HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026, 02-10 Formal A MeetingMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Formal Format A
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Mayor Padden 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
Laura Padden, Mayor John Hohman, City Manager
Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager
Pam Haley, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator
Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Chelsie Walls, Finance Director
Michael Kelly, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director
Ben Wick, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney
Al Merkel, Councilmember Robert Blegen, Public Works Director
Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Dave Ellis, Police Chief
Jill Smith, Communications Manager
Mike Basinger, Community & Econ. Dev. Director
Caitlin Prunty, Deputy Attorney
Rob Lochmiller, CIP Engineering Manager
Erica Amsden, CIP Engineering Manager
Dan Domrese, Accounting Manager
John Whitehead, HR Director
Sarah Farr, Accting & Finance Program Manager
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Kevin Lind with Opportunity Presbyterian provided the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL City Clerk Patterson called roll; all Councilmembers were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Councilmember Wick, seconded and zmanimously agreed to
approve the agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
PROCLAMATIONS: Presidents' Day
Mayor Padden read the proclamation and the ladies from the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted
the proclamation.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:
After Mayor Padden explained the process, she invited comments from the public. Karl Kestler, Spokane
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.
Council Meeting Minutes: 02-10-2026 Pagel of 4
Approved by Council: 03-31-2026
a. Approval of Claim Vouchers, January 27, 2026, Request for Council Action Form: $7,367,598.72
b. Approval of Claim Vouchers, February 10, 2026, Request for Council Action Form: $7,174,447.39
c. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending January 15, 2026: $714,880.78
d. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period ending January 31, 2026: $770,630.03
e. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2026
f. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2026
g. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2026
h. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2026
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the Consent
Agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
2. Ordinance 26-001 Second Read: Forged Fiber 37 LLC — Tony Beattie
After Clerk Patterson read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to
approve Franchise Ordinance 26-001, granting a ten-year telecorrinnrnications franchise to Forged Fiber 37,
LLC. Mr. Beattie provided a brief update and stated that there had not been any additional changes since the
previous reading. Mayor Padden invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation:
in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried
3 Ordinance 26-003 First Read: Adopting SVMC 7.55 — Kratom Sale & Distribution — Caitlin Prunty
After Clerk Patterson read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to move
forward with second reading of Ordinance 26-003. Chief Ellis and Ms. Prunty presented a PowerPoint
presentation that included a review of what Kratom is and how it is used, the effects of Kratom, the current
regulations, the proposed legislation, and a review of the draft ordinance. Council discussed various points of
the kratom ordinance that included the ability to keep the whole leaf form as an option to purchase, crime lab
availability to test the various types of kratom, the unregulated kratom that is typically found in the stores,
who would be in violation if kratom was banned, other areas kratom is currently available, and that this
potential ordinance would only ban the sale and not the use of kratom. Mayor Padden invited public
comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Spencer Coffin, Spokane; Jennifer Gillis, Bartlett (via Zoom); Misty
Brown, Thornton(via Zoom); Melody Woolf, Kalamazoo, MI(via Zoom); Allison Smith, WA DC(via Zoom);
John Shinholser, Ashland VA(via Zoom); Jordan Richard, Crestline, CA(via Zoom) provided comments. it
was moved by Councilmember Yaeger, seconded to table this for three months so that we can actually go to
some of these sites, maybe go to the convenience stores and actually look at this stuff for ourselves and do
some more research. Council discussed any purpose in waiting three months noting that we can ban it or not
ban it. Vote by acclamation on the amended motion: in favor: Councilinembers Yaeger and Kelly. Opposed •
Mayor Padden, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilinembers Haley, Wick and Merkel. Motion failed Vote
by acclamation on the original motion: in favor: Mayor Padden, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers
Haley, Wick, Kelly and Merkel. Opposed: Councimember Yaeger. Motion carried.
Mayor Padden called for a ten minute recess at 7:04pm.
Prior to the next action item motion being read, Councilmember Merkel made a motion to excuse
Councilmember Wick as he left during the recess. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
4. Motion Consideration: HCDAC Grant Application — Gloria Mantz & Sarah Farr
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to to approve the City Manager or designee to submit
the recommended grant applications as discussed herein and to proceed with executing contracts and
cariying out the programs related to any resulting awards. Ms. Mantz and Ms. Farr provided a brief
background on the grants and noted that there had not been any changes since the item was previously
discussed. Mayor Padden invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: in
favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
5. Admin Report: Resolution 26-002 — Surplus Items — Dan Domrese
Council Meeting Minutes: 02-10-2026 Page 2 of 4
Approved by Council: 03-31-2026
Mr. Domrese provided details on the surplus resolution and noted the departments that had items to surplus.
Council discussed where the items go after surplus is approved and that currently this is the only method of
surplus that the city uses. Council provided consensus to return with a motion at a later meeting authorizing
the surplus.
6. Admin Report: 2026 Capital Improvement Projects — Erica Amsden, Rob Lochmiller
Ms. Amsden and Mr. Lochmiller provided a PowerPoint presentation on the 2026 construction projects that
include the Pines/BNSF Grade Separation Project, the Sprague Ave Preservation - Bowdish to McDonald,
South Barker Corridor - Sprague to Appleway, Sullivan Avenue Preservation - 8th to 24th, local access
preservation services - residential, N. Sullivan Road Preservation - Phase 1 UPPP to Kiernan, 32nd Avenue
Preservation - Pines to SR 27, Arterial School Crossings - Broadway, 32nd and Pines area, and the Balfour
Park Sport Courts. Council discussed the projects and application process at length and ultimately provided
consensus to return at later meeting with a motion to submit the applications.
7. Admin Report: Clean Air Regulation Comments - John Hohman, Tony Beattie
Mr. Hohman and Mr. Beattie provided details on the Clean Air regulation comments and the proposed letter
to send to Department of Ecology. Council discussed the businesses that would be labeled as high priority
emitters, what some of the high emitters are, and the regulations that may be imposed on the businesses.
Council read the letter and provided consensus to allow Mayor Padden to sign the letter on behalf of council.
8. Admin Report: Budget 101 Presentation, Part One — Cheslie Walls
Ms. Walls provided a PowerPoint presentation on a budget and finance overview that included a brief
overview on general accounting and governmental budgeting. The governmental accounting includes
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System
(BARS). Ms. Walls further explained the Common standards and procedures used to record and report
accounting information and compile financial statements that include the City being audited against these
standards and that it requires Fund Accounting for governmental entities. Ms. Walls explained fund
accounting, noted that the city has 31 separate funds, and provided details on the BARS manual requirements.
