Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting – November 18, 2025

The Spokane Valley City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comments, action on three items, and several administrative reports. Notable decisions included advancing a school speed camera ordinance to second reading (with one opposing vote), approving the 2026 property tax levy without an increase, and authorizing a $170,000 tourism opportunity fund. Council also heard economic trends, a parks and recreation season review, lodging tax recommendations, and a Balfour Park update.

Special Guests/Presentations

• Partners INW – You Rock Recognition Award: The November U Rock recipient was Partners Inland Northwest, recognized for providing food, clothing, diaper banks, and emergency utility assistance. CEO Dr. Cal Coblenz accepted the award. Council members praised the organization’s long history of service, with Deputy Mayor Hattenberg noting its location in a lower-income area of the Valley. The city also announced a food drive through December 5.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

First General Public Comment Opportunity:

• Robert Gropper (Spokane Valley resident for 22 years) expressed frustration with homeless individuals refusing jobs, citing encounters and an ex-Marine who did not follow through on arranged help. He also complained about police resources being diverted to homeless issues.
• Linda Clash (Ridgemont Estates) raised concerns about a proposed third road on a 22% grade connecting a county development (Timberlane Terrace) to city property (24th Avenue). She stated the Boundary Review Board had previously ruled the road should be only an emergency access, and she requested a site review from the city.
• Sue (neighbor) joined Linda, describing multi-jurisdictional problems from a stormwater pond built on clay inside city limits but controlled by the developer. She noted the pond walls collapsed last winter, flooding the area, and no remediation has occurred. She also cited her service on the Boundary Review Board in 1988, which ruled only emergency access onto 24th Avenue.
• Ben Lund spoke positively about the city’s leadership, noting the Economic Planning Committee open house, balanced budget, no city debt, and strong reserves. He urged reducing “misinformation” and focusing on challenges.
• Al Schrock congratulated Councilmembers Wick, Padden, and Haley on their November 5 re-election, and expressed gratitude for their leadership. He encouraged them to maintain high standards.

Second General Public Comment Opportunity: No speakers.

Action Items

1. Ordinance 25-018 – First Read: School Speed Camera Program (Jerremy Clark, Gloria Mantz)

• Staff presented the proposed automated traffic safety camera program for school zones, based on state law (HB 2384). Key points: cameras only capture vehicle rear and license plate; fines up to $290; revenue must fund traffic calming; a 30-day warning period; estimated net revenue of $1.5–2 million annually in early years, declining over time. Proposed locations: Centennial Middle School and Bowdish Middle School as primary viable sites.
• Public Comments:
  • Kendra Roja (Spokane Valley) supported for child safety and suggested starting the hiring process early.
  • Al Schrock opposed reduced fines for low-income drivers, calling it “reverse discrimination.” Staff clarified the reduction is state-required for first violations.
  • Mike Kelly (Spokane Valley) urged caution, citing financial obligations and potential conflict with citizens; preferred exploring alternatives.
• Council Debate: Councilmember Merkel supported as a pilot but emphasized need for long-term solutions like additional patrols or dummy signs. Councilmember Wick opposed due to concerns about vehicle owner liability, data privacy (citing Flock cameras), and preference for fixed radar speed signs. Councilmember Yeager noted conflicting privacy aspects (public records exemption clarified by attorney) and remained 50-50, but acknowledged safety benefits.
• Vote: Motion to advance ordinance to second reading passed. (7-1? The transcript shows one "No" from Councilmember Wick, so not unanimous.)

2. Ordinance 25-016 – Second Read: Property Tax Ordinance (Chelsie Walls)

• The 2026 levy of approximately $14.3 million excludes the 1% increase allowed by state law but includes an estimated $200,000 from new construction. Estimated levy rate: $0.79 per $1,000 assessed value (unchanged from 2025). The foregone 1% is banked for future use.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

3. Motion Consideration: TPA Opportunity Fund Authorization (Lesli Brassfield)

• Authorized $170,000 from 2026 Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) revenue into an opportunity fund to support destination venues and events. The Spokane Valley TPA Hotel Commission will administer the fund. Councilmember Merkel supported as a good use of funds; Councilmember Wick looked forward to discussing criteria.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Non-Action Items / Discussion

