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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.06.12 Council Minutes � C�ity�� �� � � �A�,��Iiin�t�n MINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, June 12, 2023 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & GoToWebinar CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Craig Maloney, Mayor Pro Tem. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Craig Maloney, Irving Brown, Joseph Campos, David Milne, Zahra Roach, and Pete Serrano Councilmembers absent: Blanche Barajas Staff present: Adam Lincoln, City Manager; Darcy Buckley, Finance Director; Eric Ferguson, City Attorney; Ed Dunbar, Interim Fire Chief; Jesse Rice, Information Technology Director & Interim Administrative & Community Services Director; Ken Roske, Police Chief; Jacob Gonzalez, Community & Economic Development Interim Director; and Debby Barham, City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Mr. Campos congratulated the 2023 High School Graduates. He also reported on the Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) Board meeting he recently attended. Mr. Milne also congratulated the recent High School Graduates. He reported on the COPA meeting he recently attended. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Discussion of Strategic Planning for Homelessness, Drug Use, Crime and the Effects on the Community Mr. Ferguson provided a brief update to the strategic planning efforts with the Franklin County prosecutors for the enactment of Second Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5536, concerning controlled substances, counterfeit Page 1 of 4 substances, and legal drug possession and treatment. Specifically, how the region can deal with related issues of homelessness, drug use, crime and keep the communities safe. Council and staff discussion ensued on how to develop this plan and what were priorities with Council. Mr. Milne suggested that loud music be played during the day and then light up the same area(s) downtown at night. Mr. Serrano suggested that staff and the prosecutors prepare a chart that shows what is not allowable, in terms of law enforcement (related to crime, drug use and crime), and what are the options that could be allowable and would be allowable. Mr. Ferguson stated the take away from meeting with the prosecutors was that they are seeking a comprehensive strategy that includes the priorities from Council, identify the solutions that the City currently has and the areas that currently lack solutions. Mr. Brown stated that his priority is safety and expressed the need community resources and wrap around resources to help reduce homelessness, drug use and crime. Ms. Roach suggested that the issues (homelessness, drug use and crime) are separate and should be discussed individually for the most part. She is Interested in deferral programs. She requested a report from the prosecutors regarding homelessness and crime issues. Mr. Ferguson stated that while there may be three separate issues, it is when these issues intersect with each other the prosecutors and staff need a plan on how to address these situations. Mr. Milne commented on the downtown business owners and desires to keep the downtown area free of public drug use, homelessness and crime. Mayor Pro Tem Maloney stated that the downtown has problems with public urination and drug use, referencing Peanuts Park. His priority is affordable housing and the City's Housing Action Plan. He stated that it is important to find ways to help individuals out of their current situations with developing immediate, short-term and long-term solutions; and a strategic plan is key. Mr. Ferguson concurred with Council's comments and creating a chart, with the prosecutors, to bring back to Council will be the next step to in this discussion. Mayor Pro Tem Maloney asked Council if they felt the need to redirect staff to meet Council's Goals such as the Affordable Housing and Safety (Resource Navigator and Mental Health sales tax) within Pasco. Page 2 of 4 Mr. Lincoln stated that while the current goals may not fully address the issues public drug use, homelessness and crime staff could prepare a clear, immediate priority would benefit the current Council, future Councils, the public and staff. Mr. Ferguson reminded Council that they also need to determine if and how the City will implement SB 5536 within the next month. Deputy Fire Chief Dunbar stated that staff will bring back a report from the Mental Health Services within the community in the near future. Mr. Gonzalez stated that the City's Housing Action Plan will be presented to the Planning Commission with public hearings scheduled in July and August 2023. Once the Planning Commission makes a recommendation, it will be presented to Council. Resolution - Lease Agreement for the Readiness Center with Washington State Military Department Police Chief Roske provided a brief report related to the proposed lease agreement for a new Readiness Center with the Washington State Military Department. This item will come back to Council at their June 20th meeting for final action. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mr. Lincoln reported on the recent Pasco Chamber Meeting where the Economic Development Strategic Planning efforts were discussed. He announced that this year's Juneteenth event is scheduled for Saturday June 17th. At the request of Mr. Lincoln, Ms. Barham provided a brief report related to the City's Boards and Commissions, which included the updates made to the webpages and the status of the current vacancies. Mr. Lincoln announced the Association of Washington Cities (AWC)Annual Conference is scheduled the week of June 20th in Spokane, WA. Lastly, he asked Council if they would be interested in cancelling their July 3rd Meeting and if so, then a formal action would be brought back at their next meeting. Mr. Brown commented on recent misquotes in an article in the Tri-City Herald (newspaper) and explained the meaning of this talking points during the last Council meeting and expressed appreciation of staff. Mr. Milne announced that his daughter, who is on leave from the military and wife attended the workshop and were in the audience. Mr. Campos echoed Mr. Brown's praise to City staff. Page 3 of 4 Mayor Pro Tem Maloney expressed appreciation for the City communications staff for various City announcements. He asked about the recent Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority (TCACA) meeting and if the audience was engaged in the meeting. Mr. Rice responded that the recent TCACA meeting was well attended and there were a few public comments. However, he stated that staff is providing additional information during the meetings, which in turn, the audience has fewer questions and comments to share. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council adjourned into Executive Session at 8:00 PM for 20 minutes to discuss with legal counsel about current or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) with the City Manager, City Attorney, Interim Community& Economic Development Director and Troy Hendren. At 8:20 PM Mayor Pro Tem Maloney announced that the Executive Session would continue for another 10 minutes. Mayor Pro Tem Maloney called the meeting back to order at 8:30 PM. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. PASSED and APPROVED thi�a�day of �;l�ti��, , 20Z�. APPROVED: ATTEST: �-, ` 1 � �� ,�t J ., . �� t f�� , Craig Maloney, Mayor Pro Tem Debra Barham, City Clerk Page 4 of 4