Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Spokane Valley City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included public hearings, action items, and a non-action report. Key decisions included adoption of a master speed limit schedule update, a second reading of an ordinance for land acquisition on the S. Barker Corridor project, adoption of the 2027 state legislative agenda, and approval of a settlement agreement in pending litigation. The council also heard public comments on recent wildfire evacuation concerns, the new cross-country course, and a personal grievance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan DeLuckey (in-person) expressed concern about emergency evacuation safety during recent wildfires. She urged the city to partner with Spokane to review the comprehensive plan for high-risk areas, require three exits for developments over 250 dwellings, restrict density in neighborhoods already meeting evacuation standards, and address fire hazards on city-owned land. She also requested recognition of deep clay deposits as critical areas and consideration of AARP findings on density impacts on seniors.
• Shade Mahan (in-person) praised the new cross-country course at The Course at Spokane Valley, noting its wide start, bus loading zone, and spectator-friendly design. He said the project was completed under budget and on time.
• Michael Drew (in-person) thanked the council for supporting wildfire victims and noted that community members opened their homes to displaced individuals.
• Mikhail (in-person) alleged that the city and law enforcement mishandled a case involving stolen cats, claiming systemic negligence and seeking a public trial for $1 billion. No council action was taken.

Discussion Items

Public Hearing: Active Transportation Plan (ATP)

• Adam Jackson and Jerremy Clark (Engineering Managers) presented the ATP, which aims to promote a safe transportation network for all users, maximize grant competitiveness, and comply with the comprehensive plan. The plan was developed with consultant Kimley Horn over 10 months of public input, including community conversations, pop-up events, and an online survey.
• Key findings: Safety, safe routes for children, and better walking access were top priorities. The plan identifies project needs along arterial corridors, including sidewalk infill, bike facilities, and corridor studies. It does not specify exact facility types, as that requires detailed evaluation.
• The plan references the “five E’s” (engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation) and identifies funding programs (e.g., FHWA, TAP). A public hearing was held; no public comments were received. The hearing opened at 6:16 p.m. and closed at 6:26 p.m. Council will hold a future roundtable discussion.

Resolution 26-013: Master Speed Limit Schedule Update

• Jerremy Clark presented the resolution to reduce speed limits on three road segments: Park Road (Mission to Trent), Park Road (north of Trent), and Pines Road (32nd to 40th). The recommended reduction from 35 mph to 30 mph is based on three methodologies (NACTO, NCHRP, and 85th percentile rule). The 85th percentile speeds on these segments are 33–35 mph, making a 30 mph limit within the five-mph adjustment range.
• Councilmember Merkel asked why not 25 mph. Clark explained that 30 mph is defensible without a citywide policy, but a 25 mph limit could be supported if the NACTO methodology is adopted citywide. Clark noted that the study was skewed toward school zones and that future citywide analysis will include non-school segments.
• Public comments: Josh Wilcott (Principal, Horizon Middle School) and Kyle Rydell (Superintendent, West Valley School District) spoke in support, noting safety concerns for students and pedestrians outside school hours. Rydell also mentioned a private school on Park Road that should be included in future studies.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Merkel initially considered a 25 mph amendment but deferred to Clark’s recommendation for a citywide policy first. Councilmember Yeager noted that speed limits are upper bounds, not required speeds. Councilmember Wick appreciated the phased approach.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

Ordinance 26-008: Final Action on S. Barker Corridor Project (Sprague to 28th)

• Kelly Konkright (City Attorney) and Rob Lochmiller presented the second reading of the ordinance authorizing acquisition of land and real property interests for the S. Barker Corridor project, including condemnation proceedings if necessary. The project involves widening Barker Road from two to three lanes, adding a center turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalks, and roundabouts at 4th and 8th Avenues.
• Of 36 partial parcel acquisitions, 33 have been successfully negotiated since February 2025. The remaining three require condemnation. The city has a 23-year history of never going to court on such cases.
• Deputy City Manager explained the legal process: federal and state law require good-faith negotiations, fair market value offers, and reimbursement for property owners’ appraisals (up to $750). The city will continue negotiations even after the ordinance.
• Public comments: None.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Merkel voted against, citing concerns about eminent domain as a “taking” and opposition to party platform. Councilmember Yeager initially voted no but now supports, noting that the process provides due process and fair compensation. Deputy Mayor Hattenberg defended staff diligence and the constitutional basis for eminent domain.
• Vote: Passed 5-1 (Merkel opposed).

Motion Consideration: 2027 Legislative Agenda Adoption

• Virginia Clough (Legislative Policy Coordinator) and Brianna Murray (Lobbyist, Gordon Thomas Honeywell) presented the adopted agenda. Notable changes from the prior draft: removal of the Riverview Trail at Flora Park capital request (funding released by Spokane Valley Fire Department), reordering to prioritize the Sullivan–Trent Interchange and Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center, and addition of policy items.
• Policy additions:
  • Support statutory changes for stronger community voice when offenders are released (sex offender placement).
  • Support policies limiting access to Kratom.
  • Under housing affordability: encourage review of Growth Management Act and building/energy code regulations to reduce costs.
  • Under fiscal management: refined language on tourism promotion area fee and cannabis/liquor revenue.
• Amendments adopted by consensus:
  • Strengthen wildfire penalty language to “support policies to reduce wildfire risk, improve community resilience, and strengthen penalties for reckless and intentional fire endangerment.”
  • Under housing affordability, add a separate bullet: “support reducing building and energy code regulations.”
• A proposal to revert levy passage requirements to 60% (from 50%) was defeated 5-1 (Merkel in favor, others opposed).
• Public comments: None.
• Vote: The amended agenda passed unanimously (6-0).

Non-Action Item: Grant Opportunity for Montgomery Stormwater Project

• Kristen Armstrong (Senior Engineer) presented an administrative report on a Department of Ecology Water Quality Combined Program grant for constructing stormwater treatment improvements on Montgomery Avenue from Argonne to Mansfield. The corridor is a high pollutant loading area. The grant is 85% (up to $2.55 million of the $3 million construction cost), with the city providing 15% match from the Stormwater Fund 402. The application is due September 30, 2026, with construction funds available in 2028.
• Councilmember Merkel questioned whether direct testing of pollutant levels had been done. Armstrong clarified that the consultant’s report is under Ecology review, and she could not provide testing details. The Deputy City Manager committed to providing additional information at a future meeting.
• Council consensus: 5-1 to proceed with the grant application (Merkel opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-013 (Master Speed Limit Schedule) adopted unanimously. Speed limits on Park Road (two segments) and Pines Road (one segment) will be reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph. Staff will continue a citywide study for future adjustments.
• Ordinance 26-008 (S. Barker Corridor land acquisition) adopted 5-1, authorizing condemnation proceedings for three remaining parcels. Council directed staff to continue negotiations.
• 2027 Legislative Agenda adopted unanimously after amendments. The final agenda includes support for stronger penalties for fire endangerment, limiting Kratom access, reducing building/energy regulations, and other priorities.
• Executive Session and Settlement: Council convened a 15-minute executive session (6:06–6:21 p.m.) to discuss pending litigation. Upon return, they approved a settlement agreement in the Estate of Bryce Adame v. City of Spokane Valley case. The city’s insurance carrier, Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), will pay $3 million in exchange for a release of all claims. The city does not admit liability. The motion passed unanimously.
• Council also directed staff to bring forward a motion to apply for the Montgomery Stormwater grant, with additional information on pollutant testing to be provided.