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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.03.23 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, March 23, 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, Joe Cotta, Leo Perales, Calixto Hernandez, Abel Campos, and Mark Figueroa Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: David Milne 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; Arman Rashid, IT 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. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Figueroa attended the Police Department and Parks & Recreation Department meetings. He also attended a business watch meeting and networked with the business owners. Councilmember Campos attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) meeting, attended City departmental meetings, and went to the State of the District Police meeting. Councilmember Cotta attended the State of the District Police meeting and visited the Prosser Boys & Girls Club. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Police Department meeting. Mayor Grimm reported attending departmental meetings, the Benton Franklin Council of Governments meeting, and, along with Councilmember Figueroa, attending Pasco High School to appoint Gabrielle Whitemarsh as the Cinco de Mayo Grand Marshal. PROCLAMATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Honoring the Retirement of Chief Ken Roske Proclamation Mr. Stewart shared remarks on Chief Roske’s retirement, noting he will be missed and leaves the Department in good hands, and announced a retirement celebration on Wednesday at the HAPO Center. Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Chief Roske. Mayor Grimm will read the proclamation "Honoring the Retirement of Chief Ken Roske" and present the proclamation to Pasco Police Chief Ken Roske, and Councilmembers provided words of appreciation and thanks. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT 2026 Washington State Legislative Session Update Mr. Stewart introduced Briahna Murray, Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, who provided an overview of the 2026 legislative session, including budget outcomes, policy themes, and impacts to cities. Key topics included limited funding for local governments, new tax proposals, and legislative actions affecting Pasco priorities. Council discussed concerns regarding reduced sales tax revenues, unfunded mandates, and impacts to local control, while acknowledging the effectiveness of local legislators. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology Chief Roske gave a brief presentation on automatic license plate readers (ALPR) and, along with Captain Parramore and Deputy Chief Cook. The presentation included current deployment, effectiveness in solving crimes, and new state regulations governing its use. Council discussion focused on public safety benefits, data privacy concerns, and long-term implications of surveillance technology, with general support expressed for continued use. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Missing Middle Housing Ms. Matson provided an overview of state-mandated middle housing requirements, including allowing up to four units per lot citywide and impacts to zoning and development standards. Staff noted limited local flexibility and upcoming code amendments. Council discussion reflected concerns about neighborhood impacts, infrastructure, and State-imposed mandates, while acknowledging potential affordability benefits. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Community Workforce Agreement Ms. Serra presented an overview of Community Workforce Agreements (CWA) and Project Labor Agreements (PLA), explaining current labor requirements already in place (prevailing wage, apprenticeship utilization, and contracting standards) and how a CWA could expand goals such as local hiring and workforce development. Council discussion reflected differing perspectives. Some Councilmembers supported exploring CWAs further to promote local hiring, workforce development, and retention of local economic benefits. Others expressed concern about potential cost increases, administrative complexity, and lack of clear data, preferring to wait for additional information or observe implementation in other jurisdictions. Several members emphasized the need for more data, stakeholder input, and alignment with current budget priorities. Josh Valle, representative for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, spoke in support of a Community Workforce Agreements. Julian Jensen, representative for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, spoke in support for Community Workforce Agreements. Mr. Stewart outlined potential benefits including workforce stability and local economic impact, as well as considerations such as increased administrative burden, possible cost impacts, and reduced contractor competition. Council direction was to revisit the topic at a later date (anticipated for January next year) after gathering additional information and budget considerations. RECESS Mayor Grimm called a five minutes recess at 9:47 PM, returning at 9:52 PM. Presentation - Clark Street Improvements Ms. Serra introduced Andrey Avetisyan, Engineering Manager, who presented the Clark Street Improvements project, originating from the Downtown Master Plan, which includes a road diet, protected bicycle lanes, and safety enhancements between 2nd and 10th Avenue. The project has received approximately $1.8 million in grant funding and is entering the design phase. Council discussion included general acknowledgment of the project’s safety goals and design concepts. Councilmembers did not raise significant concerns but noted the importance of balancing transportation improvements with impacts to surrounding residential and commercial areas. Thomas Granbois, Big Maple Properties, spoke in support of the proposed angled parking, improved lighting, and pedestrian safety, and expressed concerns regarding bicycle lane safety, emphasizing the need for well-lit crosswalks and improved ADA accessibility. David Cortinas, speaking on behalf of the Latin Business Association, noted that many downtown business owners are aware of the project, expressed support for angled parking, and requested continued stakeholder involvement, particularly from downtown businesses. Presentation - 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program Ms. Serra handed the presentation over to Andrey Avetisyan, Engineering Manager, who presented the annual six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), outlining project planning, prioritization, funding sources, and upcoming public outreach. Staff noted that projects are prioritized based on funding availability, urgency, and alignment with adopted plans. Council discussion focused on clarification of project prioritization and funding structure. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Ordinance - Amending Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) 13.45.020 & 13.65 Ms. Sigdel presented a minor code amendment to correct an inconsistency between utility rates and connection fees timing, ensuring current fees remain in effect through the end of 2026 before new fees take effect in 2027. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Resolution - Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office Grant Applications Ms. Pashon provided an overview of the proposed resolution authorizing the City to apply for grants through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. She introduced Recreation Manager Brent Kubalek, who presented recommended projects for submission, including land acquisition and park development projects identified in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. Staff reviewed grant timelines, application requirements, and noted they would return with a resolution for Council approval. Council was generally supportive of pursuing grant opportunities to leverage external funding for parks and recreation improvements. Councilmembers emphasized the importance of using grants to reduce local costs and expand recreational amenities, and expressed agreement with aligning grant applications with existing City priorities. Councilmember Perales asked about a potential pump track, and Mr. Kubalek discussed possible plans and locations under consideration. Mayor Grimm discussed levee-related improvements and expressed interest in revisiting the levee. David Cortinas, a Pasco resident, expressed appreciation for the efforts but also raised concerns about park conditions, particularly restroom facilities. Resolution - Change Order No. 4 Sylvester Street Safety Improvements with Granite Construction Company Ms. Serra presented the final reconciliation change order for the Sylvester Street Safety Improvements project, adjusting contract quantities to allow project closeout. The change order increases the contract by $115,128.72 and requires Council approval. She noted this is the final change order, and the project will return for final acceptance and closeout. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Resolution - Change Order No. 10 Citywide Traffic Signal Improvements Phase 2 with Apollo, Inc Ms. Serra presented the final reconciliation change order for the Citywide Traffic Signal Improvements Phase 2 project, which replaced aging traffic signals at multiple locations to improve safety and ADA compliance. The change order increases the contract by $122,797.95 and is needed to finalize quantities and close out the project. She noted this is the final change order and will allow the project to proceed to closeout. Council discussion included questions regarding changes in site conditions and design accuracy. Staff explained the project was originally designed several years prior to construction, and adjustments were necessary due to changed site conditions, survey discrepancies, and market impacts during the Covid period. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Resolution – Acceptance of a Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Traffic Safety Grant Lt. Matthew Decker presented a grant award from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in the amount of $7,500 to support the Police Department’s traffic safety program. The grant will fund the purchase of in-car printers and updated lidar equipment. Staff noted the award was based in part on the City’s recent traffic safety efforts and initiatives and requested Council approval to accept the grant and proceed with equipment purchases. Council expressed appreciation for securing the grant and was supportive of the funding. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mr. Stewart provided updates, including recognition of Police Captain Parramore receiving a community partner award, an upcoming retirement event for Chief Roske, a neighborhood business watch meeting, aquatics facility hiring progress, and the launch of the Community Satisfaction Survey. Councilmember Cotta raised concerns about unpermitted street vendors, citing safety, health, and fairness issues. Mr. Stewart provided enforcement cost estimates, and Councilmember Cotta supported additional enforcement. Mayor Grimm and Councilmember Perales also supported enforcement efforts, while Councilmember Figueroa suggested a system to distinguish permitted vendors. Councilmember Perales introduced discussion on potential updates to downtown signage regulations, including awning or blade signs. Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Hernandez, and Mayor Grimm expressed openness to further review, requesting additional information and business input. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:55 PM for 5 minutes returning at 11:00 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, City Attorney and Public Works Director. Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 11:01 PM. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:01 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on April 6, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk