The Council meeting charted new ground with its ‘social distancing’ separation of the individual Council members, each placed in separate rooms, communicating via the electronic ZOOM system.

This Study Session opened with a succession of Action Items starting with 1) Resolution 20-004, Authorizing the sale of equipment declared by the City to be surplus to its needs. Such equipment may be excess to its needs, inoperable, or obsolete. That list includes iPads, printers, computer monitors, chairs and miscellaneous office equipment. Resolution 20-004 was approved unanimously.

2) Motion Consideration to approve a City Contract with Valley Partners to provide emergency funding to support and assist their work for food, housing, clothing, diapers and other related emergency at this critical time. The funding would start with a $25,000 grant with an additional $25,000 as needed. This grant would be beyond the already existing Outside Agency grant from the City. Motion passed unanimously.

3) Motion Consideration to award the bid to construct new sidewalk on the east side of Adams Road between 16th and 22nd Avenues. Stormwater improvements will also be done in conjunction with the project. The Engineer’s estimate to complete the project was $373,306.50. The successful bid from Wm. Winkler Co. was $334,541.65, $38,764.85 below the Engineer’s estimate. The motion passed unanimously.

4) Motion Consideration to award the dual sidewalk and street improvement projects on Ella Road between Broadway and Alki (sidewalk and street widening and moving the crosswalk with beacon from the east to the west side) and Conklin Road to fill the gap between the Appleway Trail and Riceland Lane with new sidewalk, curb and gutter. Stormwater improvements will be made on both projects. National Native American Construction, Inc. submitted the lowest bid at $452,008. Motion to award the contract to the lowest bidder was unanimous.  

5) Motion Consideration to award the contract to install conduit and ITS (Intelligent Fiber Systems) fiber optics lines on Sullivan Road from I-90 to Trent Avenue (SR-290). That route is on one of the busiest freight routes in the City. The system will connect several traffic signal controls along Sullivan Corridor to the Spokane Regional Traffic Management Center. The Engineer’s estimate is $818,209.33. The successful bid by Power City Electric was $730,649.58. Motion to award the bid was approved unanimously.

6) Motion Consideration to finalize an agreement with Avista Corporation to relocate Avista owned utilities including gas, fiber, distribution and transmission lines in preparation for development and construction of the Barker Road/BNSF Rail Crossing. Avista estimates the relocation costs to be $748,992.63. The motion to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the Utility Construction Agreement with Avista passed unanimously.

In a previous transaction with WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) concluding with the purchase of a WSDOT property immediately north of and adjacent to Sullivan Park, the City was made aware of four additional parcels that WSDOT has declared surplus to their needs (WSDOT Flora). Those parcels are located just east of Flora Road, south of the Union Pacific tracks and north of the Spokane River. They encompass approximately 45.73 acres appraised at $2,091,600.

As Council considered the motion to purchase the property, it became apparent that under the uncertain current financial circumstances Council was not inclined to commit to the purchase, but would consider continuing the discussion after the coronavirus threat had passed and the City’s financial condition was more certain.

Staff was instructed to contact WSDOT to ascertain if more time might be available. They discovered the agency was indeed amenable to a possible six-month hiatus in finalizing the purchase. Council reached consensus to revisit the matter in 60 days.

City Hall continues to be closed except by appointment.

The Council meeting opened with a Proclamation commemorating the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and honoring those who served.

At its last meeting Council considered a proposed City code amendment (Ordinance No. 20-003) that would align the City’s determining the height of a fence in residential zones with other jurisdictions’ rules. This adjustment would allow increased flexibility in the design of a fence which may be installed where varying levels of elevation exist. Both the City of Spokane and Spokane County limit the height of residential fences to 6 feet, but don’t define the basis for how the height is to be measured.

Some jurisdictions require the height be measured from the level at the base of the fence. Others require the height of a retaining wall, if applicable, be included when measuring.

The City’s Planning Commission, on December 12, 2019 voted 7-0 to recommend that Council adopt a code text amendment (SVMC) 22.70.020 that limits the height of a fence to 6 feet and adds a new section, Section B, which allows for administrative variances. That leads into the corrected Section E which states, “The height of a fence shall be measured from the base of the fence.” Council reached consensus to vary from the Planning Commission recommendation of 6 feet and move the proposed code text revision to this first reading with the height changed to 8 feet to accommodate such concerns as addressing places where deer can jump above 6 feet and attractive nuisances such as swimming pools, thus justifying the allowable height of 8 feet. Motion passed unanimously.

A resolution (Resolution 20-003) to update and clarify Spokane Valley’s Planning Commission Rules of Procedure focuses on clearly establishing the attendance requirements of Commission members. Resolution 20-003 corrects administrative details and adds a new Section 5: Attendance.

The new section addresses absences, excused absences, and leaves of absence, all of which are specifically defined in the proposed resolution. Basically, absences where the Commission member gives notice to the Building Official or Commission Secretary that he or she will not be present should suffice for the Commission to vote to excuse. Provision is made for correction of unexcused absences (3) which could lead to expulsion from the Commission. A procedure for obtaining a Leave of Absence, should one be necessary, is also set forth. Resolution 20-003 passed unanimously.

In an agenda change, Council waived the rules for a motion consideration to award a bid for resurfacing Indiana Avenue between Evergreen and Sullivan. Inland Asphalt and Poe Asphalt submitted bids with Inland Asphalt winning the bid at $1,633,619.34. The Engineer’s estimated cost for the project was $1,977,452.41. With the virus-reduced traffic at the Mall, this is an ideal time for the resurfacing to take place. Construction is slated to start very soon.

Electrical inspections and permitting in the City of Spokane Valley are performed by personnel from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. In the past, various electrical contractors had asked if those electrical inspections might be performed by someone other than that agency, perhaps by contracting with a private source or hiring additional qualified city staff.

Council requested that local electrical service purveyors be queried to ascertain if there was interest in performing electrical inspections and code enforcement within their respective service areas. Representatives from Avista, Modern, and Vera stated they had no such interest. Inland Power did not respond. Those purveyors do not have on staff electricians who meet the minimum state mandated qualifications.

In the meantime, most, if not all the reservations and complaints against the Department of Labor and Industry’s management of the inspection program have been addressed and resolved.

Spokane Valley’s City Hall is closed to the public except by appointment through April 24th to limit exposure to the Coronavirus. Information on that and other City closures or limitations can be found at the City website: www.spokanevalley.org, or by phoning 509.720.5000.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by the Spokane County Health Officer, Dr. Lutz, who outlined the specific hazards posed by the COVID-19 virus. He described the measures in place, i.e., the Governor’s proclamation closing restaurants, bars, coffee shops, entertainment, leisure and non-essential services such as theaters, gyms/fitness centers and galleries through March 31. Gatherings of 50 or more are prohibited. Non-essential travel is discouraged. Frequent washing of hands is strongly recommended. Dr. Lutz emphasized the seriousness of the pandemic, citing statistics on mortalities, especially among aging citizens.

In concert with area jurisdictions, Spokane Valley City Manager, Mark Calhoun, with Council approval, issued a resolution proclaiming an Emergency relating to the COVID-19 Virus. Such a declaration enables the City to facilitate whatever actions are necessary to address the emergency. Those actions so far include closing the Valley Senior Center, suspending all Parks and Recreation programs, a waiver of credit card fees on City Services such as permits, and changing hours of City Hall operation. This Resolution will be in force until the emergency has passed and Council rescinds it.

In discussions with WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) concluding with the acquisition of WSDOT property immediately north of and adjacent to Sullivan Park, the City was made aware of four additional parcels that WSDOT has since declared surplus to their needs (WSDOT Flora). Those parcels are located just east of Flora Road, south of the Union Pacific tracks and north of the Spokane River. They encompass approximately 45.73 acres appraised at $2,091,600.

As Council considered the motion to purchase the property, it became apparent that under the uncertain current financial circumstances it would be prudent to approach WSDOT to ascertain if more time might be available.

The motion to authorize staff to acquire the WSDOT Flora property was withdrawn pending further discussions with WSDOT.

A proposed City code amendment (SVMC)22.70.020 would align the City’s determining the height of a fence in residential zones with other jurisdictions’ rules. This adjustment would allow increased flexibility in the design of a fence which may be installed where varying levels of elevation exist. Both the City and County limit the height of residential fences to 6 feet, but don’t define the basis for how the height is to be measured.

Some jurisdictions require the height be measured from the level at the base of the fence. Others require the height of a retaining wall, if applicable, be included when measuring.

