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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.04.13 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:05 PM - Monday, April 13, 2026 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Microsoft Teams Webinar CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:05 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: Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Julie Thompson, Finance Manager; Drew Pollom, City Attorney; Haylie Matson, Community & Economic Development Director; Brent Cook, Interim Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; Mary Heather Ames, Deputy Public Works Director; Alyssa Warner, Community & Outreach Coordinator; and Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Cotta reported attending the City Improvement Plan (CIP) and Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) meeting, noting it was well-run and informative, particularly discussions around the Highway 76 overpass and related development. Councilmember Perales shared that he attended the Northwest Carpenters Union journeyman graduation and highlighted the dedication of new skilled trades professionals. He also attended the Tri-City Association of Realtors awards luncheon, where he was nominated for Citizen of the Year, and recognized the late John Marshall’s contributions to the Team Pasco House program. Additionally, he met with the Latin Business Association (LBA) and a prospective downtown bakery and café owner, emphasizing continued business interest in downtown. Councilmember Campos reported attending the City Improvement Plan (CIP) and Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) meeting, praising staff and the opportunity for engagement and questions. He encouraged the public to attend an upcoming meeting at Ray Reynolds Middle School. He also attended a ribbon cutting for Casa de los Chilaquiles, complimenting the food and welcoming the new business. Councilmember Figueroa shared that he volunteered at a Parks and Recreation spring break kids camp, helping with soccer activities and highlighting the importance of youth participation and exposure to sports. Mayor Pro Tem Milne reported attending the Casa de los Chilaquiles event, praising the food, staff, and overall experience while encouraging the community to visit. Mayor Grimm reported attending the Benton Franklin Transit meeting, where the board unanimously decided to terminate the CEO and begin the process of finding new leadership. He noted that an interim leader is in place and that additional details will be released publicly once redactions are complete. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Frontage Improvement in R-S-20 Zones (Sidewalk, Streetlights etc.) Ms. Matson presented a policy discussion regarding frontage improvement requirements in the RS12 and RS20 zones, including whether to restore a pre-2019 exemption for sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and streetlights. Staff outlined potential benefits of exemption, such as reduced development costs and preserving the area’s rural character, as well as concerns related to long-term infrastructure costs, safety, consistency with planning goals, and reduced eligibility for grant funding. Staff recommended maintaining current requirements and presented alternative options, including right-of-way dedication with or without fees in lieu of improvements. Council discussion reflected differing perspectives. Some members supported reducing or removing requirements to preserve rural character and lower development costs, while others emphasized long-term planning, safety, infrastructure continuity, and maintaining grant eligibility. Several members expressed interest in a balanced approach, particularly requiring right-of-way dedication while deferring full improvements. Stephen Bauman, Pasco resident and developer, supported Alternative 2 (right-of- way dedication only), stating it is reasonable, preserves the rural character, and avoids unnecessary upfront costs. Also supported the use of future LIDs and no- protest agreements. Jeff Kelly, Pasco resident and developer, supported Alternative 2 and emphasized affordability concerns, noting that frontage improvements on larger lots are cost- prohibitive and that septic limitations may restrict higher-density development. An individual (name not provided) raised concerns about inconsistency in preserving the Riverview area while approving higher-density developments elsewhere in the city. Amber Wade, Pasco resident, opposed delaying infrastructure, citing personal experience with retrofitting sidewalks as disruptive and costly. Emphasized safety concerns and supported completing improvements during initial development. Following discussion, the majority of Council indicated support for requiring right- of-way dedication without full frontage improvements (Alternative 2), with interest in exploring future funding mechanisms such as LIDs. Staff was directed to further evaluate these options and return with additional information. 2026 Pavement Preservation Plan Ms. Serra introduced Ms. Ames, who presented the 2026 Pavement Preservation Plan, outlining preventative maintenance strategies such as crack sealing and chip sealing to extend road life. The city’s average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is 77 (fair), with higher wear on arterials than residential streets. The presentation emphasized that proactive maintenance is more cost-effective than delayed repairs, noting that maintaining current pavement conditions would require significantly higher annual investment than current funding levels. Staff reviewed planned 2026 work areas, focusing on residential and lower-volume collector streets, and described the timing and sequencing of treatments. Council discussion focused on funding levels, long-term sustainability, and the gap between current spending and the estimated amount needed to maintain pavement conditions. Questions were asked regarding PCI data collection methods, lifecycle expectations of treatments, and long-term maintenance planning. Councilmembers expressed concern about underfunding, the growing street network, and the need to develop a more sustainable funding strategy over time. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Court Street - Traffic Calming Passive Measures Performance Ms. Serra provided an update on Court Street traffic calming measures following a six-month evaluation of previously implemented passive measures, including reduced speed limits, buffered bike lanes, and signage. Results showed minimal change in driver behavior, with speeds still exceeding the posted limit. Staff recommended implementing active measures, specifically installing speed cushions along the corridor, with an estimated cost of approximately $70,000, plus optional additional signage. Council generally supported proceeding with the recommended improvements, emphasizing safety concerns, particularly due to pedestrian and bicycle traffic along the corridor. Discussion included funding options, with general consensus leaning toward using general fund resources, and support for adding signage and proceeding without additional outreach beyond notification letters. Council also discussed enforcement, data collection, and potential traffic diversion to nearby streets. Dallas Green, Pasco resident, supported the project, emphasizing safety concerns, high speeds, and the number of violations observed, particularly along the Sacagawea Trail corridor. Pete Bord, Pasco resident, supported the measures, noting safety benefits and stating speed cushions are effective without significantly disrupting compliant drivers. Also suggested potential benefits in reducing heavy truck traffic. Jerry Roach, Pasco resident, supported the project, citing increased traffic over time and safety concerns, including past accidents and vehicle speeds in the area. Reed Simpson, Pasco resident, supported the project and emphasized the need for improved crosswalk visibility and ongoing concerns with racing and unsafe driving. Council direction was to proceed with implementation of speed cushions, include additional signage, fund the project primarily through the general fund, and move forward with limited outreach. Targeted Urban Area (TUA) Tax Exemption Program Ms. Sigdel presented an overview of the Targeted Urban Area (TUA) tax exemption program, a state-authorized incentive providing a 10-year local property tax exemption for qualifying industrial and manufacturing development. The program is intended to attract new manufacturing, create family-wage jobs, and increase long-term tax base, while noting potential impacts such as administrative complexity and temporary tax shifts. She introduced Mr. John Rosenau, Ms. Mandy Waller and Mr. Stephen McFadden, who were all available to provide additional information and answer questions. John Rosenau, Franklin County Assessor, explained that implementation is feasible but complex due to software limitations and the need to separately assess taxable and exempt portions of properties. Noted the program would require additional administrative work and resources, particularly for larger projects. Ms. Waller, City of Richland, shared that Richland has successfully implemented the program with multiple projects, including a major manufacturing investment. Highlighted the program’s effectiveness in attracting development, while noting limitations such as the inability to selectively approve applicants and the need to manage tax shift impacts. Stephen McFadden, Port of Pasco, spoke in support of the program as a critical economic development tool to compete with other states. Emphasized the importance of including all eligible industrial land and noted the program’s potential to attract major employers and support long-term growth. Council discussion included program requirements, benefits for economic development, and implementation challenges, particularly related to coordination with Franklin County, software limitations, and increased administrative workload. Guest speakers from Franklin County, the Port of Pasco, and the City of Richland provided insight on implementation, noting the program’s effectiveness in attracting major projects, as well as operational complexities. Council discussion was generally supportive, emphasizing the need for economic development tools to remain competitive and attract industry. Members acknowledged trade-offs but agreed the potential long-term benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Ordinance - Special Event Code and Downtown Update Ms. Matson presented a proposed update to the Special Events Code, aimed at streamlining processes, improving clarity, and reducing administrative burden for applicants, particularly in alignment with downtown master planning efforts. Key changes include clearer thresholds for when permits are required, defined event categories, simplified application processes, standardized safety requirements, and improved review timelines. Council discussion focused on refining elements of the code, including application timelines, risk assessment criteria, insurance requirements, and the appeals process. Concerns were raised about overly subjective language, barriers for low- impact events, and whether appeals should go directly to City Council rather than a hearing examiner. Staff noted additional revisions would be made prior to the public hearing, including clarifying cost recovery for police services and permit requirements. Thomas Granbois, Pasco resident and business owner, supported efforts to streamline the process and make it more user-friendly. He expressed preference for appeals to be heard by City Council rather than a hearing examiner, noting councilmembers can recuse themselves if conflicts arise. Council directed staff to incorporate feedback, continue refining the ordinance, and bring the item back for further discussion at the upcoming public hearing prior to formal action. Resolution - Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 1 with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for Design Services for the Foster Wells Lift Station Improvements Project Ms. Serra presented a proposed amendment to the professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering for design services related to the Foster Wells Lift Station Improvements Project. The lift station, originally constructed in the 1990s, has experienced operational issues including leaks and mechanical deficiencies. Following an initial assessment, priority improvements were identified, including mechanical, electrical, ventilation, and control system upgrades. The proposed amendment increases the contract scope to include design, bidding support, and limited construction support, with an amount not to exceed $251,923, for a total contract value of $314,188. Staff noted that funding is available through existing bonds and anticipated grant funding. Council discussion included a question regarding project funding, with staff confirming that funds are available and expected to be allocated to the project. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION Ms. Sidgel provided updates on upcoming outreach efforts, including a Transportation Improvement Plan and Capital Improvement Plan meeting at Ray Reynolds Middle School, a community meeting regarding LRA housing, and the Pasco Police Department’s upcoming Citizens Academy. She also noted Councilmember participation in the academy. Councilmember Perales raised concerns about a backlog of code enforcement complaints and requested a future presentation on how the City is addressing and prioritizing them, including consideration of enforcement actions. He also requested information on initiating a speed study for Cook Lane in response to constituent concerns. Ms. Serra explained that traffic calming efforts are currently limited due to lack of dedicated funding, but residents can submit concerns to begin data collection. She noted the City is working to bring on a contracted traffic engineer to support analysis and prioritization based on data. Council expressed support for receiving a future presentation on code enforcement backlog and operations. Mayor Grimm announced plans for Councilmember participation in upcoming Police Chief interview panels, noting Councilmember Campos will participate alongside the Mayor. He emphasized fairness in distributing such opportunities among Councilmembers and clarified that the final hiring decision rests with the City Manager. Ms. Sigdel provided reminders on Community Outreach Meetings. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on May 4, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk