Loading...
2013, 09-17 Study Session MINUTES SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING STUDY SESSION FORMAT Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers Spokane Valley,Washington September 17,2013 6:00 p.m. Attendance: Councilmembers Staff Tom Towey,Mayor Mike Jackson, City Manager Gaiy Schimmels,Deputy Mayor Cary Driskell, City Attorney Dean Grafos, Councilmember Mark Calhoun,Finance Director Chuck Hafner, Councilmember Mike Stone,Parks&Recreation Director Rod Higgins,Councilmember John Hohman,Community Development Dir. Ben Wick, Councilmember Eric Guth,Public Works Director Arne Woodard, Councilmember Erik Lamb,Deputy City Attorney Scott Kuhta,PIanning Manager Mike Basinger, Senior Planner Christina Janssen,Planner Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk Mayor Towey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. • Roll Call: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll;all Councilmembers were present. ACTION ITEMS: 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 VOUCHER NUMBERS; TOTAL AMOUNT 08/2612013 3 0024-3 0075 $352,101.26 08/29/2013 39976-30104; 827130174 $136,284.57 08/29/2013 5643-5664 $2,029.00 09/03/2013 3 0105-3 0139 $118,160.65 09/04/2013 4465; 4483-4486; 4502; 30140-30143 $260,936.16 09106/2013 30144-30193; 830130027; 905130026 $2,067,438.14 GRAND TOTAL $2,936,949.78 b.Approval of Payroll for period ending August 31, 2013: $409,490.69 c.Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of August 20,2013, Study Session Format d.Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of August 27,2013,Formal Meeting Format e.Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of August 28,2013, Special Regional Solid Waste Meeting f.Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of September 3,2013, Study Session Format g. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of September 4, 2013, Special Joint Meeting h. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2013, Special Meeting i. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes of Sept 6,2013 Special Meeting, Council of Governments It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the consent agenda. Council Study Session : 09-17-2013 Page 1 of 5 Approved by Council: 09-24-2013 2. Second Reading Proposed Ordinance 13-013 Avista Natural Gas Franchise—Cary Driskell After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Schimmels and seconded to approve Ordinance 13-013 granting Avista Utilities a natural gas franchise. City Attorney Driskell briefly explained the background of the franchise. Mayor Towey invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation:In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed:None. Motion carried. NON-ACTION ITEMS: 3.Manufactured Home Park Zoning—Scott Kuhta Planning Manager Kuhta explained that tonight's agenda item is in follow-up to previous discussions concerning the issue of manufactured home park zoning regulations, wherein staff gave an overview of Tumwater's lawsuit dealing with manufactured zoning, which resulted in Council seeking more information from the park owners. Mr. Kuhta said surveys were mailed in order to get some feedback on what could be viewed as restrictive zoning on manufactured home parks; and said only five surveys were initially returned, Mr. Kuhta said staff followed up with some phone calls to the six larger parks and received a few more responses; and out of those responses, only one expressed no concern at all as the owner stated they were not going to re-develop and had no plans to do so in the future. Mr. Kuhta said that other property owners expressed some level of concern with establishing such a zone, and he referenced Mr. Cochran's comments contained in the council packet material, which explain that Mr. Cochran feels there is enough protection in the current law, and zoning would present an undue burden on private property rights and that owners of the parks would rather not see any zoning restrictions. Mr. Kuhta said if Council wants to move forward with some zoning, we would need to get something on the docket by November 1 so that policies could be added to support future regulations. Mr. Kuhta mentioned that the current regulations limit density to seven units per acre in home parks, and said he is not sure why it is so limited, and that should be researched. There followed some discussion concerning smaller lots and greater density; overlay zones for manufactured home parks; what would or would not require a comprehensive plan amendment; and the general outcome of the Tumwater decision with City Attorney Driskell urging caution since that was an ordinance specific to Tumwater's conditions. Mr. Kuhta also mentioned the recent(September 16, 2013) letter from AMHO and all Councilmembers acknowledged that they received a copy. Deputy Mayor Schimmels stated his preference not to have this as a comprehensive plan change; Councilmember Wick indicated that perhaps there could be some law changes to pursue to make it easier for an association to purchase the property. Mayor Towey said the agrees with the need for greater density, and liked the idea to move forward to at least evaluate and study the possibility of changing the density of the property rather than moving to a more restrictive park. Mr. Kuhta said a density change could be accomplished through a code text amendment. There were no objections from Council for staff to further evaluate and study the density issue. 4, Specialized School in Industrial Zones--Christina Janssen Planner Janssen explained that staff received a privately initiated code text amendment to outright allow Specialized Training/Learning Schools/Studios in the Light Industrial zone, and to allow with a conditional use permit in the Heavy Industrial zone. Ms. Janssen said a conditional use permit would have to go before the Hearing Examiner, and said the benefit would be that these types of uses could be looked at on a case- by-case basis; and said the applicant prefers allowing it as a permitted use in Light Industrial. Ms. Janssen also explained the approval criteria as noted on pages 2 and 3 of the staff report, specifically that the proposed amendment is not consistent with the Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan and therefore, staff is not recommending approval of the proposal. Community Development Director Hohman said staff had a difficult time with this proposal; that they want to be business-friendly but also need to look at the guidance in.the Comprehensive Plan; and said there is enough information in there for staff not to recommend approval; adding that the issue is also about sewer availability. Mr. Hohman explained that the result of a previous analysis shows there is very limited sewer availability in the industrial areas; said it would be difficult to have discussions with the County in some of these areas when we'd be entertaining that this proposal would not fit within the industrial categories; said Council Study Session : 09-17-2013 Page 2 of 5 Approved by Council: 09-24-2013 staff is an advocate of sewer expansion and we want to reserve as much as possible for industrial uses. In contrast, he explained, neighboring jurisdictions have their own sewer utilities so if they want to extend sewer they can; but explained that we are not in the same category and it would be more difficult to get industrial areas open with sewer; adding that we have an obligation to try to protect existing areas. Mr. Hohman said it was very difficult for staff to make a recommendation on this, but ultimately felt there was not enough support for such a proposal in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hohman said that perhaps staff didn't explain that we well as it could have been explained as the Planning Commission voted five to two to recommend approval;with a minority opinion to protect those areas for the higher use. Mr. Hohman said he wants to make sure Council has the complete picture, and that the detailed minutes are included in the Council packet to help Council understand the process as it took place at the Planning Commission. Mr. Holunan said he is here to answer questions; that Council has the option to proceed with this or not, or remit back to the Planning Commission for further analysis. Councilmember Woodard referenced Spokane Valley Code section 17C.130.015 and Title 17C concerning uses permitted, but it was Iater determined that those code sections are from Spokane's Municipal Code and not from Spokane VaIley's Code. Councilmember Woodard said he would love to see the gymnastics here and doesn't see the issue as giving up industrial land. Councilmember Grafos asked if we had more property severed,would that have made a difference, and Mr. Hohman replied that it would but that would have only resolved that part, as there are still numerous policies in the Comprehensive Plan that discourage the use; and in response to a question from Councilmember Hafner, said if this is permitted, it would be permitted city-wide; and said again one of the issues is, would this be the highest and best use for that property. Further discussion included that the type of building needed for their business is large, and the property in question is less expensive to rent than other commercial properties. Mr. Hohman also noted that Planning Commissioner Carlson recommended a "middle ground" resolution to allow this use as a conditional use in the light industrial, and not allow it in heavy industrial, which means the Hearing Examiner could look at the specific location. The idea of a conditional use permit was discussed including mention that the process would take longer. Mr. Hohman also noted that our use matrix is very specific and staff could examine in the future that with the idea of grouping more into broader categories. Mayor Towey and Councihnember Wick suggested moving forward with the conditional use permit. Councilmember Woodard said he would like to see gymnastics as part of our lifestyle, and said he does not like the idea of a conditional use permit as it is expensive and leaves the issue up to a public hearing. Councilmember Grafos said he agreed that the conditional use permit slows down the process and he prefers moving ahead. Councilmember Wick added that he sees this as a tremendous asset and doesn't want to impede their progress, but wants to protect the manufacturing zones, and as an example said he would not like a daycare next to a manufacturing facility. Councilmember Higgins asked about the status of a previous decision to allow a soccer facility and Mr. Holtman replied that after a lot of work to modify the permitting use matrix to allow indoor entertainment in the industrial area, the business was only viable for about three months and is currently not operating. Councilmember Higgins suggested going back to the structure under which we are working and start there. City Manager Jackson asked if Councilmember Higgins was referring to examining the goals and policies of light and heavy industrial land; and Councilmember Higgins replied that he was referencing Mr. Hohman's previous statement about broadening the use matrix. Mr. Hohman replied that would be a longer term goal while he would look to Council to make a decision on this particular matter with the current use matrix. Councilmember Hafner said he prefers this return to the Planning Commission for further review. In response to Mayor Towey's question of whether to send this back to the Planning Commission for further evaluation. Councilmembers Woodard, Grafos and Higgins expressed their preference to move forward; while Mayor Towey, Deputy Mayor Schimmeis, and Councilmembers Wick and Hafner expressed their preference to have this return to the Planning Commission for further evaluation. The matter will be returned to the Planning Commission for further evaluation. Council Study Session; 09-17-2013 Page 3 of 5 Approved by Council; 09-24-2013 5. Site Selector Agreement Amendment—Cary Driskell,Mike Basinger Concerning the Agreement amendment, City Attorney Driskell explained that the amendment is minor; he explained that the agreement was adopted December 12, 2006, with a new agreement executed October 19, 2009; he said the person who oversees the consortium is Dr. Kerry Brooks from the University and he has moved from Washington State University to Eastern University, so the oversight for the agreement will move with him. Mr. Basinger then explained some of the functions and features of the Site Selector, including who the primary users are and the reports available, adding that his goal is to market this to make people aware of the site, and how it can be used. Councilmember Grafos suggested we have someone from the City attend the traders' clubs and have representatives there, and have someone at the Home Builder's as well. Planning Manager Kuhta said that Mr. Basinger participates on the Consortium Oversight Committee and directly participates in all decisions; and when he (Mr. Kuhta) was on the Consortium Committee, he made several presentations to traders clubs, and held open houses for training sessions on some of the new applications and has no doubt Mr. Basinger will be involved similarly. Mr. Kuhta said that Greater Spokane, Inc is also a partner in the Consortium and one of their representatives is directly responsible for communicating with the brokers. Councilmember Grafos said he believes we should have a representative and make sure we are at the table if we're going to pay for this. Going back to the agreement, Mr. Driskell said he will make the necessary name changes on the signature pages, and if there are no objections, will bring this back for a motion on a future council agenda. There were no objections. Mayor Towey called for a short recess at 7:30 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 7:40 p.m. 6.Presentation of 2014 Preliminary Budget—Mike Jackson As part of the 2014 budget process, City Manager Jackson presented the 2014 Preliminary Budget for council review and discussion. He explained that the second public hearing for the 2014 budget is scheduled for next week, and tonight's focus is primarily on the budget message found in the front of the budget, which includes fiscal policies for Iong term financial health of the City. Mr. Jackson stressed that our message is we have a balanced budget and are in excellent financial condition, with a surplus level equivalent to six month's reserve. Via his PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Jackson went over the financial objectives as shown on slide#7, including the new objective to"grow our economy so our existing tax base can support our basic programs." Mr. Jackson said we must remain fiscally sound and one way to do that is to be committed to the policies of long-term financial sustainability, and said that deviation from our commitments could begin to erode our financial condition. He said our only true debt service is Street Bonds as the CenterPlace debt is reimbursed by the Spokane Public facilities District. Examples of our lean operations,Mr. Jackson explained, include capping the 2014 budget recurring expenditures at 1% over the 2013 budget for non-wage expenditures; as well as keeping our FTE(full time equivalent staff) lean at 87.25 for 2014. Mr. Jackson said public safety is our top priority and he briefly discussed some of what it takes to meet that priority, include property tax, criminal justice tax, public safety sales tax, and general fund. Road maintenance/preservation is our second