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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.10.20 Council MinutesMINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Microsoft Teams Webinar CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by David Milne, Mayor. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: David Milne, Charles Grimm, Blanche Barajas, Melissa Blasdel, Joe Cotta, and Leo Perales Councilmembers attending remotely: Blanche Barajas Councilmembers absent: Peter Harpster Staff present: Harold Stewart, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Eric Ferguson, City Attorney; Haylie Matson, Community & Economic Development Director; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; Arman Rashid, IT Director; Ken Roske, Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; and Debby Barham, City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for October 6th, 13th and October 14th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on October 6, 2025, a Special Meeting held on October 13, 2025, and Regular Workshop held on October 14, 2025. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $5,362,870.22 and Write-off Totaling $11,752.58 (delinquent bad debt) To approve claims in the total amount of $5,362,870.22 ($3,195,143.91 in Check Nos. 274225 - 274496; $867,538.65 in Electronic Transfer Nos.851221 - 851223, Page 1 of 11 851229 - 851235; $11,483.58 in Check Nos. 55088 - 55093; $1,288,704.08 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30232115 - 30232771). To approve bad debt write-off for accounts receivable including Utility Billing, Ambulance, Cemetery, General Accounts, and Miscellaneous Accounts in the total amount of $11,752.58 and, of that amount, authorize $10,990.41 to be turned over for collection. Resolution Nos. 4661 &. 4662 - Road 80 Park Acceptance of Grant and Purchase Agreement To approve Resolution No. 4661, approving the acceptance of the Washington State Legislative Appropriation Grant, administered through the Washington State Department of Commerce for construction of Road 80 Neighborhood park. To approve Resolution No. 4662, authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Great Western Recreation through the KCDA Purchasing Cooperative for the purchase and installation of pathways and park amenities at the City-owned park land located at the NW corner of the intersection of Road 80 and Massey Drive. Resolution No. 4663 - Project Acceptance Highland Park Southside Landscape To approve Resolution No. 4663, accepting work performed by ESF Solutions under contract for the Highland Park Southside Landscape Improvements project. Resolution No. 4664 - Supplement to Professional Services Agreement with Consor North America, Inc. for Design Services for the Sylvester Street Overpass Pedestrian/ Bicycle Access Project To approve Resolution No. 4664, authorizing the City Manager to sign and execute Supplemental Agreement No. 1 for the Professional Services Agreement with Consor North America, Inc. for the Sylvester Street Overpass Pedestrian/Bicycle Access Project. Resolution No. 4665 - Project Acceptance for the Burden Boulevard Soccer Complex Field Lighting To approve Resolution No. 4665, accepting work performed by Musco Sports Lighting, LLC under contract for the Burden Blvd Soccer Complex Improvements project. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve the Consent Agenda as read. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by Roll Call Vote. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales Page 2 of 11 ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster PUBLIC COMMENTS Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, commented on Animal Control, Capital Improvement Program budget, homeless and spay/neuter services, Pasco Public Facilities District, bald eagles and flood plain and salaries. Eileen Crawford, Pasco resident, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Perales for listening to her concerns regarding code enforcement issues within her neighborhood. She suggested partnering with realtors and provide them with the City's codes related to homes to educate homeowners. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Ms. Blasdel reported on the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Spooky Ball event she recently attended. She also provided additional information regarding the Colima, Mexico and Pasco partnership (COPA) and the delegation of students from Colima. Mr. Grimm reported on the Benton Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG) Board and the Franklin County Emergency Management meetings he recently attended. Mr. Cotta reported on he recent travels to El Salvador for a Mission. HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RELATING THERETO Public Hearing & Ordinance No. 4794 - Rocky Hills Management LP-ROW Vacation (VAC2025-002) Ms. Matson provided a brief report on the proposed Right-of-Way (ROW) vacation. Mayor Milne declared the Public Hearing open to consider the proposed ROW vacation. Jim Mailloux, Pastor, expressed support for this ROW vacation. Following three calls for comments, and there being none, Mayor Milne declared the Public Hearing closed. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4794, vacating a portion of Road 104 right-of- Page 3 of 11 way, as established by special warranty deed under Franklin County Auditor's File Number 505754 and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Ordinance No. 4795 - Declaring the City's Intent to Join and be Annexed to the Mid-Columbia Libraries District Ms. Sigdel provided a brief report on the process to annex the Mid-Columbia Libraries District into the City of Pasco. Mayor Pro Tem Grimm and Councilmember Perales expressed support for the annexation. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4795, declaring the City’s intent to join and be annexed into the Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) District; finding that the public interest will be served thereby; and requesting the concurrence of the Library District Board of Trustees. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Closed Record Hearing & Ordinance No. 4796 - Desert Bloom LLC Zoning Determination R-4 Portion of Annexed Property (ZD 2025-001) Mayor Milne announced that the zoning determination was a quasi-judicial action and asked Mr. Ferguson to explain the procedure for closed record 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. Lastly, Mr. Ferguson stated this item was Closed Record Hearing, no new evidence may be presented, only those who participated in the Open Record Hearing in front of the Hearing Examiner may testify and arguments must be summary only and not offer Page 4 of 11 new evidence. Ms. Matson and Mr. Ferguson explained the options to Council approve or not approve it and provide direction to staff on how to move forward. Ms. Matson provided a report on the proposed zoning determination, including the appeal to the zoning determination, for recently annexed property into the City of Pasco. Ms. Blasdel and Mr. Cotta asked for clarification related the Broadmoor Master Plan and its Environmental Impact Study (EIS). Ms. Matson and Mr. Ferguson responded with explanation of the EIS and Broadmoor Master Plan and state requirements for the City's development. Mayor Milne declared the Closed Record Hearing open to consider the proposed zoning determination. Nathan Grimm attested that he testified at the Hearing Examiner Public Hearing. He expressed concern about the traffic on Burns Road if the proposed zoning determination of R-4 is developed on the newly annexed property. Mayor Milne stated that he did not read any emails or other communications related to this closed hearing topic. Piper Martin attested that she testified at the Hearing Examiner Public Hearing. She stated that she lives in the Solstice development next to the property scheduled to be assigned R-4 Zoning. She expressed concern that it will lower the property values in her development. Robin Dillsworth attested that she testified at the Hearing Examiner Public Hearing. She expressed concern about the R-4 Zoning and building apartments on the property. She was told the property would be designated as medium density. She expressed concern about an increase in crime and that homes built in that area loose value. Cody Fielding attested that he testified at the Hearing Examiner Public Hearing. He discussed the zoning options R-2, R-3 and R-4 have the same density. He stated that the R-4 zoning provides with the most flexibility for single resident homes. He expressed support for this zoning determination. Mr. Perales asked what R-4 flexibility for single-family homes means. Mr. Fielding stated that single family homes includes detached and attached homes including condominiums and townhouses can be built within the R-4 zoning. Page 5 of 11 Mayor Pro Tem Grimm what makes R-4 more flexible. Mr. Fielding also stated that the plan is to build 8 to 12 units per acre when the property is developed. Mayor Milne asked about the transition from adjacent properties to this development. Mr. Fielding stated that he has not considered a transition at this time. Tracy Lybbert attested that he testified at the Hearing Examiner Public Hearing. He stated that a traffic study would need to be conducted when a project is brought forward to determine if any mitigations were needed. Following three calls for comments, and there being none, Mayor Milne declared the Closed Record Hearing closed. Mayor Pro Tem Grimm asked for additional clarification regarding the flexibility of R-4 Zoning. Ms. Matson explained that the lot size and types of housing in R-4 Zoning. Mr. Ferguson explained the action before Council, which was to assign zoning to this recently annexed property into the City. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4796, assigning R-4 High Density Residential District to the Desert Bloom LLC portion of the annexation area, as recommended by the Hearing Examiner and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by Roll Call vote. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Ordinance No. 4797 - Department of Natural Resources Rezone from R-T to R-3 & R-T to C-1 (Z2025-008) Mayor Milne announced that the propose rezone 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 Page 6 of 11 Council from participating in the proceedings. No one came forward. Ms. Matson introduced Planner III, Ivan Barragan, who provided a brief report on the propose rezone for the Department of Natural Resources property. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4797, amending the zoning classification of certain real property located south of Burden Boulevard, west of Road 68, and north of Interstate 182, in part within the area between the planned Road 76 overpass in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington, from R-T (Residential Transition) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) and R-T to C-1 (Retail Business) and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Ordinance No. 4798 - Approving Fatbeam Franchise Agreement Ms. Serra who provided a brief report on the proposed fiber optic cable Franchise Agreement with Fatbeam. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4798, approving a Non-Exclusive Franchise to construct, install, operate, maintain, repair, or remove fiber optic cables within the public ways of the City of Pasco and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Ordinance No. 4799 - Water & Sewer Revenue Refunding Bond Ms. Sigdel provided a brief recap on the proposed Water & Sewer Revenue Refunding Bond. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4799, relating to the waterworks utility of the City; providing for the issuance, sale and delivery of not to exceed $11,000,000 aggregate principal amount of water and sewer refunding revenue bonds to provide funds to (a) refund and redeem outstanding water and sewer revenue bonds of the City, and (b) pay the costs of issuance and sale of the bonds and the administrative costs of the refunding; fixing or setting parameters with respect to certain terms and covenants of the bonds; appointing the City’s Page 7 of 11 designated representative to approve the final terms of the sale of the bonds; and providing for related matters and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Resolution No. 4666 - Interagency Agreement with Washington Traffic Safety Commission Grant Funding 2025-2026 Police Lieutenant Matt Decker provided a brief report on the grant funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approveResolution No. 4666, authorizing the City Manager to execute the Interagency Agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and the Pasco Police Department for grant funding to support High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) activities during Federal Fiscal Year 2025-2026. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Resolution No. 4667 - Hearing Examiner Professional Services Agreement Ms. Sigdel and Mr. Ferguson provided a brief report on the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) renewal for Hearing Examiner services. Mr. Perales suggested that an requests for qualifications for Hearing Examiner Services to ensure the City is getting the best for the dollar spent. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4667, authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Andrew L. Kottkamp and Jay Eyestone for the Law Offices of Kottkamp, Yedimak, & Esworthy PLLC for Pasco Hearing Examiner Services. RESULT: Motion carried. 5-1 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, and Councilmember Cotta NAYS: Councilmember Perales Page 8 of 11 ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Resolution No. 4668 - Setting Date and Time for McCarthey St. Right-of-Way Vacation Public Hearing Ms. Matson provided a brief report on the request for a Right-of-Way (ROW) vacation and setting a public hearing for it. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4668, setting 7:00 p.m., Monday November 17, 2025, as the time and date for a public hearing to consider the vacation of a portion of McCarthey Street, alleyway, and N. Idaho Avenue in Frey's Addition to Pasco. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Resolution No. 4660 - Health Insurance Interfund Loan Ms. Sigdel provided a brief recap of the request for an interfund loan. Mr. Perales asked how much was in the Economic Development Fund currently and how is it related to the General Fund. Ms. Sigdel responded with estimated dollar amounts for the Economic Development fund and will send Council the current amount in the General Fund. Mayor Pro Tem Grimm expressed support of the interfund loan. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4660, authorizing interfund loans from the Economic Development Fund to Medical/Dental Insurance Fund. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster Resolution No. 4669 - 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local No. 1433 Ms. Matzen introduced Pat Heerren President of the IAFF Local No. 1433. She provided a brief overview of the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement with the IAFF Local No. 1433. Page 9 of 11 MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4669 - approving the January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026, Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Pasco and Local No. 1433 International Association of Firefighters. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Perales ABSENT: Councilmember Harpster MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mayor Milne announced the current and upcoming vacancies on various Boards and Commissions (BC) and encouraged interested individuals to apply for a BC of their choice by November 2, 2025. Mr. Stewart asked any questions regarding the City Manager Report. Next, he announced the next Business Watch Meeting scheduled for October 22nd. He asked for Council concurrence on the upcoming Fourth of July event regarding an increase in the budget for the fireworks presentation. Council expressed support to increase budget for the fireworks. Mr. Rice asked if Council was interested in any additional acts or festivities for the 250th Independence Day celebration and Council asked for a list of the potential acts/festivities. Mr. Rice stated that he would check with staff and get that information back to Council. RECESS Mayor Milne called a seven minute recess at 9:13 PM. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:20 PM for 10 minutes returning at 9:30 PM to consider site selection or acquisition of real estate purchase or lease if likelihood that disclosure would increase price per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Public Works Director and City Attorney. Mayor Milne called the meeting back to order at 9:30 PM. ADJOURNMENT Page 10 of 11 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on November 3, 2025. APPROVED: ATTEST: David Milne, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk Page 11 of 11