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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Spokane Valley City Council Meeting: November 25, 2025 – Budget, Homeless Outreach, and Controversy Over Councilmember's Remarks

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, November 25, 2025

BodySpokane Valley, Washington

SessionCity Council & Commissions

DateTuesday, November 25, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:36:24

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:22

Mayor Haley is CM when you're ready to start we'll go ahead and bring this meeting to order.

0:28

This is the Spokane Valley City Council regular meeting in formal A format for Tuesday, November 25th, 2025.

0:37

Do we have our minister here?

0:39

We do not this evening.

0:40

Okay, please stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance with me.

1:01

Thank you.

1:02

Next we have roll call with help from Ms.

1:05

Patterson.

1:06

Mayor Haley.

1:07

Here.

1:09

Councilmember Witt?

1:10

Here.

1:11

Councilmember Merkel?

1:12

Here.

1:12

Councilmember Higgins?

1:13

Here.

1:14

Councilmember Paddington?

1:15

Here.

1:15

Councilmember Yeager.

1:16

Here.

1:17

Thank you.

1:18

Thank you.

1:20

Next, we need to approve our agenda.

1:22

Move to approve the second.

1:24

All those in favor?

1:25

Aye.

1:26

Opposed.

1:27

The agenda is approved unanimously.

1:29

Thank you, everybody.

1:31

So up first, we have a proclamation for small business Saturday.

1:37

Whereas the City of Spokane Valley celebrates its local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community that, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses in the United States.

1:55

Small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees.

2:01

Small businesses are responsible for 61.1% of net new jobs created since 1995.

2:08

And small businesses employ 45.9% of the employees in the private sector in the United States.

2:15

And whereas 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the United States stays in the local community, and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services.

2:35

And whereas 85% of consumers who shopped at a small, independently owned retailer on small business Saturday 2024 shopped in store.

2:46

And whereas the City of Spokane Valley supports its local businesses that create jobs, boosts our local economy, and preserves our neighborhoods, and whereas advocacy groups as well as public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.

3:05

Now therefore, I Pam Haley, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council members, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 29th, 2025 as Small Business Saturday for the City of Spokane Valley.

3:21

And I urge Spokane Valley citizens to join communities across the country in support of small businesses and merchants on small business Saturday and throughout the year, dated this 25th day of November 2025.

3:36

And with us tonight, we have Lance Beck, the CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber to accept Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Catmer, and Councilmember, thank you again for uh this proclamation.

3:51

On behalf of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, I'm honored to accept it on behalf of our business community.

3:56

Uh I do want to give a special shout out to you all as we see you uh not just when you're giving a proclamation but year-round uh ribbon cuttings, you're steadfast showing up for Spokane Valley businesses showing uh support uh to our local business community all throughout the year, and so thank you for that commitment.

4:13

Thank you to the city staff and uh especially the economic development department uh for their work on on making Spokane Valley and keeping Spokane Valley the most business friendly city in our region.

4:23

And so on behalf of the chamber, on behalf of the businesses that have taken the risk and invested their funds and made uh their plant here in our community.

4:31

Thank you for your support and your continued support, and we look forward to uh not just profitable small business Saturday, but a profitable holiday season.

4:38

So thank you again.

4:40

Thank you.

4:50

Okay, before we move in to our uh general public comment opportunity, I have something to read.

5:01

First of all, welcome everybody.

5:03

Thank you for coming.

5:04

Um it's great to see this many people here and involved.

5:09

Um so last week, Councilmember Yeager made a controversial statement on her personal Facebook page.

5:16

Given the many comments we've already received, I believe this topic will be the primary focus of public comment tonight, and I'd really like to address it before we begin.

5:27

As the mayor of Spokane Valley, I was deeply troubled to learn about the council members' actions.

5:33

I want to make it clear to everyone here tonight and to all residents, the council member Yeager's social media post does not represent the values or views of myself, the city of Spokane Valley, or I believe, of this council.

5:48

While we value the right to free speech, hate speech and discrimination have no place in our city or public discourse.

5:55

As council members, we serve all 110,000 residents of Spokane Valley, people of many cultures, faiths, and backgrounds, and we value and celebrate each of your unique contributions.

6:08

Councilmember Higgins and I were on the council in 2017 when the city council passed resolution 17-008, affirming the city as an inclusive city where all are welcome and discrimination is not tolerated.

6:24

Tonight I would like to read that resolution, and I will invite my fellow council members to join me in reaffirming our commitment as a welcoming city.

