Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Spokane Valley City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall (10210 E Sprague Ave). The meeting included a special recognition, a proclamation, public comments, two action items (surplus property declaration and a city safety grant application), and three administrative reports (homeless program update, public art placement, and budget 101 discussion). The meeting adjourned following council, mayor, and city manager comments.

Special Guests/Presentations

• You Rock Recognition: Lance Beck, President and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, was recognized for over seven years of service and advocacy for local businesses. Council members praised his leadership and partnership with the city. Beck noted that membership has grown and the chamber remains in strong hands.

Proclamations

• National Sportsmanship Day: A proclamation declaring March 3, 2026, as National Sportsmanship Day was presented. A recipient accepted, emphasizing that sportsmanship should be practiced daily.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First General Public Comment:
  • Ben Lund (36-year resident, business owner) spoke on housing market context, noting that average days on market for rental units is now 3–4 weeks, indicating softening. He suggested monitoring home ownership rates, rental vacancy, and days on market to avoid oversupply.
  • An unnamed resident (accompanied by Linda) stated that their issues remain unresolved and urged the council to provide a firm plan. She also noted the dates of Presidents' Day, Ramadan, and Lunar New Year, advocating for inclusive celebrations.
• Public Comments on City Safety Program:
  • Ben Lund thanked staff for safety work and emphasized that Spokane Valley is now one of the largest cities in Washington, requiring a large-city mindset for crosswalks and road safety.
  • Another resident expressed support for roundabouts but urged better driver education. He also reiterated opposition to a proposed road at VeraCrest and 24th, citing safety concerns for children walking to school buses.

Action Items

• Resolution 26-002: Surplus Items – Dan Domrese, City Manager (misstated as county manager), presented the resolution to declare IT, parks, and street department items as surplus. Disposal would occur via public auction or bid. Proceeds go to the general fund. Approved unanimously.
• Motion Consideration: City Safety Program – Adam Jackson, Engineering Manager, requested authorization to apply for a state safety grant for three projects: the Barker & Appleway roundabout ($4.5M estimated), Appleway pedestrian crossings (three locations), and arterial crossings (five locations). The state program requires roundabout-first design unless proven otherwise. Staff noted that the South Barker corridor has been a high priority. After discussion about state mandates, public input, and safety benefits, the motion passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Merkel and Kelly opposed). Councilmember Merkel expressed concern over state forcing design choices; Councilmember Kelly cited lack of clear public consensus.

Non-Action Items

• Homeless Program Update – Eric Robison, Housing and Homeless Coordinator, and Officer Spiewak presented data from 2025: an average of 323 unduplicated contacts per quarter; 50 individuals placed into long-term housing, 43 into shelters, and several into transitional housing or respite care. Officers visited 779 camps, issued 58 citations/arrests, and handled 712 radio calls. Challenges include limited shelter beds, no legal place to sleep in vehicles, involuntary treatment limitations, and encampments on private and railroad properties. Councilmember Merkel praised officers but expressed frustration with lack of progress; staff and City Manager Holman countered that quality-of-life improvements are visible and that the city has made progress given the complexity.
• Placement of Public Art – Virginia Clough, Legislative Policy Coordinator, presented four unplaced sculptures donated by the Spokane Valley Arts Council: Owl Woman Calls Your Name (in storage), Otter Woman (in storage), Sun Blessing (near completion), and Soulmates (marble, requires indoor location). A fifth piece, Heart of the Valley, is planned for Balfour Park Phase Two. Indomitable Spirit was damaged in a hit-and-run and is being assessed for repair. Council reached consensus to place Owl Woman at Pines Cemetery, Otter Woman at the Doris Morrison Learning Center, Sun Blessing at an STA park-and-ride (in coordination with STA), and to explore a mall location for Soulmates.
• Budget 101 Discussion, Part Two – Chelsie Walls, Finance Director, reviewed major revenues: sales tax (49% of general fund recurring revenues), property tax (21%), service charges, fuel taxes (flat/declining), utility tax (6% on telephone), real estate excise taxes (volatile), lodging taxes, and vehicle license fees ($20/year effective July 2024). She explained recurring vs. non-recurring revenue, fund balance, reserve funds ($6.6M in service level stabilization reserve, goal of 14% of general fund), and low debt ($7.8M outstanding, mostly for city hall). The next budget workshop is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

Council Comments

• Councilmember Merkel: Highlighted Senate Bill 5272 regarding sportsmanship and referee safety, urging support.

Mayor’s Comments

• Mayor Patton: Criticized state overreach in land use, regulations, and proposed changes to sheriff elections. Quoted Ronald Reagan on government working with, not over, citizens.

City Manager Comments

• John Holman: Announced a special meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 3:30 PM with federal lobbyists (Cardinal Infrastructure), followed by executive session. The winter budget workshop will be Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with no evening council meeting. He also showed a video of Walker Construction receiving a Build Northwest award for the Cross Course project.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-002 (surplus items) passed unanimously.
• Motion to apply for the City Safety Program grant passed 5-2.
• Council gave direction on placement of four public art pieces.
• Staff provided updates on homelessness, public art, and budget 101.
• Next meetings: Special meeting on February 19, 2026 (3:30 PM); Winter budget workshop on February 24, 2026 (8:30 AM–3:00 PM).