Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting – August 11, 2026

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Spokane Valley City Council held a regular meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting was dominated by the ongoing Spokane Complex Fire, which had burned nearly 10,000 acres across three fires and prompted the evacuation of approximately 67,000 people. The Council heard an extensive update from emergency management and law enforcement, approved the consent agenda, advanced a condemnation ordinance for the South Barker Corridor project, awarded a construction contract for Sullivan Park Phase 1, and voted to apply for state grant funding for two new public safety pilot programs: an alternative jail transport unit and a parking enforcement officer.

Consent Calendar

• The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda which included claim vouchers totaling $3,711,319.19, payroll for the period ending July 31, 2026 in the amount of $892,943.11, and the meeting minutes of June 9, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Thomas Quinlan read a statement citing Washington Constitution articles, claiming his rights to petition, free speech, and open administration of justice had been denied by the three-minute speaking limit.
• Rob Chase thanked the county for its fire response, suggested that deliberate arson be classified as terrorism, and asked about removal of campaign signs. The City Manager clarified that only signs placed in prohibited areas are removed and candidates are contacted to retrieve them.
• John Harding urged a public after-action report on the fires, called for creating fire breaks and addressing dead-end roads in subdivisions, and later commented on the South Barker condemnation, questioning whether the design could be changed to avoid taking property.
• Jonathan Plum spoke against eminent domain, stating property rights are fundamental.
• Another speaker commented on the Sullivan Park project, inquiring about impacts to nearby businesses; staff confirmed coordination had occurred.
• A speaker expressed general opposition to using grants for manpower, citing past experiences, but supported the “paddy wagon” transport idea.

Discussion Items

Spokane Complex Fire Update

• City Manager John Hohman, Police Chief Dave Ellis, and Emergency Management Deputy Director Chandra Fox provided an update. As of August 11, 2026, the Autumn Lane Fire was 89% contained, the Old Trails Fire 73% contained, and the Fairview Fire 97% contained. Total acreage burned was 9,932. All evacuation orders were lifted at 2:00 p.m. that day.
• A Disaster Assistance Center at Shadle Park High School had seen nearly 2,000 individual visits. Federal assistance from the EPA was on the ground for hazardous materials removal. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
• Chief Ellis highlighted the use of a fire evacuation app that allowed real-time tracking of parcel status, credited King County’s counter-drone team for keeping aerial firefighting assets safe, and noted an arrest of an arson suspect by the joint SWAT team. He also reported multiple arrests in Spokane Valley for intentionally starting fires, including one on the day of the meeting.
• Councilmembers discussed lessons learned, including the need to update the city’s emergency plan, improve preparedness, and consider legislative changes to increase penalties for arson (current presumptive sentence ~30 months). Councilmember Wick noted asbestos testing requirements and warned about unlicensed contractors. Councilmember Merkel asked about lessons for Spokane Valley; staff committed to forming a working group after the immediate situation.

First Read: Ordinance 26-008 – South Barker Corridor Project (Condemnation Authority)

• Engineering Manager Rob Lochmiller and City Attorney Kelly Konkright presented the ordinance, which would authorize condemnation proceedings for three remaining parcels (33 of 36 had been negotiated) needed to widen South Barker Road from two to three lanes, add bike lanes and sidewalks, and construct roundabouts at 4th and 8th Avenues. Construction is slated for 2027.
• The Council held public comment and debate. Some councilmembers expressed concerns about using eminent domain and requested more information on the price differential and litigation costs. City Manager John Hohman assured that staff does not take this lightly and that federal grant requirements mandate strict procedures. The Council voted 6–1 to advance the ordinance to a second reading, with Councilmember Merkel voting against. (The exact tally was not clear from the transcript; after voice vote, a show of hands confirmed six in favor, one opposed.)

Motion Consideration: Sullivan Park – Phase 1 Bid Award

• The Council awarded the Sullivan Road and Park Improvements Phase 1 contract to William Winkler Company for $1,226,873, which is about 2% below the engineer’s estimate. The project includes a new north entrance, sidewalks, landscaping, and sewer lift station to support the ice sports facility. Four bids were received. Councilmember Merkel voted against, stating the underlying project is unnecessary. The motion passed 6–1.

Motion Consideration: HB 2015 Grant Discussion – Two Pilot Proposals

• Deputy City Manager Eric Lamb, Chief Ellis, and grant manager Sarah Farr presented two options under the ESHB 2015 grant program (application deadline August 15, 2026):
  1. Alternative Jail Transport Unit – Two commissioned officers working Saturday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., to transport prisoners from Spokane Valley, reducing patrol officer time spent on jail runs. The city match is ~$54,000 for a one-year pilot. The jail would loan a vehicle.
  2. Parking Enforcement Officer – A part-time (25 hrs/week), non-benefited position ($29,000/year) to handle parking complaints, enforce ordinances, and manage speed trailers. Startup costs ~$33,000, with vehicle provided from retired fleet.
• The Council voted 7–0 to separate the items, then passed the jail transport pilot 4–3 and the parking enforcement officer 6–1. (Opposition to the transport pilot centered on uncertainty about ongoing costs and reliance on grant funding; the parking officer was more broadly supported.)

Admin Report: Signal Cabinet Wrap Update

• Project Manager Virginia Clough reported that 10 signal box wraps, funded by an STCU grant, are being installed. Originally 12 were planned, but cost increases reduced the number. Artist designs were selected by a committee including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The wraps help prevent graffiti and add public art.

Admin Report: Master Speed Limit Schedule Update

• Traffic Engineer Jerremy Clark presented a study of school zones, recommending lowering speed limits from 35 to 30 mph on four segments: Broadway (Adams to Sullivan), Pines (32nd to 40th), Park Road (Mission to Trent), and Park Road (Trent to city limits). The Broadway segment was held for a corridor-wide review. The Council requested additional data on crash history, traffic counts, and community input before taking action. Staff will bring back a formal proposal.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-008 (South Barker condemnation) advanced to second reading by a 6–1 vote; an executive session will be scheduled before final action.
• Sullivan Park Phase 1 construction contract awarded to William Winkler Company ($1,226,873) by a 6–1 vote.
• HB 2015 Grant Application approved for both the Alternative Jail Transport Unit (4–3) and the Parking Enforcement Officer (6–1). Staff will submit applications by August 15.
• Signal Cabinet Wraps installation underway; thanked for community engagement.
• Master Speed Limit Schedule to be revisited with additional data; staff directed to engage the public and coordinate with enforcement.
• Fire Preparedness – Councilmember Yeager placed an advance agenda item for a comprehensive community volunteer and preparedness effort; City Manager confirmed it is a high priority after the immediate fire response concludes.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:25 p.m. after extending past the normal end time.