priority, said Mr. Jackson and said our pavement preservation goal commitment represents 6% of our recurring expenditures. Mr. Jackson mentioned the various funds comprising our funding pavement preservation; and in the overall taxing picture, showed that the City of Spokane Valley's share is 11%, as compared with Spokane County's 10%, Central Valley School District's 35%, Fire District #1's 23%, State Schools' 17%, and the Library District's 4%; which breaks down to about$214 a year based on a median home value of$135,000 which breaks down to about $17.84 per month, Mr. Jackson also noted our staffing levels compared to other jurisdictions, and said we remain extremely lean with a ratio of approximately one employee per 1,049 residents, Mr. Jackson mentioned our continuing financial challenges of pavement preservation, street capital projects, street maintenance, and other capital projects such as parks and trails, and mentioned a new concept as shown on slide 32, of Service Level Solvency, with ties in with the balanced budget. Mr. Jackson said he might consider funding additional preservation from the REST (real estate excise tax) fund, which is an acceptable use, which would free up dollars in the general fund to support additional officers or other essential services for the City. Councilmember Grafos asked if the $350,000 contingency for law enforcement is for future deputies, and Mr. Jackson said it is for any cost increases we might incur in 2014, and is not anticipated for additional officers. Council Study Session :09-17-2013 Page 4 of 5 Approved by Council: 09-24-2013 Mayor Towey commended staff for their work and said the budget is something we can be proud of, and again expressed appreciation for the "great job." Councilmember Grafos said with regard to Mr. Jackson's idea of using the REET funds for road preservation, and would prefer the 6% come from the general fund, and Councilmember Woodard said he also likes the concept of having the line item in the general fund so citizens can keep in mind what we're doing; and as we move forward, said he would like more discussion on police; that he would prefer we "grow ourselves" to have the revenues coming in, and would rather not see that 6% come out of the general fund. Mr. Jackson said perhaps we could do without that, but it would be a potential source if we added officers without having adequate general funds to handle that additional cost. Councilmember Grafos said he would also like to see line items on each department that shows the percentage growth of each department as well as wages and benefits. Mr. Jackson said he provided that to Council at a work session, and he would be happy to include that in the budget. Councilmember Hafner said if we determine we need more officers, he is not opposed to looking at REET funds if needed. Mr. Jackson extended his thanks to Finance Director Calhoun and to the department heads and their administrative assistants for their efforts in working on the budget. 7.Advance Agenda—Mayor Towey Councilmember Grafos asked about the City Hall options, and Mr. Jackson said that issue was moved down in priority due to other, higher priorities, but staff should be able to bring the topic back perhaps next month. Councilmember Woodard asked if the changes we requested to the County concerning the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) are included in next week's information, and Mr. Jackson said they were approved. Mayor Towey noted there are five Tuesdays in October and he asked if there were any objections to cancelling the October 1 meeting. There were no objections. 8.Argonne Road&Sprague Avenue Street Preservation Project This was for information only and was not reported or discussed. 9. Council Check-in—Mayor Towey Mayor Towey invited all citizens to this Friday's Valleyfest parade, which starts at 7:30 p.m. between Gillis and Pines Road; and said Saturday at 7 a.m., several Councilmembers will be serving breakfast at CenterPlace. 10. City Manager Comments—Mike Jackson City Manager Jackson said he met with our legislative lobbyist Briahna Taylor in preparation for the 2014 legislative session, and said there are several issues coming up that he would like her to discuss at a council meeting,perhaps in a few weeks; said last year Council supported the legislature considering transportation revenues, and now that the Sullivan Bridge has been resolved, does Council wish to continue that message in the 2014 session; also Council may want to pursue other capital projects; said issues such as streamlining sales tax mitigation will likely continue to be prevalent; and said Council may or may not be asked to consider a position on tribal casinos. Mr. Jackson said City Attorney Driskell is working on nuisance abatement legislation but it appears the banks don't support that so it will continue to be a challenge. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Schinunels, seconded and znranim• agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Ar ATTES comas E. Towey,Mayor A A-44/4 Ail L_Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk Council Study Session: 09-17-2013 Page 5 of 5 Approved by Council: 09-24-2013