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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.03.02 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, March 2, 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, and Calixto Hernandez Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: Abel Campos 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; Ken Roske, Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; and Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for February 9th and February 17th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Special Workshop held on February 9, 2026, Regular Workshop held on February 9, 2026, and Regular Meeting held on February 17, 2026. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $10,964,318.55 To approve claims in the total amount of $10,964,318.55 ($4,093,774.22 in Check Nos. 276551 - 276881; $5,567,860.84 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 852343, 852346 - 852357; $13,248.52 in Check Nos. 55147 - 55155; $1,289,434.97 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30238068 - 30238729). Resolution No. 4708 - City of Pasco Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) Adoption To approve Resolution No. 4708, adopting the City of Pasco Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve the Consent Agenda as read by Roll Call vote. RESULT: Motion carried by Roll Call vote. 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos PROCLAMATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS National Reading Month Proclamation Ms. Pashon provided a brief overview and introduced the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mayor Grimm read the proclamation for "National Reading Month" scheduled for March 2026 and present the proclamation to Beth Burns of the Kennewick Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sean Flanagan, Benton County resident, requested assistance obtaining an encroachment permit to install a security fence for a client whose home was destroyed in an arson fire. He stated the fence is needed for safety and asked for help connecting with staff to resolve the issue. Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, raised concerns regarding costs, oversight, and financial accountability related to the Pasco Aquatic Center, Animal Control operations, environmental impacts, and various City expenditures. Maria Rangle, Pasco resident and Downtown business owner, shared her experience attempting to sell her equipment to a prospective tenant. She also expressed appreciation for the City’s downtown efforts. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Councilmember Perales attended the Swag Coffee grand opening, noted a downtown property sale enabling business expansion, participated in a downtown strategic visioning workshop, discussed reviving the Pasco Business Advisory Council, spoke with the Roman Torres Foundation about a potential soccer academy. Councilmember Cotta participated in interviews of candidates for the Housing Authority Board along with Councilmember Perales and Mayor Grimm. Councilmember Figueroa attended the HAPO Advisory Committee alongside Councilmember Perales and Mr. Stewart, the Visit Tri-Cities board meeting, and the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber luncheon. He also attended a Fire Department meeting and appreciated learning more about their work. Additionally, he visited Emerson Elementary to read Dr. Seuss books to dual-language classrooms for National Reading Month, share information about city government, and support the school. Mayor Grimm met with neighboring City mayors for their first monthly discussion focused on regional collaboration, where concerns about less-restrictive alternative housing dominated the conversation and joined other local leaders at the Franklin County Commissioners meeting for a presentation on the issue. Later, he went to the HAPO Center and spent time with first responders who were training there before attending the Fire Department meeting with other Councilmembers. Throughout the week, he also participated in community events including the ribbon-cutting at Swag Coffee Bar and a groundbreaking ceremony with Hayden Homes. He closed by sharing appreciation for Deputy Chief Cook’s compassion when responding to a difficult situation involving a neighbor’s horse. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Revise Agenda Order Ms. Matson requested that Council move the order of the agenda, switching Ordinance Nos. 4819 and 4820 with Ordinance No. 4818, as the passage of 4818 depends on the passage of Ordinances 4819 and 4820. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Milne to switch the agenda order of item 9(a) with item 9(b). RESULT: Motion carried 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos Ordinance Nos. 4819 & 4820 - Emergency Low Density Residential Land Use Comprehensive Plan Amendment and R-S-20 Rezone, and Ordinance No. 4818 - Emergency Comprehensive Plan Amendment- School District Capital Facilities Plan Update Ms. Matson presented an emergency comprehensive plan amendment intended to correct a conflict between the RS-20 zoning and the existing land use designation. The proposal involves adjusting the land use designation, rezoning affected properties, and adopting related text amendments. Since previous discussion on this item, additional property owners have requested to be included in the rezoning, which would require a new public hearing and delay action. Council discussed and agreed to postpone decisions to allow staff to evaluate the legal process and incorporate the additional properties, tabling Ordinances 4819, 4820, and 4818 to a future meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa to table agenda items relating to Ordinance Nos. 4819, 4820 and 4818 to a later date as soon as possible. RESULT: Motion carried 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos Ordinance Nos. 4821 & 4822 – Creation of Aquatics Center Fund & Budget Amendment for Aquatics Center Staffing Mr. Hebdon and Ms. Pashon presented on two proposed ordinances: one ordinance establishing a special revenue fund for the Aquatic Center to separately track Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) revenues and all operational expenditures under the interlocal agreement, and another ordinance amending the 2025–2026 biennial budget to add approximately $2.56 million in spending authority for Aquatic Center staffing and operations, fully funded by PPFD revenues to maintain general fund neutrality. Staff outlined anticipated staffing needs and ongoing monitoring as the facility opens. Council asked questions regarding financial risk, staffing allocations, and management responsibilities. Following discussion, Council voted to approve both items. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4821, establishing a special revenue fund for the Pasco Public Facilities District Tax Fund and creating a new Chapter 3.270, "Aquatic Center Fund", in the Pasco Municipal Code, and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordnance No.4822, 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 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos *Resolution No. 4709 - Public Works Board $3.5M Loan/Grant Agreement - Lewis Street Underpass Demolition Ms. Serra presented a funding agreement supporting the Lewis Street underpass demolition, explaining that the remaining underpass structure must be removed under the City’s agreement with BNSF. The work requires tightly coordinated demolition in multiple segments while BNSF temporarily removes and reinstalls tracks. The total project cost is estimated at $3.5 million, funded through a Public Works Board package consisting of a 20-year low-interest loan and an equal forgivable portion. Staff noted the project’s complexity, ongoing coordination with BNSF, and the need for a communication plan once timelines are confirmed. Council asked questions regarding communication with the public, project timing, and potential cost changes. Council members expressed appreciation for staff’s work in securing low-cost funding. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 4709, authorizing the City Manager to execute a $3.5M Low-Interest Loan/Grant Agreement (50% Forgivable Principal) for the Lewis Street Underpass Demolition Project. RESULT: Motion carried 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos Resolution No. 4710 - Third Amendment to RH2 Engineering, Inc. Professional Services Agreement for Irrigation System Expansion Ms. Serra presented a proposed amendment to the professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering to complete final design, bid support, and construction support for the irrigation system expansion pump station. The additional work is needed due to design changes identified during permitting and to prepare the project for bidding and specialized construction oversight. The amendment increases the contract by just under $540,000 on a not-to-exceed basis. Council had no further questions or comments. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 4710, authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 for the professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for the design and construction services for Irrigation Systems Expansion Project. RESULT: Motion carried 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos UNFINISHED BUSINESS Updated Street Lighting Standards Ms. Serra provided an update on the proposed street lighting standard revisions. The changes would replace project-by-project lighting studies with standardized spacing and design criteria based on completed engineering analysis, improving consistency and reducing design costs for both public and private projects. Staff reported that outreach to the development and engineering community showed overall support, with no objections raised. Council discussed safety considerations, implementation timing, and whether developments already in progress should be grandfathered. A majority of councilmembers supported moving forward without grandfathering, emphasizing public safety and the benefits of predictable standards. Staff will proceed with adopting the updated standards administratively. NEW BUSINESS Housing Authority of the City of Pasco & Franklin County Board of Commissioners Appointment of Position No. 5 Ms. Shanks provided a brief overview of the vacant board member position and the Council's Boards and Commissions Subcommittee, consisting of Mayor Grimm, Councilmember Perales and Councilmember Cotta, interviewed two applicants on February 24, 2026: Amanda Brown and Mark Funk. A third applicant withdrew. The subcommittee recommended appointing Mark Funk. Council briefly discussed the applicants, with Subcommittee members highlighting Mr. Funk’s property management and Section 8 experience as the basis for their recommendation. Councilmember Figueroa noted residency-length concerns with Mr. Funk compared to Ms. Brown, but acknowledged the value of relevant experience. Councilmembers also suggested that the Council’s Housing Authority representative be included in future interview subcommittees. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to appoint Mack Funk, to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners under Position No. 5, effective March 2, 2026, through January 27, 2031. RESULT: Motion carried 5-1 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez NAYS: Councilmember Figueroa ABSENT: Councilmember Campos Understanding Traffic Calming: Purpose and Approaches Ms. Serra presented an overview of traffic calming strategies, including vertical and horizontal deflection measures and signage. She explained how locations are prioritized using speed data, crash history, roadway classification, and school routes. Examples included Sylvester Street reconfiguration and speed cushions on Road 96. She outlined how traffic calming fits into TIP/CIP planning, grant funding, and council roles through budgeting, policy, and speed-limit ordinances. Council discussion focused on high-speed issues on Court Street, with members expressing interest in exploring speed cushions or other measures due to trail access and resident concerns. Councilmembers emphasized the need for stronger safety interventions and thanked staff for the data-driven presentation. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:05 PM for 10 minutes returning at 9:15 PM to discuss with legal counsel about current or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Attorney. At 9:16 PM Mayor Milne announced that the Executive Session would continue for another 5 minutes or until 9:21 PM. Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 9:21 PM. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED Procedural Discussion Regarding Upcoming Appeal Ms. Sigdel introduced City Attorney, Mr. Kenny, who briefed Council on procedural steps for the upcoming quasi-judicial appeal scheduled for April 20, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. He recommended that staff produce the record on appeal within seven days. Parties would then have seven days after receiving the record to submit any written requests to add documents, limited to five pages and including justification for inclusion. Any such requests would be reviewed and a response issued promptly. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to approve the recommendations of the City Attorney. RESULT: Motion carried 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos Mr. Kenny outlined recommended procedures for the April 20, 2026 quasi-judicial appeal, recommending that staff give a brief, non-argumentative overview of the case, followed by up to 15 minutes each for the appellant’s argument and the city’s argument. Council will then deliberate and issue a decision. The total allotted time for the appeal is 90 minutes. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Cotta to approve the recommendations of the City Attorney. RESULT: Motion carried 6-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, and Councilmember Hernandez ABSENT: Councilmember Campos MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mr. Stewart invited questions regarding the City Manager’s Report; none were raised. He announced two upcoming District 2 Community Business Watch meetings at the Police Department Community Room: March 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and March 24, 2026 from 1:00–2:00 p.m. He encouraged District 2 residents to attend and engage with the Police Department. No further council comments were offered. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on March 16, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk