HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.03.09 Council Minutes MINUTES
City Council Workshop Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, March 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; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; Brent
Cook, Deputy Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; and Krystle
Shanks, Deputy City Clerk
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Cotta attended the Pasco Chamber luncheon where the Realtors
Association provided a housing market update.
Councilmember Perales attended a meeting with the Tri-Cities Association of Realtors
on housing and planning issues, shared updates on a new restaurant lease downtown
and potential downtown investment, and noted progress on Cinco de Mayo event
planning.
Councilmember Figueroa attended the Public Works and Information Technology (IT)
department presentations, noting strong financial responsibility and efficient use of
resources across City staff.
Mayor Grimm thanked attendees of recent department sessions, expressed
appreciation to staff for their work, and acknowledged IT Director Arman Rasheed’s
contributions.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council adjourned into Executive Session at 7:07 PM for 10 minutes to discuss with
legal counsel about current or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) with the City
Manager, Human Resources Director, and City Attorney.
At 7:18 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue for
another 5 minutes or until 7:24 PM.
Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 7:24 PM.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Water Use Efficiency Program Element of the Water System Plan
Ms. Serra discussed the required update to the City’s water system plan, focusing
on potable water efficiency, and introduced the consultant and introduced Ryan
Withers, PE, RH2 Engineering, Inc.
Mr. Withers presented the water use efficiency program, noting State requirements,
current performance, and recommended goals and measures to reduce water use
and maintain system efficiency over the next 10 years.
Council discussed the water use efficiency program, asking questions about
conservation strategies, system performance, and future goals. Key topics included
lawn watering policies, tiered rates, xeriscaping, water storage options, leakage
data, and how efficiency targets are set. Overall, there was support for continued
conservation efforts and interest in exploring additional water-saving measures.
Colin Hastings, Pasco Chamber of Commerce, noted potential water savings by
reducing potable water use for irrigation, citing a local example
Kara Kaelber. District Manager, Franklin Conservation District, highlighted ongoing
water conservation education efforts and support for sustainable landscaping
programs.
Kara Copeland, Pasco realtor, encouraged incorporating more xeriscaping in future
development.
Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development Element Discussion
Ms. Matson provided an overview of the Economic Development Plan update,
focusing on creating a more actionable and Pasco-specific strategy with key focus
areas for growth, investment and defining Pasco's economic identity.
Council discussed economic development priorities, including workforce
development, attracting jobs and retail, downtown revitalization, and expanding
tourism, while emphasizing clear goals, infrastructure investment, and partnerships
to support growth.
Stephen McFadden, Port of Pasco, discussed ongoing industrial growth, future
aerospace development, and supporting infrastructure needs, and invited
Councilmembers for a tour.
Q Ordinance - Amending the Zoning Classification of certain real property
located north of W. Agate St., south of W Pearls St., west of N. 6th Ave and
east N. 5th Ave, in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington from C-1 (Retail
Business) to R-1 (Low Density Residential)
Mayor Grimm announced that the proposed amended zoning classification was a
quasi-judicial action and asked City Attorney, Mr. Pollon, to explain the procedure
for quasi-judicial items.
Mr. Pollon read the quasi-judicial procedure including how the Appearance of
Fairness Doctrine applies to it. Next, he asked all Councilmembers a series of
questions association with potential conflicts of interest to disclose such potential
conflicts or appearance of conflicts. With no response from the 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 presented a proposed rezone from C-1 to R-1 to align zoning with the
comprehensive plan, noting the property is vacant, surrounded by residential uses,
and recommended for approval by the Hearing Examiner.
Council acknowledged the process and next steps for a future quasi-judicial
hearing.
Mayor Grimm called for public comment three times, but no one came forward to
speak.
Resolution - Franklin County Conservation District - Annexation and Shrub
Steppe Mitigation ILA
Ms. Sigdel presented a proposal for annexation into the Franklin County
Conservation District and a citywide interlocal agreement for shrub steppe
mitigation, explaining current benefits, costs, and how the agreement would
streamline development and provide additional services like conservation programs
and education.
Council and staff discussion ensued, with general support for partnering with the
Franklin County Conservation District, while raising concerns about costs to
residents and whether developers should bear those costs instead.
Kara Kaelber. District Manager, Franklin Conservation District, responded to
Council questions and provided additional information. She also supported the
annexation, highlighting expanded services, funding leverage, and improved
mitigation capacity.
Peter Harpster, developer, supported the proposal, noting it would streamline
mitigation and reduce development delays
Colin Hastings, Pasco Chamber of Commerce, supported the proposal, stating it
would help remove barriers to development.
Resolution - Broadmoor TIF AREA - Amendment No. 6 with PBS for
Engineering Services
Ms. Serra provided an overview of Broadmoor infrastructure projects funded
through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and presented a proposed amendment to
a professional services agreement to complete design work for the Harris Road
realignment project.
Council asked clarifying questions about funding sources and project timing,
expressed support for the amendment, and requested explanation of amendments
versus change orders for public understanding.
Mayor Grimm called for public comment three times, but no one came forward to
speak.
MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Mr. Stewart requested Council direction on holding joint meetings with community
partners and Boards and Commissions to improve coordination, set shared goals, and
align efforts, suggesting meetings occur at least annually and align with the budget
process.
Council expressed support for joint meetings to improve collaboration and efficiency,
suggested identifying priority partners, and emphasized the need for clear agendas and
meaningful two-way dialogue to ensure productive discussions.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:17 PM for 15 minutes returning at 9:33
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 the City Manager,
Deputy City Manager, Assistant City Manager and City Attorney.
At 9:33 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue for
another 7 minutes or until 9:41 PM.
Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 9:41 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:41 PM.
PASSED and APPROVED on April 6, 2026.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk