After taking the July 4th holiday off, the Spokane Valley City Council opened its July business with a motion consideration to apply for a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) Grant.

On May 17th, 2024, TIB issued a Call for Projects for its Urban Arterial Program (UAP), the Active Transportation Program (ATP), and Complete Streets. The UAP has historically funded City street related projects. The ATP delivers multi-modal transportation projects for non-motorized users. The Complete Streets (CS) program is newly formatted in 2024. In the past, CS was a standalone call for projects with its own call for projects. However, this year applications will be consistent with other TIB programs. Agencies must have a complete streets ordinance to be eligible and funds must be applied towards projects that align with that agency’s complete streets ordinance.

TIB applications must be submitted by August 9th with awards announced November 22nd. After analysis of City needs, staff is proposing that applications be made in the following categories:

UAP: Argonne Concrete Reconstruction (Indiana to Knox), $4.5 million estimated cost, $3.05 million requested, City Match: $1.45 million.

ATP: Sullivan Sidewalk (8th-16th) & Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon near 12th, $700,000 estimated cost, $560,000 requested, City Match: $140,000.

CS: Barker Roundabout at 8th Ave., $3.2 million estimated cost, $2.56 million grant request, $640,000 City Match.

The motion to authorize the City Manager to apply for the proposed TIB Grants passed 6-1 (Merkel, no).

At its May 14, 2024 meeting, Council discussed and provided feedback on items of interest on its state legislative workplan including new issues that have surfaced.

Briahna Murray, the City’s State Legislative Lobbyist, in reviewing the Legislature’s actions that affecting the City suggested that even though the Legislature is overwhelmingly controlled by one party, progress in areas affecting law enforcement and taxation among others important to the City are still in play. The initiative process forced action on a prohibition of a state income tax, increased parental rights affecting K-12 education, and once again allowing officers to engage in vehicular pursuits.

The legislature did not act on another three initiatives that will now appear on the November ballot. Those are: I-2117, repealing the Climate Commitment Act, I-2109 repealing the capital gains tax, and I-2124, allowing individuals to opt out of the Washington long-term care retirement program. The City did receive a $150,000 appropriation for its Cross-Country Complex.

Potential funding requests include further funding for the City’s Cross Country/Cyclo Course at Flora Park and Transportation funding for the Sullivan/Trent and Barker/I-90 Interchanges. Policy issues Council intends to push for include Public Safety in the areas of habitual property theft offenders, fentanyl and opiate endangerment to children, and public defender caseloads and standards.

Other Public Safety issues include enhanced penalties for drug possession, increased funding for behavioral health, increased funding for resources needed to hire and train police officers, and attention to policies that reduce traffic fatalities.

Reduction in the costs of legislation requiring unfunded mandates such as the reduction of caseload requirements for public defenders and energy code requirements placed upon citizens that increase costs of home ownership. Other areas of assistance include capping sewer utility taxes imposed by neighboring municipalities, i.e. the sewer tax that the City of Spokane threatens to impose on County and Valley citizens for the sewer processing plant located in Spokane. This corresponds to a constant wish for the state to remove barriers to housing construction that negatively impact affordability. And, as always on the City wish list, is a plea for state legislators to get out of the management of city governments. 

In opioid settlements (3) from various makers and distributors of opioids, the City has received $86,333.20 to date. According to figures from the State Attorney General, the City is thus far projected to be paid an estimated $354,164 through 2038. That works out to a little over $25,000 per year to address a problem costing the City vastly more to address the damage done by opioids. Now, a new settlement with Kroger (Fred Meyer, Albertson’s, Safeway) will pay the City approximately $12,000 provided the City joins the settlement by August 12th. Consensus was reached to join the settlement. 

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.

This meeting of the Spokane Valley City Council commenced with a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. The agenda for this meeting was quite different from Council’s usual meetings in that there were no action items except the Consent Agenda which is the place where City bills are paid and minutes of past meetings are approved along with other administrative items.

Two discussion items, however, were on the Administrative Agenda section. The first was an administrative report on the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) which, as the name indicates, speaks to the City’s plan(s) for dealing with major emergencies. 

The City has agreements with Spokane County (SCEM) for its Emergency Management Services. Those services include administering and coordinating the region’s and City’s emergency management programs in the event of catastrophic events. Under state law, each political subdivision must establish or be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management and prepare and submit an emergency plan, including a communications plan. 

This discussion on COOP listed an alphabet of other agencies with which the City coordinates in fulfilling the intended purpose of COOP. Suffice it to say, the proposed COOP is intended to address a wide variety of emergencies. The interlocal agreement with SCEM identifies major storm events, wildfires, hazardous material spills, human-caused disaster, and pandemic or epidemic as the most likely events to cause a COOP incident in our region.

The succession part of the plan identifies essential services, chain of command for decision-makers or multiple staff members to ensure essential services leadership continuity. Training and rehearsals are other essential parts of the plan. The ultimate goal of COOP is to achieve a timely and orderly recovery from a COOP situation with resumption of full services to the city.

The second agenda discussion item was an administrative report on Restricted Revenues in the City Budget. The report provided an overview of the restricted revenue sources utilized by the City for capital project purposes. The process provides the context for each of the 2025 capital project budgets that will be developed over the summer.

A Restriction is a limit placed on the use of a revenue source. The restriction can be placed by an outside agency such as a grant source or by state or local law or by the city itself. Examples are contractual obligations, grant fund usage (for specific purposes), state or federal law as they apply to Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET). The City generally uses these specific funds for matches on grant funded street projects and for City funded preservation projects.

Stormwater Utility Fees have lately been misconstrued as usable for general purposes. That is not so. Those funds are collected by Spokane County as part of the property tax bill to be used for the development, maintenance, and control of storm drainage and surface water within the City. Aquifer Protection Area Fees are also dedicated specifically to uses for protecting the aquifer. Since all restricted funds are carefully scrutinized annually by state auditors, and the penalties for violation of their rules is severe, it is comforting to know that the City Finance Department guards the City’s interests very carefully.

Please note: There will be no Council meeting next week, July 2nd in observance of the Fourth of July holiday and City Hall will be closed on July 4th and 5th.

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.

This meeting of the Spokane Valley City Council commenced with a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. The agenda for this meeting was quite different from Council’s usual meetings in that there were no action items except the Consent Agenda which is the place where City bills are paid and minutes of past meetings are approved along with other administrative items.

Two discussion items, however, were on the Administrative Agenda section. The first was an administrative report on the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) which, as the name indicates, speaks to the City’s plan(s) for dealing with major emergencies. 

The City has agreements with Spokane County (SCEM) for its Emergency Management Services. Those services include administering and coordinating the region’s and City’s emergency management programs in the event of catastrophic events. Under state law, each political subdivision must establish or be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management and prepare and submit an emergency plan, including a communications plan. 

This discussion on COOP listed an alphabet of other agencies with which the City coordinates in fulfilling the intended purpose of COOP. Suffice it to say, the proposed COOP is intended to address a wide variety of emergencies. The interlocal agreement with SCEM identifies major storm events, wildfires, hazardous material spills, human-caused disaster, and pandemic or epidemic as the most likely events to cause a COOP incident in our region.

The succession part of the plan identifies essential services, chain of command for decision-makers or multiple staff members to ensure essential services leadership continuity. Training and rehearsals are other essential parts of the plan. The ultimate goal of COOP is to achieve a timely and orderly recovery from a COOP situation with resumption of full services to the city.

The second agenda discussion item was an administrative report on Restricted Revenues in the City Budget. The report provided an overview of the restricted revenue sources utilized by the City for capital project purposes. The process provides the context for each of the 2025 capital project budgets that will be developed over the summer.

A Restriction is a limit placed on the use of a revenue source. The restriction can be placed by an outside agency such as a grant source or by state or local law or by the city itself. Examples are contractual obligations, grant fund usage (for specific purposes), state or federal law as they apply to Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET). The City generally uses these specific funds for matches on grant funded street projects and for City funded preservation projects.

Stormwater Utility Fees have lately been misconstrued as usable for general purposes. That is not so. Those funds are collected by Spokane County as part of the property tax bill to be used for the development, maintenance, and control of storm drainage and surface water within the City. Aquifer Protection Area Fees are also dedicated specifically to uses for protecting the aquifer. Since all restricted funds are carefully scrutinized annually by state auditors, and the penalties for violation of their rules is severe, it is comforting to know that the City Finance Department guards the City’s interests very carefully.

Please note: There will be no Council meeting next week, July 2nd in observance of the Fourth of July holiday and City Hall will be closed on July 4th and 5th.

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.

This Study Session of the Spokane Valley City Council opened with a public hearing on the City’s Draft 2025-2030 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is composed of transportation projects intended to be implemented in the next six years that address the transportation needs within the City.

The City is required by state law to prepare and, after holding a public hearing, adopt a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years. The plan, once adopted, must be submitted to the Washington State Department of Transportation by June 30th of each year. 

This year’s Program includes all 2025 closeout projects, bridge and grade separation projects, intersection improvements projects, reconstruction/preservation projects, arterial preservation projects, and safety, sidewalk, trail, and stormwater projects.

The Public Hearing was immediately followed by action on Resolution 24-011 which is the enabling legislation on the 2025-2030 Six Year TIP. The motion to approve Resolution 24-011 passed 4-1 (Merkel-no; Wick and Hattenberg at AWC Convention).

The City, having received periodic requests for memorial signs for loved ones killed by vehicular crashes, has reviewed other municipalities actions on the subject. The result is presented in this proposed Spokane Valley Memorial Sign Program for the City. Under the plan, applicants would be able to request a memorial sign based on specified and verified criteria and would pay for the program’s administration, fabrication, and installation of each individual sign. A marker would be installed as close to the fatality as feasible with a limit on the number of signs in proximity to each other. After a ten-year period, the applicant would be able to keep the sign when it was removed. Initial estimates indicate that such a sign placement would cost $600 for the sign, placard, and installation. Costs are currently under review with Spokane County which develops sign proofs. Once pricing is established, it will be included in the Master Fee Schedule. The motion to approve the Memorial Sign Placement Program passed unanimously.

The Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) is a state agency that distributes and manages street construction and maintenance grants for Washington cities. Their funding comes from a three-cent statewide gas tax. On May 17th, 2024, TIB issued a Call for Projects for its Urban Arterial Program (UAP), the Active Transportation Program (ATP), and Complete Streets. The UAP has historically funded City street related projects. The ATP delivers multi-modal transportation projects for non-motorized users. The Complete Streets (CS) program is newly formatted in 2024. In the past, CS was a standalone call for projects with its own call for projects. However, this year applications will be consistent with other TIB programs. Agencies must have a complete streets ordinance to be eligible and funds must be applied towards projects that align with that agency’s complete streets ordinance.

TIB applications must be submitted by August 9th with awards announced November 22nd. After analysis of City needs, staff is proposing that applications be made in the following categories:
UAP: Argonne Concrete Reconstruction (Indiana to Knox), $4.5 million estimated cost, $3.05 million requested, City Match: $1.45 million.
ATP: Sullivan Sidewalk (8th-16th) & Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon near 12th, $700,000 estimated cost, $560,000 requested, City Match: $140,000.

CS: Barker Roundabout at 8th Ave., $3.2 million estimated cost, $2.56 million grant request, $640,000 City Match.
Council reached consensus to proceed with the grant applications.

In 2014, the City executed a 10-year Solid Waste Disposal Contract with Sunshine Recycling and Disposal, Inc. to provide a transfer station for deposit and processing of various types of solid waste enroute to final disposition at a landfill. The contract with Sunshine expires at the end of this year and must be renewed or another transfer station vendor selected. City staff is currently analyzing the contracts proposed by Sunshine and Spokane County to determine the most advantageous for Valley citizens. 

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.

This report is a departure from the usual weekly synopsis of the Spokane Valley City Council meetings. Instead of the Council meeting that would have taken place on Tuesday evening, Council held a Budget Workshop to learn about the 2025 City Budget. Next year, 2025, is shaping up to be a financially trying one. 
 

Recurring Revenues from major sources such as sales tax and property tax are showing signs of leveling out or decreasing. Other included recurring revenue sources combine to project a total of $62,953,000, a $347,000 (0.55%) increase over 2024. 
 

On the Recurring Expenditure side of the ledger, Public Safety far and away is the largest number, increasing more than $2,500,000 largely to pay for wage increases and new hires at the Spokane County Sheriff’s office where we contract for our City police. Estimated recurring expenses for 2025 are $62,940,135, a $3,478,428 (5.85%) increase over 2024.
 

The proposed budget cuts from City street operations to reach the above numbers are:

 Eliminate the Street Maintenance Funding ($1,674,454)

 Reduce Winter Operations

• Sidewalk snow removal from $75,000 to $40,000

• Winter Snow Services from $735,000 to $425,000

Total reduction $2,019,454

The proposed budget cuts from other City operations are:

Parks and Recreation (swimming pools) $476,850

General Government

• Outside Agency Awards $200,000

• Parks Capital Projects $160,000

• Pavement Preservation $1,032,119

• Public Safety Equipment $473,722

Estimated saving and supplement $2,342,691

This picture is playing out against the backdrop of the six goals selected by City Council on May 21st.

1. Increase public safety response to ensure the safety of Spokane Valley citizens.

2. Prioritize infrastructure maintenance and preservation and advance strategic capital projects through grant awards.

3. Continue economic development efforts to maximize business growth and develop tourism destinations.

4. Maintain our strong financial position.

5. Utilize strategic partnerships to aggressively reduce and prevent Spokane Valley homelessness.

Expand homeownership opportunities so more local people own homes.
 

The strong financial standing of the City lends itself to enabling continuing operations with a minimum reduction in services. The current signs of economic slowdown in both state and national economics indicates that Spokane Valley may be more forward in its conservative view of the future. In the meantime, economy and restraint are the direction for 2025.
 

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.

The Spokane Valley City Council met in its Formal Meeting format. It conducts its formal meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays, and study sessions on the odd numbered Tuesdays. The meeting opened with action on setting a public hearing date for the Spokane Valley Planning Commission to consider a street vacation application. 

Macpherson Holdings, LLC and CANUSA Land Holds Corp. has requested vacation of a 60’ X 130’ segment of Hutchinson Road and a 40’ X 270’ segment of Riverside Avenue located north of Sprague Avenue and east of Argonne Road. The total requested area to be vacated is estimated to be 19,092 square feet. The motion to approve Resolution No. 24-008 setting June 13th as the date for a public hearing on the vacation before the Planning Commission was approved unanimously.

In a separate street vacation action, Daniel Bruzas, representing James Boone, LLC. is requesting vacation of the south 60’ X 80’ of Girard Road, and the south 60’ X 95’ of Lily Road lying north of I-90 and south of Boone Avenue. The total requested area is 10,502 square feet. The Public Works Department has no concerns with the application and the fire department had only minor comments. On March 28th, the Planning commission conducted a public hearing, after which they voted unanimously to recommend that Council act favorably on the vacation. 

This action, contained in Ordinance #24-009, if approved, will result in the requesting parties paying $1,092.00 for the vacated property. The compensated value is arrived at by a standardized formula for calculating such transactions. The motion to move Ordinance #24-009 to a second reading passed unanimously.

In March 2024, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) issued a call for projects for the Pedestrian & Bicycle Program (PBP) and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) aiming to improve safety and increase the number of people walking or bicycling. The total available funding in the PBP is $23.2 million, and $25.6 million in the SRTS program. No City match is required. Weighted evaluation scores safety (40%), Equity (25%), Mobility (10%), Deliverability (10%), value (10%), and geographic diversity (5%). Recommendations must be submitted by May 31st for PBP and June 7th for SRTS; funds will be available June 2025 in the state biennium budget. Staff has developed a chart with two recommended funding requests:

SRTS: Arterial School Crossing Upgrades
1. 32nd Ave. & S Pines Rd.; Project cost: $1,000,000; Applied for: $1,000,000.
2. Sullivan Sidewalk Infill (8th Ave. to 16th Ave.) Project cost: $700,000; Applied for: $700,000.
3. 4th Ave. Sidewalk Infill (Long Rd. to Barker Rd.) Project cost: $1,300,000; Applied for: $1,300,000.

PBP: Arterial Crossing upgrades
1. Mansfield Ave, Perrine Rd., Trillium apartments, and Appleway at Greenacres Rd.; Project cost: $400,000; Applied for: $400,000.
2. Barker Roundabout at 8th Ave.; Project cost: $3,800,000; Applied for: $3,200,000.*
* This project is the only one requiring a local match. That match is $600,000. 
The motion to authorize the City to apply for the above grants passed unanimously.

Briahna Murray, the City’s State Legislative Lobbyist, reviewed the Legislature’s actions that pertained to the City. Even though the Legislature is overwhelmingly controlled by one party, noteworthy progress was made in areas affecting law enforcement and taxation. The initiative process forced action on a prohibition of a state income tax, increasing parental rights affecting K-12 education, and once again allowing officers to engage in vehicular pursuits.

The legislature did not act on another three initiatives that will now appear on the November ballot. Those are: I-2117, repealing the Climate Commitment Act, I-2109 repealing the capital gains tax, and I-2124, allowing individuals to opt out of the Washington long-term care retirement program. The City did receive a $150,000 appropriation for its Cross-Country Complex.

The City is required by state law to prepare and hold a public hearing on a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years. The plan must be submitted to the Washington State Department of Transportation by June 30th of each year. The City has identified 39 projects in the ensuing 6 years. The first seven are:

1. Pines Rd/Mission Ave Intersection Improvement, including signal and channelization. Upgrades to improve capacity and an additional turn lane on southbound Pines.

2. Broadway Preservation-Fancher to Park. This is a two-year phased pavement preservation project with a concrete intersection upgrade at Park Rd. 

3. Trent Avenue Access Control Improvements, including median installations near Dale, McDonald, and Evergreen Roads.

4. South Bowdish Improvements (12th to 22nd). Install new sidewalk on the east side, including crosswalk, signage, and ADA ramp improvements. 

5. Citywide Retroreflective Signal Backplates. An ongoing project to install reflective backplates at selected signals.

6. Sprague Stormwater & Multi-Modal Improvements. Phased stormwater improvements between University & Park Roads. Signalized crossing improvements at City Hall and other locations as warranted.

7. 16th Avenue Preservation (Evergreen to Adams). Normal roadway preservation.
These are projects that will be undertaken within the next year. 

An administrative report, the first of two, is in preparation for the June 11th Budget Workshop. Together, they will present an overview of city budgeting and finance process. This first report covers the basics of Governmental Accounting and Governmental Budgeting. Part two, on May 28th, will discuss revenues, reserve funds, and fund balances.

Governmental Accounting is controlled by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS). These are the common standards and procedures used to record and report accounting information and to compile the City financial statements. They are the standards under which the City is audited but which also require Fund Accounting for governmental entities. Fund accounting is a set of self-balancing accounts that represent the building blocks of governmental accounting. Each fund covers a separate revenue source and allowable expenditures. The City has 29 such funds.

Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting are directed by the BARS Manual in accordance with state law. The Budget has eight touches beginning in April and May with each department preparing its separate budget in time for the Budget Workshop on June 11th. The first public hearing follows in September. On October 1st, the City Manager presents the Budget, at least 60 days before the next fiscal year (January 1). 
On October 8th, the second public hearing is conducted. The first reading of the Budget Ordinance will be on October 22nd, followed by the final public hearing and Council’s second reading (adoption) on November 12th. 

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.
 

In case you hadn’t noticed, Spokane Valley City Council holds ‘Study Sessions’ on odd numbered weeks and ‘Formal Format’ meetings on even numbered weeks. Study Sessions are more informal meetings designed to promote discussion and introduction of new items of business that will be action items on future Council agendas. Formal meetings open with a prayer and pledge of allegiance in keeping with the more formal conduct of the meeting. Study Sessions dispense with the formality and proceed with the agenda. 

This evening’s agenda opened with the Second Reading of Ordinance 24-007. Each year amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan are proposed for addition to the Comprehensive Plan Docket. Two such amendments were proposed for 2024, both by the City, and both were map amendments. Only one advanced to further action. That one is for property owned by Spokane Conservation District located at 4418 East 8th Avenue and would change 44 acres from Multi-Family Residential (MFR) to Mixed Use. An additional piece would change 5.2 acres from MFR to Single-Family residential (SFR). The motion to adopt Ordinance 24-007 passed unanimously.

Concurrent with Ordinance 24-007 is Ordinance 24-008 which identifies the findings the Planning Commission and Council, consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan goals and Policies. The State’s Growth Management Act and City Code enables the City to amend its Official Zoning Map to accommodate the changes made by the adoption of Ordinance 24-007. The motion to approve Ordinance 24-008 passed unanimously.

On September 20th, 2022, Spokane Valley City Council established the Spokane Valley Tourism Promotion Area (TPA). Pursuant to the TPA, the Spokane Valley Hotel Commission (Commission) was formed. The Commission hired 116 & West as their marketing consultant. Spokane Sports, by request from the Commission, submitted a proposal to work with 116 & West to round out the package to brand the City as a “host city” for future sports events. That relationship continues through 2024 with the cost for 2024 increasing to $400,000 from 2023’s $300,000. 

At the request of the TPA Commission, 116 & West brought forward a proposal to expand the current marketing contract with additional paid media campaigns and social media initiatives. The Commission recommended that Council authorize a $466,000 contract amendment with 116 & West to provide additional tourism marketing services through December 2024. The motion to authorize and approve the contract amendment with 116 & West for additional marketing through December 2024 passed unanimously.

The Sprague Avenue Stormwater and Multi-Modal Improvements project is located on Sprague Avenue between University Road and Herald Road. This project will replace portions of the outside travel lanes with biofiltration swales, add a pedestrian crossing between City Hall and the Valley Library and improved bus stop on the north side of Sprague, upgrade sidewalk and curb ramps, provide a bike lane, update the left-turn signal timing at the Sprague/University intersection, and provide a grind/inlay of the asphalt pavement along the section.

The scope of the project has been expanded to include improvements called for since the project’s inception in 2022. Additionally, there has been claims made that the City is incurring the entire project cost. In fact, of the total $4,584,500 cost, the City will be putting up $2,199,204 (48%). Also not considered is the Department of Ecology’s increasing requirements for stormwater management. 

In 2022, when this issue was first addressed, it was made clear that DOE’s regulations were going to be progressively stringent. A Council determination was made then that it was advantageous to not be put in a position of retrofitting our stormwater system at a substantially greater cost. The motion to award the Sprague Avenue Stormwater Project construction contract to Halme Construction, Inc. in the amount of $3,000,000 passed 6-1 (Merkel-no).
In recognizing the ongoing opioid and substance abuse crisis in Spokane County, Council had passed legislation to participate in the opioid settlements with the various pharmaceutical companies together with adopting legislative agendas in support of abatement programs at the state and federal levels.

Marsha Malsam, CEO of the Rayce Rudeen Foundation presented a program on the activities of that Foundation that work in concert with City efforts to educate and prevent further opioid abuse and addiction. Those activities include the “Addiction Help Finder” website which the City links to its website, Narcan training at local schools, businesses, and other like agencies. The City plans to coordinate with the Foundation on future efforts.

In March 2024, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) issued a call for projects for the Pedestrian & Bicycle Program (PBP) and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) aiming to improve safety and increase the number of people walking or bicycling. The total available funding in the PBP is $23.2 million, and $25.6 million in the SRTS program. No City match is required. Weighted evaluation scores safety (40%), Equity (25%), Mobility (10%), Deliverability (10%), value (10%), and geographic diversity (5%). Recommendations must be submitted by May 31st for PBP and June 7th for SRTS; funds will be June 2025 in the state biennium budget. Staff has developed a chart with two recommended funding requests:

SRTS:
• Arterial School Crossing Upgrades at 32nd Ave. & S Pines Rd.; Broadway Ave. near University High School, Chester Elementary School, Horizon Middle • • School, Broadway Elementary School, Summit School, and Progress Elementary School.
• Sullivan Sidewalk Infill (8th Ave. to 16th Ave.) with a potential crossing near 12th Ave.
• 4th Ave. Sidewalk Infill (Long Rd. to Barker Rd.)

PBP:
• Arterial Crossings at Mansfield Ave, Perrine Rd., and Trillium apartments, and Appleway at Greenacres Rd.
• Barker Roundabout at 8th Ave.

Consensus was reached to further develop the recommended project list and return to Council on May 14th for authority to submit the recommended application to WSDOT.

The Federal Highways Administration has $45 million available for its Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). Applications are due June 17th. Awarded funds must be obligated by September 30, 2026. The same rating criteria as the grant above applies to this grant opportunity. Staff proposes that application be made for a project connecting Floria Road Trail with the Appleway Trail and Centennial Trail and Flora Park. This would include bridges over Interstate 90 and the Spokane River. The estimated total would be $2 million. Consensus was not reached, so the issue died.

Daniel Bruzas, representing James Boone, LLC. is requesting vacation of the south 60’ X 80’ of Girard Road, and the south 60’ X 95’ of Lily Road lying north of I-90 and south of Boone Avenue. The total requested area is 10,502 square feet. The Public Works Department had no concerns with the application and the fire department had only minor comments. On March 28th, the Planning commission conducted a public hearing, after which they voted unanimously to recommend that Council act favorably on the vacation. Council reached consensus to move the vacation (STV-2024-001) to a first reading.

In a second street vacation application, Macpherson Holdings, LLC and CANUSA Land Holds Corp. has requested vacation of a 60’ X 130’ segment of Hutchinson Road and a 40’ X 270’ segment of Riverside Avenue located north of Sprague Avenue and east of Argonne Road. The total requested area to be vacated is estimated to be 19,092 square feet. Council reached consensus to schedule Resolution No. 24-008 on its May 14th consent agenda setting the date for a public hearing before the Planning Commission.

Since the adoption of the 2024 budget on November 23rd, 2023, a number of events have transpired necessitating a 2024 Budget amendment. Those amendments reflect General Fund revenue increases of $12,846,629 and expenditure increases of $21,612,672. Major expenses such as the Cross-Country Course Project account for $4,400,000 of the increase. Consensus was reached to place a May 21st public hearing on the Budget Amendment. 
Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.

After a grueling meeting on April 23rd, Council returned to another long agenda on Tuesday’s meeting. That Study Session commenced with a proclamation recognizing Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The first item of business was moving Ordinance 24-007 to a second reading. Each year amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan are proposed for addition to the Comprehensive Plan Docket. Two such amendments were proposed for 2024, both by the City, and both were map amendments. The first is for property owned by Spokane Conservation District located at 4418 East 8th Avenue and would change 44 acres from Multi-Family Residential (MFR) to Mixed Use. An additional piece would change 5.2 acres from MFR to Single-Family residential (SFR). 

The second proposed plan amendment would have changed 0.83 acres owned by Family Promise of Spokane at 17103 E. Main Avenue from SFR to Corridor Mixed Use. However, that amendment was withdrawn. The Planning Commission held study sessions on the proposed amendments and recommended passage of the first amendment but denied the second, and it was withdrawn. The motion to move Ordinance 24-007 to a second reading passed unanimously.

Concurrent with Ordinance 24-007 is Ordinance 24-008 which identifies the findings the Planning Commission and Council consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies, the State’s Growth Management Act, and City Code and enables the City to amend its Official Zoning Map. The motion to approve Ordinance 24-008 passed unanimously.

Also at its last meeting, Council approved moving Ordinance 24-005 to a first reading. The addition of Chapter 5 of the Governance Manual provides the City’s Hearing Examiner (Examiner) with authority to preside over hearings contesting an investigator’s findings and conclusions of misconduct pertaining to Council members. Traditionally, the Examiner only heard matters concerning land use issues. The inclusion of Chapter 5 necessitates additional rules to set the rules and procedures for the Examiner to perform his new assignment in determining decisions whether Councilmembers engaged in misconduct. The addition of Chapter 5 to the Governance Manual requires that the City’s Municipal Code be amended to accommodate the adopted changes. The motion to adopt Ordinance 24-005 passed 6-1 (Merkel-no).

At its March 5th, 2024, meeting, Council reached consensus to apply for two Washington State Recreation & Conservation office (RCO) grants to advance Phase 2 of Balfour Park. RCO operates on a two-year granting cycle timeline, meaning that if funds were awarded this year, they would not be available until 2025 and would have to be used by the end of 2026. With available City matching funds, it could apply for up to $2.5 million for completion of Phase 2 of Balfour Park. The motion to approve Resolution 24-009 authorizing the application for two grants from RCO for Balfour Park Phase 2 passed unanimously.

The City has joined in participating in Settlements I & II of opioid settlements with pharmaceutical companies from litigation stemming from overprescription of opioids. In addition, after the first two settlements, a third settlement has been reached with Johnson & Johnson. In order for the City to participate in that settlement, it’s necessary to take action to join the suit. The motion to participate in the settlement of the Johnson & Johnson Opioid Settlement passed unanimously.

In the City’s Tourism Strategy efforts, the cross-country complex that has been identified is moving forward. Engineering and planning for design of the course and facilities are proceeding using the Design Build (PBD) process. That process provides for both the design and construction to be done by a single qualified entity. Staff has determined, through its selection process, to award the contract to Walker Construction and SPVV Landscape Architecture to further define the scope of work prior to construction commencement to eliminate or minimize obstacles.

Staff presented an explanation of the construction phase of a City project. The presentation covered performance measures and quality control checkpoints during construction, including project documentation, project inspection, and project closeout. The motion to award the Progressive Design Build project to Walker Construction and SPVV Landscape Architecture for a total not to exceed $3.2 million passed unanimously.

In its February 20th, 2024, presentation of the City’s 6-year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) staff outlined the Bowdish Road Sidewalk and Bike Lane Project. That project will construct a sidewalk on the east side of Bowdish Road from 12th to 22nd Avenues, add a bike lane from 16th to 23rd Avenues, install a roundabout at the intersection of Bowdish and 16th Avenues, add stormwater structures with treatment, replace existing failing stormwater structures, and resurface the roadway with the project limits. The total budget is $4,122,265. The construction costs are $3,024,665. The Engineer’s estimate for construction was $3,559,362; the lowest responsible bidder was Liberty Concrete LLC with a bid of $3,046,112.70. Six bids were received. The motion to award the Bowdish Road Sidewalk and Bike Lane Project contract to Liberty Concrete LLC in the amount of $3,046,112.70 passed unanimously.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees ...”the poor not just an appointment of counsel, but also effective assistance of counsel.” The Washington State Supreme Court has adopted enforceable standards for the provision of indigent defense such as: An attorney representing misdemeanor defendants may not take more than 400 cases per 12-month period. This translates into a substantial increase in legal costs to the City under its contract with the County in its Public Safety agreement for services.

The new requirement will not only add attorneys (up to 23 more) but will include ‘Misdemeanor Investigators’ (an additional 12.5 more), and a new category; Mitigation Specialist, (14 more). That will necessitate 8.5 more Misdemeanor Paralegals. The estimated cost is somewhere between $2,743,388 and $3,664,793 to the City. And this doesn’t include the additional costs of housing all those people at the County Courthouse. Council reached consensus to join the efforts of the Association of Washington Cities to try to reign in these expenses.

On September 20th, 2022, Spokane Valley City Council established the Spokane Valley Tourism Promotion Area (TPA). Pursuant to the TPA, the Spokane Valley Hotel Commission (Commission) was formed. The Commission hired 116 & West as their marketing consultant. Spokane Sports, by request from the Commission, submitted a proposal to work with 116 & West to round out the package to brand the City as a “host city” for future sports events. That relationship continues through 2024 with the cost for 2024 increasing to $400,000 from 2023’s $300,000. 

At the request of the TPA Commission, 116 & West brought forward a proposal to expand the current marketing contract with additional paid media campaigns and social media initiatives. The Commission recommended that Council authorize a $466,000 contract amendment with 116 & West to provide additional tourism marketing services through December 2024. Council reached consensus to bring a motion to authorize the addition.

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.
 

The Spokane Valley City Council convened to address three action items and hear administrative reports on six more. The first business item was an expansion of the City’s municipal code, Ordinance 24-005. The recent passage of Chapter 5 of the Governance Manual provides the City’s Hearing Examiner (Examiner) with authority to preside over hearings contesting an investigator’s findings and conclusions of misconduct. Traditionally, the Examiner only heard matters concerning land use issues. The inclusion of Chapter 5 necessitates additional rules to set the rules and procedures for the Examiner to perform his new assignment in determining decisions whether Councilmembers engaged in misconduct. The motion to move Ordinance 24-005 to a second reading passed 6-1 (Merkel, no).

The Clean Building Law was passed in the State Legislature in 2022. The Department of Commerce has developed energy performance standards for non-residential buildings. For performance measuring purposes, the categories have been designated as Tier 1: Buildings having a gross area between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet; and Tier 2: Buildings having a gross area exceeding 50,000 square feet. 

Compliance steps include processes for measuring and tracking energy use using at least 12 consecutive months of data per building. Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings must establish and implement an operation and maintenance program 12 months prior to the compliance date.

City buildings affected are CenterPlace (56,055 sq ft), City Hall (65,299 sq ft), and the Police Precinct (22,020 sq ft). Benchmark measurements for City Hall and CenterPlace have been completed. While City Hall meets the requirements, CenterPlace does not. An energy audit will be required to determine the most cost-effective measures to achieve the mandated standards. The audit is estimated to cost $40,000.

There are two funding opportunities to help offset the cost of the audit and other plan requirements. The first is an Energy Efficiency Revolving and Conservation Formula (EERCF). The second is a State Department of Commerce (Commerce) Clean Building Audit Incentive Program. EERCF applications are due by April 30th, 2024. Commerce applications are accepted up to April 20th, 2025. The move to authorize the City Manager to apply for both programs as proposed by staff passed 6-1 (Merkel-no).

In August of 2023 Council provided consensus to utilize a “multiple contractor” approach for Park Maintenance services beginning in 2024. The new model separates needed park services such as janitorial and event services to enable more competition and opportunity. On March 19, 2024, a request for proposal was issued for Janitorial and Event Services across all the City’s Parks and Trail facilities during the Mid-April to mid-October season. 
The services to be provided include daily cleaning and re-stocking of 34 park restrooms and 20 picnic shelters seven days a week. This also includes posting, preparing, and cleaning for approximately 450 park reservations and special events. The motion to award the Contract for janitorial and Event Services, Parks, and Trails to Senske Services in an amount not to exceed $325,002.71 in the first year passed unanimously.

Spokane Valley Chief of Police Dave Ellis presented an overview of the Department’s current activity. Including the heightening of bike patrols, community outreach, aircraft usage and modernization, and the fact that the City Police Force is accredited by the Washington State Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs. The accreditation is accomplished through a rigorous process involving 18 administrative standards ranging from goals and standards to internal affairs.

After the State Supreme Court’s Blake decision, which largely decriminalized drug possession, had been rendered, the legislature enacted Senate Bill 5536 which made those offenses a gross misdemeanor. There have been discussions about strengthening the City’s drug laws beyond the state law. However, that process is made more complex by the City’s contracts for law public safety services with the County which operates under different standards of enforcement. The discussion continues.

In the City’s Tourism Strategy efforts, a cross country complex has been identified and is moving forward. Engineering and planning for design of the course and facilities are proceeding using the Design Build (PBD) process. That process provides for both the design and construction to be done by a single qualified entity. Staff has scheduled a Motion Consideration for Council’s next meeting to award the contract to Walker Construction and SPVV Landscape Architecture to further define the scope of work.

Staff presented an explanation of the construction phase of a City project. The presentation covered performance measures and quality control metrics during construction, including project documentation control, project inspection, and project closeout.

The contract with Sunshine Disposal for disposal operation at the university Road Solid Waste Transfer Station expires at the end of 2024. That contract requires the City to provide notice to Sunshine of its intent to renew, terminate, or otherwise modify the agreement by July 1, 2024. Two alternatives exist: Continuing with Sunshine or returning to the Spokane County (Sullivan Road Transfer Station). Considerations moving forward are future rates, current and future waste handling capacity, education and planning requirements, and length of term for any new agreement. Further discussion will occur at future meetings.

After last year’s recovery from COVID, the City Parks Department is pleased to be offering a full array of services. The schedule and menu of events can be found online at www.spokanevalleywa.gov or in pick up publications like the Inlander.

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.
 

Last week the Spokane Valley City Council attended a retreat in chambers to discuss and set policy goals through 2025. Although the public was invited to attend, no public comment was taken. 

The first item of business on the agenda was the First Reading of Ordinance 24-006, the Yellowstone Pipe Line (YPL) Franchise. In November 2021, the City, through Ordinance 21-022, granted YPL Company an extension of its franchise to construct, maintain, and operate its petroleum products pipeline in the City’s rights-of-way. In finalizing the design for the City’s Pines Road/BNSF rail crossing it became clear that the location of the underpass would materially interfere with the current location of Yellowstone’s facilities, which have existed since 1952. Changing the route of that pipeline will be accomplished by rerouting it through property purchased by the City but the change requires amending the existing franchise agreement. This evening, by waiving the rules to speed the process, the amended agreement (Ordinance 24-006) was approved unanimously.

Required facilities moves for the Pines/BNSF project has generated expenses for several purveyors of product and services which involve reimbursement. The Yellowstone Pipeline, which is jointly owned by Phillips 66 and Yellowstone (P66/YPL), has reached agreement with the City on associated pipeline route expenses of $1,331,304. The motion to approve the reimbursement agreement in that amount passed unanimously.

City Council has the authority to establish its own rules of procedure, policies, and standards of conduct. Such policies and procedures are identified in its Governance Manual. As times, rules and procedures change, the manual is periodically updated. The proposed changes brought forward by the Governance Manual Committee address in part the following:

Unacceptable Councilmember behavior, leaving a meeting unexcused, engaging in, or encouraging disruptive behavior from the public seating area. 
Removal of per diem for travel expenses, change of policy for reimbursement for meals/lodging costs related to travel for city business. Removal of monthly mileage stipend. 

Addition of mileage reimbursement according to current IRS mileage rates.
Addition of a description of the Public Safety Committee.
Addition of policies to address compliance requirements and enforcement procedures.
Addition of policies regarding photocopies, out of state travel, dress code and volunteer/legislative assistants.
Addition of a policy that tracks costs for a social media archiving platform shall be deducted from each Councilmember’s individual annual budget. 
Addition of policies and penalties for posting false information to social media.

A new Chapter 5 defining standards of conduct for Council members and providing procedures for alleged violations to be investigated and presented to Council for action is included. These procedures gives an accused Councilmember the opportunity to request a hearing before the City Hearing Examiner to contest an investigator’s findings and conclusions that violations occurred. 

The City Municipal Code must be amended to provide the Hearing Examiner with authority to preside over hearings contesting an investigator’s findings and conclusions of misconduct as well as procedural rules for such hearings.

The motion to approve Resolution 24-006, repealing the existing manual and replacing it with the revised one passed 6-1 (Merkel-no).
The Clean Building Law was passed in the State Legislature in 2022. The Department of Commerce has developed energy performance standards for non-residential buildings. For performance measuring purposes, the categories have been designated as Tier 1: Buildings having a gross area between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet; and Tier 2: Buildings having a gross area exceeding 50,000 square feet. 

The law is aimed at reducing carbon pollution by establishing energy use intensity targets specific to Washington. Compliance steps include processes for measuring and tracking energy use using at least 12 consecutive months of data per building. 

City buildings affected are CenterPlace (56,055 sq ft), City Hall (65,299 sq ft), and the Police Precinct (22,020 sq ft). Benchmark measurements for City Hall and CenterPlace have been completed. While City Hall meets the requirements, CenterPlace does not. An energy audit will be required to determine the most cost-effective measures to achieve the mandated standards. The audit is estimated to cost $40,000.

Staff is exploring two potential funding opportunities to help offset the cost of the audit and other plan requirements. The first is an Energy Efficiency Revolving and Conservation Formula (EERCF). The second is a State Department of Commerce (Commerce) Clean Building Audit Incentive Program. EERCF applications are due by April 30th, 2024. Commerce applications are accepted up to April 20th, 2025. Council reached consensus to authorize applying for both.

Each year amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan are proposed for addition to the Comprehensive Plan Docket. Two such amendments were proposed for 2024, both by the City, and both were map amendments. The first, (CPA-2024-01) is for property owned by Spokane Conservation District located at 4418 East 8th Avenue and would change 44 acres from Multi-Family Residential (MFR) to Mixed Use. An additional piece would change 5.2 acres from MFR to Single-Family residential (SFR). 

The second proposed plan amendment (CPA-2024-02) would change 0.83 acres owned by Family Promise of Spokane at 17103 E. Main Avenue from SFR to Corridor Mixed Use. The Planning Commission held study sessions on the proposed amendments and recommended passage of the first amendment but denied the second. Council reached consensus to move CPA-2024-1 to a first reading and withdraw the application for CPA-2024-02.

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.
 

This meeting of the Spokane Valley City Council opened with Mayor Haley proclaiming April 1 through April 5 as National Public Health Week in recognition of contributions made in achieving public health improvements.

That proclamation was followed by three motion considerations pertaining to City business. The first of those was the awarding of the bid for the 16th Avenue Preservation project. That project extends from Evergreen Road to Adams Road, providing curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances near a school, upgrading existing curb ramps to current ADA standards, installing an ITS (Internet telecommunications system) infrastructure, and a complete grind and overlay of the asphalt pavement.

The Engineer’s Estimate for the construction was $1,217,979. The lowest of the three submitted bids was $1,115,000 made by Shamrock Paving, Inc. The total budget for the construction plus ancillary charges is $1,475,250. The motion to award the 16th Avenue Preservation Project to Shamrock Paving, Inc. in the amount of $1,115,000 passed unanimously. Councilmember Padden was excused for the evening.

The Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) was enacted by the State Legislature in 1991 to address traffic congestion, air pollution, and petroleum fuel consumption. It requires employers with 100 or more employees to develop incentives for carpooling. The act also requires local governments in urban areas with traffic congestion to develop programs that reduce drive-alone trips and vehicle miles travelled per capita. 

The City and Spokane County have operated since 2003 under an interlocal agreement that provides for the County to retain the City’s state issued CTR funds in return for the County’s development of an overall CTR program. The existing agreement expires every two years. This agreement once again extends the agreement for another two years. The motion to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the 2023-2025 Interlocal Agreement for Spokane County Commute Trip Reduction Services passed 6-1 (Merkel-no).

The 2022 South Barker Corridor Study recommended several traffic and multi-modal improvements on South Barker Road from the south city limits to Mission Avenue. Engineering has completed the preliminary engineering and environmental work associated with those improvements south of Appleway Boulevard. The improvements will provide for widening Barker Road from two to three lanes for center turn lanes, installation of bike lanes, stormwater improvements, curbs, and sidewalks. Also included are conversions from stop sign-controlled intersections at 4th and 8th Avenues to single lane roundabouts. A similar interchange was completed at Sprague and Barker in 2022.

To complete the plan, an additional right of way (ROW) will be needed. Existing ROW varies between 60-65 feet in width. A 70-foot ROW is needed to accommodate the proposed sidewalk, storm water, and road improvements. All of this land acquisition must be done in compliance with the federal Uniform Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 as amended which requires certification for each separate project. To achieve compliance with the requirements, the City is hiring Epic Land Solutions, Inc. The commensurate fee is $675,572. The motion to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the agreement passed 6-1 (Merkel-no).

Spokane County has accepted requests for proposals for the use of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) entitlement funds for program year 2024. In 2023, the City entered into a cooperation agreement to increase the City’s set-aside for available funds based on its share of the agreement’s consortium population. This evening’s presentation is to identify projects that the City could apply for to support providers serving Spokane Valley. The County has received total requests of $21.5 million. Discussion to arrive at recommendation to the County Commissioners for their formal action will be made at Council’s April 11th meeting.

In November 2021, the City, through Ordinance 21-022, granted Yellowstone Pipe Line Company a 25-year franchise to construct, maintain and, and operate its petroleum products pipeline in the City’s rights-of-way. In finalizing the design for the Pines Road/BNSF rail crossing it became clear that the location of the underpass would materially interfere with the current location of Yellowstone’s facilities, which have existed since 1952. Changing the route of that pipeline can be accomplished by rerouting through property purchased by the City but the change requires amending the existing franchise agreement. Consensus was reached to bring the amended agreement (Ordinance 24-006) to a first reading at a future Council meeting. 

The City contracts for many of the services requiring specialized departments and/or large staffs such as its police force which it contracts with the Spokane County Sheriff. In its latest agreement (2023) with the Sheriff’s Office, the City has 91 dedicated officers together with 37 commissioned officers that are shared with the County. There are other positions included in supervision that may cause that number to fluctuate. 

There are six patrol districts in the City, and the police are required to provide a minimum of one patrol officer per district on duty at all times. That number has, in current circumstances, been difficult and, at times, impossible to achieve. Calls for service remained relatively stable between 2004 and 2011. However, since 2011, calls for service have increased 63% resulting in longer response times. 

A 2023 study completed by Matrix, a consultant hired by the City, has recommended that 25 dedicated commissioned officers be added to the City police force, plus three shared commissioned officers and two civilian administrative positions.

Realizing that the recommendation is impractical to achieve immediately,  Police Chief Dave Ellis advises that the additional officers be added in increments of 8-12 positions starting in 2024 and moving through 2026. The total estimated cost to reach full staffing is $6.2 million. That figure does not include expenses that will be incurred in improving facilities to accommodate the increased staff. Realistically, an initial hire of 10 officers is the goal. Ideally, five of those officers would be new hires and five would be lateral transfers. Even with the limited number of new hires, a likely increase in arrests will result in increased costs in courts, public defenders, prosecutor, and jail services. 

The City has budgeted $35,250,000 for public safety in 2024. Law Enforcement is the direct recipient of $29,627,000 of that amount. Adding to the financial shock of such a dramatic personnel and equipment increase, in 2023, the deputies’ union reached agreement on a new contract to ‘catch up’ on past wages with increases over the next few years to bring wages on par with surrounding jurisdictions. That change is a rising cost not currently addressed with any dedicated funding source from the City. While recognition is given to the critical need for additional law enforcement personnel and facilities, funding must be found in order to make any substantive changes possible.

Simply put, the City does not have in its current budget the estimated $4.34 million needed to fund ongoing costs for the remaining 19 positions either now or beyond. 

Discussions on suggested funding measures have included a property tax increase or a utility tax. Neither met with Council support. What did garner interest was an increase of 0.1% in the sales tax. Such a tax could produce an estimated $2.8 million based on 2023 sales tax collections. A sales tax increase would also collect funds from non-Valley citizens who shop here. Council deferred action to ascertain citizen input. 

This issue is vitally important and is the focus of the City’s newly created Public Safety Committee. That committee has been reviewing the available information to develop a strategy to guide Council and the Valley citizens for moving forward. One aspect of the committee’s work has been to establish ‘listening sessions’ in the community to gather citizen input. The problem requires your input. Please stop by Tuesday, April 9th, from 11AM to 12:30PM in the CenterPlace 2nd floor lounge; or Wednesday, April 17th, from 1 to 2:30PM at the Spokane Valley Library.

There are also Community Conversations for Q & As. Those are: Thursday, April 11 from 8-9:30AM at CenterPlace or via ZOOM. You can register through the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce for this date only. Or you can attend on Monday, April 15 from 5 to 7PM at the Centennial Middle School gym. 

By now, you should have received a mailed notice with information on how to participate in voicing your opinion on shaping Spokane Valley’s police through either taking the survey or attending one of the listed meetings. This is your opportunity to make your thoughts known. 

Should Council decide to place a ballot measure on the August 6 election, it will need to approve the required election ordinance by Apil 23rd. If you haven’t received a mailed notice and wish to participate, please go to the City website, www.spokanevalleywas.gov, for more information.
Please note: There will be a special Council meeting next Tuesday, April 9, starting at 5:00pm at City Hall.

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are usually held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.
 

The Spokane Valley City Council, returning to a formal format after a four-week hiatus, opened the business session with a review of its police services status. Spokane Valley is a ‘Contract City.’ The City contracts out many of the services requiring specialized departments and/or large staffs such as its police force which it contracts with the Spokane County Sheriff. In its latest agreement (2023) with the Sheriff’s Office, the City has 91 dedicated officers together with 37 commissioned officers that are shared with the County. There are other positions included in supervision that may cause that number to fluctuate. 
 

There are six patrol districts in the City, and the police are required to provide a minimum of one patrol officer per district on duty at all times. That number has, in current circumstances, been difficult and, at times, impossible to achieve. A 2023 study completed by Matrix, a consultant hired by the City, has recommended that 25 dedicated commissioned officers be added to the City police force, plus three shared commissioned officers and two civilian administrative positions.
 

Police Chief Dave Ellis recommends the additional officers be added in increments of 8-12 positions starting in 2024 and moving through 2026. The total estimated cost to reach full staffing is $6.2 million. That figure does not include expenses that will be incurred in improving facilities to accommodate the increased staff. Realistically, an initial hire of 10 officers is the goal. Ideally, five of those officers would be new hires and five would be lateral transfers. 

Equipping and placement of those new officers calls for one-time costs that might be met with unused money from the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. 
 

The City has budgeted $35,250,000 for public safety in 2024. Law Enforcement is the direct recipient of $29,627,000 of that amount. Adding to the financial shock of such a dramatic personnel and equipment increase, in 2023, the deputies’ union reached agreement on a new contract to ‘catch up’ on past wages with increases over the next few years to bring wages on par with surrounding jurisdictions. That change is a rising cost not currently addressed with any dedicated funding source from the City. While recognition is given to the critical need for additional law enforcement personnel and facilities, funding must be found in order to make any substantive changes possible.
 

Discussions on suggested funding measures have included a property tax increase and a utility tax. Neither met with Council support. What did garner interest was an increase of 0.1% in the sales tax. Such a tax could produce an estimated $2.8 million based on 2023 sales tax collections. A sales tax increase would also collect funds from non-Valley citizens who shop here. 
 

This issue is vitally important and is the focus of the City’s newly created Public Safety Committee. That committee is reviewing the available information and issues related to developing a strategy to guide Council for moving forward. One aspect of the committee’s work will be establishing ‘listening sessions’ in the community to gather citizen input. The problem requires a multifaceted solution involving all affected parties and individuals. Anyone wishing to participate should be watching the City website, www.SpokaneValleyWas.gov, for more information.
 

The motion to approve adjusting the number of dedicated police personnel to add ten additional dedicated new positions and to authorize the City Manager to take such action as necessary to implement this action pursuant to the Interlocal Agreement with Spokane County and the Sheriff’s Office passed unanimously. 
 

On January 26th, 2024, the City advertised for its Storm Drain Cleaning contract. Three bids were received. Bids were opened on February 9th with AAA Sweeping being the lowest bidder at $219,549.50. The contract may be extended for up to three additional one-year terms if mutually agreed. The motion to award the Storm Drain Cleaning Service Contract to AAA Sweeping in an amount not to exceed $219,549.50 passed 6-1 (Merkel-no).
 

After last week’s presentation on the benefits of preserving the Columbia River System and Lower Snake River Dams, Council reached consensus to amend its federal legislative agenda to add its support for this item. It also took the opportunity to update its cost estimate for the Sullivan/Trent Interchange from $42 million to $46 million. The motion to approve the amended 2024 Federal Legislative Agenda as presented passed unanimously.
 

In keeping with Council’s recognition for increased communications and community involvement opportunities, Staff provided an administrative report on the Communications and Community Involvement Plan for the police staffing project. Elements of the plan include Project background, Key messages, Goals and strategies, Communication channels, Schedule, and Performance measures. There are several involvement opportunities for community members to learn about the project and give feedback. Those are identified as planned listening sessions, reception style open house hours, and surveys.
 

In 2021, Congress implemented its ‘Congressionally Directed Spending’ (CDS) process. Basically, the CDS program is a re-introduction of the old earmark system from former years. In the past, the City has received CDS funds for its Sullivan/Trent Interchange, and Pines Road/BNSF Rail Crossing. The 2023 awards have not yet been announced; however, the application list included $3 million for the Sullivan/Trent Interchange sponsored by Representative McMorris Rodgers. Staff anticipates this year will be like the last two years and propose submitting CDS requests for each of the City’s 2024 federal agenda projects identified in the table below.
 

PROJECT; REQUEST;  TOTAL COST;  NEEDED       

Sullivan/Trent Interchange;  $5 million;  $46.4 million;  $38.8 million

South Barker Corridor;  $3 million;  $40.9 million;  $27.6 million

Argonne Bridge @ I-90 ;  $3 million;  $28.2 million;  $26.7 million 

Barker/I-90 Interchange ;  $4 million;  $40.0 million;  $40.0 million
 

Council reached consensus to develop applications for CDS funding requests for all four projects.
 

In 2014, Council approved a franchise agreement with Noel Communications, Inc. a predecessor company to Wholesail Network LLC (Wholesail) dba Ziply Fiber. Ziply is requesting a franchise for installation of fiber optics telecommunications facilities in the City of Spokane Vallely under the same or similar terms as Wholesail. With minor changes regarding monthly charges, insurance (from $1million to $2 million per occurrence), and removal of all abandoned equipment upon cessation of business, those terms have been met. Staff recommends approval.
 

Spokane Valley City Council meetings are held in City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, on Tuesdays, commencing at 6:00pm. City Hall is open for regular business during normal business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm). The Public is invited to Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in person or via ZOOM. Call 509-720-5000 or www.SpokaneValley.org prior to 4:00 p.m. for access instructions. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14.