2009, 08-04 Study Session
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Ni)E_4 AGENDA
CITY OI; SI'OK.4NE VALLEY
CI'I'Y COUNCIL WORKSHEET
STUDY SESSION
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 6:00 P•m•
CITY HAI.L COUNCIL CHAMBERS
11707 East Sprague Avenue, First Floor
(Ptease Silence Your Cell Phoaes During the MecNng)
ACTION ITEM:
1. Mavor and Councilmembers: Appointment of Candidate to Council Position #2
a. Nomination aod second of candidate; vote.
b. City Clerk Administers Oath of Office
c. Ne%v Councilme►llber Tzik-es Position at ilhe Uias
Motion C'onsidtcation: '"Spc~kane County:_1101iWition :No. l: Rerie~ _Of Spokane= Countv
l'riminal Justiceancl Puhlic Skafety ti,llc:s Tati.
Statc law authorizes voters to appruve the icnposition of a one-tenth of one percent county-wide sales and
use tax, the proceeds to be used by Spokane County and the Cities and towns therein exclusivety for
Criminal Justice and Public Safety purpases. Should the Board of County Commissioners of Spokane
County, as authorized by RCW 82.14.450, renew ihe imposition of a one-tenth of one percent county-
wide sales and use tax commencing January 1, 2010 and terminating March 31, 2020, the proceeds to be
used by Spokane County and the Cities and Towns therein exclusively for Criminal Justice and Public
Safery Purposes?"
3.4- Motion to adjoum
ADJOURN
Note: Unless otherwist noted stbove, there w-ill be no public comments at Council Study Sessions. However, Couacil atways
reserves the rigbt to requcst iaformation from the poblic and staff as appropriatc. During meetings held by the City of Spokane
Valley Council, the Council reserves the rig.ht to take "action" on aiiy icesn lisced or subsc:quencly added co the agenda. The term "action"
means to deliberate, disc►ziS, review, consider, evaluate, or mal:e a collective positivc ar negutive decisian.
HOTICE: lndividuals ptanning to attend the mceting who require spxial assistance to accommodate physical. beanng, or othcr impairmrnts, pleasc
rontnct the Ciry Clerk flt (509) 921-1000 us soon at possiblc so thnt nrrannements may be msdc.
Study Session Agen1a, Aueust 4, 20013 Page 1 of I
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. . ,
aGENDA
Cl'I'Y OF SPnK.aNF VALLEY
CITY covyctl. NN'012KSI-IEET
STUDY SC55ION
TucsdA,y, August =t, 2009 6:00 p.m.
CITY 1ALL COUNCIL CHA-NIBFR,S
11707 East Sprague Avenue, First Floor
(Plrase Silence Yoiir Ccil Phones During the Meeting)
ACTION IT EM:
1. Mayor and Councilmembers: AppointiTient of Candidate to Council Position 42
a. Nomination and second of candidate: vote. ~
b. City Clerk Adnunisters Oath of Office 1
c. Ntw Councilmemi-ler Tal:es Posiiion ai the Dias
kIotion to adjourn ~
.aD.lUtiRINN
No1e: l'nles-i othcr►►isc aotrd ttbuve, there will be no public commcnts at Council Study tiessionc. IIoHEVer, Council 2INays
reserves thc right to request infarmatian from the public aad xtaff As eppropriate. During mcctings hcld by thr Cit} of Spc7icane
Valtey Council, lhe Council rescrvcs the right to tal:o "urtioi" an any itcm listcd or suhscquently added to the agenda. 7he letm "action"
incan; to deliburatc, discuss, review. cansidcr, evaluate, kir mnkc a collertive pasitive or nerative decision.
NOTICC• Ind"svidunls plnnning tu attLnd the mceting who require special assutance to xcammaSatr ph.}xai, hesrmg ot other impairments, pituzc
,:onlact thc C'ity C{eri; at (~09) 921-1000 us soon ns possib)r 5o I}1pT elmgCS11CtI15 IT!aY F1C iT13dC.
1~}t ~
Swdy Session AgrndK August 4,200
. Excerpt from Julv 28, 2009 Council MeetinLy, Council Candidate Interviews
a. Ian Robertson
Schimmels: Mr. Robertson, I'll ask you question #2, What do you think is the biggest challenge facing
the City Council?
Robertson: I think there are several challenges. I thi»k number one is re-development and making our
city more beautiful and functional and stuff we've been working on for the last six plus years; and I'm
real encouraged when I see cities like Leavenworth that have just re-invented themselves over the years
when they had a new vision, and I tllink with our new vision we can do the same, and I think that's one of
the big needs. Anotller challenge is the $4 million we need for street preservation. I think those are there.
Ai1d number three T think I'd list solid waste management. We know that that's coming up next year and
there's gong to be some critical decisions that need to be made in the right direction. So Iwould say those
would be the three biggest challenges that I see today, and maybe the economy. I should add the fact that
knowing how to go forward when times are tough as they are right now.
Munson: Two more questions, Gary.
Schimmels: Thank you.
Munson: Go ahead, you have two nlore questions if you want.
Schiminels: If I want? Let me, let's make a round and theii
Munson: That's fine. Whatever you guys want to do.
Denennv: Mr. Robertson, I know that you've been involved in various pieces of this city since the
beginning, and I'm sure you've seen the activities we've been involved in, so I'd like to go to the question
on the time element and your ability to participate in other committees and boards and the commitment I
think to the additional task that's over and above just the council.
Robertson: Yea, I'm heavily involved; and I know, in fact r do plan to give up three boards and groups
that I'm working with in order to do this, yea it would definitely mean an adjustment, but I just want to
focus and focus all my energy in working on the city, so yes, I'll give you 110% and do the best as I've
done in everything I've tried to do as Planning Commission or whatever; so, and if you give me choices
on which coinmittees, I do have a list but I won't give you that tonight.
Denennv: And the general open question on #11, is you know, what do you think is the most important
function of a city council member?
Robertson: Okay, if I had my teleprompter I could move a little faster, but most important function of a
city council member, ABC comes to mind: I want to be an advocate, #2 budget, and #3 is constituency.
By an advocate I mean it's our job to publicly support and recommend causes and policies particularly, I
think that's number one. Number two is what you're already doing is present a balanced budget and make
sure we have a positive cash flow and those things; and number three constituency, we represent the
whole city not just an area of the city, but we are elected at-large, you're elected at-large, and we need to
keep that in mind all the time. Listen, listen, listen. I think that's what, hopefully I've been good at that
at the Planning Commission, and I think that's the most important functions as far as city council
members are concerned.
Denenny: And, I think I' l l leave it at that.
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 1 of 15
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Munson: I have two questions I'd like you to respond to. Local residents of the valley paid about 70%,
this is #6, 70% of the Milwaukie right-of-way before the City was incorporated; that's that $3.1 million
that was paid for the entire right-of-way. Should the city expend any funds to purchase the extension of
Appleway?
Robertson: Now what number was that were you giving me?
Munson: 6
Robertson: Number six, okay, yeah, my short ailswer is no. I think we've got enough to keep us busy for
the neYt twenty years with other areas of the city without going after something that we don't have as of
today. So T think if we do not. have that particular street there are other alternatives that we could, like 4`n
Street perhaps, or some other things that we could go that route. And actually, the, today the freeway's the
best eastlwest way to get through the city. When we started, back you know, before the city, we didn't
have six lanes on the freeway. We do now. Totally differetlt, so, I think we can get along fine without
spending more money on that.
Munson: What if any concessions do you t}iink the Ciry of Spokane Valley silould agree to so we may
acquire the Milwaukie right-of-way?
Robertson: None. Short answer. I think I'll elaborate if you want me to, but no, I just think we've got
plenty on our plate right now at thcse times to be concerned about those things.
Munson. Alright. Mr. Gothmann?
Gothmann: Question, there we go; question 24. We spend about $450,000 annually on leasing our present
city facility, city hall facility. Ll addition a city hall building would add to the attractiveness of a city
center. Should we build a city hall?
Robertson: Should a city hall be built? Yes. Should we build a city hall, I'm not quite so sure. I thinlc
the, what will happen witll a city hall, number one is the same thing that happened with CenterPlace.
CenterPlace started before we were a city, but that beautifill building has been an attraction, and it's
attracted three other beautifiil buildings beside it. So I think a city hall will attract something once an
investment's been made. Number two, I feel very strongly that we do not want to take as any property
unless we have to off the taY rolls, so T would absolutely suggest a public/private partnership. There is no
tax benef t for a city or a church or a non-profit owned property, and I think if we can work out something
with developers where they can pay taxes on it I would, would prefer that. I also really like what the City
Manager said a week or so about let's go green. You know the federal government is just determined
there're going to give die funds to somebody, and if we turn it down as a state, some other state is going
to get it. So I think there are some funds available and 1 hope we've got the right whoever in Washington
looking into those things. I think that, that's tremendous possibilities for the future.
Gothmann: Ok. Very good. Question 23: Contracts are negotiated by our city manager. Contract
disputes are also handled by him. Given these facts, how can we move toward better contract resolution
betvveen the County and the city?
Robertson: Oh, you know, we have a very knowledgeable city manager, fully capable of handling
negotiations and possible contract disputes. And when you have disputes, sometimes you've got to go to
a third party to resolve them, and that's just life. And I think a current example is the Sheriffls
Department billing dispute with the County. We had a disagreement. The County went to a state group,
Council Candidate Interviews, vleeting Transcript f'age 2 of 15
we went to a national group. One said the County was right. The other said the City was right. Now the
two are going to get together, compare notes and work these things out. This is standard conflict
negotiation whether it's on a high school campus and it's going to be solved by the principal, or whether
us in city hall; and I think just let it run its course, and I think we're on the right; now what often happens
is somebody goes to the media or somebody, the only exercise is you know, jumping to conclusions, and
can escalate it, you know just like kids we, a few will tend to take sides ...[tape switches to side two]
you shouldn't be the wheeler-dealer; I mean even if you tivanted to go out and buy a race track or
something, we don't want him to have that authority.
Gothmann: Ok, very good. Thank you.
Munson: Rose?
Dempsev_ VVhat do you hope to accomplish as a council member and what do you offer the ciiy? This is
question # 10.
Robertson: The thing on the planning commission more and more, if we're thinking, hey this is a twenty-
year plan. What is going to be best in this place foi• my grandchildren and your grandchildren; that was
the thing that we just kept thinking on the plans, or what, whatever we were doing. So what we hope to
accomplish I think just, I've been a dedicated voice in the community. What I want to accomplish is just
bring the community together more and more, and I think I've done it; we're working with the school
district, facilities option committee, business groups, the Chamber giving me the Community Caring
Award, the Citizen-of-the-year Award; good things, on that, and just say we've got to be able to work
with all different diversity throughout our entire area; and I think with the founding of the H[JB, you
know, working with the sports community; and all of that; pulling, annd it's great what can happen you
know when everybody's pulling in the same direction at the same time, and I think that's what we need
more and moi-e at this particular time. So, I'm not saying I'm going to do it alone, but we're a team, and
we're going to work in that with, for the betterment of the city. Yes.
