HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026, 04-07 Formal A MeetingMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Meeting
Formal B Format
Tuesday, April 7, 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
Laura Padden, Mayor
Tim Hattenburg, Deputy Mayor
Pam Haley, Councihnember
Michael Kelly, Councilmember
Ben Wick, Councilmember
Al Merkel, Councilmember
Absent:
Jessica Yaeger, Councilmember
Staff
John Hohman, City Manager
Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager
Gloria Mantz, City Services Administrator
Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney
Chelsie Walls, Finance Director
Jared Kiehn, Assistant Police Chief
Virgina Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator
Jill Smith, Communications Manager
John Bottelli, Parks & Rec Director
John Whitehead, HR Director
Glenn Ritter, Senior Engineer
Mike Basinger, Community & Econ. Dev. Director
Caitlin Prunty, Deputy City Attorney
Jonny Solberg, IT Specialist
Marci Patterson, City Clerk
INVOCATION: Pastor Ray White with Valley Church of the Nazarene provided the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council, staff and the audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Scout
Troop 437 lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Patterson called roll; all Councilmembers were present except Councilmember
Yaeger. It was moved by Councihnember Kelly, seconded and unanimously approved to excuse
Councihnember Yaeger.
APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded and
unanimously agreed to approve the amended agenda.
SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS:
PROCLAMATIONS: Public Health Week
Mayor Padden read the proclamation and Dr. Velazquez with the Spokane Regional Health Department
accepted the proclamation and spoke about the importance of public health in our community.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: After the Mayor explained the process, she invited
public comments. No comments were offered.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. First Read: Ordinance 26-005 Virtual Currency Kiosks — Caitlin Prunty, Sergeant Bloomer
Clerk Patterson read the title of the Ordinance and then it was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded
to advance Ordinance 26-005, adopting chapter 7.60 SVMCprohibiting Virtual Currency Kiosks in the City
of Spokane Valley, to a second reading. Ms. Prunty, Assistant Chief Kiehn and Sergeant Bloomer presented
Council Meeting Minutes: 04-07-2026 Page 1 of 4
Approved by Council: 05-26-2026
a PowerPoint presentation that included a review of the definition of cryptocurrency, the current fraud trends,
the local impact to our community, and a review of the draft ordinance presented in the packet. Sgt. Bloomer
spoke about some of the local victim impacts on our community. Council discussed the number of cases
within the last year, the fees on the machines, and clarification on some of the definitions. Mayor Padden
invited public comments; no comments were provided. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous.
Opposed.- None. Motion carried.
2. Motion Consideration: South Sullivan Preservation (8th to 24th) Bid Award — Erica Amsden
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to award the South Sullivan Rd Preservation to
Selland Construction, Inc. in the amount of $3,937,220 and authorize the City Manager to finalize and
execute the construction contract. Ms. Amsden provided details on project and the bids received. She went
over the bid tab spreadsheet and the photo of the project. Mayor Padden invited public comments; no
comments were provided. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Unanimous. Opposed.• None. Motion carried.
2. Motion Consideration: Balfour Park Sports Courts Bid Award — Glenn Ritter, John Bottelli
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to award the Balfour Sports Courts Project to Liberty
Landworks for the Base Bid and Alternates I and 2 in the amount of $473,254.81 plus applicable sales tax
and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the construction contract. Mr. Bottelli gave a brief
background on Balfour Park and Mr. Ritter spoke about the project and the low bidder being Liberty
Landworks and noted that the project should start in May once approved. Council discussed the alternatives
on the project. Mayor Padden invited public comments; no comments were provided. Vote by acclamation:
in favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion carried.
2A. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity: National Highway iway Freightgram (NHFP)
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Hattenburg, seconded to authorize the City Manager or designee to confirm
with WSDOT staff that the City will provide $1.6Mtowards the Barker/I-90 Interchange project's PE Phase
if awarded $2M of NHFP funding and no other funding is secured. Ms. Mantz spoke about the project and
the grant application as well as the funding that is available for the project. She also provided a brief
background on the funding that has been secured thus far and other funding sources. She noted that we have
applications submitted for this specific project. City Manager Hohman further detailed how the funding
worked for this program and how that would coordinate with other applications we have submitted.