The City’s Planning Commission, on December 12, 2019 voted 7-0 to recommend that Council adopt a code text amendment (SVMC) 22.70.020 that limits the height of a fence to 6 feet (Section B) and adds a new section, Section B, which allows for administrative variances. That leads into the corrected Section E which states, “The height of a fence shall be measured from the base of the fence.” Council reached consensus to move the proposed code text revision to a first reading with language accommodating such concerns as deer crossings and attractive nuisances.

A move to update and clarify Planning Commission Rules of Procedure centered on adding a new Section 5: Attendance. This new section addresses absences, excused absences, and leaves of absence, all of which are specifically delineated in the proposed resolution for Council action. Council reached consensus to place a Resolution for approval of the Planning Commission Rules of Procedure on the March 24th Council agenda.

Council also heard a report on a suggestion that Spokane Valley become a ‘Tree City.’ In order to be eligible to be named a Tree City USA, the City must have: 1) A separate department or tree board; 2) Must adopt a tree care ordinance (which would affect all citizens); 3) Set up a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per citizen; and 4) Have an annual Arbor Day proclamation and observance.

The process to become a Tree City requires that the City meets all four of the above criteria, applying for status, and agreeing that the designation is for one year which necessitates an annual renewal application. Under current circumstances the $2 per capita fee would amount to an annual expenditure by the City of nearly $195,000 per year. Council reached consensus to investigate the matter further.
If you have questions or concerns, please call the City at 509-720-5000.

The City’s current Street and Stormwater Maintenance Contract expired at the end of 2019. The contract covers asphalt repair, roadway shoulder repair and grading, gravel road grading, crack sealing, sidewalk and path repair, guardrail repair, fencing repair, drainage structure repair and installation, curb, gutter and inlet repair and installation, and other such work as needed.

The contract is bid based on labor, equipment and material rates. Estimated averages for labor, equipment and material rates served as the source for quantities used for bid preparation. The contract starts in early 2020 and will continue to December 31, 2020. The City may extend the contract for up to four additional one-year terms.

Poe Asphalt Paving Inc. was the successful bidder at $1,239,874.60. The motion to award the contract and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the contract passed unanimously.

In an Administrative Report, Council was briefed on a grant possibility from the U.S. Department of Transportation based on a call for projects on February 18th. With an application due date of May 18th, the BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) program awards grants for projects with sizes between $5 million and $25 million. BUILD grants require a 20% non-federal match. If awarded, the BUILD funds must be obligated by September 30, 2022 and fully expended by September 30, 2027.

The projects under consideration for application are the Pines Road/BNSF Rail Crossing ($17 million BUILD request) and the Bigelow-Sullivan Corridor, a jointly planned project with Spokane County (specific need not yet determined). Council decided to defer action until the Legislature ends.

The Spokane Valley Arts Council recently donated three sculptures to the City: Huckleberry Daze by Jerry McKellar; Rock Star by Bob Wilfong; and Indomitable Spirit by Jerry McKellar. Council discussed at length where each could be most advantageously used, arriving at possible locations for Huckleberry Daze ‘near’ Central Valley High School and Indomitable Spirit along Appleway Trail. Rock Star was suggested for CenterPlace’s West Lawn.

In the 2019 legislative session, the Legislature approved a bill authorizing local jurisdictions to receive a rebate of a portion of the state sales tax collected by each to “provide affordable housing.” Spokane Valley earlier adopted the necessary legislation to comply with the law and enable it to use the funds as allowed. Expected revenue from the rebate is approximately $208,000. The uses prescribed by state legislation are:

1. Acquisition, rehabilitation or construction of affordable housing.

2. Funding the operations and maintenance costs of new units of affordable or supportive housing.

3. Providing rental assistance to tenants.

Under option #1, the definition can include new units within existing structures and facilities providing supportive housing services for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Bonds may be used to fund projects with these payments used to amortize the bonds. Jurisdictions might also pool their resources for development.

Affordable Housing (#2) must a) serve households with incomes at or below 60% of the median income of the City. As of 2018 that level is $29,706. The actual amount may vary with size of the household. b) Residential housing rented by a person or household whose monthly housing costs, including utilities other than telephone, do not exceed 30% of the household’s monthly income.

Supportive Housing (#2) provides eligible clients with a permanent rental subsidy, pairs housing with case management and support services, builds independent living and tenant skills and provides connections to health care, treatment and employment services. These are designed to assist the most vulnerable and chronically homeless intending to reduce costs for shelters, hospitals, jails and emergency services.

