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Record of Proceedings

Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting – April 7, 2026

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, April 7, 2026
BodySpokane Valley, Washington
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, April 7, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:13

Mayor Patton, it's six o'clock when you're ready.

0:25

All right.

0:26

Um calling the Tuesday, April 7th, Spokane Valley City Council regular meeting to order.

0:34

Um we have an invocation from Pastor Ray White from the Valley Church of the Nazarene.

0:42

If you all stand.

0:48

Let's pray.

0:50

Heavenly Father, we just want to first thank you very much for a beautiful day in the Valley.

0:55

It's gorgeous.

0:56

Thank you.

0:56

Now for the council meeting today.

1:00

Pray, Lord, that you will give them the guidance and the wisdom to work through all the difficult questions.

1:08

Agenda that may come before them tonight.

1:11

Help them, Lord, come together in unison, unity, and a purpose to come across the right and the best decisions possible to help our citizens here in Spokane Valley.

1:24

Lord, I ask that you will help them work through their discussions to where they'll be free fruitful and meaningful that will create action on behalf of those that they serve.

1:38

Just give them the unity that you need to help them come across whatever's on the agenda to be purposeful tonight.

1:47

In Jesus' name, amen.

1:50

Amen.

1:54

We have a special treat.

1:55

We have uh the Scout Troop 437 here to lead us in the pledge by the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, individual liberty and justice for all of them.

2:21

Thank you.

2:22

That was a great job.

2:29

And can we have the roll call?

2:31

Certainly.

2:33

Mayor Patton?

2:34

Here.

2:34

Deputy Mayor Hattenberg?

2:35

Here.

2:36

Councilmember Haley?

2:37

Here.

2:37

Councilmember Kelly.

2:39

Present.

2:40

Councilmember Wick?

2:42

Here.

2:42

Councilmember Merkel?

2:44

Here.

2:44

And Councilmember Yeager.

2:49

Move to the first.

2:49

Motion to excuse Councilmember Yeager.

2:52

Second.

2:53

All those in favor?

2:54

Aye.

2:55

Opposed.

2:55

Councilmember Yeager is excused.

3:02

I'd like to move for approval of the amended agenda.

3:05

Second.

3:06

All those in favor?

3:08

Aye.

3:09

Opposed?

3:11

Is approved.

3:18

I am looking for.

3:31

Thank you.

3:35

And we have a proclamation today.

3:39

It is National Public Health Week.

3:42

So whereas the week of April 16th, April 6th is National Public Health Week, themed Ready Set Action, which highlights how scientific discoveries, legislation, and community initiatives has significantly improved the health of Americans.

4:00

Whereas since the first National Public Health Week in 1994, public health has achieved major successes, including the childhood mortality rate declined from 13.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1994 to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births due to vaccines, better health care access, and improved nutrition.

4:28

Adult smoking rates dropped from 25.5% in 1994 to 11.4% through smoke-free policies and public education.

4:41

U.S.

4:41

deaths due to HIV AIDS fell sharply after peaking in 1994 at 49,000 ninety-five as anti-viral therapy and prevention tools such as PREP enabled longer, healthier lives and reduced transmission.

5:03

Access to mental health care expanded through greater awareness, parity laws and integration into primary care, reducing untreated mental health conditions, childhood lead poisoning declined from 4.4% of children with elevated blood lead levels in 1994 to less than 0.5% due to policies reducing lead in fuel, paint, and water systems, and whereas a person's health outcomes vary widely by zip code due to differences in the built environment, environmental quality, community context, access to healthy food, access to education, and access to health care, and whereas public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats ranging from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disaster preparedness.

6:05

Now, therefore, I, Laura Patton, mayor of the city of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the Spokane Valley City Council members, do hereby proclaim this week of April 6, 2026 as National Public Health Week.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation██████████████████18%
Public Safety████████████12%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%
Procedural█████████9%
Land Use Planning█████████9%
Technology and Innovation████████8%
Homelessness███████7%
Public Health█████5%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting – April 7, 2026

The Spokane Valley City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included a proclamation for National Public Health Week, action on virtual currency kiosks, a sports court bid award, a grant opportunity for the Barker I-90 interchange, and reports on a Treatment First MOU and a CenterPlace catering contract. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Proclamations

  • Public Health Week (April 6–12, 2026): Mayor Laura Patton proclaimed the week as National Public Health Week. Dr. Velasquez of the Spokane Regional Health District accepted and highlighted collaborative public health achievements, including a decline in childhood mortality from 13.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1994 to 5.4 in 2024, and a drop in adult smoking rates from 25.5% to 11.4%.

Action Items

1. First Read: Ordinance 26-005 – Virtual Currency Kiosks

  • Presentation: Assistant Chief Jared Keene, Sgt. Patrick Bloomer, and Deputy City Attorney Caitlin Prunty presented. Sgt. Bloomer noted a 99% increase in crypto-related complaints in 2023 and a 31% increase in losses nationally, with the over-60 age group most victimized (average loss ~$62,000). Local impacts include a $1.8 million cold wallet that cannot be recovered.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Merkel clarified the ordinance exempts standard business payment systems. Councilmember Kelly expressed general support despite libertarian leanings due to the severity of fraud. Councilmember Wick supported the definitions.
  • Vote: Motion to advance ordinance to second reading passed unanimously (6-0, with Councilmember Yeager excused).

2. Motion: Balfour Park Sports Courts Bid Award

  • Presentation: Parks Director John Bottelli and Senior Engineer Glenn Ritter reported that five bids were received. The lowest responsive bidder, Liberty Landworks, offered $473,254.81 (base bid plus alternates one and two), which is 14% under the engineer's estimate of $551,000. Separately, the city will procure sports lighting (~$157,000), sound system (~$25,000), and site furnishings (~$12,000). Construction is targeted for May with completion in July/August 2026.
  • Vote: Motion to award to Liberty Landworks and authorize the city manager to execute the contract passed unanimously.

2A. Motion: Potential Grant Opportunity – National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) for Barker I-90 Interchange

  • Presentation: City Services Administrator Gloria Mance explained that the city applied for $2 million for the design phase of the Barker I-90 project. WSDOT asked for confirmation of full funding of the $4 million design phase. The city has allocated $400,000 from fund 312; the gap is $1.6 million. Staff requested authorization to commit up to $1.6 million from future REIT funds (2026–2027) if needed, noting that this would make the project more competitive for other grants.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Kelly sought clarification on timing and funding sources. Councilmember Merkel questioned the availability of REIT funds. City Manager Mike Jackson and Finance Director Chelsea Bullock confirmed REIT projections show sufficient capacity. After a point of order and an appeal that lacked a second, Mayor Patton called for a vote.
  • Vote: Motion passed unanimously (6-0).

Non-Action Items

3. Admin Report: MOU Treatment First

  • Presentation: Chud Wendle (Chamber of Commerce, Safe & Healthy Task Force) presented a regional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in response to the Trump administration's executive order on homelessness. The MOU signals support for shifting federal HUD funds from a 90% housing-first model to a more balanced approach (30% housing, 30% mental health, 30% addiction treatment). As of the meeting, five municipalities (Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Millwood, and Spangle) have signed; Spokane County is hung up on wording; City of Spokane has not yet signed.
  • Discussion: Deputy Mayor Hattenberg clarified the MOU does not eliminate housing support. Councilmember Merkel asked for more concrete steps; Chud noted the Safe & Healthy Task Force will deliver recommendations in mid-May. City Manager Jackson emphasized the MOU is aspirational and does not approve HUD's change (which is in court). Council gave consensus to move the MOU forward.

4. Admin Report: CenterPlace Catering Contract

  • Presentation: John Bottelli presented a new catering agreement with Inland Northwest Catering, selected through an RFP process that included a tasting and interview. The contract features a tiered commission structure: 21% on food and alcohol sales up to $750,000, escalating to 23.5% above $950,000. The city collects all payments and passes the caterer's share. The contract term is one year with four optional one-year renewals. City can terminate with 30 days' notice.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Merkel praised the process. Councilmember Kelly questioned revenue recognition timing (clarified as event-based). Councilmember Wick asked about a $4,500 kitchen equipment reserve fund (adjusted annually by CPI). A question about LeCatering (previous contractor) was deferred to the city attorney. Consensus was given to return on April 21 with a formal motion.

Council Comments

  • Councilmember Merkel: Raised concerns about housing allocation numbers from the County and noted future plans to invite a presentation on the theater.
  • Councilmember Wick: Announced appointment to the Association of Cities legislative priorities committee (first meeting May 1).
  • Councilmember Kelly: Reported attending the Council of Governments meeting and praised Spokane Valley's hosting.
  • Deputy Mayor Hattenberg: Confirmed the S.CO committee is working on the growth management numbers, which must be finalized by year-end.
  • Mayor Patton: Shared reflections from a trip to a 800-year-old German village, noting parallels to Spokane Valley's community identity and fiscal responsibility.

City Manager Comments

  • City Manager Mike Jackson addressed a letter from Winston Cashay (representing Greenstone developer Jim Frank) regarding housing allocation numbers. Community & Economic Development Director Mike Basinger explained that the county adopted a resolution with an incorrect attachment; corrected modeling shows Spokane Valley's allocation at over 16,000 units, not 15,713. The city's housing element accounts for 4,000 units built since 2020, leaving 12,000 future units needed. Current zoning can accommodate 6,000 units, requiring changes to meet the full allocation. The matter will be discussed at the steering committee of elected officials on April 29. Staff has reached out to Mr. Frank.

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinance 26-005 (Virtual Currency Kiosks): Advanced to second reading (unanimous).
  • Balfour Park Sports Courts: Contract awarded to Liberty Landworks for $473,254.81 plus tax (unanimous).
  • Barker I-90 Grant: Council authorized up to $1.6 million commitment from REIT funds if needed (unanimous).
  • Treatment First MOU: Consensus to move forward.
  • CenterPlace Catering: Consensus to return with a motion on April 21.
  • Next Meeting: Special meeting on April 14 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the comprehensive plan.

Meeting Transcript

Mayor Patton, it's six o'clock when you're ready. All right. Um calling the Tuesday, April 7th, Spokane Valley City Council regular meeting to order. Um we have an invocation from Pastor Ray White from the Valley Church of the Nazarene. If you all stand. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we just want to first thank you very much for a beautiful day in the Valley. It's gorgeous. Thank you. Now for the council meeting today. Pray, Lord, that you will give them the guidance and the wisdom to work through all the difficult questions. Agenda that may come before them tonight. Help them, Lord, come together in unison, unity, and a purpose to come across the right and the best decisions possible to help our citizens here in Spokane Valley. Lord, I ask that you will help them work through their discussions to where they'll be free fruitful and meaningful that will create action on behalf of those that they serve. Just give them the unity that you need to help them come across whatever's on the agenda to be purposeful tonight. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen. We have a special treat. We have uh the Scout Troop 437 here to lead us in the pledge by the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, individual liberty and justice for all of them. Thank you. That was a great job. And can we have the roll call? Certainly. Mayor Patton? Here. Deputy Mayor Hattenberg? Here. Councilmember Haley? Here. Councilmember Kelly. Present. Councilmember Wick? Here. Councilmember Merkel? Here. And Councilmember Yeager. Move to the first. Motion to excuse Councilmember Yeager. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed. Councilmember Yeager is excused. I'd like to move for approval of the amended agenda. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Is approved. I am looking for.

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