Councilmember Merkel questioned the $1.6M and asked if we underestimated what our REET funding
would be. Ms. Mantz clarified the REET funding and noted that there would be enough funds within the
next couple years. Ms. Walls also provided detailed clarification around where the REET funding would
come from. Councilmember Merkel continued to question the funding around the $1.6M and Mayor Padden
noted that it had been asked and answered and we could move on to a vote. Councilmember Merkel noted
that she was interrupting his comment. Mayor Padden noted that she is able to do that as she is the presiding
officer for the meeting. Councilmember Merkel poised a point of order and Mayor Padden asked him to
speak to the point. Councilmember Merkel said that I don't see any reason why you're interrupting me,
especially without using a uh privileged um motion. Mayor Padden pointed out that she does not need a
privileged motion as Mayor as she would need to point of order and then answer her own point. Mayor
Padden then pointed out that he had asked the question three times and that we are on the comment period
and that she is going to call for the vote. Councilmember Merkel asked if he could get a ruling on this from
the parliamentarian. Clerk Patterson noted that questions on rulings need to come from the mayor. Mayor
Padden then asked if Councilmember Merkel wanted to appeal the ruling. He answered yes, and without a
second on the request for an appeal. The request died. Vote by acclamation: in favor: Mayor Padden, Deputy
Mayor Hattenburg, Councibneinbers Wick, Haley, and Kelly. Opposed: Councibnember Merkel. Motion
carried.
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
3. Admin Report: MOU Treatment First — Chud Wendle
Mr. Hohman introduced Mr. Chud Wendle and noted that this is an opportunity to learn about the MOU and
what a shared response to homelessness would look like. Mr. Wendle spoke about the committee and noted
that the MOU was intended to encourage cooperation and provide the foundation and structure for a
Council Meeting Minutes: 04-07-2026 Page 2 of 4
Approved by Council: 05-26-2026
coordinated regional response to those experiencing chronic homelessness and its related mental health
crisis. Such response is anticipated to include an enforcement and services framework to implement the
revised public camping and vagrancy policies as authorized by recent judicial and federal policy changes.
He noted that the MOU does not establish or create any type of formal agreement or obligation, nor does it
commit any funds of any Party. Instead, it is an agreement among the Parties to work together in such a
manner to encourage an atmosphere of collaboration and alliance in support of an effective and efficient
partnership to establish and maintain objectives and commitments with regards to a shared regional approach
to homelessness. Council discussed various aspects of the MOU and provided consensus to return with a
motion consideration to approve the final MOU.
4. Admin Report: CenterPlace Catering; Contract — Erik Lamb, John Bottelli
Mr. Bottelli and Mr. Lamb presented a PPT that reviewed the food services contract history, the catering
commission revenue history, the Johnson Study recommendations, the RFP food services requirements that
were noted, the RFP process, the RFP evaluation process, implementation of new reservation software, the
food service contract updates, additional contract details that include the kitchen cleaning duties, contract
terms, and a reserve fund for the kitchen equipment. Mr. Bottelli closed the presentation noting that staff
recommend awarding the contract to Inland Northwest Catering and was looking for consensus to return
with a motion consideration at a later meeting. Council discussed various topics regarding the contract such
as when revenues are recorded, termination clause, clarification of the tiers for revenues, and the full range
of services. Council provided consensus to return at a later date with a motion consideration for the contract.
INFORMATION ONLY: (will not be repotted or discussed)
5. Indigent Defense Caseload Standards
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Mayor Padden 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 comments from someone at the Planning Commission meeting and
then received a letter from that person and spoke about the theater and noted that he would still like an
answer on what public information request is.
Councilmember Wick noted his Association of Washington Cities appointment and that if there are new or
legislative topics of interest to let him know.
Councilmember Kelly stated that he attended the Council of Government meeting.
Councilmember Haley had nothing to report.
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg spoke about the SCEO committee.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Padden spoke about a recent trip overseas and met the vice mayor in a village and took a tour of the
village, she presented them with a 20 year coin and learned that they have been in existence for 800 years.
She stated that it was fin and afterward had a chance to reflect on what a city is. Their village has a strong
identity and pride with the village and loyalty and there is leadership that prioritize the community. She said
she felt that we have a strong city as well.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Hohman asked Mr. Lamb and Mr. Basinger spoke about the letter that was received. Mr.
Basinger spoke about the letter received from Winston Cashe who represents Mr. Frank, owner of
Greenstone. Mr. Lamb noted that the letter was regarding comments Mr. Frank made at the Planning
Commission meeting. He noted that the Commission was reviewing the housing elements of the
comprehensive plan and the allocations of those elements. They spoke about a resolution that was passed at
the county with an attachment that had incorrect numbers represented. He spoke about the housing allocated
numbers and that the county numbers are not represented accurately. As the city moves forward with the
process, the city will be within compliance. The county has the most recent numbers, and it is their intent to
Council Meeting Minutes: 04-07-2026 Page 3 of 4
Approved by Council: 05-26-2026
use those numbers moving forward. Mr. Lamb added that the table on Mr. Franks letter shows the allocation
of housing units within the city. Councilmember Wick noted that the SCEO has this as a topic of discussion
at their meeting as well and is looking forward to the county getting this corrected.
Mr. Hohman closed noting that the meeting the following week would cover the comprehensive plan would
be a special meeting and begin at 5:00pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Mattenburg, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn at 7: 57p. m.
ATTEST:
t A (eXk I , )
Marci atterson, City Clerk
Laura Padden, Mayor
Council Meeting Minutes: 04-07-2026
Approved by Council: 05-26-2026
Page 4 of 4
AMENDED AGENDA
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FORMAL B FORMAT
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Remotely via ZOOMMeeting and
In Person at Spokane Valley City Hall, Council Chambers
10210 E. Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Please Silence Your Cell Phones During Council Meeting
NOTE: Members of the public may attend Spokane Valley Council meetings in -person at the address provided
above, or via Zoom at the link below. Members of the public will be allowed to comment in -person or via Zoom
as described below. Public comments will only be accepted for those items noted on the agenda as "public
comment opportunity." Citizens must register by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting to provide comment by Zoom.
Please use the links below to register to provide verbal or written comment.
• Sign up to Provide Verbal Public Comment at the Meeting via CalIing_In
• Submit Written Public Comment Prior to the Meeting
• Join the Zoom WEB Meeting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION: Pastor Ray White, Valley Church of the Nazarene
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA
SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS:
PROCLAMATIONS: Public Health Week
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: This is an opportunity for the public to speak on any
subject except agenda action items, as public comments will be taken on those items where indicated. Please keep
comments to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Government. This is not an opportunity for questions or
discussion. Diverse points of view are welcome but please keep remarks civil. Remarks will be limited to three
minutes per person. If a person engages in disruptive behavior or makes individual personal attacks regarding
matters unrelated to City business, then the Council and/or Mayor may end that person's public comment time
before the three -minute mark. To comment via zoom: use the link above for oral or written comments as per
those directions. To comment at the meeting in person: speakers may sign in to speak but it is not required. A
sign -in sheet will be provided at the meeting.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. First Read: Ordinance 26-005 Virtual Currency Kiosks — Caitlin Prunty, Sergeant Bloomer
[public comment opportunity]
2. Motion Consideration: Balfour Park Sports Courts Bid Award — Glenn Ritter, John Bottelli
[public comment opportunity]
2A. Motion Consideration: Potential Grant Opportunity: National Highway Freight Program — Gloria Mantz
[public comment opportunity]
Council Agenda April 7, 2026 Page 1 of 2
NON -ACTION ITEMS:
3. Admin Report: MOU Treatment First — Chud Wendle
4. Admin Report: CenterPlace Catering Contract — Erik Lamb, John Bottelli
INFORMATION ONLY (will not be reported or discussed):
5. Info Item: Indigent Defense Caseload Standards — Tony Beattie
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: General public comment rules apply.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
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Council Agenda April 7, 2026 Page 2 of 2
Spokane (Proclamation
.;0*Valley® City of Spokane VafCey, Washington
Wationaf Public 9feafth Week
WHEREAS, the week of April 6 is National Public Health Week, themed "Ready. Set. Action!,"
which highlights how scientific discoveries, legislation and community initiatives
have significantly improved the health of Americans, and
WHEREAS, since the first National Public Health Week in 1994, public health has achieved
major successes, including:
1. The childhood mortality rate declined from 13.8 deaths per 1,000 live
births in 1994, to 5A deaths per 1,000 live births due to vaccines, better health
care access and improved nutrition;
2. Adult smoking rates dropped from 25.5% in 1994 to 11.4% through
smoke -free policies and public education;
3. U.S. deaths due to HIV/AIDS fell sharply after peaking in 1994 at 49,095,
as antiretroviral therapy and prevention tools such as PrEP enabled longer,
healthier lives and reduced transmission;
4. Access to mental health care expanded through greater awareness,
parity laws and integration into primary care, reducing untreated mental health
conditions;
5. Childhood lead poisoning declined from 4.4% of children with elevated
blood lead levels in 1994 to less than 0.5% due to policies reducing lead in fuel,
paint and water systems; and
WHEREAS, a person's health outcomes vary widely by ZIP code due to differences in the
built environment, environmental quality, community context, access to healthy
food, access to education and access to health care; and
WHEREAS, public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand and
recover from the impact of a full range of health threats, ranging from infectious
disease outbreaks to natural disaster preparedness.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Laura Padden, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the
Spokane Valley City Councilmembers, do hereby proclaim the week of April 6, 2026, as
National Public Health Week
and I encourage citizens to support the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week and the
vision of Spokane Regional Health District to help create healthy lives, safe environments, and
thriving communities in the Spokane region.