Ms. Walls went on to provide details on Governmental Budgeting that included the calendar of dates and
requirements of what needs to be done by those dates, the function of the budget, the minimum fund balance
of 50% of recurring expenditures, and the council responsibilities of council and staff. She closed the
presentation with the next steps or the budget that included the dates for the winter workshop and the budget
workshop. With no questions asked, Mayor Padden thanked Ms. Walls for the presentation.
INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed)
9. Monthly Department Reports
10. Fire Department Monthly Reports
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:
After Mayor Padden explained the process, she invited comments from the public; no comments were
provided.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Kelly attended the SCRAPS advisory board meeting today and outlined their 2026 goals and
noted that they are under new leadership.
Councilmember Merkel had nothing to report.
Councilmember Yaeger attended the Valley Chamber health care panel event, traveled to Olympia, attended
an event at the Spokane County Valley library, toured the police precinct, spoke to the Daisy's at the
elementary school, and has an opioid meeting coming up.
Councilmember Haley attended the Olympia trip, had an SRTC meeting and noted that two of our projects
made it into top three.
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg attended a ribbon cutting event, went on a police precinct tour, attended the
Commute Smart awards, and provided STA updates.
Council Meeting Minutes: 02-10-2026 Page 3 of 4
Approved by Council: 03-31-2026
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Padden attended many of the same events, the ribbon cutting, and the Commute Trip Reduction
awards.
ADVANCE AGENDA
Councilmember Yaeger spoke about complaints at the nightclub in the area and would like to know more
about the noise ordinances with an admin report. Council gave consensus to add that to the agenda.
Councilmember Merkel spoke about zombie properties and wants to look at other options and believes it is
worth a discussion or perhaps making a registration or list of the properties. City Manager Hohman spoke
about the properties and said that our law enforcement and code enforcement work very hard to identify the
locations and keep them from becoming a problem and has methods that work once they become a nuisance
and that it would require a lot of funding and staff to create a registration and keep it current. There was no
consensus to add it to the agenda.
Mayor Padden requested a report on the pilot program for the pavement preservation program. Council gave
consensus to add that to the agenda.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Hohman noted that next Tuesday at 5:00pm in the next Community Conversations Event and
then noted that the theme is to meet your new Mayor and new councilmember. The topic for the March
Community Conversations is the Capital Improvement Program. He spoke about WSDOT coordination
coming up for the design of the north corridor as it connects to I-90. He closed with mentioning the workshop
on the 24th at 8:30am and that there will not be a council meeting that evening as it is a daylong meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 8: 06p. in.
ATT ST:
lick
Marci atterson, City Clerk
our Padden, Mayor
Council Meeting Minutes: 02-10-2026
Approved by Council: 03-31-2026
Page 4 of 4
PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
6:00 p.m.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY
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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.
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Presidents'Day
WHEREAS, February 16Ih is officially Presidents' Day where we honor the leadership
and achievements of all those who have held America's highest elected
office; and
WHEREAS, we also celebrate with special pride the rich legacies of Presidents
Washington and Lincoln; and
WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln sought to bring Americans together around core values,
he remained dedicated to freedom, equality, and the preservation of the
nation. He helped to bind our nation's wounds after the Civil War and
restore dignity to all people; and
WHEREAS, each President has left his mark in the history of our Nation. Each has
brought a unique and lasting influence on this 250t" year of existence; and
WHEREAS, on Presidents Day, February 16, 2026, we express our gratitude to the
Presidents of the United States of America.
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Laura Padden, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of
the Spokane Valley City Council and the citizens of Spokane Valley do hereby proclaim
February 16, 2026 as
PRESIDENTS' DAY
in the City of Spokane Valley and I encourage Americans to reflect on the values of liberty,
justice, and democracy that guided these leaders.
Dated this IOth day of February 2026
aura Padden, Mayor
Spokane~
jUalle3'.
February 10, 2026
To: Washington State Department of Ecology
CITY COUNCIL
10210 E Sprague Ave I Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Phone (509) 720-5000 1 Fax (509) 720-5075
www.spokanevalleywa.gov
Re: City of Spokane Valley comments on draft rule language for chapter 173-448 WAC concerning air quality
in overburdened communities.
Dear Department of Ecology,
On behalf of the City of Spokane Valley ("City"), we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the
preliminary draft rule language for chapter 173-448 WAC, Improving Air Quality in Overburdened
Communities. The City supports focused efforts to reduce criteria pollutants, which do not disproportionally
affect businesses and the citizens they employ through onerous regulatory costs.
In the 2025 Report: Overburdened Communities Highly Impacted by Air Pollution, the Department of Ecology
("Department") explained that "[w]ildfires are the dominant source of PM2.5 emissions statewide,
contributing approximately 44,832 tons per year (TPY)." The Department noted that most days with an Air
Quality Index ("AQI") above 100 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) have been the result of wildfires. In
comparison, woodsmoke from heating homes during winter and agricultural activities contribute only 17,438
TPY and 14,895 TPY, respectively. Businesses in urban areas were not named as a major contributor of PM2.5•
Ecology also noted that volatile organic compounds contributing to ground -level ozone are mostly the result
of natural emissions from soil and vegetation (214,163 TPY), and wildfires (121,121 TPY). In distant third
there are industrial causes (69,076 TPY). On -road vehicles are the largest contributor of nitrogen oxides at
60,029 TPY, whereas "major point sources" such as power plants, paper mills, and oil refineries only
contribute 22,934 TPY. On -road vehicles are the major anthropogenic cause of NO2 and CO, yet even near
freeways the concentrations rarely break into the "moderate" range for AQI. Overall, Washington State,
including the Spokane and Spokane Valley area, remained within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
The intent of chapter 70A.65 RCW is "to identify overburdened communities where the highest
concentrations of criteria pollutants occur, determine the sources of those emissions and pollutants, and
pursue significant reductions of emissions and pollutants in those communities." RCW 70A.65.005(7)
(emphasis added).
Pursuant to RCW 70A.65.020(1), Ecology is required "to analyze and determine which sources are the
greatest contributors of criteria pollutants and develop a high priority list of significant emitters." However,
the Department is limited to actions that are fair and justifiable:
Actions imposed under this section may not impose requirements on a permitted stationary
source that are disproportionate to the permitted stationary's source's contribution to air
pollution compared to other permitted stationary sources and other sources of criteria
pollutants in the overburdened community.
RCW 70A.65.020(2)(c) (emphasis added). The definition of high priority emitters in the proposed regulations
is limited to businesses within the overburdened community, yet their impact is, as the Department notes in
its report, minute when compared to the greatest contributors, i.e., wildfires, traffic, agriculture, plants, and
soil. This is not a proportional response. These regulations do not address the greatest contributors to
pollutants in the overburdened communities, and instead continues a regulatory framework affecting the
economic engines on which the people of these communities rely.
The regulatory landscape is already overcrowded with burdensome standards and requirements such as the
Clean Building Act, the addition of the climate change and resiliency element into comprehensive planning,
greenhouse gas emission and criteria pollutant reporting, the Cap and Invest Program, annual registration
fees, and permitting processes.
To ensure that enforcement is proportionate, the City believes that proposed WAC 173-448-100(4) should
include the following additional conditions to enforcement:
(e) The Department of Ecology determines through a third -party assessment that registered
or permitted high priority emitters in the overburdened community are responsible for at
least one-third of the offending criteria pollutant in the overburdened community as
measured by TPY for the previous two years.
(f) The State of Washington has established and funded a grant program to cover all costs
associated with implementing an enforceable order issued pursuant to this chapter.
We believe that these additions would lessen the impact that potential actions would have on the
business community and would result in proportionate and meaningful actions that focus on the
major contributors of pollution.
We look forward to continued participation during the formal rule proposal process.
Sincerely,
Laura Padden, Mayor
on Behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council
Spokane
jValle � 10210 E Sprague Avenue [I 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 10, 2026
Re: Gordon Thomas Honeywell — Government Relations
Legislative Report — Feb. 7, 2026
Please find attached Gordon Thomas Honeywell's legislative report providing a recap of
the Legislature's action during the week of Feb. 2-7.
The Legislature reached its Policy Committee cutoff and the reports lists some of the local
government -related bills that died with the policy committee cutoff date of Feb. 4.
The remaining bills either proceed to the appropriate fiscal committee (which had a Feb.
9 cutoff) or those without a fiscal impact move directly to potential consideration by the
chamber of origin. After the bills go through the policy and/or fiscal committees, the next
step is the Rules Committee to either put them on their floor calendar (voting happens
this week) or they can choose not to advance them.
This report notes that Democrats rolled out a new tax package including SB 6346 and HB
2724 that would each establish a tax on millionaires. The Senate bill had a hearing on
Feb. 6 with over 59,000 people signing in opposed and 18,500 signing in to support it.
Much more detail on the particulars of the bill is included in the report.
Last week we engaged on 16 bills. Below is a list of bills and topics recapped in the report
including:
• , Balfour Park capital budget request
• Increased funding for the Spokane Regional Traffic Management Center
• SB 6262/HB 2722 - TBD vehicle fees expansion
• SB 6239/HB 2700 - Tort liability reform
• SB 5650 - Local cannabis excise authority
• SB 6287 - Kratom Consumer Protection Act
• HB 2266/SB 6069 - Permitting of shelter, transition housing, emergency housing
and permanent supportive housing (STEP)
• HB 2278 - Tourism Promotion Assessment extension
• SB 6294/HB 2442 - Local government revenue tools
• SB 5862 - Retirement benefits adjustment
• SB 6027/HB 2359 - Affordable housing revenue flexibility
• SIB 5729 and HB 2418 - Permit and permit review streamlining
• SIB 6015 - Permit -ready housing plans
• SIB 6096 - Utility connection charge deferral
• SIB 6026 - Residential required to be allowed in commercial zones
• HB 2489 - Homelessness public space rights
• SIB 6274 - Infrastructure and frontage improvements
• SIB 5292 - PFML Premium Rate Methodology
• SIB 6002 - Automated license plate privacy regulations
• SIB 5912 - Indigent defense task force
• SIB 5974 - Law enforcement qualifications
• HB 2255 - Litigation financing regulations
• SIB 6234 - Sewage grinder pump preemption
Today is day 30, marking the halfway point of the 60-day short session that is scheduled
to end on March 12.
February 9, 2026
February 17, 2026
February 25, 2026
March 2, 2026
March 6, 2026
March 12, 2026
Weekly Overview
GORDON THOMAS HONEYWELL
GOVFRNIJENT RELATIONS
City of Spokane Valley
Legislative Report
February 7, 2026
SESSION CUTOFF CALENDAR
Fiscal Committee Deadline
Chamber -of -Origin Deadline
Opposite Chamber Policy Committee Deadline
Opposite Chamber Fiscal Committee Deadline
Opposite Chamber Deadline
Session adjourns - Sine Die
The fourth week of the session moved at full speed and marked the first legislative cutoff
deadlines - bill need to have been approved by a policy committee to remain under
consideration this session. Bills that are necessary to implement the budget (NTIB) generally are
exempted from these deadlines.
Below are some of the local government -related bills that died with the policy committee
cutoff.
House Bill 2097 -County B&O tax
House Bill 2162 — Grants/loans for public
defense
House Bill 2195 — City initiatives and
referenda
House Bill 2201— Development regulations
in annexation areas
House Bill 2209 — Sentencing enhancements
for theft
House Bill 2213 — Scrap metal theft
House Bill 2258 — Animal control tax
House Bill 2316—Shrubsteppe
House Bill 2346 — Performance -based
building code for middle housing types
House Bill 2141- Building and Energy Code
Revision Cycle
Senate Bill 5633—Subdivision Law Overhaul
Senate Bill 6279 - Wildland Urban Interface
Building Standards
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Following the initial legislative cutoff, the remaining bills proceed along one of two routes -
measures that do not have a fiscal impact move directly to potential consideration by the
chamber in which they originated. Bills with financial implications must advance through the
appropriate fiscal committee and face an upcoming deadline of Monday, February 9 to remain
under consideration. Given these deadlines, the Legislature is expected to have long fiscal
committee hearings leading up to the February 9th fiscal cutoff deadline. After bills go through
the designated policy and/or fiscal committees, the next step is the Rules Committee. When
bills arrive there, the Rules Committee can either put it on their respective floor calendar -
which means the full chamber can debate and amend it - or choose not to advance it at all.
Click here for a refresher on the bill process.
Democrats rolled out a new tax package this week - Senate Bill 6346 and House Bill 2724, which
would enact a 9.9% income tax on individuals who earn more than one million per year,
beginning in 2028. The bill had a public hearing on February 6 in the Senate Ways and Means
Committee, with over 59,000 people signing in opposition, and over 18,500 signing in support
of the bill. Proponents argue the proposal responds to budget pressures and legal obligations,
including the Supreme Court's mandate on public defense caseloads, by providing 5% of the
funds to counties (roughly $185 million) to help cover rising public defense costs. Legislators are
actively discussing how to distribute this money to both cities and counties.
Democrats emphasized that the bill targets high -income earners only, does not impose an
income tax on low-income individuals, and maintains that property taxes, not income taxes, are
what the state constitution restricts. Senate leadership has indicated the bill will be the primary
vehicle, with no immediate action on a House version. Republicans pushed back, framing the
proposal as part of a broader trend worsening the state's affordability, particularly when
combined with other legislation that could raise costs.
Governor Ferguson signaled openness to the concept but expressed concerns that the current
proposal does not send enough money back to Washingtonians struggling with affordability.
While calling the Senate proposal a "good start," Ferguson noted that only $230 million, or
roughly 7% of projected revenue, would be returned to taxpayers through measures like the
Working Families Tax Credit, sales tax exemptions for hygiene products, and small business tax
relief. He argued this share should be significantly higher, advocating for expanding eligibility
for the Working Families Tax Credit, substantially more relief for small businesses, and broader
sales tax exemptions on essential items such as diapers and other baby products. Ferguson said
he is confident lawmakers will continue refining the proposal, stressing that his focus is on
ensuring the final package meaningfully addresses affordability for Washingtonians.
If the Legislature approves this tax, it is likely there will be an effort to collect signatures to
place an initiative on November's ballot for consideration by voters. Subsequent court
challenges are also expected. Legislators are not relying on revenue from this proposal to
balance the current biennial budget.
Throughout the session, the Association of WA Cities 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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Legislative Agenda Items
Balfour Park: The City asks the Legislature for $250,000 to provide lighting for basketball and
pickleball courts and audio equipment within Balfour Park that will be under construction in
2026. The funding request form for this project has been submitted. As was discussed
throughout our meetings in Olympia, whether or not this project receives funding is somewhat
dependent on how the $3.5 million funding request for the Ice Skating Facility is managed.
Traffic Management Center: The City is asking that the Legislature increase the funding for
WSDOT's Operation and Maintenance budget to eliminate the local contribution that is
currently being made to the Spokane Regional Traffic Management Center. The City's lobbyist is
working with WSDOT to determine what the appropriate amount of funding needs to be
allocated to WSDOT's Operation and Maintenance Budget to accomplish the elimination of the
local contribution.
Transportation Benefit District Vehicle Fees Expansion: Spokane Valley Deputy Mayor Tim
Hattenburg testified in support of Senate Bill 6262 because Spokane Valley relies on TBD fees
for pavement preservation, noting that currently smaller, often lower -income drivers pay while
larger expensive trucks and SUVs are exempt despite causing exponentially more damage, and
that this change would make funding for street maintenance more equitable and better aligned
with wear. Click here to watch his testimony in the Senate Transportation Committee. The
Deputy Mayor similarly testified in support of House Bill 2722, sharing that the City depends on
TBD fees for pavement preservation and that expanding the fee to heavier trucks would create
a fairer and more reliable funding system. Click here to watch his testimony in the House
Transportation Committee.
Senate Bill 6262, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), and House Bill 2722, sponsored by
Rep. Julia Reed (D-Seattle), expand local transportation benefit district authority by increasing
the maximum vehicle scale weight eligible for annual transportation benefit district fees from
6,000 pounds to 9,000 pounds. The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing on
February 2, and the House Transportation Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2722
on February 6. During the hearings, the City of Spokane, AWC, City of Spokane Valley, and City
of Port Orchard testified in support of the bill because it broadens an existing local -option tool
so that heavier vehicles that cause greater wear and tear to roads contribute to road
maintenance. It was noted that most of the 54 cities using the fee charge relatively low annual
amounts (often $20) and not the statutory maximum. Testimony in opposition pointed to the
legislation as another tax or fee increase in a state already burdened by numerous recent tax
hikes and urged legislators to stop raising transportation -related charges that make Washington
less affordable, noting the large number of public sign -ins against the bill. On February 5,
Senate Bill 6262 passed out of committee 14-4. The bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee.
Tort Liability Reform: Senate Bill 6239, sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), and
House Bill 2700, sponsored by Rep. Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way), create a new mandatory civil
arbitration framework for tort claims against the state of Washington and local governments.
As amended, Senate Bill 6239 requires tort claims older than 10 years to undergo civil
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arbitration for any dollar amount before they may be scheduled for trial. Because most tort
claims impacting cities have a statute of limitations of 3 years, the amended version of the bill
does little to provide liability relief for the city government. The Senate Ways & Means
Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6239 on February 5. Supporters, including the
Washington State Association of Counties, the Washington Counties Risk Pool, and school
districts, argued the bill provides a necessary first step toward controlling rapidly rising liability
and insurance costs that are forcing cuts to public services. Those testifying against the bill
warned that requiring survivors of childhood sexual abuse to undergo mandatory, private
arbitration before accessing court would re -traumatize victims, impose duplicative and costly
procedural hurdles, and push sensitive cases into non -transparent forums dominated by
institutional defendants. The sponsor of the bill has indicated that she plans to add a study on
city liability that would be completed by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee.
Local Cannabis Excise Authority: Spokane Valley Councilmember Pam Haley testified in support
of Senate Bill 5650, highlighting that the City shoulders major responsibilities related to
cannabis —such as policing impaired driving, zoning, regulatory compliance, and public
education —yet they do not receive a sufficient share of cannabis excise tax revenue to support
these costs. Returning more revenue to the cities where sales occur would ease pressure on
local resources and strengthen the safety and sustainability of the legal cannabis market while
supporting essential municipal services. Councilmember Haley also shared support for
an amendment to allow cities the option to impose the tax before counties. Click here to
watch her testimony in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Senate Bill 5650, sponsored by Sen. Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro-Woolley), authorizes counties and,
if a county does not act by July 1, 2027, cities within that county to impose a voter -approved
excise tax of up to 2 percent on retail cannabis sales for a period of up to seven consecutive
years, with the option to reimpose the tax in additional seven-year periods subject to voter
approval, a prohibition on concurrent county and city taxation, state -administered collection
through the Liquor and Cannabis Board, and a specified revenue -sharing formula between
counties and cities. The Senate Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on the bill on
February 5 and is scheduled for an executive session in the Senate Ways & Means Committee
on February 9.
Kratom Consumer Protection Act: Three different bills were introduced on Kratom.
