2012, 01-17 Study Session Minutes MINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
STUDY SESSION FORMAT
Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers
Spokane Valley, Washington
January 17,2012 6:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
Torn Towey,Mayor Mike Jackson, City Manager
Gary SchimmeIs, Deputy Mayor Cary DriskelI, City Attorney
Dean Grafos,Councilmember John Hohman, Community Development Dir.
Brenda Grasser, Councilmember Neil Kersten,Public Works Director
Chuck Hafner, Councilmember Mark Calhoun,Finance Director
Ben Wick, Councilmember Mike Stone,Parks&Recreation Director
Arne Woodard, Councilmember Kelly Konkright,Deputy City Attorney
Doug Powell,Acting Building Official
Lori Barlow, Senior Planner
Rick VanLeuven,Police Chief
Carolbelle Branch,Public Information Officer
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Mayor Towey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. It was then moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels,
seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the amended agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Amended Legislative Agenda—Mike Jackson
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels and seconded to approve the amended 2011-13 Legislative
Agenda. City Manager Jackson explained that as previously mentioned, we did not receive funding from
the TIGER III Grants for the Sullivan Bridge, and he therefore recommended adding the Sullivan Bridge
Replacement as the number one priority budget request on our Legislative Agenda. Mr. Jackson also
mentioned a letter from our lobbyist Ms. Taylor regarding funding potentials and said he will share a copy
of that letter with Councilmembers. Councilmember Grafos asked about the previously discussed library
proposal concerning Balfour Park and of perhaps including that on this legislative agenda. Mr. Jackson
explained that he will discuss that with our lobbyist and report back to council on that discussion, adding
that we want to use caution because if we divide our priorities, it could lessen the impact on funding for
Sullivan Bridge, which is our top priority. Councilmember Woodard added that he would like to include
a discussion at the retreat on which parks would be a priority. Mayor Towey invited public comments;no
comments were offered. Vote by acclamation:In Favor Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried.
2. Snow Removal Plan—Neil Kersten
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels and seconded to approve the Revised Snow Plowing/Deicing
Level of Service Plan. Public Works Director Kersten explained that the Level of Service Plan is being
amended is as a result of Council's previous request to remove the word "substantially" from
"substantially inhibited." Mr. Kersten also explained the spreadsheet in the packet which shows the cost
of performing a full-city plow, which he said is in the $60,000 range. Councilmember Grafos asked why
last year, we didn't start plowing until there was ten to twelve inches of snow on the ground. Director
Kersten explained that he would not change the procedure from what has been done in the past; he said
measuring cumulative amounts of snow after it has been compacted is very different from measuring the
amount of snow on streets; he said they look at various elements in making decisions about when to plow
as there are numerous scenarios on the type of snow and what is actually on the street; and said they also
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Approved by Council:02-I4-12
take into consideration citizens' comments among other factors. Mayor Towey invited public comments;
no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Motion
carried.
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
International Fire Core--Doug Powell,Acting Building Official; and Fire Marshall Kevin Miller
Community Development Director Holtman explained that as a result of conversations with Fire Chief
Thompson on how the Fire Department interrelates with City staff daily, Acting Building Official Doug
Powell and Fire Marshall Kevin Miller will give a brief discussion on the International Fire Code and
how it relates to the International Building Code. Fire Marshall Miller and Acting Building Official
Powell explained that members of the International Fire Code (IFC) Council meet annually,that they take
input from various sources on proposed amendments, and that once finalized, the IFC Council sends the
document out for review to the different states that have adopted the Code, and then those municipalities
discuss the issues and information as it undergoes state review, which review includes a comment period.
Mr. Powell said that the IFC is a maintenance code to the International Building Code, which is a
performance code, and that the two codes are companions. Fire Marshall Miller also noted that he and
city building officials meet weekly to go over issues and information, and said they have a great working
relationship, and that this process helps them stay on top of current issues as they work together to create
safe buildings. Their PowerPoint presentation included information that the code cycles every three years
and is amended by Washington State in July of the following year; that jurisdictions such as the City of
Spokane Valley are mandated to have local adoption; that the code is a minimum standard and can be
made more strict only by local ordinance; that an Interlocal Agreement exists between the City and the
Fire Department appointing the Fire Department as the entity to enforce the fire code, and that the Fire
Chief designated the Fire Marshall as the Fire Code Official. They explained some of the Fire Marshall's
responsibilities, discussed plan review timelines, major events that influenced the fire code, the fire
inspection program and what inspectors look for, and that they generally give thirty days' notice to have
hazards corrected.
4.Americans with Disabilities Act Mary Kate McGee
Removed from the agenda.
5. Shoreline Master Program(SMP)Update—Lori Barlow
Community Development Director Hohman stated that before Ms. Barlow begins her presentation, he
wanted to clarify that this Program's process is currently on hold, and has been for about three months;
that during this time he, the City Manager, and the City Attorney took the opportunity to get up-to-speed
on these matters; that it also gave staff time to examine the aspects of the SMP including the state
requirements, that staff has been working to hire special counsel to assist in this matter; that at this point
he wanted to focus on the regulations we are currently under, which have been in place for a long time,
and to keep in mind where we think we can get some efficiencies and possibly get some development in
areas not previously developed, like Coyote Rock, all while protecting the resources. Senior Planner
Barlow explained that tonight's purpose is to provide an overview of the current SMP, and she explained
the purpose of the SMP, gave seine background information, and briefly went over Section 1 goals and
policies, Section 2 Shoreline Management Areas, and explained that Spokane Valley area only contains
three of the five distinct designations. i.e. Pastoral, Conservancy, and Urban, and she explained and gave
examples of those designations. Ms.Barlow continued by explaining Section 3 Policies for Shoreline Use
Activities, and Section 4 Use Regulations; followed by an explanation of some of the general regulations
applicable to all areas, as well as regulations for commercial areas, residential areas, water-related
industries, bulkheads, and piers and docks. Planner Barlow also described some of the administrative
procedures for exemptions,permits, and conditional uses and variances. Director Hohman mentioned that
staff has started to identify that there are areas where they can focus and do a better job, and provide as
much detail and information as possible so as to alleviate questions and concerns of property owners; he
said that he understands the inventory conducted is the most complete the Department of Ecology has
seen to date, and it includes which areas need protection and which don't; that initially this was a small
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Approved by Council:02-14-12
piece of the County's overall picture back in the 1970's; and all the designations the County had didn't
exist within our city limits; he said the regulations are confusing, complex and detailed, so the task is to
make that understandable and easier to implement. Mr. Hohman added that the Plan must be adopted by
the end of the year 2013; and said staff will bring back a calendar timeline of next steps. Councilmember
Woodard stated that he would appreciate seeing the maps included in Council's packet for future
discussions. City Manager Jackson stated that staff will also bring Council discussion about the goals and
policies, and Mr.Hohman said he will outline the timeline for that as well.
Mayor Towey called for a recess at 7:32 and reconvened the meeting at approximately 7:45 p.m.
6. Gateway Signs—Mike Stone
Parks and Recreation Director Stone went over his PowerPoint presentation explaining about the option
concepts for potential entry signs, and said he is hopeful after his presentation to get council consensus on
which concept to finalize. Council and staff discussed the four options, with Councilmember Hafner
expressing his concern in spending over $120,000 at this time, and that perhaps an option would be to do
the project in stages; and Councilmembers Grafos and Woodard stated they preferred option 3; while
Councilmembers Grassel and Wick preferred option 4. There was discussion about not having so many
trees, that a sidewalk would be a requirement of the City; irrigation and maintenance would add to the
cost; and that council could move toward making a decision and discuss funding later, including use of
city funds and/or volunteers and donations from individuals and service clubs. It was also mentioned
about the business owners' concern with the corridor's appearance, and that this project would be a
beautification project, and could be tied in with the City's ten-year anniversary. There was eventual
council consensus to move ahead, and Mr. Stone said he will refine both option 3 and 4 for further
council consideration.
7. Advance Agenda—Mayor Towey
Councilmember Grasse/ suggested in connection with the upcoming economic development discussion on
February 7, that Council take a tour of Hayden, Idaho as they have done a nice job of making
improvements along their corridor; or if a group tour is not possible,that Councilmembers might visit the
City independently.
8. Information Only: The Spokane Valley's Ten-Year Anniversary, and the Traffic School Follow-up were
for information only and were not discussed or reported.
9. Council Check-in—Mayor Towey. Council had no comments.
10. City Manager Comments Mike Jackson
City Manager Jackson reminded Council of tomorrow's 10:30 a.m. precinct tour; said everyone will meet
at the precinct. Mr. Jackson reported that lobbyist Taylor contacted him last week about the importance of
testifying during the SEPA Reform discussion in Olympia, which discussion was characterized as
modification of SEPT regulations; and said that with prepared information from Director Hohman,
Building Official McGee, who was already in the area, testified on that subject. Concerning the
upcoming City Legislative Action Council in OIympia, that our Lobbyist suggested we have a
representative meet with Senator King concerning our funding request for the Sullivan Bridge
Replacement.
It was moved by Deputy Mayor Sclnimmels, seconded and z amimously a:ree I to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 8:36 p.m.• iomas E.Towey,Mayor
1
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
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Approved by Council:02-14-12