HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.08.25 Council Minutes
MINUTES
City Council Workshop Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, August 25, 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.
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: Harold Stewart, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager;
Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Eric
Ferguson, City Attorney; Craig Raymond, Deputy Community & Economic
Development Director; Brent Cook, Deputy Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public
Works Director; and Debby Barham, City Clerk
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tem Grimm reported on the City's Employee Appreciation Luncheon
and the recent tour with the Washington State Legislators.
Ms. Barajas also reported on the City's Employee Appreciation Luncheon.
Mayor Milne reported on the grand opening and ribbon cutting event at Orion
High School.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Resolution - Project Acceptance for the West Pasco Water Treatment Plant
Phase 2
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Ms. Serra reported on the completion of the West Pasco Water Treatment Plant
Phase 2 and recommended that Council approve the acceptance of the project.
Mayor Milne called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward
to speak.
Resolution - Amended and Restated Interlocal Cooperative Agreement Tri-
Cities HOME Consortium 2026, 2027, and 2028
Mr. Raymond provided a brief report on proposed renewal of the Interlocal
Agreement with the Tri-Cities HOME Consortium from 2026-2028.
Mr. Perales asked questions related to how the funding is distributed and asked if
and how funding may be available to the City of Pasco and Franklin County
Housing Authority. Mr. Raymond and Ms. Sigdel responded with answers.
Mayor Milne called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward
to speak.
Process Improvements for Recruitment and Appointment of City Boards
and Commissions
Ms. Pashon provided a brief report on the proposed process improvements for the
recruitment and appointment of City Boards and Commissions. She sought
direction from Council.
Council and Ms. Pashon continued discussing the proposed changes. Council
expressed support for the proposed changes to the City Boards and
Commissions' recruitment and appointment process.
Mayor Milne called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward
to speak.
Introduction to Water Conservation Efforts
Ms. Pashon provided a presentation on water conservation efforts underway
within the City of Pasco. She also provided a list of additional water conservation
opportunities. She sought Council direction on additional water conservation
efforts.
Council discussion continued regarding xeriscaping, boulevards, other public
spaces and yards. Recommendations to start scheduling irrigation metering in
2026, provide education to the public on xeriscaping, and updated to City
facilities. Possible incentive programs for property owners. Support property
owners identifying water leaks on their property and install automatic turnoff
faucets in City owned facilities.
Mayor Milne called for public comments.
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Kara Kaelber, Franklin County Water Conservation District Manager, expressed
support on the proposed water conservation efforts and explained the services
provided by her organization.
Ordinance - Amending PMC Section 5.05.170 Exemptions Related to
Business Licenses
Ms. Sigdel provided a brief report on the proposed amendments to the Business
Licenses exemptions required by the Washington State and an adjustment for
brick and mortar businesses within the City.
Mayor Milne called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward
to speak.
Revision of Special Events Permit Program
Ms. Sigdel announced that Hope Freije from Framework was on line to patriciate
in the discussion of Special Events Permit Program. Ms. Sigdel explained the
process in preparing a Special Events Permits Program.
Council, Ms. Sigdel and Ms. Freije discussed various types of Special Events
permits during the presentation, which also included risk factors and potential
nuisances.
Mr. Stewart added that the Special Events Permit Program comes down to what
Council wants the City to regulate and not regulate. He provided an example of a
situation that occurred in another City he worked for noting that there are
regulations for a reason. He also clarified the distinction of what public property
includes versus private property.
More review will be completed by staff as this topic is imbedded in the Pasco
Municipal in several places and it will take time to analyze and come back with
recommendations.
Mayor Milne called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward
to speak.
Presentation: Transportation Benefit District
Ms. Sigdel provided a brief presentation on the Transportation Benefit District
(TBD) and the process to establish a TBD. She sought Council direction on
funding by sales tax or vehicle license fee. She provided a potential timeline for
final action on establishing a TBD.
Mr. Stewart further explained the difference between funding at TBD through
sales tax versus vehicle license fee.
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Council and staff discussion continued on the two options and a majority of
Council expressed support for the vehicle license fee to fund the TBD.
Mayor Milne called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward
to speak.
MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Mayor Milne asked for a ban of the sale of dogs and cats at the Flea Market and
Ms. Pashon stated that staff is working on this topic.
Mr. Perales commented on a recent Tri City Herald (TCH) article regarding
regarding fireworks and he expressed support for the education and enforcement
of the use of fireworks in Pasco.
Mr. Stewart expressed appreciation to staff for planning the Employee
Appreciation Luncheon. He also briefed Council on the status of the applications
received to date for Council Position No. 4.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:01 PM.
PASSED and APPROVED on _______________________.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
David Milne, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk
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September 2, 2025