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Home My WebLink About2026, 02-17 Formal B MeetingMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Meeting Formal B Format Tuesday, February 17, 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 (via Zoom) John Hohman, City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Pam Haley, Councilmember Robert Blegen, Public Works Director Ben Wick, Councilmember Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator Michael Kelly, Councilmember John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney Al Merkel, Councilmember (via Zoom) Chelsie Walls, Finance Director Dave Ellis, Police Chief Jill Smith, Communications Manager Virgina Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Dan Domrese, Accounting Manager John Whitehead, HR Director Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager Eric Robison, Housing & Homeless Coordinator Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist Marci Patterson, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Norm Thomas with Valley Assembly Church 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. Mayor Padden and Councilmember Merkel attended the meeting via Zoom. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Councilnernber Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS: Mr. Lance Beck, You Rock Recognition Award Deputy Mayor Hattenburg announced Mr. Lance Beck as the You Rock Recognition recipient for February. Mr. Beck accepted the You Rock Award and thanked the council for the award. He spoke briefly about his role with Spokane Valley Chamber and noted that he was looking forward to his new role at GSI. PROCLAMATIONS: National Sportsmanship Day Deputy Mayor Hattenburg read the proclamation and Mr. Phil Champlin with the HUB Sports Center accepted the proclamation and spoke about the importance of sportsmanship with our youth sports. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After the Mayor explained the process, she invited public comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Sue Delucci, Spokane Valley provided comments. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Resolution 26-002: Surplus Items — Dan Domrese It was moved by Councilmember Haley, seconded to approve Resolution 26-002 declaring as surplus certain personal property of the City. Mr. Domrese provided a brief explanation of the surplus items and the need Council Meeting Minutes: 02-17-2026 Page 1 of 3 Approved by Council: 03-31-2026 to surplus those items. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: infavor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried. 2. Motion Consideration: Ci1y Safe1y Program — Adam Jackson It was moved by Councilrnember Haley, seconded to authorize the City Manager or designee to apply for the City Safety Program grant for the projects identified in Table I of the RCA. Mr. Jackson provided brief details on the program and the applications that would be submitted and noted that the costs have been included with this RCA. He provided a few photos of the locations/projects that would be included in the application process. Council discussed the funding, the crash information timeline, the safety requirements and the locations of the crossings. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg invited public comments. Ben Lund, Spokane Valley; Linda Klesch, Spokane Valley provided comments. Vote by acclamation: infavor: Mayor Padden, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, Councilmembers Yaeger, Wick and Haley. Opposed: Councihnembers Merkel and Kelly. Motion carried. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg called for a ten minute break at 7: 05 p. in. NON -ACTION ITEMS: 3. Admin Report: Homeless Program Update — Eric Robison, Officer Spiewak Mr. Robison and Officer Spiewak presented a PowerPoint presentation on the Homeless Program Update. The update included background information on the program, the program data and outcomes, a map of the 2025 outcomes and locations of the calls for services, lists of the 2026 Frontier Health Behavioral Totals, lists of the 2025 Homeless Outreach Officer Totals, the total data points included RVs, shopping carts, abandoned camp, graffiti and other vehicles. They also detailed the trends and challenges, noting that the railroad properties still continue to be a challenge, and that the invisible homelessness /instability show no sign of slowing down. He provided photos of some of the camps. Council discussed various topics throughout the presentation. 4. Admin Report: Placement of Public Art — Virginia Clough Ms. Clough presented a PowerPoint presentation that included a review on the Spokane Valley Arts Council (SVAC), the number of sculptures placed, and the number of sculptures that remain unplaced and still being created. Ms. Clough gave details on what the sculptures look like and when they anticipate being completed. She also spoke about some considerations that SVAC would like taken with the placement of the pieces and what the pieces mean. Ms. Clough spoke about possible locations for the pieces that have yet to be placed. She noted the Flora Park Cross Course, the Pines Cemetery, the STA Park and Ride, and Avista Stadium. Council discussed various locations for the artwork and gave consensus to potentially have Owl Woman at the Pines Cemetery, Otter Woman at the Doris Morrison Learning Center at Saltese Lake, Sun blessing at the new STA plaza location at Mullan/Argonne, and Soulmates at the Valley Mall. Ms. Clough noted that she would contact the locations and report back with availability. 5. Admin Report: Budget 101 Discussion, Part Two — Chelsie Walls Ms. Walls presented a PowerPoint presentation on the budget and finance overview, part two. Her presentation included a review of the major revenues, recurring vs nonrecurring activity, the fund balance, reserve funds, and outstanding debt. Ms. Walls further detailed the major revenues including; Sales Taxes, Property Taxes, Services Charges — Permitting revenues and Parks & Recreation/CenterPlace revenues, Fuel Taxes, Utility Tax— Telephone, Real Estate Excise Taxes, Lodging Taxes & Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Fees, and Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Vehicle License Fees. Ms. Walls noted that the sales taxes, general sales taxes are the largest revenue source for the City and account for 49% of General Fund revenues, they also account for 24% of City-wide revenues, RCW 82.14 Local Retail Sales and Use Taxes; SVMC 3.05 Sales and Use Tax, may be used for any governmental purpose, collected by Dept of Revenue, destination -based sales tax, and major sales tax drivers in the City include auto sales, big box stores, and construction. Ms. Walls provided graphs on sales tax, property tax details with graphs and collection rates, information on service charges, fuel tax collections, utility tax information, real estate excise tax data, Lodging taxes and TPA Fees, and TBD Vehicle License Fees. Ms. Walls continued the presentation with an explanation of recurring vs nonrecurring activity, details on fund balance, reserve funds information and Council Meeting Minutes: 02-17-2026 Page 2 of 3 Approved by Council: 03-31-2026 what the reserve funds are at the city, the outstanding debt and noted that the city utilizes a "pay as you go" philosophy to minimize debt. She closed the presentation with a review of the next steps and noted the Winter Workshop and Budget Workshop dates. INFORMATION ONLY: (will not be reported or discussed) GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Deputy Mayor Hattenburg stated that the general public comment rules still apply and called for public comments. No comments were provided. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Merkel spoke about the referee bill in legislation. Councilmember Kelly had nothing to report. Councilmember Haley had nothing to report. Councilmember Yaeger had nothing to report. Deputy Mayor Hattenburg had nothing to report. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Padden spoke about taxes at the state level, the unelected board at the state level that could be electing sheriffs and provided a quote from President Reagan. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS City Manager Hohman spoke about a video shown for an award the Walker Construction received. It was a Build Northwest Award for Walker Construction for Flora Park Cross Course development. Mr. Hohman noted the Special Meeting this Thursday at 3:30 ptn with Cardinal Infrastructure and that the Winter Workshop would be on the 24"' and start at 8:30 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Councibnember Haley, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 8: 46p.m. ST: Ma r-J Patterson, City Clerk L paa�� Laura Padden, Mayor Council Meeting Minutes: 02-17-2026 Approved by Council: 03-31-2026 Page 3 of 3 PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COPUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 p.m. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY #1 Please sign up to speak for up to THREE minutes and the Mayor will afford the public the opportunity to speak. The public comment opportunity is limited to a maximum of 45 minutes. You may only speak at one of the comment opportunities, not at both public comment opportunities. R ►�� PLEASE PRINT TOPIC YOU WILL SPEAK YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE ABOUT L Please note that once information is entered on this form, it becomes a public record subject to public disclosure. Spokane jVallev � 10210 E Sprague Avenue ❑Spokane Valley WA 99206 J Phone: (509) 720-5000 ❑ www.SpokaneValleyWA.gov Memorandum To: Mayor and City Council From: Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator Date: February 17, 2026 Re: Gordon Thomas Honeywell — Government Relations Legislative Report — Feb. 14, 2026 Please find attached Gordon Thomas Honeywell's legislative report providing a recap of the Legislature's action during the week of Feb. 9-14. The Legislature reached its Fiscal Committee cutoff on Feb. 9 and each chamber is considering bills that advanced through the committee process. Bills need to pass their chamber of origin by today (Feb. 17) and Legislators continue to work on potential solutions to budget needs. SB 6346, the Millionaire's Tax Proposal, proposes to establish a 9.9% tax on individual or household income above $1 million per year, starting in 2028. • Highlights the need for cities and counties to fund increased public defense to meet new caseload standards adopted by the WA State Supreme Court. • Counties have sued the state for not fully funding public defense. • The Legislature responded by indicating that 7% of the revenue generated would be allocated to cities and counties to meet those standards, with cities receiving 10% and counties receiving 90%. o Counties are pushing to increase the 7% to 10%. o AWC is advocating that the 10% allocated to cities be increased to 25%. • Includes sales and use tax exemptions for grooming and hygiene products, resulting in cities collectively losing $10 million throughout the state. • Additional revenues generated by the bill would be used to expand eligibility for the working families tax credit, double eligibility for the small business B&O tax exemption, and early sunset of a B&O tax surcharge. • The Senate passed the bill, 27-22, on Monday, Feb. 16. Transportation Budget Funding The report highlights how transportation budget writers are debating how to best fund pavement preservation for the state's transportation system. The Governor's proposed budget includes bonding transportation revenues to generate $3.1 billion. Budget writers on both sides of the aisle do not wish to bond revenues to pay for an ongoing cost. Budget Release The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council was expected to release updated revenue forecasts on Feb. 16 and each chamber is expected to release budget proposals the week of Feb. 22. High impact bills that were. being considered (as of Feb. 14) and if not approved by Feb. 17, they will no longer be under consideration (Feb. 17 updates are added to this memo): • HB 1443 —Mobile Dwelling Homes (still on floor calendar) • HB 2266 -STEP Housing Regulations (passed the House; 2/20 public hearing) • HB 1622 — Collective Bargaining (did not pass through committee) • HB 2442 — Providing Local Govt's tax resources & fund flexibility (passed House) 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 6026 - Residential required to be allowed in commercial zones • HB 1717 - Affordable Housing Sales Tax Remittance Programs • HB 1859 — Expanding opportunities for affordable housing developments on properties owned by religious organizations • HB 2304 — Increasing the supply of condominiums • SB 6027— Funding & exemptions for providing and maintaining affordable housing • HB 5729 — Streamlining permitting to encourage affordable housing construction • HB 2418 — Concerning permit review processes • HB 2420 — Increasing small works roster contract limits • HB 2165 — Concerning false identification as a peace officer • SB 5890 —Addressing reckless driving in cases involving excessive speed • SB 5974 — Modernizing/Strengthening laws concerning sheriffs, police chiefs, etc. • SB 6110 & HB 2374 — Addressing electric -assisted bicycles & electric motorcycles The report also lists over 20 bills that died with the fiscal committee cutoff. Today is the 37th day of the 60-day short session, scheduled to end on March 12. GORDON THOMAS HONEYWELL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS City of Spokane Valley Legislative Report February 14, 2026 SESSION CUTOFF CALENDAR February 17, 2026 Chamber -of -Origin Deadline February 25, 2026 Opposite Chamber Policy Committee Deadline March 2, 2026 Opposite Chamber Fiscal Committee Deadline March 6, 2026 Opposite Chamber Deadline March 12, 2026 Session adjourns - Sine Die Weekly Overview Legislators are now meeting in their respective chambers, considering bills that advanced through the committee process. Monday, February 9 marked the second cutoff deadline of the session. Bills that did not advance out of a fiscal committee are no longer moving forward unless they have been designated "necessary to implement the budget" (NTIB), which exempts them from cutoff deadlines. Bills now need to be approved by their chamber of origin by Tuesday, February 17. As of this writing, the House has passed 117 bills, and the Senate has passed 167 bills. Behind the scenes, legislators continue working on potential solutions to address budget needs. Public Defense Funding within the Millionaire's Tax Proposal: Cities and counties have highlighted with lawmakers the need for increased public defense funding to meet new caseload standards adopted by the Washington State Supreme Court. Counties have taken a further step to sue the state for not fully funding public defense. In response, the Legislature has indicated in SB 6346 that 7% of the revenue generated by the proposed Millionaire's Tax would be allocated to cities and counties to meet public defense standards; cities would get 10% of the funding, counties would get the remaining 90%. Counties are pushing for the 7% to be increased to 10% to allocate additional resources to the overall amount distributed to public defense. Additionally, the Association of Washington Cities is advocating that the 10% allocated to cities be increased to 25%. Also included within the Millionaire's tax proposal are sales and use tax exemptions for grooming and hygiene products, which will result in cities collectively GTH-GOV 1 losing $10 million throughout the state. Additional revenues generated by the proposal would be used to expand eligibility for the working families tax credit, double eligibility for the small business B&O tax exemption, and early sunset of a B&O tax surcharge. The Senate is anticipated to vote on Senate Bill 6246 on Monday. The bill proposes to establish a 9.9% tax on individual or household income above $1 million per year, starting in 2028. Transportation Funding - To Bond or Not to Bond? Transportation budget writers are actively debating how best to fund pavement preservation for the state's transportation system. The Governor's proposed budget proposed bonding transportation revenues enacted during the 2025 session to generate $3.1 billion to fund pavement preservation and ferries. The Puget Sound Regional Council circulated a letter this past week supporting those efforts. Meanwhile, transportation budget writers on both sides of the aisle have pushed back on the Governor's proposal, noting that they do not want to bond revenues to pay for a cost that is ongoing. While the bonding capacity concept is being explored, infrastructure priorities also remain under pressure, with the ferry system facing a $500 million to $1 billion funding gap by 2031 and the Interstate Bridge Replacement likely requiring a reduced scope to match available funds. Democrat and Republican legislators called for increased stakeholder engagement to navigate these hurdles and advocated for a new, disciplined statutory blueprint to replace the outdated 2007 plan. The focus remains on balancing critical preservation and maintenance with the necessity of a modernized long-term investment strategy. Democrat leaders detailed a constrained fiscal landscape for Washington's transportation sector, marked by rising costs, declining revenue, and debt service now consuming 12-13% of the budget. While no new taxes were slated for this year, Democratic leaders emphasized the need for sustainable revenue, specifically proposing a highway user fee based on miles per gallon to address the shift toward high -efficiency vehicles. Budget Release Timing: Budget writers for the operating, capital, and transportation budgets are meeting regularly to develop budget proposals that will be released later this month. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council will release updated revenue forecasts on February 16, providing budget writers with the most up to date revenues. Each chamber is expected to release budget proposals the week of February 22. There are several high -impact bills that the House and Senate may be considering in the coming days. If the chambers do not approve these bills before the cutoff deadline, they will no longer be under consideration: Mobile Dwelling Homes: House Bill 1443, sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-33rd LD), requires cities to allow "homes on wheels" (e.g. RVs, travel trailers, and tiny homes on wheels) on residential lots under specific conditions. The bill was considered during the 2025 legislative session and was moved to the House floor calendar earlier this week. A new striking amendment has been released for consideration. House members are actively debating the merits of the bill; cities have been expressing concerns about the health and safety impacts of utilizing temporary sleeping vehicles for permanent housing solutions. Rep. April Connors (R-Kennewick) has offered an amendment to the GTH-GOV 2 striking amendment, narrowing the bill to tiny homes on wheels, removing RVs and travel trailers. STEP Housing Regulations: House Bill 2266, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D- Edmonds), preempts cities' ability to site and regulate shelter, emergency housing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on the bill on February 6 and on February 9 voted 16- 13. Several of the members on the committee — including Rep. Larry Springer (D- Kirkland), and Rep. My-Lihn Thai (D-Bellevue) voted against the bill and committed to working to amend the bill on the floor. The bill is now on the House floor calendar and amendments are actively being discussed. - Al Collective Bargaining: House Bill 1622, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Parshley (D-22), requires employers to negotiate with employee representatives over the adoption or modification of Al technologies that impact wages or performance evaluations. The bill was considered during the 2026 session, at which time local governments expressed strong concerns. The bill is in the Rules Committee; however, have been made aware of efforts to bring it up for a vote. New Revenue Authority: House Bill 2442, sponsored by Rep. April Berg (D-Mill Creek), is an omnibus local government revenue flexibility and enhancement proposal includes updates to existing REET revenues to add nuisance abatement as an allowable use; creates a new voter approved local option REET for affordable housing; establishes a new local option sales tax for services for children and families; creates more flexibility for the existing local option housing sales tax; and expands the time frames for voter approved levy lid lifts to up to 10 years. The bill needs to be voted on by the House. 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. 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. GTH-GOV 3 Residential Required to Be Allowed in Commercial Zones: Senate Bill 6026, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-West Seattle), is Governor -request legislation that removes the authority for jurisdictions with a population of 30,000 or more to require ground floor commercial or mixed use development outside of transit -oriented development areas. The bill was amended in the Senate Housing Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee to .add exemptions to areas such as business improvement areas, main street areas, and tax increment financing areas. Notably, language was added to allow cities to maintain mixed use and ground floor requirements in 20% of all zoned areas outside of transit -oriented development areas. With these exemptions, many cities indicated they would be neutral on the proposal. However, when the bill was considered on the Senate floor, an amendment was accepted that stated that cities may only maintain mixed use and ground floor requirements in 20% of existing commercial and mixed -use areas — a significant limitation compared to what was approved in committee. With the acceptance of that amendment, many cities expressed opposition to the bill. On February 13, the Senate adopted floor amendments and passed the bill by a vote of 36-12. In addition to the 12 Senators voting against the bill, several Senators voted in favor of the bill but stated that the bill needs further adjustments in the House. One of those Senators is Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, Senator Jesse Salomon (D- Shoreline), click here to view his speech. Senator Leonard Christian (R-Spokane Valley) voted against the bill, click here to hear his remarks favoring local control. The bill will next be considered in the House Local Government Committee. Other Policy Issues Housing Affordability Affordable Housing Sales Tax Remittance Programs: House Bill 1717, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), creates new voluntary sales and use tax remittance programs allowing cities and counties to refund or share taxes on qualifying affordable housing projects that commit at least 50% of units to long-term income -restricted households, applying to local taxes only. The bill was amended on the House floor to add a cap on the percentage of residential housing that may be owned by a person or household within a project for units to qualify as affordable, housing for remittance eligibility. It unanimously passed the House on February 11. The Senate Ways & Means Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill on February 19. Religious Organization Affordable Housing Density Bonuses: House Bill 1859, sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond), modifies the current requirement that cities and counties must grant increased residential density for affordable housing developments on property owned or controlled by religious organizations, by lowering the affordability set -aside threshold from 100% of units to either 50% of units to be affordable at 80% AMI and below, or 20% of units to be affordable at 50% AMI and below. The current version of the bill does not include the originally proposed sales tax deferral due to fiscal concerns with the budget deficit. On February 11, the bill passed the House with a vote of 94-1. The Senate Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill on February 20. GTH-GOV 4 Condominium Warranty Changes: House Bill 2304, sponsored by Rep. Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way), expands when developers of smaller condominium buildings can substitute express warranties and warranty insurance for implied warranties by allowing this option for buildings with up to twelve units and four stories. The bill requires specified minimum coverage periods and defect recovery rights for both unit owners and associations when express warranties are used. On February 10, the House passed the bill 94-0, and the Senate Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on February 18. Affordable Housing Revenue Flexibility: Senate Bill 6027, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D- West Seattle), allows existing affordable housing revenues to support acquisition, rehabilitation, and long-term operation of affordable housing, with explicit caps on administrative and supplanting uses. The Senate Ways & Means Committee voted 15-1 on February 9 to advance a second substitute version of the bill. On February 13, the Senate adopted a floor amendment and approved the bill by a vote of 30-18. The amendment requires a county that imposes the chemical dependency, mental health, or therapeutic courts sales and use tax after a city in that county (that imposed the tax before October 9, 2015) to consult with that city rather than enter into an interlocal agreement. Permit Streamlining: Senate Bill 5729, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gildon (R-25th LD), states that local jurisdictions may not charge applicants for third -party peer review of development submittal materials when those materials have already been reviewed by a licensed professional employed by the jurisdiction whose license is within the same scope as the submittal materials, unless there is a dispute between the jurisdiction's staff and the applicant, while also allowing jurisdictions to use a third -party licensed professional at the applicant's cost in lieu of staff review. On February 12, the bill passed the Senate on a 48-1 vote. Miscellaneous Permit Review Streamlining: House Bill 2418, sponsored by Rep. Davina Duerr (D-Bothell), modifies state and local project permit procedures, primarily for residential projects, by clarifying completeness standards as procedural rather than substantive, tightening coordinated timelines, extending fee -refund accountability to state agencies and special purpose districts when deadlines are missed, and requiring integrated permit processes by June 30, 2027, including a single permit responsible official for residential project permit applications who must also serve as the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) responsible official when the local government is the lead agency for a residential project and a single point of contact to coordinate internal and interagency review. On February 7, the House Appropriations Committee passed an amended version of the bill out of committee. The changes require appointing a permit official who makes final administrative decisions only for residential project permit applications, rather than for all permit types. This official must also serve as the SEPA responsible official only for residential projects where the local government is the lead agency. On February 13, the House passed the bill unanimously with the amendments from the committee, along with floor amendments. The changes clarify that a special-purpose district's GTH-GOV or public utility district's determinations on service availability, capacity, infrastructure needs, or civil plan review are not considered project permits. It establishes separate residential permit review timelines for these districts, requires them to make timely completeness determinations, and sets specific deadlines for completing permit reviews —with certain periods excluded from the review clock. If a district misses its review deadline, it must refund 20% of the collected review fee, and all districts must submit permitting data to specified counties and cities for annual reporting. Small Works Roster Expansion: House Bill 2420, sponsored by Rep. Janice Zahn (D-Mercer Island), incrementally raises the maximum contract amount eligible for small works roster procurement, allowing the limit to increase from the current $350,000 to $650,000 over a phased period while reinforcing competitive pricing and bid procedure requirements and retaining existing documentation, direct contracting, and public access provisions. On February 12, the House passed the bill unanimously. Public Safety & Behavioral Health False Identification as Peace Officers: House Bill 2165, sponsored by Rep. Edwin Obras (D- SeaTac) is Governor -request legislation that creates a new gross misdemeanor offense for manufacturing, possessing, or displaying items or vehicles that falsely identify a person or object as law enforcement, including misrepresenting objects or vehicles as belonging to a law enforcement agency. On February 11, an amended version of House Bill 2165 passed the House with a party -line vote. The changes further clarify permissible possession of law enforcement insignia. The Senate Law & Justice Committee will hold a public hearing on February 19. Excessive Speed Recklessness: Senate Bill 5890, sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall (R-10, Oak Harbor), modifies Washington's reckless driving statute to add driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit as an alternative way to commit the offense, restates the existing gross misdemeanor penalties, and beginning in 2029 requires certain high-speed offenders to use intelligent speed assistance technology during a probationary period following license suspension. A person is guilty of reckless driving if they operate a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property or drive more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Floor amendments adopted on February 13 make technical corrections to align the new provisions with existing court case management system constraints. On February 13, the Senate adopted floor amendments and approved Senate Bill 5890 on a 45-3 vote. Law Enforcement Qualifications: Senate Bill 5974, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick (D-Mill Creek), changes eligibility, certification, background investigation, and accountability standards for sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, and sheriff candidates, and regulates the use of noncertified personnel by law enforcement agencies, including establishing new rules for volunteers, youth cadets, and specially commissioned officers in cities and counties. On February 9, the Senate Ways & Means Committee voted 15-8 to advance the second substitute GTH-GOV 6 bill; the full Senate subsequently approved the bill on February 12 by a party -line 30-19 vote. During the floor debate on the bill, eight amendments were offered by Republicans; all were rejected. 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. Concerns raised by AWC and the Washington State Association of Counties focused on the volunteer -restriction section have not been addressed. Cities and counties are concerned that last year's House Bill 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 to 10,000 dollars 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. The House will consider the bill next. Transportation/Public Works Electric Bicycle and Electric Motorcycle Regulation: Senate Bill 6110, sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and House Bill 2374, sponsored by Rep. Janice Zahn (D-Mercer Island), narrows the definition of electric -assisted bicycles to exclude vehicles capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour on motor power alone and those designed to be easily modified to exceed existing motor power or speed limits, and directs the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to recommend a regulatory framework for electric motorcycles and similar vehicles by December 15, 2027. Notably, Senate Bill 6110 does not include a definition of electric motorcycle. On February 11, the Senate adopted a floor amendment to include a non-profit in the work group and approved the bill on a 42-7 vote. House Bill 2374 continues to be under consideration and is currently on the House floor calendar, awaiting a vote. This version of the bill does include a definition of electric motorcycle. Fiscal Committee Cutoff Highlights: Below are some of the local government -related bills that died with the fiscal committee cutoff. House Bill 1256 —"Buy America" Procurement Requirements House Bill 2021— Public Works Infrastructure Bonds House Bill 2267— Urban Forestry Management Framework House Bill 2359 —Affordable Housing Funding Alignment House Bill 2502 — Local Sales Tax Exemptions House Bill 2559 — Short -Term Rental Excise Tax for Housing GTH-GOV 7 House Bill 2583 — Local Lodging Tax Authority Senate Bill 5650 — Local Cannabis Excise Authority Senate Bill 5882 — PTSD Coverage for Local Corrections Workers Senate Bill 5043 / House Bill 1070 — PTSD Coverage Expansion Senate Bill 5763 / House Bill 1969 — Law Enforcement Aviation and Wildfire Response Senate Bill 5884 — Parking Lot to People Incentives House Bill 2233 / Senate Bill 5965 — Retail Bag Regulations Senate Bill 6015 — Permit Ready Housing Plans Ready Housing Plans Senate Bill 6154 — Local Culvert Permitting Flexibility Senate Bill 6154 — Local Culvert Permitting Flexibility Senate Bill 6225 —Transportation Preservation Bonds Senate Bill 6287 — Kratom Product Regulation Senate Bill 6243 —Autonomous Vehicles Regulatory Framework House Bill 2526 — Prostitution House Bill 2648 — Local ICE Enforcement Interactions GTH-GOV 8 Marci Patterson From: lora@plantsandherbals.org Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 4:04 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment Cc: Dr. Heidi Sykora; John Shinholser Subject: Public Comment - February 9, 2026 - Ordinance 26-003 Attachments: Kratom Education - January 2026.pdf; Lora Romney Testimony Nov 2025.pdf; HeidiSykoraBioTestimonyl00625.pdf, Legislator's Guide to Kratom and 7-OH.pdf; John Shinholser - AVKS.pdf; Example Ordinance 10.23.25.docx [EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or clicking links. Lora Romney— President of International Plant & Herbal Alliance — Salt Lal<e City, UT Dear Spokane Valley City Council — I am writing because I noticed that you will be discussing a I<ratom ordinance in your upcoming city council meeting. The information I am sharing in this email may be helpful as you consider this important issue. I have found that there is often significant confusion —especially when it comes to distinguishing between natural kratom and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Your ordinance outlines a full ban of natural I<ratom and synthetic 7-OH products. Passing a comprehensive ban will hurt those in your community that rely on Kratom to control their pain and those that use Kratom as a harm reduction tool to stay off illicit drugs and alcohol. Please read the information below and in attachments I am sharing. At a minimum, please listen to the two short videos highlighted in yellow. Byway of introduction, my name is Lora Romney. I am a nine-year I<ratom consumer who uses natural Kratom to manage severe chronic facial pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia). Kratom has been a critical part of my health journey. I am also a I<ratom advocate, educator, and the president of the International Plant & Herbal Alliance (www.plantsandherbals.org). I deeply respect your commitment to public health and safety, and I urge you to consider the complexity of this issue carefully. A local ban on I<ratom could have serious unintended consequences —especially for individuals like me who rely on natural Kratom to manage chronic pain, reduce anxiety, and support harm reduction. Like many others, I've found that kratom not only improves quality of life but also helps consumers avoid more dangerous alternatives such as opioids or illicit substances. Thoughtful regulation —not prohibition —is the most effective path forward. If your council is like many I've contacted across the country, you may be worl<ing with limited and often inaccurate information about kratom—especially the difference between natural kratom leaf and potentially dangerous semi -synthetic derivatives, such as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These semi - synthetics are not kratom. They are chemically created from one trace metabolite of the kratom plant. They 14 times more powerful than morphine and science has shown they can cause respiratory depression similar to opioids. 