This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda. Councilmember Wick was excused from the meeting.
You Rock! Community Recognition Award
Mayor Haley presented the first You Rock! Community Recognition Award to Mr. Tom Towey. Learn more at www.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.
ACTION ITEMS
#1 First Reading: Ordinance #25-007 CTA-2024-002 Right-of-Way Permit Update
Staff explained that the main purpose of this proposed amendment is to remove right-of-way permitting procedures from the development/land use regulations (Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Chapters 17.80 and 22.130). Right-of-way permitting procedures will be moved to a new section in SVMC Title 9 Related to Vehicles and Traffic with updated and clarified language. This process will require the Council to take two separate actions: (1) Approval to amend Chapters 17.80 and 22.130 SVMC to remove right-of-way permit procedures and (2) Approval to add a new Chapter 9.50 SVMC.
A motion to advance Ordinance #25-007 amending Chapters 17.80 and 22.130 SVMC related to removing right-of-way permit procedures from the development code as stated in CTA-2024-0002 to a second reading passed unanimously.
#2 First Reading: Ordinance 25-008 Right-of-Way Permit Update
See Item #1.
A motion to advance Ordinance #25-008 adopting new chapter 9.50 SVMC and amending chapter 7.05 SVMC related to updating right-of-way permit procedures passed unanimously. Watch the presentation and view the memo and supporting documents.
#3 Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project (GSP) – HDR Construction Management Agreement Supplement 1
The Pines Road/BNSF GSP will grade separate the BNSF tracks from Pines Road (SR-27) by constructing an underpass (Phase 1) and realign Pines Road (SR-27) to the east, replace the signalized intersection of Pines Road (SR-27) and Trent Avenue (SR-290) with a multi-lane roundabout, and construct a new trailhead for the users of the Centennial Trail (Phase 2). This is the largest project the City has delivered to date, with extensive federal paperwork requirements.
Construction began in February 2025. The Phase 1 construction agreement supporting this construction was also negotiated and executed in February 2025. Final preparation is underway to advertise Phase 2 of the project with a goal of a summer 2025 construction start. Staff have negotiated a contract amendment that covers the construction management services needed. The amendment scope and fee have been agreed upon and are now brought forth to the Council for consideration.
A motion to allow the city manager to finalize and execute the construction management services contract amendment with HDR in an amount not to exceed $1,999,376.13 for the amendment or $2,346,515.36 for the total contract, in substantially the form of the attached amendment passed with 5 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#4 Bert J. Porter Foundation at Innovia Foundation
The late Mr. Bert J. Porter was a well-known resident of Spokane Valley who previously donated funds to the City for park improvements, including the shade structures at Greenacres Park, the Valley Mission Dog Park and the “Giant Chair” at Discovery Playground. In March 2025, the City was notified that Mr. Porter’s estate established an endowed foundation to benefit various community organizations, including the City of Spokane Valley. Terms of the endowment specify that distributions can only be used by the Parks and Recreation Department for “capital improvements that provide a public benefit to the community.” The city’s first distribution from the Bert J. Porter Foundation was received on May 5, 2025, in the amount of $52,404.32. The funds will pay for improvements at Greenacres Park, including a sport court pad, connecting pathway and drainage gallery for the new soccer mini pitch. Shelly O’Quinn, CEO at Innovia Foundation, spoke about the Bert J. Porter Foundation and other beneficiaries in Spokane Valley, which will benefit from Mr. Porter’s generous gift and highlighted the role that Innovia Foundation can play in assisting other residents and organizations who may wish to help the community.
#5 Parks, Recreation and Aquatics Season Preview
Staff shared information about the Parks Department’s public outreach and upcoming programs including the park and meal program, youth summer camps, a new youth archery program, adult dance lessons, outdoor recreation events, therapeutic recreation services and outdoor movies at the park. Staff also previewed the summer aquatics programs and announced that, thanks to a sponsorship by Numerica Credit Union, admission for open swim is free every Friday throughout the swim season. Lastly, staff shared information about parks, specifically special events, park shelter reservations, sand volleyball and ball field reservations, and more.
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.