2012, 05-01 Study Session Minutes MINUTES
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
STUDY SESSION FORMAT
Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers
Spokane Valley,Washington
May 1,2012 6:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Councilmembers Staff
Torn Towey,Mayor Mike Jackson, City Manager
Gary Schimmels,Deputy Mayor Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Dean Grafos, Councilmember John Hohman, Community Development Dir.
Brenda Grassel, Councilmember Mark Calhoun,Finance Director
Chuck Hafner, Councilmember Mike Stone,Parks&Recreation Director
Ben Wick, Councilmember Kelly Konkright,Deputy City Attorney
Arne Woodard, Councilmember Steve Worley, Senior Engineer
Scott Kuhta,Planning Manager
Morgan Koudelka, Sr.Administrative Analyst
Doug Powell, Acting Building Official
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. and asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll. All Councilmembers were present.
1.Emergency Management Update—Tom Mattern
Mr. Tom Mattern of the Spokane Department of Emergency Management was joined by Spokane Sheriff
Knezovich, Mr. Mattern said that it is time to update the current interlocal agreement,which was initially
established in 2005 and per his PowerPoint presentation, explained some of the functions of the
Emergency Management System and some of the proposed changes to the interlocal, including the
formation of an Emergency Management Operations Group as well as a policy board, and who would be
included in such membership. Mr. Mattern stated that the mandatory function is to coordinate and
facilitate the process so we have a common goal at the end; and Sheriff Knezovich explained the
importance of having the private sector involved. City Manger Jackson stated that there would likely be
some minor revisions to the draft interlocal and that although scheduled for approval consideration next
week, might be slightly delayed.
2. Revisions to Title 24,Building Code—Doug Powell, John Hohman
Community Development Director Hohman explained that revisions to this Title began briefly last fall,
and that staff wanted to walk Council through the proposed changes; he said the code is somewhat
outdated, and as they looked at the issue of applications and expirations of building permits, they felt the
time is right with the current economy to address some issues to determine some reasonable timeframes.
Mr. Holtman said the code language can be confusing as well especially in trying to tie the code to the
application and permit process. Via their PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Hohman explained that the
building code is not a land use regulation and therefore can be handled directly through council. After
Mr. Hohman and Powell's explanation of the proposed changes, there were no objections from council to
proceed with the amendments as noted.
Council Study Session Minutes 05-01-12 Page 1 of 3
Approved by Council:05-08-2012
3. Group Housing—Scott Kuhta
Planning Manager Kuhta explained that this agenda item is in response to Council's request for review of
the zoning regulations for the various types of group housing. As per his May 1,2012 Memorandum,Mr.
Kuhta explained about the definitions, in particular the definition of family and some of the state and
federal regulations surrounding homes such as "adult family homes" and structures occupied by people
with handicaps. After going over the summary of group housing types and the accompanying matrix,Mr.
Kuhta said that he and Deputy City Attorney Konkright are working on these definitions and the housing
amendments in general, adding that definitions are lacking for such things as boarding or rooming houses;
and said they are working on taking apart the different types of licenses to make sure everything is
consistent with the Federal Fair Housing Iaws. It was also agreed that senior housing will be included in
the next discussion and Mr. Kuhta said the process will proceed through the Planning Commission and
then back to Council.
At 7:23 p.m.Mayor Towey called for a recess; he reconvened the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
4. 2012 Federal Bridge Program Call for Projects—Steve Worley
Senior Engineer Worley asked for council consensus to submit a grant application for resurfacing the
Sullivan Road Bridge; he said the estimated cost for this resurfacing is $250,000 and the Bridge Program
funds cover 80% of the cost; that the city's 20% match of about $50,000 would be paid from the Street
Fund, and said the bridge deck needs to be re-surfaced, that this project has been identified by SRTC
(Spokane Regional Transportation Council) as a regionally significant project; and the high traffic and
truck volumes, along with the current condition, warrant a new surface. There were no objections to
moving forward.
5.JAG Grant—Morgan Koudelka
Senior Administrative Analyst Koudelka briefly explained about the opportunity to apply for the Justice
Assistance Grant as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program; and that
Spokane Valley Police Chief recommended purchasing four mobile data computers, and several office
chairs. Mr.Koudelka said no match is required for this grant, and he noted the total allocations have been
diminishing over the years. After brief conversation about the idea of leasing computers, with response
from Chief VanLeuven that they are at the preliminary stage of examining that option, there was no
objection to staff bringing this item back next week for council to consider approving applying for the
grant.
6.Advance Agenda—Mayor Towey
Councilmember Woodard mentioned senior housing and Mr. Jackson said although that topic is currently
on the pending list, and it will be included in the next discussion in connection with tonight's agenda
item, on the various types of group housing. Councilmember Hafner asked about the status of the City
Hall renovation and Permit Center, and Mr. Jackson said we continue to work with the landlord but it is
difficult to get a definitive answer; and said he will set a deadline to come back to council in the next few
weeks with an update. It was also determined that there will be no council meeting June 19 as a majority
of Councilmembers will be attending the Association of Washington Cities Annual Conference in
Vancouver,Washington.
7. Information only items Administrative Quarterly reports, Parks and Recreation Quarterly Report,
SRTC Quarterly Report, Greater Spokane, Inc. First Quarter Report of Activities, and the update on the
Heritage Museum were all for information only and were not reported or discussed.
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Approved by Council:05-08-2012
8. Council Check-in—Mayor Towey There were no comments.
9. City Manager Comments—Mike Jackson
City Manager Jackson said that last week Mayor Towey signed the letter to the Governor requesting that
she veto that portion of HB 2823 making permanent reductions to the liquor excise taxes, and that we
should know something after tomorrow afternoon whether she vetoed or signed the bill. Mr. Jackson said
it is his understanding that many letters were sent to the Governor requesting her veto of the bill. Mr.
Jackson also explained that work has begun on Appleway and University, and that Public Works is
completing those preservations projects and that they are preparing a list of additional preservation
projects to bring to council for discussion; and he commended Public Works for their work on the project.
Councilmember Haf ier asked about the safety poles on Pines and 16th and suggested more information to
the public might be beneficial as many people have contacted him asking the purpose of the poles.
Councilmember Woodard asked about the possibility of posting signs about the"safety project."
There being no further business, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels, seconded and unanimously
agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
I 6A
A E: tho rfias E. Tow y,Mayor
C
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Council Study Session Minutes 05-01-12 Page 3 of 3
Approved by Council:05-08-2012