This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda.
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.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public Hearing: Ordinance 25-009 Amending SVMC 22.110.060 to Prohibit Signs on Traffic Devices
The Council has reviewed and discussed this item multiple times in 2025, most recently at the May 13, 2025, meeting. Staff recommended a new subsection be added to SVMC 22.110.060 with clear and understandable language stating that signs may not be placed on or attached to traffic control devices, in a way that obstructs visibility of traffic control devices, or on bridges. This is for the safety and well-being of both non-motorized and motorized traffic. Staff described the proposed language. The public was invited to provide comments on the proposed Ordinance 25-009.
ACTION ITEMS
2. Second Reading: Ordinance 25-009, Amending SVMC 22.110.060 to Prohibit Signs on Traffic Devices
A motion to adopt Ordinance #25-009 Amending SVMC 22.110.060 to prohibit signs on traffic devices passed unanimously.
3. Second Reading: Ordinance 25-007, CTA-2024-0002 Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit Update
Council discussed this item on April 22 and May 20, 2025. The primary intent of the proposed right-of-way permit amendments is to remove ROW permitting procedures from the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) development and land use regulations. Instead, ROW permitting procedures will be moved to a new section in SVMC Title 9 Related to Vehicles and Traffic. This new section will incorporate updated and clarified language. The process will be done in two steps: (1) Council approval to amend Chapters 17.80 and 22.130 and (2) Council approval to add a new Chapter 9.50 SVMC.
A motion to approve Ordinance 25-007, CTA 2024-0002, amending Chapters 17.80 and 22.130 SVMC related to removing right-of-way permit procedures from the development code and other matters related thereto passed unanimously.
4. Second Reading: Ordinance 25-008 Right-of-Way Permit Update
See Item #3. A motion to approve Ordinance #25-008 adopting new chapter 9.5 SVMC and amending chapter 7.05 SVMC related to updating right-of-way permit procedures and enforcement, and other matters related thereto passed unanimously.
5. First Reading: Ordinance 25-011, Reckless Endangerment with a Controlled Substance
The Council received a report on this topic on May 6, 2025. If approved, Ordinance 25-011 would fill a gap in state law, making it a gross misdemeanor to knowingly or recklessly permit a child or dependent person to ingest, inhale, absorb or have contact with a controlled substance. This ordinance would provide law enforcement with another tool to protect children and dependent persons who are exposed to controlled substances. Staff described the proposed prohibited conduct and penalties.
A motion to advance Ordinance 25-011, related to Endangerment with a Controlled Substance, to a second reading passed unanimously.
6. Councilmember Merkel Settlement
The city attorney provided a background of previous Council action taken in regards to Councilmember Merkel, leading up to Feb. 11, 2025 when the City filed a civil action against Councilmember Merkel seeking a court order determining his personal social media posts regarding city business are public records as defined by the Washington Public Records Act (PRA) and compelling Councilmember Merkel to comply with the social media policy contained within City Council’s Governance Manual and the PRA. The court has not yet issued any orders or rulings in the action.
On May 13, 2025, the City received a settlement offer from Councilmember Merkel’s attorney. Terms of the settlement offer were reviewed and discussed.
A motion to decline Albert Merkel’s offer to resolve the pending litigation in Spokane County Superior Court Case No. 25-2-00710-32 passed with 6 votes in favor and zero votes against. (Councilmember Merkel did not recuse himself, however, due to his conflict of interest, he did not participate in the motion and discussion.)
NON-ACTION ITEMS
7. City Emergency Plans Update
Staff shared an update on the city’s work on emergency planning. Currently, the City is working to implement the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) that was adopted in November 2024. Key follow-up measures include orientation meetings with departments, developing procedures for essential services, securing essential records and creating a National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) compliance plan to ensure readiness for a future training exercise. The City is also participating in the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan process that kicked off last month and collaborating with Spokane County Emergency Management to begin work on its Emergency Operations Plan, which will focus on city emergency response and recovery efforts.
INFORMATION ONLY
(No presentation or discussion)
8. Banking Authority Resolution
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council moved into Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition or sale of real estate. No action was taken upon return to open session.
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.