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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.03.04 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, March 4, 2024 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & GoToWebinar CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Pete Serrano, Mayor. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Pete Serrano, David Milne, Blanche Barajas, Melissa Blasdel, Charles Grimm, Peter Harpster, and Leo Perales Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: Adam Lincoln, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager; Darcy Buckley, Finance Director; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Eric Ferguson, City Attorney; Jacob Gonzalez, Community & Economic Development Director; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; Jesse Rice, Parks & Recreation Director; Ken Roske, Police Chief; Maria Serra, Interim Public Works Director; and Debby Barham, City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for February 20th, 26th and 29th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on February 20, 2024, the Regular Workshop held on February 26, 2024, and Community Listening Session held on February 29, 2024. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $3,616,476.76 and Write-off Totaling $ 29,549.00 (delinquent bad debt $29,549.00) DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 To approve claims in the total amount of $3,616,476.76 ($2,935,543.67 in Check Nos. 262071 - 262338; $107,707.59 in Electronic Transfer Nos.844851 - 845124, 845141 - 845214, 845251: $25,138.77 in Check Nos. 46494 - 46516; $548,086.73 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30066369 - 30068827). To approve bad debt write-off for accounts receivable including Utility Billing, Ambulance, Cemetery, General Accounts, and Miscellaneous Accounts in the total amount of $29,549.00 and, of that amount, authorize $29,549.00 to be turned over for collection. Resolution No. 4424 - Approval of Ecology Loan #WQC-2024-Pasco-00007 for Construction of WWTP Phase 2 Improvements To approve Resolution No. 4424, authorizing execution of the $26.3M Loan Agreement with The Department of Ecology for the Construction of the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvements Phase 2 Project. Resolution No. 4425 - Approval of Ecology Loan #WQC-2024-Pasco-00091 for Construction of PWRF Phase 2 Improvements To approve Resolution No. 4425, authorizing execution of the $35M Loan Agreement with The Department of Ecology for the Process Water Reuse Facility Phase 2 Improvements. Resolution No.4426 - Ratification of Acquisition of USBR Parcel No. 113140039 To approve Resolution No. 4426, ratifying the purchase of land from the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) via contract no. 23-07-166-L6625 for Parcel No. 113140039. Resolution No. 4427 - Sole Source for Caustic Soda Purchase To approve Resolution No. 4427, waiving the competitive bidding requirements and approving the purchase of Sodium Hydroxide 50% Solution (Caustic Soda) from Northstar Chemical, Inc. for the City of Pasco Wastewater Treatment Plant. Resolution No. 4428 - Supplement No. 1 with HDR, Inc. for Sylvester Street Safety Improvements To approve Resolution No. 4428, authorizing the City Manager to execute Supplemental No. 1 with HDR Engineering, Inc., for construction management support services for the Sylvester Street Safety Improvements project. Resolution No. 4429 - Purchase of Arizon Pool Air Dome System To approve Resolution No. 4429, authorizing the City Manager to execute and sign a purchase agreement with Arizona Structures Worldwide, LLC for the purchase of an Air Dome System for Memorial Pool. DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Harpster (RC) MOTION: I move to approve the Consent Agenda as read. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales PUBLIC COMMENTS Felix Vargas, Pasco resident, commented on the Lewis Street underpass and requested that it be kept open as a historic site. Mike Miller, owner of Moon Security, expressed gratitude to Pasco Fire Department staff for assisting him recently. He also commented on the Downtown Development Authority (DPDA) noting that he was the Board President in 2015 and he did not embezzle funds from that organization. Katelyn Ashland, Kennewick, WA resident, commented on the Israel and Gaza conflict and encouraged Pasco to place pressure on the federal government by passing a resolution against it. Valorie Torres, Lewis Street Tire & Torres Auto Repair owner and representative for the nearby business owners, expressed concern related to the loss of business due to the closure of Lewis Street for two-months. She requested that work be done at night and possible compensation to those businesses for their loss of income. Pedro, Pasco downtown business owner, expressed concern about the the loss of business due to the closure of the Lewis Street closure. He requested some type of mitigation for the loss of income. Biddy, Studio 41 staff member, stated that her business has reduced due to the street closure. Blanca Garcia, Pasco Downtown business and building owner, expressed