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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.04.20 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, April 20, 2026 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Microsoft Teams Webinar CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Mayor Charles Grimm following the conclusion of a special meeting that ran longer than scheduled. 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, Parks & Recreation Director; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Kevin Hebdon, Finance Director; Daniel Kenny, City Attorney; Haylie Matson, Community & Economic Development Director; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; Brent Cook, Interim 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 April 6th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Special Meeting and Regular Meeting both held on April 6, 2026. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $7,775,038.99 and Write-off Totaling $3,272.00 (delinquent bad debt) To approve claims in the total amount of $7,775,038.99 ($2,635,974.83 in Check Nos. 277475 - 277810; $2,350,723.66 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 852663 - 852888, 852891 - 852910, 852913 - 852918, 852924 - 852930, 852933 - 852937; $12,681.32 in Check Nos. 55164 - 55221; $2,775,659.18 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30240065 - 30241413). To approve bad debt write-off for accounts receivable including Utility Billing, Ambulance, Cemetery, General Accounts, and Miscellaneous Accounts in the total amount of $3,272.00 and, of that amount, authorize $3,272.00 to be turned over for collection. Resolution No. 4728 - Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 1 with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for Design Services for the Foster Wells Lift Station Improvements Project To approve Resolution No. 4728, authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 for the professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for the design of the Foster Wells Lift Station Improvements Project. 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 Mike Gonzalez, Pasco resident, spoke on behalf of the Latin Business Association, emphasizing the need to support downtown revitalization and fill the gap left by DPDA. He outlined plans to assist small businesses, strengthen connections with City Hall, and rebrand the organization to reflect broader community unity. Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, raised concerns about City spending and accountability, including the aquatic center, animal control finances, LID and environmental impacts. Bob Mangione, Franklin County, shared his experience battling cancer and requested approval of short-term rentals to provide income for his family. He described plans to operate responsibly and expressed a desire to remain self-sufficient. Amber Wade, Pasco resident, a prolonged water outage in her community and her issues with the City’s response. She highlighted a community member from Kennewick who stepped in to help and urged stronger support for residents.. Kamara Brooks, Walla Walla County resident, and owner of a local driving school, expressed safety concerns about a marijuana dispensary located next to her driving school, citing debris, impaired individuals, and traffic issues. She asked Council to review zoning compatibility near youth-focused businesses. Jeannine Hummer, Pasco resident, spoke in support of Bob Mangione, highlighting his character and community involvement, and encouraged approval of short-term rentals to assist his family. Vince Martinez, Benton County, also supported Bob Mangione, emphasizing his integrity and contributions to others, and urged Council to approve short-term rentals Doug Perez, Kennewick resident, commented that short-term rentals are already operating successfully in Pasco, acknowledged potential administrative impacts, and supported their use as an opportunity. Ms. Serra noted that there were individuals online that wanted to speak to the PWRF Presentation later on the agenda for the evening and asked if they should speak now or during that agenda item. Mayor Grimm said for that item, it would be best to provide comment at that time, though they would keep comments still to 3 minutes. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Councilmember Hernandez shared participation in the Citizen Police Academy and promoted the Taco Crawl fundraiser benefiting local organizations. Councilmember Campos reported attending a housing outreach meeting with strong public opposition and a county emergency management meeting highlighting a successful nuclear exercise and upcoming planning efforts. Councilmember Cotta noted attending infrastructure meetings, housing outreach discussions, and community engagement events with students and residents. Councilmember Figueroa highlighted outreach with college students and youth leaders on issues such as housing, economic development, and drug prevention, and noted volunteering at a regional event. Mayor Grimm reported involvement in police chief recruitment, regional meetings, and housing outreach, and discussed concerns regarding state siting of sexual offenders and the need for community response. HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RELATING THERETO Public Hearing & Ordinance No. 4826 - Assuming Powers of the Pasco Transportation Benefit District Ms. Sigdel presented the Transportation Benefit District (TBD), explaining it as a funding tool for transportation projects and recommending Council assume its powers for administrative efficiency due to declining traditional revenues and increasing roadway demands. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing and called for public comments three (3) times. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. Council requested clarification on staffing, and staff confirmed street crew levels have remained unchanged despite significant growth in road miles, citing funding constraints. Council noted the importance of this context and acknowledged staff efforts. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4826, assuming the rights, powers, functions, immunities, and obligations of the Pasco Transportation Benefit District; providing for severability and establishing an effective date; authorizing 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 Public Hearing and Ordinance Nos. 4827 and 4828: Emergency Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map Amendment (CPA 2025-002) – Low Density Residential Land Use Changes, and Rezone of R-S-20 and the newly added parcels with associated text amendments (CA2025-006 and Z2025-011) Ms. Matson presented on two emergency comprehensive plan amendments to address inconsistencies between the comprehensive plan and zoning designations. The proposal included reducing allowable density ranges, replacing RS-20, and incorporating three additional parcels for efficiency. Staff noted the amendment had undergone public process, received minimal public comment, and clarified that the changes reduce—not increase—density. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing and called for public comments three (3) times. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. During discussion, a Councilmember asked about the use of septic systems, and staff clarified that septic may be allowed in limited cases where lot size and health district requirements are met. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4827, adopting the 2018 comprehensive plan amendment: low density Residential-Riverview by reference and incorporating such into the city of Pasco comprehensive plan by addendum 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 MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4828, amending and repealing sections of Pasco Municipal Code, in Title 17 Sign Code, Title 21 Urban Area Subdivision Regulations, and Title 25 Zoning, related to changes made to the R-S-20 Suburban District and further amending the official zoning map classification from R-S-20 suburban district and Parcels 118431055 and 118461013 (zoned R-1) and Parcel 118461031 (zoned R-S-12) to R-15 low density residential district, 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 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS Ordinance No. 4829 - Emergency Comprehensive Plan Amendment- School District Capital Facilities Plan Update Ms. Matson presented an emergency comprehensive plan amendment adopting the Pasco School District Capital Facilities Plan update. She explained the item is a routine, biannual update aligned with the City’s periodic review cycle and is used to inform school impact fees. She noted the item had been workshopped with Council, reviewed by the Planning Commission with a recommendation for approval, and did not require a public hearing at this stage and staff recommended approval. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by to adopt Ordinance No. 4829, adopting the Pasco School District No. 1 2025 Update to the Capital Facilities Plan by reference and incorporating such into the City of Pasco Comprehensive Plan by addendum 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. 4830 - Special Event Code and Downtown Update Ms. Matson introduced the proposed ordinance related to updates to the special event code and downtown regulations, noting that the item had been noticed as a public hearing but was not clearly reflected on the agenda. She explained that a public hearing is required for this code amendment because it bypassed the Planning Commission process and acknowledged the oversight, suggesting the item be properly re-noticed to ensure public participation. Council discussed the procedural issue and expressed a preference to ensure clarity and full opportunity for public input. Staff and legal counsel recommended tabling the item to avoid any notice deficiencies and to bring it back with proper process. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to table Ordinance No. 4830 to a later date for proper public hearing notice. 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. 4831 - Approving NFC Northwest, LLC Franchise Agreement Ms. Serra provided presented a franchise agreement with NFC Northwest LLC to allow installation and operation of fiber optic infrastructure within the City’s right-of- way. She noted the item had been previously reviewed by Council, a public hearing was held with no public comment, and the proposal meets all municipal, state, and federal requirements. Staff recommended approval. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to adopt Ordinance No. 4831, approving a Non-Exclusive Franchise to construct, install, operate, maintain, repair, or remove fiber optic cables within the public ways of the City of Pasco 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. 4729 - Acceptance of work for the Memorial Pool Bubble Cover New Construction Project Ms. Serra presented an acceptance of work on the Memorial Pool bubble cover foundation project completed by ESF Solutions LLC. She outlined the scope of work, including removal of the existing deck, discovery of unforeseen conditions, and construction necessary to support the pool dome. The original bid was approximately $758,000, with change orders bringing the final construction cost to approximately $864,230.40. Staff confirmed the contractor met all contractual obligations and recommended acceptance of the project to allow closeout and release of retainage. Council expressed appreciation for the project and its contribution to year-round swimming opportunities. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 4729, accepting work performed by ESF Solutions LLC, of Walla Walla WA, under contract for the Memorial Pool Bubble Cover New Construction Project. 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. 4730 - Participation in the National Six Remnant Defendants Opioids Settlement Ms. Sigdel and Mr. Stewart provided a report regarding participation in an additional opioid settlement. Staff explained the City has already been receiving funds through a statewide lawsuit and that this action would authorize participation in a second, related settlement to secure additional funding. It was noted that funds from the new settlement would not be subject to the same restrictions as the existing funds. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve Resolution No. 4730, authorizing the City Manager to Sign Settlement Participation Forms for the National Six Remnant Defendants Opioids Settlement. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos NEW BUSINESS Process Water Reuse Facility (PWRF) Customer Rates Annual Review Ms. Serra presented the annual review of customer rates for the Process Water Reuse Facility (PWRF), emphasizing that no rate increase was being proposed at this time. She provided an overview of the facility, recent expansion, and its public- private partnership structure, including a long-term agreement with a third-party operator. Staff reported the utility is currently operating at a deficit, with revenues— particularly from renewable natural gas (RNG)—underperforming projections and operating costs exceeding expectations. She noted ongoing collaboration with facility customers through a work group to evaluate alternatives, including cost controls, potential use of tax credit funds, and other solutions, with the intent to return to Council with options. During Council discussion, concerns were raised regarding the financial sustainability of the utility, transparency of cost increases, and the potential impact on local businesses. Council emphasized the need for timely communication, evaluation of the third-party contract, and exploration of alternatives to rate increases, including use of available funds to offset costs. Staff confirmed continued work with stakeholders and plans to bring forward options for Council consideration. Shem Oesch, Grimmway, stated processors have already experienced significant rate increases and cannot absorb additional costs, citing uncertainty in system performance. Jodie Fleshman, Simplot, expressed concern over rising costs and limited visibility into third-party operations, noting continued increases are unsustainable. Elizabeth Ober, Oregon Potato Company, emphasized that processors cannot sustain multimillion-dollar increases and stated they are willing to pay for wastewater treatment but not for unrelated or underperforming system costs.. Dale Goyer, Twin City Foods, highlighted significant cost increases, questioned third-party performance, and stressed the urgency of resolving the issue due to impacts on business viability and employment. Council acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated the need for continued collaboration with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. Following public comment, Mr. Stewart acknowledged the processors as key community partners, stated the current rate impacts are not sustainable, and emphasized that staff is working to identify solutions, including coordination with the third-party operator and evaluation of available options. MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION City Manager noted no additional items for discussion. Mayor Grimm announced an upcoming LRA housing outreach meeting scheduled at McLoughlin Middle School at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday the 29th and encouraged public participation. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on May 4, 2026. ADDITIONAL NOTES APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk