[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6590247,"mediaKeyId","5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8","parentId",5602565,"title","Operators union strike halts regional paving; Spokane Valley monitors Wellesley and school access","audioSeconds",190,"startMs",5533000,"endMs",5723000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8&start=5533&end=5723","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8/thumbnail_5533000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590247/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Operators-union-strike-halts-regional-paving-Spokane-Valley-monitors-Wellesley-and-school-access","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590247-87f76cbfc37e627f22d73278e50634d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144409&Signature=Kfajsk2e-RyggiPn-XsUzD7G5J4vz9wH5yRX8DU23aCtD8grCOiAQzc08QRvY4LbgxJmMjAD0xTnAsCApDDbz7tyMPfQlqV8xsuVpxk9rgZ2wqci7SJ0u1ksefehCewMaZvXSDs04qAaomNtCj2MGtuvOaPZnYy3B2RWtqcxI1swq4XgxBUsFxlMM2ik~pvh9J6VYzOGHyB7Y4wcYixIJR1fnTF89U4izZE36lD-wkQCnWfgMU7WwZG-YyV6uAl3afp8rt~7q~2Six4A~Rb57L9nVKLCrxoFo8jGZDpspxZ8U457~DmYF8G~SL-KmrqVUemz5UTMcHb8t02YFnlSJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane Valley","date","2025-08-19T00:00:00Z","article","Public Works Director Robert Blagan told the Spokane Valley City Council that operators union Local 302 went on strike last Tuesday, and the stoppage has halted many paving projects across Eastern Washington.

Blagan said the city completed late‑night paving on some segments (Sixteenth, Bowdish and Thorpe roads) before the strike began, but Wellesley Road could not be completed and remains on the project critical path. He said the city is working with the prime contractor on contingency options, including seeking subcontractors not on strike and planning temporary traffic markings and pedestrian accommodations with East Valley High School for the first day of school on Aug. 27.

Blagan warned that each additional day without the final paving raises the risk of not meeting the school start date and complicates scheduling for the first football games in early September. He said the city is in daily communication with the contractor and school administration and is developing temporary measures that could include interim striping and temporary crosswalks until the final lift of pavement can be placed.

No formal action was required; staff said they will continue to update council and coordinate with the school district and contractor as the situation evolves.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Spokane Valley - Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public Works Director Robert Blagan updated council on an operators union (Local 302) strike that began the previous week, which has paused paving work regionally and left the Wellesley project short of final paving for the Aug. 27 school opening.","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},6590252,"Council backs applying for lodging‑tax funds to cover initial operating costs of new cross‑country course",465,4164000,4629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8&start=4164&end=4629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8/thumbnail_4164000.jpg","/articles/6590252/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-backs-applying-for-lodgingtax-funds-to-cover-initial-operating-costs-of-new-crosscountry-course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590252-f2f760bfe1631da9b65b0d2b09d1edc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144409&Signature=XZkzU3PSLR0u3aQekETM0kuhIpZPPwWIloz7d4KjNWf7bdC7Ka0ASPFIvVpsqh4SJ7AuPw~GLvoVP-ckP9dR1a3NcSXxGRoSAXTzi8GiKGrZ5lcFiIouxp4GLs6JkqM4vmF-IOQm6nRzZ30JPlBNUnpCNrC2PUVDJND43DACqOh2XF-2rTpKkI7Da9iK24oMRZEQxAaDVaWrehPf-X9fxe-9QkfTvfVHy14FYQDHoLK9i94bt4oqtVHd8yMPowrLgSExYVQriNfdazOd3ZYqpxHm~rbPm4VONjmox0gzHpkqYpRMP0gYZU1fHV619BMCehp-4X80NmBw8lckIZQgnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chelsea Walls, Finance Director, told council staff will seek consensus to return with a formal motion asking the Local Tourism Advisory Committee (LTAC) to award lodging‑tax funds to cover initial operating and maintenance costs for the city’s new cross‑country course.

Walls said staff’s current estimate for 2026 maintenance is about $257,000 and that, until rental fees and operations stabilize, the general fund would otherwise carry those costs. She said the lodging‑tax request would be reimbursement‑based, consistent with other LTAC awards, and that the city would be reimbursed only for actual eligible expenses up to the awarded amount.

Councilmember Jason Yeager and others said they expect the course will generate sales and lodging tax revenue over time but that such revenue is difficult to estimate before the facility is in operation. City Manager John Homan said the 2023 tourism analysis provides conservative economic‑impact projections and staff will present more detailed estimates and an operating model in future work.

