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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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PASSED and APPROVED this 18th day of March, 2024.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Pete Serrano, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk
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on behalf of,