HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.06.15 Council Minutes
MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, June 15, 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, Interim Parks & Recreation Director; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief;
Kevin Hebdon, Finance Director; Daniel Kenny, City Attorney; Craig Raymond,
Deputy Community & Economic Development Director; Brent Cook, Interim Police
Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; Gabriela Sanchez, City Clerk; and
Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Meeting Minutes for May 26th, June 1st and June 5th
To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Workshop Meeting held on May
26, 2026, Regular Meeting held on June 1, 2026 and Special Meeting held on
June 5, 2026.
Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of
$6,619,794.24
To approve claims in the total amount of $6,619,794.24 ($2,304,155.18 in Check
Nos. 278567 - 278802; $2,942,689.77 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 853270 -
Page 1 of 7
853513, 853516 - 853523, 853525 - 853528, 853532 - 853540; $24,631.58 in
Check Nos. 55264 - 55312; $1,348,317.71 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30243398 -
30244088).
Resolution No. 4753 - 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
To approve Resolution No. 4753, adopting the 2027-2032 Six Year
Transportation Improvement Program for the City of Pasco for the purpose of
guiding regional and local of design, and development, the construction
transportation improvements.
Resolution No. 4754 - Accepting and Adopting the 2026 Franklin County,
Washington Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
To approve Resolution No. 4754, accepting and adopting the Franklin County,
Washington Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026.
Resolution No. 4755 - Addendum No.3 to the Metro Interlocal Agreement
To approve Resolution No. 4755, authorizing the City Manager to execute
Addendum No. 3 to the 2017 Interlocal Agreement between the participating
jurisdictions and the City of Pasco for involvement in the Tri-Cities Metro Drug
Task Force.
Resolution No. 4756 - Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Personal Services
Agreement for City Attorney General Legal Services
To approve Resolution No. 4756, approving Amendment No. 1 to the personal
services agreement for City Attorney general legal services between the City of
Pasco, Washington, and Ogden Murphy Wallace, PLLC.
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
PROCLAMATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
America 250 Month Proclamation
Mr. Stewart introduced the proclamation recognizing July 2026 as America 250
Month.
Mayor Grimm read and presented the America 250 Month Proclamation to Wendy
Todd of the Columbia River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Page 2 of 7
Ms. Todd provided information about the organization and thanked the City for
recognizing the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
James Foreman, Pasco resident, expressed concerns regarding conditions along
Sylvester Street, including roadway design, drainage issues, driveway access, bicycle
infrastructure, and pedestrian safety. He stated that recent improvements have not
enhanced safety for residents and questioned the need for additional projects in the
area.
Tony Sandoval, Pasco business owner, criticized the Council's recent censure of
Councilmember sufficient without was action taken that asserting Perales, the
evidence. He called for the resignation of Mayor Grimm and Mayor Pro Tem Milne
and expressed support for Councilmember Perales' character and service to the
community.
Marcy Torres, Pasco business owner, spoke in support of Mayor Grimm's leadership
and criticized Councilmember Perales, alleging inappropriate conduct on social media
and raising concerns regarding his interactions with members of the community. She
encouraged further review of those concerns.
Kat Espinoza, Pasco resident, discussed concerns regarding the family court system,
alleging children, inadequate and and parents of treatment unfair corruption,
consideration of evidence. She advocated for increased awareness and accountability
within the court system and stated her intention to continue public outreach on the
issue.
Dallas Barnes, Pasco resident, congratulated those who celebrated the America 250
and noted the upcoming Juneteenth holiday. He also expressed concerns regarding
public access to facilities at Kurtzman Park, particularly buildings leased to nonprofit
organizations. He encouraged the City to review lease arrangements and ensure
community access to facilities, including restrooms and meeting spaces, for public
events and gatherings.
Pedro Perez, Pasco resident and business owner, shared information regarding the
recent Latino Pride Festival, and addressed concerns related to complaints about
waste disposal following the event. He also expressed concern that some downtown
business owners feel subject to increased scrutiny or complaints and encouraged
awareness of those concerns.
Mitch Snow, Pasco resident, discussed ongoing concerns regarding criminal activity
affecting his property and neighborhood, including alleged burglaries and threats. He
thanked Interim Chief Cook for meeting with him and expressed hope that future
leadership and policy improvements would help address public safety concerns.
support in spoke owner, business Pasco resident of Cortinas, David and
Councilmember Perales, stating that he believed the recent censure was unwarranted
Page 3 of 7
and should be reconsidered. He expressed confidence in Councilmember Perales'
professionalism and urged Council to rescind the censure action.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS
Verbal Reports from Councilmembers
Councilmember Cotta reported attending the Police Chief candidate interviews
and community meet-and-greet at the HAPO Center. He noted the strength of the
candidate pool, the high level of community participation, and expressed
confidence that the City would select an excellent Police Chief.
Councilmember Perales provided updates on constituent concerns, including
HOA maintenance issues, traffic concerns in the Madison Park area, marijuana
retail licensing, water pressure concerns in Sun Willows, and potential park
improvements at Heritage Park. He noted ongoing discussions with residents and
indicated he may return to Council with requests related to additional park
amenities.
Mayor Pro Tem Milne reported attending the Solstice Homes Base Camp grand
opening. He praised the housing development, highlighted its amenities, and
commended the project as a positive addition to the community.