Council consensus was recorded (at least 6–1) in favor of staff returning with a motion to apply to LTAC for operating and maintenance funding for 2026. Walls and staff said they would pursue the application on a one‑year basis and noted the LTAC schedule requires timely action to be eligible for next year’s awards.","Staff will seek the city’s LTAC (2% lodging‑tax) funds to reimburse expected 2026 operating and maintenance costs for the new cross‑country course; council gave consensus to return with a formal motion to apply for about $257,000.",{"_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},6590256,"Council invites written proposal for ice‑arena project at Sullivan property after Innovia donor presentation",1720,2483000,4203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8&start=2483&end=4203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8/thumbnail_2483000.jpg","/articles/6590256/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-invites-written-proposal-for-icearena-project-at-Sullivan-property-after-Innovia-donor-presentation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590256-d461ded44201868ca0a8d80eeefe8a8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144409&Signature=JrjRVEKyq7mapWjz0lIoE119LUWZbw4IioRxch~evhAugy541Ca4j8XeNC8xiosNyTFowYMcjAD4CEkMOU3vj-DccykkktKHoa-gghTJ8T7iD5cRaWSMkfychbJJDfjKdmCs74zivaNAd4iKeNmVoNASkh9QdX4yMlzl2Gat3ZPpdNLBEk5dtK2Mgu3mW9MQ~pkOwTjJ0AhXiInM8wwXtLgOeW1Kgbqq2LbgFCL9c1TIYaf7h-BYwjfEqCpSdj2tjWSrjxGlZLTx-6EjvUd1Xc-I7agyRaVZl4kdkVZ7N5xwQN2ixcEa-oB8m~PZC4Tsp1W4ofoUM1E1FBL1mr7pYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Innovia Foundation and a private benefactor presented a concept Tuesday to build a dual‑rink ice facility on 11 acres the city acquired at Sullivan, adjacent to Sullivan Park. After the presentation, the Spokane Valley City Council gave consensus—6 to 1—for Innovia and the benefactor to submit a detailed written proposal for the council and city staff to review.

John Homan, City Manager, and Shelley O'Quinn of Innovia Foundation outlined the opportunity. O'Quinn said the benefactor’s intent is to provide capital so the facility would have “no capital debt,” and that the larger site could accommodate revenue‑generating components such as a hotel and retail to support long‑term operating sustainability. O'Quinn described Innovia’s role as facilitator for donors, non‑profits and community partners and noted the idea fits prior tourism and economic development studies (2016, updated 2023) that identified ice facilities as a regional need.

Eric Lamb, Deputy City Manager, said the city and Innovia have discussed several statutory and structural options and that the next step is for Innovia and the benefactor to submit a written proposal describing the vision, facilities, operations model and proposed city role. Lamb said staff would then return with options and, if council wants to continue, a public process including possible public hearings.

Mayor Haley (participating remotely) and other council members praised the donor’s generosity and the project’s potential tourism and youth‑engagement benefits. Councilmember Elizabeth Merkel voiced concern about municipal involvement and sustainability and said she would be cautious about city participation without clearer private‑sector commitments.

Council consensus was recorded 6–1 in favor of requesting a formal proposal. Staff and Innovia emphasized the action requested was to review a written proposal, not a commitment of city funds or approval of land use. If Innovia and the benefactor submit a proposal, staff said it will analyze statutory options, potential city roles, and any required public processes before any formal council action.","Innovia Foundation and a private benefactor presented a proposal to develop a dual ice rink and mixed‑use site at the city’s Sullivan property; council gave consensus (6–1) for Innovia and the benefactor to submit a written proposal for staff review.",{"_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},6590261,"Council approves NCAA venue lease, operations agreement for 2027 West Regional cross‑country meet",747,1710000,2457000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8&start=1710&end=2457","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8/thumbnail_1710000.jpg","/articles/6590261/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Council-approves-NCAA-venue-lease-operations-agreement-for-2027-West-Regional-crosscountry-meet","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590261-5e40000afb777d7f40569c11b55b0c5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144409&Signature=eKnUjoUrSLaWPDHUD~F0nsS767-knK1sgZVknILArS7xrFugvHelcCaqme9s~C3D5HKKl7uyY8Kzgxf0B-e2SQHx5OClikFYFO1OEQsgHEHrpoCeWLP5XwqLc91JsMnY5rudWtkKewnsH0eQDsmXkZyD~3b82ZoHqGlP5LFsAfFp8SNswn1gzpowJuTIJBFjj8fN0vkYYeIfQaF1Px5kv8Q4ORLh~~DiOIaTBwijwPZIfPw7UY3gAxYhOWAHhioPhibqCT0m5Bfuo6pPzx1iwin8WBIxpJbMAwWWOuJvp7b2fw52gEvAFsKvqn74h4oPVFvCLCiKzzYzcSTR-P6hLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Spokane Valley City Council unanimously authorized the city manager to sign an NCAA venue lease and a corresponding operations agreement that will allow the 2027 NCAA Division I West Regional Cross Country Championship to be scheduled at the city’s new course.

John Bothelli, Parks and Recreation Director, told the council Spokane Sports and Gonzaga University assembled a bid and that Spokane Sports will function as the local organizing committee (the LLC) to operate the event. Bothelli said the lease needed to be executed now so the NCAA can confirm and schedule the championship two years out.

Bothelli and staff explained the agreements split responsibilities: the city will act as venue owner and Spokane Sports will be the event operator. The city will receive a venue rental payment; Spokane Sports has agreed to pay the city an amount determined through a third‑party market analysis by Sports Facilities Advisory. The council was told Spokane Sports will pay the rental amount to the city and that the fee will be vetted with the city before being finalized.