7-OH (and other synthetically derived kratom alkaloid products) had no safety record prior to market entry, and to date, there has been no science confirming any safe use of these products. This video accurately illustrates how potent 7-OH products are in comparison to natural kratom products. They absolutely need to be removed from your store shelves. 7-OH Consumption - V3.mp4 - Google Drive On July 29, 2025, the FDA held an emergency press conference warning of the public health threat posed by 7-OH products and announced they were working with the DEAto begin scheduling these synthetic compounds. Commissioner Marty Makary made clear that the FDA is nottargeting natural kratom. He stated: "We are not targeting the kratom leaf or ground kratom. We are targeting the concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid. " Short Video Segment Quoting FDA Commissioner Makary regarding 7-OH and Kratom: 8-6-25 Makary.mp4 - Google Drive Since the FDA press conference, the 8-Factor Analysis has been completed on 7-OH. The findings are that 7-OH products should be schedule one. We are awaiting action from the DEA. Since 7-OH did not pass the 8-Factor Analysis, we expect an emergency scheduling for these products. In the meantime, it would be in your cities best interest to pass a local ordinance that bans 7-OH products and regulates natural kratom. Currently there is consumer protection legislation called the Kratom Consumer Protection Ordinance that many communities have passed. Nineteen states have passed versions of this bill as well. I know that there are currently state regulation bills in play, but they are still in process. This is why it is imperative foryou as a board to pass a similar ordinance. This ordinance sets the following regulations: 1) Age restriction (typically21+) 2) Strict GMP regulations for safe packaging and distribution. 3) Appropriate labeling based on requirements for dietary supplements: ingredients, serving size, warnings, etc. 4) Language that restricts the amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine (or other synthetic kratom derivatives) allowed in the product. This will mirror the FDA's recommendation from the July 29 press conference and effectively remove all 7-OH products (and other synthetics) from your store shelves. Alongside my colleagues John Shinholser and Dr. Heidi Sykora, we present education to local governments like yours. • John Shinholser— a leader in the addiction recovery community and director of American Veterans for Kratom Safe. • Dr. Heidi Sykora — a retired nurse practitioner and a 6-year kratom consumer managing multiple rare health conditions. • Lora Romney— a kratom advocate, 9-year kratom consumer for pain relief and President of International Plant & Herbal Alliance. We support the American Kratom Association (AKA), which advocates for the Kratom Consumer Protection Ordinance (KCPO)—a commonsense regulatory framework explained above that protects public health without punishing responsible consumers. We respectfully request the opportunity to provide a no -cost educational Zoom session (45 minutes with Q&A) to your city council to help you learn more about this issue and how you can responsibly regulate. We believe that better education leads to better policy. Our education covers: 1. What kratom is and why consumers use it (pain relief, anxiety, harm reduction). 2. The science and safety data behind kratom. 3. The dangers of synthetic products like 7-OH. 4. The latest guidance from the FDA and DEA. 5. What the Kratom Consumer Protection Ordinance would mean for your community. We are confident your board will find this information helpful and enlightening. Additional Resources Attached: 1. A PowerPoint PDF on kratom's science and common myths. (a similar PowerPoint would be presented at the educational training) 2. A Legislator's Guide to Natural Leaf Kratom (mitragynine) Versus 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7- OH) 3. My personal kratom testimony. 4. Testimonyfrom Dr. Sykora. 5. A message from American Veterans for Kratom-Safe. 6. Draft of a city ordinance that regulates kratom and bans synthetics. We hope you will consider advocating for smart regulation rather than a complete ban. Education, good regulation, and not prohibition, is the most effective way to protect the public. We would be honored to present at an upcoming city council meeting or to schedule a Zoom session at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please reach out to me with questions and to schedule this education so that you will be prepared to pass good regulation in your city. Lora Romney 801-557-1144 International Planta��Herbal itl{:'Slli'r`JiSVri:fl: F`:ilt$Lrii-�III�HCE 0 _ Virus-free.www.avast.com vi n c6 CIOUQ a) �_, N E Q. (% Q cn - W N � E 0 • cu �- +-+ Q) — � +, i i E t'1�i0 0 � U � C6 C o �' cn4-1 C..) 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U O N � ��► W cu aCh °'Lm Q Q 0 W N U) a) :3 m O M } E L. co E a. W �' o L C 0 v J C `D Y v Y E a) _ c 2 c_ _ a)CY U c = d `ma O Cl) f— co U C O c 4- v L Lora Romney — Patient Testimony I am a patient with Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (ATN). This disease causes severe facial nerve pain that never stops. It presents in my sinus regions on both sides. Imagine an ice cream headache that never goes away. This is what I experience daily. This disease is called "the suicide disease" because it can be one of the most painful conditions to live with. I have been struggling with ATN for the past 13 years. I have tried everything to control my pain: brain surgery, a nerve stimulator implant in my face, blocks, lidocaine infusions, chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy and over 30+ medications to try and decrease this pain. I was referred to a pain clinic after my neurologist exhausted all options for me. Under the care of a pain physician, I was given two oxycodone per day. This dose of oxycodone was not enough to control my excruciating pain. It gave me relief for approximately 4-5 hours. This meant that for 16 hours of the day and night, I did not have any pain control. I suffered immensely. Since I had tried all available options to control this pain, I began looking at alternative solutions. I heard about the plant kratom that many were using successfully to help control their TN pain. I decided to try it. Amazingly enough, I got instant relief. My pain did not go away, but it moved from an 8-9 to a 2-4 with the use of a low dose of kratom. I still have very bad days where nothing really helps, but the majority of the time, I can function very well. I am an 8-year kratom consumer. Kratom has allowed me to discontinue my daily opioid prescription! Kratom is a solution to the opioid epidemic! Patients like me need pain control options. I read stories every day of patients who are being forced off their pain medication and given no other options. While taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain control works for some, when people have severe illness and pain, these over-the-counter meds do not help. What is not understood by many lawmakers and physicians is that you cannot survive at constant 8-10 level pain for an extended period of time without snapping. Mentally this amount of pain changes your brain, and suicide becomes a real option. We don't want to die. We want to live! I don't take kratom to get any sort of a high. In fact, the reason I love kratom is that is makes me feel more normal! There is no physical craving for this supplement. The only craving I have is the desire to have my pain drop a few points. Pain patients are the silent minority in this country. We are the ones who have no voice. We are hidden away in our homes, unable to work, go to lunch, and even drive a car at times. All we are asking for is compassion and access to medication and natural supplements that give us some quality of life. Sometimes I lay awake at night thinking about the real possibility that kratom could become illegal. What would I then do for pain control? That is a thought that haunts me. Opioids are no longer available to most patients. I could not live at level 9-10 which is what I would be at without pain control. The answer for me has been Kratom. I am grateful every day that it is legal and that I have the option to use this supplement. Please give pain patients a voice! Please stand up for the weak and helpless in this country's population. Support the Kratom Consumer Protection Act which ensures adult kratom consumers like me can access pure, non -adulterated kratom that has been GMP verified. Currently the adverse events being reported are most frequently coming from 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) synthetic products and not from pure kratom. 