Dempsev_: Ok, and question #17: How do you feel about the telephone utility taac that was implemented
by the City Council?
Robertson: Okay. Um, you kriow, the, it was clear in the survey that was taken this year and in previous
surveys, that streets were to be a major concern of what we are doing; and frankly, you know, some, we
don't want to get like some other city where streets have not been maintained for twenty years. And let
me say, I really appreciate, when I see all the work that's going on this suinmer on Sprague and on all the
intersections, and Argonne, and the Barker Bridge, and all of these things, you know, sometimes we
forget all the good things that are happening. And I've forgotten what the question is now.
Demnsev: The telephone utility taac.
Robertson: Get me off on a.... Oh yea, the tax, what's what that was for; for that particular thing, yes. I
think sometimes, you know, everybody wants great service and nobody wants to pay for it; that's life and
that's why you as council members have to make those, those tough decisions; that sometimes we do
need to do that; and there maybe are some other ways of funding some tllings, but that's the way it is just
now.
Dempsev_: Okay. And how do you, what to you feel about extended mass transit?
Robertson: Oh I'm for it, particularly to the airport early at morning and late at night so my wife doesn't
have to on that; that kind of thing, and sometime Dr. Rudy and I will talk to you about monorail and some
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 3 of 15
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of our; you know, there's a great big difference between doing nothing and high-speed bullet trains; T
mean there's a lot of choices we have behind, between that; I'm not for one or the other extreme, but I
think, you know, particularly for all the people who may not have the transportation, i think it's very
importarlt. I think it's very important for students with our universities in this metropolitan area. [ think
for poorer people especially that it is an absolutely necessity; and I guess my British background is
coming out on that also, yes.
Dempsey. Thank you.
Munson: Diana?
Wilhite: Good evening. My first question to you is, what are the three highest priorities a city needs to
address and how do you propose to address those issues?
Robertson: I think communication with tlie community is number one. We have done, we, I include
myself as being part of the team all of this time; I think a fantastic job in moving from the county
environrnent to wllere we are today. You have led in a lot of the heavy lifting, and some of the non-
glamorous stuff and all the changes; and I remember when we started the HUB and cry about all of those
things. I really feel we need to seriously talk about video taping council meetings so that not just a few of
us kiiow the good things that are going on; not just council meetings, but presentations that I've really
appreciated. And I' Il tell you, we've got the tools today, streaming video where people can Look at that
kind of stuff, and I think this area of communications, call it sellulg if you want, that really
communications, we've just got to do a better job of marketing what we are doing, and the transparency
in government. Number tvvo, and you've heard me talk about public/private partnerships; we've got to
figure more ways, not just the government workiilg with business in the support of business, but also the
NGO's, and on-government orbanizations like the faith. Just tNvo weeks ago, where we had three hundred
people frorn four churches working seven projects for the city and for Central Valley School District. I
get excited about that; well you know, we can save money, but involvement of people; so Iwould be one
that would definitely say let's work out more of these partnerships; and let's make sure, ah, City Manager,
that nobody's going to lose their job because we've got too many volunteers doing that because you've
got to make that cominitment to, or somebody is saying, you know, am I going to be out of work because
we've got too many volunteers around here; so those are caveats. And number three I think would be,
you said three didn't you? A sustauiable community. IVow 1 use the word sustainable and you know, we
don't like that word on thcrc, but I tell you, wc have to protect the environment, and aquifer, the air
quality, the open space and move to alternate, clean energy sources now. We need to get away from our
dependence on Middle East oil, and we're not going to rely on, to Washington to do it, we need to set
some eYamples, and I believe on technology that I'm familiar with that we can move in that direction as
soon as possible. So that may be a hot button and I won't go into more detail now.
Wilhite: Thank you. My next quesfiion is, if a majority of the Council took a position that you were
against, how would you handle your response to the public?
Robertsoii: You already laiow the answer to that because I did disagree with one thing, and you knew
nothing about it. But I did, and I'm not going into what it is because, I did talk to the Mayor on this
particular thing. I did talk to Councilmember Bill Gothmann on that particular thing, and they told me
why they voted that way, and you know, it's just like with my wife, the times we disagree I have to admit,
she could be right; and I have to admit they could be right, but I don't; that's it; and you're wondering
which one it is.
Munson: Not rcally. I think I know.
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 4 of 15
Wilhite: And then, do you think the City should contract with the County for services, utilize private
companies, or hire city personnel, and there were three that we had: Animal control, Street Sweeping,
Stormwater maintenance? That's question #19.
Robertson: Okay. You know, my philosophy really is, basically what you, what you, what we have been
doing as a city; that we have been hiring out to private companies wherever we possibly can. And I think
when we look at the fact that we have only 84 full time employees in this city; smaller cities like Kent
have 771, Yakima 708, and all of those things; so we have the flexibility so much more in keeping there;
so um, I just learned this, allows us greater flexibility in good times and bad times, and I think you've
dong an excellent job in doing that up to this point; and let's keep moving that same direction.
Wilhite: Thank you very much.
Munson: Gary do you want to ask another question?
Schimrnels: Ian, I would address question #4, the first statement says have you read the
Sprague/Appleway Plan, well I know you have; but my question is, what is your opinion of the SARP as
it stands today?
Robertson: yes, I've read it.
Schimmels: I know you have.
Robertson: I'm not a congressman that's passing on something that they've never read, and I've not only
read, learned inwardly digested and all that, but as chair of the planning commission, I've lead the
hearings and all of those things; and I've read every coinment. As a Planning Commission, I've
emphasized to them that our job is to come up with the ideal plan, knowing that there will be changes
when it gets into the political arena and changes would be made. It's such a massive plan that you know;
half of it could be left out and we've still got plenty, plenty to do; so that was my initial sense going in. I
tliink what has happened over time is we've forgotten the purpose of the plan. It was to bring about new
vitality in our city particularly the areas that you know, nothing's going on just now; functionality and
beauty. It's hard to put a price on beauty; but those are the areas, we've, I think looking back, and this
was the thing that, boy, Fred Beaulac was one, and, that I think we made sonle mistakes in not notifying
people that change is possible, change could happen to their, um, to their property; and I know we
discussed that with the staff and I said you've got to do, because, that was the complaint they had against
the County before we became a city; and looking back, I think we could have saved ourselves and, we
just didn't, and you know, look, hindsight is great isn't it? On that kind of a thing; but I tllink the dis, the
advantage is, that we have a plan and we can move forward with a plan, whatever it is; and I think we've
had some of the best people in the, in the nation helping us ul these things; and that's, yea, there'll be
changes. You know what? I was bugged, I gvess I'll just start it now, that you left out the sustainability
things; and a good reason because it runs, right at the last minute there, I mean, there was enough on your
plate at that particular time, but that left the whole people aspect out of it; where the plan looks like it's just buildings; the whole; when Kathy McClung came as our Community Development Director, I
remember talking with her philosophy, and I says, what's your philosophy of community development,
she said you know, it's more about people then buildings. I said Kathy you and I are talking the same
language; and I think when we left out the standards of how we measure a plan, the progress of a plan,
and, I hope that at some future time wllen we're doing some mid-course corrections, that we can talk a
little bit more about those, those, ten things that I think are essential for quality of life, but, I won't go into
more details then that just now.
Munson: Dick did you have a question?
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 5 of 15
Denennv: I really don't.
Munson: Well, T just liave one more. Ian, are you aware and knowledgeable about the Open Meeting
Act? The Open Public vleeting Act?
Robertson: Yes, we operate on the planning commission and our good attorney briefed us on what we
could, what we couldn't do, who we could talk to, who we couldn't, and all of those things, and yea, the
RCW, the Revised Code of Washington that you know, that governs all of that, yes, yeah.
Munson: Bill?
Gothmann: Are you knowledgeable about the Public Disclosure Act?
Robertson: Oh yes, my, all iny finances will be out in tlie open and um, disclosing conflicts of interest
and those kind of things, and the meetings and all of those things that you know, are really good.
Transparency in what we're doing is absolutely for building trust in a community, and these are good
things, yea.
Gothmann: I agree.
Robertson: And I think I only fell afoul once with the City Manager years and years ago, that he, I won't
get into detail
Munsoil: That's a pretty good record. I've gotten a lot more than that
Robertson: No, I'll tell you what it was. It was a couple of us on the planning commission, you know,
something was in front of us, and we said man there's a simple solution; and we went down and told the
guy how he could, yOll k110W, solve it right then; and that was not our job; so I understand that, guilty
once and I liope I don't do that again.
Munson: Rosc?
Dempsey: No I'm fne.
Munson: Diana?
Wilhite: Well, just one question, tell us why you want to be on the City Council.
Robertson: Why? Basically I've got three reasons why and umm, Meagan, Kelsey and Ian my three
grandchildren. When we moved up from Los Angeles you know, t almost cried the first Wednesday night
when I saw parents actually taking their children to activities at a church. I looked at the schools and said
what's different about the schools, something was different. They had grass around them. Sometimes we
don't realize because we've lived here forever perhaps the tremendous benefits that we have as this
community, a small-knit community, those values. When I looked at the survey, this survey that the city
took in January of this year, the opportunities for the faith community, the opportunities for volunteering
that we have in this, there are so many good things Oh we've got some things that need fixing, but all in
all, I think having been a, you know, on a planning commission you're supposed to sit there and have no
opinion on anything until everything else is, you know, a(ready taken place, and then like a judge, you
come and pronounce whatever. I'm ready to talk about some of these issues that I really feel are
important, the direction that we're going, and look forward to a little, a little different perspective. But I
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 6 of 15
think we've just got to look at the long-range view; it's, we've got a lot of good things going for us and I
appreciate the leadership of just being a city, but we need mid-course, tweaking, continuous
improvement, we' ll be doing that forever. Thank you. .
Munson: Any further questions from council? I hope this wasn't an inquisition for you; we tried not to
make it that way.
Robertson: No, and let me say on behalf of the three of us here, I am so glad that there were sixteen that
applied, and that we know interest is good and whoever you choose, we're going to be a part of the city as
we move forward toward. Thank you Mr. Mayor.
b. Diana Sanderson
Munson: Next, Mrs. Sanderson. And again, Mrs. Sanderson, this really is not an inquisition.
Sanderson: I might get water though as I tend to run out of
Munson: Well, Diana, Gary started off the first time, it's your turn to start.
Wilhite: Good eveuing. Nice to have you here. My first question is what are the three ilighest priorities
the city needs to address, a.nd how do you propose to address those issues?
Sanderson: My first I think concern, or need I see for the city is, identity, and it is that identity of having
us know we're not just a small little farm community that we once upon a time were, but now are 80,000
and more people; and I see that we've had people live here as much as I have the last 30 some years, and
it has said this is home, and kind of do the umm, sitting back, that's why I'm here; not to sit back. But I
think we need to have people say how can we have a city that we all believe in, some unitative piece that
is going to be open for diversity and for a lot of new growth. I think we are going to continue to grow; it's
a beautiful place. Lately I went to ICirkland and I just happened to drive through for an hour because I
wanted to see, ok, what is this city doing, and they have about less then us, a few less people, but they're
annexing a large group. And they have done a great job of what they had in place there and yet they had
kind of a fusion of how to unite each of the different communities, even by sigcl, similar signs, ways of
having us say we are part of a larger, larger city.
