HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-12 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESRegular Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Spokane Valley City Hall
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Vice -Chairman McKinley called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The
meeting was held in person and via ZOOM meetings. The vice-chairman called
a 10-minute break to wait for the Chairman to arrive.
II. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Denise Mclain took attendance, and the following
members and staff were present:
John Robertson
Bob McKinley
Thomas Dingus - via Zoom
Emily Meyer - Absent
Kristopher Pockell
Justin Weathermon
Ann Winkler
Steve Roberge, Planning Manager
Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy Attorney
Jonny Solberg, IT Specialist
Denise Mclain, Administrative Assistant
There was a motion, and it was seconded, to excuse commissioner Meyer
from the meeting.
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Weathermon moved, and it was seconded, to approve
the agenda for February 12, 2026. There was no discussion. The vote on the
motion was five in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner McKinley moved, and it was seconded, to approve
the minutes as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion
was five in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed.
VI. COMMISSIONER REPORT: Commissioner Winkler met with City Staff to
discuss the Trent Ave and Sullivan Rd improvements and the changes to the
plan.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Steve Roberge reported that
the City Council has passed a few ordinances that the Planning Commission will
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be discussing. He also reported that the scoping is currently open for the
Environmental Impact Statement that is being put together for the
Comprehensive Plan Update,
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment offered.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Study Session: The Comprehensive Plan Draft Element Review was presented
by Steve Roberge and Elliot Weiss from Community Attributes. Mr. Roberge let
the commissioners know that this Is the first review of the first group of
elements for review. Mr. Weiss gave an overview of the Comprehensive Plan
update process to.include a timeline of element review and target submittal
date. Commissioner Robertson asked for clarification on the requirement for
grants and draft element submittal.
Economic Development - Mr. Weiss reviewed the changes from the
Comprehensive Plan from 2016 and updates on trends and events
that are currently impacting development. Commissioner Winkler
offered some suggestions to update page 15 to be easier to
understand and add county rather than city to the exhibits on pages
7 and 8. She also requested more up-to-date information than 2022
but Mr. Weiss confirmed that this was the most recent data
available from this data source.
ii. Land Use - The approach for land use is to be minimally invasive
while ensuring compliance and an opportunity for growth. Key
features include housing diversity and an emphasis on residential
zones. Mr. Weiss reviewed land use scenarios presented to the city.
Commissioner Winkler discussed the information presented and the
desire to have more options, such as adding unincorporated land to
the city or annexation. Commissioner Robertson discussed the
impact on resources, such as schools, roads, and traffic. Mike
Basinger, Community and Economic Development Director, offered
clarification on what the city is being asked to implement and what
the commission needs to evaluate. Commissioner Robertson asked
about spreading out the density to a wider area to minimize the
dwelling units per acre,
iii. Natural Resources - The approach to this element remain largely
unchanged from previous years. Commissioner Winkler praised the
section and thought it was well written.
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X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Winkler asked for follow-up on the
public comment that was submitted at our last meeting. Mr. Roberge confirmed
that he did speak with the sender. Commissioner McKinley expressed concern
over increasing density and possibly adding to the transient population, as well
as the city resources. Chairman Robertson acknowledged a resident who sent a
letter of praise to the commission and expressed an interest in having more
feedback from the public.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Pockell moved, and it was seconded, to
adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m. The vote on the motion was five in favor,
zero opposed, and the motion passed.
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hn Robertson, Chairman Date Signed
Denise Mclain, Secretary