Councilmember Elizabeth Merkel asked whether the NCAA or Spokane Sports would pay the city; Bothelli responded that Spokane Sports will pay the venue rental amount and that both NCAA and Spokane Sports will have financial obligations for staging the event. Bothelli also confirmed the agreement specifies that tickets will not be sold for the meet, noting that it is typical for this kind of championship to be free to spectators.

Legal staff said all three parties will carry insurance and that indemnification is split among the city, NCAA and Spokane Sports according to the lease and operations agreement. Kelly (city legal) emphasized that responsibility for a specific injury would depend on the factual circumstances of any incident.

Ben Lund and other public commenters praised the agreement and highlighted anticipated economic benefits for hotels and restaurants.

The motion carried 7–0. Staff said they will return to council later with the independent consultant’s rental‑fee recommendation and any final contract details.","Spokane Valley authorized the city manager to execute a venue lease and a corresponding operations agreement that names Spokane Sports as the local organizing committee for the 2027 NCAA Division I West Regional Cross Country Championship; council vote was unanimous.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590266,"Spokane Valley awards Pines Road BNSF grade-separation contract to Active Construction",1060,649000,1709000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8&start=649&end=1709","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602565-e53df0ef2022ccf205f8dde24c1c53d8/thumbnail_649000.jpg","/articles/6590266/Spokane-Valley/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-Valley-awards-Pines-Road-BNSF-grade-separation-contract-to-Active-Construction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590266-a21843d5698982427efcbca9e3bdc6fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144409&Signature=W8nE4ZJoZFdLxYf~CyjlCkJj-uJk2PnqSnrD8slVRrWWIfXPDgsy9F1Eq-wrHOAkH3Qd17ByEQG42pkAr7mRa1DE5wO-BgjffQkeln7u1DVdnWzGkUhgdGF23pIbJR69XnuuNob-taKx37QVNDWWhF6JJH7gZF8Om2inq5HxkqnciaKJPl9S42jEPeF8pfGnZO~Uw7h4Mm63neXw0fbw1fD59oanxFD4c4nnrxi9YSMXupn0A~E4w8twwm7u6vCE42SvUyP8Nq9~LefO9olf5ChA7pQzw~Fm4Zu0qLdxPEK9RXicrn~utcAnAj4-tIjZR7iuGIk28HPitq7dSrs7TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deputy Mayor Tim Hatenberg and the Spokane Valley City Council voted Tuesday to award the Pines Road BNSF grade-separation construction contract to Active Construction Inc., approving a city-manager‑authorized contract for the project in the amount announced at the meeting.

The project team said the rebid closed Aug. 8 with seven bidders; two submissions were judged nonresponsive because they omitted required unit bid prices. Engineering staff told the council the low responsive bid from Active Construction came in about 26% below the city’s engineer’s estimate and approximately $1.2 million lower than the June bid opening.

Public Works Director Robert Blagan and Engineering Manager Erica Amston briefed the council on the award. Amston said the work in this contract covers the roadway improvements left from phase 1, including a roundabout, storm drainage, lighting, ITS, trailhead facilities, roadwork and striping. Blagan said the contract is a unit‑price contract and “the contractor has to build the project for what they bid the project,” noting change orders or equitable adjustments could be requested only for changed conditions or other contract‑defined reasons.

City Manager John Homan urged the council to view the low bids as a positive outcome for the community, saying the result reflects an aggressive bidding environment rather than an error in the city’s estimating process.

Councilmember Elizabeth Merkel said she remains concerned that the city’s engineer estimates are often higher than final awards and asked whether escalation clauses could increase costs; staff said unit prices hold bidders to their submitted prices but do not foreclose claims via change order processes when conditions change.

Several members of the public asked about contractor past performance and how unused budgeted funds will be handled. Amston said the city is required to accept the lowest responsive bidder under state law; she said Active Construction was responsive, properly licensed and not barred from contracting. Staff said the project will be primarily funded by a Federal RAISE grant with Move Ahead Washington funds used as match, and that unused federal funds would be deobligated and returned to the grantor agencies if not spent on the project.

The motion to award the contract carried 6 to 1, with Merkel voting against the award.

Project funding, contract administration and final execution of the construction agreement will proceed under the direction of the city manager and public works staff. Staff also said they will return with more detailed funding-source breakdowns to answer councilmember questions about project budget surpluses and deobligation procedures.","The Spokane Valley City Council voted 6-1 to award the Pines Road BNSF grade-separation construction contract to Active Construction Inc.; project largely funded by a federal RAISE grant and the Move Ahead Washington state grant.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Operators union strike halts regional paving; Spokane Valley monitors Wellesley and school access

Council backs applying for lodging‑tax funds to cover initial operating costs of new cross‑country course

Council invites written proposal for ice‑arena project at Sullivan property after Innovia donor presentation

Council approves NCAA venue lease, operations agreement for 2027 West Regional cross‑country meet

Spokane Valley awards Pines Road BNSF grade-separation contract to Active Construction