Dated this 7th day of April 2026.
Laura Padden, Mayor
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CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: April 7, 2026 Department Director Approval: 0
Check all that apply: ❑ consent ❑ old business ® new business ❑ public hearing
❑ information ❑ admin. report ❑ pending legislation ❑ executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Motion Consideration — Potential Grant Opportunity: National
Highway Freight Program (NHFP)
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: RCW 35.77.010: Six Year Transportation Improvement Program
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
• January 20, 2026 — City Council authorized the City Manager to submit funding requests to
NHFP's call for projects for the Sullivan/Trent Interchange and Barker/1-90 Interchange.
• January 13, 2026 — Staff and City Council discussed this 2026 NHFP call for projects.
• October 28, 2025 — City Council adopted the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda including the
Sullivan/Trent Interchange, South Barker Corridor, Barker/1-90 Interchange, and the
Argonne/1-90 Bridge Project.
• February 22, 2022 — City Council authorized the City Manager to submit funding requests to
NHFP's call for projects, including the Pines/BNSF GSP, Sullivan/Trent I/C, and the
Argonne/1-90 Bridge.
BACKGROUND: In February 2026, staff submitted applications to the National Highway Freight
Program (NHFP) requesting partial funding for the following:
1. Sullivan/Trent Interchange requesting $3M towards construction phase
2. Barker/1-90 Interchange requesting $2M towards engineering phase
Final project selection will occur in June 2026, with awards in summer/fall 2026.
As part of the application review process, WSDOT is requesting confirmation that the NHFP
funds, combined with other secured sources, fully fund the requested project phase. WSDOT
clarified that parallel grant requests are not sufficient guarantee of full funding.
As a result, the applications' status will result as follows:
1. The Sullivan/Trent Interchange project would need an additional $25M to fully fund the
construction phase if the requested NHFP funds were awarded. Due to the large funding gap,
this project is not likely eligible for NHFP award.
2. The Barker/1-90 Interchange project would need an additional $1.6M to fully fund the
engineering phase, if $2M of NHFP funds are awarded toward the $4M engineering phase.
The adopted 2026 Budget has allocated $400,000 for this project. The City has two funding
requests each in the amount of $2M: to the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
(FMSIB) and to Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). Due to the complexity of the
project, the engineering phase is estimated to take place over the course of 2 or 3 years.
Based on the City's REET projections for 2027 and 2028, there are sufficient funds to fully
fund this phase if parallel grant requests are unsuccessful. In addition, the City will continue
to pursue all funding opportunities as they become available.
OPTIONS: Move to authorize the City Manager or designee to confirm to WSDOT staff that
the City will allocate $1.6M towards the Barker/1-90 Interchange project's engineering phase if
awarded $2M of NHFP funding and no other funding is secured, or take other action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Move to authorize the City Manager or designee to
confirm with WSDOT staff that the City will provide $1.6M towards the Barker/1-90 Interchange
project's PE Phase if awarded $2M of NHFP funding and no other funding is secured.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: The NHFP program requires a 13.5% non-federal match.
However, WSDOT requires, for the Barker/1-90 Project NHFP grant application, confirmation that
the engineering phase can be fully funded. The City has already set aside $400,000 in the 2026
budget for this project. The remaining $1.6M must be confirmed as available for the project if
awarded NHFP funds.
The Finance Department confirmed that REET projections indicate sufficient funds are available,
approximately $800,000 each year, totaling $1.6M. If funded, Barker/1-90's engineering phase
would occur over 2027 and 2028.
The City's confirmation statement to WSDOT will state that the City is fiscally positioned to fund
the balance of the project's PE phase with local dollars until other grant funds are secured. Making
this confirmation does not prohibit the City from pursuing or securing other grant funds to offset
the City's cost of this $1.6M unfunded balance.
