This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following meeting agenda.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Padden presented a proclamation for Independence Day America’s 250th Anniversary to members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Watch the presentation.
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 – Housing Community Development Advisory Committee (HCDAC) Mayoral Appointment
In 2023, the City entered into a three-year interlocal agreement to participate in the Spokane County (County) Consortium for the Housing & Urban Development Entitlement Funds. The HCDAC serves as an advisory committee to the Housing and Community Development Division and the Board of County Commissioners. The HCDAC reviews all funding proposals for housing, homeless, and community development programs administered by Spokane County. HCDAC bylaws provide for up to four representatives from Spokane Valley.
The following individuals are currently serving on the committee:
• Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg
• Councilmember Ben Wick
• City Services Administrator Gloria Mantz
• Housing & Homeless Coordinator Eric Robison
The terms for Deputy Mayor Hattenburg and Councilmember Wick expire on June 30, 2026. Because of their experience serving on the HCDAC, the Mayor recommends renewing their appointments for another three-year term. A motion to confirm the Mayor’s recommendation for appointment passed unanimously.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#2 – Safe & Healthy Task Force Discussion
Staff shared a background about how the Safe and Healthy Spokane Regional Task Force was developed. In October 2025, Council gave consensus for the City to participate in the Planning Team and Task Force. Staff have provided the Council with periodic updates on the Task Force meetings. The Task Force’s work has been completed, and a final report was released on June 2, 2026. Representatives from the Task Force, Lance Beck (Greater Spokane Incorporated) Zeke Smith (Waters Meet Foundation) Matt Albrtight (Multicare) and Chud Wendle (Hutton Settlement) presented a summary of the report and key recommendations.
#3 – Potential Grant Opportunity - Transportation Improvement Board (TIB)
The Washington State TIB recently issued a call for projects for the Urban Arterial Program (UAP), Active Transportation Program and Complete Streets Program (CSP). Staff described the focus on each grant program and outlined program details. City staff and TIB staff held a meeting last month and identified two projects that meet the criteria to apply for the UAP and CSP programs: Pines Road Preservation (32nd Avenue to 40th Avenue) and Barker Road (Sprague Avenue to 8th Avenue). The Council reached consensus to proceed with the proposed projects and return with a motion consideration at a future meeting.
#4 – The Course Schedule Update
Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department staff and Spokane Sports have been collaborating to schedule a variety of cross country running race events for the inaugural season at The Course Spokane Valley. Staff provided an overview of thirteen events currently booked at The Course in 2026. Staff also reported on the new Course website and online booking platform. A grand opening celebration and season opener are scheduled for August 15, 2026.
#5 – City of Spokane Valley v. Councilmember Merkel Court Decision Discussion
City Manager John Hohman provided background information on the city’s lawsuit between the City and City Councilmember Al Merkel. City Attorney Kelly Konkright also summarized the June 25, 2026, ruling of Spokane County Superior Court Judge Rachelle Anderson, which determined that Councilmember Merkel violated both the City Council’s (1) mandatory social media policy by discussing city business in his capacity as a Councilmember on his personal social media rather than an approved official account preserved by archiving software and (2) the Washington Public Records Act by failing to reasonably search for and produce social media records in response to public records requests.
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.
Stay Connected
Spokane Valley City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information is available online at SpokaneValleyWA.gov. Sign up to receive email updates about the topics that matter to you most at SpokaneValleyWA.gov/SignUp or follow the city on social media.