6:39

This is a resolution of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington, affirming the city is an inclusive city where all are welcome and discrimination is not tolerated, and other matters related here too.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety█████████████████████21%

Public Engagement█████████████13%

Religious Freedom███████████11%

Homelessness███████████11%

Procedural█████████9%

Racial Equity████████8%

Parks and Recreation████████8%

Community Engagement██████6%

Economic Development████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting – November 25, 2025

The Spokane Valley City Council met on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting featured a proclamation for Small Business Saturday, a public hearing on the final 2026 budget, action on a homeless outreach contract amendment and a retail theft emphasis, and a non-action report on course fees for the new cross-country course. The meeting was dominated by public comment regarding controversial social media posts by Councilmember Yeager, prompting the mayor to read a 2017 inclusivity resolution. The council later voted to extend the meeting for public comment and adjourned after a contentious attempt to censure Councilmember Yeager.

Proclamation & Mayor's Statement

Mayor Pam Haley read a proclamation declaring Saturday, November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday, citing statistics: 34.7 million small businesses in the U.S., 99.7% of firms with paid employees, 61.1% of net new jobs since 1995, and 45.9% of private-sector employees. Lance Beck, CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber, accepted the proclamation.
Before public comment, Mayor Haley addressed Councilmember Yeager's personal Facebook post, stating it "does not represent the values or views of myself, the city, or this council." She read the full text of Resolution 17-008 (2017), reaffirming the city as an inclusive city where discrimination is not tolerated. Councilmembers were asked to reaffirm the resolution by consensus; all raised their hands.

Public Comments & Testimony

First Public Comment Period (reduced to 2 minutes per speaker due to high turnout): Over 30 speakers addressed the council, with the vast majority condemning Councilmember Yeager's post and calling for an apology, resignation, or action. Speakers included Muslim residents, interfaith leaders, members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and community members. Key points:
- Zayn (via Zoom): Called for a public apology, quoting the Quran.
- Magmana Shirazi (faith leader): Requested a council statement affirming Muslim neighbors, an apology, and monthly Muslim invocations for six months.
- Several speakers cited a 400% increase in anti-Muslim bias incidents (CAIR Washington) and reported harassment at the Islamic Center (bacon strung through the gate).
- A few speakers (e.g., Chris Pure) expressed support for the retail theft emphasis.
- Two speakers (Sue Holman, Linda Klesh) addressed stormwater pond and road issues in Ridgemont/Terrace View.
Second Public Comment Period: Speakers again addressed the Yeager controversy, with some defending her (Jeff Brooks, Brett Howell).

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously after Councilmember Merkel requested removal of the October 28 regular meeting minutes (item I) for separate consideration due to omissions. The minutes were approved after discussion, with Merkel's concerns noted.

Action Items

Public Hearing #3: Final 2026 Budget

Finance Director Chelsie Walls presented highlights: total appropriations of $148.4 million, general fund $70.6 million, capital expenditures $47.9 million (71.25% grant-financed). Recurring revenues exceed expenditures by $119,000; ending fund balance projected at $36.6 million (53% of recurring expenditures).
Public comment: Michael (Holman) questioned transparency and cited a $6.3 million shortfall across funds, urging the council not to pass the budget.
Councilmember Merkel stated he would vote against the budget due to unexplained numbers and lack of cuts. Councilmember Wick expressed support, noting the budget had been reviewed over seven discussions.
The public hearing was closed; the budget ordinance will return for a second reading on December 9.

Motion: Homeless Outreach Contract Amendment

Motion to approve a $50,000 amendment to the contract with Frontier Behavioral Health for pet boarding ($20,000) and housing-related costs ($30,000) passed (vote: 6-1, with Merkel opposed).
Discussion: Gloria Mantz reported the program housed 57 individuals and provided substance use disorder services to 28 in the past year. The pet boarding partnership with SpokAnimal Guardian Angels would extend shelter from 14 to 30 days. Councilmember Merkel wanted measurable objectives upfront; the city manager argued the funds provide tools and that results can be reported later. Councilmember Yeager supported the pet program.

Motion: Retail Theft Emphasis

Motion to authorize an additional $20,000 for focused retail theft enforcement through the holiday season passed unanimously.
Chief Dave Ellis reported a recent 4-hour blitz resulted in 9 arrests, with charges including trafficking stolen property, organized retail theft, and weapons possession. Two more blitzes are already planned. The additional $20,000 would fund two more events. Councilmembers Wick, Yeager, and Padden supported the investment, citing deterrent effect and economic impact.

Non-Action Items

Safe & Healthy Spokane Regional Task Force Update

Deputy City Manager Eric Lamb reported on the task force, which aims to address behavioral health and justice system issues. A consultant (Leafman Group) led a two-day assessment, identifying 17 immediate priorities. Four subcommittees will be formed, with Spokane Valley staff participating. An example of a quick fix: judges agreed to stop releasing individuals with severe behavioral health issues from jail in the middle of the night without case manager notification. The task force will present recommendations to governing bodies in June 2026.

The Course Fees Discussion

Parks Director John Bottelli presented a proposed hybrid pricing model for the new cross-country course at Flora Park: a daily rental fee of $1,500 plus per-athlete fees ($1.25–$2.50). Based on market analysis, the model could generate about $75,000 in rental revenue annually from confirmed events. Potential economic impact of 15 events in 2026 could reach $10 million. Additional considerations included local discounts (10–30% off for pre-approved schools/nonprofits), team practice fees (per athlete), portable restroom fees, and a 15% ticket revenue share. Council consensus was to bring the fees forward in the December fee resolution.

Key Outcomes

Small Business Saturday was proclaimed.
The 2017 inclusivity resolution was reaffirmed by consensus.
Consent agenda approved (with one item separately considered).
Budget public hearing held; second reading scheduled for December 9.
Homeless outreach contract amendment approved (6-1).
Retail theft emphasis funded with $20,000 (unanimous).
Council expressed consensus to include course fees in the December fee resolution.
The meeting was extended twice (10 minutes and 20 minutes) to accommodate public comment.
Councilmember Merkel attempted to advance a censure motion against Councilmember Yeager, citing governance manual violations. The city attorney ruled the proper process is through the chapter five complaint procedure. After procedural debate, a motion to adjourn was made and passed (vote not recorded), ending the meeting.

Meeting Transcript

Mayor Haley is CM when you're ready to start we'll go ahead and bring this meeting to order. This is the Spokane Valley City Council regular meeting in formal A format for Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. Do we have our minister here? We do not this evening. Okay, please stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance with me. Thank you. Next we have roll call with help from Ms. Patterson. Mayor Haley. Here. Councilmember Witt? Here. Councilmember Merkel? Here. Councilmember Higgins? Here. Councilmember Paddington? Here. Councilmember Yeager. Here. Thank you. Thank you. Next, we need to approve our agenda. Move to approve the second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed. The agenda is approved unanimously. Thank you, everybody. So up first, we have a proclamation for small business Saturday. Whereas the City of Spokane Valley celebrates its local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community that, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses in the United States. Small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees. Small businesses are responsible for 61.1% of net new jobs created since 1995. And small businesses employ 45.9% of the employees in the private sector in the United States. And whereas 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the United States stays in the local community, and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services. And whereas 85% of consumers who shopped at a small, independently owned retailer on small business Saturday 2024 shopped in store. And whereas the City of Spokane Valley supports its local businesses that create jobs, boosts our local economy, and preserves our neighborhoods, and whereas advocacy groups as well as public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. Now therefore, I Pam Haley, Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council members, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 29th, 2025 as Small Business Saturday for the City of Spokane Valley. And I urge Spokane Valley citizens to join communities across the country in support of small businesses and merchants on small business Saturday and throughout the year, dated this 25th day of November 2025. And with us tonight, we have Lance Beck, the CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber to accept Mayor Haley, Deputy Mayor Catmer, and Councilmember, thank you again for uh this proclamation. On behalf of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, I'm honored to accept it on behalf of our business community. Uh I do want to give a special shout out to you all as we see you uh not just when you're giving a proclamation but year-round uh ribbon cuttings, you're steadfast showing up for Spokane Valley businesses showing uh support uh to our local business community all throughout the year, and so thank you for that commitment. Thank you to the city staff and uh especially the economic development department uh for their work on on making Spokane Valley and keeping Spokane Valley the most business friendly city in our region. And so on behalf of the chamber, on behalf of the businesses that have taken the risk and invested their funds and made uh their plant here in our community. Thank you for your support and your continued support, and we look forward to uh not just profitable small business Saturday, but a profitable holiday season. So thank you again. Thank you. Okay, before we move in to our uh general public comment opportunity, I have something to read. First of all, welcome everybody. Thank you for coming.

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