7-OH products SHOULD be banned since they are not kratom. Please do not assume that these products are the same. 7-OH is NOT kratom. By regulating and not banning kratom, you are showing those that rely on kratom to treat their pain, anxiety and even drug withdrawals with kratom truly matter. You have the power to keep us functioning so we can give back to society and take care of our families. Thank you! Lora Romney (801)557-1144 loraromney@gmail.com Dr. Heidi Sykora, DNP, GNP -BC (Retired) Retired Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Executive, and Advocate for Safe Access to Plant -Based Therapies I'm a retired Nurse Practitioner and healthcare executive with more than three decades of experience leading clinical innovation and patient -centered care. I've directed multihospital oncology programs, opened the region's only post -acute brain injury unit, and was honored with the Milwaukee Biz Times Healthcare Hero Award for visionary leadership. I've taught at the graduate level and held advanced certifications in geriatrics, oncology, brain injury, and clinical nursing. Today, I advocate for safe access to plant -based therapies -especially kratom-because I've lived what the data often overlooks. I live with multiple rare and painful conditions, including Chiari Malformation, Tethered Spinal Cord, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. After exhausting pharmaceutical options and experiencing serious adverse effects, I found kratom to be the only effective and tolerable solution for pain control. Kratom reduces my pain enough to stretch and exercise, which prevents further injuries and debility. It improves my focus, balance, and sleep. I've taken it safely for over six years without side effects. Thanks to natural leaf kratom, I can enjoy time with my grandchildren and maintain a better quality of life. I've also witnessed natural leaf kratom's benefits for Veterans with PTSD, individuals with rare neuromuscular conditions, and those recovering from substance use disorders. support the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) because it ensures that adults who benefit from kratom have access to safe, tested, and accurately labeled products. For me, it's kratom or nothing. And for many others, it's hope. Selected Publications Home Care and the Patient Taking Kratom. Home Healthcare Now, 2025. PubMed PM I D: 40019266 • Kratom: A Nurse Practitioner's Perspective on Patient -Centered Regulation. Kevin MD, 2024. Read article Contact Heidi Sykora, DNP, GNP -BC (Retired) 25921 W. Elmwood Ave, Wauconda, IL 60084 '(DI Heidi.sykora1@gmaiLcom I t.. 262-573-7848 AMERICAN KRATOM ASSOCIATION POLICY BRIEF A Legislator's Guide to Natural Leaf Kratom (mitragynine) Versus 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-01-1) Background Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. For centuries, its leaves have been used by laborers in fields in Southeast Asia for an energy boost and for minor pain relief. In the United States, kratom is widely used as (1) a replacement for a cup of coffee for an energy boost and increased focus; (2) a natural alternative to manage common aches and pain, anxiety, and; (3) to support individuals suffering from acute and chronic pain, and for those in that category who are trapped in opioid addictions, kratom has been found to help those addicted to opioids to wean off those highly addictive and potentially deadly opioids. 7-OH is not present in the natural kratom plant. It is a metabolite that occurs during the drying of the leaves after they are harvested from the kratom trees. That oxidization during drying produces only trace amounts of 7-OH during this process and at those levels pose no safety risk to consumers. The Difference Between Natural Leaf Kratom and Chemically Manipulated 7-OH Products Natural leaf kratom products, whether pure leaf or properly manufactured extracts using naturally limiting food grade solvents, have as their main component the kratom plant alkaloid known as mitragynine. 7-OH products are deliberately manipulated to chemically flip the content of a product to be majority 7-OH and that product content is described by FDA Commissioner Makary as follows: "7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic".' There are only trace amounts of mitragynine, if any, in these 7-OH products. Chemically Manipulated 7-OH Has Been Recommended to be Classified as a Schedule 1 Compound by HHS and the FDA While natural leaf products have a well -documented safety profile for consumer use with only trace amounts of 7-OH, chemically manipulated 7-OH products have been determined by HHS and FDA to pose an imminent threat to the safety of consumers. On July 29, 2025, the scheduling recommendation was transmitted to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-prod ucts- threatening-american-consumers American Kratom Association + 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 + Gainesville, VA 20155 September 2025 Is Natural Leaf Kratom Safe? Yes -- when manufactured responsibly with accurate labeling and age restrictions on purchasing. Key evidence includes: ■ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has funded over $100 million in research that confirms kratom has a lower risk profile than opioids and has potential as a harm - reduction tool. ■ The FDA has acknowledged that kratom-related deaths are rare and typically involve adulterated or polydrug use. ■ Former HHS Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir, in 2018, rejected the FDA's request to ban natural leaf kratom as a Schedule I substance, citing "embarrassingly poor evidence" and "failure to consider overall public health." ■ Millions of Americans use kratom daily with no serious adverse effects, and 18 states have passed Kratom Consumer Protection Acts to ensure responsible regulations assure product safety through product formulation standards, proper labeling and age restrictions for purchase. Conclusion Kratom is a natural botanical that, when regulated for purity and serving sizes, is a safe and effective product used by millions of Americans. The American Kratom Association advocates for regulations on kratom products and 18 states have enacted Kratom Consumer Protection Act legislation. Chemically manipulated 7-OH products did not meet the federal requirements for market entry in 2023 when they were first introduced. The emerging threat to consumers of chemically manipulated 7-OH compounds compels states to act to remove these products from the marketplace today. American Kratom Association + 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 + Gainesville, VA 20155 September 2025 JOHN SHINHOLSER, AMERICAN VETERANS DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY FOR KRATOMSAFE! Shinholser@americankratom.org An American Kratom Association Program KratomAnswers.org am John Shinholser, the Advocacy Director for the American Kratom Safe Initiative. I'm a USMC veteran, a father, son, husband, and a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorders, having been sober for over 42 years. My qualifications listed below allow me to testify expertly to the value of genuine Kratom products made from plants that meet FDA GMP standards. encourage you to please verify anti-kratom information for scientific proof. Observe the motives of other industries and agencies. Be advised that there is a lot of misinformation about Kratom. Many experts observe that a repeat of prohibition and the damage it caused to the United States is at stake. The failed war on drugs is in full effect. Harmful kratom bans will exacerbate the loss of constitutional freedoms and liberties, whereas commonsense kratom regulations address most, if not all, of the concerns associated with genuine kratom products. Personal Kratom Experience Around 2012, Kratom began appearing on the random drug tests for participants in our substance use disorder recovery program; these individuals exhibited no signs of substance use and were exemplary participants, in contrast to those on pharmaceutical medications like methadone, suboxone, and other psychotropic drugs, which were clearly visible. When we inquired about what kratom was and why they used it, they explained that it helps with their anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, as well as alleviating opiate cravings, among other issues. Then we started hearing that it helps alleviate the harsh detox symptoms of opiate withdrawal. In 2016, we conducted a "pilot survey" in collaboration with a scientist, a sober home facility and a processor. Essentially, we took to the streets and engaged 30 opiate addicts, offering them a week in sober living along with access to natural powdered Kratom. Of those, 29 out of 30 participants successfully completed 7 days opiate -free, with many ending up completely substance -free by the end (we utilized a step-down Kratom system), much like the old days with buprenorphine. Shortly after this survey, Virginia expanded Medicaid, and now it seems there's a Suboxone clinic on every block. spent manyyears connecting with thousands of kratom consumers nationwide. I reviewed over 500 scientific studies to understand the "good, bad, and ugly deeply." Many abused legal products like airplane glue, Nitrous Oxide "laughing gas", cold medicines etc. are typically regulated as needed and are rarely banned. This is what I find to be factual and truthful... • The "vast majority" of responsible adult consumers of genuine kratom products do not experience issues with consumption. Additionally, kratom serves as a solution for many conditions, problems, or purposes of use. • Few consumers misuse kratom; accordingto a Johns Hopkins study, kratom has a 3% addiction potential. Keep in mind addiction is a mental illness, in part that means addiction has more "to do" with gene mapping and other underlying conditions. Natural kratom products compared to other addicted products is one of the safest substances to be addicted