2010, 05-25 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES
City of Spokane Valley
City Council Regular Meeting
Formal Meeting Format
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Mayor Towey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance: City Staff:
Tom Towey, Mayor Mike Jackson, Acting City Manager
Gary Schimmels, Deputy Mayor Mike Connelly, City Attorney
Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Ken Thompson, Finance Director
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Dean Grafos, Councilmember Greg McCormick, Planning Manager
Brenda Grassel, Councilmember Steve Worley, Senior Engineer
Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer
Absent: Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Bob McCaslin, Councilmember
INVOCATION: Pastor David Thorin, retired Chaplain, gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A member of Boy Scout Troop 400 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all councilmembers were present except
Councilmember McCaslin. It was moved by Councilmember Grafos, seconded and unanimously agreed
to excuse Councilmember McCaslin.
APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels, seconded and
unanimously agreed to approve the agenda.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS:
Councilmember Gothmann: reported that he attended "Navy Week" where a Navy admiral spoke about
the Navy's helping role in Iraq; went to the Greenacres Park Open House, which he said was well
attended; attended the Discovery Park Open House and said it was a tremendous event with people from
all over; met with the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee where projects for low
income housing were discussed; attended the leadership prayer breakfast with the former President of
Whitworth University; attended the "2163" meeting concerning funds for the homeless; attended the
Board of Health executive meeting and said within the next month or so the Health Department will have
an emphasis on helmets, and said perhaps this is an opportunity for this council to consider helmet
regulations and he suggested inviting Health Department Director Dr. Joe McCullough to visit our
council meeting and give a presentation on the Board's future plans; he attended the Chamber of
Commerce breakfast; also attended a 911 Board meeting where they discussed penalties for making
harassing phone calls to 911, and the release of phone numbers of people who ask that they be notified in
case of a catastrophe.
Councilmember Dempsey reported that she attended the SVBA (Spokane Valley Business Association)
meeting; the Discovery Park open house; the Leadership Breakfast where the speaker discussed the need
to work together instead of against each other, attended last week's discussion here on the zoning of the
Council Regular Meeting 5 -25 -2010 Page 1 of 8
Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
Gateway Avenue and Gateway Commercial areas and said staff gave a good presentation and there were
lots of questions and discussion.
Councilmember Grafos: said he attended the Discovery Playground grand opening; the Greenacres Park
events; and the STA (Spokane Transit Authority) monthly meeting where they discussed sales tax
revenues, and that the first four months of the year Spokane County's revenues are down about 3.5 %,
Spokane city's revenues are down about 1 %; and Spokane Valley's are down about 5 %; and said this is
an issue to be addressed by the council at the July budget retreat as 53% of the City's revenues come from
sales tax.
Deputy Mayor Schimmels said he attended the Discovery Park opening; the SRTC (Spokane Regional
Transportation Council) meeting and committee meeting along with the STA Board, and said there was a
Sprague /Appleway meeting here last Thursday but he was unable to attend as he was attending a Solid
Waste meeting where they discussed the burn plant and the bonds getting paid off the end of next year.
Councilmember Grassel: said she also attended the Chamber of Commerce sponsored Navy breakfast;
went to the Discovery Park opening and gave congratulations to Mike Stone for a wonderful park;
attended the prayer leadership breakfast and said they had a good turnout; and went to the Spokane Valley
meeting for citizens last week concerning the Gateway zones, and said there was a great turnout and lots
of good input.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Towey said he went to the Discovery Playground opening; he ran the
Windermere half - marathon which started at the playground and he noticed there were lots of children
using the playground; attended the Spokane Valley Gateway zoning meeting; attended the Camp Fire
WoHeLo Awards where two of our Valley teams were awarded the WoHeLo badge, which is the highest
badge obtainable.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Towey invited general public comments.
Jack Riley, of Plantation Restaurant on Vista and Sprague said there are a lot of businesses on the one -
way couplet that have for -sale or for -lease signs; he said property values are going down, sales tax is
going down and he mentioned First Choice Auto Sales relocated to the north side; he said jobs are being
lost and all very concerned and property values are depreciating; he said the people who live here will
move out and go to where they can find employment; he suggested the revitalization plan doesn't seem to
be working; and said Sprague needs to be turned back to a two -way street; he said if it continues, there
will only be a few big businesses and the rest vacant land; and said when we can't collect taxes from
businesses, it will revert back to the homeowners and said saving on the one -way street doesn't seem to
be worth it.
