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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.12.01 Council MinutesMINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, December 1, 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, Joe Cotta, Calixto Hernandez, and Leo Perales Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: Harold Stewart, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Griselda Garcia, Interim Finance Director; 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. OATH OF CITY COUNCIL OFFICE City Clerk Barham administered the Oaths of City Councilmember to the following individuals: •Council Position No. 1, Mark Anthony Figueroa - effective 1.1.2026 to 12.31.2029 •Council Position No. 3, Leo Perales - effective 1.1.2026 to 12.31.2029 •Council Position No. 6, Calixto Hernandez - short term effective 12.1.2025 to 12.31.2026 and long term effective 1.1.2026 to 12.31.2029 RECESS Mayor Milne called a five-minute recess at 7:06 PM for photos and seat arrangements at the dais. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for November 17th and November 24th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on November 17, 2025, and Regular Workshop held on November 24, 2025. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $4,312,259.65 To approve claims in the total amount of $4,312,259.65 ($2,998,540.66 in Check Nos. 275039 - 275273; $64,214.96 in Electronic Transfer Nos.851515 - 851754; $6,452.65 in Check Nos. 55105 - 55109; $1,243,051.38 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30234053 - 30234694). Ordinance No. 4806 - Amending PMC Section 10.70.080 Schedule III - Parking Prohibited at All Times on Certain Streets To adopt Ordinance No. 4806, amending Pasco Municipal Code Section 10.70.080 "Schedule III - Parking prohibited at all times on certain streets," to establish new parking prohibited area on Buckingham Drive East of Broadmoor Blvd and, further, authorize publication by summary only. Resolution No. 4682 - Awarding Bid No. 22396 for Sylvester Pipe Repair - 5th Ave to 10th Ave to Big D's Construction of Tri-Cities To approve Resolution No. 4682, Awarding Bid No. 22396 for 2396 for Sylvester Pipe Repair - 5th Ave to 10th Ave project to Big D's Construction of Tri-Cities of Pasco Washington. Resolution No. 4683 - Awarding Bid No. 25635 - Butterfield Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Permanganate System To approve Resolution No. 4683 - Awarding bid No. 25635 for the Butterfield Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Permanganate System project to Apollo, Inc. Resolution No. 4684 - Purchase Fire Ladder Truck To approve Resolution No. 4684, approving the purchase of a fire ladder truck from from Rosenbauer, LLC. which is a member of Sourcewell, a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO). Resolution No. 4685 - Office Closure to the Public for Christmas Eve Day To approve Resolution No. 4685, authorizing the City Manager to close public- facing offices early, for the entire day or keep them open on Christmas Eve day. Approve Visit Tri-Cities Tourism Promotion Area Reserve Fund Request and 2026 Work Plan To approve the 2026 Special Project Expenditures for the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) in the amount of $253,000 to be allocated from the TPA Reserve Balance. and To approve the Visit Tri-Cities 2026 Work Plan as presented. Civil Service Commission/Personnel Board Appointment of Sylvia Cardenas To confirm the City Manager's appointment of Sylvia Cardenas to Position No. 1 on the Civil Service Commission/Personnel Board for a six-year term, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2031. Franklin County Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees Reappointment of Angie Stoddard To approve the reappointment of Angie Stoddard to represent the City of Pasco on the Franklin County Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. Resolution No. 4690 - Agenda-Setting Policy for Regular and Special City Council Meetings and Workshops To approve Resolution No. 4690, adopting a Council Agenda-Setting Policy for Regular and Special Council Meetings and Workshops. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to approve the Consent Agenda as read. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by Roll Call vote. 5-1 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez NAYS: Councilmember Perales PROCLAMATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Pasco Leadership Recognition Week Proclamation Mayor Milne announced the "Pasco Leadership Recognition Week," which is scheduled for December 1-7, 2025. He presented the seven proclamations to former Mayors' Pete Serrano, Blanche Barajas, Saul Martinez, Matt Watkins, and Joyce Olson; and former Mayors Pro-Tems' Craig Maloney and Rebecca Francik. Mayor Milne also presented two certificates to long-serving Councilmembers Al Yenny and Robert Hoffman. PUBLIC COMMENTS Matt Billings and his son Atlas, Pasco residents, recommended the City build a BMX pump track in Pasco. Addie and her two sisters, Pasco residents, recommended the City build a BMX pump track in Casa Del Sol Park located in Pasco. Steve Wilson, Pasco resident, expressed concern when the off ramp becomes congested at the Broadmoor exit on I-182 and asked that the dirt hill be removed. He also recommended that City Council step back and take time to hear from the public before taking action on controversial topics, similar to the fluoridation in City water topic. Laurie Thompson, Pasco resident, expressed support for the ambulance fee at 80 percent, while asking the City to provide assistance low income individuals and look for ways to reduce other City expenses. David Cohoe, Pasco resident, sang his comments against the removal of fluoride in City water. Alondra Parra, Richland resident, requested a pedestrian crosswalk at the Nueva Esperanza Leadership Academy in the Tierra Vida community stating it was a safety issue. Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, commented on Kerr Ferguson Law and former Interim City Manager Zabell's contracts, animal control topics, Pasco Public Facilities District expenses, and the LID related to her property. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Mayor Pro Tem Grimm reported on his participation in the recent Requests for Proposals for City Attorney services selection process. He also thanked staff for providing him additional information on the budget needs and proposed amendments. Mr. Perales announced that the Tri Cities Prep High School football team recent win and the team is going to State. HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RELATING THERETO Public Hearing and Ordinance No. 4807 - 2025-2026 Proposed Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment Ms. Garcia provided a brief recap of the proposed mid-biennium budget adjustments. Council Grimm and Perales provided comments regarding the budget adjustments. Following three calls for comments, and there being none, Mayor Milne declared the Public Hearing closed. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to adopt Ordnance No. 4807, amending the 2025-2026 Biennial Operating Budget (Ordinance No. 4749), by providing supplement thereto; to provide additional appropriation in the City’s funds and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried. 5-1 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez NAYS: Councilmember Perales ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS *Ordinance No. 4810 - Appointment of Pasco Municipal Court Judge Mr. Stewart provided a brief report on his appointment of Carlos D. Villarreal to the Pasco Municipal Court Judge. He also expressed appreciation to Judge Craig Stilwill for his service as Pasco's Municipal Court Judge these past years. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4810, confirming the City Manager's appointment of Carlos D. Villarreal as Municipal Court Judge, affixing the compensation of the Municipal Court Judge and Judge Pro Tem, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Personal Services Agreement for Judge Villarreal for Judicial services and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales Ordinance No. 4808 & Ordinance No. 4809 - 2026 Administrative/Professional Wage and Management Salary Plans Mr. Stewart provided a brief recap of the proposed wage and salary plans for 2026 for unaffiliated City staff. Mr. Perales commented on wage and salary plans and expressed he will be fiscally conservative on the management salary plan. Mr. Matzen provided addition details regarding the management salary plan. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to adopt Ordinance No. 4808, concerning wages for certain administrative/professional, non-management personnel for calendar year 2026. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to adopt Ordinance No. 4809, concerning the salaries for management positions for the calendar year 2026. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 5-1 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez NAYS: Councilmember Perales Ordinance No. 4805 - Ambulance Utility Rate Study Ms. Garcia provided a brief recap of the proposed ambulance rate change options. Mr. Perales expressed support for Motion B, for a 100 percent increase. Mr. Cotta commented on the large increase in calls verses the low increase in the City's population. He expressed support for Motion A, for 80 percent increase. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to adopt Ordinance No. 4805, amending Pasco Municipal Code Section 3.35.010 Ambulance Utility Fees effective January 1, 2026, at 80 percent and, future, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried. 5-1 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez NAYS: Councilmember Perales Resolution No. 4686 - Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) Aquatics Facility - Management and Operations Interlocal Agreement Mr. Rice provided an overview of the proposed Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) for adding management and operations services and continuing with the administrative, financial and option for legal services from the City. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to approve Resolution No. 4686, authorizing the City Manager to execute a new Interlocal Agreement between the Pasco Public Facilities District and the City of Pasco for administrative and financial services, and for management and operations of the new Aquatic Facility. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 5-1 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez NAYS: Councilmember Perales Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) Executive Director Watkins expressed appreciation to Council regarding the new Interlocal Agreement and it is the intent to open the best Aquatic Facility in Washington State. Resolution No. 4689 - Professional Services Agreement with InfoSend Inc for Utility Bill Printing & Mailing Services (5 minute staff presentation) Ms. Garcia provided a brief report of the proposed utility bill printing and mailing services with InfoSend Inc. Ms. Barajas asked for clarification on the anticipated savings with the new vendor and Ms. Garcia explained the anticipated savings. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to approve Resolution No. 4689, authorizing the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Infosend Inc. for Utility Bill Printing & Mailing Services. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales Ordinance No. 4811 - Creating the Pasco Municipal Code Section 2.150.245 "City Manager Discretionary Day Off" Mr. Stewart provided a brief recap of the proposed amendment to the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) creating an additional paid day off for staff at the City Manager's discretion. Mayor Pro Tem Grimm expressed thanks to staff for their extensive work over the past two years. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to adopt Ordinance No. 4811, amending Pasco Municipal Code by creating Section 2.105.245 City Manager Discretionary Day Off and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Cotta to confirm the City Manager's scheduled discretionary paid day off on December 26, 2025. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales Resolution No. 4687 - Change Order No. 4 Sandifur Pkwy/ Broadmoor Intersection Improvements with Tapani Ms. Ames provided a brief recap on the proposed change order for the Sandifer Parkway and Broadmoor Boulevard intersection improvements project in adding a pedestrian crossing near the new Delta school. Mr. Perales expressed appreciation for staff's efforts in contacting the Pasco School District requesting a contribution from the three school districts for the pedestrian crossing. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Cotta to approve Resolution No. 4687, authorizing the City Manager to sign and execute Change Order No. 4 with Tapani, Inc. for the Sandifur Pkwy/ Broadmoor Intersection Improvements Project. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales Resolution No. 4688 - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2026-2031 Projects Ms. Garcia provided a brief recap for the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2026-2031. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to approve Resolution No 4688, approving the Capital Improvement Plan for calendar years 2026 - 2031. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales NEW BUSINESS SEPA Flexible Categorical Exemption Thresholds Update Mr. Raymond provided a brief report on the proposed Washington State Department of Ecology's State Environment Policy Act (SEPA) Exemption thresholds and recommended that Council set a Public Hearing for February 2, 2026, to consider amending the SEPA threshold requirements. Mayor Pro Tem Grimm and Mr. Perales provided comments on the SEPA threshold requirements. MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Barajas to schedule a Public Hearing on February 2 to consider an Ordinance updating the Pasco Municipal Code provisions related to SEPA threshold requirements and related procedural changes. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mr. Stewart provided an update on the Wreaths Across America annual event scheduled on December 13th. He announced the new Finance Director was hired and will start December 29th. He expressed thanks to Council for participating on the various interview and selection panels. Lastly, he welcomed Councilmember Hernandez. Mayor Milne expressed appreciation to Council for their efforts on the interview and selection panels. Ms. Barajas expressed appreciation to Mr. Raymond and Ms. Ames for their expertise and for the work they do for Pasco. She will provide additional comments to other staff at next week's meeting. Mr. Cotta enjoyed participating on the interview panels. Mr. Grimm asked Ms. Garcia how customers can register and get set up in the new utility billing program and Ms. Garcia provided an overview of how to sign-up in the new utility billing program. RECESS Mayor Milne called a ten-minute recess at 8:50 PM. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:00 PM for 45 minutes returning at 9:45 PM to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment per RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Attorney. Mayor Milne called the meeting back to order at 9:45 PM. SETTING COUNCIL POSITION 7 INTERVIEWS Selection of Candidates to Interview for Council Position No. 7 "At-Large" MOTION: Councilmember - District 2 Grimm moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to interview the following individuals for City of Pasco's Council Position No. 7 for Council At-Large: Charlie Grigg, Bradford Gregory, Patrick S Jones, Melissa Blasdel, Jerry Cochran, and Abel Campos at the December 8, 2025, Special Council Meeting. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously. 6-0 AYES: Councilmember - District 5 Milne, Councilmember - District 2 Grimm, Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Perales ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:46 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on January 5, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Debra Barham, City Clerk