OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting – May 19, 2026

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, May 19, 2026
BodySpokane Valley, Washington
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, May 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
1:24

The Spokane Valley City Council regular meeting of Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 is now called to order.

1:32

We have an invitation with Glendy Loringer from Life Services of Spokane.

1:37

So if you'll stand.

1:42

Hello, everyone.

1:42

Good evening.

1:44

Again, my name is Glendie Loringer.

1:46

I lead Life Services Spokane.

1:47

We are a 35-year-old nonprofit here in Spokane.

1:50

We have two locations up on Ash Street and also out here in the valley off of uh Sullivan and Broadway.

1:58

And so we are privileged to come alongside those who've been impacted by unplanned pregnancy with medical care and education resourcing and mental health therapy.

2:08

So thank you for giving us the honor or giving me the honor to open tonight.

2:12

Will you pray with me?

2:15

Well, Lord, we just want to declare over these chambers and over this council meeting that you are the first and the last, beginning and the end, the off and the omega.

2:24

We declare that you are God.

2:29

Lord, uh, we know that you are the exact imprint of God's divine nature, and you uphold the universe by your powerful word.

2:36

And so we invite you into this meeting tonight.

2:39

We thank you for these incredible servants, uh, Mayor Paddon and our council members.

2:44

We thank you for the great country that we live in and our 250th anniversary.

2:50

And as the council goes about uh their business tonight, we just pray for your wisdom to flow in and through them as they operate in the best interests of our country and of Spokane Valley.

3:01

And over all of the proceedings tonight, I just want to pray your word, Lord, of Psalm 34.

3:06

Says, what man is there who desires life and loves many days that he may see good.

3:11

Keep your lips or your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies, turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.

3:18

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.

3:22

So, Lord, we just pray that truth would be spoken here tonight in this meeting, that peace would be sought, and that justice and integrity would be upheld.

3:30

And we pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

3:33

Everybody said Amen.

3:36

Thank you.

3:38

Thank you.

3:38

And if you join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, I pledge allegiance.

4:07

Councilmember Haley.

4:09

Councilmember Yeager here.

4:10

Councilmember Merkel.

4:12

Here.

4:12

Councilmember Wick.

4:13

Here.

4:14

Councilmember Kelly.

4:15

Present.

4:17

Thank you.

4:20

Now we have the approval of the agenda.

4:23

Move to approve the agenda.

4:24

Second.

4:25

It's moved and seconded.

4:26

All those in favor.

4:28

Opposed.

4:29

It is approved unanimously.

4:38

So we will start with the uh May 2026 UROC award.

4:47

As you recall, the UROC is a special opportunity to share stories and recognize incredible contributions that people and organizations are making in our community.

5:00

I'd like again to thank Decade Awards for generously sponsoring these awards.

5:04

We are thankful for the partnership that allows us to shine a spotlight on the good in our community each month.

5:12

We are excited to recognize several people for May 2026 UROC Award.

5:18

This month, join me in celebrating Ray Ann Victor, and members of the local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR, including the Jonas Babcott chapter, Spokane Gary chapter, and Mae Hunton chapter.

5:36

We are also honoring the Sons of the American Revolution, SAR as Spokane chapter number one.

5:44

Tonight we applaud Ray Ann, DAR, and SAR members for their remarkable dedication over the past year, plus in celebrating America's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

6:00

This incredible team has gone above and beyond to unite our community and to inspire a deeper appreciation for our nation's history through engaging events and educational programs.

6:14

Just a few highlights include creating a two lights for tomorrow project video featuring a reading of the historic poem about Paul Revere's ride, hosting a revolutionary war bus tour of opportunity elementary fifth grade students and staff, providing immersive history lessons and fostering patriotism for future generations.

6:41

And they actually have a very nice brochure about that, which I have seen.

6:56

And finally, DAR, SAR, the library across the street, and City are all co-hosting a community-wide event celebrating America 250 picnic in the park on Saturday, May 30th, from noon to 2.

7:14

And this is in Balfour Park, just across the street.

7:17

It's thanks to their inspiration, knowledge, and partnership that this celebration is possible.

7:23

So tonight, as a token of our appreciation for your partnership and the many inspiring ways you've contributed to the community, we are honored to present you with the Spokane Valley U Rock Award.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████21%
Public Safety█████████████████17%
Environmental Protection█████████████13%
Community Engagement████████████12%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Procedural█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis████4%
Economic Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting – May 19, 2026

The Spokane Valley City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included special presentations, a budget amendment vote, several informational reports, and closed with an executive session. Key highlights included recognition of community volunteers and a police officer, adoption of a budget amendment (6-1), and updates on conservation district work, school zone speed changes, road surface treatments, and World Cup operations.

Special Presentations & Awards

  • UROC Award: Presented to Rae Anna Victor and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) for their work celebrating America's 250th anniversary, including educational programs and a community picnic on May 30, 2026, at Balfour Park.
  • Public Safety Award: Officer Cat Horton (homeless outreach team) received both the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lilac Festival Officer of the Year awards. Chief Ellis praised her compassionate and firm approach, noting her work in connecting individuals with housing, treatment, and employment.

