This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda. Councilmember Michael Kelly was excused from the meeting.
General Public Comments
Each week, community members have an opportunity to address Councilmembers for up to three minutes during the General Public Comment period, either at the beginning or end of each meeting, either in person or via Zoom.
ACTION ITEMS
#1 – Public Hearing: Draft Active Transportation Plan
On Feb. 18, 2025, the Council approved for the City Manager to enter into an agreement to receive grant funds from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Active Transportation Assistance Program for the development of an Active Transportation Plan. Staff outlined the plan development process, the community engagement efforts, and feedback received from the community. Information was presented regarding the existing conditions of active transportation facilities and programs, level of traffic stress analysis results, identification of network needs and proposed improvements. Members of the public were invited to share comments about the draft Active Transportation Plan.
#2 – Proposed Resolution 26-013: Amending the Master Speed Limit Schedule
The Council received a report on this topic at the Aug. 11, 2026, meeting. The Master Speed Limit Schedule was last updated on June 23, 2026, by approval of Resolution 26-007. There has been a shift in the methodology for setting safer speed limits over the past decade in relation to roadway context and function. City staff conducted a pilot study based on two widely accepted methodologies and a third hybrid approach. Staff evaluated 15 roadway segments adjacent to schools throughout the city to assess the recommended posted speed. Four segments were identified for a lower posted speed through all three methodologies:
• Broadway Ave. from Adams Rd. to Sullivan Rd. (Progress Elementary)
• Pines Rd. from 32nd Ave. to 40th Ave. (University High School, Chester Elementary and Horizon Middle School)
• Park Rd. from Trent Ave. to Euclid Ave. (Orchard Center Elementary)
• Park Rd. from Mission Ave. to Trent Ave. (Seth Woodard Elementary)
As the Broadway segment is only one piece of an arterial that spans the city limits, it is recommended to evaluate the overall corridor for consistency in speed limit setting. This will be accomplished through a second phase of the pilot study. It is recommended to lower the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph in the Park Road and Pines Road locations for safety purposes.
A motion to approve Resolution 26-013 repealing and replacing resolution 26-007 and amending the Master Speed Limit Schedule passed unanimously.
#3 – Second Reading: Proposed Ordinance 26-008: Final Action South Barker Corridor Project
At the Aug. 11, 2026, meeting, Council reached consensus to move the proposed ordinance to a second reading. This project reconstructs Barker Road from 8th Avenue to Sprague Avenue. Planned improvements include widening Barker Road from two to three lanes (center turn lane), bike lanes, stormwater improvements, curb, and sidewalks, and intersection improvements at East 4th Avenue and East 8th Avenue, converting these stop-controlled intersections into single-lane roundabouts. Design is nearing completion and staff are actively working on the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition required. The final ROW phase includes partial acquisitions from 35 property owners encompassing 36 parcels. The City has finalized negotiations with the property owners of 33 parcels.
If ROW negotiations cannot be completed, Title 8 RCW authorizes municipalities to initiate condemnation proceedings and acquire the property through eminent domain. Eminent domain requires that the City pay property owners just compensation for the property that is condemned. The City and its consultants have identified three parcels, owned by two property owners, for which condemnation may be necessary. RCW 8.12.040 requires that the City take its final action indicating its desire to condemn land through an ordinance. Proposed Ordinance 26-008 is the City’s necessary “final action” ordinance.
A motion to approve Ordinance 26-008 related to land acquisition on S. Barker Corridor (Sprague Avenue to 8th Avenue) passed with 5 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
#4 – 2027 State Legislative Agenda Adoption
The Council reviewed an initial draft of the 2027 agenda at the July 7, 2026, meeting. Staff reviewed the updates made since July 7. Proposed funding requests include:
Capital Budget: Flora Park Riverview Trail: $600,000 to construct the trail
Transportation Budget:
• Sullivan/Trent Interchange: $7.5 million allocated to the FMSIB program to help ensure that grant timelines can be met
• Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center (TMC); Request that the Legislature permanently fund the TMC to align with funding of the other TMCs
• And fully fund grant programs such as the Safe Routes to School Program, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, and the FMSIB program.
On the horizon transportation projects include Barker Road/I-90 Interchange (Mission to Appleway) and Argonne Road at I-90 Bridge.
The agenda’s policy issues section was streamlined for conciseness and consistency. Policy categories include Public Safety and Behavioral Health, Housing Affordability, Local Decision-Making Authority and Fiscal Management.
A motion to amend the item to include accountability language around intentional fire endangerment and reducing building and energy code regulations passed unanimously. A motion to adopt the 2027 State Legislative Agenda passed unanimously.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#5 – Potential Grant Opportunity: Water Quality Combined Program Funding Program
In early August 2026, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a Call for Projects for the Water Quality Combined Funding Program. Staff provided details about the grant program and summarized potential city programs within the Stormwater Financial Assistance Program. In 2023, the city applied for and received a $212,500 engineering-only design grant for FY 2025 for the Montgomery Stormwater Improvements project between Argonne Road and the Mansfield/Montgomery roundabout, and now staff recommends applying for a grant for the construction phase. The estimated construction cost is $3,000,000, consisting of $2,550,000 (85%) in grant funding and $450,000 (15%) local match.
The Council reached consensus for staff to pursue this construction grant opportunity and the recommended project, then return to Council with a motion consideration to apply for grant funding.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council moved to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, per RCW 42.30.110(l)(i). Upon return to open session, the Council unanimously passed a motion to authorize the city manager to sign and execute the settlement in the lawsuit filed against the City by the family of Bryce Adame for $3 million. The city’s insurance carrier, Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), will pay the settlement amount.
About Spokane Valley City Council
City Council meetings occur most Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, and online via Zoom. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Agendas. Community members are invited to attend Council meetings to participate in action items or public comment periods in-person or online. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 14. Email the Council at CityCouncil@SpokaneValleyWA.gov or learn more at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/CityCouncil.
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