STAFF CONTACT: Gloria Mantz — City Services Administrator
ATTACHMENTS: Project Flyers
Barker Road/Interstate 90 Spokane
Interchange Project ;oo* Valley -
Challenge: The Barker Road/Interstate 90 (1-90) Interchange is critically undersized and is approaching its
point of failure that inhibits new development in the City and adjoining jurisdictions.
Goal: Seeking $2 million towards the engineering design phase to reconstruct the interchange.
Project Context: The Barker Road and 1-90 interchange is the most important element of this regional corridor.
Immense industrial and residential growth spanning Spokane Valley, Spokane County and Liberty Lake has
overwhelmed the interchange and the project's design must start immediately. This project must replace the
existing two-lane bridge and its single lane roundabouts with a new interchange configuration that delivers safe,
reliable traffic flow while adding active transportation facilities to serve all users of all abilities.
The interchange operates at a Level of Service (LOS) "E" or "F" during rush hours, which equates to standstill
traffic conditions with unstable traffic flow and extensive congestion. The interchange serves over 800 acres of
industrial property and 220 acres of homes within city limits alone. Barker Road is a key arterial for vehicles
accessing Interstate 90, the east -west Sprague Avenue corridor and the City's Northeast Industrial Area.
Boone A Potential to Realign
Boone Avenue/Barker Road
Reconstruct Interchange Intersection
. •. Ave
Broadway
Partners:
• Federal Highway Administration
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Spokane County
• Spokane Regional Transportation Council
• City of Liberty Lake
Funding Status:
Estimated Cost: $50,000,000
Funding Secured: $ 400,000
March 16, 2026
Sullivan/Trent S`ff'oka
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Interchange Project ,;,oO Val ley -
Challenge: The Sullivan Road Bridge over State Route 290 (Trent Avenue), constructed in 1960, is
rated as "structurally deficient, high risk, and in poor condition," Washington State Department of
Transportation's (WSDOT) lowest rating. Further, the failing interchange creates extensive congestion
for one of the region's busiest freight corridors.
Goal: $28.3 million to reconstruct the interchange while improving safety and efficiency for all users.
Project Context: Sullivan Road between 1-90 and SR 290 is home to 9,000 jobs, 85% directly related to freight.
Large employers, including Spokane Business Industrial Park (SBIP), Kaiser Aluminum, Mercer Mass
Timber and Amazon, move their goods and employees via Sullivan Road and Bigelow Gulch Road. The
Sullivan -Bigelow corridor connects to Spokane's Northeast Public Development Authority (NEPDA) and
WSDOT's Future US 395 (North Spokane Corridor). Massive freight and commuter traffic causes chaotic
half -mile backups and traffic operations have a Level of Service (LOS) "F" during rush hour, the worst
rating. The bridge girders have insufficient clearance and are often struck by trucks traveling on SR 290.
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Bridge Structures
Project Highlights:
• Safety: Eliminates dangerous left turns and
minimizes fatal/severe angle collisions
• Bridge Condition: Restores substandard bridges
to promote freight expansion
• Traffic Capacity: 2030 Level of Service (LOS)
improves from "F" to "A"
• All Users: New shared use path and sidewalk
provides safety and comfort
• Community: Supported by stakeholders
0 Landscape Area
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Project Status:
The City has obtained $19.1 million in federal grant
awards and added $3.3 million in local funds including
developer contributions. The City has requested $20.8
million from BUILD FY 26. The engineering and right-
of-way phases are fully funded. The project has over
$14 million of secured funds available for a future
construction phase.
Funding Status:
Estimated Cost:
Funds Secured:
$ 50.7 Million
$ 22.4 Million
March 16, 2026
Marci Patterson
From: Johnny Pitts <johnnypittsalbany@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 6:40 AM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment
Cc: cbainbridge@spokanevalley.org; ckoudelka@spokanevalley.org; Marci Patterson
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
To the Spokane Valley City Clerk and Honorable Council,
I am submitting the following technical questions for the official record of the April 7th City Council
meeting. These inquiries are filed by me as an independent citizen auditor and resident of Spokane
Valley.
I am currently seeking data via the public records portal (GovQA) to reconcile the city's $97 million
citywide fund balance with the continued collection of the $20 TBD fee (Ordinance 23-024) from working-
class households.