Councilmember Figueroa commented on the strong turnout for the Police Chief
community meet-and-greet and expressed appreciation for the community's
engagement in the selection process. He also highlighted the Aquatic Center
ribbon-cutting ceremony, a meeting regarding state budget issues, and the City's
FIFA organizing in efforts their for Fan commending activities, Zone staff
community events and recreational opportunities.
Councilmember Hernandez reported attending both Pride celebrations held in
Pasco, including the Latino Pride event and the Tri-Cities Pride event at Memorial
Park. the and celebrations, cultural the strong highlighted He attendance,
importance of fostering inclusion, diversity, and community engagement.
Councilmember Campos discussed attending the Police Chief interviews and
community meet-and-greet, noting the qualifications of the candidates and the
strong public participation. He also attended a meeting regarding state budget
issues and the Aquatic Center ribbon-cutting ceremony, expressing appreciation
for the positive community response and excitement surrounding the new facility.
Mayor Grimm reported attending the monthly Ben Franklin Transit Board meeting
and the Pasco Aquatic Center ribbon-cutting ceremony. He thanked community
stakeholders, elected officials, and regional partners for their support of City
projects and community events, and expressed appreciation for the involvement
of residents and organizations throughout the community.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS
Page 4 of 7
*Ordinance No. 4846 - Budget Amendment for Traffic Calming Program
Ms. Serra presented Ordinance No. 4846, a budget amendment to transfer
money from the General Fund to the Street Fund to support traffic calming
improvements previously directed by Council. She noted the funding would
support traffic calming measures currently being implemented along the Court
Street corridor.
Council discussed initial feedback received regarding the Court Street traffic
calming project. Comments included concerns that traffic could be diverted to
adjacent streets, as well as positive feedback from residents who reported
reduced vehicle speeds along Court Street. Councilmembers noted the
importance of monitoring impacts on neighboring streets and evaluating whether
similar traffic calming measures may be appropriate in other areas of the City if
the program proves successful.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales
to adopt Ordinance No. 4846, amending the 2025-2026 Biennial Operating
Budget (Ordinance No. 4807), by providing supplement thereto; to provide
additional appropriation in the City's Street Fund providing for severability and
establishing an effective date.
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. 4757 - Authorizing an Amended Offer for the Acquisition of
the Pasco Sporting Complex and Declaring the City's Commitment to
Preserving the Facility as a Sports and Recreational Sports Venue
Mr. Stewart presented Resolution No. 4757 authorizing an amended offer for the
acquisition of the Pasco Sporting Complex. He explained that the facility supports
youth sports, sports tourism, and local economic activity. Staff recommended
submitting an updated purchase offer and noted that the acquisition would be
funded through economic development funds. Mr. Stewart also explained that the
lease with Franklin County has expired and discussions have shifted toward a
potential sale. Staff emphasized the economic benefits of the complex and the
significant cost of replacing the facility if access were lost.
Council expressed support for preserving the Pasco Sporting Complex and
discussed its value as a recreational and economic asset. Members highlighted
the tourism and business benefits generated by tournaments, addressed public
concerns regarding funding, and noted that the acquisition would utilize economic
development funds. Council also discussed the potential impacts of losing access
to the facility and supported moving forward with the amended purchase offer.
Page 5 of 7
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales
to approve Resolution No. 4757, authorizing the City Manager to submit an
amended offer for acquisition of the Pasco Sporting Complex and reaffirming
the City's commitment to preserving the facility as a softball and recreational
sports venue.
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
Mr. Stewart provided updates on the Police Chief recruitment process, thanking
community members, staff, law enforcement representatives, and business leaders
who participated in interviews and public engagement activities. He announced
upcoming Police Academy and Citizens Academy graduations, reported on strong
early sales and community interest in the new Aquatic Center, promoted upcoming
FIFA Fan Zone events, the Farmers Market, and Fourth of July activities, and
encouraged public participation in upcoming community events.
Council discussed a proposal to reconsider the recently approved Transportation
Benefit District sales tax increase. Councilmembers opposing reconsideration cited
the City's ongoing road maintenance funding needs, prior Council actions establishing
the Transportation Benefit District, the relatively small financial impact of the sales tax
increase, decisions. Council in consistency maintaining of importance the and
Councilmember Perales supported reconsideration, citing constituent concerns
regarding affordability, inflation, and the desire for voters to decide the issue.
During Council discussion regarding the Transportation Benefit District sales tax
increase, City Attorney Kenny clarified that the appropriate method for revisiting the
recently approved action was through a motion for reconsideration by a member of
the prevailing side.
Following discussion, a motion to reconsider the prior Transportation Benefit
District sales tax vote was made.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales
to reconsider the Council's previous approval of the Transportation Benefit
District sales tax increase.
RESULT: DEFEATED. 2-5
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Milne and Councilmember Perales
NAYS: Mayor Grimm, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember
Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember
Campos
Page 6 of 7
Councilmember Perales requested future consideration of a resolution opposing a
Washington State income tax and revisiting a prior proposal related to prohibiting a
local income tax.
for mechanism appropriate be would the a that advised Kenny Mr. resolution
expressing Council's position on income tax policy matters and agreed to review
previously proposed ordinance language related to a local income tax prohibition.
Councilmembers discussed whether a formal statement would be primarily symbolic
or provide policy direction and expressed interest in reviewing prior materials and
legal analysis before considering further action. Several Councilmembers indicated
support for exploring a resolution opposing a state income tax.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.
PASSED and APPROVED on _______________________.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk
Page 7 of 7
6th day of July, 2026