Unfortunately, none of them appear positioned to pass into law. This past week, the Senate
Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on the one bill that made it through the policy
committee cutoff —Senate Bill 6287, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon. This bill retained cities'
ability to ban Kratom. However, at the public hearing, several Kratom users testified in
opposition to the bill and the bill is not scheduled for a vote in the committee prior to the
February 9 fiscal committee cutoff deadline.
Permitting of STEP (Shelter, Transitional Housing, Emergency Housing, and Permanent
Supportive Housing): Spokane Valley City Services Administrator Gloria Mantz testified "Other"
on House Bill 2266 with concerns and the request for explicit requirements such as on -site
supervision and minimum spacing from parks and schools, and urging that local jurisdictions—
GTH-GOV 4
not just self -certifying providers —be able to verify operational standards for shelters and
emergency housing. Click here to watch her testimony in the House Appropriations
Committee.
House Bill 2266, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds), and its companion Senate Bill
6069, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-West Seattle), mandate that STEP housing be
allowed in all residential zones and those zones where lodging is allowed. The bills also restrict
cities' ability to require operational or good neighbor agreements. On February 2, the House
Housing Committee and the Senate Housing Committee each approved an amended version of
the bill. The amended version differentiates where different types of STEP housing must be
allowed; transitional housing and permanent supportive housing must be allowed in zones
where residential dwellings or hotels are allowed, while indoor emergency shelters and indoor
emergency housing must be allowed in zones where hotels are allowed and additional zones
when necessary to meet projected needs. Rather than explicitly allowing for operating
agreements with providers, the bill outlines allowable criteria for a provider to "self certify"
whether they are meeting limited operating standards. The bill formally defines "transitional
housing," authorizes the use of form -based codes for STEP housing developments, and allows
for a 2-year implementation window or the next comprehensive plan update, whichever is
sooner. The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on the bill on February 6. At
the hearing, cities continued to express concerns that the bill does not allow cities to impose
occupancy and spacing restrictions for shelters, the need for stronger operational agreement
language, and the need to remove language that prevents cities from placing conditions on
grant awards that the City issues to STEP housing projects. An executive session is scheduled in
the House Appropriations Committee on February 9.
Other Policy Issues
Fiscal Management
Tourism Promotion Assessment Extension: House Bill 2278, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie
Barnard (R-Pasco), removes the scheduled July 1, 2027 expiration date for the additional per -
night lodging charge of up to three dollars in tourism promotion areas, allowing local
governments to continue using this assessment to fund tourism -related activities. The House
Technology, Economic Development & Veterans Committee held a public hearing and approved
the bill, and the House Finance Committee held a subsequent hearing on February 5. At the
hearings, the Washington State Destination Marketing Organizations and Visit Tri-Cities
testified in support because removing the sunset provides certainty to continue and plan multi-
year programs that generate tourism growth throughout the region. They support removing the
sunset as a needed reauthorization so local TPAs, 22 statewide, 8 using the extra $3, can
continue long-term tourism projects that hotels voluntarily opt into and that cities cannot
impose without hotel agreement. Citizens Against Unfair Taxes testified in opposition, arguing
that it worsens affordability, adding to an already high tax burden, which ultimately makes the
state less attractive to tourists. There was no testimony in opposition. The House Finance
Committee is scheduled to vote on the bill on February 9.
GTH-GOV 5
Local Government Revenue Tools: Senate Bill 6294, sponsored by Sen. Noel Frame (D-Seattle),
and House Bill 2442, sponsored by Rep. April Berg (D-Mill Creek), broadly expand and
restructure local real estate excise tax, sales and use tax, utility excise tax, and property tax levy
authority. Click here to see AWC's chart of the different elements in the bill.
The House Appropriations Committee and Senate Way's & Means Committee held public
hearings on the bills on February 5. At the hearings, supporters emphasized that this legislation
provides counties and cities with critical new flexibility to address affordable housing,
homelessness, and local fiscal challenges. They highlighted expanded uses for existing revenues
(such as HB 1590 funds and REET, voter -approved options for affordable -housing REET, and
new tools like modest utility -tax authority or a children -and -families sales tax. These tools help
maintain essential services; from rental assistance to trauma -informed counseling, childcare
supports, and public -health clinics, This enables communities to tailor revenue solutions to
urgent local needs. Opponents focused on the section allowing an additional 0.5%
affordable -housing REET, arguing it would significantly increase transaction costs for home
sellers —adding roughly $3,250 on a typical $650,000 home —and pushing total REET liabilities
near $15,000. This would worsen affordability pressures in an already difficult housing market
and create further barriers for homeowners looking to sell. Several opponents urged the
removal of these provisions, noting the House companion bill already struck them.
Retirement Benefits Adjustment: Senate Bill 5862, sponsored by Sen. Perry Dozier (R-16th LID),
provides a three percent cost -of -living increase, without a dollar cap, to beneficiaries of
Teachers' Retirement System Plan 1 and Public Employees' Retirement System Plan 1, effective
July 1, 2026. The Senate Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on the bill on
February 5. Washington State School Retirees Association and others testified in support of the
bill because PERS 1 and TRS 1 are the only state plans without automatic COLAs. Plan 1 retirees
have lost over 40% of their purchasing power without automatic COLAs and are being pushed
toward poverty by rising medical, tax, and utility expenses they cannot offset by working at
advanced ages. There was no testimony in opposition.
Housing Affordability/Land Use
Affordable Housing Revenue Flexibility: Senate Bill 6027, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-
West Seattle), and House Bill 2359, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds), allows
existing affordable housing revenues to support acquisition, rehabilitation, and long-term
operation of affordable housing, with explicit caps on administrative and supplanting uses.
Senate Bill 6027 received a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on February
2. The Association of Counties, King County, Pierce County & South Sound Housing Affordability
Partners, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, and Snohomish County testified in support
of the bill. Supporters shared that counties face looming federal HUD Continuum of Care cuts
and need the added flexibility in local housing taxes to maintain current homeless housing,
supportive service levels, and to prevent vulnerable people from returning to homelessness.
There was no testimony in opposition.
GTH-GOV 6
Permit Streamlining: Senate Bill 5729, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gildon (R-25th LD), as amended
by the Senate Housing Committee, states that local jurisdictions may not charge applicants for
duplicative review of development submittal materials by both a third -party licensed
professional and jurisdiction staff when the staff person's license is within the same scope as
the submittal materials, unless there is a dispute between the jurisdiction's staff and the
applicant, while allowing jurisdictions to use a third -party licensed professional at the
applicant's cost in lieu of staff review. The bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee.