These funds could be used as an incentive for an organization that intends to construct and operate a facility. Also, another consideration by the State is that the funds could be used for staffing the operations of permanent supportive housing.

#3, For cities under 100,000, vouchers could be issued to be used to pay for housing for qualifying clients.

Next week: Fencing regulations, Planning Commission Rules of Procedure, and a discussion of being a “Tree City.”

The intersection at Barker Road and Sprague Avenue has been a target for reconfiguration to help raise the Barker Corridor to an acceptable standard. The south Barker corridor is impacted by the growth in Spokane Valley’s southeast section, Liberty Lake and developments in the County south of Spokane Valley’s city limits.

In last week’s discussion on how best to address the worsening traffic problems at Sprague and Barker, the City presented concepts and costs for improving that intersection with either a signal or a roundabout. Those concepts were presented to the public at a neighborhood meeting on February 20th. Additional comments regarding the location of the intersection and its impact on adjacent property owners at last week’s council meeting caused those plans to be reconsidered with an eye to mitigating the impact.

Currently the project’s budget only provides funding for design and right-of-way. The City will need to pursue additional funding to complete the roundabout option selected by Council. Total estimated project cost with a roundabout will be $2,270,000. Additional required funding to complete is $1,754,500. A motion to authorize City Staff to advance the design of the Sprague-Barker intersection with a roundabout was approved unanimously.

At its last meeting Council heard an administrative report on the City’s proposed Legislative Agenda covering four primary capital projects for which the City intends to pursue funding. Those projects are: Pines Road Rail Crossing, Sullivan Road Corridor Projects, Barker Road Corridor Projects, and the Argonne Road Corridor Project.

At Council’s direction, staff reduced the list of capital projects from four to two, giving priority to the Pines Road Rail Crossing and the Sullivan Corridor Project. The Sullivan Corridor will be a joint effort with the County to link their Bigelow Gulch Corridor Project with Spokane Valley’s Sullivan/Trent interchange.

Upon adoption, the 2020 Federal Legislative Agenda will be communicated to our federal legislative delegation, the USDOT (Dept. of Transportation), the Federal Railroad Administration, and other relevant agencies.

Each year Council sets forth the goals it hopes to achieve or at least make significant progress toward reaching them. Those goals for 2019 included:
1) Continuation of work with state and federal governments to obtain funding assistance for the Pines and Park rail crossing projects.
2) Continuing to work on finding a solution for sustainable funding for preservation of the City’s roads.
3) Pursue financial assistance to address Barker Road Corridor transportation concerns.
4) Continue and expand on business recruitment and retention of existing business.
5) Continue to foster and build relationships with federal, state, county, and local legislators.
6) Continue to pursue financing for Browns Park, Balfour Park, and Appleway Trail amenities and continue acquisition of park land.

Overall, this has been a very successful year. The Barker rail crossing is now fully funded. Through various agencies, including $3.6 million of City funds, a total of $24.7 million has been raised.

The Pines rail crossing engineering work proceeds while efforts to acquire outside funding support for all the City’s rail crossings continue. To date nearly $8 million has been secured; $4.7 million of that total is from City funds.

The City continues to gather reliable pavement condition information from which to build a program to create a consistent pavement preservation program.

The City has secured nearly $7 million toward financing problems on the Barker Road Corridor. More than $1.5 million of those funds are City funds.

Economic Development wins in 2019 include completion of Katerra’s Laminated Timber facility, Spokesman-Review’s printing facility moving to the Valley, and Kruger Sheet Metal acquiring land to build a facility, Tru Hotel by Hilton, Duluth Trading Company, and Pinecroft Development. Most of this was facilitated by the City’s Planned Action ordinance, streamlining the permitting process.

The City’s parks ‒ Appleway Trail, Brown’s Park, and Balfour Park ‒ are all in the process of improvement. Appleway Trail will be largely completed in 2020, the sand volleyball courts at Brown’s Park are done, and the remaining details for completion are underway.

The list of successfully completed projects is too lengthy to recount here. The complete list can be found on the City’s website: www.spokanevalley.org.

Just a reminder: Save a place on your calendar for Spokane Valley’s State of the City Address at 11:30 AM on March 27th at CenterPlace. The event is sponsored by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.