to. • The few consumers who become addicted can typically access clinical interventions or other recovery pathways and may successfully recover fully. • The only objections I have witnessed to regulating kratom for over-the-counter sales come from suboxone doctors, pharmacists, bureaucrats, trial lawyers, and individuals impacted by their loved ones' addictions. • Fentanyl and other opiate addicts use kratom in their search for their next fix to alleviate cravings. Additionally, both illicit and legal drug users, as well as alcohol users, turn to kratom to minimize harm or stop using more dangerous substances. • For those who "chase the dragon," natural kratom products have a "ceiling" regarding its psychoactive effects and does not suppress heart function. Essentially, it is nearly impossible to overdose on kratom. When taken in higher doses, it acts as a partial agonist (like buprenorphine) rather than a full agonist like opiates. • Every case I've encountered where a consumer experienced an adverse effect has been due to adulterated products, overconsumption, polydrug use, an unknown or undiagnosed medical condition, or abuse. • Kratom has significantly contributed to the reduction of our nation's overdose deaths. It has also played a crucial role in decreasing other substance use disorders, such as alcoholism, prescription misuse, and the illicit use of various substances. • Responsible adult consumers seek the freedom to choose healing botanicals rather than feeling compelled to use pharmaceuticals, which often cause more harm in many instances. • Veterans, retirees, individuals with chronic pain, and underserved populations view kratom as essential support for enhancing their quality of life. • Virginia has enacted a Kratom Consumer Protection Act along with eighteen other states. This law allows adults to access FDA regulatory guidance on GMP products over the counter. Virginia does not have issues with authentic GMP kratom products and does not face a public safety problem. Scientific evidence indicates that kratom has minimal to no effect on driving. In simple terms, kratom works effectively! • Special interest groups and uninformed ideologues have demonized kratom. • Good American adult consumers are horrified, angry, and frustrated that their "solution" is colonizing them and destroying their lives. • The 1994 DSHEA Act congressionally guarantees that genuine kratom products may be imported and processed according to FDA regulatory guidelines for good manufacturing practices. • The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has heavily invested in kratom research and clearly supports its development, as have many other industry leaders. Kratom has well over 500 scientific studies completed, with more than 100 peer -reviewed. Many of our nation's (and worldwide) universities and medical research institutions have ongoing human trials and studies. • https://vimeo.com/711837665 • The FDA clearly shows a bias against kratom and oversteps its authorityto undermine the value of kratom, suspiciously guarding its funding resources. In simple terms, Kratom saves lives and is highly beneficial for responsible over-the- counter access for adults. Yes, it does need regulation, much like the 16 other states that have successfully done so. Kratom is an excellent harm reduction tool, one of the best I have ever encountered. know you have plenty of scientific evidence. When the facts and the truth are combined with common sense, all will be well. Qualifications: John Shinholser served as President and then as President Emeritus of the McShin Foundation. It was founded in 2004 and named after its two recovering co-founders, John Shinholser and Carol McDaid Virginia's largest and most valued Authentic Recovery Community Organization. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran and previously owned a successful contracting business for over 30 years. He was President of the Richmond Chapter of the Painting and Decorating Contractors Association during that time. John also served as president of Central Virginia's SAARA (Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance) and was a former SAARA of Virginia board member from 2001 to 2005. He spent twelve years on the board of directors of Rubicon, Inc., the last two as Chairman (1999-2013), at the time, Virginia's most comprehensive substance abuse treatment facility (230 beds). John was a subject matter expert for The Peer Recovery Center of Excellence, a peer -led national center providing training and technical assistance for substance use disorder recovery based at the University of Missouri -Kansas City (UMKC). This center was authorized under Section 7152 of the SUPPORT Act for patients and communities and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). John served on the National Peer Recovery Alliance board in 2022 and 2023. In 2005, John was honored with the prestigious America Honors Recovery Award from the Johnson Institute, being one of six recipients recognized nationally that year. Along with his wife, Carol McDaid, he also received the Caron Foundation's Outstanding Alumni Award in 2005. In 2006, John was awarded the coveted OSAS (Virginia State Office of Substance Abuse Services) Award of Virginia for Significant Contributions to the Field of Substance Use Disorder Recovery, making him the first member of the recovering community to receive this honor. John received the Visionary Leadership Award from the Virginia Summer Institute for Addiction Studies in 2022. Under John's leadership, McShin won the Recovery Community Organization of the Year Award for the United States and the Joel Hernandez Award presented by Faces and Voices of Recovery at a Washington D.C. ceremony in June 2011. Additionally, under John's guidance, McShin claimed the national SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) Recovery Month 2011 Flicker Award. McShin also won the SAMHSA Special Event of the Year award in 2014. John was honored as a nominee for the Richmond Times Dispatch 2016 Person of the Year. The McShin Foundation is a nationally accredited recovery community organization (CAPRSS). The Council on Accreditation of Peer Recovery Support Services (CAPRSS) is the only accrediting body in the U.S. specifically for Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) and other programs offering addiction Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS). John co -wrote the McShin Recovery Coach manual and was featured in numerous publications, including Addiction Professional Magazine, Newsweek, The Richmond Times Dispatch, The Mechanicsville Local, Richmond Free Press, The Free Lance -Star of Fredericksburg, VA, North of The James Magazine, and many other local papers across Virginia, the U.S., and the U.K., as well as in the Virginia Association of Community Service Boards 2005 Annual Report. He has appeared in various news broadcasts and national documentaries, including Face the Nation, The Anonymous People, and Heroin, the Hardest Hit, to name a few. The McShin training curriculum is state -approved in WV, CT, and NY. John is an approved NAADAC CE Provider in all 50 states. Arkansas has adopted the McShin Model for its emerging Recovery Community Organizations. John served as an appointed citizen member of the Virginia General Assembly's joint Senate/House subcommittee on substance abuse from 2008 to 2010 (S177). He was also a member of the Henrico County Drug Court Advisory Council and acted as an Honorary Deputy for the Richmond City Sheriff's Office. In 2013, John graduated from the Hanover County Sheriff's Citizens Police Academy. In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly honored John Shinholser, Carol McDaid, and McShin with House Resolution 738, recognized McShin as a pioneer in establishing the peer recovery support model, Recovery Community Organization, and Recovery Residence model in Virginia. John was acknowledged on the House floor of the U.S. Congress (118th) on December 1 st, 2023, by Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. State Senator VanValkenburg presented John with SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 174 from the 2024 Virginia General Assembly. McShin was the first Virginia organization to train and certify peers; it was also the first National Alliance of Recovery Residence in Virginia. John traveled the country to provide authentic recovery coach training, and he and Carol traveled to Wales in 2011 to participate in the first U.K. recovery walk along with the launch of The Living Room in Cardiff, a Recovery Community Center. John has conducted multiple tours in the U.K., delivering recovery training, and has crisscrossed the country, providing recovery talks and training in correctional facilities across forty-six states. John has testified, presented, facilitated, and been a keynote/featured speaker over a thousand times at various conferences, conventions, work groups, and forums on topics of recovery and solutions for substance use disorders. John retired from McShin on 12/31/2023 and is currently the Director of American Veterans for Kratom Safe. He resides in Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, with his wife Carol and is working on his autobiography. He has enjoyed long-term recovery since August 10th, 1982. 1 ORDINANCE NO. XXXX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY/COUNTY PROHIBITING THE SALE, DISTRIBUTION, AND POSSESSION OF 7- HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE (7-OH) PRODUCTS AND THE REGULATION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS. WHEREAS, it is the intent of the xxxx city/county to prohibit the sale, distribution, or possession of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) within the city/county that contain more than 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the alkaloid fraction or 1 mg/serving of 7-01-1, recognizing the significant health risks associated with elevated concentrations of this alkaloid; and WHEREAS, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves are often consumed in powdered or extract form for their stimulant and sedative effects; and WHEREAS, the active compounds in kratom include mitragynine and 7- hydroxymitragynine. While mitragynine is present in higher concentrations, 7- hydroxymitragynine is more potent and is largely responsible for the stronger pain - relieving, sedative, and euphoric effects; and WHEREAS, 7-hydroxymitragynine binds to opioid receptors in the brain and has been shown to have euphoric and mood -enhancing effects, particularly at higher doses, which can increase its appeal for recreational use; and WHEREAS, 7-hydroxymitragynine has demonstrated pharmacological properties consistent with potential for recreational use, abuse, and dependence. The FDA's 2025 assessment characterizes 7-01-1 as a potent MOR agonist with high abuse potential and risk of severe dependence stating, "Critically, 7-01-1 produces respiratory depression, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms characteristic of classical opioids, such as morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone" (source: The Abuse Potential of 7- Hydroxymitragynine (7-01-1) According to the 8 Factors of the Controlled Substances Act): and WHEREAS, scientific research and health advisories have raised concerns over the safety of kratom products, particularly those with higher concentrations of 7- hydroxymitragynine, which may increase the potential for abuse and harm to public health; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to restrict the sale and distribution of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine products containing more than 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the alkaloid fraction, thereby reducing potential risks to public health and safety. 2 THE CITY/COUNTY of STATE, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. SECTION 2. Insert language here if any section or code is amended to add a new Article X entitled "Prohibition on Sale or Distribution of 7-OH and Other Synthetic Kratom Derivative Products, and the Regulation of Kratom Products" to read as follows: ARTICLE X. PROHIBITION ON SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF 7- HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE (7-OH) PRODUCTS, AND THE REGULATION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS. Sec. XXXX. Authority and Purpose. This article is enacted pursuant to the City's plenary police powers to protect public safety, health, and welfare. The express purpose of this article is to protect public health and safety by regulating access to kratom products containing more than 2% of 7-OH in the alkaloid fraction or 1 mg/serving. Sec. XXXX. Definitions. For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply. (a) 7-0H product" means a product containing 7-hydroxymitragynine. (b) "Attractive to children" means any of the following: (1) Use of images that are attractive to children, including, but not limited to, images of any of the following, except as part of required health warnings: (A) Cartoons, toys, or robots. (B) Any real or fictional humans. (C) Fictional animals or creatures. (D) Fruits or vegetables, except when used to accurately describe ingredients or flavors contained in a product. (2) Likeness to images, characters, or phrases that are popularly used to advertise to children. (3) Imitation of candy packaging or labeling, or other packaging and labeling of cereals, sweets, chips, or other food products typically marketed to children. (4) The terms "candy" or "candies" or variants in spelling, such as "kandy" or "kandee 3 (5) Brand names or close imitations of brand names of candies, cereals, sweets, chips, or other food products typically marketed to children. (6) Any other image or packaging that is easily confused with commercially available foods that do not contain kratom and are typically marketed to children. (7) Any other packaging used that is attractive to children, considering all relevant facts and circumstances. (c) "Kratom leaf means the leaf of the kratom plant, also known as mitragyna speciosa, any form. (d) "Kratom leaf extract" means the material obtained by extraction of kratom leaves by any means. (e) "Kratom product" means a product consisting of kratom leaf, kratom leaf extract, or both. (f) "Total kratom alkaloids" means the sum of mitragynine, speciociliatine, speciogynine, paynantheine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine in a kratom product. Sec. XXXX. Prohibition on Sale or Distribution of Kratom Products. (a) Except as otherwise authorized by law, an individual, business, or other entity shall not sell, attempt to sell, offer, provide, or distribute a kratom product to a person under 21 years of age. (b) Except as otherwise authorized by law, an individual, business, or other entity shall not sell, attempt to sell, offer, provide, or distribute a kratom product or 7-OH product with a level of 7-hydroxymitragynine that is greater than 2 percent of the total kratom alkaloids in the product, or 1 mg/serving of 7-OH. (c) Except as otherwise authorized by law, an individual, business, or other entity shall not sell, attempt to sell, offer, provide, or distribute a kratom product that is attractive to children. (d) Any individual, business, or other entity that sells, attempts to sell, offers, provides, or distributes a kratom product shall conduct age verification to ensure compliance with subdivision (a). Sec. XXXX. Packaging of Kratom Products. (a) Packaging of a kratom product offered for retail sale shall be child- resistant for the life of the product. Both of the following packages are considered child -resistant for the purposes of this section: Sec. XXXX. Violations and Penalties. Insert appropriate violation language here. 0 SECTION XXX. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION XXX. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its passage. SECTION XXX. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and shall post or publish this Ordinance as required by law. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of xxx on this insert date. 2/17/2026 City Council Remarks — 20-Year Economic Planning & Housing Market Context 04 Good evening Mayan, Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, members of the City Council, and City leadership. My name is Ben Lund. I've been a Spokane Valley resident for 36 years and have proudly served Spokane and Spokane Valley through our locally owned business for 26 years. We are truly blessed to live in one of the best -managed cities in Washington State. That is largely because of our council-manager form of government — elected policy leadership paired with professional administration. That governance model has provided fiscal stability, infrastructure delivery, and predictable growth planning. As we move into the planning stages of our 20-year economic development strategy, I'd like to add some housing market context for consideration. I have worked closely for approximately 20 years with Property Management Partners, owned by Kris and Jenn Wagner. Yesterday, I spoke with Kris about current rental market conditions. He indicated that average "days on market" for rental units — particularly 2- and 3- bedroom apartments — is now running three to four weeks. That is a notable shift from prior years. He also mentioned that the broader Spokane market appears to have slightly overbuilt in recent cycles. In Spokane Valley specifically, we have two very large apartment complexes scheduled to come online in 2026. That additional supply will enter a market that may already be softening. As we finalize the 20-year plan, I would respectfully suggest that we monitor: • Homeownership rates • Rental vacancy trends • Days -on -market data • Absorption rates for new multifamily units • Long-term balance between owner -occupied and rental housing Strategic growth is different from unchecked growth. We want healthy occupancy, stable property values, and sustainable neighborhood development — not underutilized structures that strain infrastructure and depress surrounding investment. We already have some underutilized commercial and residential structures in certain corridors. Careful calibration now can help prevent over -supply conditions later. Thank you for your time and for your continued leadership in keeping Spokane Valley strong and well -managed 20 - Year Economic Develo menf &als • Homeownerskip Wes • Ren+a( Vacunny Trends • Days - on - Marke.+ Da+a • 4scrp+lon of New Unl+s • DWner - OCUAFIed us Ren+aIs �ar �t --1 i �- -