HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.11.17 Council Minutes
MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, November 17, 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: 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; 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 November 3rd and November 10th
To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on
November 3, 2025, and Regular Workshop held on November 10, 2025.
Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of
$6,604,806.16
To approve claims in the total amount of $6,604,806.16 ($3,470,488.03 in Check
Nos.274751 - 275038; $1,820,370.95 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 851497 -
851499, 851502 - 851514; $12,663.33 in Check Nos. 55097 - 55104;
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$1,301,283.85 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30233417 - 30234052).
Ordinance No. 4800 - Amending PMC Chapter 3.60.040 Debit/Credit Card
Acceptance
To adopt Ordinance No. 4800, amending PMC Chapter 3.60.040 Debit/Credit
Card Acceptance of the Pasco Municipal Code and, further, authorize publication
by summary only.
Resolution No. 4675 - Awarding Bid No. 23465 for Process Water Reuse
Facility Phase 4 Irrigation Systems - Farm Upgrades Project to Rotschy, Inc.
of Pasco, Washington
To approve Resolution No. 4675, Awarding Bid No. 23465 for Process Water
Reuse Facility Phase 4 Irrigation Systems - Farm Upgrades Project to Rotschy,
Inc. of Pasco, Washington.
Resolution No.. 4676 - US Army Corps of Engineers Easement Sewer Main
Upsizing Professional Services Agreement Acceptance
To approve Resolution No. 4676, authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Professional Services Agreement with RH2 Engineering Inc. for the United States
Army Corps of Engineers Easement Sewer Main Upsizing Project.
Resolution No. 4677 - Sole Source Purchase of Three (3) Valley Pivots for
the Process Water Reuse Facility Irrigation System Farm Upgrades Project
To approve Resolution No. 4677, waiving the competitive bidding requirements
and approving the purchase of three (3) Valley pivots and ancillary equipment
from LAD Irrigation of Pasco.
Resolution No. 4678 - Professional Services Agreement with Transpo Group
USA Incorporated for the Sandifur Parkway and Road 76 Intersection and
Pedestrian Safety Enhancements Project
To approve Resolution No. 4678, authorizing the City Manager to execute a Local
Agency A&E Professional Services Cost Plus Fix Fee Consultant Agreement with
Transpo Group USA, Inc. for the Sandifur Parkway and Road 76 Intersection and
Pedestrian Safety Enhancements Project.
Housing Authority of the City of Pasco & Franklin County Board of
Commissioners Reappointment of Linda Dukelow
To reappoint Linda Dukelow to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
under Position No. 5 effective January 28, 2026, through January 27, 2031.
Arts & Culture Commission Appointments of Dana Dollarhyde and Marie
Marchand
To confirm Mayor Milne's appointments of Dana Dollarhyde to Position No. 4, Art
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Professional, with a term from November 17, 2026, to June 30, 2028, and Marie
Marchand to Position No. 6, Artist with a term from November 17, 2025, to June
30, 2026 on the Arts & Culture Commission.
Code Enforcement Board Reappointments of Duane Van Beek, James
Rawlinson, and Mary Gutierrez
To confirm Mayor Milne's reappointments of Duane Van Beek, James Rawlinson,
and Mary Gutierrez to Positions Nos. 3, 4, and 5 respectively, effective January 1,
2026, to December 31, 2029, on the Code Enforcement Board.
Planning Commission Appointments of Brian Tungesvik and Miguel
Miranda
To confirm Mayor Milne's appointments of Brian Tungesvik to Position No. 7, with
the term from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2031, and Miguel Miranda to
Position No. 8, with the term from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2031, on the
Planning Commission.
Cancellation of December 15 and 22, 2025, Regularly Scheduled Council
Meeting and Workshop
To approve the cancellation of the December 15th and 22nd Council Regular
Meeting and Workshop respectively.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to approve the Consent Agenda as read.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0
AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember
Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta,
and Councilmember Perales
PROCLAMATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lori Thompson, Pasco resident, commented on a foul odor coming from the
direction of the Pasco Water Reuse Facility (PWRF), inquired about the proposed
three additional pivots for the PWRF, suggested that increased taxes and fees be
voted on by the public, supported funding additional law enforcement.
Steve Norberg, Pasco resident, commented on the crop research he leads and
the land he leases from the City of Pasco for his research. He expressed
appreciation to the City for the use of the leased land.
Ken Poletski, Pasco resident and realtor, expressed concern on proposed the
increase in the water and sewer connection fees.
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Jon Pavorac, developer consultant, distributed a letter to Council regarding the
proposed Utility Connection Fee increases and expressed his concerns regarding
those increases.
Brian Burhigh, Pasco resident, expressed support to retain the fluoridation in the
City's domestic water system.
Eric Weinheimer, Sunnyside resident and realtor, expressed concern on the
proposed increase in the water and sewer connection fees.
An individual representing the Tri-Cities Association of Realtors commented on a
recent housing study about increased housing, which is outpacing affordability
and asked for an opportunity to meet before Council takes action on water and
sewer rate and connection increases.
Lindsey Palmer, Benton Franklin Health Department (BFHD) staff, expressed
support for retaining the fluoridation in the City's domestic water system.
Christine Tegarrison, Pasco resident, expressed support to remove the
fluoridation in the City's domestic water system.
Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, commented on animal control, CIP budget,
homeless, spay and neuter clinics, Pasco Public Facilities District, bald eagles
and flood plain and communications addressed to her.
Amber Waid, Pasco resident, commented on her economic status. She expressed
support to retaining fluoridation in the City's domestic water system and
expressed concern about utility rate increases.
Dr. Spencer Jilek, Pasco resident, expressed support to retain the fluoridation in
the City's domestic water system.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS
Verbal Reports from Councilmembers
Mayor Pro Tem Grimm reported on the Veteran's Day event and the Ben Franklin
Transit (BFT) Board meeting.
Ms. Barajas reported on the Veteran's Day event and the CD Wine Ventures, a
new wine bar, grand opening event.
HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
RELATING THERETO
Public Hearing - Transportation Benefit District
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Ms. Sigdel provided a brief report on the proposed Transportation Benefit District
(TBD).
Mayor Milne declared the Public Hearing open to consider the proposed TBD.
Ken Poletski, Pasco resident, asked for clarification on where the funding will be
distributed to, specific area of the City or across the City and Ms. Sigdel confirmed
that the funding would be available across the City.
Following three calls for comments, and there being none, Mayor Milne declared
the Public Hearing closed.
Council provided their thoughts and preferences whether or not to create a TBD
and how to fund it through car tab fees or through sales tax.
Mayor Milne summarized Council's direction, which was to bring this item back in
the new year after the new Council is seated to have an opportunity to state their
preference. At this time, a majority of Council is leaning towards a sales tax,
whether it is approved by Council or placed on a ballot for public vote.
Public Hearing and Ordinance No. 4801 - McCarthey Street Right-of-Way
Vacation (VAC2024-005) (5 minute staff presenation)
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.
Paul Knutzen, consultant, spoke on behalf of the owner and 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. 4801, vacating portions of McCarthey Street,
alleyway, and North Idaho Avenue right-of-way in Frey’s Addition to Pasco,
Washington 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
Public Hearing and Ordinance No. 4802 - 2026 Ad Valorem Tax and General
Fund Revenues (Property Tax) and General Fund Revenue
Ms. Sigdel provided a report on the proposed options for the 2026 Ad Valorem
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Tax (property tax) to Council. She then reported on the City's General Fund
revenue sources.
Mayor Milne declared the Public Hearing open to consider the proposed 2026 Ad
Valorem Tax.
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. 4802, providing for an increase in the regular
property taxes of the City for levy in 2025 and collection in the 2026 tax year;
and providing for related matters 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
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS
Resolution 4679 - Initiating Emergency Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Arising from Pasco School District Capital Facilities Plan Update (CPA2025-
001)
Ms. Matson provided a brief overview for initiating an emergency Comprehensive
Plan Amendment and answered Council's questions.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4679, authorizing the initiating an
emergency amendment to the Comprehensive Plan arising from the Pasco
School District's 2025 Update to the Capital Facilities Plan, Adopted March 25,
2025.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0
AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember
Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta,
and Councilmember Perales
*Resolution 4680 - Initiating an Emergency Comprehensive Plan
Amendment for Low Density Residential Land Use R-S-20 Zone (CPA2025-
002)
Ms. Matson provided a brief overview for initiating another emergency
Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4680, authorizing the initiating an
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emergency amendment to the City's 2022 Comprehensive Plan, amending the
future land use map descriptions and Pasco Municipal Code 25.215.015
"Comprehensive Plan Land Use Density Table" related to the 2022
Comprehensive Plan.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0
AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember
Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta,
and Councilmember Perales
Ordinance No. 4803 - Adjustment of Utility Tax Rate For City-Owned Utilities
Ms. Sigdel provided a brief recap of the proposed adjustment to the City-owned
utilities tax rate.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to adopt Ordinance No. 4803, amending Chapter 5.45.040, Utilities –
Occupation License, to adjust the utility tax rate for city-provided water, sewer,
irrigation, stormwater, and process water reclamation facility services;
providing for severability; and establishing an effective date of January 1, 2026,
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
Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility Rate and Connection Fee - Water
and Sewer
Ms. Sigdel and Ms. Serra provided a brief recap of the proposed adjustment to
the City's Water and Sewer Utilities rate and connection fees.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the Water and Sewer Utility rates
and connection fees, with Council requesting that they heard from the real estate
and developers before making a decision on this matter.
MOTION: Mr. Perales moved, seconded by Ms. Blasdel to table the consideration
of Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility Rate and Connection Fee - Water
and Sewer.
After additional Council and staff discussion, Mr. Perales withdrew his motion to
table this item and made an amended motion to ensure that this item will return to
Council after staff meets with the development and real estate community
partners in January 2026.
MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to postpone consideration of Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility
Rate and Connection Fee - Water and Sewer to the January 20, 2026, Council
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meeting, after staff meets with the development and real estate community
partners.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0
AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember
Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta,
and Councilmember Perales
RECESS
Mayor Milne called a ten-minute recess at 9:40 PM.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS CONTINUED
Resolution No. 4681 - Authorization of a $14.727 Million Dollar DWSRF Loan
-Contract No. DWL31572-0
Ms. Serra provided a brief report on the loan, which the City will receive from the
Department of Health if approved by Council.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to approve Resolution No. 4681, approving and authorizing the
execution of a $14.727 million dollar Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Loan Contract No. DWL 31572-0 with the Washington State Department of
Health for the Butterfield Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Pump Station and
Electrical Improvements project.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0
AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember
Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta,
and Councilmember Perales
Mr. Stewart clarified that this loan acceptance was based on the new water and
sewer rates and fees and since that action was postponed, then this item needs
to be postponed as well.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to rescind the prior motion, "Resolution No. 4681, approving and
authorizing the execution of a $14.727 million dollar Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund Loan Contract No. DWL 31572-0 with the Washington State
Department of Health for the Butterfield Water Treatment Plant Raw Water
Pump Station and Electrical Improvements project."
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0
AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember
Barajas, Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta,
and Councilmember Perales
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Mr. Stewart requested that this item come back at the January 20, 2026, Council
meeting for Council consideration.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2026-2031 Part 2
Ms. Sigdel and Ms. Serra presented the City-owned Utilities' improvement
projects proposed in the 2026-2031 CIP.
Consideration to Discontinue Fluoridation in Drinking Water
Mr. Stewart provided a brief recap of the information received from the public
related to continuing or discontinuing fluoridation in the City's potable water
system. He sought Council direction on how to move forward.
Council provided their thoughts and recommendations for fluoridation.
MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to direct staff to prepare ballot language and coordinate with the
Franklin County Auditor regarding a measure asking whether the City should
continue adding fluoride to its public water supply, and return with the
necessary resolutions for Council action and place it on the November 2026
ballot.
RESULT: DEFEATED by Roll Call vote. 3-3
AYES: Mayor Milne, Councilmember Blasdel, and
Councilmember Perales
NAYS: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, and
Councilmember Cotta
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to discontinue fluoridation in Pasco’s drinking water in accordance with
RCW 70A.125.210 and direct staff to return with an implementation plan and
any required
for future Council consideration.
RESULT: Motion carried by Roll Call vote. 4-2
AYES: Mayor Milne, Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember
Cotta, and Councilmember Perales
NAYS: Councilmember Barajas and Councilmember Blasdel
Right-of-Way (ROW) Principles and Best Practices
Ms. Serra introduced Bob Sterbank, Legal Counsel with Foster Garvey PC, who
was available to provide legal advice during the presentation. Ms. Serra explained
the principals and best practices for determining City rights-of-way (ROW).
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Council provided their thoughts on their preferences with the majority agreeing to
maintain the current ROW standards.
Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) Aquatics Facility - Management and
Operations Interlocal Agreement
Mr. Rice introduced Matt Watkins, PPFD Executive Director, who was available to
answer questions regarding the project and the partnership with the City. Mr. Rice
provided an update on the proposed Interlocal Agreement with the Pasco Public
Facilities District (PPFD) for the management and operations of the Pasco
Aquatics Facility.
Council provided their preferences regarding partnering with the PPFD and the
majority of Council concurred that they look forward to the new partnership with
the PPFD.
Letter of Support – City of West Richland’s Consideration of Aerial
Fireworks Ban
Mr. Stewart asked for Council action on the draft letter addressed to the City of
West Richland.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember
Blasdel to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter expressing the City of Pasco’s
support for the City of West Richland’s consideration of a ban on aerial
fireworks, and to direct staff to transmit the signed letter to the City of West
Richland.
RESULT: DEFEATED. 1-5
AYES: Mayor Milne
NAYS: Mayor Pro Tem Grimm, Councilmember Barajas,
Councilmember Blasdel, Councilmember Cotta, and
Councilmember Perales
MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION
Mr. Stewart commented on the distribution of the City Manager's Reports in
December 2025. He also announced that the next business watch meeting is
scheduled for December 4, 2025, and that two new police officers were sworn in
earlier in the day.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council adjourned into Executive Session at 11:13 PM for 5 minutes returning at
11:18 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
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the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Public Works Director and City Attorney.
Mayor Milne called the meeting back to order at 11:19 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:19 PM.
PASSED and APPROVED on _______________________.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
David Milne, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk
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December 1, 2025