Munson: We're not going to annex the City of Spokane until they fix their roads.
Sanderson: Ok, ok. Oh, the other two, I'm sorry, the other two where really community interest in
having, having us pay attention to people, the people of our city and the needs that arise. I think that we
have to deal with the meth problem. We need to have ways to have young people who have been trapped
into this, have ways to come off so we can be pro-active. I, I tried to call or talk to people wherever I was
the last week; and I, the younger people are saying the meth is the problem, and one out of three kids not
graduating from high school, we have got to do something to make that somewhat better for our
community.
Wilhite: Ok. My next question is, if the majority of the Council took a position that you were against,
how would you handle your responses to the public?
Sanderson: For many years I've worked in, on committees and commissions, I truly believe in a
consensus model. So that if we as a group were to decide something and the majority said it was to be,
then we are that group, and we buy that; we say and we stand by it and we don't backbite and we do not
come after each other; that doesn't help our city. .
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 7 of 15
Wilhite: Ok. And what do you think is the biggest challenge facing the City council?
Sanderson: I really think it is the extension of what you're doing into our homes. Because we in the home
place are not always knowing how it's touching our heart; or our lives. I know that in the paper, I read
the paper, but that isn't giving the whole synopsis, aiid I'm sorry [ don't go on the Internet and look at
what decisions have been made and why. But I think we have to really try to see how many more single
households we have then we used to have. You know, I just go on the premise of the 1700 households
that worked with ancl many more single households; so I think we have to have some way to draw those
peopte.
Wilhite: Thatilc you.
Munson: Rose.
DemQSev_: How do you feel about the telephone utility tax?
Sanderson: You know, I think it's fine. I think that it was a way to say, you know, we're using a cell
phone now a days, and it is a way to say, I have this little piece of luxury and I guess we've applied some
taxes, sin-taxes so much I think we need to say everyone has to have a part in how we can have this
government work.
Dempsev: What do you hope to accomplish as a city councilmember?
Sanderson: Well, first of all, I hope to bring an enthusiasm for the city to have ways to meet and talk with
people; to have their, somewhere, to listen to what they're saying, but also to say what part of it are you
working on; and encourage a participation to have things happen. I know quite a few people that are good
friends that are on the disincorporation group, and they're my dear friends; they're good friends. But, I, I
at least appreciate that they are noi apathetic; they are truly ener-getic for the most part, and I hope too that
this city be a valuable piece for all of us; so that would be one of mine.
Dempsev_: And why do you want to be on the city council?
Sanderson: Well, I think it offers ail opporhinity to see the nuts and bolts of how things are put togethEr,
but also to say how can we do this with our region. We are not an isolated group, and I was very
impressed with how many committee meetings each of you are involved in that are touching the other
parts of our whole aquifer area of things we have to do together, to inake the good happen; so I would
love to be a part of that. I can come up with ways to solve problems that maybe are different from other
people's doing it, but I think we do best by drawing each other together, and hearing other people.
Dempsev_: Thank you.
, Munson: Bill?
Gothmann: The city requires an additional $4 million per year in order to preserve streets, that is, increase
their life so that complete reconstruction will not have to occur so soon. I'm on number 22. 1n so doing,
we can spend $1 now or $12 in the future. What solutions would you propose?
Sanderson: I have given this one a lot of thought, and I've come up with the thought that I don't know
has happened in our area at all, but I laiow no one likes a new taa. But I think we could have a tax on
every garage door in a dwelling, and it would be $50 for every garage door you've got; and I think that
would cause us to remember we are providing houses for our cars, and if we're going to use them, we
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Aage 8 of 15
, should pay for the street, it's a direct correlation. And I don't know how much money that's going to
make, maybe somebody has a better ballpark figure, but I truly think we can't keep doing the tabs when
we have had people vote down they wanted them raised; I don't think we can keep doing things like
adding to the, you know, the cigarette tax, and all this. I think we have to come up with a new one, and I
don't know what, how long that takes. We used to have a wardrobe created in England because they taxed
you for every room in the house, do you recall that, that's why that sort of sparked my mind. ,
Gothmann: Yea, Rose had an interesting question. Would you tax carports?
Sanderson: No. I'd figure you can't keep too much valuable under it; you protect something, but you
cannot store stuff; I guess I'm noticing as you move into the 60s you had accumulated maybe more than
you need.
Gothmann: We spend, number 24 yuestion, we spend about $450,000 annually on leasing our present
City Hall facility. In addition, a Ciiy Hall building would add to the attractiveness of a city center.
Should we build a city hall.
Sanderson: Well, what I'd like to know is liow much it's going to cost us to lease something from
someone. Is it going to be the same price the $450,000? I mean, what would we, what would be our
ballpark number of a lease with anyone. Is there any piece of properly that is open to being bought? I do
know it would come off the tax thing, but I do think it means we don't have to pay as much all the time.
Umm, I'm unrealistic my husband says, so he's my good counterpart on some things that no one wants to
sell that land; but, I think there's something about um, having something that is our city hall. I read tlle
wonderful rejuvenation plan; I see that there is a potential for that location; umm, I don't know that
everybody who comes through our city is going to come see the city hall; but I guess you know, you're in
a good pattern here; so it isn't a life and death issue for me. I think you've done a plan and you've worked
on it and if it can happen, we should have it happen.
Gothmann: Ok. Very good. Thank you.
Munson: Do you plati to rwn in November win or lose this particular contest?
Sanderson: Well, I would say I would try this and then I'm going to support whoever is the final person
in their election.
Munsoil: And if you are chosen you will run?
Sanderson: I will, I will.
Munson: Have you read the final Sprague/Appleway Revitalization Plan?
Sanderson: I have, and it's ainazing. It is, I'm sure every piece in it has been very long, to come to. One
part that I was very intrigued by is why you wanted only two people to live above a business Tt made me
. think of many of the communities that started in our country like the little Italy in New York; or the
Hispanic neighborhood that grew out of, you know, people living in their own restaurant until they could
afford a house. So, I, I just found that a little a piece; and I do think that if, if I were to want to change
something, I would maybe move your street over a ways to Bowdisli that you want to close. I think
University is a tremendously big arterial and you've got to have people come into this with a buy-in; and I
think that a lot of them go up you know, go south to Ponderosa, or wherever, and umm, I don't know if
all of that is already in stone; so I would just speak that on my behalf.
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 9 of 15
Munson: One last question for you from me: Local residents paid for about 70% of the Milwaukie right-
of-way before this city was incorporated. Should the city expend any funds to purchase the extension of
Appleway?
Sanderson: Yes. All the way to our City limits; Barker Road.
Munson: We should buy it?
Sanderson: Yes.
Munson: What concessions do you think we'd have to make to be able to buy it?
Sanderson: I think if we are working with the County and we know some day we will have a light rail,
then we have them come in on some percentage of that light rail, something, they're not going to want to
give it to us, but I think we, in stages in days ahead, ten years down the road, we're going to Nvant that
land. I come frorn a somewhat background, after being married for 37 years to a farm person, land is
important; very important.
Munson: What's all I have. Dick?
Denennv: I'm going to go to question 49 and change it just a little bit; but what is your understanding of
our form of government? I'd like you to kind of tell me what you think you're steppinb into; how we
operate.
Sanderson: I would, the way I understand it, the Council is advisory and policy-making. They hire the
City Manager. Tl1e City Manger is your administrator and needs to have room, needs to administrate and
carry out the details. I think that form is very helpful rather than one of us, one of the people on your
group being mayor having to have all that information and knowledge and precision. So t think, i like
this form. I think it gives us possibility of hiring somebody with great skills that can help us to move
forward, but we also have to have that person know tive are the boss too; I mean, I've worked in a
different sector and I've always been in more of a advisory capacity; but I do know a lot can be done with
that.
Denennv: And I guess following along with that question eleven, what are the most important functions
of a city councilmember; what do you find, think that is going to be your most important function in this
position?
Sanderson: I think, I read tlirough what you are trying, the areas you are trying to cover from the aquifer
to the policing, the services provided, the roads, all of this; but I think it's conuection to people. I think
we've got to do some connecting to people; and one of the examples that came to my mind; I have, you're
going to deal with a person who's gotten to be right-brained for a year of being retired. My daughter and
a group of people over in Seattle would start at one bar with a putter, and you had to putt all the way to
the next one. And it was a continuous thing to find all these different neighborhoods. I think we should
do something to involve people to say, let's go up and down that corridor, let's have a putting day and see
what can happen to have people, young people, middle-aged people, everyone come and say what do you
think of this spot? What can we do? I just, I believe in the creativity of people.
Denenny: those were the two main question 1 had.
Schimmels: I would go to item 15, what do you envision the City of Snokane to be like in ten, possibly
twenty years down the road?
Council Candidate Interviews, Meefiing Transcript Page 10 of 15
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Munson: Spokane Valley.
Schimmels: Excuse me.
Sanderson: That's ok, I know which one. I look, you know, I grew up in Spokaiie City; and I never
imagined that when I was a little girl and walked under railroad trestles the park with my Grandma, that it
would be a beautiful park, River Park; and I think we have potential here to piggyback on with even the
cities we're with, in union and different times not in union, to jump on board with the sports programs
that are coming here; use our facilities, get some of this open so that our, our, umm, people that are tried
to be a competitive piece can be part of it; there's new marathons, rallies, that people run 180 miles just in
relay, and somehow all of that is perfect for this location; we have great things. We the centennial trail;
why not see how we can move ten years from now to have some of that be part of our core piece that
draws more people here. I hope that answers, I think it can change so much; look what happened to the
year we got the computer. I mean now you don't need to have office buildings as often sometimes as you
did before you go could do it on a computer. I think it's amazing to me.
Schimmels: Thank you. Go to number 3: the seven of us serve on over 20 boards, committees and task
forces. Does your life style allow you to serve on at least four outside committees and share these
responsibilities?
Sanderson: Yes it does; the number one thing after we retired was we wanted to have time for each other;
so we kind-of kept the end of the week for that and we do some different things, and 1've helped with the
schools with the grandchildren. But I, I truly believe that's a potential. I can do that. I need to do some
studying bccause some of these issues are not as clear to me at this moment. I'll be very honest, I would
have to do a good brush up and I would, because I can usually tackle something; so I
Schimmels: Well, we're still in a learning mode also.
Sanderson: They say adult learners learn two things every year that demand at least ten hours of learning;
so we're good. ,
Schimmels: Well that's all I have. Thank you.
Munson: That's all I have. Does anybody else wish to ask questions? Thank you very much. Hopefully
it wasn't too difficult, it didn't seem to be.
Sanderson: Thank you very much for what you're doing. Thank you very much.
c. Ben Wick
Munson: Mr. Ben Wick. Welcome back to the arena.
Wick: I think this is a hot seat here.
Munson: VWell, Ben, we're start with Rose Dempsey.
Dempsev: Okay. Let's start with the telephone utility taac.
Wick: The telephone utility tax huh? Well, the telepllone utility tax definitely went to a good cause
helping our street fund out. I think actually back in, before there was a city when I was participating on
the Boundary Review Board financial feasibility study for the city, we actually kind of decided in that
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 11 of 15
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group, that um, it made more financial sense for the city to actually impose the same tax that you guys
actually went forward and imposed with the telephone excise tax - utility tax sorry; and so, umm, T do
agree it was a good and needed decision; um, and it was to a good cause dedicating it to the street fund.
Demqsev_: What do you hope to accomplish as a city councilmember?
Wick: What do I hope to accoinplish? Y hope to accomplish some, well, I hope to help you guys out; and
inerease communication. I think that a lot of problems can be resolved, issued can be helped just by going
through talking, opening more lines of communication, and working through the issues.
Dernvsev: Ok. And why do you want to be on the City Council?
Wick: Why do I want to be on the City Council? Well, I actually was a long time, I always wanted to be
part of the city before there was a city actually. I remember coming home and asking my parents why do
we write Spokane on our mailing address, and at thE same time there was a meeting for the incorporation
effort; and I went down and got involved with that and helped collect signatures to form a city and gct
involved
Dempsev: How old were you then?
Wick: I was 18, 19 something like that. I was the youngest of the 52 tllat first ran; and I signed up
against Mr. Munson, no hard feelings; Z didn't say how it was for me. But I always kind of wanted to
help make it a better place and really be proud of where I live in the Spokane Valley; even through
college. I went out to Eastenl Washington University to get my degree, but I didn't move out there; I
really like the Valley so I chose to commute my long-haul days back and forth every day, especially
through winter time when it was the most trying; but, I made it back all four years througli there; so I'm
really proud of where I live and want to help make it a better place.
Dempsev: Okay. Thank you.
Munson: Any others?
Dempsev: No, that's all for now.
Gothmann: The City, 422, the City requires an additional $4 million per year in order to preserve streets,
what solutions do you propose and you know, that inct-ease the life of the streets so complete
reconstruction will not occur so soon, and in so doing we can spend $1 dollar now or $12 in the future; so
what solution would you
Wick: Well, this is kind of like the million-dollar question, or the multi-million dollar question; as it is
huh? I don't know, the garage door tax was pretty interesting one that came up earlier, but right now with
the current economy, I think we definitely have to be good stewards of our budget, kind of scale back as
the economy scales back; and then hope to increase our tax base as opposed to increasing our taxes.
Maybe look at how we can increase more businesses moving here, streamline our permitting process or
something of that naturc to kind of encourage more gi-oNvth, so that we have a bigger base so that way we
don't have to charge as much per individual.
Gothmann: Yea, that's a very tough question. We spend about $450,000 annually on leasing our present
City Hall facilities; in addition a city hall building would add attractiveness to a city center; should we
build a city hall?
Council Candidate interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 12 of 15
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• t .
Wick: Well, it would definitely increase the attractiveness of the city, especially in looking through the
Sprague/Appleway Revitalization Plan; however, it's kind of hard to say if we should buy one or not not
knowing how big we want to build one, how much it's going to cost, things of that nature. I would
definitely be for trying to acquire the land to build one on now, definitely include it in our plans, but as far
as jumping right out and saying, yea, we definitely should build one or no we shouldn't build one, I think
it's kind of early. I mean, are we going to build a thirty-story building, probably not, Iwouldn't go for
that one; but something that makes sense at the right tiine. I definitely think we should plan for it though,
and try and acquire the land for it.
Gothmann: You're not a Sears Towers advocate I take it?
Wick: Yea, a Sears Tower of Spokane Valley
Munson: A Sears Tower that is no longer
Wick: The space needle of Spokane Valley.
Gothmann: Okay, thank you very much.
Munson: Have you read the final Sprague Appleway Revitalization Plan?
Wick: I have read it though actually I went on to your guys' website; and this is another one that I kind of
went through, communication. Iwas ama7ed at how hard it was to kind of get off your website; I kind of
feel that I was a computer science person I should be able to get this preriy easily; and in going through
there downloading it, I act-ually got, T think it's the final draft, but it was still with marked-up, so you had
a bunch of comments, cross-outs, adds, and so it was kind-of liard to go through but I was able to read
through it and see some of that.
Munson: What's your opinion of the SARP? What are the strong points and weak points?
Wick: Well, I definitely think it is a vision for the future; the strong points is that it definitely sets a
atmosphere and presence for identity for our city of Spokane Valley; some of the disadvantages of course,
as with any long range plan, it definitely is going to cost money; it's definitely change which is going to
be a little hard for some people to accept; so it's kind of, I guess that would be kind of the disadvantage is
that it is going to cost us money; communication is going to be defmitely key to try and get it out there;
hopcfully maybe we can revise our website a little bit more to get more information out there; clean it up
so that way we have more of a final draft or an appearance of a final draft on our website, something easy
to follow; I think that would definitely smooth the way with it.
Munson: I think Carolbelle's making copious notes on this. One last question for you, two actually, win
or lose this particular contest, do you plan to run for office in November.
W ick: I do.
Munson: And last, local residents paid for about 70% of the Milwaukie right-of-way before the city
incorporated. Should the city expend any future funds to purchase the extension of Appleway?
Wick: Well, I think this debate back and forth on the Milwaukie right-of-way is another example where,
umm, I think our community of regional relations kind of comes into play. I think the County is a little,
um, we have strained relations that are kind of really coming through in this Milwaukie right-of-way
judgment. I know that they said that they would give the land to the Spokane Valley if they would help
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 13 of 15
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pay 70% of the additional right of way needed to support mass transit, but I think the City is already
thinking toward mass transit, and Iwould say that we would already be proponents of including mass
transit in our plans for that property; so this is wliere 1 think the communication break down between the
County and the City is kind of coming to light in that; would we come up with any concessions, it's kind
of hard to know. I know that Mr. Connelly was saying that we, we haven't even gotten feedback from the
County on what our current status is with that; but I think increased communication and really
understanding that there are, the City of Spokane Valley isn't going to go against mass transit; we are
very big proponents as 1've learned f.rom different city council meetings; but, so I think it will work itself
out.
Munson: Dick?
Denenriv: I want to go back on why you would want to be on the council, but ask it in a little different
way; and, what do you think you, your personality, your age, what will you bring to this council that
others may not?
Wick: Well, I am of a slightly different generation. I have a different way of thinking and looking at
things. I also really want to get involved and be out there; I've already been on some of the county
commissions, like the Fair and Expo Advisory Board, and have worked with Commissioner Richard and
some of the other commissioners there on that; and so I would really like fio kind of build up community
relations and be going on that; also being a computer scientist I like the technology of the blackberries or
whatever phones you were playing with, laptops, I do that as a day job, so kind of increase our utilization
of technology as a tool. I definitely am a little more out there on the edge then some; I've been immersed
with it longer.
Denennv: And the other question back to the number of boards, etc. that we are on and the number of
hours that this job, being more than as I think you probably picked up on, then coming to a Tuesday night
meeting, how will your current status, your place in life currently, allow you to do that?
Wick: Well, I know, I thought long and hard; and earlier I've been on, actually, throughout my life I've
always been on more boards and being always very involved in things and giving 110%; right now I
would really want to stay on the Fair and Expo Advisory Board; but before I applied to this position 1
actually went to my work and seeing what their flexibility is, and they were very willing and flexible in
my hours with that and would like to cut back my travel for job-related; but T would keep my day job.
My hours there though, are fairly early in the moriling, so I go to work at six or five in the morning, and
get done at hvo or three in the afternoon; so r would have the ability to come to some of the later
meetings; or as well, they would be willing to let me work oil nights or weekends if possible to go
through that. Also my fiancee' is holding a job and plans to go to school at the same time, so my home
life is sitting at honle. [tape changes]
Schimmels: What do you think is the biggest challenge, so I'd say #2 would be the first thing you could
answer, then finish off with
Wick: Finish off with huh? Ok. Well the three highest priorities that I see for the city would be the street
fund is definitely one of the top three, and these are in no particular order; trying to figure out a secured
funding to maintain our streets is definitely of high importance; that is a big budget challenge fihat you
guys have in front of you so that is definitely a high priority. Being diligent in our budgeting way and
expanding our tax base for the future is how to remedy that. The second one would be regional relations.
Trying to improve communication is kind of the key there; working more with each other. I know you
guys are trying to do more with the County and other boards across the region; that is definitely a big one
there so I think a lot of our other issues, like the Milwaukie right-of-way and some of those things, will
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 14 of 15 ;
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kind of work themselves out if we had better relations and communication back and fortll, especially like
contracts, is another example with that. I think there's a lot of miscommunications going on between the
city and the county, and so, improving dialogue and relationships there would definitely kind of ease
some of those situations. And the last one I have is, which I hate to sound like a broken record, is kind of
like the disincorporation effort. I know that it seems to be gaining momentum, there seems to be more
signs out there; but everybody that I talked to about that, doesn't seem to understand or doesn't have the
whole picture behind it; ajid so it kind of relates back to the communication issue. They, I know a number
of people that work for the County are kind of fearful of the city and they think that they're going to
potentially lose their jobs or support di s incorporation to kind of keep their jobs; and so communication is
a big key on that one. And so with that, I go to the next question, of what's the biggest challenge right
now for the city, and I would say communication; and I would definitely want to work on getting out
there, working with the other boards, and the public in making sure that all the sides and all the
infonnation is being disseminated.
Schimmels: Could I ask one more?
Munson: Absolutely.
Schimmels: Go down to question 19, do you think the City should contract with the County for services,
utilize private companies, or hire City personnel for animal control, street sweeping, stormwater
maintenance?
Wick: I would say if it makes seilse. Currently like your city council does, we step back and look at how
mucll it's going to cost, if the contracts are fair, make sure that everybody understands what we're
looking for in the contracts; and if it makes the most sense for our city, then yea, T would support
contracting out to private business or the County or whatever makes the most sense; kind of a little vague
but that's it.
Munson: Any other questions? Thank you very much, we appreciate your coming and talking to us. Oh,
I'm sorry, I'm sorry Diana.
Willlite: If the majority of the council took up a position that you were against, how would you haiidle
your response to fihe public?
VVick: To the public? Well, while at the council rneeting I could raise my opinions; and hope to share ►ny
insight of what my thoughts were on the issue, but once the majority of the council decides, that's the
council's position; and it would be can-ied forward from there unless tliere's something new that comes
out, then I'd bring it back to council.
Wilhite: What do you think are the important functions of a city councilmember?
Wick: Well, there's two major functions that I see as a city councilmember: number one is they are the
ones that have to be the most informed; I think they need to do the homework, know what the decisions,
or what the issue or topic is that's being discussed; and make the informed decision. I know a lot of the
public don't take the time to understand the whole story or get all the information and so I'd say that's the
number one priority of a councilmember is to get all the information, spend the time, or take the time to
really understand the topic before making a decision. And the other one is communication. Getting back
out there, (etting everybody know what is going on so everybody has the full story and working together;
and getting their input into it as well.
Wilhite: Okay. Thank you.
Council Candidate Interviews, Meeting Transcript Page 15 of 15