Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Spokane Valley City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting covered several action items including an interlocal agreement with Broadlinc, a bid award for the South Barker Corridor project, and two emergency interim ordinances addressing battery energy storage systems and marijuana retail sales. Non-action items included presentations on the STA Connect 2035 strategic plan, grant applications for homeless services and sewer connections, a city safety program grant opportunity, and the 2025 accomplishments report. Public comments were received on various topics.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ben Lund (36-year resident and business owner): Expressed support for the city's management, fiscal discipline, and infrastructure projects. Raised questions about the 20-year economic development plan, apartment construction cycles, and state policies affecting home ownership. Noted that rental days on market are increasing (two to three weeks), possibly indicating supply catching up with demand.
• Rick Fryer (Spokane Valley resident and Fire Commissioner): Supported the emergency interim ordinance on battery energy storage systems, citing fire code challenges. Also supported pedestrian safety improvements, noting that pedestrians are twice as likely to die from vehicle contact than from fires (7,300 pedestrian deaths in 2023 vs. 3,670 fire deaths).

Discussion Items

• ILA Broadlinc (Interlocal Agreement): City Manager John Hohman, Public Works Director Robert Blegen, Broadlinc Executive Director Arian Schmidt, and Traffic Engineering Manager Jeremy Clark presented. The ILA allows the city to participate on the Broadlinc board and collaborate on fiber optic infrastructure. Benefits include cost-sharing on conduit/fiber installation and potential subscriber revenue for the city. Ownership of assets installed within city limits would remain with the city, with separate franchise/right-of-way agreements needed for specific projects. Council clarified that future projects will require additional council approval.
• South Barker Corridor Bid Award (Appleway to Sprague): Engineering Manager Rob Lochmiller presented. 11 bids were received; lowest responsible bidder is Selland Construction at $1,319,735 (approximately 33% below engineer's estimate). Project includes road widening to three lanes (up to five at Appleway intersection), bike lanes, sidewalks, and stormwater improvements. 100% funded by state grant funds (FIMPSID). Councilmember Merkel noted doorbelling residents had concerns about driveway access during construction; staff confirmed contractors must provide daily access.
• Emergency Interim Ordinance 26-002: Prohibiting Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): City Attorney Kelly Konkright presented. BESS facilities are unregulated under current code and pose fire and toxic fume risks (22 known fires since 2019). The ordinance prohibits BESS for up to one year to allow study through the periodic update process. A public hearing will be held within 60 days. Councilmember Merkel moved to reduce the term to six months, but the motion lacked a second. Councilmember Wick and Yeager supported the pause to prevent vesting of permits. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Emergency Interim Ordinance 26-004: Reclassifying Marijuana Retail Sales as Legal Nonconforming: Deputy City Attorney Tony Beattie presented. Three marijuana retail stores exist in Spokane Valley (in CMU, RC, and IMU zones). Current code allows relocation within zones; this interim ordinance prohibits any relocation for one year. Cited studies on adolescent harm from high-THC products and proximity to retailers. The city receives $180,000–$280,000 annually in tax revenue from marijuana sales; eligibility requires not prohibiting state-licensed cannabis businesses. The ordinance does not close existing stores but prevents moves; if a store discontinues operations for 12 months, the use lapses. A public hearing is set for March 17, 2026. Councilmember Yeager expressed concerns about overreach and slippery slope; Councilmember Merkel supported as a status quo freeze. Passed 6-1 (Yeager opposed).
• STA Connect 2035 Strategic Plan: STA Planning Manager Steve Roberge, Chief Planning Officer Emily Poole, and CFO Robert Hamud presented. Voters approved the 2016 "STA Moving Forward" initiative (two-tenths of 1% sales tax, sunsetting December 31, 2028). Connect 2035 includes planning for Route 9 extension to Appleway Park & Ride, mobility on demand pilot in North Spokane Valley, and customer experience improvements. Ridership in 2024 reached 10.1 million (pre-pandemic level), with 2025 expected at 10.4 million. Council discussed paratransit service hours, park-and-ride utilization, and the renewal proposal (no tax increase, only renewal of existing two-tenths).
• HCDAC Grant Application: Accounting Manager Sarah Farr and City Services Administrator Gloria Mantz presented two potential grants: (1) up to $635,000 for homeless outreach services (supplementing Frontier Behavioral Health contract), and (2) up to $1 million in CDBG funds to assist homeowners in the Grace neighborhood (35 parcels on septic) with sewer connection fees and construction costs. Property owners have until 2028 to connect. Council expressed support for both applications.
• City Safety Program Grant Opportunity: Engineering Manager Adam Jackson presented. The state DOT program offers $30 million in federal funds (100% grant, no local match) for spot or systemic safety improvements. Recommended projects include Barker & Appleway roundabout (angle collisions), Appleway Trail pedestrian crossings (near City Hall, library, park), Sprague Avenue crossings (Pines to Sullivan), and other locations. Discussion included concerns about prioritizing enforcement vs. infrastructure. Council consensus to bring back a prioritized list with cost estimates at the next meeting.
• 2025 Accomplishments Report: City Manager John Hohman reviewed highlights: 10 new police officers hired (plus 11th via grant), closure of 18 illicit massage businesses, completion of Pines BNSF railroad bridges, $17 million in infrastructure grants received, business-friendly policies resulting in Dave & Busters and Trader Joe's, completion of cross-country course and Green Acres Park phase 2, and maintenance of AA-1 bond rating. 44 council meetings held. Council commended staff.

Key Outcomes

• ILA Broadlinc: Motion passed to authorize the city manager to execute the interlocal agreement. Subsequently, Council appointed Councilmember Wick to the Broadlinc Board for 2026 and Councilmember Kelly as alternate (motion passed).
• South Barker Corridor Bid Award: Motion passed to award the contract to Selland Construction for $1,319,735 and authorize the city manager to finalize the construction contract.
• Emergency Interim Ordinance 26-002 (BESS): Motion passed (unanimous) to adopt the ordinance prohibiting battery energy storage systems for up to one year, effective immediately. A public hearing will be held within 60 days.
• Emergency Interim Ordinance 26-004 (Marijuana Retail): Motion passed (6-1, Yeager opposed) to reclassify marijuana retail uses as legal nonconforming, prohibiting relocations for one year. A public hearing is set for March 17, 2026.
• HCDAC Grant Application: Council expressed consensus to staff's plan to apply for homeless outreach funding and CDBG funding for Grace neighborhood sewer connections. Formal application due February 20, 2026.
• City Safety Program: Council directed staff to return at the February 17 meeting with a prioritized list of projects and cost estimates for application.
• 2025 Accomplishments Report: Received and filed.
• Other: Meeting extended to 9:15 p.m. to accommodate agenda. Councilmember Merkel flagged zombie properties for future discussion. City Manager announced a $4 million congressionally directed spending award for the Sullivan-Trent project, reducing the funding gap to $25 million.