This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda.
PROCLAMATION
Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg read a proclamation in memory of Spokane County Sheriff Sergeant Kenneth Salas, which was accepted by Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis.
General Public Comments
Each week, community members have an opportunity to address Councilmembers for up to three minutes during the General Public Comment period, either at the beginning or end of each meeting in person or via Zoom.
ACTION ITEMS
#1 - Pines Rd/BNSF Grade Separation Project – Construction Award
Council has discussed this item numerous times, most recently on July 15, 2025. Construction began on Phase 1 of the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project in February 2025. Phase 2 of the project was initially advertised for bids on June 6, 2025. The City received and opened four bids on June 27 but found errors in the bid packets. On July 15, the Council approved a resolution to reject all bids. The project was advertised a second time on July 18, 2025; seven bids were received. The lowest responsive bidder is Active Construction, Inc., in the amount of $11,625,625, approximately 26% under the engineer’s estimate. The bid tabulation was provided in the packet.
A motion to award the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project to Active Construction, Inc. in the amount of $11,625,625 and authorize the city manager to finalize and execute the construction contract passed with 6 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
#2 – 2027 NCAA Division I Venue Lease Agreement
An administrative report on this topic was presented to Council at the July 8, 2025, meeting. The City is currently constructing The Course Spokane Valley at the city-owned public park property located at 2520 N Flora Rd, which is designed to host local, regional, and national cross-country running events. In February 2024, Spokane Sports, in partnership with Gonzaga University, submitted a bid and was awarded the opportunity to host the 2027 Division I Men’s and Women’s West Regional Championships at the new facility. The NCAA requires a Venue Lease Agreement to be signed by the venue owner before the event can be finalized.
A motion to authorize the city manager to execute the NCAA Venue Lease Agreement and the corresponding Operation Agreement for the 2027 NCAA West Region Cross Country Championship in Spokane Valley passed unanimously.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#3 - Sullivan Property Update
Ms. Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation, shared information about a potential youth sports project in Spokane Valley. In early 2025, a local benefactor contacted the City with an idea to build a duo ice sheet facility to serve youth sports and enhance regional tourism. This sponsor is partnering with Innovia Foundation, which is taking the lead on the project on behalf of the benefactor. Property recently acquired by the City just north of Sullivan Park has been identified as a potential location. The Council discussed the opportunity and expressed their interest in learning more. The Council reached consensus to pursue more information and request a formal proposal from Innovia Foundation and the benefactor.
#4 - City LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) Application Discussion
As discussed in item #1, The Course Spokane Valley is being built by the City on city property and will be leased to organizations holding cross-country running events. The city’s consultant, The Sports Facilities Advisory, is developing recommendations for rental fees. When the course is open and operational, these rental fees are expected to help pay for part of the ongoing operations and maintenance costs. In the meantime, the estimated costs of approximately $257,000 will be paid from the city’s General Fund in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Since The Course Spokane Valley will be a tourism facility, it is eligible to receive lodging tax funds. Council reached consensus for this item to return at a future meeting with a motion to apply for 2026 lodging tax funds.
About Spokane Valley City Council
City Council meetings occur most Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, online via Zoom or Comcast channel 14. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Agendas. Email the Council at CityCouncil@SpokaneValleyWA.gov or learn more at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/CityCouncil.
Stay Connected
Spokane Valley City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find information at SpokaneValleyWA.gov, sign up to receive email updates at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/SignUp, or follow the City on social media.