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