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