4. EWU Economic Trends Update (Teri Stripes, Dr. Jones, Dr. Cullen)

• Demographic: Spokane County’s 65+ population increased from 17% (2019) to 19%; city likely higher. Civilian labor force down ~2,000 (to ~52,000); unemployment fell from 5.7% (Feb 2025) to 4.3% (Aug). Jobs declined slightly to ~50,000. County employment growth stagnant except healthcare and government. Residential construction permits steady (~42 single-family units/quarter); multifamily surged in Q2 but zero in Q3. Home affordability flat; renter affordability improving, especially for low-income. Median household income in county soared to $86,000 (from $73,000). Taxable retail sales growth: 4.1% in Q2 2025, above state average. Top sectors: motor vehicles, miscellaneous retail, construction, big-box stores, food/accommodations. Projected modest growth of 3-4% for 2025, slightly lower for 2026. Council questioned impact of AI, cross-border shopping, and motor vehicle elasticity.

5. Parks and Recreation Season Review (Kendall May)

• Recreation: Summer day camp reached capacity with waitlists; expansion plan in development. Movies in park expanded to five events. Mirabu Halloween event (Oct) had 200+ trick-or-treaters and 210 paid haunted trail participants (exceeded expectations). Senior Center met goal of 700 members. Aquatics: 23,482 total patrons (up 2,000 from 2024); increases in all programs except swim team. Parks: 395 shelter reservations; special events increased by 10. Greenacres Park phase two completed with ribbon cutting. Soccer mini pitch dedicated at Riverbend Elementary. Parks Master Plan update: community input event Dec 2.

6. LTAC Recommendations (Sarah Farr)

• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommended $447,000 transfer from fund 105 to 104 (capital) and $483,000 in grants for nine applicants (summer theater withdrew). Recommendations based on Oct 29 meeting. Another LTAC meeting scheduled Nov 20 for Ice Sports facility applications; final recommendations to council in December. Councilmember Merkel expressed concern about funds being allocated to city infrastructure rather than events; stated he cannot support.

7. Balfour Park Update (John Bottelli)

• Phase one completed summer 2024 (park infrastructure, veterans memorial). Next: sport courts (4 pickleball, 2 basketball) in 2026 ($415,000 state funding). Playground and splash pad in 2027 ($2.5 million federal/state grant). Additional $250,000 state request for lighting/audio. Donations: Heart of the Valley sculpture (Arts Council) and "Loves Me" sculpture (Wolf family). Councilmember Merkel asked about swapping playground and sport court timelines; staff explained grant constraints prevent swapping.

Council Comments

• Councilmember Yeager: Shared a positive story about Costco’s local recipe; no policy comments.
• Councilmember Padden: Highlighted new businesses (Dave & Busters, Land Rover, Trader Joe’s) and successful cross country events (NWAC, WCC) with estimated $10 million economic impact for 2026; supported LTAC funding for cross country.
• Councilmember Higgins: Noted police funding increased $11 million and force will grow 20% by 2026; but sheriff’s contract costs rose 16 million in five years (~11% annually), which is unsustainable. Advocated for exploring a city-run police department to control costs.
• Councilmember Wick: Updated on state committees: e-bike definitions need clarity; e-motos often mislabeled. State freight budget down $700 million due to deferred sales tax; project delivery concerns.
• Councilmember Merkel: Mourned loss of a University High student from anaphylactic shock. Called for public involvement in upcoming comprehensive planning to address fire safety in Ponderosa area and sustainable growth. Supported continuing sheriff contract with adjustments.
• Councilmember Yeager (second round): Recommended visiting Five Below for affordable gifts.

City Manager Comments (John Holman)

• Provided photos of Pines grade separation progress (BNSF excavation nearly complete). Addressed Timberlane Terrace issues: the drainage pond (inside city limits) has overflow problems; city recommended county not approve latest phase until remediation, but county approved anyway. City continues pressing. Site distance analysis for proposed 24th Avenue connection is underway.

Key Outcomes & Decisions

• Advanced Ordinance 25-018 (School Speed Cameras) to second reading – passed with one opposing vote.
• Approved Ordinance 25-016 (2026 Property Tax Levy) – unanimous.
• Authorized TPA Opportunity Fund ($170,000) – unanimous.
• All other items were informational; no votes taken.
• Meeting extended until approximately 9:20 p.m.
• Next steps: Second reading of speed camera ordinance; December action on LTAC recommendations (including potential Ice Sports facility); continued monitoring of Timberlane Terrace issues.