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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.03.16 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, March 16, 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; Ken Roske, Police Chief; 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. CONSENT AGENDA Scrivener's Errors: Approved Resolution Nos. 3712 and 3713 were administratively corrected after the meeting to Resolution Nos. 4712 and 4713. Approval of Meeting Minutes for February 23rd and March 2nd To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Workshop held on February 23, 2026, and Regular Meeting held on March 2, 2026. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $3,189,374.42 To approve claims in the total amount of $3,189,374.42 ($1,204,114.38 in Check Nos. 276882 - 277143; $688,557.76 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 852358 - 852560, 852582 - 852616; $5,278.51 in Check Nos. 55156 - 55160 $1,291,423.77 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30238730 - 30239392). Resolution No. 3712 - Interlocal Agreement between participating Jurisdictions and the City of Pasco for involvement in the Special Investigations Unit To approve Resolution No. 3712, authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement between participating jurisdictions and the City of Pasco for involvement in the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Resolution No. 3713 - Broadmoor TIF AREA - Amendment No. 6 with PBS for Engineering Services To approve Resolution No. 3713, authorizing the City Manager to sign and execute Amendment No. 6 for the professional services agreement with PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc. (PBS), now an APEX Company, for the design services for Harris Road Realignment. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve the Consent Agenda as read by Roll Call vote. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Grimm noted receipt of an email from Ms. Cooper regarding data centers and stated Council would review and address it as appropriate. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Councilmember Campos attended meetings with the Tri-City Regional Chamber on economic development, toured the Emergency Operations Center, and participated in City department sessions, noting appreciation for collaboration and staff work. Councilmember Figueroa attended the Human Resources and Finance department briefings, met with a soccer foundation to explore youth and partnership opportunities, and engaged with downtown business owners to build relationships and support revitalization efforts. Councilmember Hernandez attended a meeting with downtown business owners, noting valuable input and opportunities for collaboration. Mayor Grimm also attended the Human Resources and Finance departmental briefings, a LEOFF Board meeting, a Benton Franklin Transit meeting, and a fire station event pushing out a new fire truck at Fire Station 82 out on the airport, along with Chief Crowley and Mr. Stewart, and expressed appreciation for staff engagement, ongoing coordination efforts, and interagency collaboration. HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RELATING THERETO Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 4817 Public Hearing for Moratorium on Essential Public Facilities (Secure Community Transition Facilities) Mr. Stewart explained that State law requires the City to hold a public hearing after adopting the moratorium to remain compliant. He clarified that the purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment specifically on the moratorium itself—whether it should have been enacted—not on related ordinances or broader policy issues. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing and reiterated the purpose of the moratorium as a temporary measure to allow time for community input and policy development, and directed comments to remain focused on the moratorium. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak, and the public hearing was closed. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Scrivener's Errors: Approved Resolution Nos. 3711, 3714, 3715, and 3716 were administratively corrected after the meeting to Resolution Nos. 4711, 4714, 4715, and 4716. Q Ordinance No. 4823 - 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. Kenny, to explain the procedure for quasi-judicial items. 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 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 rezone proposal for a vacant former church property from commercial to residential to align with surrounding uses, noting all procedural requirements were met and both staff and the Hearing Examiner recommend approval. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4823, amending the Zoning Classification of certain real property located north of W. Agate St., south of W. Pearl St., west of N. 6th Ave., and east of N. 5th Ave., in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington from C-1 (Retail Business) to R-1 (Low Density Residential) and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos Ordinance No. 4824 - Amending PMC 3.35.160 and 13.45.060 Related to Water Rights Ms. Sigdel provided a brief overview of the proposed ordinance amending PMC 3.35.160 and 13.45.060, making updates to the water rights code following prior Council actions in 2023 and 2024. Reviewed changes including increasing the in- lieu fee to market rates, removing commercial and industrial exemptions, and applying a 50% surcharge on recently transferred water rights. She sough Council confirmation on grandfathering, recommending that only the previous fee be grandfathered for certain projects while the surcharge would still apply, and requested Council approval of the ordinance reflecting this direction. Council noted prior discussions, expressed agreement with the clarification, and supported approval of the amendments. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4824, amending PMC Section 3.35.160 Water Utility, Adjusting the Water Rights Acquisition Fee; and Section 13.45.060 Assignment of Water Rights - Extension of City Water Services Beyond City Limits of the Pasco Municipal Code and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos Resolution No. 3711 - Franklin County Conservation District - Annexation and Shrub Steppe Mitigation ILA Ms. Sigdel presented options for annexation into the Franklin County Conservation District, and an interlocal agreement for shrub steppe mitigation, outlining benefits such as expanded services, education programs, and streamlined development, along with costs to residents and alternatives if not approved. Council discussed the proposal, with general support for the benefits to services, education, and economic development, while also raising concerns about added costs to residents, with the Mayor stating they would vote no due to concerns about increasing property tax burdens, despite the relatively small annual cost. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 3711, approving a petition for the inclusion of the incorporated City of Pasco territory into the Franklin Conservation District. RESULT: Motion carried 6-1 AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos NAYS: Mayor Grimm MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve the Interlocal Agreement with the Franklin County Conservation District. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos *Resolution No. 3714 - Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Purchase and Sale Agreement to Purchase Franklin County Parcel Number 124710063 Ms. Sigdel introduced Michael Henoa, who presented a proposal to purchase land to expand the land treatment system at the Process Water Reuse Facility, highlighting cost savings due to the parcel’s location, increased system capacity to support industrial growth, and progress toward meeting future acreage needs. Council asked questions about cost impacts if a different site were used, acknowledged the parcel’s strategic location, and indicated understanding of its value to the system. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 3714, authorizing the Purchase of Franklin County Parcel No. 124710063, and further, authorize the City Manager to execute the closing documents. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos *Resolution No. 3715 - Setting a Public Hearing to Consider granting NFC Northwest LLC a franchise Ms. Serra provided an overview of a resolution to set a public hearing for a proposed franchise agreement with NFC Northwest LLC, a fiber optic provider. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 3715, setting 7:00 PM, April 6, 2026, as the time and date for a public hearing to consider a Fiber Optic Franchise with NFC Northwest LLC. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos *Resolution No. 3716 - Acceptance of Work for Court Street & Road 68 Intersection Improvements Ms. Serra presented the completion of the Road 68 and Court Street roundabout project, highlighting improved safety, reduced crashes, better traffic flow, and cost savings with the project completed under budget using a mix of grant funding. Council expressed appreciation for the project, noting improved safety at a previously dangerous intersection, positive driving experience, and recognition of staff’s work and successful use of funding. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 3716, accepting work performed by Ellison Earthworks, LLC of Pasco WA, under contract for the Court Street and Road 68 Intersection 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 MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION City Manager Report Mr. Stewart noted a schedule change, postponing the planned Court Street discussion from March to April to allow full Council participation, expressed appreciation for IT Director Arman Rashid’s service and contributions, announced recruitment to fill the position, shared upcoming police community meetings, reminded the public about vendor regulations, and provided an update on planned community input meetings regarding the moratorium. Ms. Sigdel discussed the Community Survey, explaining its purpose to gather resident input to guide strategic planning, budgeting, and service priorities. She highlighted the use of a new data platform to provide actionable insights, the importance of consistent questions over time, and plans for broad outreach and accessibility. She requested feedback from Council and indicated intent to finalize and launch the survey soon. Councilmember Hernandez shared details about an upcoming “Art and Cork” event at Café Con Arte, noting participating partners and encouraging attendance. Mayor Grimm reminded Council to complete City Manager evaluations and introduced a request from Franklin County to sponsor a regional federal partners event at the HAPO Center, explaining it would bring federal agencies to the area to discuss resources, partnerships, and funding opportunities. He noted the City was asked to contribute $5,000 to help cover event costs such as logistics and security, and expressed support given the event’s location in Pasco. Council discussed the funding request, raising concerns about the late notice, use of general fund dollars, and limited event details, and generally did not support contributing funding. Mayor Grimm made a motion to approve a $5,000 sponsorship for the event; however, the motion failed due to lack of a second. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council adjourned into Executive Session at 8:25PM for 20 minutes returning at 8:45 PM to discuss with legal counsel about current or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) and to consider the minimum offering price for sale or lease of real estate if there’s a likelihood that disclosure would decrease the price per RCW 42.30.110(1)(c) with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Attorney. At 8:45 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue for another 10 minutes or until 8:55 PM. At 8:46 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue for another 5 minutes or until 9:01 PM. At 9:06 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue for another 5 minutes or until 9:06 PM. Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 9:06 PM and wished Councilmember Figueroa and the Mayor’s childhood friend, Damien Miller, a happy birthday. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:06 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on April 6, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk