The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2025, 11-25 Formal A MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Formal Format A Tuesday, November 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 John Hohman, City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Laura Padden, Councilmember Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Ben Wick, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, City Attorney Rod Higgins, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Sr. Deputy City Attorney Al Merkel, Councilmember Mike Basinger, Community & Econ. Dev. Director Robert Blegen, Public Works Director John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Dave Ellis, Police Chief John Whitehead, Human Resources Director Jill Smith, Communications Manager Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Jonny Solberg, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk 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. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS n/a PROCLAMATIONS: Small Business Saturday Mayor Haley read the proclamation and Lance Beck; Spokane Valley Chamber President and CEO accepted the proclamation on behalf of all the small businesses in our community and then spoke about the importance of having the small businesses thrive in the Valley. Mayor Haley read a statement about Councilmember Yaeger's remarks regarding Islamaphobe comment made on her private Facebook page and then read resolution 17-008 into the record and asked the council to reaffirm the resolution stating the city as an inclusive city where all are welcome and discrimination is not tolerated. All the council members raised their hands to reaffirm the resolution. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments from the public. Neghmana Sherazi, Spokane; John Alder, Spokane; Peter Hampson, Spokane; Jaylee Beach, Spokane Valley; Lith Sellberg, Spokane Valley; Lucas Lewis, Spokane; Sister Susan Wells, Spokane Valley; Abrar Clunturn, Cheney; Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Azalyn Croft, Spokane; Stacy Paige, Spokane; George Taylor, Spokane; Brianna Dills, Spokane; Amy McColm, Spokane; Zayed Hussaini, Spokane; Mary Churchhill, Spokane Valley; Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 11-25-2025 Pagel of 5 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 Alyssa Kinser, Spokane Valley; Andrew Cowley, Cheney; Sue Delucci, Spokane Valley; Linda Klesch, Spokane Valley; Kawkab Shishani, Spokane; Megra Flatman, Liberty Lake; Michael Doyle, Spokane Valley; Elma Ahmetspahic, Spokane; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Brian Hoyt, Spokane Valley; Munir Shah, Spokane; Kris Fuehr, Spokane Valley; Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley provided general comments. Mayor Haley called for a recess at 7: 07pm for 10 minutes and that the meeting would resume at 7:17pin. 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 A,-enda. a. Approval of Claim Vouchers, November 25, 2025, Request for Council Action Form: $6,097,329.57. b. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending October 31, 2025: $757,574.35. c. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending November 15, 2025: $679,775.20. d. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2025 e. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2025 f. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 g. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 h. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2025 i. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2025 j. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2025 Councilmember Merkel requested to remove item "i" for review and potential revision. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the ConsentAgenda without item "i ". ACTION ITEMS: 2. PUBLIC HEARING #3: Final 2026 Budget — Chelsie Walls Mayor Haley opened the public hearing at 7:25pm. Ms. Walls provided details on the overall budget information and noted the capital expenditures, operating funds of General Fund 001, the full-time FTE count, recurring expenses in the general find and reviewed the fund balances of some of the larger funds. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley provided comments. Councilmember Wick stated that we have touched this budget multiple times and we go over it mostly by line item and that he does have a good understanding of the budget. He noted it was good and he will support it. Mayor Haley closed the Public Hearing at 7:32 pm. 3. Motion Consideration: Homeless Outreach Contract Amendment — Gloria Mantz Eric Robison It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and seconded to approve the Homeless Outreach contract amendment with Frontier Behavioral Health in the amount of $50, 000 as presented. Ms. Mantz provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Homeless Outreach contract with Frontier Behavior Health. She highlighted the year in review stats, the housing related costs, the pet boarding costs, the task force recommendation of an additional $30,000 for housing -related costs, an additional $20,000 for animal boarding costs and noted any unspent funds would be available for future distribution by Council. She requested that council amend the contract to allow the additional finding. Council discussed where the funds would go, the Guardian Angel Program and the animal boarding process that would be put in place. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Mike Dolan, Spokane Valley; Joseph Ghodsee, Spokane Valley; Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Emma Tate, Spokane Valley; Kris Feuhr, Spokane Valley; Peggy Doering, Spokane Valley all provided comments. Councilmember Padden appreciated that if this route helped with getting people into treatment and it meant taking care of their pets, it is a low cost to help someone heal and we won't know metrics until the program has been going for some time. Councilmember Merkel stated that he doesn't have a problem if we do the pet thing or the housing related assistance thing, but we need to set goals for what they do and get metrics for it. Councilmember Higgins poised a point of order and stated that we have covered this ground and then proceeded to call for the question. Vote by acclamation on the call for the question: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilinembers Higgins, Padden and Yaeger. Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 11-25-2025 Page 2 of 5 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 Opposed: Councibnembers Wick and Merkel. Motion carried. Vote by acclamation on the original motion: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers Higgins, Padden, Yaeger and Wick. Opposed: Councilmeinber Merkel. Motion carried. 4. Motion Consideration: Retail Theft Emphasis — Erik Lamb, Chief Ellis Mr. Lamb and Chief Ellis spoke about the opportunity for an emphasis on the retail theft in the area. Chief Ellis noted that there are currently 66 open beds at the jail and there is room to arrest the thefts and have them held at the jail. He also stated that these efforts support the businesses in our area. Chief Ellis explained assigning detectives regarding the retail theft and the number of thefts that are occurring in our area. The addition of the two detectives would be for the theft issues and would offer a better line of communication to the retailers. Currently there are dedicated SCOPE volunteers that review the videos looking for theft and the Camera on Wheels (COW) that help to deter the theft. He also provided details on the retail theft blitz's that would occur and that they would choose 7-8 retailers that have a lot of theft and be at those locations and ready to arrest when theft occurs. Chief Ellis stated that last Thursday there was a blitz and nine arrests were made in a four-hour time period. Mr. Lamb stated that it is roughly $1OK a blitz and that they would add $20K into the budget for the additional blitzes in the future. It was moved by Councilrnember Wick and seconded to authorize $20K for the retail theft emphasis efforts throughout the holidays. Council further discussed the level of crime, where the additional resources come from, where the rings of theft are happening, what would it take to make this a permanent option, and what larger retailers are doing with their own security. Mayor Haley invited public comments. Bob West, Spokane Valley; Kris Feuhr, Spokane Valley provided comments. Councilmember Wick stated that he wanted to try to show that we are getting tougher on retail theft and crime and that we need to get the word out during prime shopping season time. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. NON -ACTION ITEMS: 5. Admin Report: Safe & Healthy Spokane Regional Task Force Update — Erik Lamb Mr. Lamb spoke about a two-day meeting that he attended and detailed some of the highlighted priorities from the task force. The task force is working to create subcommittees to work through the priorities as recommended. Subcommittees finalized in December. working on a communication plan as well. Mr. Lamb also went over the sequential intercept model. This task force allows some of the communication issues to be resolved at the meetings while everyone is there. Council discussed how homelessness factored into the discussions that were happening and how this related to the blueprint for justice. Mr. Lamb noted that no while the information is out there and identified in the blueprint for reform, our task force is out there to make something happen by combining the governmental agencies and our committees want to move toward action on the issues. 6. Admin Report: The Course Fees Discussion — John Bottelli Mr. Bottelli provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding The Course fees moving forward. Mr. Bottelli provided a brief overview of the analysis for the potential revenue, detailed the "tiers" of the events, the hybrid pricing structure, and the market analysis throughout the country. Mr. Bottelli further detailed a layout of potential rental revenue in 2026, a 2026 economic impact analysis, additional pricing policies and other fees that would be charged depending on the venue setting at the Course. It was moved by Councibnenzber Yaeger, seconded and approved to extend the meeting to 9: 30pm. Council continued the discussion regarding the economic impact. Mr. Bottelli also provided information on K-12 schools and non -profits, team practice, a review of other pricing practices such as portable restrooms, food vendors, deposits, and ticket revenue sharing. Council agreed that 15% for a deposit was a good amount to include in the pricing model. Councilmember Merkel questioned the $50k amendment and additional costs and what costs would look like into the future of the Course. City Manager Hohman stated that this was a park and we bought it as a park. The planning efforts are what brought the course idea forward and that it is very rare that we get a situation to get a park and then have a revenue generating component. He explained that the Johnson study was an initial study and was very conservative and still a viable study. He further explained what the return to the city would be, including the sales tax revenue and that's added to the fee schedule. He also explained the find from tourism promotion area and that we used to be part of a regional TPA and funding went to Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 11-25-2025 Page 3 of 5 Approved by Council: 0 1- 13-2026 Visit Spokane and all our money went to downtown tourism. We broke away and made our own TPA. We approved the budget for the TPA and the TPA commission wanted a contract with Spokane Sports for marketing and landing events, and it is also for other areas in the Valley that we continue to support. The hoteliers are happy with Spokane Sports and that's why they continue to support them. He continued on to note that the hoteliers were happy with the soft opening in order to bring on the venue and have had immediate impact with hotel nights. This is a project that has almost all been funded by the hoteliers and the TPA has recommended supporting it and continues to fund it as well. Councilmember Merkel noted that he was trying to highlight that it is not a revenue stream. Council member Yaeger poised a point of order and stated that we just talked about this and would agree that we need to move forward and end discussion with the late hour. Council provided consensus to move forward with the pricing model as presented and add the fees to the master fee schedule for 2026. INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed) 7. Department Monthly Reports 8. Fire Dept Monthly Report GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After Mayor Haley explained the process, she invited comments from the public. No comments were provided. It was moved by Councilmember Wick, seconded and approved to extend the meeting an additional 20 minutes to 9:50pm. Christi Armstrong, Spokane; Hilary Hart, Spokane Valley; Bob West, Spokane Valley; Emma Tate, Spokane Valley; Jeff Brooks, Spokane Valley; Brett Howell, Spokane Valley provided comments. ADVANCE AGENDA Councilmember Merkel asked about making more strong statement on where the city stands from the comments made by Councilmember Yaeger and feels that that affirmation was not enough and is looking for an apology and we move to do that at the next meeting. There was not consensus to move that request forward. It was moved by Councilmember Yaeger, seconded and approved to extend the meeting ten more minutes to IO. OOpm. Councilmember Merkel stated that he believed there were clear violations from the Governance Manual and began reading what he deemed were the locations in the Governance Manual that the violations occurred. Councilmember Wick poised a point of order and asked what this had to do with the advanced agenda and noted that there is a clear process and procedure in the Governance Manual. City Manager Hohman noted chapter five of the Governance Manual and that there is a process to follow if someone believes a violation occurred and stated that if Councilmember Merkel would like to file a formal complaint he can do so. Councilmember Merkel stated that he didn't see any prohibition from him introducing this in the advance agenda. City Attorney Konkright spoke to the process of the Governance Manual and explained the chapter five complaint process in great detail. Councilmember Merkel asked to point out where he has to go through that process. Mr. Konkright stated that there is nothing to show that it is the only mechanism, but that the only provision is in chapter 5, it is the controlling provision. Mayor Haley stated that she would adjourn the meeting if Councilmember Merkel could not contain decorum and he asked to please adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hohman explained that the process is spelled out in chapter five of the Governance Manual as has been stated multiple times and said that he needed to file a complaint and asked if he was doing so this evening. Councilmember Merkel stated no and that he was moving to censure. Mayor Haley explained that this is a time to put things on the advance agenda. It was moved by Councilmember Yaeger and seconded to adjourn at 9: 48 P. in. Vote by acclamation on adjourning: in favor: Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembeys Higgins, Padden, Wick and Yaeger. Opposed: Councilmember Merkel. Motion carried. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS MAYOR'S REPORT Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 11-25-2025 Page 4 of 5 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS EXECUTIVE SESSION ATTEST: Mm'a pai'm6avi Marci Ntterson, City Clerk To,- U'� Pam Haley, Mayor Council Meeting Minutes, Formal: 11-25-2025 Approved by Council: 01-13-2026 Page 5 of 5 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, November 25, 2025 6:00 p.m. ENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY .Please sign up to speak for up to THREE minutes and the Mayor will afford the public the opportunity to r 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. V J� NAME WNT TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE e.ol 1z f t Se/ G vinC I h; - C P k h,, „ ",a VA i n Ike 0L4n 2 I Lo�fb �l \ ` van < < l z 1 v.S v S' a-) C' V_0.., ti NA Q G o U (I-G ` mr, im Ve 6C, ' 2cJ C Sr) m IPlense i t once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, November 25, 2025 6:00 p.m. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY 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 k(CAV r � \- cw\ �Vlj o s L" V)Q \AU, I ��t �� t� �`I Yt a(h� s - J?E - I/� _ l ` 5e Jll Co'fS CUCJ��melk(45r r�?J S ckl!�L Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, November 25, 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 ABOUT YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE -d - 1 Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. SpokaneVrortamation ..;�00Valley® City of Spokane Vaffey, Washington SmaffGusiness Saturday WHEREAS, The City of Spokane Valley celebrates its local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; that, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses in the United States, small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees, small businesses are responsible for 61.1 % of net new jobs created since 1995, and small businesses employ 45.9% of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and WHEREAS, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the United States stays in the local community and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services; and WHEREAS, 85% of consumers who shopped at a small, independently owned retailer on Small Business Saturday 2024 shopped in-store; and WHEREAS, The City of Spokane Valley supports its local businesses that create jobs, boosts our local economy and preserves our neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, Advocacy groups as well as public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as `Small Business Saturday. ' NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pam Haley, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Councilmembers, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 29, 2025 as SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY for the City of Spokane Valley, and I urge Spokane Valley citizens to join communities across the country in support of small businesses and merchants, on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Dated this 25rh day of November 2025. Pam Haley, Mayor CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON RESOLUTION NO.17-008 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON, AFFIRMING THE CITY AS AN INCLUSIVE CITY WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME AND DISCRIMINATION IS NOT TOLERATED; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. WHEREAS, Article 1, Section I of the Washington Constitution declares that "governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights"; and WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has established the "Washington Law Against Discrimination" pursuant to chapter 49.60 RCW; and WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 49.60.010, the Washington State Legislature finds and declares "practices of discrimination against any of its inhabitants because of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service aninnal by a person with a disability ... threatens not only the rights and proper privileges of its inhabitants but menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state"; and WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 49.60.030, the "right to be free from discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability is recognized as and declared to be a civil right of the people of this state"; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the City's adopted Comprehensive Plan, it is the vision of the City and its citizens that the City of Spokane Valley is and continues to be "[a] community of opportunity where individuals and families can grow and play and businesses will flourish and prosper"; and WHEREAS, the City Council hereby declares its affirmation to support, uphold, and enforce all applicable laws within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to make clear that the City of Spokane Valley is a city that strives in all instances and through all actions to be an inclusive City, where discrimination of any form is not and shall not be tolerated, where laws apply equally to all citizens, and where all individuals, families, and businesses are welcome so that they may flourish and prosper within its boundaries. NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington as follows: Section 1. Declaration of City Council. The City Council desires to make clear that the City of Spokane Valley is a city that strives in all instances and through all actions to be an inclusive City, where discrimination of any form is not and shall not be tolerated, where laws apply equally to all citizens, and where all individuals, families, and businesses are welcome so that they may flourish and prosper within its boundaries. Resolution 17-008 - Anti -discrimination Page 1 of 2 Section 2. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption. Adopted this 28111 day of March, 2017. City of Spokane Valley ti L.R. Higgins -Moor -- A` S :- Kristine Bainbridge, City derk Approved as to Form: Office o he City Attoli� Resolution 17-008 -Anti-discriminalion Pige 2 of Marci Patterson From: Emma Tate <emilytate19@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2025 7:21 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Jessica Jaeger must resign [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Jessica Jaeger should resign immediately from the Spokane Valley City Council. Her disgustingly xenophobic statement that she is a "proud islamaphobe" is unacceptable. Such baseless hatred has no place in Spokane Valley. I have lived in Spokane county the majority of my life. I grew up near Deer Park, raised by veteran parents. My fiance and I bought a house in Spokane Valley last year where we're excited to grow our family. I was raised to think America was great because we accepted everyone here, a nation of immigrants, the great melting pot. I'm a biologist and a pattern that shows up in nature a lot is that diversity is a strength. Casting all Muslims together with stereotypes is entirely xenophobia and racism. Various sects of Christianity over it's history have also propagated "pedophilia, rape, wife -beating, slavery, homophobia, misogyny, violence against women and children, killing apostates, funding terror groups, Sharia courts, terror attacks, dressing women in tents, taqiyya, antisemitism, praying for violence, forced female genital mutilation, praying for the destruction of Israel, racism and segregating women". So I demand Jessica Jaeger's resignation from her role shaping our beautiful city. Emma Tate Mard Patterson From: Rachel Justiss <skimopye@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2025 8:52 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Resignation of Yaeger [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. This person needs to resign after her comments. I live in Greenacres and she's an embarrassment to the city of Spokane Valley. Rachel Justiss Sent from my Whone Mard Patterson From: Iorraine@sumnercreative.com Sent: Friday, November 21, 2025 7:09 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Jessica Yaeger: proud Islamophobe [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. If Jessica Yaeger is not forced to step down over this, it sends a message that Spokane Valley condones bigotry. This statement will impact Spokane Valley in massive ways. People who don't feel safe or who strongly disagree with supporting Is[amophobia will avoid businesses in Spokane Valley. They will stop going to parks in the area. They will take their business and their leisure elsewhere. Keeping Yaeger around after this would be a horrible political move. There is no coming back from that. I am disgusted that someone like her is on the city council. And all of her colleagues should be disgusted by her as well. Force her to resign. Actions have consequences. The only way to avoid negative economic impact is to condemn her actions. Don't condone them through inaction. https•//www spol(esman com/stories/2025/nov/20/spoI<ane-valley-councilwoman-says-shes-a-proud- isla/ Cheers, Lorraine Sumner Sumner Creative Work: (501) 288-9086 Cell: 509-368-4201 Mard Patterson From: Lilith Synx <liliththesynx@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 21, 2025 9:45 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Jessica Yaeger [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Jessica Yaeger needs to resign IMMEDIATELY after her blatant is[amap hobia "Jessica Yaeger declared she is a "proud Islamophobe" on a post Thursday morning on her personal Facebook page. Yaeger also wrote that Islam is not a religion, but a style of government that is particularly hard on women. "Islam has no home here," Yaeger posted." This is absolutely reprehensible behavior from ANY human, let alone one in her profession! Disgusting, racist, bigoted behavior that has NO PLACE ANYWHERE. Mard Patterson From: Semkye, Thubten <semkye@sravastiabbey.org> Sent: Monday, November 24, 2025 4:25 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Islamaphobia comment [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Dear Council members, City council meeting November 25,2025 Councilwoman Yaeger's comments about Islam As a person of faith I am disheartened by Councilwoman Yaeger's racist comments regarding her views of people of Muslim faith.How is it possible for someone who has sworn to represent all residents of the Spokane Valley community say such hateful inappropriate statements? Being public servants of the people please address her lack of respect and lack of integrity. You say that she doesn't represent the council's views, but her attitude toward her constituents is impacting NE Washington residents about how they see your community and your council. Please consider some form of apology from her. Perhaps a face to face conversation with a member of the Spokane Istamic Center may help clarify her confusion about Islam. Respectfully, Nancy Nesbitt Newport Washington Marci Patterson From: tchodron@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 11:11 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: Censure anti -Muslim statements [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. 1. The Meeting Date: tonight, November 25, at 6 pm 2. Your First and Last Name: Thubten Chodron 3. Your City of Residence: Newport WA, your neighbor. 4. The Agenda Item(s) that you are speaking to - Censure anti -Muslim statements and those council members who speak them. Spokane Valley Councilmember Jessica Yaeger's personal Facebook post, where she claims to be a proud Islamophobe. She has said, "Islam has no home here." These comments are unacceptable from a city leader and show a great lack of understanding about Islam. Comments like these are also dangerous disinformation and increase hostility towards our Muslim neighbors and in our city, state, and country. May all sentient beings have happiness and its causes. May all sentient beings be free from suffering and its causes. May all sentient beings never be separated from sorrowless bliss. May all sentient beings abide in equanimity free from bias, attachment, and anger. www.sravastiabbey.org www.thubtenchodron.org Mard Patterson From: Christi Armstrong <CArmstrong@wr.org> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 11:51 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: General Public Comment, 11/25 [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. I am submitting the following general public comment for the Spokane Valley City Council meeting on 11/25/25 in response to City Councilwoman, Jessica Yaeger's anti -Muslim comments. Meeting Date: Tuesday, 11/25/25 Name: Christi Armstrong, Executive Director World Relief Spokane City of Residence: Spokane Valley, 30 years Comment to Address: Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger's anti -Muslim rhetoric World Relief Spokane, a business located in Spokane Valley, is deeply troubled by City Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger's recent public comments. Our Muslim neighbors in Spokane Valley and Spokane are essential members of the community and valued partners in our mission to welcome refugees and support the most vulnerable in our neighborhoods. Further, making such a statement is unconscionable for an elected representative who has pledged to represent ALL of Spokane Valley's residents. It is the responsibility of U.S. elected officials to uphold the Constitutionally protected right of every American to peacefully observe the religion of their choice, not denigrate or shame those of differing beliefs. We urge Councilwoman Yaeger to recant her statement and extend a public apology to the Muslim community. Christi Armstrong Executive Director World Relief Spokane (509)321-1865 Office (509)953-0544 Cell Spo Valley Campus: 11707 E Sprague Ave Downtown Campus: 512 S Bernard St World Relief's mission is to: "Boldly engage in the world's greatest crises in partnership with the church" http://worldrelief.org/spol<ane Facebool<I Instagram Marci Patterson From: Judith Silverstein <judysilverstein@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 3:37 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Subject: re: Yaeger's "proud Islamaphobe" comment [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. FOR: 11/25 Meeting RE: Your response to Yaeger's "proud Islamaphobe" comment Dear Spokane Valley Council, I hope you read the good reporting in the Spokesman -Review on 11/21 regarding Yaeger's personal "proud Islamaphobe" [sic] post, as well as the 11/21 article "Faith Leaders Denounce Yaeger's Claims". The report explained that her beliefs are based on unsupported assumptions (as stereotypes usually are); that honor killings predate Islam; and that American Muslims obey our Constitution (since Muslims must "obey the law of the land" -Islamic Network Group). Many religions have fundamentalist or fanatical misogynistic sects governing women, including Christianity, so if Yaeger says that "Islam is not a religion, but a style of government that is particularly hard on women," will she also say that about Christianity? None of the pillars of Christianity nor of Islam (the five pillars of Islam are easy to look up if you don't know them) mention misogyny. And if being "hard on women" is Yaeger's main concern, what has she done to reduce the increasing domestic violence in mainly Christian Spokane County? Mistaken generalizations can lead to violence, from citizen violence (citizens unjustly hating a group murdering church or synagogue worshipers) to state -sponsored violence (a masked ICE agent shooting a praying pastor in the head with a pepper ball -Chicago, or or some police killing more Blacks than whites in similar situations). I agree with WA's Council on Islamic Relations "to stand firmly against these (Yaeger's) bigoted comments," especially now that "Islamophobia (among other hatreds) is at record high levels." At tonight's meeting, your community is looking for firm leadership that unites all in your community in feeling safe, that starts to learn about other religions and cultures, and that demands an apology from Yaeger for her hurtful misunderstanding of Islam. Thank you very much, Judy Silverstein Spokane County 1 To Councilwoman Yaeger and All Spokane Valley City Council, Members, As Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience, we value the importance of different faith traditions and empower our City Council members to model proper engagement, compassion, and respect for the spiritual traditions of all citizens of our city. It has come to our attention that Councilwoman Yaeger and the Spokane Valley City Council would benefit from education about Islam and possibly other faiths that are different from those held by Council Members. The language used by Councilwoman Yaeger is offensive and must be addressed. It shows a great lack in understanding of the Muslim faith and is dangerous for our Muslim neighbors. We respectfully require a statement from the Spokane Valley City Council be made at the start of your next meeting that affirms the value of our Muslim neighbors and the Spokane Islamic Center. This statement must include an apology for the harm done and a strong affirmation of your commitment as public officials to represent all members of the City of Spokane Valley regardless of faith. Further, once a month for the next six months, we suggest that you invite a person of the Muslim faith to give the opening invocation for the City Council meetings. This gives the City Council a chance to put the words of apology into action and offers an opportunity to re-establish a relationship of trust and respect between the Council and the Muslim community. Lastly, we ask the Council to take this egregious display of bigotry from a public leader and make it an opportunity for our entire city to learn that there are many faiths in our region. We call you to work with local faith leaders and faith communities to create opportunities to learn about Spokane Valley's Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Sufi, Wiccan, as well as Christian, Jewish, and Muslim neighbors. Make this the start of drawing our community together in respect and building understanding. Sincerely, Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience (FLLC) of Eastern Washington and North Idaho The Rev. Gen Heywood, Convener of FLLC Karen Stromgren, Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS) Naghmana Ahmed-Sherazi, Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS) Jean Walters, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Pam Silverstein, MD, Member of the Spokane Jewish community Petra Hoy, Community Member The Rev, George Taylor, pastor, All Saints Lutheran Church The Rev. Dr. Rose Mary Volbrecht, St. Clare Ecumenical Catholic Communion Barbara Miller, Director of the Silver Valley Community Resource Center Kristine Hoover, PhD, Member of the community Judy Silverstein, Member of the Spokane Jewish community Teresa Van Haalen, EdD, Community Member Rabbi Tamar Malino, Member of the Spokane Jewish community Molly Ertel, Community Member Thubten Rinchen, Sravasti Abbey The Rev. Alissa Amestoy, Pastor at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church Sr. Pat Millen, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia The Rev. Rick Matters, Episcopal Church Brianna Dilts, Faith Action Network The Rev. Linda Kobe -Smith, St Clare ECC Thubten Semkye, Sravasti Abbey The Rev. W. J. Kendricks, Pastor, Morning Star Baptist Church