Joseph Edwards, 16104 East Rich Ave: regarding traffic at Trent and Lillian, he said he can't do anything
with the state and he'd appreciate Council trying to get a left turn going east to turn left on Lillian; said
there have been several wrecks and rear -end collisions and he was almost involved in one himself; he
said the City of Spokane Valley should be divided into districts for the council members and said on his
street, Rich Avenue, there is no representation from Council members in that area and suggested the city
be divided into districts so people have a choice.
Dr. Hinkle, 11916 East Sprague Avenue: read his prepared written comments:
"To Spokane Valley Police Department. Please, answer the following questions. Police Officer: B. Hert.
1. In what year did bicycle helmets become mandatory? Answer: In the city of Spokane Valley, bicycle
helmets are NOT REQUIRED. 2. In the year 2009 how many bicyclists were given a citation for not
wearing a helmet? *Answer: ZERO, NONE. 3. In 2009 how many bicyclists were given a traffic
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Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
citation for riding on the sidewalk? *Answer: None. It is NOT against the law to ride a bicycle on
the sidewalk. 4. In 2009 how many bicyclists were given a traffic citation for riding at night with NO
lights on their bicycle? *Answer: He doesn't know. He referred me to the window of the Spokane
County court that handled citations for the Spokane Valley city. They did not know & referred me to the
county court clerk downtown. He called me back the next day & said he could not find any RCW's on
this because the legislature does not group all bicycle codes together. He did say he found an RCW
where you are not SUPPOSE TO RIDE YOUR BICYCLE ON THE SIDEWALK. So I asked him how
many citations were written for this infraction in 2009. He could not give me an answer. *So on the city
council meeting of meeting of 11 May 2010, council woman Dempsey said, it is against the law to ride
your bike on the sidewalk? End of discussion, do the Pines to Park Street Project. Whoa, not so fast
council woman Dempsey. I challenge you to tell us who told you that it was against the law to ride a bike
on the sidewalk? ALSO, tell us how many citations were given in 2009 for this infraction ?"
Councilmember Dempsey responded and said that Spokane Valley Police Chief Rick VanLeuven told her
it was illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk.
Dr. Hinkle continued: "IT IS AN ARCANE LAW which IS NOT ENFORCED. I have lived in the
Spokane Valley over 40 years and I have asked citizens who have lived here over 70 years. NO ONE
knows of anyone being cited for riding a bike on the sidewalk! So I stand by my statement that it is safer
to bike ride on the sidewalk or on the CENTENNIAL TRAIL than in bike lanes. Also, I have given the
council the REAL WORLD DATA from the WSDOT SHOWING for the last five years about 104
bicyclists are injured every year from car /bicycle collisions. Also, there is about one bicycle fatality each
year in the county, which includes the Spokane Valley. *IN CONCLUSION FROM PINES ROAD TO
PARK ROAD on Broadway according to my odometer the distance is 2.95 miles. I have driven the
complete distance four times in the last week to inspect what the project is about. I met with Mr. Ken
Knudsen today & I ask him what the city is getting for nearly a million dollars? He could not answer all
my questions & he promised to get back to me with the information. The exact project cost is
$933,000.00. State grant $746,400.00 = 80 %. Spokane Valley's $186,600.00 = 20 %. I said that is a
lot of money to restripe the street. Mr. Knudsen said it is included. Some sidewalk work to be ADA
compliant. He also said if there is any traffic signal work that it would be expensive. He said that he
thought one traffic signal did not respond to PEDESTRIANS PUSHING the button to CROSS the street
From my inspections & measuring the sidewalks: they are 95% in good to excellent shape, some are new.
They are 4 feet or wider & some are new. Four feet is the width of the sidewalks on Broadway from
Evergreen to Sullivan, so I assumed they must be compliant because there is the latest 4 lane to two lane
project. Now Mr. Knudsen did say, if there are any utility poles & the sidewalk is not wide enough, that
the poles would have to be relocated but the utility companies would be responsible to do this and it was
not an expense to the nearly million dollars project. Again from my inspection, there are very few utility
poles on the North side of Broadway avenue between Park and Pines which are in the sidewalk. On the
South side of Broadway avenue there are a number of poles in some stretches, but the sidewalks are in
good to excellent condition, and so are most of the utility poles. This would mean perfectly good
sidewalks would be dug up & replaced. Foot traffic & bicycles can negotiate the sidewalks just as
they are. For wheelchairs, the North side of Broadway will allow safe travel. During the six months of
the year that a wheel chair might use the sidewalk is this worth a million dollars to redo the South side,
sidewalks on Broadway avenue? In my humble opinion, there are a lot more urgent ways to spend the
money. There are some minor repairs that need to be correctly done. HOT ASPHALT patching at the
intersections on Broadway at Argonne & Mullen. This was not included in the road project. I also
suggested to Mr. Knudsen that in years to come a concrete intersection would be useful & give longevity.
He agreed & said it is in the future plans."
Jean Repp, South 3120 Raymond Circle: said she has property on Sprague and Appleway and that she
wasn't aware until way too late to come to the morning meeting; and said she was disappointed at missing
Council Regular Meeting 5 -25 -2010 Page 3 of 8
Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
that; said it seems a lot of decisions were made about her property; said the last time she was here she was
fighting to get a zoning change on her property and finally got B2 and said the rest has been B3 for years;
that they have owned it for 62 years and all of a sudden she is hearing she has limited access to her
property, and she asked why would she be limited on what she can do on her property; and she asked how
does she get those answers. City Manager Jackson said a member of staff will contact her. Ms. Repp
also said she wanted to know why her zoning was changed without her knowledge. Councilmember
Grassel mentioned that we are still taking further comment for that particular zone and the meeting
wasn't to make a decision but to gather input, and said no decision has been made yet; and City Attorney
Connelly added that there will be a series of public meetings and people will have opportunity to address
council, and there is plenty of time and opportunity to be heard.
Dick Behm 9405 E Sprague: Mr. Behm read the following prepared written statement: "Broadway. At
the last Council Meeting 4 people testified, 3 against and 1 for the improvements to Broadway, none of
these folks live on Broadway. I have lived and worked 60 years in Dishman. For over 20 years I worked
as a home delivery MILK MAN. The very worst area I had to deliver to was Broadway Ave. You can
not pull into a driveway to deliver because then you would have to back out onto a very busy arterial.
Illegal and also very scary because of the limited visibility when driving a truck. The safety problems that
have existed on Broadway for over 60 years. (1) sidewalk right up to the curb. (2) utility poles right at the
curb. (3) street drains (drywells) along curb create hazard to cars traveling in outside lanes. (4) residents
on Broadway backing onto an arterial. (5) delivery to residents along Broadway. Home delivery of any
type, including UPS, FedX, Mailman must park in the street, creating a hazard to themselves and traffic.
There was some question about spending tax payer money on this safety project? Where do these funds
come from? The Council should realize that the grant funds come from the gas tax. This money goes in a
big, big pot in Olympia where it is allocated out to approved deserving projects throughout the State. To
receive a grant for a project means we are getting our tax money back To make improvements to our City.
To not receive or turn down a grant means our tax dollars are still going to be spent, only someone else
will spend them, Seattle or King County. Etc., etc. The point being that as most of these funds already go
to the west side of the State we should never miss the opportunity to get our tax dollars back for the
improvements to our City. Staff should be congratulated in their success in receiving these grants. The
money for the matching funds does not come from the City General Fund it comes from the Real Estate
Excise Tax and is earmarked for this purpose. It does not have any relationship to a possible deficit in the
General Fund. For the safety of our citizens, pedestrians, bicyclists and auto drivers I ask that you move
forward with the Broadway Project." Mr. Behm added that in response to Mr. Hinkle, when Mr. Behm
was pulling out of his driveway a kid rode by on the sidewalk and hit Dick's car, and the kid was thrown
off the bike and it was learned the bike didn't have any brakes; and the kid didn't get a ticket as a police
officer is not going to ticket a twelve -year old riding a bike on the sidewalk; he said riding a bike on the
sidewalk is illegal and it should be noted in the newspaper; adding that when there is a bike lane, there is
no excuse for riding a bike on the sidewalk.
Diane Munger, 3409 N Wellington Place, Spokane, 99205: said she resides on the northwest side of town
and is here representing some property on East Sprague and Appleway; said that there were several
meetings last week regarding zoning studies and the recent newspaper articles were confusing regarding
those studies; she said she called City Hall and searched the Internet and found nothing about the
scheduling of those meetings, nor the results of the meetings nor an agenda; and she asked how the results
were determined and said she can't find any answers; she said the newspaper articles have been
inconclusive and not very complimentary regarding council; and said the point is that notices may be very
inadequate and said that perhaps there is a better way to let citizens know what's happening.
With Mayor Towey's permission, City Clerk Bainbridge read the following two additional public
comments, which she explained she received via email with the request that she read them at tonight's
meeting:
Council Regular Meeting 5 -25 -2010 Page 4 of 8
Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
(1) "To City of Spokane Valley Council, from Bob Glaza, 16321 E Valleyway, 99037, Regarding
Broadway -Pines to Park safety Project. Please read during open comment period of May 25, 2010 City
Council session, if possible. I am unable to attend. A few years back, the City decided to restripe
Broadway from Sullivan to Pines. Broadway changed from a frantic four lanes to a much quieter — and
safer — two lanes with a turning lane in the middle. At the same time, bike lanes were striped in each
direction. While I drive an automobile for most trips greater than 20 miles, I use a bicycle and am a daily
"neighborhood" walker. I noticed the traffic slow down almost overnight. Admittedly, I am sensitive to
speeders as I live on the current alternate route for improvements at Sullivan/Broadway and
Sullivan/Sprague. Any slowing of traffic speeds is a good thing in my opinion. Earlier this spring, I read
in my Hot Topics newsletter (thanks for sending to citizens, by the way) that Broadway from Pines to
Park was scheduled to receive the same treatment. I was thrilled. Particularly exciting was the grant that
will pay for 80% of the project. That means my 20% in taxes goes four times as far? Where else do you
find somebody kicking in 75 cents for every quarter you spend? Next I read the Council was about to
cancel the Broadway — Pines to Park Safety project. Now I read the Council wants to delay the project.
I'm having a difficult time understanding the reasoning and the hesitation. The project enhances safety
around four schools — N Pines Jr. High, Broadway Elementary, Ness Elementary and Centennial Middle
School — by slowing traffic and easing congestion. The project will make it easier for homeowners to
enter and exit their driveways. The project will extend the route of cyclists and pedestrians nearly to the I-
90 exchange. Following this summer's project on the Broadway — Conklin to Flora Improvement, that
means the City of Spokane Valley will have a near complete bikeway from Flora to Park. The project
signals to our surrounding communities — Spokane and Liberty Lake — that the City of Spokane Valley is
a partner in working toward a more environmentally aware region. The project is essentially paid for with
a grant covering 80% of the cost. It's time to ask the Council if it wants to be known as the group that
helped the City of Spokane Valley toward a more sustainable future. Or do we continue to postpone and
delay? I'm asking for no delay on this project. Sincerely — Bob Glaza, Spokane Valley, WA 99037"
(2) "Chris could you please read this during the public testimony portion of the City Council meeting:
The American flag represents many things to many people and its treatment and presentation can evoke
many forms of passion. Yesterday when Mike Jackson learned that the flag in front of the police station
was weather worn to a disgraceful state, he took immediate action. Literally within minutes, Mike had
the weather worn flag retired and replaced. Mike is to be commended for his respect and his response.
Signed an American Veteran living in the Spokane Valley."
Councilmember Gothmann explained that some time ago he was making a turn and a young man
traveling extremely fast on his bicycle hit Mr. Gothmann's car as Mr. Gothmann was pulling out to make
his turn, and the bicyclist hit the car hood upon impact; and said when Mr. Gothmann got out to help the
bicyclist, the bicyclist ran off, that Mr. Gothmann reported this incident to the State Patrol, and said one
doesn't expect a bicyclists going 25 mph on a sidewalk, but had that individual been in the trafficibike,
lane, he would have been more visible.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: Six Year 2011 — 2016 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) — Steve Worley
Mayor Towey opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Engineer Worley explained that Council had a
briefing May 4 on projects listed in the TIP, and said he is glad to answer questions and to open the floor
for public comment relative to this hearing; and noted the error in the packet where the TIP indicates it is
"adopted" but said this is the draft TIP, and Deputy Mayor Schimmels emphasized that, adding that this
is a work in progress, and not something to take lightly. Mr. Worley said the projects are those to
consider in the next six years and does not mean we will receive funding for all those projects; and said
sometimes a grant opportunity becomes known and a different project meets the criteria better than the
current project, and said the document is flexible and is a guide to identify the needed transportation
projects, and once adopted, can be amended; and noted there are copies of this draft TIP on the council
Council Regular Meeting 5 -25 -2010 Page 5 of 8
Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
chambers ledge for members of the public. Mayor Towey invited public comment; no comments were
offered and Mayor Towey closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Mr. Worley said if Council has any
questions or suggestions on other projects to consider, staff is willing to look at those and bring that back
when this comes back before for formal adoption. Councilmember Gothmann said that in previously
speaking with Mr. Worley, there are actually one and a half staff who work on getting most of these
grants, that the millions of dollars we receive is amazing, and he thanked staff for their diligence.
2. CONSENT AGENDA Consists of items considered routine which are approved as a group. Any
member of Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered
separately.
a. Approval of the following claim vouchers:
VOUCHER LIST DATE
WNOUCHER NUMBERS:
TOTAL AMOUNT
5/07/2010
3150 -3152, 3160, 20136 -20140
$210,654.64
5/07/2010
20141 -20151
$18,030.97
5/10/2010
20152- 20183, 51010002, 505100005
$507,251.15
5/12/2010
20184 -20199
$23,043.38
5/14/2010
20200 -20204
$35,195.20
5/14/2010
20205- 20238, 513100047
$257,577.67
5/17/2010
20239
1 $100.00
5/18/2010
3162 -3164 J
$54,407.37
GRAND TOTAL
1 $1,106,260.38
b. Approval of Payroll for Period Ending May 15, 2010: $240,651.17
c. Approval of Study Session Format Council Meeting Minutes of May 4, 2010
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the consent
agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
3. Proposed Resolution Supporting ChangePoint Spokane" — Cary Driskell
It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann and seconded to adopt the Resolution declaring support to
ChangePoint Spokane to provide community education regarding effective ways to donate money to
achieve broader benefits for individuals in need of assistance. As discussed previously, Deputy City
Attorney Driskell explained that this isn't so much a panhandling issue but more of a support issue as
noted in section 1 of the resolution which declares Spokane Valley Council's support for the educational
outreach program conducted by ChangePoint, which seeks to inform the general public about more
effective ways to assist the homeless instead of giving money to panhandlers; and said we are not
adopting or paying for anything, simply expressing support as stated. Mayor Towey invited public
comment. Joseph Edwards, 16104 East Rich Avenue: 991216 said he runs a taxi service in Spokane
Valley and he gets around places where panhandlers stay, said some are homeless but a lot are not; that he
sees the same ones daily on the street corners, and they're not homeless and wear better shoes then he
does; he said panhandlers are a menace to the public and he gave an example of a person giving food to a
panhandlers and said the panhandler cussed out the person donating; and reiterated that they aren't
homeless, they choose to live that way. Councilmember Gothmann thanked Mr. Edwards for participating
in this process and of his volunteering to assist; and said national statistics show that only 15% of those
professing to be homeless, actually are homeless, and that homeless and panhandlers are two separate
groups; and an ineffective way to use the charitable dollar would be to give to panhandlers as 80% of
funds they collect are used for drugs and alcohol. Vote by Acclamation to approve the resolution: In
Favor: Unanimous. Opposed.• None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.
Council Regular Meeting 5 -25 -2010 Page 6 of 8
Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
UMU Yon„ , Steve Worley
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels and seconded to approve the list of projects as presented for
the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board 2010 Call for Projects and authorize the Mayor to sign
the Project Application certifications for each application. Engineer Worley apologized for bringing this
issue tonight on short notice and explained that staff failed to recognize that this grant application requires
the Mayor's signature, and that the deadline to submit is this Friday; that they have two projects identified
that staff feels meet the criteria for this; e.g. the Sullivan Road West Bridge reconstruction; and the
Barker Road Overpass at Trent Avenue ,SR 290. Mr. Worley described the projects as noted on the May
25, 2010 Request for Council Action form. Mr. Worley said the cost of the bridge project is enormous.
Mayor Towey invited public comment. Joseph Edwards, 16104 East Rich Avenue: 991216 asked if there
would be enough funding to build an overpass over the railroad, and Mr. Worley said that this is the
reason for the project, and this would be similar to the current interchange on Sullivan. Councilmember
Grassel said she doesn't want to get into another situation where they have to consider whether to accept a
grant or not, and she asked if tonnage data will be provided. Mr. Worley said since both roads exist, there
is already truck and tonnage data on both projects; he added that this project is large and staff will try to
get our cost down as low as possible, and said that Burlington Northern Railroad will also be required to
contribute up to 5 %; and he said as grants become available, staff will determine how much city funds
would be needed, but that is not a requirement at this point on how much city funds would go into the
project. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Mayor Towey, Deputy Mayor Schimmels, and Councilmembers
Gothmann, Dempsey and Grafos. Opposed: Councilmember Grassel. Abstentions: None. Motion
carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Towey invited general public comments.
Dick Behm, Spokane Valley Business Association: Mr. Behm read the following prepared written
statement: "TV Council meetings. On Tuesday June 29 the Spokane Valley Business Association
Sponsorship of the television of City Council Meetings will end. This has been a very successful
program and the SVBA committed to a 6 month trial of televising the City Council and can not afford to
continue after that time. We had hoped that the city would assume that responsibility and perhaps the
City will yet decide to continue the program. I would hope everyone would thank CMTV for recording
and showing the Council Meetings every Monday night. It is a public service that we should all
appreciated. As I understand it the 35 cent peg fee is a joint responsibility of the City of Spokane Valley,
City of Spokane and Spokane County to help fund public access and educational cable channels. We
believe it is very important to the citizens of Spokane Valley to have access to these channels. Many
students rely on the local collages programs that were televised on channels 15 to 19. In addition the
programming shown on public access channel 14 (CMTV) has a large following. We would hope that the
Council would seriously consider the consequences of reopening the cable contract which took 5 years to
negotiate. If you should decide not to collect the 35 cent fee, it is not too far a stretch to believe that
Comcast would or could remove access to Public Access and Educational Channels to citizens in the
Spokane Valley. That would be a huge disservice to our citizens. Dick Behm, Spokane Valley Business
Association." Mr. Behm added that he discovered that 30,000 students in our area rely on these public
access channels, and said he feels council should seriously consider the consequences for whatever action
might occur as a result of opening that contract.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
4. Street Vacation STV 01 -10 (part of 16`" Ave., west of 16�' and Kahuna) — Karen Kendall
Prior to explaining the proposal, Assistant Planner Kendall gave an overview of state law regarding street
vacations, and discussed Spokane Valley City Resolution 07 -009 concerning evaluation compensation
required to move forward for a street vacation; then she gave the background of this proposal which is as
a result of applicant Alan Gay, USHK on behalf of abutting property owners with two- thirds ownership,
Council Regular Meeting 5 -25 -2010 Page 7 of 8
Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
to request a vacation of a portion of 16 Avenue; she said the right -of -way is unimproved; 16` Avenue
was originally dedicated in 1907 through the Woodland Terrace Plat and was named 14` Avenue, later
changed to 16` Avenue, and is located east of the proposed vacation, approximately 362 feet of 16`
Avenue was vacated in 1996 by Spokane County. She explained that a public hearing was held before the
Planning Commission May 13, 2010, and the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend
approval subject to conditions; and she noted that no public comments have been received. There was
council consensus to bring this forward for a first reading at the June 8 council meeting.
5. Code Text Amendments CTA 02 -10 — Lori Barlow
Via the PowerPoint presentation, Planning Manager McCormick standing in for Planner Barlow,
explained the proposed code text amendments; said that the Planning Commission held a public hearing
May 13, 2010; that the original proposal included an amendment to the "kennel" definition, and the
Planning Commission continued the public hearing on that definition, and passed a motion to move the
remaining three proposed amendments on to the Council for review, and said the kennel issue will come
before council at a later date. There was council consensus to bring this forward for a first reading at the
June 8 council meeting.
6. Advance Agenda
Councilmember Gothmann re- stated his desire to invite the Health Board Director to an upcoming council
meeting. Concerning the SARP schedule, City Manager Jackson said staff will post the schedule on the
website so people can plan ahead; and there was brief discussion concerning the need to contact those
who make comments at council meetings so that their concerns can be addressed; and Councilmember
Grafos suggested having comment cards at the public zoning meetings. Mr. Jackson said staff will also
make a CD for those interested in the meeting but were unable to attend.
INFORMATION ONLY: The department reports and ADA Self- Evaluation and Transition Plan were
for information only and were not reported or discussed.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Regular Meeting 5 -25 -2010
Approved by Council: 06 -08 -2010
Thomas E. Towey, Mayor
Page 8 of 8
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SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
PUBLIC HEARING SIGN -IN SHEET
SUBJECT: 2011 -2016 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
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TO: SPOKANE VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT
PLEASE, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
POLICE OFFICER: B.HERT
1. In what year did bicycle helmets become mandatory?
13 May 2010
Answer: In the city of Spokane Valley, bicycle helmets are NOT REQUIRED.
2. In the year 2009 how many bicyclists were given a citation for not wearing a
helmet?
Answer: ZERO, NONE.
3. In 2009 how many bicyclists were given a traffic citation for riding on the
sidewalk?
*Answer: None, it is NOT against the law to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.
4. In 2009 how many bicyclists were given a traffic citation for riding at night
with NO lights on their bicycle?
*Answer: He doesn't know. He referred me to the window of the Spokane County
court that handled citations for the Spokane Valley city. They did not know &
referred me to the county court clerk downtown. He called me back the next day &
said he could not find any RCW's on this because the legislature does not group all
bicycle codes together. He did say he found an RCW where you are not SUPPOSE TO
RIDE YOUR BICYCLE ON THE SIDEWALK. So I asked him how many citations were
written for this infraction in 2009. He could not give me an answer.
*So on the city council meeting of meeting of 11 May 2010, council woman Dempsey
said, it is against the law to ride your bike on the sidewalk! End of discussion, do the
Pines to Park Street Project.
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Whoa, not so fast council woman Dempsey.
I challenge you to tell us who told you that it was against the law to ride a bike on
the sidewalk? ALSO, tell us how many citations were given in 2009 for this
infraction?
It is an ARCANE LAW which IS NOT ENFORCED. I have lived in the Spokane Valley
over 40 years and I have asked citizens who have lived here over 70 years. NO ONE
knows of anyone being cited for riding a bike on the sidewalk!
So I stand by my statement that it is safer to bike ride on the sidewalk or on the
CENTENNIAL TRAIL than in bike lanes.
Also, I have given the council the REAL WORLD DATA from the WSDOT SHOWING
for the last five years about 104 bicyclists are injured every year from car /bicycle
collisions. Also, there is about one bicycle fatality each year in the county, which
includes the Spokane Valley.
* IN CONCLUSION
/Pt 9,wad rat y
FROM PINES ROAD TO PARK ROAD according to my odometer the distance is 2.95
miles. I have driven the complete distance four times in the last week to inspect
what the project is about. I met with Mr. Ken Knudsen today & I ask him what the
city is getting for nearly a million dollars? He could not answer all my questions & he
promised to get back to me with the information. The exact project cost is
$933,000.00.
State grant $ 746 = 80 %. Spokane Valley $ 186.600.00= 20 %.
I said that is a lot of money to restripe the street. Mr.Knudsen said it is included.
Some sidewalk work to be ADA comp i t. He also said if there is any traffic signal
work that it would be expensive. He said that he thought one traffic signal did not
respond to PEDESTRIANS PUSHING the button to CROSS the street.From my
inspections & measuring the sidewalks: theV5% in good to excellent shape, some
are new. They are 4 feet or wider & some are new. Four feet is the width of the
sidewalks on Broadway from Evergreen to Sullivan, so I assumed they must be
compii t because there is the latest 4 lane to two lane project.
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Now Mr.Knudsen did say,if ther/are ny utility poles & the sidewalk is not wide
enough, that the poles would hae relocated but the utility companies would
be responsible to do this and it t an expense to the nearly million dollars
project. Again from my inspectire are very few utility poles on the North
side of Broadway avenue which the sidewalk. On the South side of Broadway
avenue there are a number of poles in some stretches, but the sidewalks are in good
to excellent condition, and so are most of the utility poles. This would mean
perfectly good sidewalks would be dug up & replaced. Foot traffic & bicycles can
negotiate the sidewalks just as they are.
For wheelchairs, the North side of Broadway will allow safe travel. During the six
months of the year that a wheel chair might use the sidewalk is this worth a million
dollars to redo the South side, sidewalks on Broadway avenue?
In my humble opinion, there are a lot more urgent ways to spend the money. There
are some minor repairs that need to be correctly done. HOT ASPHALT patching at
the intersections oABroadway at Argonne & Mullen. This was not included in the
road project. I also suggested to Mr. Knudsen that in years to come a concrete
intersection would be useful & give longevity. He agreed & said it is in the future
plans.
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Broadway
At the last Council Meeting 4 people testified, 3 against and 1 for the improvements
to Broadway, none of these folks live on Broadway.
I have lived and worked 60 years in Dishman. For over 20 years I worked as a home
delivery MILK MAN. The very worst area I had to deliver to was Broadway Ave.
You can not pull into a driveway to deliver because then you would *have to
back out onto a very busy arterial. Illegal and also very scary because of the limited
visibility when driving a truck,
The safety problems that have existed on Broadway for over 60 years.
(1) Sidewalk right up to the curb.
(2) Utility poles right at the curb.
(3) Street drains (drywells) along curb create hazard to cars traveling in outside
lanes.
(4) Residents on Broadway backing onto an arterial.
(5) Delivery to residents along Broadway. Home delivery of any type, including
UPS, FedX, Mailman must park in the street, creating a hazard to
themselves and traffic.
There was some question about spending tax payer money on this safety project?
Where do these funds come from? The Council should realize that the grant
funds come from the gas tax. This money goes in a big, big pot in Olympia where
it is allocated out to approved deserving projects throughout the State. To
receive a grant for a project means we are getting our tax money back To make
improvements to our City. To not receive or turn down a grant means our tax
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dollars are still going to be spent, only someone else will spend them, Seattle or
King County, Etc, etc. The point being that as most of these funds already go to
the west side of the State we should never miss the opportunity to get our tax
dollars back for the improvements to our City. Staff should be congratulated in
their success in receiving these grants.
The money for the matching funds does not come from the City General Fund it
comes from the Real Estate Excise Tax and is earmarked for this purpose. It
does not have any relationship to a possible deficit in the General Fund.
For the safety of our citizens, pedestrians, bicyclists and auto drivers I ask that
you move forward with the Broadway Project.
Dick Behm
Behm's Valley Creamery
9405 E. Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA. 99206
To: City of Spokane Valley Council
From: Bob Glaza
16321 E Valleyway
Spokane Valley, WA 99037
RE: Broadway — Pines to Park Safety Project
Please read during open comment period of May 25, 2010 City Council session, if possible. I am unable
to attend.
A few years back, the City decided to restripe Broadway from Sullivan to Pines. Broadway changed from
a frantic four lanes to a much quieter— and safer — two lanes with a turning lane in the middle. At the
same time, bike lanes were striped in each direction. While I drive an automobile for most trips greater
than 20 miles, I use a bicycle and am a daily "neighborhood" walker. I noticed the traffic slow down
almost overnight. Admittedly, I am sensitive to speeders as I live on the current alternate route for
improvements at Sullivan /Broadway and Sullivan /Sprague. Any slowing of traffic speeds is a god thing in
my opinion.
Earlier this spring, I read in my Hot Topics newsletter (thanks for sending to citizens, by the way) that
Broadway from Pines to Park was scheduled to receive the same treatment. I was thrilled. Particularly
exciting was the grant that will pay for 80% of the project. That means my 20% in taxes goes four times
as far? Where else do you find somebody kicking in 75 cents for every quarter you spend?
Next I read the Council was about to cancel the Broadway — Pines to Park Safety project. Now I read the
Council wants to delay the project. I'm having a difficult time understanding the reasoning and the
hesitation. The project enhances safety around four schools — N Pines Jr. High, Broadway Elementary,
Ness Elementary and Centennial Middle School — by slowing traffic and easing congestion. The project
will make it easier for homeowners to enter and exit their driveways. The project will extend the route
of cyclists and pedestrians nearly to the 1 -90 exchange. Following this summer's project on the
Broadway — Conklin to Flora Improvement, that means the City of Spokane Valley will have a near
complete bikeway from Flora to Park. The project signals to our surrounding communities — Spokane
and Liberty Lake — that the City of Spokane Valley is a partner in working toward a more environmentally
aware region. The project is essentially paid for with a grant covering 80% of the cost.
It's time to ask the Council if it wants to be known as the group that helped the City of Spokane Valley
toward a more sustainable future. Or do we continue to postpone and delay? I'm asking for no delay on
this project.
Sincerely —
Bob Glaza
Spokane Valley, WA 99037
E -mail received May 25, 2010
Chris could you please read this during the public testimony portion of the City Council meeting.
The American flag represents many things to many people and its treatment and presentation can evoke
many forms of passion. Yesterday when Mike Jackson learned that the flag in front of the police station
was weather worn to a disgraceful state, he took immediate action. Literally within minutes, Mike had
the weather worn flag retired and replaced.
Mike is to be commended for his respect and his response.
Signed an American Veteran living in the Spokane Valley.
05/25/10
TV COUNCIL MEETINGS
On Tuesday June 29 the Spokane Valley Business Association
Sponsorship of the televising of City Council Meetings will end.
This has been a very successful program and the SVBA has received
many a thank you from the citizens of Spokane Valley. The SVBA
committed to a 6 month trial of televising the City Council and can not
afford to continue after that time. We had hoped that the city would
assume that responsibility and perhaps the City will yet decide to
continue the program. I would hope everyone would thank CMTV for
recording and showing the Council Meetings every Monday night. It is a
public service that we should all appreciate.
As I understand it the 35 cent peg fee is a joint responsibility of the City
of Spokane Valley, City of Spokane and Spokane County to help fund
public access and educational cable channels. We believe it is very
important to the citizens of Spokane Valley to have access to these
channels. Many students rely on the local collages programs that are
televised on channels 15 to 19. In addition the programming shown on
public access channel 14 (CMTV) has a large following.
We would hope that the Council would seriously consider the
consequences of reopening the cable contract which took 5 years to
negotiate. If you should decide not to collect the 35 cent fee, it is not too
far a stretch to believe that Comcast would or could remove access to
Public Access and Educational Channels to citizens in the Spokane
Valley. That would be a huge disservice to our citizens.
Dick Behm
Spokane Valley Business Association