Loading...
2010, 01-19 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Formal Meeting Format Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Mayor Towey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Attendance: City Staff Tom Towey, Mayor Mike Jackson, Deputy City Manager Gary Schimmels, Deputy Mayor Mike Connelly, City Attorney Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Ken Thompson, Finance Director Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Mike Stone, Parks & Recreation Director Dean Grafos, Councilmember Neil Kersten, Public Works Director Brenda Grassel, Councilmember Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney Kathy McClung, Community Dev. Director Absent: Rick VanLeuven, Police Chief Bob McCaslin, Councilmember Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Office Greg Bingaman, IT Specialist Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk INVOCATION Pastor Manuel Denning gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Towey 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 from tonight's meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: n/a COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS: Deputy Mayor Schimmels, and Councilmembers Grafos and Grassel had no report; Councilmember Dempsey reported that she visited the HUB and was impressed with the facility; and Councilmember Gothmann said regarding the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee meeting, that they are reviewing HUD grants so that recommendations can be made to the Board of County Commissioners, and he explained that Spokane Valley has a 20% set -aside amount with the County for these funds, and that this time the amount is approximately $320,000. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Towey reported that he attended the Second Harvest celebration at Trent Elementary School and the YMCA Kids cafe kick -off, explaining that the YMCA partners with Trent to feed the kids before and after school; and said he was impressed with the outstanding job they do with little financing; said that last Thursday he met with Airway Heights Mayor Patrick Rushing and they talked about things the two cities are involved with, such as the treatment plant, and they discussed annexation, and talked about relationships and how to help each other; that he met last week also with Commissioner Mager and they discussed future mutual challenges, talked about relationships and discussed the current economic situation and of partnering with neighboring communities such as Council Regular Meeting 1 -19 -2010 Page 1 of 7 Approved by Council: 02 -09 -2010 Millwood and Liberty Lake; said he went to the Chamber's business breakfast; attended the Northeast Mayor's Conference in Spokane where seventeen Mayors came together to discuss problems, and said that Governor Gregoire dropped in and discussed issues relative to cities and said at that meeting that businesses and government will have to re -boot to survive, which Mayor Towey said he understands that means to adopt short and long term goals to survive. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Towey invited general public comments. Dick Behm, speaking for Spokane Valley Business Association: Mr. Behm submitted copies of his statement, and then read his prepared remarks concerning the Sprague Appleway Revitalization Plan, or SARP: "Where did it come from? Did the former City Council or City staff dream it up? What about the City Center Plan? Is that something the City and Developers put together? No, that's not what happened. In 2003 the City Council asked the citizens what their vision of Spokane Valley was and which direction they wanted their brand new city to go. How was this done and what were the results? The City Community Development Department contracted with Clearwater Research to conduct a Community Preference Survey. The survey was designed to gauge the public's views on issues such as transportation, urban design, city identity, growth and development. The final results were presented to the City in April 2004. Those results were used to develop priorities in the new Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is made up of citizen volunteers who have spent thousands of hours working on how to make our City a better place to live, work and play. The result was a new Comprehensive Plan to replace the one established by Spokane County. It has been tweaked and amended many times since then, as situations and priorities change, by the City Council. So what about SARP? Well, SARP is a part of the Comprehensive Plan and it reflects the direction the citizens said they wanted the City to go. Citizens were asked `how important it was to the future of Spokane Valley to have an area of the City that is recognized as a city center or downtown' and 61% said it was very important or somewhat important. The question was also asked where the City Center should be located. The choices submitted by citizens were Evergreen and Sprague, Pines and Sprague, Mirabeau Point, University City, and others. University City area was the overwhelming choice receiving 52% of the total vote. Mirabeau Point was second with 18 %. Respondents were also asked `how supportive they would be of Spokane Valley officials spending public money to promote the creation of a city center.' Three - quarters of the respondents (75 %) indicated they were supportive of Spokane Valley officials spending public money to create a city center. 76% reported that having a community identity was very or somewhat important to the future of Spokane Valley. So following the desires of the citizens the city hired a consultant to help plan a city center and suggest a plan to revitalize Sprague Avenue. 64 public meetings and workshops were held. Hundreds of Valley citizens attended with a desire to help plan their new city's future. Their viewpoints were heard and incorporated into the plan and SARP was born. Is SARP a bad plan? NO! Is it a good plan? NO! SARP is a plan in progress. It is a 20 to 30 year plan. It needs tweaking and changes, but it does reflect the direction that the citizens said they wanted the city to go. We would ask the City Council not `to throw the baby out with the bathwater' and act in haste. The new members on the Council should do their due - diligence and research. Please ask the staff for copies of the Clearwater Research Report filed April 28, 2004 and read all the results of the study." Spokane Valley Business Association, Terry Lynch — President, Dick Behm, Secretary/Treasurer. 1. CONSENT AGENDA Consists of items considered routine which are approved as a group. Any member of Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately. a. Approval of the following claim vouchers: VOUCHER LIST DATE WNOUCHER NUMBERS: TOTAL AMOUNT 01 -07 -2010 ear 20 10) 19331 -19334 $2,378.57 01 -08 -2010 (year 2009 ) 19337 -19353 $3,264,279.48 01 -08 -2010 (year 2010) 19354 $4,594.00 Council Regular Meeting 1 -19 -2010 Page 2 of 7 Approved by Council: 02 -09 -2010 01 -12 -2010 (payroll) 3041, 3042, 3043, 19325, 19335, 19336, 19355, 19356 $208,769.21 GRAND TOTAL $3,480,021.26 b. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2010 It was moved by Councilmember Dempsey, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the consent agenda. NEW BUSINESS 2 Second Reading Proposed Ordinance 10 -001 Amending Gambling Ordinance — Ken Thompson After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Councilmember Gothmann and seconded to approve ordinance 10 -001. Finance Director Thompson explained that this is an ordinance amending the current gambling ordinance, and the only change is to change the due date for gambling tax reports from the 15 of the month to the 30th in accordance with the State Auditor's Office suggestion, and to assist those establishments in timely meeting their report requirements. Mayor Towey invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 3 Second Reading Proposed Ordinance 10 -002 Amending 17.100.030 — Cary Driskell /Deana Poloni After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Councilmember Gothmann and seconded to approve ordinance 10 -002. Legal Intern Poloni explained that this change would allow the City to assess or recover civil penalties accruing under this chapter by legal action filed in Spokane County District Court or Superior Court; and said this ordinance is revenue neutral. Mayor Towey invited public comments; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 4 Proposed Resolution 10 -001 Homeless Housing and Assistance Act — Mike Connelly It was moved by moved by Councilmember Dempsey, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve Resolution 10 -001. Legal Intern Longman explained that this resolution is for Spokane Valley to continue participation in Spokane County's Homeless Housing and Assistance Act Regional Program instead of handling the program through our City. Mayor Towey invited public comment. Alvin Fisher, 13808 E Valley asked if this has anything to do with the panhandling problem and Councilmember Gothmann said it does not, and explained that panhandling is a permitted activity per our Washington State Court. There were no further public comments. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 5 Proposed Resolution 10 -002 Amending Fee Resolution — Mike Stone It was moved by Councilmember Dempsey, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the 2010 fee resolution amendment as outlined by staff. Parks and Recreation Director Stone explained that this addresses an incorrect fee regarding picnic shelter reservations, that the actual reservation fee should be $50.00 instead of $84.00. Mayor Towey invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. 6. Motion Consideration: CenterPlace Food Service Contract — Mike Stone It was moved by Councilmember Dempsey, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the CenterPlace Food Services Contract with Red Rock Catering and authorize the City Manager or designee to approve the annual renewals. Parks and Recreation Director Stone said this is the food service contract for 2010, and they are excited to work with Red Rock Catering. Councilmember Gothmann asked about the verbiage under paragraph 1B in the agreement, and Mr. Stone said he would check with our legal staff to make sure the language is clear. It was moved by Councilmember Gothmann and seconded to amend the motion to include that we will amend Section B in the contract as discussed. Council Regular Meeting 1 -19 -2010 Page 3 of 7 Approved by Council: 02 -09 -2010 The vote to amend the motion was unanimously in favor. Mayor Towey invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation on the amended motion: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Towey invited other general public comments Alvin Fisher, 13808 E Valley Way spoke on the subject of panhandling and said he sees numerous violations and there must be a way to cure this problem; that he doesn't like people to have to walk around panhandlers, and said it is time for this city to take a stand on this. Councilmember Gothmann responded and said that a committee was previously appointed to discuss panhandling, that several meetings have been held and ways to address the problem discussed; that a recent ruling by the State Supreme Court allows panhandling provided they are not aggressive, which means they can't block citizen's from walking on the sidewalks, and the panhandlers cannot step into the streets; he said there is a national publication put out by SCOPE on this issue; and said that an education process must take place so people will stop giving to panhandlers, as that is the only way to stop it; that 90% of what is given to panhandlers goes to support their drug and alcohol problems. City Attorney Connelly said he can discuss the matter further with Mr. Fisher if he wants to call Mr. Connelly's' office. Deputy City Manager Jackson added that we can schedule a presentation in the future and give Council history and background information if that is Council's direction. Peggy Doering, 11522 E Sunview Circle: said she is going to Olympia next week and is wondering what is the message from here to Olympia. Mr. Jackson said he has a copy of our current legislative agenda with eight items of interest, including street utility enabling legislation, increased state funding for the 911 system, seeking $300,000 for the acquisition of park land adjacent to the Park Road pool and Centennial Middle School, Law Enforcement District enabling legislation, securing state funding for statewide communications interoperability of infrastructure, reasonable legislation related to the "cap and trade" provisions of climate control regulations under consideration; access to enhanced state fuel purchasing power, and provide support for the Association of Washington Cities' legislative agenda items that serve the best interests of the City of Spokane Valley. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 7. Animal Control — Cary Driskell/Nancy Hill /Commissioner Todd Mielke After Deputy City Attorney Driskell gave some background history of animal control in Spokane Valley, SCRAPS Director Nancy Hill went through her PowerPoint presentation explaining some of the issues association with Animal Protection, including their mission and purpose, their education program, their location, hours of operation and what their facility has, such as after hours animal receiving room and new cat room; she mentioned staff including maintenance personnel, their pet licensing program, adoption program, and volunteer program; their animal protection services and officers; and how they handle emergency and routine calls. Ms. Hill gave statistics on time study percentages, showing requests for services, calls, impounds, etc., for Spokane County, Spokane Valley, Millwood, Cheney and Fairchild AFB, showing Spokane Valley involved in over 46% of those services. Spokane County Commissioner Mielke, on speaking to regional issues, said Ms. Hill has done a great job with all aspects of animal control and in increasing licenses so we know where those pets are; that the issue of animal control is also being discussed at the City of Spokane as their current animal control no longer wishes to be in that business and they are working to find a transition plan; that the City of Spokane is interested in becoming a part of the coalition but there are some challenges in doing that, and he encouraged the Council to take a tour of the facility, which was built in 1975 and has never had any major upgrades; and said currently there is no facility large enough to house a combined effort; that the parcel this building is on is long and narrow. Commissioner Mielke mentioned that the interlocal with the City of Spokane is on hold, that they had to renew their contract with Spokane Animal and their costs doubled, so they are in the process of negotiation, and are willing to extend the contract if a solution is being pursued. Other discussion included mention that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife partners with SCRAPS on some Council Regular Meeting 1 -19 -2010 Page 4 of 7 Approved by Council: 02 -09 -2010 items, but that mostly SCRAPS does not deal in wildlife; that to upgrade a thirty-five -year old building would likely take $3 to $5 million, and that the building it not hooked up to sewer as the closest hookup is on the other side of the railroad tracks, and they would have to bore underneath to accomplish such hookup, and that it would be expensive; and said in the end they might be looking at $10 to $13 million for a new building, plus the additional cost of the land. Mr. Mielke said they are trying to do what they can to soften the impact on general funds, and they rely heavily on the use of volunteers, including use of Geiger Work Release crews for such things as kennel cleaning. Ms. Hill said their fundraiser is schedule for April 23, and Mr. Mielke said it is likely that each jurisdiction may want to re -coup more money from animal licenses or impose sur- charges, and that flexibility exists. Deputy City Attorney Driskell said in reference to the code proposal changes included in tonight's council packet materials, that is a proposed change to the definition of kennels, which is a policy choice, and such will be brought back for council consideration at an upcoming meeting. 8. False Alarms — Rick VanLeuven/Cary_Driskell Police Chief VanLeuven gave an overview of how they arrived at outsourcing the task to PCF /CryWolf, as noted on his September 15, 2009 Request for Action and accompanying documentation, and said the documents summarize a year's worth of work to explain why they think this is cost efficient and an efficient use of resources for the Spokane Valley Police Department. Councilmember Grafos said he agrees with the program, but would like to see the first response at no charge so people can get used to the program; and Chief VanLeuven said that is why, as noted in the ordinance, that people who get new alarms have a sixty -day grace period and the first false alarm is free. Deputy City Attorney Driskell said the contract is a two -year contract with a series of three, potential one -year rollovers; and it was negotiated based on the anticipated workload and revenue, which is how they arrived at the 25/75 split, and if fees and costs were to be changed, they would need to look at amending the contract, adding that the fee structure is the same as was adopted with the City of Spokane. Mayor Towey called for a short recess at 7:44 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:56 p.m. 9. Ed Byrne JAG Grant — CM Driskell Deputy City Attorney Driskell explained that Council previously approved staff to apply for a 2010 JAG grant in conjunction with Spokane and Spokane County; the grant was awarded with the City of Spokane the fiscal agent for the funds; and under the grant, we are entitled to $50,367; and that the interlocal is necessary to direct the funds to Spokane County for their intended purpose since they are our contract service provider; that Spokane County will use the $12,500 for policing purposes between now and September 30, 2012; and the remainder of the funds will be used for other police - related services in the future. There was council consensus to move this forward for motion consideration at the February 9 council meeting. 10. Ci1y Manager Vacancy — Mike Connelly City Attorney Connelly said this is the beginning of the process to secure a permanent city manager for Spokane Valley; and there are two steps which need to be taken, the first rather quick needed step is to appoint someone to assume the powers of the city manager, which is probably best done by appointment of an interim or acting city manager, and then to identify what process Council will follow to appoint a permanent city manager. Mr. Connelly went over the steps for removal and replacement of a city manager as defined by state statute; and said Council needs to hire someone who is component to do the job and can handle the tasks. Mr. Connelly pointed to additional guidance on seeking a "qualified" city manager as noted in the ICMA "Recruitment Guidelines Handbook" which is included as part of tonight's council packet; and said that the general language of the statute provides a wide range of qualifications that would fit the bill for a city manager, and said the closer someone is to having actual experience as a city manager, would probably be the closer someone would be to have those requirements and be qualified and able to handle the duties of the position; and said Council could appoint an existing member of staff Council Regular Meeting 1 -19 -2010 Page 5 of 7 Approved by Council: 02 -09 -2010 as an interim or acting city manager while Council considers a permanent resolution. Mr. Connelly said the first goal is that prior to February 5, 2010, when the administrative leave expires for the City Manager, to appoint or designate a qualified person as interim City Manager, and Mr. Connelly recommended scheduling a motion for the February 2 council meeting to do that action, and to also schedule between now and then, an executive session to discuss the qualifications as to the existing deputy city manager, or to look elsewhere for those qualifications. In answer to council question, Mr. Connelly said an interim or acting city manager could remain as such until terminated, or for an undefined term or until such time as a permanent city manager is selected, or have the position be temporary; but in the meantime, Council needs to move into the second phase to find a permanent city manager; and said one option would be to appoint the Deputy City Manager as the interim City Manager, or conduct a search to accept applications for the interim city manager; but said the choice is at Council's discretion. Mr. Connelly also said that if Council determined to have a current staff member as acting or interim city manager, pay would be an issue, and a contract would be necessary with the guaranteed right for that person to go back to their original job if the interim job didn't work out, or if no one would take the job, and said there are standard contracts distributed by ICMA which council could use as guidelines. Regarding the selection and recruitment for a permanent city manager, once the acting or interim city manager is determined, Mr. Connelly said there is no time schedule; and he again referred to the ICMA recruitment guidelines provided; and said this selection is one of the most important responsibilities of a local governing body and he stressed the importance of the position, and said in a Council - Manager form of government, the city manager is vested with substantial responsibilities, duties and rights to administer the city; that Council makes the policy and the city manager makes the policy happen. Recruit process was discussed including use of the City's human resources department for an in -house search, or use of an executive recruitment firm for the search, and that cost would be dependent on how many people Council would eventually interview, including background searches and cost of flying candidates here for the interview process; and Mr. Connelly said the likelihood of getting the broadest field of candidates would be considerably lower if such search were conducted locally and in- house; and said the added difficulty in our case is that we just had a requested termination, so there could be some hesitancy in top people applying unless we have a professional conduct the search; and said we could also have a professional firm come to discuss the process with Council. Mr. Connelly said he contacted MRSC (Municipal Research Services Center) to see what others do in similar situations, and discovered that 90% of the cities of our size conduct a professional search. Councilmember Grassel asked if Council wanted to look at a different form of government such as a strong mayor or mayor elect, what would that do to this process; and Mr. Connelly said staff can start to look into that if Council desires, but said it would not interfere with the process as the election process is lengthy, and said he sees that as a separate issue. It was determined that an Executive session will be scheduled prior to February 2 to discuss candidate qualifications, and to make sure Council is informed prior to voting on a motion at the February 2 council meeting. 11. Advance Agenda Discussion — Mayor Towey Mayor Towey reminded everyone of the upcoming winter retreat February 9 at CenterPlace, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and that the meeting will be held in the conference room on the second floor, and the meeting is open to the public. Councilmember Grafos read the following statement: "I would like to have the following two issues reviewed by staff and or the city attorney and brought before the council for discussion, council options, and a possible vote as soon as these two items can be put on the agenda. #1 Several weeks ago at a meeting of the Auto Row dealers and at a later meeting with Denny Waltermeier of Spokane Hyundai the issue of the possibility of installing crosswalks at certain locations in the one way corridor was introduced. Dick Behm voiced the same concern at the Council Regular Meeting 1 -19 -2010 Page 6 of 7 Approved by Council: 02 -09 -2010 SVBA meeting which I attended last week with Mayor Towey. Their concern was the safety of pedestrians crossing Sprague Ave along the one way section of Sprague Ave in the University and Auto Row areas of the City. #2 For some reason as the city website has been upgraded, expanded, and revised in the last 2 years the city budget from the first full year of city incorporation in 2004 until 2008 is no longer available to the public on our website. As an incoming member of the finance committee and in the interests of transparency and public disclosure, it is difficult for the public to see where we are going, where we have been, and what actions and decisions we are making as stewards of the taxpayers money without this information. This financial information should be readily available to the public without the necessity and difficulty of requesting this information from the city via a public records request. I would like the prior year budgets from 2004 to 2008 restored to the city website as soon as possible. Thank you." Deputy City Manager Jackson said with Council's concurrence, staff will look into those issues. Council concurred. Mayor Towey also reminded everyone there will be no meeting next week as Council attends the legislative conference in Olympia. INFORMATION ONLY: The Paveback and Fee Resolution 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 8:24 p.m. 3r T: Thomas E. Towey, Mayor Bainbridge, i Clerk Council Regular Meeting 1 -19 -2010 Page 7 of 7 Approved by Council: 02 -09 -2010 1/19/10 Mr. Mayor, I would like to have the following two issues reviewed by staff and or the city attorney and brought before the council for discussion, council options, and a possible vote as soon as these two items can be put on the agenda. #1 Several weeks ago at a meeting of the Auto Row dealers and at a later meeting with Denny Waltermeire of Spokane Hyundai the issue of the possibility of installing crosswalks at certain locations in the one way corridor was introduced. Dick Behm voiced the same concern at the SVBA meeting which I attended last week with Mayor Towey. Their concern was the safety of pedestrians crossing Sprague Ave along the one way section of Sprague Ave in the University and Auto Row areas of the City. #2 For some reason as the city website has been upgraded, expanded, and revised in the last 2 years the city budget from the first full year of city incorporation in 2004 until 2008 is no longer available to the public on our website. As an incoming member of the finance committee and in the interests of transparency and public disclosure, it is difficult for the public to see where we are going, where we have been, and what actions and decisions we are making as stewards of the taxpayers money without this information. This financial information should be readily available to the public without the necessity and difficulty of requesting this information from the city via a public records request. I would like the prior year budgets from 2004 to 2008 restored to the city website as soon as possible. Thank you, Dean Grafos City of Spokane Valley Mayor Towey City Council Members 01/19/10 Sprague Appleway Revitalization Plan or SARP Where did it come from? Did the former City Council or City staff dream it up? What about the City Center Plan? Is that something the City and Developers put together? No, that's not what happened. In 2003 the City Council asked the citizens what their vision of Spokane Valley was and which direction they wanted their brand new city to go. How was this done and what_ were - the results? The City Community Development Department contracted with Clearwater Research to conduct a Community Preference Survey. The survey was designed to gauge the public's views on issues such as transportation, urban design, city identity, growth and development. The final results were presented to the City in April 2004. Those results were used to develop priorities in the new Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is made up of citizen volunteers who haa y opent thousands of hours working on how to make our City a better place to live The result was a new Comprehensive Plan to replace the one established by Spdkani County. It has been tweaked and amended many times since then, as situations and priorities change, by the City Council._ So what about SARP? Well SARP is a part of the Comprehensive Plan and it reflects the direction the citizens said they wanted the City to go. Citizens were asked "how important it was to the future of Spokane Valley to have an area of the City that is recognized as a city center or downtown" 61% said it was very important or somewhat important. b c ,fiuns The questio�wa also asked where the City Center should be located. The choices submitted ere "Evergreen and Sprague ", "Pines and Sprague ", "Mirabeau Point ", "University City" and "Other3. University City area was the overwhelming choice receiving 52% of the total vote. Mirabeau Point was second with 18 %. Respondents were also asked "how supportive they would be of Spokane Valley officials spending public money to promote the creation of a city center ". "Three- quarters of the respondents (75 %) indicated they were either somewhat or strongly supportive of Spokane Valley officials spending public money to create a city center." 76% reported that having a community identity was very or somewhat important to the future of Spokane Valley. So following the desires of the citizens the city hired a con to help plan a city center and suggest a plan to revitalize Sprague Ave. MA3 public meetings and workshops were held. Hundreds of Valley citizens attended with a desire to help plan their new city's future. Their viewpoints were heard and incorporated into the plan_ . SARP was born. MOL Is SARP a bad plan? NO! Is it a good plan? NO! SARP is a plan in progress. It is a 20 to 30 year plan. It needs tweaking and changes, but it does reflect the direction that the citizens said they wanted the city to go. We would ask the City Council not "To throw the baby out with the bath water" and act in haste. The new members on the Council should do their due - diligence and research. Please ask the staff for copies of the Clearwater Research Report filed April 28, 2004 and read all the results of the study. Spokane Valley Business Association Terry Lynch - President Dick Behm - Secretary / Treasurer