This week’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting began with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance and approval of the following amended meeting agenda. Councilmember Wick participated through item 3, and then was excused for the remainder of the meeting.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Padden presented a proclamation for President’s Day to Cindy Lundberg of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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 – Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included vouchers for paying city expenses and payroll, and minutes from the following Council meetings: Jan. 13, 2026, Jan. 20, 2026, Jan. 27, 2026.
#2 – Second Reading: Ordinance 26-001 – Forged Fiber 37 LLC
The Council received a report on this item on Jan. 6, 2026, and heard a first reading on Jan. 20, 2026. A franchise is a non-exclusive contract between the City and a utility provider which governs the utility provider’s use of public rights-of-way. AT&T Inc. (“AT&T”) is in the process of acquiring some fiber assets from Lumen Technologies, Inc. (“Lumen”); their transaction will close shortly. Some of the assets and associated facilities are located within the city’s rights-of-way. Forged Fiber 37, LLC (“Forged Fiber”) is a subsidiary of AT&T, and will receive some of the assets acquired from Lumen. The City may see an expansion of the Forged Fiber network in the coming years. This franchise will be in effect for ten years, which is consistent with the city’s other telecommunications franchises.
A motion to approve Franchise Ordinance 26-001, granting a ten-year telecommunications franchise to Forged Fiber 37, LLC passed unanimously.
#3 – First Reading: Ordinance 26-003 – Adopting SVMC Kratom Sale and Distribution
This item was previously discussed by Council on Dec. 23, 2025. City staff and Spokane Valley Police Department staff presented information about kratom, how it is used, its effects, federal response, and current state legality and legislation throughout the U.S. The Council reviewed proposed legislation currently under consideration by the Washington State Legislature and took public comments about regulatory efforts across the country. The proposed Ordinance 26-003 would prohibit the sale and distribution of any kratom product within Spokane Valley. Violation of the ordinance would be a class 1 civil infraction with a $250 penalty per day. Options for a separate $1,000 penalty attached to revocation of business licensure were also discussed.
A motion to move forward with a second reading of Ordinance 26-003 passed with 6 votes in favor and 1 vote against.
#4 – Potential Grant Opportunities: Spokane County Housing and Community Development (HCDAC) Grant Application
Council received a report on this topic at the Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. HCD recently released a Request for Proposal to allocate federal, state and local funds. In coordination with HCD staff, city staff identified two projects eligible for grant funding:
1. Spokane Valley Homeless Outreach Program: Staff recommends applying for the Homeless Services grant to assist in partially covering the cost of this program and expansion of services.
2. Grace Sewer Project-Utility Connection Assistance Program: This year, Spokane County will start installing sewer lines in a neighborhood west of Barker Road and south of Euclid Avenue, adjacent to the Spokane River, eliminating septic systems. The estimated cost to homeowners is up to $25,000. Staff recommend applying for the CDBG Capital grant to help cover sewer connection and installation costs for low-income residents in the Grace neighborhood.
A motion to approve that the City Manager, or designee, submit the recommended grant applications as discussed herein and to proceed with executing contracts and carrying out the programs related to any resulting awards passed unanimously.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
#5 – Resolution 26-XXX: Surplus Items
The City last declared property surplus in April 2025. Since that time, the City has accumulated some IT, Parks and Recreation and Street Department equipment, which has reached the end of serviceable life. The goal is to sell as many items as possible and discard the rest. A list of the items was provided.
Council reached consensus to bring back the proposed resolution to the Feb. 17, 2026, Council meeting for a motion consideration.
#6 – 2026 Capital Improvement Projects
Public Works staff presented a summary of the city construction projects scheduled for 2026, which include:
- Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation
- Sprague Avenue Preservation – Bowdish Road to McDonald Road
- South Barker Corridor (Sprague Ave. to Appleway Ave.)
- Sullivan Avenue Preservation – 8th Ave. to 24th Ave.
- Local Access Preservation Services – Residential
- N. Sullivan Road Preservation – Phase 1 (UPRR to Kiernan)
- 32nd Avenue Preservation (Pines Road to SR 27)
- Arterial School Crossings (Broadway, 32nd and Pines)
- Balfour Park Sports Courts
#7 – Clean Air Regulation Comments
The Washington State Department of Ecology is proposing new rules related to air quality in overburdened communities. These rules are meant to implement RCW 70A.65.020 related to environmental justice and focus on air quality measurements in overburdened communities, one of which is an area encompassing parts of the City of Spokane and the City of Spokane Valley. The Department of Ecology is seeking comments on the proposed rule. The City Council reviewed a draft letter with comments to address concerns that the City has on potential impacts to local businesses. Council reached consensus to send to the Department of Ecology.
#8 – Budget 101 Presentation, Part One
In preparation for the Feb. 24, 2026, Winter Workshop and June 9, 2026, Budget Workshop, staff presented the first of two administrative reports to provide a high-level overview of city budgeting and finance. Topics included revenues, reserve funds and fund balances. Part two will be presented on Feb. 17, 2026.
INFORMATION ONLY (No presentation or discussion)
#9 – Monthly Department Reports
Spokane Valley Police Department
Community Development
#10 – Spokane Valley Fire Department Monthly
Reports
December 2025 and January 2026
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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