Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting - December 9, 2025

The Spokane Valley City Council met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included approval of consent agenda, action on two budget ordinances, non-action reports on fees, lodging tax recommendations, and a wireless tower code amendment. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to councilmember comments regarding a social media post by Councilmember Yeager, which drew public comments and internal debate.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: claim vouchers ($2,578,644.70), payroll for pay period ending November 30, 2025 ($753,527.46), and minutes of October 28, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Public Comment Period:
  • A community member (identified as Nagmana Ahmed Shirazi) spoke about the five pillars of Islam and urged council to overcome misconceptions and hatred.
  • Reverend Jen Haywood (Airedale United Church of Christ) thanked Councilmember Yeager for meeting with Dr. Shoshani and encouraged further dialogue and an apology.
  • Reverend Mark Finney (Thrive International) spoke on behalf of Muslim friends, urging an inclusive and welcoming community, and noted his Christian faith compels him to advocate for the marginalized.
  • A resident raised questions about the 2026 budget, including costs for the Barker roundabout, ice rink, street maintenance, employee raises, investigation costs, and statues across the street.
• Second Public Comment Period: No speakers.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 25-015 (2025 Budget Amendment): Finance Director Chelsie Walls presented. The amendment affects 14 funds with revenue decreases of $7.8 million and expenditure decreases of $17.7 million. Councilmember Merkel questioned $100,000 for bridge inspection and indicated he would vote no. Motion passed with Merkel opposed.
• Ordinance 25-017 (2026 Budget): Walls noted total appropriations of $148.4 million, general fund of $70 million, and 118.25 FTEs. Merkel again objected, citing lack of transparency and underfunding of police (10 officers short). Councilmember Wick detailed budget items (Barker roundabout, ice rink, street maintenance, cross-country course, investigations, statues). Merkel noted a 62% fund reserve rather than 50%. Motion passed with Merkel opposed.
• 2026 Fee Resolution (Non-Action): Dan Dumries presented the proposed master fee schedule, including a 2.64% CPI increase for fees $20 or more and changes to permit and park fees. No further input from contractors. Council reached consensus to place on December 23 agenda.
• LTAC Recommendations (Non-Action): Sarah Farr reported on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee's second round recommendations. LTAC recommended operational support for the proposed ice sports facility (up to $600,000/year for 2027-2028, then $550,000/year for 2029-2031) and $2 million in capital infrastructure, both contingent on no hotel development on the site and land lease execution. Councilmembers Merkel and Wick expressed concerns about the condition and the shift from a self-sustaining model. City Manager Holman clarified the city did not propose the hotel; the condition came from hoteliers to speed up the project. Council reached consensus to bring forward a motion, with reservation noted.
• CTA-2025-0002 Wireless Communication Tower Height (Non-Action): Mike Basinger and Steve Roberge presented. ShREC (Spokane Regional Emergency Communications) needs a 100-foot tower (plus 20 feet antennas) for a new call center. Planning commission did not recommend permanent code changes, but staff cited risks if the interim ordinance lapses. Council consensus to move forward with a code amendment to allow towers up to 120 feet in commercial zones, with Councilmember Wick's suggestion to include "regional or local" emergency services.

Councilmember Comments (Agenda Amended)

• Councilmember Yeager stated her social media post was meant to highlight violence against innocent people, and she denied it was about Muslims, expressing commitment to unity and peace.
• Councilmembers Padden, Higgins, Wick, Merkel, Mayor Haley, and Deputy Mayor Hattenberg spoke. Padden acknowledged the detrimental impact and praised the coffee meeting between Yeager and Dr. Shoshani. Wick emphasized an inclusive and safe community for all. Merkel expressed disappointment, stating he did not hear an apology and accused Yeager of doubling down; he apologized for the council's inability to take deeper action.
• City Attorney Kelly Conkrite opined that the post, made on personal social media and not discussing city business, did not violate council conduct standards under the governance manual.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 25-015 (2025 budget amendment) passed 6-1 (Merkel opposed).
• Ordinance 25-017 (2026 budget) passed 6-1 (Merkel opposed).
• Fee Resolution will be placed on the December 23, 2025 council agenda for action.
• LTAC recommendations will be brought forward for a motion on December 16, 2025.
• Wireless tower code amendment will proceed to a first reading, including language to allow regional or local first responder communication facilities.
• Executive session was held for approximately 60 minutes to review a public employee (RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)), with no action taken upon return.
• Advance Agenda: Council agreed to add a future discussion on addressing Crigton (sp?) substance abuse, and to pursue an open application process for the Center for Quality Communities scholarship program.
• City Manager Comments: Updated on Pines Grade separation (BNSF work ongoing), Sullivan Park water line completed under budget, and receipt of over $3.86 million in state grants for Barker Road projects. Christmas tree lighting event was thanked.