concern for covering her expenses during the closure of Lewis Street. Downtown Pasco business owner (name not provided), located in the Plaza next to the construction site, expressed concern of the loss income due to the Lewis Street closure and is seeking help from the City. Sylvia Howland, Kennewick, WA resident, commented on the Israel and Gaza conflict and encouraged Pasco to place pressure on the federal government by passing a resolution against genocide. DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 Rebecca Ortiz, Plaza area business owner, expressed concern of the loss income due to the Lewis Street closure and is seeking help from the City. Jose Tagus, Pasco downtown business owner, expressed concern of the loss income due to the Lewis Street closure and is seeking help from the City. Mayor Serrano asked staff to provide an explanation of what has been done and is currently being done to alleviate the concerns brought to Council from the business owners. Ms. Serra introduced Michael Uhlman, PE, HLA Project Manager, who recapped the communications associated with the design up through the current construction of the Lewis Street Overpass project. He provided a PowerPoint presentation to accompany his recap. He noted that the final design plans for the Lewis Street Overpass will include a greenway (park -like) area to promote an inviting feel to the area. He stated that met with the business owners recently and as a result, additional signage has been placed out on the street to assist those business owners notifying the public that they are open for business. He discussed possible additional mitigation alternatives such as: night work, speed up contract work with closures, alternative access (alley access, designative parking area for businesses) and increased project communication with property owners. Mr. Uhlman also reiterated the past outreach efforts made from 2018 through 2023. Mr. Perales commented on the signage and detour routes for the businesses. He mentioned that other Cities set funding aside to help mitigate street closures with area businesses. David Cortinas, Latin Business Association representative, commented on the Lewis Street closure and expressed concern of the business owners located in that area. He encouraged the City to provide additional signage, change the detour streets to better accommodate those businesses, suggested the use ARPA funding and night construction. Al, of Al's Automotive Repair, noted that the new signage was located within the closed signs, out of the public's view. Valorie Torres noted that the new signs were placed on Tuesday after she reached out for help. Thomas Granbois, Pasco downtown business owner and DPDA Board member, commented on the DPDA issues and the 2022 presentation. Maria Rangel, Pasco downtown business owner, requested assistance during the construction of and closure of Lewis Street. Mayor Serrano expressed appreciation the Pasco business owners for coming to the meeting and stated that the City is working on addressing their issues. DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 Stephen Bauman, Franklin County resident, distributed a letter from the Pasco School District related to Jubilee Foundation's request for deferred payment of school impact fees. Amber Bruce, Pasco resident, requested a resolution from Council to defame the hate crimes against Muslim and Jewish individuals related to the Israel and Gaza conflict. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Mr. Grimm commented on the first Community Listening Session and Pasco Resource Recover Center event that he recently attended. Mr. Harpster commented on the recent Leadership Tri-Cities luncheon. Ms. Barajas reported on the second Community Listening Session and she also commented on the Pasco Resource Recover Center event. Mayor Pro Tem Milne commented on the Community Listening Session and the recent Read Across America event hosted by the Pasco School District. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Ordinance No. 4708 & Resolution No. 4430 - Budget Amendment and Purchase Authorization for A Street Sports Complex Phase 1.5 - Sports Field Lighting Mr. Rice provided a brief overview of the report he gave to Council at their February 26, 2024, Workshop. He requested adoption of the budget adjustment and purchase for field lighting at the A Street Sports Complex. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Harpster to adopt Ordnance No. 4708, amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Capital Projects Budget (Ordnance No. 4620), By approving supplement thereto; to provide additional appropriation in the City's Park Development Fund, Community Park Division and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4430, authorizing the City Manager to execute a DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 purchase agreement with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC for the purchase and installation of field lighting at the A Street Sports Complex. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales Resolution No. 4431 - Setting a Public Hearing for Pasco School District No. 1 Orion High School Right-of-Way Vacation (VAC 2023-003) Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief report on Pasco School District's request for a right - of-way vacation from the and recommended that Council set the Public Hearing date for this item. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Harpster to approve Resolution No. 4431, setting 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, as the time and date for a public hearing to consider the vacation of a portion of East Salt Lake Street right -of-way in Blocks 20 and 21 of Frey's Addition to Pasco, Washington RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mr. Lincoln reported that $4.4M, for the Pasco Water Reuse Facility, is currently slated in the State's preliminary budget. Ms. Blasdel to wanted to make a motion bring the Cable Bridge Lighting forward for action. Council and Mr. Ferguson discussed the reason, purpose and goal of bring the Cable Bridge Lighting interlocal agreement forward and the process to achieve the action Ms. Blasdel is seeking. Pending Resolution No. 4422 - Interlocal Agreement for Cable Bridge LED Lighting System MOTION: Councilmember Barajas moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to bring the proposed Interlocal Agreement for the Cable Bridge Lighting (previously discussed at the February 12th Workshop and presented for approval at February 20th Meeting by Resolution No. 4422) back for approval tonight. DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 RESULT: Motion carried 6-1 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales NAYS: Councilmember Grimm MOTION: Councilmember Blasdel moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve the Interlocal Agreement (by Resolution No. 4422) for the Cable Bridge LED Lighting RESULT: Motion carried 6-1 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales NAYS: Councilmember Grimm MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION CONTINUED Mr. Perales made a motion related to the businesses affected by the closure of Lewis Street. Lewis Street Businesses Affected by Lewis Street Closure due to Construction of Lewis Street Overpass MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Mayor Serrano to direct staff to investigate the City's ability to allocate funding to provide businesses impacted by the Lewis Street Overpass construction project some relief. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION CONTINUED Ms. Barajas commented on the business owners concerns and about some misinformation they received. She asked that the public always ask for identification from the individuals stating that they are representatives of the City of Pasco. Mr. Grimm expressed thanks to the members of the community for coming to the Council meeting and he commented on their concerns. Mr. Harpster thanked Ms. Torres for interpreting during the public comments section of the meeting. He asked staff to look at the Pasco School District letter received during the Public Comment period. DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 Mr. Gonzalez stated that staff contacted the Pasco School District regarding the request for a deferral of school impact fee. He noted that the City is a facilitator between the Pasco School District and entity asking for the school impact fee deferral. The City needs to receive confirmation from the PSD confirming they approve the deferral. This is the first time this situation has occurred and the City and the PSD are in the process of developing a formal process to address this type of request and action. Mr. Harpster commented on Council providing public comments during Council Workshops. Mr. Ferguson stated that this item was slated for the upcoming Council Retreat. Mr. Milne echoed Mr. Grimm's comments related to businesses located on the closed section of Lewis Street. Mr. Grimm also commented on providing public comment during Council Workshops. Public Comments in Council Workshops Mr. Harpster made a motion to add public comments section to Workshop meetings starting next week. It seconded by Mr. Perales. Mr. Ferguson stated that the Council Workshop agenda is detailed in the Pasco Municipal Code and in order to change it, it would need to come back for Council's consideration in the form of an ordinance. Staff will need to have time to prepare it if that is the direction that Council wants to take. After clarification on how public comments could be added to the Council's Workshop agenda, Mr. Harpster rescinded his motion and requested it be discussed at the Council Retreat RECESS Mayor Serrano call for a three-minute (3-minute) recess at 8:52 PM. CLOSED SESSION Council adjourned into Closed Session at 8:55 PM for five minutes, or until 9:00 PM, to discuss Collective Bargaining Unit Negotiations per RCW 42.30.140(4)(a) with the City Manager, Human Resources Director, and City Attorney. Mr. Harpster left the Closed Session at 8:56 PM. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 PASSED and APPROVED this 18th day of March, 2024. APPROVED: ATTEST: Pete Serrano, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk DocuSign Envelope ID: C2AC430C-4710-466C-84CF-1C0E4EFA84C4 on behalf of,