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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.10.07 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, October 7, 2024 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Teams CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Pete Serrano, Mayor. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Pete Serrano, David Milne, Melissa Blasdel, Charles Grimm, Peter Harpster, and Leo Perales Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: Blanche Barajas 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; Jesse Rice, Parks & Recreation Director; Ken Roske, Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; and Debby Barham, City Clerk Mayor Serrano called the members of Girl Scout Troops Nos. 902 and 905, who were in attendance, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for September 16th, September 23rd, and October 3rd To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Special Meeting and Regular Meeting held on September 16, 2024, Regular Workshop held on September 23, 2024, and Special Meeting held on October 3, 2024. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $10,897,656.33 To approve claims in the total amount of $10,897,656.33 ($4,762,956.91 in Check Nos. 266752 - 267207; $4,858,853.73 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 847731 - 847868, 847880, 847884 - 847948, 847988 - 848036; $13,601.13 in Check Nos. 54832 - 54837; $1,262,017.56 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30214329 - 30215005 $227.00 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 989). Resolution No. 4499 - 2025 Community Development Block Grant Annual Work Plan and Allocations To approve Resolution No. 4499, approving the 2025 Community Development Block Grant Annual Work Plan and Allocations. Resolution No. 4500 - 2025 HOME Annual Work Plan and Allocations To approve Resolution No. 4500, approving the 2025 HOME Annual Work Plan and Allocations. Resolution No. 4501 - Project Acceptance for Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2B Outfall Replacement Project To approve Resolution No. 4501, accepting work performed by Advanced American Construction, Inc. under contract for the WWTP Phase 2B Outfall Replacement project. ROLL CALL VOTE MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve the Consent Agenda as read. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 6-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas PUBLIC COMMENTS Brian Newberry, Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington Chief Executive Officer, expressed appreciation to Council for supporting the "Go Getters" Girl Scouts Troops. He announced that the Day of the Girl was scheduled for October 11, 2024, and states that Pasco's Girl Scouts Troops are growing and are in the top ten percent across America. Michael Miller, Moon Security President, commented on the art mural recently painted on his building. He thanked Council for supporting the current Franklin County ballot issue. Lastly, as a Latin Business Association (LBA) member, he asked Council for their consideration in partnering with the LBA in future downtown community events. David Cortinas, LBA, expressed appreciation to Council for partnering with the City during the Fiery Foods Festival. He asked that Council consider having the LBA be recognized as the City's official representative for the downtown Pasco businesses. Individual, stated that they are homeless, expressed concern related the homeless individuals in Pasco's parks and other public areas. Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, asked questions related to the following topics; the wildlife area next to her home, Tri Cities Animal Control Authority (TCACA), proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and WSU related to testing on animals. Individual, commented on avalanches and the saturated soil along US-395 highway and the Pasco side of the Cable Bridge. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Update on Hanford Cleanup Progress Mr. Lincoln introduced Brian Vance, Hanford Field Office Manager who provided a presentation on status on the progress of the Hanford Site Cleanup. Mr. Harpster, Mr. Grimm and Mr. Vance further discussed the most recent tank leak and the plan to prohibit future leaks, where the tanks were located in relation to the Columbia River, further explanation of the Hanford cleanup and the timeline, the opening of Rattlesnake Mountain to the public and how to address the public members who are skeptical about the Hanford site. Ben Franklin Transit Presentation Mr. Lincoln introduced Kevin Sliger, Chief Planning & Development Officer with Ben Franklin Transit (BFT). Mr. Sliger first introduced Thomas Drozt, newly hired Chief Executive Officer for BFT; then he provided the presentation on the status of public (bus) transit. Mr. Grimm expressed appreciation to Mr. Sliger for his work over the past year. He asked about the ridership in Pasco and Mr. Sliger stated that Pasco's ridership is approximately 35 percent of the total ridership. Mr. Harpster asked how much of the BFT funding dedicated to Pasco road construction projects. Mr. Sliger stated that about $5M has been used for bus stop improvement, including the surrounding area. Mr. Harpster and Mr. Sliger discussed the increase in ridership, what percent of ridership is school aged youth, how many BFT buses operate on a daily basis, paratransit program, and bus safety procedures. Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Mayor Pro Tem Milne attended the Pasco Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting and the Mini-pitch grand opening. Attended the Tri-Cities Leadership Reception and online meeting for the City's audit. Mr. Harpster reported on the River Fest he attended recently. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Resolutions Nos. 4502, 4503, 4504 - Change Order No. 53-56, Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 3 with WSP USA, Inc. and Professional Services Supplemental Agreement No. 7 with J-U-B Engineers, Inc. for the Lewis Street Overpass Project Ms. Serra introduced Michael Uhlman, PE, HLA Project Manager who provided a brief report on the progress of the Lewis Street Overpass project and noted the substantial completion date is scheduled for November 2024. He stated the demolition of the old underpass is scheduled for second quarter 2025. He addressed the challenges with the project. He provided a brief overview of the proposed Change Order Nos. 53-56. He also addressed the consultant contract extension with WSP USA, Inc. and J-U-B Engineers, Inc. for the project. Mr. Harpster expressed concern for the number of hours included in Supplement No. 7 for the J-U-B Engineers, Inc. agreement and asked for an explanation of the hours identified in the supplement. Mr. Uhlman explained the task list still remaining associated with the project. Mr. Perales agreed with Mr. Harpster's concern. He asked why is the City was being bulldozed by BNSF railroad and was there anyone that the City could address to stop BNSF from demanding additional work. Mr. Uhlman responded that he meets with BNSF weekly related to the Lewis Street Overpass project. He referenced the Overpass agreement signed between the City of Pasco and BNSF lays out the terms and conditions allowing the City to build an overpass over railroad property. He is unaware of any higher agency to negotiate the additional requirements BNSF has included in the current project. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4502, authorizing the City Manager to execute Change Order Nos. 53-56 to the construction contract with Cascade Bridge, LLC. for the Lewis Street Overpass Project. RESULT: Motion carried 4-2 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Grimm NAYS: Councilmember Harpster and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4503, authorizing the City Manager to execute Supplement No. 7 to the Professional Services Agreement with J-U-B Engineers, Inc. for the Lewis Street Overpass project. RESULT: Motion carried 5-1 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, and Councilmember Perales NAYS: Councilmember Harpster ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4504, authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with WSP USA, Inc. for the Lewis Street Overpass project. RESULT: Motion carried 4-2 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Grimm NAYS: Councilmember Harpster and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas Ordinances Nos. 4730 & 4731 - 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief recap of the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket, which consisted of two proposed actions from two docket Nos. CPA2022- 003 and CPA2023-001. Council further discussed the two items in the docket. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4730, adopting the New Heritage (CPA2022-003) future land use amendment to the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Pasco pursuant to the Growth Management Act Chapter 36.70A.RCW, and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 5-1 AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales NAYS: Mayor Serrano ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to deny the Road 100 and Argent Land Use Amendment (CPA2023-001) to the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Pasco pursuant to the Growth Management Act Chapter 36.70A.RCW. RESULT: Motion carried 4-2 AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, and Councilmember Perales NAYS: Mayor Serrano and Councilmember Harpster ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas Ordinance No. 4732 - Peak Towneplace Rezone from C-1 to R-3 (Z 2024-002) Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief report related to the proposed rezone. Mayor Serrano announced that the proposed rezone for Peak Towneplace was a quasi-judicial action and asked Mr. Ferguson to explain the procedure for quasi- judicial items. Mr. Ferguson read the quasi-judicial procedure including how the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine applies to it. Next, he asked all Councilmembers a series of questions associated with potential conflicts of interest to disclose such potential conflicts or appearance of conflicts. With no response from the Councilmembers, he asked if any members of the public were seeking to disqualify a member of Council from participating in the proceedings. No one came forward. ROLL CALL VOTE MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4732, amending the zoning classification of certain real property located on the northwest corner of Road 68 and W Court Street, Pasco, Franklin County, Washington, from C-1 (Retail Business) to R-3 (Medium- Density Residential), and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 6-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas Ordinance No. 4733 - Alvarado Rezone from RS-20 to R-1 (Z 2024-003) Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief report related to the proposed rezone. Mayor Serrano announced that the proposed rezone for Alvarado was a quasi- judicial action and asked Mr. Ferguson to explain the procedure for quasi-judicial items. Mr. Ferguson read the quasi-judicial procedure including how the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine applies to it. Next, he asked all Councilmembers a series of questions associated with potential conflicts of interest to disclose such potential conflicts or appearance of conflicts. Mayor Pro Tem Milne disclosed that he received a notice for this action as he lives within 300 feet of the proposed rezone site. He also stated that he was approached by a neighbor and did not engage in any discussion related to this action. Mr. Ferguson asked if any members of the public were seeking to disqualify a member of Council from participating in the proceedings. An individual came forward and asked for clarifying questions related to disqualifying a Councilmember and then returned to his seat after receiving the answers from Mr. Ferguson. No one came forward to disqualify any Councilmembers. ROLL CALL VOTES MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to a move the request for property rezone from Alvarado to a closed record hearing. RESULT: DEFEATED. 