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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.01.20 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Microsoft Teams Webinar CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Charles Grimm, Mayor. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Charles Grimm, David Milne, Mark Figueroa, Leo Perales, Joe Cotta, Calixto Hernandez, and Abel Campos Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: Harold Stewart, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Kevin Hebdon, Finance Director; Daniel Kenny, 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; Debby Barham, City Clerk; and Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Pro Tem Milne arrived at 7:04 PM. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for January 5th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on January 5, 2026. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $6,229,294.35 To approve claims in the total amount of $6,229,294.35 ($2,316,475.25 in Check Nos. 275767 - 275970; $2,587,391.63 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 851773 - 851846, 851868 - 851959, 851977 - 852036, 852040 - 852047, 852052 - 852053; $17,325.97 in Check Nos. 55123 - 55133; $1,308,101.50 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30236004 - 30236705). Resolution No. 4693 - Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 3 with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for Design Services for the Process Water Reuse Facility Phase 4 Irrigation System Farm Upgrades Project To approve Resolution No. 4693, authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 for the professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for the design of the Process Water Reused Facility (PWRF) Improvement Phase 4: Irrigation System Farm Upgrades Project. Resolution Nos. 4694, 4695, 4696, 4697 & 4698 - Helena 1 and 2 Development Reimbursement Agreements with Broetje Orchard LLC and Jubilee Foundation To approve Resolution No. 4694, authorizing a Utility Developer Reimbursement (Latecomer) Agreement with Broetje Orchards, LLC, for the construction of sewer utility improvements for Helena 1, a residential subdivision. To approve Resolution No. 4695, authorizing a Street System Developer Reimbursement (Latecomer) Agreement with Broetje Orchards, LLC, for the construction of street improvements for Helena 1, a residential subdivision. To approve Resolution No. 4696, authorizing a Utility Developer Reimbursement (Latecomer) Agreement with Broetje Orchards, LLC, for the construction of water utility improvements for Helena 1, a residential subdivision. To approve Resolution No. 4697, authorizing a Street System Developer Reimbursement (Latecomer) Agreement with Jubilee Foundation for the construction of street improvements for Helena 2, a residential subdivision. To approve Resolution No. 4698, authorizing a Utility Developer Reimbursement (Latecomer) Agreement with Jubilee Foundation for the construction of water utility improvements for Helena 2, a residential subdivision. Resolution No. 4699 – Project Acceptance for the Citywide Genetec Enterprise Access Control System To approve Resolution No. 4699, accepting work performed by Interwest Technologies Systems Inc., under contract for the Citywide Genetec Enterprise Access Control System project. *Resolution No. 4700 - Service Agreement between Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HIMS) and the City of Pasco for use of the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course To approve Resolution No. 4700, authorizing the City Manager to execute a Service Agreement between Hanford Mission Integration Solutions and the City of Pasco for use of the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to approve the Consent Agenda as read. RESULT: Motion carried by Roll Call (RC) vote. 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos PROCLAMATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS City Clerk Debra Barham Appreciation Day Proclamation Mayor Grimm read the proclamation for "City Clerk Debra Barham Appreciation Day" scheduled for January 23, 2026 and present the proclamation to City Clerk Barham. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mary Mahoney discussed the Tri-Cities Animal Control and Local Improvement District (LID). Shawn Milligan, owner of Three Rivers Ranch Project, spoke on the proposed ordinance related to Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility Rate and Connection Fee - Water and Sewer. Amber Wade, Pasco resident, discussed affordable housing issues and rental property standards and held up a sign to visual her comments. Jon Padvorac, land use consultant, spoke on the proposed ordinance related to Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility Rate and Connection Fee - Water and Sewer Laurie Thompson, Pasco resident, discussed ongoing issues related to fireworks. Matt Heuer, Tri-Cities Realtors Association, spoke on the proposed ordinance related to Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility Rate and Connection Fee - Water and Sewer. George Dockstader, Pasco resident and business owner, spoke on the proposed ordinance related to Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility Rate and Connection Fee - Water and Sewer. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Mayor Pro Tem Milne attended the Agriculture (Ag) Hall of Fame. Mayor Grimm attended the Franklin County Emergency Management Board meeting, the Ben Franklin Transit meeting and the Ben Franklin Council of Governments meeting. HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RELATING THERETO ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Q Ordinance No. 4812 - Rocky Hills Management LP "Wilson Estates" Rezone from R-T to R-1 (Z2025-009) Ms. Matson introduced City Attorney Daniel Kenny who read the quasi-judicial procedures. Mr. Kenny 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 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. Ms. Matson provided a brief point of clarification, noting that a closed record hearing would not be held for this item because no appeals were received, which would have otherwise triggered a closed record hearing. She then presented a brief report on the proposed ordinance for the Rocky Hills Management LP “Wilson Estates” rezone from R-T to R-1. Ms. Matson clarified that no closed record hearing was scheduled due to the absence of an appeal and presented the proposed ordinance to rezone the Wilson Estates property from R-T Residential Transition to R-1 Low Density Residential. Council and staff discussed the density concerns, the Growth Management Act and and voiced frustration over legal constraints under state law. Councilmember Perales moved, to not adopt Ordinance No. 4812, amending the zoning classification of certain real property located north of Burns Road, west of Broadmoor Boulevard, south of future Dent Road, and east of future Dent/Fraser Road in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington, from R-T (Residential Transition) to R-1 (Low Density Residential) and, further, authorize publication by summary only. There was no second, therefore the motion did not move forward. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa to adopt Ordinance No. 4812, amending the zoning classification of certain real property located north of Burns Road, west of Broadmoor Boulevard, south of future Dent Road, and east of future Dent/Fraser Road in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington, from R-T (Residential Transition) to R-1 (Low Density Residential) and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 6-1 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos NAYS: Councilmember Perales Resolution No. 4701 - 2026-2027 City Council Representation on Local & Regional Boards and Committees Ms. Barham provided a brief report on the 2026-2027 City Council Representation on Local & Regional Boards and Committees, that had been previously been discussed by Council with follow-up coordination with the Mayor and Councilmembers. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Milne to approve Resolution No. 4701, confirming Mayoral assignments of Councilmembers to various community boards and committees for the years 2026-2027. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance No. 4804 - Adjustment to Utility Rate and Connection Fee - Water and Sewer Ms. Serra presented on the proposed adjustments to water and sewer utility rates and connection fees, outlining proposed multi-year rate increases, revised connection fee methodology, and the need to fund system capacity, replacement, and compliance requirements. Mr. Stewart added that staff have listened to feedback, which has led to the proposed effective date of January 1, 2027, and expanded on Ms. Serra’s comments. Council and staff discussed in length the proposed water and sewer rate increases and connection fees in relation to affordability impacts, growth demands, speculative market, infrastructure needs, and timing considerations related to financing and capacity. Council also acknowledged the significance of the matter and the potential impacts on residents and the City, irrespective of the ordinance’s outcome. Councilmember Perales moved to separate the connection fees and the water and sewer rates, and for the connection charge to be looked at a later meeting and grandfather in all preliminary plats. There was no second, therefore the motion did not move forward. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa to adopt Ordinance No. 4804, amending and repealing Sections of Pasco Municipal Code in Chapter 3.35 Fee Summary and amending and repealing Sections in Title 13 Water and Sewers to adjust rates and connection fees for City Water and Sewer Utilities and, further authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried by Roll Call (RC) vote. 5-2 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos NAYS: Mayor Pro Tem Milne and Councilmember Perales Resolution No. 4681 - Authorization of a $14.727 Million Dollar DWSRF Loan -Contract No. DWL31572-0 Ms. Serra presented a brief report on the proposed resolution authorizing acceptance of a $14.727 million DWSRF loan, noting the acceptance period had exceeded 60 days but the City remained eligible to accept the loan if approved. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa 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 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos Approve Tri-City Regional Hotel-Motel Commission (TCRHMC) Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) 2026 Budget and Marketing Plan Mr. Stewart provided a brief report on the approval of the Tri-City Hotel-Motel Commission (TCRHMC) Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) 2026 Budget and Marketing Plan. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Milne to approve the Tri-City Regional Hotel-Motel Commission (TCRHMC) 2026 Budget and Marketing Plan. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mr. Stewart noted the City Manager’s report was included in the packet and expressed appreciation for City Clerk Debra Barham's service, inviting Council to attend her retirement send-off. He also reported that staff would be traveling to Olympia to engage with state legislators regarding Growth Management Act and other legislative issues impacting local control. Councilmember Perales raised concerns regarding the recent proposal of a Level III sex offender facility in Kennewick, and requested a briefing on Pasco’s role, notification requirements, and potential legislative options. Mr. Stewart responded that the facility complies with state law, which limits local authority, and noted the Pasco staff are monitoring proposed legislation, coordinating with the City Attorney, and will provide a future briefing on the issue. Councilmember Perales also addressed community concerns related to noise, fireworks, and quality-of-life impacts, referencing significant public engagement on the issue. Mr. Stewart responded that fireworks enforcement is scheduled for discussion at the February 9th Council workshop meeting. Mayor Grimm acknowledged the discussion, referenced Martin Luther King Jr. Day, offered closing remarks by reading a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on February 2, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk