting information to the Realtime Crime Center, project breakdown, the funding for the projects. Council discussed the implementation regarding the cameras in the parks. Mr. Lamb noted that it would be within the next couple of months as they would need to rollout the software and procure the cameras. Council spoke about a use policy for the cameras. It was moved by Councilmember Wick and seconded to amend the Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 02-25-2025 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 motion to be contingent on having a council adopted acceptable use policy regarding the video storage and duration usage access. Mayor Haley invited public comments. John Harding, Spokane Valley; Mike Kelly, Spokane Valley provided comments. Vote by acclamation on the amended motion: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed.• None. Motion carried. Vote by acclamation on the original motion with amendment included.• in favor: Unanimous. Opposed.- None. Motion carried Chief Ellis went on to provide details on the License Plate Recognition (LPR) or "license plate cameras" and explained what it does and what it will not do, which included that it is not facial recognition, not used for collection of data, not used for tracking speed or parking violations and that the data automatically deletes every 30 days. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to approve and allocate the use of up to $468, 291.65 of the available ARPA-related lam, enforcement fiindingfor a pilot project up to five years and authorize the City Manager to take such action necessary to implement such project; or take such other action as may be deemed appropriate or necessary. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley provided comments. Council discussed what concerns that they had with privacy relating to the cameras and also what good the cameras provided for the community. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. NON -ACTION ITEMS: 4. Admin Report: Potential Grant Opportunity — SRTC Funding — Adam Jackson Mr. Jackson provided details on the list of potential projects that could be applicable for the SRTC Grant cycle and reviewed the table of recommended projects provided in the RCA. Council discussed a variety of topics around the recommended projects that included how funds could be used, prioritization of the projects, match requirements, concerns with current federal finding and noting that the funds are time sensitive and that the city needs to obligate the finding in order to get it used or they may stand to lose funds. Council provided consensus to return with a motion consideration to submit the prioritized project list to SRTC. 5. Admin Report: Potential Grant Opportunity — NHS Asset Management - Adam Jackson Mr. Jackson provided details on the grant application background, the process and provided details on the grant and what the funding would look like if projects were awarded. He also explained the table of recommended projects on the RCA that staff would prioritize if approved to proceed. He noted that there are still multiple projects on the list and would return with a simplified list and that this is 100% award and that there is no match required. Council provided consensus to return with a motion consideration to allow the city manager to submit three applications to the WSDOT NHS Asset Management call for projects. 6. Admin Report: Illicit Massage Business Update — Kelly Konkright, Chief Ellis Det. Keys Chief Ellis introduced Detective Keys and provided details on his current assignment with human trafficking. Detective Keys presented a PowerPoint presentation that included an overview of the illicit massage industry, the number of people trafficked around the area, the country of origin of victim workers, the growth rate of the businesses, the locations in the country and that there are more on the east coast and quickly moving to the west coast, the growth rate of the businesses by state, the number of number of businesses with the storefront prevalence in Washington State, noting that there were 17 illicit massage businesses in Spokane Valley at the start of 2024 and currently only 4 left, and information on the ordinance reform. He also provided details on the weaknesses and areas to target, gave details on the criminal investigations, civil enforcement, and provided additional details on current problems with businesses. City Attorney Konkright and Deputy City Attorney Prunty provided details on the changes to the text amendment code. Council discussed various topics regarding the ordinance if brought back for a first reading. Council provided consensus to bring the ordinance back for a first read at a future meeting. Mayor Haley called for a recess at 7:42prn for 10 minutes and that the meeting would resume at 7: 52pnr. 7. Admin Report: Budget & Finance Overview Part 2 — Chelsie Walls Ms. Walls provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the major revenues, recurring vs nonrecurring activity, fund balance, reserve funds, and outstanding debt. She also reviewed the property Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 02-25-2025 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 taxes, sales tax, service charges, fuel taxes, utility tax, real estate excise tax, lodging taxes and TPA Fees, TBD vehicle license fees, recurring and nonrecurring activity, fund balance reserve funds, outstanding debt. Council did not have any questions and thanked Ms. Walls for the presentation. INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed) 8. Department Monthly Reports 9. Fire Dept Monthly Report GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments from the public. Robbin Blake, Burien; Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley provided comments. ADVANCE AGENDA Councilmember Merkel requested that council reports be changed to include other reports. Councilmember Padden noted that the request would best be referred to the Governance Manual Committee. Mayor Haley agreed. Councilmember Wick noted that he was in favor of loosening it back up and a number of boards that he serves on at the state level that he would like to speak to. Councilmember Yaeger noted that it does say events and that it should be afforded to the three minutes for everyone. Councilmember Padden noted that it does not need to be voted on and that it just gets brought forward at the next Governance Manual Committee meeting. It is not an advanced agenda item but was still voted on and gave consensus to take it to the Governance Manual Committee. Councilmember Merkel wanted to add an official sign or something else added or a hand raising. Mayor Haley will note and call for a hand raising. There was no consensus to continue that item. Councilmember Merkel spoke about citizens' complaints in governance manual and adding something about that. Councilmember Yaeger noted that the Governance Manual was for council and she was unsure how to add something for citizens moving forward. Councilmember Merkel wants a report on how to make stronger ordinances regarding the massage parlors. Mr. Lamb noted that there are laws on the books regarding that already and that staff could bring a report forward with information. Council provided consensus to bring that item forward. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Deputy Manager Lamb asked Chief Ellis to speak about a letter of support for BHU regarding the Mental Health Field Response Team Grant Program. This funding would provide an additional team for two years and would be sustainable for a while and the county will also be asking for grant funding on their side as well. Council provided consensus to send the support letter. Ms. Mantz spoke about a letter of support for the VOA project at 1005 N Pines Rd. Councilmember Wick suggested that we identify the project at Pines and Cataldo as VOA has many projects. Ms. Mantz agreed with the suggestion. Council provided consensus to send the support letter. Mr. Lamb noted that there would be Community Conversations on Tuesday, March 18th in the lobby from 5-5:45pm. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 8:34p. m. ATTEST: Marci P erson, City Clerk Q0, b Pam Haley, Mayor Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 02-25-2025 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 Page 4 of 4 AMENDED AGENDA SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FORMAL A FORMAT Tuesday, February 25, 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." If making a comment via Zoom, comments must be received by 4:00 pm the day of the meeting. • Sign up to Provide Oral 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: Pastor Jeremy Anglin, Valley Real Life PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS MAYOR'S REPORT PROCLAMATIONS: 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. 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. Council Agenda February 25, 2025 Page 1 of 2 Proposed Motion: I move to approve the Consent Agenda. a. Approval of Claim Vouchers, February 25, 2025, Request for Council Action Form: $910,213.86 b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending February 15, 2025: $739,646.82 c. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2024 d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of December 23, 2024 e. Resolution 25-002: STV-2025-0001 ACTION ITEMS: 2. Motion Consideration: Stormwater Manual ILA with Spokane County — Adam Jackson [public comment opportunity] 3. Motion Consideration: ARPA Camera Funding - Erik Lamb, Chief Ellis [public comment opportunity] NON -ACTION ITEMS: 4. Admin Report: Potential Grant Opportunity — SRTC Funding — Adam Jackson 5. Admin. Report: Potential Grant Opportunity — NHS Asset Management - Adam Jackson 6. Admiu Report: Illicit Massage Business Update — Kelly Konk fight, Chief Ellis, Det. Keys 7. Admin. Report: Budget & Finance Overview Part 2 — Chelsie Walls INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed): 8. Monthly Department Reports 9. Fire Departnent Monthly Report GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: General public comment rules apply. ADVANCE AGENDA 10. Advance Agenda CITY MANAGER COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT Council Agenda February 25, 2025 Page 2 of 2 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, February 25, 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 LEASE PRINT ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes « public record subject to public disclosure. Spokan�� jvalley� vrodamation City of Spokane Vadey, Washington Women.felping Women Week WHEREAS our City's women and children are the future of Spokane Valley, with the potential to achieve the highest levels of education; thrive in their careers; set and reach their goals; and raise facture generations to continue these legacies; and WHEREAS our population is approximately fifty-one percent female, ranging in age, diversity and socio-status; and WHEREAS our women should have equal opportunity, unlimited potential, and be celebrated across our community NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pam Haley, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Councilmembers, do hereby proclaim March 2 —March 8, 2025 to be recognized as: Women Helping Women Week for the City of Spokane Valley, and I encourage all residents of Spokane Valley to recognize, support, and celebrate the women of our community regardless of socioeconomic status, diversity and age. Dated this 25'i' day of February 2025. (�' 4 Nd Pam Haley, Mayon Marci Patterson From: Blake, Robbin <rblake@mywsmta.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 12:53 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Cc: Marybeth Berney Subject: Feb 25 City Council Meeting Written Comments Attachments: WSMTA Memo Spokane Valley 022525.pdf [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Hello, Please submit our written comments to the City Council and the others we have listed on our memo, we were unable to find a separate email for the Chief of Police. • City Attorney: Kelly Konkright • Deputy City Attorney: Caitlin Prunty • Police Chief: Davis Ellis • Sheriff's Office: Detective Tom Keys We are a state -based association of massage therapists based in Olympia with members from around the state. This is for Agenda Item #6 Admin Report: Illicit Massage Business Update — I<e[[y I<onkright, Chief Ellis, Det. Keys If you need further details, just let me Know. Thanl<you, Robbin Robbin Blal<e, LMT Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA) Board Member, Government Relations Program Director mMsmta.org 206.853.6875 I WWASHINGTON STATE MASSAGE mTHERAPY SSOCIATION ADVOCATE FOR MASSAGE THERAPY AS A RECOGNIZED AND RESPECTED HEALTHCARE PROFESSION Date: 25 February 2025 To: City Council Members: Rod Higgins, Jessica Yaeger, AI Merkel, Ben Wick, Pam Haley, Tim Hattenburg, Laura Padden City Attorney: Kelly Konkright -- kkonkright@spokanevalleywa.gov Deputy City Attorney: Caitlin Prunty — cprunty@spokanevalleywa.gov Police Chief: Davis Ellis Sheriff's Office: Detective Tom Keys From: Robbin Blake, LMT, WSMTA Government Relations Director and Board Member Marybeth Berney, LMT, WSMTA President and Board Member Re: 8.20.110 Massage and reflexology businesses. 5.05.070 Massage or reflexology businesses — Violations related to prostitution or fraud — Violation of SVMC 8.20.110 — Denial or revocation of business license. Thank you for taking a serious interest in trying to eliminate illicit businesses that pose as massage therapy or reflexology businesses in your municipality. The Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA) supports your efforts in doing so. The WSMTA Government Relations team has read through your proposed ordinance amendments regarding SVMC 8.20.110 and have offered some suggestions to streamline some of the WAC information as well as to make some of the proposed language more realistic to a massage/reflexology business and to correct the legal terminology used for massage therapists. WSMTA Requests to Have the Name of SVMC 8.20.110 Changed WSTMA has a request for the Spokane Valley City Council and City Attorney. This request does not make a material change in this ordinance, but it does more accurately describe it. We ask for the title of SVMC 8.20.110 "Massage and reflexology businesses" be retitled to, "Illicit businesses posing as massage and reflexology businesses" or something similar that is appropriate. Title 8 regards "criminal code", chapter 8.20 regards "Offences Against Public Decency". Title 8 is about regulating people who do illegal acts, not regulating people doing their jobs. Therefore, we feel that the title for 8.20.110 should be commensurate with the section of ordinance that it is in. Also, massage therapists are not the cause of this issue, we and reflexologists happened to have our professions co-opted by others. WSMTA Requests a Material Change to: 5.05.070 Massage or reflexology businesses — Violations related to prostitution or fraud —Violation of SVMC 8.20.110 — Denial or revocation of business license. RCW 35A.82.025 Authority to regulate massage therapists —Limitations. States, the following: Washington State Massage Therapy Association Page 1 (1) A state licensed massage therapist seeking a city license to operate a massage business must provide verification of his or her state massage license as provided for in RCW 18.108.030. (2) The city may charge a licensing or operating fee, but the fee charged a state licensed massage therapist shall not exceed the licensing or operating fee imposed on similar health care providers, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists, operating within the same city. (3) A state licensed massage therapist is not subject to additional licensing requirements not currently imposed on similar health care providers, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists. [2016c41 s24; 1991 c182s2.] NOTES: Effective date-2016 c 41: See note following RCW 18.108.010. In this instance, RCW 35A.82.025 does not include reflexologists, only massage therapists, so we cannot speak for reflexologists on this matter. There are some important points in this RCW: Verification: In Section 1, a city has the right to inspect the massage license of a licensed massage therapist (LMT) seeking a business license. The only real way to do this is to have the LMT present themselves, their government issued photo ID and their massage license to a city official or to have the LMT, with their government issued photo ID, present themselves to a city official who has internet access and can look up a massage license online (Department of Health licensing data is freely accessible at any time of the day by anybody). Equivalent Business License Processes to Other Similar Health Care Workers: Sections 2 and 3 state that business license fees and licensing requirements must be akin to other similar health care providers such as physical therapists and occupational therapists. Since it's not likely that anyone in your city government would choose to impose the business license process called out in SVMC 5.05.070 on physical therapists and occupational therapists, nor would WSMTA, then we can only recommend that Spokane Valley change this business licensing process it is imposing on duly licensed massage therapists to come into compliance with this RCW. WSMTA faces a challenge. We want to see people with the intent to break the law and illegally pose as massage businesses put out of business to protect the public, but we also want to ensure that legitimate massage therapists are not subjected to municipal codes that conflict with RCWs and WACs. Therefore, we suggest that if interested parties worked together that an alternative solution to SVMC 5.05.070 as it applies to massage therapists could be found. We also point out that many clinic owners (owner/operators of massage clinics) are not massage therapists so RCW 35A.82.025 does not apply to them and it is most often non -massage owner/operated clinics (massage businesses with employees) that are the ones engaged in illicit activities. And, as already mentioned, this RCW does not apply to reflexologists. In Closing WSMTA would be happy to offer any assistance that we can in the development of your ordinances and processes that would help to reduce the ability of the illicit businesses posing as massage or reflexology entities to obtain a business license or remain in business. Should any person reading this document require more details or contact information, we recommend that you contact Robbin Blake at rblake(a�_mywsmta.org. Thank you for listening and for your consideration. Washington State Massage Therapy Association Page 2 Spokane jValle ® 10210 E Sprague Avenue ❑ Spokane Valley WA 99206 Y Phone: (509) 720-5000 ❑ www,SpokaneValleyWA.gov Memorandum To: Mayor and City Council From: Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Date: February 25, 2025 Re: Gordon Thomas Honeywell — Government Relations Legislative Report — Feb. 23, 2025 Please find attached Gordon Thomas Honeywell's legislative report that recaps week six. Today is day 44 of the 105-day session. The report highlights where the Legislature currently stands and it lists the bills that did not make it past the Policy Committee cutoff (Feb. 21) and are considered dead. Briahna will be compiling a list of bills that the city has supported/opposed that have been approved by the committee and will be coming to the House/Senate floor for a vote. I'll share that once it's received. Last week, we signed in on 16 bills. Councilmember Wick testified in favor of HB 1095, funding for law enforcement, and Chief Ellis testified in support of HB 1969, the aviation support grant program. This week, we have signed in on 16 bills that have hearings before fiscal committees and through week seven,,we have signed in or testified on 94 bills in total. GORDON THOMAS HONEYWELL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS City of Spokane Valley Legislative Report February 23, 2025 SESSION CUTOFF CALENDAR i T rii Fy 21, 20r225 DnliGy GE)MMittoc_neadline i February 28, 2025 Fiscal Committee Deadline March 12, 2025 Chamber -of -Origin Deadline April 2, 2025 Opposite Chamber Policy Committee Deadline April 8, 2025 Opposite Chamber Fiscal Committee Deadline April 16, 2025 Opposite Chamber Deadline April 27, 2025 Session adjourns - Sine Die Weekly Overview Friday, February 21 marked the Legislature's first cutoff deadline. Bills that were not approved by a policy committee prior to the cutoff are now "dead" or no longer under consideration unless they have been deemed "necessary to implement the budget" (NTIB), which means they are exempt from cutoff deadlines. Bills with fiscal implications have already been or will be under consideration in the House Appropriations Committee, the House Finance Committee, the House Transportation Committee, the Senate Ways & Means Committee, and the Senate Transportation Committee. Fiscal committees have until this week to consider bills prior to the fiscal committee cutoff deadline on February 28. To get a head start, the House Appropriations Committee met over the weekend to hold public hearings on various bills. Once bills pass through the policy committee and, if applicable, the fiscal committee, they are referred to the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee serves a gatekeeping and prioritization function. Members of the Rules Committee select which bills are placed on the floor calendar to potentially be voted on. The merits of bills are not debated within the Rules Committee. The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is hard at work advocating for its members. As such, we will continue to share their resources in addition to the city's tailored reporting. We encourage you to reference the AWC Legislative Bulletin which is posted online weekly and includes updates on hot -topic bills related to cities and how AWC plans to weigh in. 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Alex Ramel (D-40th LID), makes revisions to the multifamily property tax exemption program based on a report that the Department of Commerce completed in 2024. The House Finance Committee held a public hearing on February 20. During the hearing, the Department of Commerce and Washington Housing Development testified in support of the bill, stating that this legislation provides helpful technical fixes and increases the number of counties that can offer the Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE), furthering efforts to develop affordable housing across the state. There was no testimony in opposition. Affordable Housing on Religious Properties: House Bill 1859, sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-48th LID), expands opportunities for affordable housing development on properties owned or leased by religious organizations. The bill reduces the requirement for affordable housing developments on such properties from 100 percent of units being affordable to low-income households to a minimum of 20 percent. It mandates cities and counties to develop policies for density bonuses upon request and requires at least 20 percent of units to remain affordable for 50 years. Additionally, the bill extends eligibility for these provisions to entities leasing property from religious organizations, clarifies definitions of "low- income household," and encourages coordination with local transit agencies. On February 20, the House Housing Committee held a special meeting dedicated exclusively to approving this bill prior to the policy committee cutoff deadline. The Committee approved a substitute version of the bill passed out of committee with an amendment that changes the duration of time that land must be used for affordable housing from 10 years to 50 years. Click here to view the changes made to the underlying bill. Because Republicans were not notified of the special meeting, the bill was approved with only Democrats supporting. Local Decision -Making Authority Neighborhood Cafes: House Bill 1175, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker (R-16th LID), mandates that cities and towns allow neighborhood cafes in residential areas, with provisions regulating parking, hours of operation, and additional local controls such as maximum square footage. Neighborhood cafes must offer food if they serve alcohol and are allowed to operate for at least 12 consecutive hours. The bill was heard in the House Appropriations Committee on February 17. During the hearing, the Washington Hospitality Association testified in support of the bill as it will expand opportunities for small businesses. The Committee heard opposing testimony from a Home Owners Association (HOA) on Bainbridge Island with concerns that this legislation conflicts with HOA requirements on lots that should only be used for residential purposes. The Committee is expected to amend the bill to make neighborhood cafes exempt from SEPA and to add clarifying language that all other code requirements (setbacks, stormwater, etc.) apply to neighborhood cafes. GTH-GOV 3 Commerce Approval of Housing Element: Senate Bill 5148, sponsored by Senator Jessica Bateman (D-22nd LD), requires cities to submit their housing elements and development regulations to the Department of Commerce for compliance review. Key provisions include establishing a submission and review process, requiring housing elements to meet minimum compliance standards before taking effect, and restricting local governments from denying affordable or moderate -income housing developments without specific legal justification. Senate Bill 5148 was heard in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on February 18. During the hearing, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Futurewise, Building Industry Association of Washington, and NAIOP Washington State testified in support of the bill because it further streamlines the process of developing housing and provides an accountability mechanism to avoid delays. The Association of Washington Cities testified in opposition, stating that this legislation assumes cities will not follow the law unless the state steps in and noted the additional costs that are not noted in the partial fiscal note. The House companion, House Bill 1235, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D-21st LD), did not pass out of the policy committee before cutoff. Preemption on Parking Requirements: Senate Bill 5184, sponsored by Sen. Jessica Bateman (D- 22nd LD), limit cities to requiring no more than 0.5 parking spaces per residential dwelling unit and one parking space per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill also prohibits minimum parking requirements for certain categories, such as affordable housing, senior housing, childcare facilities, and small commercial spaces, while ensuring that accessible parking spaces required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) remain unaffected. Senate Bill 5184 was amended on the Senate floor and passed on February 19 with 40 yeas, 8 nays, 0 absent, and 1 excused. The amended version of the bill does not apply to cities with a population of 20,000 or less. The parking limitations also do not apply if a city submits to the Department of Commerce an empirical study prepared by a credentialed transportation or land use planning expert that demonstrates that parking limitations will be significantly less safe for vehicle drivers. It requires the state building code council to research and, if necessary, adopt updated parking space requirements to align with current research on disability rates among drivers. Lastly, it allows a county to require off-street parking if the county's roads are not developed to the standards for streets and roads adopted by the cities within that county. The House companion, House Bill 1299, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D-21st LD), did not pass out of the policy committee before cutoff. Mandatory Hearing Examiners: Senate Bill 5719, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32nd LD), requires all counties, cities, and code cities in Washington to adopt a hearing examiner system for quasi-judicial land use decisions, such as plat approvals, variances, and conditional uses. The bill makes hearing examiner decisions final and appealable only through the courts under the Land Use Petition Act. The Senate Local Government Committee held a public hearing on February 17. Hayden Homes testified in support of the bill sharing that the involvement of the City Council in quasi-judicial decisions delays the process. Hayden Homes builds primarily in rural areas in 16 different jurisdictions. The Association of Washington Cities shared that using a hearing examiner is a best practice from a risk management decision but this bill mandates hearing examiners for more discretionary decisions like conditional use permits and that is GTH-GOV 4 concerning. It also doesn't recognize the shortage of hearing examiners, even in urban areas. The Washington State Association of Counties and individual citizens testified with concerns, noting the preferred flexibility of existing law and the opposition to applying blanket policies to jurisdictions of all sizes.On February 20, a substitute version of the bill passed out of committee on a party -line vote. The bill restores hearing examiners' authority to appeal administrative decisions or determinations. The bill also adds that substantial weight must be given to the expertise of the administrative decision -maker for appeals of administrative permit decisions. The bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee. It will next be voted on by the entire Senate. Land Use Permitting: Senate Bill 5611, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32nd LID), expands the definition of "commercially zoned property" to include areas permitting multifamily residential uses, prohibits additional land use requirements for condominiums or cooperatives compared to similar developments, and clarifies that local governments may not require extensions of permit deadlines at the initial submission stage. It also restricts local governments from denying or imposing conditions on permits for residential housing in urban growth areas if required timelines are not met, with exceptions for compliance with critical areas or state and federal law. The Senate Local Government Committee held a public hearing on February 17. The Washington Association of Counties expressed concerns regarding the proposed building remedies, stating that they prefer local systems to adhere to the existing law established under Senate Bill 5290 two years ago. The Department of Ecology provided technical feedback, noting that the bill includes a provision under section five that restricts cities from denying certain projects under shoreline expectations. This could potentially conflict with appeals and the Shoreline Management Act. Representatives from the Washington Realtors, Building Codes Council of Snohomish Counties, the Business Industry Association of Washington, and NIAP testified in support of the bill. They pointed out that current law already permits these actions, and the bill simply clarifies that commercial zones encompass large buildings, whether it is residential or work zones. It also aims to provide certainty regarding the timelines for building conditions, aligning with the goals of Senate Bill 5290. The proponents emphasized that builders and local government partners can collaborate more effectively, ensuring timely review. On February 20, a substitute version of the bill passed out of committee unanimously. The new version of the bill makes two language adjustments around the conditions of denying or approving project permits. The sponsor shared his willingness to continue working with the Association of Washington Cities to further refine the bill. Residential Development Standards: Senate Bill 5613, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D- 32nd LID), makes changes to the previously approved administrative design review statutes in House Bill 1293. It extends administrative design review processes to all housing types.. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to create a stakeholder work group to analyze barriers to housing and to develop model codes with clear and objective standards. It also expands the jurisdiction of the Growth Management Hearings Board to address disputes regarding compliance with these standards and emphasizes consistency with local comprehensive plans and state growth management goals. A substitute version of the bill passed out of committee unanimously on February 19. Click here to view the list of changes made to the underlying bill. GTH-GOV 5 A similar bill, House Bill 1160, sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen (D-48th LD), is amending the same statutes but in a different manner. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee. Miscellaneous Clean Buildings Compliance: House Bill 1543, sponsored by Rep. Beth Doglio (D-22nd LD), and Senate Bill 5514, sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-42nd LD), expand compliance options for building owners under Washington's clean buildings performance standards. The bill allows the Department of Commerce to develop alternative metrics for energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, alongside existing energy use intensity (EUI) targets, and provides conditional compliance pathways for building owners who meet these alternative metrics. It also permits extensions for compliance deadlines under extenuating circumstances, ensures that energy efficiency requirements do not compromise the integrity of historic buildings, and prioritizes campus district energy systems that achieve greater energy savings. Senate Bill 5514 was amended by the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology. One amendment specifies that financial hardships related to capital construction or improvements, including a failed bond and/or levy for K-12 school buildings, is a reason for an exemption under the State Energy Performance Standard. The other amendment says an extension is valid for two years beyond the compliance date, and after two years the building can apply for an extension renewal or file for an exemption. House Bill 1543 passed the House 96-0 with an amendment saying penalties for noncompliance with the standards may not be passed along to tenants. Public Safety & Behavioral Health Co -Response Services: House Bill 1811, sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-48th LD), formally integrates co -response teams. The bill defines "co -response" as partnerships between first responders and human services professionals to address behavioral health crises and complex medical needs. It establishes a statewide peer support program through the University of Washington School of Social Work, expands confidentiality protections for peer support communications to co -response professionals, and includes co -responders in the occupational disease presumptions provided to frontline workers during public health emergencies. The bill was unanimously voted out of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on February 19 with two amendments. The first removes the requirement for the University of Washington to develop a statewide peer support program and the second makes adjustments to the definition of co -response and services. Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform: House Bill 1440, sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman (D-45th LD), standardizes civil asset forfeiture procedures and strengthens protections for property owners. The bill requires seizing agencies to notify property owners within 15 days of a seizure and shifts the burden of proof to the agency to establish forfeiture by a preponderance of the evidence. On February 18, the bill passed out of committee on a party -line vote with one technical amendment but no substantive amendments addressing concerns raised by the Association of Washington Cities, the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and other stakeholders. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on February 24. GTH-GOV 6 Public Defense Funding: House Bill 1592, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D-21st LD), and Senate Bill 5404, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-27th LD), propose shifting a significant portion of public defense funding and oversight from counties to the state beginning in fiscal year 2026. The bills require the state to assume responsibility for 50 percent of public defense costs, based on a five-year average of expenditures, and to cover all costs exceeding this threshold. On February 19, a substitute version of House Bill 1592 passed out of committee on a party -line vote. Click here to view the list of changes made to the underlying bill. Notably, the substitutes makes the state responsible for the five-year average of public defense costs paid for by eligible cities and for all public defense costs in excess of the five-year average. Funds will be distributed to cities based on the annual number of misdemeanor cases for which a public defender was assigned. Senate Bill 5404 did not make it past the cutoff and is no longer under consideration. Co -Response Services: House Bill 1811, sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-48th LD), enhances Washington State's behavioral health and emergency response systems by formally integrating co -response teams. The bill defines "co -response" as partnerships between first responders and human services professionals to address behavioral health crises and complex medical needs. It establishes a statewide peer support program through the University of Washington School of Social Work, expands confidentiality protections for peer support communications to co -response professionals, and includes co -responders in the occupational disease presumptions provided to frontline workers during public health emergencies. The bill was unanimously voted out of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on February 19 with two amendments. Law Enforcement Aviation: House Bill 1969, sponsored by Rep. Brian Burnett (R-12), creates a grant program for law enforcement aviation units and integrates sheriff's offices into the state's aerial fire response framework. The Department of Emergency Management is tasked with administering the grant program, which provides funding for operational costs, search and rescue reimbursements, and transfers unused funds to the Washington State Patrol. Sheriff's offices are added as eligible recipients of suppression funding for initial wildfire attacks, provided they use their own or leased aviation assets and meet training and agreement requirements with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Sheriffs offices will also be included in the DNR's annual wildfire aviation reports, with these provisions expiring on July 1, 2027. The House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee held a public hearing on the bill on February 18. Spokane Valley's Police Chief Dave Ellis testified in support of the bill. Click here to view his testimony on TVW. Several stakeholders testified in support of the bill including the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs, Wenatchee Valley Fire Department, and others. They expressed support for the bill because aviation support units provide vital, life-saving measures to the entire state at cost to the taxpayers and this ensures future funding so that these services can continue to be utilized. The Department of Natural Resources testified as "other," sharing some technical work that is needed around safety and liability concerns. There was no testimony in opposition. The following day, the bills passed out of committee unanimously with no changes. GTH-GOV 7 Law Enforcement Funding: House Bill 1095, sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen (D-48th LD), authorizes local governments to impose a sales and use tax of up to 0.10 percent to address law enforcement recruitment and retention challenges. At least 50 percent of the revenue must be allocated to attracting and retaining commissioned law enforcement officers, while the remainder can support broader criminal justice initiatives such as domestic violence services, homelessness reduction, and behavioral health programs. The House Finance Committee held a public hearing on February 21. Councilmember Ben Wick testified in support of the bill. Click here to view his testimony on TVW. The City of Kirkland, Association of Washington Cities, and others testified in support of the bill highlighting that between increasing officer salaries, rising populations, and officers retiring, it is a priority to attract and retain law enforcement officers and ensure public safety. The funding provided by this legislation will allow cities to employ officers, fund behavioral health programs that can work in tandem with officers and reduce response times. There was no testimony in opposition. Transportation/Public Works Road Usage Charges: House Bill 1921, sponsored by Rep. Jake Fey (D-27), and Senate Bill 5726, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ramos (D-5) establishes a road usage charge (RUC) system to replace declining fuel tax revenues with mileage -based fees. The bill creates a phased approach, beginning with a voluntary RUC program for electric and hybrid vehicles in 2027 and expanding to internal combustion engine vehicles with higher fuel efficiency by 2029. A mandatory RUC program follows, starting in 2029, with a per -mile fee of 2.6 cents, adjusted with fuel tax changes, and includes a 10 percent surcharge to fund multimodal transportation projects. Privacy protections limit the collection of personally identifying information to what is necessary for fee calculation, and revenues are allocated to newly created accounts for highway maintenance and multimodal infrastructure. The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing on February 18. Many stakeholders testified in support of the bill including the Washington State Transportation Commission, Thurston County, the Association of Washington Cities, the Washington Public Ports Association, and others. Those in support shared that the current gas tax is bringing in less and less funding as more drivers switch to electric vehicles, meaning critical transportation projects are losing funding. This legislation offers a modernized approach to provide stable funding for transportation in the future. The Committee heard opposing testimony from several citizens, largely voicing concerns for rural areas where traveling longer distances is commonplace, and for low-income individuals who will struggle to pay this fee. The Association of Washington Business and Washington State Auto Dealers Association testified "other," stating that with some minor changes, this bill can deliver a much - needed replacement for the current gas tax. GTH-GOV 8 SCITY OF11 pokane 10210 E Sprague Ave 1 Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Valley® Phone (509) 720-5000 + Fax (509) 720-5075 www.spokanevalleywa.gov February 26, 2025 Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs 3060 Willamette Drive NE, Suite 200 Lacey, WA 98516 RE: WASPC Mental Health Field Response Team Grant Program I am writing on behalf of the City of Spokane Valley City Council to express my support for Spokane County's application for the Mental Health Field Response Team Grant Program. The City currently contracts for law enforcement services with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (SCSO). Currently, the SCSO operates two co - deployed teams with Mental Health Professionals (MHP) to respond to individuals experiencing behavioral health crisis within Spokane Valley and Spokane County. These teams have operated with great success and the City strongly supports their efforts to address crisis calls for services and reduce involvement by such individuals within the criminal justice system. The SCSO and Spokane County Community Services (SCCS) will operate co -deployed teams to respond to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The co -deployed teams. aim to intervene on crisis calls for service and prevent involvement and recidivism in the criminal justice system. Our co -deployed teams have successfully diverted a high number of people from jail and emergency departments —on average, 78% of contacts had an outcome other than the hospital or jail and 45% of contacts resulted in a referral to resources. Additionally, the Regional Behavioral Health Unit has saved patrol on average 300 crisis calls for service each month. Spokane County will employ three MHP's in-house and will be utilizing a behavioral health service to provide two more co -deployed MHP's. A regional team with additional resources will have a great impact in our community, by serving the city of Spokane Valley, incorporated, and unincorporated communities in Spokane County. The co -deployed teams make immediate referrals to resources such as respite beds, outpatient mental health treatment, voluntary inpatient treatment, primary care clinics, and other supportive services. Additional co -deployed teams would result in better coverage of the region and Spokane Valley. Additional co -deployed teams increase continuity of care, improve crisis planning and provide relationship building with individuals and the community. The co -deployed teams would also strengthen the partnerships with providers of diversion services. The co -deployed teams help individuals to access much -needed services to prevent future involvement in the criminal justice system and reduce utilization of emergency rooms for mental health services. I look forward to our continued partnership with the Spokane County Regional Behavioral Health Unit, as we work to improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health issues. Thank you for your consideration. Pam Haley, Mayor On Behalf of the City of Spokane Valley Council Spy/�,,;WoValley, February 25, 2025 To Whom It May Concern, CITY COUNCIL 10210 E Sprague Ave I Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Phone (509) 720-5000 1 Fax (509) 720-5075 www.spokanevalleywa.gov The City of Spokane Valley would like to share our strong support for the development of VOA's Phase 1 mixed -income apartments project at 1005 N. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley WA. Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is a critical component of community well-being, and this initiative represents a significant step toward addressing the housing needs of our residents. The State Legislature's investment in our community will resolve many of the challenges faced by individuals and families struggling to secure affordable housing. This project will provide 35 units of mixed income housing in Phase I and up to 60 units in Phase II. Rep. Suzanne Schmidt has committed to sponsoring VOA's project with a $1.5M Capital Budget request. This project brings much -needed relief by offering high -quality, accessible housing options that promote economic stability and long-term community growth. The proposed development will not only provide affordable housing but also contribute to a stronger neighborhood. Additionally, this project will support local economic development, improve housing stability, and create opportunities for residents to access essential services, education, and employment. VOA has a strong reputation for providing high quality housing and the support necessary to help people thrive in their community. Spokane Valley is eager to support this initiative and collaborate to ensure its success. Thank you for your dedication to addressing our community's housing needs and building healthy neighborhoods in Spokane Valley. Sincerely, Pam Haley, Mayor On Behalf of the City of Spokane Valley Council