This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance and approval of an amended meeting agenda. A motion to excuse Mayor Pam Haley passed unanimously.
Special Presentation
Deputy Mayor Hattenburg presented the July You Rock! Community Recognition award to Mr. Terry Powell, recognizing his tremendous contributions to Spokane Valley. Nominate someone for the You Rock! program at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/YouRock.
General Public Comments
Each week, community members can 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.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council moved to an executive session to discuss potential litigation.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Resolution 25-015 Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation – Reject All Bids
The City received four bids on the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project. Upon review, multiple bid proposals contained irregularities, and the City received multiple protests during the review process. Staff reported that at least one bidder indicated intent to seek redress in court, which could delay the project beyond this construction season. This could increase inconvenience to the public by delaying the rail grade separation and the elimination of the highway signals, as well as potentially increasing costs. A rejection of all bids would result in the following actions:
- Publication of the re-bid notification on Thursday, July 16, 2025
- Advertisement of the project on Friday, July 18, 2025
- A planned bid opening on Friday, August 8, 2025
- An award target date of August 19, 2025
- Upon successful award and execution, the groundbreaking will occur in September 2025.
A motion to suspend the rules and adopt Resolution 25-015 rejecting all bids for Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project and authorizing further calls for bids for the same passed with 5 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
1(a). Resolution 25-014 Declaring Property Surplus
This item was discussed at the July 8, 2025, meeting. In April 2025, the City Council approved the Affordable and Market Rate Housing RFP for two city-owned parcels (at the corner of 5008 E. 2nd Ave. and 228 S. Carnahan Road and at 4908 E 1st Ave.) to Habitat for Humanity of Spokane. The properties must be declared surplus to finalize the award and transfer them to Habitat for Humanity of Spokane.
A motion to approve Resolution 25-014 declaring as surplus certain real property of the City passed with 5 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
2. Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) for Opioid Remediation
Council discussed this item at the July 8, 2025, meeting. The State of Washington and numerous local jurisdictions have received settlements against various companies involved in opioid production, sale and distribution since 2022. Spokane Valley has received approximately $105,000 from the settlements to date. In September 2024, the Council agreed to apply some of settlement funds to SRHD to expand the opioid dashboard and for a Spokane Valley-specific Needs Assessment of opioid use and overdose fatalities. An ILA between SRHD and Spokane Valley must be finalized before these projects begin. The draft agreement was provided in the packet.
A motion to authorize the city manager to execute the ILA with SRHD passed unanimously.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
4. Aging and Long-Term Care Presentation
Ms. Lynn Kimball, Executive Director of Aging and Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington, reviewed 2024 service data for Spokane Valley and discussed availability of resources and services for senior citizens.
5. Joint Planning Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Amendment
Staff outlined the changes in Steering Committee of Elected Officials (SCEO) membership, which will add positions for the Spokane Tribe and Kalispel Tribe. Modifying the membership requires an amendment of the ILA to be signed by all member jurisdictions. The Council reached consensus to place this item on a future agenda for motion consideration.
6. Fatbeam Franchise Update
Staff reported that Fatbeam owns and operates telecommunications facilities within public rights-of-way in Spokane Valley, per Franchise Ordinance 25-014, which was adopted by the City Council in July 2015, and will expire in August 2025. An updated Franchise Ordinance 25-012 will extend the non-exclusive franchise rights to Fatbeam until 2035. Fatbeam will pay all costs to operate and maintain the facilities and is required to maintain insurance and bonds. The Council reached consensus to place this item on a future agenda for motion consideration.
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.