Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Spokane Valley City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting began with a report from Police Chief Dave Ellis about a critical school incident earlier that day, followed by the invocation, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. Councilmember Haley was excused. The agenda was approved. Key actions included approving a stormwater grant application, advancing a 30-year easement for Flora Park, and discussing the solid waste management plan update. A citizen raised traffic safety concerns during public comment.

School Incident Report

• Chief Dave Ellis reported that earlier in the day, a caller reported an armed male at a school. A school resource deputy responded, engaged the suspect, and shot and killed him. The school's lockdown and reunification plan were executed flawlessly, with all 600 students safely reunited with families at Valley Real Life Church. The suspect's backpack was detonated in a controlled explosion. The investigation is led by Spokane Police Department. A police officer will be stationed at the school tomorrow to reassure students. Council expressed gratitude to the chief and officers.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda including claim vouchers for $4,927,535.83, payroll for period ending August 31, 2026 ($860,305.76), and meeting minutes from June 16, July 7, July 14 (two sets), July 21, July 28, August 18, and August 25, 2026. Councilmember Merkel noted a citizen submitted minor corrections to minutes; the city clerk will review and implement non-substantive changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments during the first general comment period.
• During the second general comment period, Austin Hakala, a resident on Herald Road, expressed concern about speeding traffic on Valley Way. He reported that three cars have ended up in his front yard, and one vehicle was estimated at 55-65 mph, striking a telephone pole and displacing it 10 feet. He requested a four-way stop at the intersection to protect children waiting for school buses.

Discussion Items

• Stormwater Grant Application (Motion): Kristen Armstrong, stormwater program manager, presented a request to apply for up to $2,125,000 from the Department of Ecology's Combined Water Quality Funding Program for the Montgomery Stormwater Improvements Construction Project (1.7 miles on Montgomery from Argonne to Mansfield). The project would retrofit existing dry wells with treatment best management practices (catch basins, bioretention swales, oil/water separators) to reduce pollutant loading to the aquifer. The project cost is approximately $2.5 million; the grant would cover 85% ($2.125 million), with a 15% local match ($375,000) from the stormwater fund. Council discussed testing and compliance; city manager and staff clarified that the project is required under the underground injection control permit and that the dry wells are currently non-compliant. Councilmember Merkel opposed, citing concerns about lack of specific testing and the use of state funds. Councilmember Yeager and others supported the grant to protect groundwater and leverage state dollars returned to citizens. The motion passed with a vote of 5-2 (Councilmember Merkel and one other opposed, per roll call: Councilmember Haley excused, so likely 5-1? The transcript shows two opposed: "Aye, opposed. Opposed." So 5-2).
• State Parks 30-Year Easement (Non-Action): Parks and Recreation Director John Bottelli reported that Washington State Parks Commission unanimously approved a 30-year easement for 16 acres adjoining Flora Park on the Spokane River. The easement allows construction of the Riverview Trail (a compacted gravel accessible trail), fire risk mitigation, and forest habitat work. The one-time payment is $58,194; the property's assessed value is $2.8 million. A state legislative request for $600,000 in 2027 would fund trail construction. Council discussed maintenance costs (estimated $15,000-$20,000 per year), state funding contingencies, and the risk of the state selling the property if the easement is not accepted. Council gave consensus to bring a motion for approval at a future meeting.
• Solid Waste Management Plan Update (Non-Action): Deputy City Manager Eric Lamb and Public Works Director Robert Blegen presented the final draft plan, which received minor grammatical comments from Ecology. The plan guides the program through 2030, with goals including affordability, reliability, environmental protection, and education. Councilmember Merkel raised concern about language referencing study of mandatory collection for residents and businesses. City manager explained it is an option for affordability, not a directive. Council reached consensus to remove that language from the plan and to bring the plan forward for adoption at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda unanimously.
• Approved the motion to apply for the stormwater grant (5-2).
• Gave consensus to proceed with the 30-year easement for Flora Park; motion to be prepared for a future meeting.
• Gave consensus to remove the mandatory collection study language from the solid waste management plan and to return the plan for adoption at a future meeting.
• Councilmember Merkel attempted to add eight advanced agenda items, but a motion to end the discussion was passed, cutting off the advance agenda.
• City Manager John Deemer reported on progress: a letter to the county regarding UGA boundaries (with consensus to add language clarifying the status of the city's request), ongoing budget negotiations with the sheriff's office, repair of the Maraboo Meadows sewer lift station (estimated $24,000), and coordination with STA for bus service to the cross-country course.