ITEMIZED QUESTIONS FOR THE RECORD:
1. FUND 111 EXPENDITURES & PROJECT 1013623 (Ref: P231515)
The administration has previously failed to acknowledge Project Code #1013623 ("Spokane Valley PD -
Flock - LPR Cams"). However, system -level SMTP headers, "F-series site installations" data, and the
PRR_2025 server -side routing prove it is active. Does any portion of the $20 per -vehicle TBD fee revenue
flow from Fund 111 into the $350,000 "Executive/Legal" budget category used to mask this surveillance
project?
2. VOTER MANDATE COMPLIANCE (Ref: P231513)
Given the existing $30 voter mandate on registration fees, what is the exact mathematical justification for
maintaining the $20 TBD "registration penalty" while the city sits on massive reserves and implements a
9.0% public safety sales tax?
3. ALPR LEGAL LIABILITY & OVERSIGHT (Ref: P231512)
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) is deactivating its ALPR/Flock technology due to Washington
state privacy law risks. What is the city's risk -management justification for continuing to fund Project
1013623 while the primary county law enforcement agency identifies the system as a legal liability?
4. LITIGATION EXPENDITURES VS. TRANSPARENCY
What is the current total taxpayer expenditure for the "City of Spokane Valley v. Al Merkel" civil lawsuit?
As a resident who pays the equivalent of a full day of my labor ($120) just in vehicle registration surtaxes,
I require an explanation of why city funds are being diverted to litigate against public records access.
STATEMENT OF INTENT:
Asa professional machinist, I understand the importance of holding tight tolerances. I expect the city's
financial reporting to meet the same standard of precision that I apply to my trade. I am seeking these
records (P231512, P231513, P231515) to fulfill my right to transparency as a taxpayer, and I expect
straight answers on the public record regarding where exactly my labor is being spent.
Respectfully,
Johnny Pitts
Independent Citizen Auditor
Spokane Valley Resident
Marci Patterson
From: Johnny Pitts <johnnypittsalbany@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 1:09 PM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment; Marci Patterson; Patricia Rhoades
Subject: OFFICIAL PUBLIC COMMENT: April 7th Meeting - Financial Oversight & Project 1013623
[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when opening attachments or
clicking links.
To the Honorable Council and City Staff,
I am submitting this written comment as a professional machinist and a resident of Spokane Valley to be
entered into the official public record for the April 7th meeting. I am writing as an independent citizen to
express a "human hurt" regarding the current financial and administrative direction of our city.
THE FINANCIAL BURDEN:
In a household with six registered vehicles, the $20 TBD fee (Ordinance 23-024) is not a minor
inconvenience; it is a $120 annual surtax. This burden is felt acutely when one of those vehicles has a
diminished market value due to a previous accident, yet is still taxed by the city and state at a premium.
It is difficult to reconcile this $120-a-year "registration penalty" with the fact that the city is reportedly
sitting on a $97 million citywide fund balance. If the "chest" is full, why is the city reaching into the
pockets of working residents for basic road preservation?
THE NEED FOR OVERSIGHT (PROJECT 1013623):
My independent audit of city records has led me to open three format inquiries:
* P231512: Seeking "Ex Parte" communications regarding Project 1013623 (Flock Safety).
* P231513: Inquiry into the bypass of the $30 voter mandate.
* P231515: Requesting the Fund 111 ledger to track the $120 taken from my household.
My focus on Project 1013623 is not merely about the hardware; it is about the lack of oversight. We have
seen the consequences of limited transparency in our community before, most notably during the high -
stress incident involving 22 shots on October 31. When technology like Automated License Plate
Readers is deployed via "back -channel" communications without robust public oversight, it erodes the
trust between the citizens and the administration. Public safety technology requires public consent and
clear, itemized financial tracking.
INDEPENDENT AUDIT STATEMENT:
Please be advised that these inquiries and this grievance are filed solely by me as an independent citizen
auditor. While I am aware of the ongoing litigation regarding public records in this city, my requests are
independent of any other legal party. I am seeking these records to fulfill my own right to transparency as
a taxpayer.
I observed a distinct atmosphere of gloom at the recent meet -and -greet. Transparency should not cause
gloom; it should provide the clarity that a $97 million reserve and a $120-per-household fee demand. I
expect a professional response to these T" reference numbers and a justification for the continued
financial weight placed on Valley residents.
Respectfully,
Johnny Pitts
Independent Citizen Auditor
Spokane Valley Resident