[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6630946,"mediaKeyId","2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163","parentId",2688499,"title","Council authorizes fire interlocal agreement and approves grant applications, amends federal legislative agenda","audioSeconds",605,"startMs",5011000,"endMs",5616000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163&start=5011&end=5616","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163/thumbnail_5011000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6630946/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-authorizes-fire-interlocal-agreement-and-approves-grant-applications-amends-federal-legislative-agenda","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630946-6ccd24adb6c69188c1080124dc6853a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775536959&Signature=VqGiXMvqNve1hG7lKGybkJY8iWkofpiK3F5GYpc4qw8JaYoaySB8T-Pgt4agWHCSOg6A0o5CfUw8ywxbPEgxu0QQMOs3sJdT0rrKmdI-dQcJfjFIbd80kU74AGjvidUEo5Ne0QmCGoPo16hP36eWu-jf3SuJMISCZQMmLU4aJ5NaVu9EmgMGM0Y6ygDc-VVwcle3WqMTqatB-jFkHCyoffaIeESujayP8AOKGSZGYC84kwB99zx2AsGOhXCllf-k7XZXbZjOnyxyr6eDkyF6so8v41loER2rSDDwYWpT9E9VKFFYClDlnnwU55nCDVORdDWNxt4BKfnRA3-DuskMPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane Valley","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Spokane Valley City Council on March 18 took several action items: it authorized the city manager to execute an amended interlocal agreement for fire services with Spokane Valley Fire District 1; it authorized staff to apply for multiple Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) grant projects; it authorized applications to the National Highway System (NHS) program; and it approved an amended 2025 federal legislative agenda with two previously‑pursued earmark requests removed after the continuing resolution excluded them.

Interlocal agreement: Building official Jenny Nickerson presented an updated interlocal agreement with Spokane Valley Fire Department (Fire District 1). She told the council the amended agreement included three clarifying additions to the fee‑collection language (Section G and Section D2). The council voted to authorize the city manager to execute the amended interlocal agreement; the motion passed unanimously.

SRTC grant applications: Engineering Manager Adam Jackson described a prioritized list of projects to submit for SRTC’s 2027‑2029 call for projects. Staff said SRTC made $35.7 million available countywide and noted a required non‑federal match (roughly 13.5%) and tight application deadlines. The council authorized staff to apply for the projects shown in the staff table, including preservation and corridor projects; adoption of the table authorizes submitting the applications but not accepting any award until council approval of actual grant agreements.

NHS grant applications: Jackson described the state NHS competitive program, which allows applications up to $10 million per project, and recommended three preservation projects for submission. The council authorized staff to apply for those NHS projects.

Federal legislative agenda: Legislative policy coordinator Virginia Clef presented a revised federal agenda. She said two Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests — for the Barker I‑90 interchange and the Argonne bridge — were removed from the packet after staff learned those appropriations were not included in the recent continuing resolution. The agenda was amended to reflect updated project funding numbers and to prioritize a cross‑country course field‑house request; the council approved the amended 2025 federal legislative agenda prior to planned advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Votes at a glance: the interlocal agreement, the SRTC grant application table, the NHS application authorization, and the amended federal legislative agenda were approved by the council at the March 18 meeting. Staff will return with individual award acceptances, matching‑fund requirements and contract language for council approval before any grant funds are accepted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Spokane Valley - Council Meeting - Mar 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council authorized an amended interlocal fire agreement, approved staff to submit multiple transportation grant applications and adopted an amended federal legislative agenda, the council confirmed on March 18.","taxTitle","Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington","taxId",2645,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6630950,"Council withdraws proposed sign‑code changes affecting rights‑of‑way after public concern",1154,2173000,3327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163&start=2173&end=3327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163/thumbnail_2173000.jpg","/articles/6630950/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-withdraws-proposed-signcode-changes-affecting-rightsofway-after-public-concern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630950-9c8d165344cc3a85bc8bedb5923deec9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775536959&Signature=mim-82gLGuImAUYCprcfIVCV3lKIQxkG-GW8bVOZKF64uBL5u377e~-6ouIYlRS33I9nuN2GtCUMieTM5B97zbfvdKxe~Y5PRgSmenIRC8ST64OMwGO9Hqpa4kytQLwvqb-jdF-XNvkxAt~YlIToFWjyuvvBCgjB8gKPkVBov5VXpHF1wW3FH1FmKjcvRDgBz~t8ohpw3tC39iU2RUs0U5KukJB7~Ns-BXbvpZWnaFL~tEQTP2smAd-X22HOk6ubYB1DCLZgokqFr7XT8Au1Gci7F3pRTFfVWxk6URrH1HUg-1CDsZUaD8Wt477Uk3umKPgMkW2MaGBy3HIWPPyKnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane Valley City Council on March 18 withdrew consideration of an ordinance that would have amended the municipal sign code to allow certain noncommercial signs in city rights‑of‑way.

City Attorney (presenting the draft) explained the current municipal code prohibits non‑government signs within rights‑of‑way, and the draft before council would have authorized two categories of new signs — limited noncommercial signs and nonprofit event directional signs — subject to time, place and manner restrictions. The draft set maximum dimensions (4 feet by 5 feet), limited display to unimproved green space next to the right‑of‑way, prohibited placement that would impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic or interfere with traffic control devices, and included time limits (maximum 240 days; event signs removed within 14 days after an event and not re‑posted for 120 consecutive days).

The city attorney emphasized a legal constraint: laws regulating noncommercial signs must be content neutral, and if the city allows noncommercial signs it must allow all noncommercial speech subject to reasonable restrictions.

Public comment included realtors who said the proposed rules were unusually strict and difficult to enforce and residents who warned about restrictions on political signage. Several council members asked for clarity on what the city legally defined as right‑of‑way versus other public property.

After additional public comment and a recommendation from staff to continue refining the proposal with stakeholders, a council member moved to withdraw the motion to adopt the ordinance. The motion to withdraw passed without objection and the ordinance was removed from consideration; staff will work further with stakeholders and return at a later date.

What the draft would have done: the draft sought to allow limited, temporary noncommercial signage in certain green‑space portions of rights‑of‑way, with size limits, specific setback and safety restrictions, and owner identification on the sign to assist enforcement. The council did not adopt the changes and did not set a new date for reconsideration.","The council withdrew a motion to adopt an ordinance that would have allowed many noncommercial signs in city rights‑of‑way, after public testimony from realtors and neighbors and questions about definitions and enforcement. Staff said the draft was intended to align practice with code but that current code prohibits most signs in rights‑of‑way.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6630955,"Short‑term‑rental owners and hoteliers trade views; council requests staff follow‑up",1493,5691000,7184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163&start=5691&end=7184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163/thumbnail_5691000.jpg","/articles/6630955/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Shorttermrental-owners-and-hoteliers-trade-views-council-requests-staff-followup","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630955-2461bc3ea129cd7226172b9c43e378d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775536959&Signature=gSvmrN2vXk5-BVoZdwdBC10TjiVSv3hIThK1UJ-0qGd8DMd16SbUVZ9zl-PwzGfE0VTt7~D71VNRUPL0t7bK3UkXGlYLhTwAV5~VdnHQPDi4stHm9QVmkwewEYH1H6q6qox4PyHz1N4aMyNMfhR1C~lWhe7zKhbDNpRt1IvqSwq2dV854qOtwqjXhLRavImWluX5Hjaps1WEpuP1CfAdIhm4IkEDVo6b~u655kSmfIWHBu4Lh09e0p2A1hcLbw-r~ebIVi6gl4M5MGP-8tOz28v8JxJWonYwMhzYeIuQBER9I4L-M-wJZYKjSTLxzR2-fkpoeyNgi~qF2BAoK9s7ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane Valley City Council on March 18 heard an informational presentation from three short‑term rental operators and received extended public comment from both short‑term rental hosts and hotel representatives; the council did not adopt regulations and asked staff to return with options.

Tourism and marketing manager Leslie Brasfield introduced three owners who described mostly seasonal, owner‑occupied rentals and modest household income support. Johanna Tuttle summarized her unit’s history: “We’ve been in the Airbnb system since May of 2022,” she said, adding the unit is owner‑occupied and used to supplement family income.

Owners emphasized narrow profit margins, on‑site management and use for family or temporary housing. Debbie Schwartz said many hosts are preserving older homes and running small operations rather than “commercial” property portfolios.

Hotel owners and industry representatives urged registration and basic standards. Grant Gwyn, owner of the Tru by Hilton in Spokane Valley, told the council the hospitality community supports basic identification and responsiveness requirements so the city and neighbors can reach an operator if a problem arises. Derek Fazio of the Washington Hospitality Association said short‑term rentals operating as a business should follow business rules and asked for a level playing field on permitting and tax compliance.

Council questions focused on compliance costs and enforcement. Several councilmembers asked staff for cost estimates for a short annual registration fee and for the technical function of monitoring software such as Granicus, which staff described as a tool that can scan listing platforms and flag unregistered properties for follow‑up. City staff reiterated that the city is in a fact‑gathering phase and that no ordinance is active.

What happens next: staff will return with options, cost estimates and draft registration language for council consideration. No code changes or permit fees were adopted at the meeting.","The council heard an informational presentation from three short‑term rental operators and a range of public comments — including hotel industry representatives — and did not adopt new rules. Councilmembers asked staff to bring back regulatory options and cost estimates.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6630959,"Spokane Valley council moves to advance 0.1% public-safety sales tax process; public hearing set",1859,3779000,5638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163&start=3779&end=5638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688499-0e625ffd16a384320c511aa23e797163/thumbnail_3779000.jpg","/articles/6630959/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-Valley-council-moves-to-advance-01-public-safety-sales-tax-process-public-hearing-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630959-b617769121f7e34c38905756a4d77bb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775536959&Signature=IH4eH~zr8Xx6oMOwTCFXDxUp0OxkRg~r2FE1QH~9IisIpJwEKjHPdbT~59ePegIOANskMWDCwQJDBzh6NhmNEhiGBwu7Mw6updew~ceCimL~IfEJTlxfuYDGEn7TwUjPQ80kFjfi5djGt1y8Yd8WuzSXWIA50LS1lHCaFFEgzHseeLsVMPQ3loI4CstzyNG4CBeit6v8z1FvTr~cRyDu88HKZqIorYb4CVCB6y10O79q3Q7DcLq2~NsnR3C7azGyaf-Yz~8v3DiIINk-HGEiXSVPKQ1HG-Ny5TjnLs6MpVqeqv3Z~8HPQBbk7KVVeVLdC8VAWH6e3egqIdiq8H-BcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane Valley City Council on March 18 agreed to advance the process of placing a voter initiative to raise the city sales tax by 0.1 percentage point for public safety, directing staff to publish a public‑hearing notice for April 1 and to solicit members for the required pro‑and‑con committees.

City Deputy Manager Eric Lam, summarizing a winter workshop discussion, told the council “based on 2023 and 2024 sales tax collections, we estimate that a 0.1% voter‑approved public safety sales tax would generate approximately $2,600,000.” He said roughly 48% of the sales‑tax base that would pay the levy is from out‑of‑city visitors, reducing the share paid by local households.

The move begins a time‑sensitive calendar set by state law and the city’s governance manual. Bond counsel Deanna Gregory told the council the election ordinance, the voters’ explanatory statement and pro/con committee appointments must be finalized and transmitted to the county by early May to appear on the August 5 primary ballot. Gregory said the explanatory statement is limited by county guidance and must be “in clear and neutral tone,” and that the voters’ pamphlet package will include the ballot proposition, an explanatory statement and pro/con statements and rebuttals.

Why it matters: council and staff said the city is facing rising public‑safety costs and flat sales‑tax receipts. At a prior workshop staff recommended a staffing “phase 2” that would add the equivalent of roughly 6.5 positions (four patrol officers, a school resource officer and other direct public‑safety positions), which would require recurring funding on the order of about $1.0 million per year. Council members repeatedly said the measure gives voters the choice to increase recurring revenue for police and public‑safety services rather than pursuing cuts to other city programs.

Council discussion and next steps: council asked staff to publish the April 1 notice for the required public hearing and to begin soliciting candidates for the pro and con committees (statute limits each committee to no more than three city residents). Staff emphasized the tight schedule required to hit an August ballot: ordinances and explanatory text would need to be adopted and submitted to Spokane County by May 2. Deputy City Manager Lam and Finance Director Chelsea Walls will return with language and cost estimates; outside counsel will draft the election ordinance and the explanatory statement for council consideration on April 1 and a second reading later in April.

Councilmembers split on policy but agreed to let voters decide. Several members said they prefer the city to exhaust internal efficiencies and audit indirect contract costs before asking voters for new revenue; others said the city lacks the recurring funds needed to maintain service levels and that a locally controlled, voter‑approved sales tax is the appropriate tool.

The council’s procedural direction does not enact the tax; it only starts the legal and public process needed to put the measure before voters. If the council proceeds, the city will publish the required public‑hearing notice, appoint pro/con committee members, and return with an ordinance and explanatory statement for formal adoption by early May.","The Spokane Valley City Council agreed to start the process for placing a 0.1% voter‑approved public safety sales tax on the August 5, 2025 ballot, directing staff to publish a notice for an April 1 public hearing and to solicit pro/con committee volunteers. Staff said the levy would raise an estimated $2.6 million annually if approved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council authorizes fire interlocal agreement and approves grant applications, amends federal legislative agenda

Council withdraws proposed sign‑code changes affecting rights‑of‑way after public concern

Short‑term‑rental owners and hoteliers trade views; council requests staff follow‑up

Spokane Valley council moves to advance 0.1% public-safety sales tax process; public hearing set