Action Items

  • Ordinance 26-007 – 2026 Budget Amendment: Finance Director Chelsie Walls presented the amendment, which increases revenue by approximately $5.1 million and expenditures by $6.9 million, including adjustments to the automated traffic safety program. Council suspended the rules and adopted the ordinance on a 6-1 vote (Councilmember Merkel opposed), with Merkel expressing concerns about contract payments for the Broadway Senior Housing Project and a lack of detail. Others noted the project's utility hookups and federal funding discussions.

Discussion Items

  • Spokane County Conservation District Update: Director Vicky Carter and Government Affairs Coordinator Kohl LeRoy presented the district's 85-year history and programs, including firewise assessments, wildlife mitigation, tree sales (over 100,000 seedlings annually), and the Scale House Farmers Market (which generated $1.6 million in revenue and created 15 jobs in its first year). The district proposed increasing the per-parcel fee from $10 to $15 (a 42-cent monthly increase) to match rising costs, with a public hearing set for June 16, 2026. Council expressed support for the partnership.
  • School Zone Speed Limit Modifications: Traffic Engineering Manager Jerremy Clark proposed removing school zones from five locations where schools no longer exist, adjusting three zones to include crosswalks, and adding three new zones (Ruben Trejo Dual Language Academy, Central Valley High School, East Valley High School). Council reached unanimous consensus to bring the changes back for final approval.
  • Surface Treatment Pilot Program: Engineering Manager Adam Jackson reviewed 2023-2024 pilot projects using chip seal and slurry seal to extend pavement life at a cost of $5–$10 per square yard (versus $35–$45 for repaving). In 2026, the city will partner with Spokane County for chip sealing on Sprague Avenue and 32nd Avenue. Council commended the program's cost-effectiveness and noted that aesthetics and usability remain considerations.
  • World Cup Operations Update: Police Chief Dave Ellis reported on the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19, 2026). Spokane County received a $726,000 FEMA grant for equipment (e.g., bomb disposal robot, counter-drone training) and overtime reimbursement for mutual aid to Seattle. The Egyptian national team will base camp at Gonzaga University. No operational impacts are anticipated for Spokane Valley police resources.

City Manager Comments

  • SRTC Safe Streets for All Grant: City Manager recommended a letter of support for the Spokane Regional Transportation Council's federal grant application to study near-miss crashes using AI video analysis at two Spokane Valley locations. Council gave consensus to approve the letter.
  • Safe and Healthy Task Force Update: Deputy City Manager Eric Lamb summarized the task force's draft recommendations, noting they are privately led and funded. He highlighted gaps in data and funding analysis and stressed the need for accountability alongside behavioral health treatment. Council will discuss next steps, including a press conference on May 27, 2026, and possible county jail siting, at a future meeting.

Council Comments

  • Councilmember Merkel suggested orienting the planned ice skating rink's two rinks front to back to attract speed skating events, and noted from a public safety awards booklet that Spokane Valley pays more per officer than other regional agencies.
  • Councilmember Haley clarified the city is not leasing or designing the ice facility.
  • Deputy Mayor Hattenberg reported on Union Gospel Mission's 75th anniversary dinner.
  • Councilmember Yeager praised the One Life at a Time program for its 96% success rate in helping women exit poverty.

Executive Session

  • The Council voted to adjourn into executive session for approximately 30 minutes to discuss pending and potential litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), with no action expected upon return. Councilmember Merkel was excused from the executive session.

Meeting Transcript

The Spokane Valley City Council regular meeting of Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 is now called to order. We have an invitation with Glendy Loringer from Life Services of Spokane. So if you'll stand. Hello, everyone. Good evening. Again, my name is Glendie Loringer. I lead Life Services Spokane. We are a 35-year-old nonprofit here in Spokane. We have two locations up on Ash Street and also out here in the valley off of uh Sullivan and Broadway. And so we are privileged to come alongside those who've been impacted by unplanned pregnancy with medical care and education resourcing and mental health therapy. So thank you for giving us the honor or giving me the honor to open tonight. Will you pray with me? Well, Lord, we just want to declare over these chambers and over this council meeting that you are the first and the last, beginning and the end, the off and the omega. We declare that you are God. Lord, uh, we know that you are the exact imprint of God's divine nature, and you uphold the universe by your powerful word. And so we invite you into this meeting tonight. We thank you for these incredible servants, uh, Mayor Paddon and our council members. We thank you for the great country that we live in and our 250th anniversary. And as the council goes about uh their business tonight, we just pray for your wisdom to flow in and through them as they operate in the best interests of our country and of Spokane Valley. And over all of the proceedings tonight, I just want to pray your word, Lord, of Psalm 34. Says, what man is there who desires life and loves many days that he may see good. Keep your lips or your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies, turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry. So, Lord, we just pray that truth would be spoken here tonight in this meeting, that peace would be sought, and that justice and integrity would be upheld. And we pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Everybody said Amen. Thank you. Thank you. And if you join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, I pledge allegiance. Councilmember Haley. Councilmember Yeager here. Councilmember Merkel. Here. Councilmember Wick. Here. Councilmember Kelly. Present. Thank you. Now we have the approval of the agenda. Move to approve the agenda. Second. It's moved and seconded. All those in favor. Opposed. It is approved unanimously. So we will start with the uh May 2026 UROC award. As you recall, the UROC is a special opportunity to share stories and recognize incredible contributions that people and organizations are making in our community. I'd like again to thank Decade Awards for generously sponsoring these awards. We are thankful for the partnership that allows us to shine a spotlight on the good in our community each month. We are excited to recognize several people for May 2026 UROC Award.

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