Permit Review Streamlining: House Bill 2418, sponsored by Rep. Davina Duerr (D-Bothell),
modifies project permit review for residential housing by making completeness determinations
procedural rather than substantive, imposing coordinated timelines and fee refunds when
deadlines are missed, and requiring integrated permit processes by June 30, 2027, including a
single permit responsible official who must also serve as the State Environmental Policy Act
responsible official when the local government is the lead agency and a single point of contact
to coordinate internal and interagency review. The House Appropriations Committee held a
public hearing on the bill on February 5. Supporters of the bill, including the Master Builders
Association, the Building Industry Association of Washington, the Housing Development
Consortium, and others, argued that the bill brings needed clarity and predictability to the
permit -review process by standardizing completeness determinations, applying review
deadlines to additional permitting entities, and imposing fee -refund penalties when deadlines
are missed. Water and sewer districts testified "Other," expressing concern that applying the
same deadlines and refund penalties to independent utilities risks subordinating essential
public -health and engineering standards to land -use permitting timelines. They urged clearer
statutory language preserving utilities' independent authority and ensuring that utility
approvals remain distinct from project -permit decisions. The committee is scheduled to vote on
the bill on February 7.
Permit -Ready Housing Plans: Senate Bill 6015, sponsored by Sen. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia),
directs the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to publish compliant factory -built housing
plans on a public -facing website, develop model ordinances that local governments must adopt
or match, and cap permit -ready review fees at cost and below standard plan review levels while
limiting local code compliance reviews to elements not covered by the state -approved plans.
On February 4, an amended version of the bill passed out of the Senate Housing Committee
unanimously. The changes require L&I to create agreements with permit -ready plan designers,
set maximum licensing fees, and expand required plan information to include wildfire hazard
levels. It extends local review timelines, exempts factory -built housing using permit -ready plans
from local aesthetic and design standards, and prevents jurisdictions from denying land -use
applications based on those standards. It also broadens the definition of permit -ready plans to
include factory -built commercial structures, grants L&I rulemaking authority, sets an effective
date of July 1, 2028, and directs L&I to coordinate with Commerce and the State Building Code
Council. The Senate Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6015 on
February 6. The Association of Counties & Association of Regional Planning Directors testified in
support of the bill but urged shifting the bill to a pilot program with a small cohort of counties
GTH-GOV 7
and cities to avoid duplicating or disrupting existing local pre -approved -plan efforts and to work
out implementation issues before a statewide mandate. There was no testimony in opposition.
Utility Connection Charge Deferral: Senate Bill 6096, sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner (R-
Dryden), as amended by the Senate Housing Committee, requires, by 2030, all cities and towns
that charge water and sewer connection fees to offer a program allowing applicants for
residential building permits for new single-family detached, single-family attached, and
multifamily housing to defer one-time water and sewer connection charges until late in the
construction process. The bill requires jurisdictions to either defer payment until final
inspection or until a certificate of occupancy or equivalent approval is issued, while prohibiting
issuance of those approvals until the deferred charges are fully paid, and clarifies that the
required deferral programs apply only to utility connection charges —not impact fees —and that
"connection charges" are limited to one-time capital and administrative costs imposed for the
physical connection to existing infrastructure; the substitute bill further limits these new
deferral requirements to cities and towns that have not already implemented a deferral system
as of the act's effective date. The bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee.
Residential Required to Be Allowed in Commercial Zones: House Bill 2480, sponsored by
Rep. Chipalo Street (D-Seattle), and Senate Bill 6026, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-West
Seattle), is Governor -request legislation that requires jurisdictions with a population of 30,000
or more to permit residential uses in commercial and mixed -use zones and removes the
authority for cities to require ground floor commercial. The House version of the bill was not
approved by the House Local Government Committee and is not advancing. The Senate version
of the bill was amended and approved by the Senate Housing Committee to allow cities to
impose ground -floor commercial requirements in transit -oriented development areas and in
20% of other areas of the city
The Senate Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6026 on February S.
The Lieutenant Governor, builders, housing advocates, several cities, and many others testified
in support of the bill, calling it a key housing measure because it opens large amounts of
underused commercial land for homes and removes mandatory ground -floor retail that often
makes mixed -use projects uneconomical. Notably, the cities of Everett, Spokane, and
Bellingham expressed support at the hearing. The Association of Washington Cities and many
individual cities testified in opposition, warning that restricting where ground -floor commercial
uses can be required could undermine long -planned employment centers, reduce long-term
sales -tax revenue, and override carefully developed subarea plans meant to foster urban
villages and job -rich districts. Counties signaled conditional support pending amendments. The
Senate Ways & Means Committee will consider several amendments to the bill when they
consider approving it on February 9.
Homelessness Public Space Rights: House Bill 2489, sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-
SeaTac), prohibits cities, code cities, and counties from enforcing ordinances that criminalize or
penalize life -sustaining activities in public spaces by people experiencing homelessness unless
adequate alternative shelter space is available. An amended version of the bill was voted out of
GTH-GOV 8
the House Housing Committee on February 2, but is not expected to advance any further this
session. The changes clarify that state criminal law enforcement is unaffected, specifying that
only citations, charges, or prosecutions in violation of the bill are invalid. It expands and clarifies
rules around shelter verification, interlocal agreements for regional shelter capacity, and
conditions under which inadequate shelter space does not violate the bill." The bill is now in
the Rules Committee.
Infrastructure and Frontage Improvements: Senate Bill 6274, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon
(D-Shoreline), requires cities and counties to identify infrastructure barriers that may constrain
the feasibility of housing development, including public infrastructure and frontage
improvement requirements that disproportionately affect infill or middle housing. The bill
directs jurisdictions to evaluate whether local street, frontage, and right-of-way standards are
consistent with adopted land use and housing goals, including infill development and missing
middle housing, and to periodically review and, if needed, revise street and frontage
improvement standards and related public works design standards on the same schedule as
comprehensive plan updates. On February 2, the Senate Local Government Committee voted
on the bill on a 4-1 vote. The bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee.
Miscellaneous
PFML Premium Rate Methodology: Senate Bill 5292, sponsored by Sen. Steve Conway (D-
Tacoma), replaces the current formula -based approach to calculating Paid Family and Medical
Leave (PFML) premiums with actuarially determined rates aimed at ensuring long-term
solvency and establishing a four -month reserve by the end of rate collection year 2030, without
changing the existing statutory cap of 1.20 percent on the total premium rate. The sponsor of
the bill shared that the bill is intended to stabilize PFML funding using the same
forward -looking actuarial methodology used for state pensions. The bill was approved by the
Senate Labor Committee, and referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee, which held a
public hearing on Senate Bill 5292 on February 2. At the hearing, the Washington State Labor
Council and Building Industry Association of Washington testified in support of the bill, calling it
a straightforward, data -driven reform that aligns PFML rate setting with actuarial best practices
and a more appropriate four -month reserve target.
Public Safety & Behavioral Health
Automated License Plate Privacy Regulations: Senate Bill 6002, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin
Trudeau (D-Tacoma), establishes comprehensive limits on when agencies may use automated
license plate reader (ALPR) systems, including exempting data from public records disclosure
and limiting data retention to 21 days except in certain instances.
On February 4, Senate Bill 6002 was brought to the Senate floor, amended, and passed 40-9.
The floor amendments refine ALPR regulations by removing authorization and data -retention
requirements for photo toll system use, clarifying that traffic safety and toll cameras are
GTH-GOV 9
excluded from ALPR rules (though some tweaking is still needed to this language), narrowing
Consumer Protection Act applicability to ALPR contractors with government agencies, and
eliminating the manual plate -entry requirement, while further prohibiting ALPR vendors from
providing Washington ALPR data to nonauthorized parties or altering systems (including
updates that affect sharing) without the contracting agency's knowledge and explicit consent,
requiring default "no sharing" settings, and clarifying that "privacy" in annual reports
specifically concerns data collection, retention, access, and sharing policies. The amendments
did not expand the types of crimes that can be solved with ALPR data, though several Senators
acknowledged the policy will continue to be refined. The House will continue the policy
dialogue as its chamber now considers the Senate version of the bill. The House version of the
bill, House Bill 2332, will not advance forward.
Indigent Defense Task Force: Senate Bill 5912, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres (R-15th LD),
reinstates and updates a statewide indigent defense task force to evaluate how Washington
provides, funds, and staffs legal representation for people who cannot afford counsel, including
in rural and underserved areas. The task force must review current indigent defense delivery
systems statewide and report recommendations to the Governor, Supreme Court, and
Legislature by January 1, 2028, and will expire on June 30, 2029. The bill specifies a broad
membership, including representatives of the courts, bar, counties, cities, public defense
providers, prosecuting attorneys, county clerks, and individuals from underrepresented
populations with lived experience of indigent defense services, and the Office of Public Defense
(OPD) is directed to provide staff support to the task force. On February 5, the Senate adopted
floor amendments and passed the bill unanimously. The change directs OPD to provide staff
support for the task force. The bill will now go to the House for consideration.
Law Enforcement Qualifications: Senate Bill 5974, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick (D-Mill
Creek), provides eligibility, certification, background investigation, and accountability
requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, and sheriff candidates, , and establishes
new rules for volunteers, youth cadets, and specially commissioned officers in cities, and
counties. The Senate Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on February 5.
Supporters emphasized that the bill strengthens public safety and accountability by requiring
sheriffs to meet consistent professional standards, uphold constitutional and state laws, and
undergo proper vetting. AWC and Washington State Association of Counties testified as
"Other." AWC's concerns focused on the volunteer -restriction section, arguing that last year's
HB 2015 already tied grant funding to similar voluntary limits and that making slightly different
restrictions mandatory would force agencies to retool twice with no evidence of significant
volunteer -management problems. Counties raised an issue with the timing and cost required
for background checks of sheriff candidates and suggested aligning timelines with 60-day
appointment windows and limiting expensive full investigations to finalists after primaries, so
counties are not forced to pay $8,000—$10,000 per candidate. Opponents argued that this
legislation undermines the independence of the sheriff's office and shifts authority from voters
to state agencies or unelected boards. They contend elections already provide sufficient
accountability and warn that added background checks, oversight layers, and new
disqualification criteria are redundant, costly, or unconstitutional. Several emphasized
GTH-GOV 10
preserving the traditional, voter -controlled nature of the sheriff's role, while others raised fiscal
and safety concerns, including the repeal of certain custody -related protections and the bill's
overall financial impact on counties.
Reducing Cost Through Reform
Litigation Financing Regulations: House Bill 2255, sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen (D-Kirkland),
creates a new regulatory framework for third -party litigation financing agreements, including
disclosure requirements, limits on funders' control and recovery, and consumer -protection
remedies, and is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. The bill should reduce city liability. The
bill passed out of the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on February 4. The bill is now in
the House Rules Committee.
Transportation/Public Works
Sewage Grinder Pump Preemption: Senate Bill 6234, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-
Lynnwood), preempts cities, towns, counties, and water -sewer districts from prohibiting
sewage grinder pumps for new residential buildings that rely on low-pressure sewer systems
where gravity -based sewer service is not feasible. An amended version of the bill was voted out
of the Senate Local Government Committee on February 2 on a 4-1 vote. The changes update
terminology by replacing "residential buildings" with "single-family residences," add public
utility districts to the list of jurisdictions that cannot prohibit sewage grinder pumps under
certain conditions, and adjust the criteria under which such bans are disallowed. It also clarifies
that property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing grinder pumps unless the
utility takes ownership, and allows utilities to step in, make repairs, and bill the owner if
needed. The bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee.
GTH-GOV 11
Mard Patterson
From: Monique <moniquehawkins199410@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 3:54 PM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: The sale of Kratom
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
Hello council members. I am writing here today to express my concern about the ordinance that would prevent the sale
and distribution of Kratom. My name is Monique and I have lived in Spokane and Spokane Valley most of my life. About 8
and a half years ago I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease. I went into medical debt and the pain I felt was so
severe I couldn't get out of bed. About two years after my diagnosis a friend introduced Kratom for my pain. Because of
this I got my life back. I can be a mom, a full time employee and I even go to the gym to work out everyday. If it wasn't
for Kratom I would be bedridden.
I beg you to consider implementing regulations instead of banning it all together. A blanket ban would not only hurt
small businesses — it would devistate everyday residents like me who are using kratom responsibly to manage pain and
keep our lives stable.
If Council feels it must act, I'm asking you to regulate rather than ban: make sales 21+ only, restrict synthetic/high-
potency "enhanced" products (including 7-OH products), and keep plain kratom leaf/powder legal for adults.
Thank you for your time,
Monique
Mard Patterson
From: Misty Brown <mistyb05l2@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 11:19 AM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: Ordinance 26-003 First Read: Adopting SVMC 7.55 — Kratom Sale & Distribution
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
I would like to submit a written public comment for February 10, 2026.
Dear Members of the City Council,
There is a critical scientific difference between whole -leaf kratom and the products being sold today as
"7-hydroxymitragynine," or 7-OH.
Whole -leaf kratom is simply the dried leaf of Mitragyna speciosa. Its primary alkaloid is mitragynine.
When someone consumes kratom, the human body naturally converts only a very small amount-
typicaLLy well under one percent -into 7-OH through normal liver metabolism. This process is slow and
self-limiting.
By contrast, the 7-OH products now appearing on the market contain laboratory -isolated or chemically
converted 7-hydroxymitragynine in amounts far beyond what the human body could ever produce from
kratom leaf. At those levels, 7-OH behaves much more like a conventional opioid and carries much
higher risk.
When these high -potency 7-OH products are lumped with natural kratom, it leads to misleading risk
assessments and poor public policy. Regulating or restricting 7-OH does not require banning whole -leaf
kratom-and that distinction matters, because kratom saved my life.
From 2008 to 2019, 1 lived trapped in FDA -approved pain pills, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxers
prescribed for my degenerative disc disease. Over 11 years, chronic pain management turned into full-
blown addiction. What began as dependency slowly became a cycle of misuse, desperation, and shame.
In April of 2019, 1 was dismissed from pain management after failing a required pill count. I was short on
my medication and couldn't find what I needed. Cut off from prescriptions, I turned to the streets, and in
that desperation, I slipped into cocaine use while trying to find another doctor.
By June of 2019, 1 was in withdrawal and at rock bottom when I watched a documentary called A Leaf of
Faith. That moment changed everything. The next day, I walked into a shop, showed my ID, and bought
whole -leaf kratom..not synthetic 7-OH.
Kratom quieted the relentless cravings. The voice that kept saying, "one more pill, one more snort, one
more escape," finally went silent. For the first time in over a decade, I felt stable. Kratom gave me the
breathing room to heal and allowed me to rebuild my life.
I have not returned to pain management in over six and a half years. Today, I am a thriving mother, a first-
time grandmother, and a contributing member of society. I am no longer a burden to my children. I am an
example of recovery.
I will always be grateful that I had access to safe, lab -tested, whole -leaf kratom. And that is why I speak
out to protect others who are still fighting for their lives.
Misty Brown
Kratom Consumer, Advocate & Activist est. 2019
Marci Patterson
From: David Woolf <go4itbass@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 12:53 PM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: Please protect Plain Leaf Kratom
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
Feb. 10, 2026
Melody Woolf
Kalamazoo, MI
re: SVMC 7.55
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to ask you not to ban the sale of Plain Leaf Kratom, which has a long history in our
country of safe use for helping with chronic pain. I do agree with banning the dangerous
metabolite 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), also slated to be banned at the federal level. In fact,
in a recent Oval Office press conference, FDA Commissioner Makary just mentioned that 7-
OH was the problem, not plain leaf Kratom.
Thank you for allowing me to add my voice to this very important issue. I bring with me 12
years of positive lived experience with plain leaf Kratom. I was the only Kratom advocate in
the country to be welcomed to the HHS press briefing stage last July by FDA Commissioner
Makary. Soon I will be attending the Kratom Science Symposium at the University of Florida,
where any concerns could be brought to leading scientists in person.
For over 20 years, I lived with chronic pain from fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, and other
conditions. Before consuming kratom, I was often bedridden and required assistance, which
affected my ability to participate fully in family life.
Eleven years ago, I began consuming plain -leaf kratom, and it gave me back my mobility and ability
to fully engage with my family. In 2022, when my daughter and son-in-law's childcare closed
unexpectedly, I provided full-time care for my granddaughter, saving them approximately $50,000.
This past summer, with major home repairs and high childcare costs, I again cared for my 3%2-year-
old granddaughter for four months, chasing her all over town — weekly trips to the Zoo, the library,
and every nearby splash pad.
I participate in local and state -level meetings on kratom regulation and spoke one-on-one with roughly
200 state legislators at the NCSL conference. I will be attending a scientific symposium again this
year, where I will share my personal experience alongside researchers and regulators. I was also
asked to speak at a joint HHS/FDA press briefing about the benefits of kratom and to distinguish it
from the dangerous 70H.
Outside of advocacy, I sing in a chorus, performing for nursing homes and assisted living facilities as
a form of community service, helping bring joy and connection to others.
My personal experience demonstrates the profound impact kratom has on function, family life, and
community engagement, and underscores the importance of patient perspectives in informing science
and policy.
We support protecting plain leaf Kratom, with common sense, science -led regulations such as an age
gate, and truthful packaging, while prohibiting products containing over 2% of 7-OH.
Please do not ban plain leaf Kratom for those who take it responsibly. My number is 269 873-
9592. More information and the science is found on my Linkedln Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-woolf-
366a7bl46?utm source=share&utm campaign=share via&utm content=profile&utm medium=ios a
PP
Best regards,
Melody Woolf
Marci Patterson
From: gina berkley <daisy23432@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 12:00 PM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
Subject: Spokane Valley City Council — Kratom Ban Ordinance
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
Hello,
I would like to submit a public comment for the Spokane Valley City Council Meeting on
12/20/2026 regarding Ordinance 26-003 that could potentially ban kratom sales in Spokane Valley.
My name is Gina and I am a resident of Rathdrum, Idaho, but I spend a fair amount of time in
Spokane Valley. I am a kratom consumer and I oppose a ban on natural kratom products. Natural
kratom has been safely used for centuries in Southeast Asia and here in the United States. I prefer to
use natural kratom products in place of ADHD medications because it helps me focus and maintain
motivation without the harsh effects of medication. I've been a kratom consumer for approximately 10
years with zero negative effects or dependence. I am in full support of responsible age restrictions
and quality standards for kratom manufacturing, but a ban would punish responsible users like
myself. Unfortunately there are products like 7-OH that some people try to say is the same thing as
kratom, but it is not, tarnishing the reputation of natural kratom. There needs to be a clear
understanding between natural kratom leaf and synthetics like concentrated 7-OH, which is not the
same thing as kratom.
I ask that you please consider age restrictions and manufacturing standards, not prohibition. Here are
a couple of links that give some real science -backed information from two of the leading experts on
kratom:
Dr. Jack Henningfield, Pinney Associates and Johns Hopkins University:
https://youtu.be/oZ49TIFF8el
Dr. Chris McCurdy, University of Florida:
https://youtu. be/KBRXbRcydoE
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Gina Rogers
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