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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.02.18 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Microsoft Teams Webinar 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, Blanche Barajas, Melissa Blasdel, Charles Grimm, Peter Harpster, and Leo Perales Councilmembers attending remotely: None Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: Dave Zabell, Interim City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager; Darcy Buckley, Finance Director; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Eric Ferguson, Jesse Rice, Parks & Recreation Director; Ken Roske, Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; and Debby Barham, City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. OATH OF OFFICE City Manager Oath of Office Mayor Serrano administered the "City Manager" Oath of Office to Dave Zabell effective February 1, 2025. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for February 3rd and February 11th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on February 3, 2025, and Special Meeting February 11, 2025. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $3,387,287.19 and Wriite-off Totaling $5,355.00 (delinquent bad debt) To approve claims in the total amount of $3,387,287.19 ($1,380,082.59 in Check Nos. 269641 - 269795; $615,495.54 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 849155 - 849156, 849237 - 849239, 849243 - 849244, 849249 - 849250; $37,493.41 in Check Nos. 54882 - 54893; $1,353,550.59 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30220922 - 30221572 $665.06 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 337 - 342). To approve bad debt write-off for accounts receivable including Utility Billing, Ambulance, Cemetery, General Accounts, and Miscellaneous Accounts in the total amount of $5,355.00 and, of that amount, authorize $5,355.00 to be turned over for collection. Resolution No. 4567 - Project Acceptance for Oregon Ave Overlay Project To approve Resolution No. 4567, accepting work performed by Central Washington Asphalt, Inc., under contract for the Oregon Ave Overlay Project. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to approve the Consent Agenda as read. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by Roll Call vote. 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales PROCLAMATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Proclaiming February 2025 as "Black History Month" Mayor Serrano read and then presented the proclamation proclaiming February 2025 as, "Black History Month" in Pasco, Washington to Irving Brown Sr. with NAACP Tri-Cities WA . Mr. Brown Sr. expressed appreciation for the proclamation and encouraged Pasco residents to continue to enhance and embrace its values of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the community and beyond. Among the many supporters who attended the meeting for Black History Month with Mr. Brown Sr., included Charvella McGarry; Eloise Sparks; Marlando Sparks, and Jayce Wright. PUBLIC COMMENTS Blanche Barajas introduced Dennis Brown who is an organizer for Miss Juneteenth Pageant Men's Fashion Show. Mr. Brown requested a sponsorship from the City and he explained what the funding would cover. Ms. Barajas distributed a flyer for the fashion show and how to donate to it. Joe Thornton, Big Joe Bro founder, talked about the Over Bound Youth program and the renovation of Pasco baseball fields. Jon Padvorac, Consultant, commented on proposed Ordinance No. 4760, pending Council adoption. Mr. Padvorac distributed copies for RCW 82.02.020 to Council. Derek Alexander, Developer, commented on proposed Ordinance No. 4760, pending Council adoption. He also commented on the design and review process. Steve Bauman, Developer, commented on proposed Ordinance No. 4760, pending Council adoption. Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, commented Pasco's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Animal Control Services. Anna Wade Carter, Pasco resident, expressed concern regarding drinking water issues at the Sands Mobile Home Park where she lives. Thomas Granbois, Downtown Business Owner, commented on the Downtown Pasco Parking Plan and suggested that there be multi-use parking lots. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Ms. Blasdell reported on the recent Amazon ribbon cutting event and a Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation meeting she attended. Lastly, she announced the Pasco High School's Dance Team's recent victory of the Hip Hop Small Division title at the National Dance Competition. Mr. Perales reported on the Pasco Police District 1 meeting he recently attended. He also commented on the status of Pasco High and Chiawana High Schools Boys & Girls basketball teams. Lastly, he announced that one swimmer from the Pasco High swim team and eight swimmers from the Chiawana High swim team were heading to the State Swim competition later in the week. Mayor Serrano welcomed the opportunity to highlight the successes of Pasco's youth. Mayor Pro Tem Milne reported on the grand opening for the Tri-Cities Animal Services facility. He also mentioned the recent meetings with the Washington State Legislators. Mr. Harpster reported on the Summers Hub ground breaking event and requested that staff seek input from Darrell Ebert related to the traffic plan surrounding GESA Stadium. He commented Facilities Maintenance Worker John Crysel's funeral. He met with Mr. Zabell and Chief Roske to discuss the recent protests and traffic issues associated with the rallies and the Pasco Police Department's response. He reported on the TRIDEC Board and Pasco School District Board meetings. Lastly, he commented on the bike paths snow plowing. Mr. Grimm reported the Ben Franklin Transit Board meeting, the Upward Bound Youth Baseball Team and noted that it was a great honor representing Pasco when he, Mayor Serrano and Mayor Pro Tem Milne met with Washington State Legislators. Mayor Serrano recapped the Washington State Legislators meetings held on February 11th. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Ordinance No. 4761 - Budget Amendment for In-House Legal Services Ms. Sigdel provided a brief report related to setting up an in-house City Attorney's Office and requested that a budget amendment be considered in order to establish the City Attorney's Office. Mr. Zabell recommended to Council that the new City Manager should have the opportunity to hire the new in-house City Attorney. He explained the next steps in the process, which first includes a budget adjustment to have funding available to start the process. The next step is for Council to consider retaining the legal counsel services of Kerr Ferguson Law (KFL) through the end of the contract set for September 2026. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Ordinance 4761, amending the 2025-2026 Biennial Operating Budget, by providing Supplement thereto; to provide additional appropriation in the City's General Fund, allocating funding for the addition of three full-time employees to the City Attorney's Office and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried. 4-3 AYES: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, and Councilmember Harpster NAYS: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, and Councilmember Perales Council and staff continued discussing the next steps in the process and estimated timeline for hiring a City Manager and then a City Attorney. Mr. Ferguson's contract ends on May 31st, based on the early termination letter he gave to Council in November 2024. However, Mr. Ferguson stated that he is willing to consider rescinding his early termination, if Council determines that his services are needed until the end of his contract set for September 2026. Council wrapped up their discussion regarding the need for general legal counsel and Mayor Serrano requested a special meeting be held on February 24th to take action on general legal counsel for the interim. Ordinance No. 4760 - Amending 14.10.030 & 3.35.180 to Establish a Public Infrastructure Development Fee Ms. Sigdel provided a report regarding the amendments to the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) by creating Development Fees for Public Works Infrastructure. Council and staff discussed the proposed amendments increasing fees, changing the fee structure and updating the permitting process. It was recommended to table this item to the March 10, 2025, Workshop. Mayor Serrano opened the floor to the public to receive new information related to the proposed fees adjustment and process changes. The following individuals provided their preferences and suggestions: • Steve Bauman • Jon Padvorac • Derek Alexander • James Sexton MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to move Ordinance No. 4760, Amending Pasco Municipal Code Sections 14.10.030 and 3.35.180 to establish a Public Works Infrastructure Development Fee topic to the March 10th Council Workshop. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales RECESS Mayor Serrano called a 7 minute recess at 9:18 PM. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS CONTINUED Agenda Order Change Mayor Serrano stated that a request was made to change the order of the remaining agenda items, moving Item 10(e) Resolution No. 4570 forward to discuss next. MOTION: Mayor Serrano moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Milne to modify the agenda to move Item 10(e) to present place. RESULT: Motion carried unaniously. 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales Resolution No. 4570 - Amendment No. 2 to the Interlocal and Financing Lease Agreement for Regional Convention Center Ms. Sigdel provided a brief report. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Harpster to approve Resolution No. 4570, authoring the Interim City Manager to execute the Amendment No. 2 to the Convention Center Financing Interlocal Agreement between the City of Pasco and the City of Kennewick. 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. 4568 - Memorandum of Understanding with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation tor the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Renovation and Expansion Project Ms. Serra provided a brief report. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to approve Resolution No. 4568, authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation tor the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Renovation and Expansion Project. 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. 4569 - Head Start Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Lease Agreement Addendum No. 3 Mr. Rice provided a brief report. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to approve Resolution No. 4569, authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute an Addendum No. 3 to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Lease Agreement between Benton-Franklin Head Start for use of the Kurtzman Building during the renovations of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 7-0 AYES: Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Grimm, Councilmember Harpster, and Councilmember Perales NEW BUSINESS Downtown Parking Plan Presentation Ms. Sigdel provided an update on the downtown parking plan. Council discussion ensued regarding downtown parking and included the following: • Timing, budget and type of parking lot structure • Enforcing parking time limits • Downtown businesses employee parking lot • Strategic placement of parking lots. • Purpose and use of the old Thunderbird Motel land MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mr. Zabell stated that the "Oath of Office" is meaningful and important to him as he is stating that he will faithfully and impartially, perform and discharge the duties of the office of City Manager for the City of Paso, according to law, to the best of his ability. Ms. Barajas asked that staff reach out to the public comments speaker who has issues with potable water at the mobile home park. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:04 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on March 3, 2025. APPROVED: ATTEST: Pete Serrano, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk