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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.02.09 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, February 9, 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: David Milne, Charles Grimm, Joe Cotta, Leo Perales, Calixto Hernandez, Abel Campos, and Mark Figueroa 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; Drew Pollom, City Attorney; Haylie Matson, Community & Economic Development Director; Brent Cook, Deputy Police Chief; and Maria Serra, Public Works Director The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Cotta attended the Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon where Pasco School District Superintendent Michelle Whitney gave the key note address. Councilmember Campos congratulated the Pasco High Dance Team for winning the 2026 National Championship for Hip Hop. Mayor Grimm also attended the Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon as well as the Non-Fiction restaurant ribbon-cutting which was well attended. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Presentation - Big Bro Joe Foundation Ms. Sigdel introduced Joe Thornton, founder of Big Bro Joe Foundation, who provided a brief presentation. Mr. Thornton presented an overview of the Big Bro Joe Foundation, its youth mentorship programs, and community impact in the Tri-Cities. He highlighted the organization’s core principles, community service efforts, and the acquisition of a Pasco facility to serve as a Community Youth Hub. Mr. Thornton requested City support through funding, resources, and partnerships. Councilmembers expressed general support and discussed potential funding options and collaboration opportunities. Lori Thompson, Pasco resident, expressed support for mentorship programs for youth in the community. Amber Wade, Pasco resident, congratulated Mr. Thornton for his efforts in the Big Bro Foundation. Matthew Catt, Kennewick resident, expressed support for Big Bro Foundation. Presentation - Fireworks History Ms. Sigdel introduced Fire Chief Crowley and Deputy Police Chief Cook, who provided a brief presentation. Fire Chief Crowley and Deputy Police Chief Cook presented an overview of fireworks regulations, enforcement challenges, and historical trends. Staff reviewed the 1996 ban, the 2018 allowance of “safe and sane” fireworks, and the continued prohibition of aerial fireworks. Data showed a decline in fireworks-related calls since 2018, though enforcement remains difficult due to call volume, staffing limitations, and prioritization of higher-risk incidents. Council discussed quality-of-life concerns, impacts to veterans, pets, and residents, and questioned whether declining call volume reflects enforcement challenges. Councilmembers suggested reviewing policies from other cities, exploring alternative enforcement tools, and continuing public education efforts. Lori Thompson, Pasco resident, discussed her ongoing concerns related to fireworks. Amber Wade, Pasco resident, discussed fireworks concerns relating to veterans, animals and children with sensory issues. Introduction of Ordinance – Code Amendment Allowing Sandwich Board Signs within the Downtown Pasco Overlay District (CA2025-002) Ms. Matson provided a brief overview introducing a code amendment to allow sandwich board signs within the Downtown Pasco Overlay District. Council expressed general support for allowing sandwich board signs in downtown Pasco as a pilot program. Council directed staff to return with the ordinance for consideration at a future meeting, with the option to revisit sign quantity, placement standards, outreach practices, and potential expansion after an evaluation period. Craig Maloney, downtown business owner, spoke in support of allowing sandwich board signs but expressed concern about enforcement-driven initiation of the amendment, limited outreach, and restrictions on sign quantity and placement. Mike Miller, downtown business owner, supported the amendment and emphasized the importance of reducing barriers for small businesses. Dave Cortinez, Latin Business Association, supported the downtown amendment but requested expansion citywide, flexibility for multiple signs, and consideration of sidewalk width and safety. Thomas Granbois, downtown Pasco property owner, expressed opposition to the amendment as written, citing lack of outreach, concern over enforcement complaints, and requesting greater flexibility for large or corner properties. Valerie Torres, downtown business owner, supported the amendment and encouraged collaborative revisions to address differing building conditions and business needs Resolution - Professional Services Agreement with Columbia Meter Reading, Inc. for City Meter Reading Services Mr. Hebdon presented a proposed professional services agreement with Columbia Meter Reading, Inc. for water meter reading services. The contract would be for three years with two one-year extensions. Staff noted a projected annual cost of approximately $610,000 and stated the item would return for council action at a future meeting. Mayor Grimm called three (3) times for public comment, but no public comment was received. Resolution - Sole Source Purchase of Three (3) Valley Pivots for the Process Water Reuse Facility Irrigation System Farm Upgrades Project Ms. Serra presented a resolution authorizing a sole source purchase of three Valley center pivots for the Processed Water Reuse Facility irrigation system upgrades. The item was previously reviewed in November and returned with a corrected cost and updated information regarding equipment availability and storage constraints. The proposed purchase is not to exceed $620,000, including contingency for installation adjustments. Staff indicated the item would return for council action at the next meeting. Mayor Grimm called three (3) times for public comment, but no public comment was received. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mr. Stewart reminded the Council and public that previously approved water and sewer rate changes will take effect March 1 and that staff is proactively communicating the change. He also noted that utility shutoffs for non-payment have resumed following completion of billing system transitions. Councilmember Perales acknowledged constituent concerns regarding shutoffs and thanked staff for promptly addressing the issues and providing direct outreach. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:59 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on March 2, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager