2011, 11-01 Study Session Minutes MINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
STUDY SESSION FORMAT
Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers
Spokane Valley, Washington
November 1, 2011 6:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
Tom Towey, Mayor Mike Jackson, City Manager
Gary Schimmels, Deputy Mayor Roger Crum, Interim Deputy City Manager
Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Dean Grafos, Councilmember John Hohman Community Dev. Director
Brenda Grassel, Councilmember Kelly Konkright, Deputy City Attorney
Chuck Hafner, Councilmember Neil Kersten, Public Works Director
Arne Woodard, Councilmember Mark Calhoun, Finance Director
Scott Kuhta, Planning Manager
Steve Worley, Senior Engineer
Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Mayor Towey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Sullivan Road W. Brid�LReplacement, Survey Contract — Steve Worlev
It was moved by Depury Mayor Schimmels and seconded to authorize the City Manager or his designee to
execute a contract with CH2MHill for surveying and topographic mapping services in an amount not to
exceed $75, 000 for the Sullivan Road West Bridge Replacement Project #Ol S5. Senior Engineer Worley
explained that to meet the tight timeframes of the TIGER III grant, CH2M Hill has developed a scope of
work to begin the surveying and topographic mapping as soon as possible; that the survey and mapping
work is needed to begin the preliminary design phase and must be done before snow begins to fall. Mr.
Worley explained that the contract before council tonight is just for the surveying portion of the project;
that some of the estimated fees may change as a result of further negotiations but that the motion would
remain since it would remain below $75,000; and said that CH2M Hill has done a good job of negotiating
with their subcontractor. In response to council question, Mr. Worley said the TIGER grant was
submitted yesterday, and staff does not know when those decisions will be made. Mayor Towey invited
public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed.•
None. Motion carried.
2. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket — John Hohman
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels and seconded to approve the 2012 Comprehensive Plan
Amendment Docket as updated. Planning Manager Kuhta explained that notification was publicized that
we would accept applications for the 2012 Comprehensive Plan Amendment cycle through November l,
2011, and that this updated list which includes seven privately initiated amendments represents the
current docket; he said this represents a big work load and staff will be bringing forward a lot of
information and that this is just the start of the process which continues to spring 2012; and Mr. Kuhta
briefly went over the city-initiated proposed amendments as shown on the chart. Councilmember Grafos
asked about the timeframe to add amendments, and Mr. Kuhta said that council can add something
tonight if that is council's desire. In response to Council question about the difference between the
Council Study Session Minutes 11-01-2011 Page 1 of 5
Approved by Council: 11-15-2011
original docket with five privately initiated amendments, and tonight's docket which contains seven
which does not necessarily include all the original five, Mr. Kuhta said after the applicant moves through
the pre-application process, a formal application must be made and fee paid to proceed, and these seven
are indicative of that process. Mayor Towey invited public comment; no comments were offered.
Councilmember Grafos asked about allowing boats and RV sales in the corridor mixed-use zone, and Mr.
Kuhta explained that that and other minor items to be changed are being bundled in a batch amendment
process which staff is working on, which is independent of the comp plan process. Yote by Acclamation:
In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed.• None. Motion carried.
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
3 Convention Center Update — Kevin Twohi�,_Sand�Wade
Via their PowerPoint presentation, Spokane Public Facilities District board member Sandy Wade, and
Spokane Public Facilities District CEO Kevin Twohig, gave an update on the District's approach to
staying competitive and creating jobs, which included an update on the Convention Center completion,
shoreline enhancements, and Arena seating upgrades. They explained that the Convention Center is being
updated to meet the demand for more meeting space, which would mean facilitating more, and
simultaneous events. They discussed some of the shoreline enhancements such as improvements to the
Centennial Trail thereby making more public access; adding 750 seats to the Arena which will be good
for about the next ten years as they discussed this proposal with the NCAA Basketball league, as those
games tend to sell out almost immediately. They explained that these enhancements would mean about
800 new jobs, with over $100 million annual impact; and said that the $65 million projects cost will be
placed before the voters on the Apri12012 ballot, and if passed, would mean an extension of an existing
rebate not a new ta�c. Mayor Towey and Council thanked them for their update.
4. Stormwater Grants — Neil Kersten
Public Works Director Kersten explained that the State Legislature has provided a$30 million
appropriation for statewide stormwater construction projects, and jurisdictions covered by a NPDES
(National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Municipal Stormwater Permit may apply for funding
through a competitive grant process; he said projects must be completed by June 30, 2015, and that there
are several projects he would like to submit. Mr. Kersten said this information was included as an
informational item in a council packet a few weeks ago, and tonight he seeks council consensus to move
ahead and submit grant applications for the projects as noted on his Request for Council Action form: (1)
new decant [vactor waste] facility; (2) projects eliminating municipal outfalls to Chester Creek and
Glenrose Drainage, and (3) Sprague, Park to Thierman Swale Project. Director Kersten explained the
decant facility, he said there are no facilities that handle that kind of water, as you can't dump that back in
the drains or dump it anywhere; that we now have to add wood pellets to soak up the water to make it a
solid so it can be hauled to a landfill; he said this facility will allow us to dump it on a concrete slab and
handle the water separately; let the material dry, load into the trucks and take it to the landfill; he said this
process will enable us to probably double the number of catchbasins that could be cleaned in a day; that
there are over 8,000 drywells and we can only do a few hundred annually; he said we hit the main ones on
the arterials and in the problem areas. Mr. Kersten said that WSDOT (Washington State Department of
Transportation) is very interested in partnering with us, adding that they have separate funds. Mr. Kersten
said this grant requires a 25% match so WSDOT could help us match a big chunk of this and we could
use stormwater funds and/or APA (Aquifer Protection Area) funds to handle the remainder. Mr. Kersten
said WSDOT has about one-fourth the volume we need and said they want to submit the application with
us; he also stated that part of the problem with the drywells is some have no catchbasins or swales and we
are slowly retro-fitting those; he said if the drywells don't perform well, you end up with local flooding
and stressed that we need to keep the catchbasins clean so they don't fill up and ruin the drywell. Director
Kersten added that Spokane River is under a PCB (Polychlorinated biphenyls) discussion and compliance
and that there are PCBs in almost all the drywells.
Council Study Session Minutes 11-01-2011 Page 2 of 5
Approved by Council: 11-15-2011
Councilmember Hafner asked how the list was prioritized and Mr. Kersten said staff prioritized the list
based on need; then based on how well staff feels the projects will score. Mr. Kersten said the work will
be mostly all contracted; that we have a contractor now for the vactoring system, and we have trucks to
haul the material to the landfill. Mr. Kersten explained about the current system of having the contracted
employee sit idle while the water drains out of the debris, which is a waste of contracted time, and that we
could convert almost all those costs to actual vactoring and the man could keep working all day instead of
sitting there, which would mean handling four or five loads at once instead of multiple single trips, and
said about 45% of the cost is having the contracted individual sit while the water drains. Discussion
ensued concerning the cost to run the operation and Mr. Jackson said the discussion seems to be
expanding the scope of the issue, and that staff could bring back other information later with more detail
about putting in a facility; that the deadline for this grant is November 18; and Mr. Kersten said there are
no vactoring facilities in the Spokane area. Council asked for more detail on the decant facility including
comparisons of existing services and costs; and Mr. Kersten said if we were awarded the grant, we could
get those details, but that we cannot get designs done and a Performa before we even get the grant. Mr.
Kersten also highlighted some of the projects on the spreadsheet and described the other two projects
listed; and Council concurred that staff will bring back additional information November 15`� concerning
the cost, payback and other details on the decant facility; and voiced no objection to staff proceeding with
the other two grant applications.
5 Economic Develo�ment U�date — Mike Jackson John Hohman
City Manager Jackson and Community Development Director Hohman explained that staff has been
working toward developing short and long-term goals; that there have been a number of discussions about
an economic development plan, and though CounciUstaff discussion, staff understood the direction is to
focus on short-term goals and on what we can do immediately to enhance economic development. Their
PowerPoint included current economic development strategies, including note that Mr. Hohman attended
the week-long Northwest Economic Development Course; Mr. Hohman's "roadmap" for enhanced
permitting, directional signs for Sprague and Appleway, SEPA reform and working with small business
owners to improve change of occupancy codes; as well as city staff conducting meetings with such
regional partners as GSI, Valley Chamber of Commerce, Regional Site Selector, Arts Council and ITA, to
name a few. Mr. Hohman also reported on newly permitted businesses and buildings, such as Wal-Mart,
Panda Express, Spokane Teachers Credit Union and others, as well as new development activity including
improvements to O'Doherty's Pub, Safeway, Penney's, H&R Block, and others; and they concluded by
listing the next steps for both the short and the long term goals. City Manager Jackson reported that the
business plan is an ongoing process; it is started before developing the budget, and after the budget is
adopted, the plan gets revised to make sure the plan matches the budget; and said staff will start working
on those plans again late January or early February, with the goal to bring a draft economic development
plan to council at the June retreat.
Mayor Towey called for a recess at 7:30 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
6. Railroad Quiet Zones — Ro�er Crum
Via his PowerPoint presentation, Interim Deputy City Manager Crum briefed Council on the background
of Railroad Quiet Zones; including explanation of the instructions to the engineer if there is no quiet zone,
explaining what a quiet zone is and how railroads feel about them, what techniques are allowed, and of
the various gate and median requirements based on crossing configuration, along with the associated cost
estimates for each; he explained wayside horns and their installation, maintenance and cost including
liability, and said that Union Pacific currently operates fewer than ten daily trains through the city, while
BNSF (Burlington Northern-Santa Fe) operates about fifty trains; that there are eight at-grade traffic
crossings on UP lines within our city, and two more in Millwood, and seven at-grade traffic crossings on
BNSF in our city; and that there are several side tracks in industrial areas and a little used north-south
route in the City, but said he didn't examine those as part of this analysis. Councilmember Gothmann said
Council Study Session Minutes 11-01-2011 Page 3 of 5
Approved by Council: 11-15-2011
we won't know the costs unless we invest in an engineer to do the study; and Councilmember Woodard
remarked that the new super horns are over 200 decibels, which he said is one of the reasons why some of
the neighbors are upset. Mr. Crum said they are not supposed to exceed the new standard. Deputy Mayor
Schimmels added that the noise is only half the problem with the other half of the problem being trains
blocking intersections.
7. Governance Manual Draft — Chris Bainbrid�e
Mayor Towey explained some of the background of this process, and of the numerous meetings held by
the City Clerk, City Manager, City Attorney and Governance Committee. City Clerk Bainbridge
expounded on that background, explained the rationale for some of the reorganization of the manual, and
said it is Council's discretion on what, if any changes are made, and that there are no time constraints and
the current resolution which adopted the Governance Manual will remain as is until changed or repealed.
After some discussion of the best way for council to review the manual, it was determined that this issue
will be added to the November 29�' council agenda, and council will start with Chapter 1 and continue
through the manual as time permits; and schedule additional dates for further review as needed.
8. Advance Agenda — Mayor Towev
Mayor Towey suggested council take another tour of the city and City Manager Jackson said the tentative
date is Tuesday, December 13'�. There were no objections. Councilmember Grassel asked for copies of
the lodging grant applications prior to council's allocation of funds.
9. Council Check-in — Mavor Towev (Wastewater Rates)
Mayor Towey brought council's attention to the rate study in the packet, sand said the committee came up
with three suggestions for those rates, and said he would like to have this Council's recommended rate
option to give this Thursday at the Wastewater Policy Advisory Board meeting. Mayor Towey explained
that the three options include (1) decrease the WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) charge in 2012; (2)
retain current WWTP charge level; or (3) include Saltese Flats Phase 2 which means issuing $33.5
million in revenue bonds in 2014, and that twenty-year revenue bonds at an interest rate of 4.95% equates
to an additional $2.7 million per year in debt service. Mayor Towey also stated that although option 2
means no change in rates to county ratepayers, it would actually mean an increase to Spokane Valley
residents of $1.10 more a month since we took out our distribution as per the contract. Discussion
included mention that option 1 would mean spending down the reserves to $10 million, which is still
twice as much as is needed; that option 3 is not really an option; that it appears the only viable options are
1 or 2; and if the choice is the first option, rates could be adjusted later if needed. Mayor Towey said he
will ask the Board about the differences in the various cities' rates. Councilmembers Gothmann, Grafos
and Grassel indicated option 1 as their preference; with Mayor Towy and Councilmember Hafner
preferring option 2. Others did not commit to a preferred option. Mayor Towey said he will relay that
information at Thursday's committee meeting. At approximately 9:00 p.m., it was moved by Deputy
Mayor Schimmels, seconded and unanimously agreed to extend the meeting thirty minutes.
10. Ci ,ty Manager Comments — Mike Jackson
City Manager Jackson mentioned the AWC (Association of Washington Cities) letter before Council to
Governor Gregoire asking the Governor to meet with a delegation of city representatives to discuss how
we move forward for the benefit of all the people. Mr. Jackson said the Governor's proposed budget cuts
targeting cities, such as eliminating the distribution of state liquor taaies and profits, along with other cuts,
would amount to an estimated $1.6 million impact for our city, and said it is critical we weigh-in on this
process. Mr. Jackson said that Senior Administrative Analyst Koudelka went through the Governor's
Budget Reduction Alternatives concerning the proposed public safety reductions because if those
reductions to the County occur, the funds will need to be made up somewhere, and he said there are two
pages of potential or direct impacts in public safety for us, and said that Mr. Koudelka and Finance
Director Calhoun will be before council in a few weeks to discuss these figures. Mr. Jackson asked
Council Study Session Minutes 11-01-2011 Page 4 of 5
Approved by Council: I 1-15-2011
Council to consider authorizing the Mayor to sign and send the letter to AWC so they can send it on to the
Governor. City Manager Jackson said he recommends staying the course since we don't know if this will
happen, and if it does, we will have to make adjustments, but that no one will know for a while since the
special session won't convene until November 28. There was consensus from Council to authorize the
Mayor to sign and send the letter.
There being no further business, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels, seconded and unanimously
agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
�
Thomas E. T wey, ayor
ATTEST:
�/ _.
� �
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Study Session Minutes 11-01-2011 Page 5 of 5
Approved by Council: 11-15-2011
Exhibit 1
City of Spokane Valley
2012 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket
PRIVATELY INITIATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
File Number Ma or Text Summa of Amendment
CPA-01-12 Land Use Ma 12510 & 12512 E. Olive, LDR to HDR
CPA-02-12 Land Use Ma 16913 E. Mission, LDR to MUC
CPA-03-12 Land Use Ma 15922 & 16002 E Broadwa , O to C
CPA-04-12 Land Use Ma 805 N. Park, LDR to NC
CPA-05-12 Land Use Ma 601 N. Conklin, MDR to HDR
CPA-06-12 Land Use Ma 1114 N. Vercler, LDR to O
CPA-07-12 Land Use Ma 15712 E. Broadwa , O to C
CITY INITIATED COMPRENSIVE PLAN SITE SPECIFIC MAP AMENDMENTS
File Number Ma Summa of Amendment
N/A Land Use Ma N/A
CITY INITIATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEXT AND MAP AMENDMENTS
File Number Ma or Text Summa of Amendment
CPA-08-12 Map 2.1 Chapter 2— Land Use: update the Land Use map;
review Garden Office zone and Corridor Mixed Use
zone along Trent Avenue;
CPA-09-12 Text Chapter 3— Transportation: include transportation
Map 3.1 improvements developed in the 2011 development
Map 3.2 cycle; reference BPMP in 3.3 Non-Motorized
Transportation;
CPA-10-12 Text Chapter 4— Capital Facilities and Public Services:
update 6-year TIP; ensure City capital projects, such
as parks and other public facilities are included to
utilize REET funding;
CPA-11-12 Text Chapter 7— Economic Development: update text and
Map 7.1 Map 7.1 to reflect the latest Development Activity;
ll �-I �//
Updated 11
� �
ASS4C114TC0�1
4� WASHIhtGTGN � 1t�7fi Frank[in �treet S� • DlymPia, WA 985Q1 •1346
►�. �� ��� �SQ��S�•413�' +Totl Freet 1-8d0•�6�i=89$1 • F�x: 36t1•�53�Q149
.
November 2, 2011
Governor Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
Dear Governor Gregoire:
We in cities and towns understand the state's serious budget dilemma and sympathize with the difficuities you
face. However, we are extremely disappointed to see the depth and breadth of your "preliminary choice"
budget cuts targeting cities and towns. These deep cuts are intolerable and, we feel, do not reflect our
longstanding partnership. For example, eliminating the distribution of state liquor taxes and profits after over 70
years of continuous sharing, and breaking the commitment to temporarily help fund services in cities that
annexed la�ge areas, are simply unacceptable
We've encountered similar difficulties and revenue shortfalls. Since 2008 and in some cases earlier, cities and
towns have responded to the economic crises by cutting programs and personnel to balance our budgets. Our
citizens are already feeling these impacts.
As city and town officials, we view ourselves as partners with the state in providing essential public services to
citizens. Many laws passed in Olympia are carried out and enforced by our police, fire fighters, senrice
personnel, and other local providers. Conversely, for every dollar cut in money to local health services, it is our
shelters, hospitals, and jails that must cope with the consequences. When the state cuts programs and
services, cities and towns bear the burden of filling that service gap.
Given our partnership, we want to work with you to help the state meet its budget goals. Instead of firing salvos
at one another, we should be working together to stimulate economic recovery. We need to continue the
constructive dialogue you've nurtured with local governments over the course of your service to Washington. In
that vein, we ask that you meet immediately with a delegation of city representatives to discuss how we can
move forward for the benefit of the people we mutually serve. Our representatives at the Association of
Washington Cities will work with your staff to schedule the meeting.
Respectfully,
Collection of mayors' signatures