3-3 AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Perales NAYS: Mayor Serrano, Councilmember Grimm, and Councilmember Harpster ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas MOTION: Councilmember Harpster moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4733, amending the zoning classification of certain real property located in Lot 1, Short Plat No. 94-7 (at 9903 West Court Street) Pasco, Franklin County, Washington, from RS-20 to R-1 and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 4-2 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, and Councilmember Harpster NAYS: Mayor Pro Tem Milne and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas Ordinance No. 4734 - Simple Amendments to Sections of the Pasco Municipal Code to Title 25 Zoning Code Related to Corner Lot Fences Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief report for the proposed corner lot fence requirements that would amend the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC). MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4734, amending Pasco Municipal Code sections 25.15.270 and 25.180.050 to clarify front yard definitions and add increased flexibility to fence height and placement, and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 6-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas Resolution No. 4505 - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2025-2030 Projects Ms. Sigdel provided a brief recap of the proposed 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4505, approving the Capital Improvement Plan for calendar years 2025 - 2030. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 6-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas Resolution Nos. 4506 & 4507 - Surplus and Sale of City Property along Burden Boulevard (Parcel No. 117370018) Ms. Sigdel provided a brief report related to the proposed surplus of City-owned property and the sale of that property, if Council approves it surplus. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4506, declaring City-owned real property surplus, setting the minimum price and the method of sale for Parcel No. 117370018, and further, authorize the City Manager to sell the property through realtor listing for a minimum price determined through market analysis. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 6-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4507, approving the sale of certain City-owned real property 1.69 acre, located along Burden Boulevard. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 6-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas Resolution No. 4508 - Amendment No. 1 to the Comprehensive Solid Waste Collection Agreement with Basin Disposal Inc. Ms. Sigdel provided a brief overview of the proposed amendment to the Basin Disposal Inc (BDI) agreement for solid waste collection, which will amend the collection days for three major holidays observed in the community. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Grimm to approve Resolution No. 4508, authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment with Basin Disposal Inc. for the Comprehensive Solid Waste Collection Agreement. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously 6-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance No. 4729 - Amending Sections of the Pasco Municipal Code Title 17 Sign Code, and PMC 25.95.050 Related to Billboards Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief recap of the proposed billboard amendments to the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC). MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Mayor Serrano to adopt Ordinance No. 4729,amending Pasco Municipal Code Sections 17.10.010, 17.15.010, 17.15.040, and 29.95.050 providing for off-premise advertising billboard signs, and regulation of off-premise advertising billboard signs, and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 4-2 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales NAYS: Councilmember Blasdel and Councilmember Grimm ABSENT: Councilmember Barajas RECESS Mayor Serrano called a short recess at 9:32 PM. NEW BUSINESS Presentation of 2025-2026 Biennial Budget Mr. Lincoln introduced the proposed 2025-2026 City of Paso Biennial Budget to Council. He began with explaining the general fund revenue, which consisted of property tax and sales tax collection. He noted that Pasco's property tax rate is the lowest in the Tri-Cities area. He discussed how the proposed budget has been pared down and even with the budget reductions, there will be a need to use some of the reserves to balance the budget. He discussed the challenges and opportunities that were woven into the proposed budget. Council provided their comments, questions and concerns regarding the proposed budget. Mr. Lincoln and Ms. Sigdel provided additional explanations related to both past and the proposed budget. Pasco School District: Impact Fees Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief report related to school impact fees within the City of Pasco and the City's responsibility to collect those fees on behalf of Pasco School District No. 1 (PSD). Council and staff discussion ensued and included: • Last amendment to school impact fees • RCW requirements for school impact fees • City compensation to administer this fee collection and pass through and if it covers the City's costs • The school impact fees ultimately makes the City of Pasco as the most expensive housing in the area Mayor Serrano asked for an update on when the PSD will report on the school impact fees. Mr. Lincoln stated that he will reach out to Ms. Whitney and notify Council when it will be scheduled. MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mr. Lincoln announced that October 15th is the last day that the City of Pasco irrigation system will be running for 2024. Mr. Grimm commented on the first anniversary of the deaths of the Nova Music Festival attendees, which started the Israel-Hamas war. He asked Council concurrence to address City park closure time adjustments for the winter months due to a few unsavory individuals. After a brief discussion, Mayor Serrano asked staff to look into it and if it held merit it may be brought back for Council consideration. Ms. Blasdel asked if Council would consider moving the start of the meetings to 6:00 PM. After a brief discussion, Council concluded that the meeting start time will remain at 7:00 PM. Mr. Harpster expressed appreciation to law enforcement and fire services for their efforts related to homelessness. He also commented on the 25th anniversary of Washington State Trooper James Saunders' death, stating that gathering family, friends and law enforcement members took place during the Council meeting in remembrance of Trooper Saunders. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:59 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on October 21, 2024. APPROVED: ATTEST: Pete Serrano, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk