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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.06.08 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, June 8, 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: David Milne, Charles Grimm, Joe Cotta, Leo Perales, Calixto Hernandez, Abel Campos, and Mark Figueroa 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; Drew Pollom, City Attorney; Craig Raymond, Deputy Community & Economic Development Director; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; William Crane, Interim IT 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. Oath of Office - City of Pasco's City Clerk Ms. Sigdel introduced Gabriela Sanchez as the new City Clerk. Mayor Grimm administered the Oath of Office to Pasco City Clerk, Gabriela Sanchez. The Mayor called a 2 minute recess to allow for photos at 7:05 PM. The meeting resumed at 7:07 PM. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Page 1 of 5 Councilmember Perales discussed various committee meetings. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Presentation - Short Term Rentals Ms. Sigdel presented options for regulating short-term rentals and requested Council direction. Staff recommended a light regulatory approach to clarify City code and address accountability, safety, parking, and nuisance concerns. Proposed requirements included business licensing, a short-term rental permit, a local contact, proof of insurance, safety self-certification, and compliance with existing and revenues potential reviewed tax Staff codes. City also implementation options. Council generally supported allowing short-term rentals with limited regulation. Members of proof information, contact local business favored licensing, insurance, annual safety self-certification, and compliance with existing laws. Several Councilmembers supported a hybrid approach balancing neighborhood protections with minimal regulatory requirements. Discussion also included permit requirements, restrictions on large events, and a compliance timeline for existing operators. Shane Arnot, Pasco resident and short-term rental operator, supported a light regulatory approach, noting neighboring cities already allow short-term rentals and expressing concern that insufficient evidence has been presented showing impacts to housing availability. regarding landlord concerns expressed Pasco Waid, Amber resident, accountability, code enforcement, parking, neighborhood impacts, and the City's ability to effectively regulate rental properties. Doug Perez, Kennewick resident, stated that rental platforms already require safety support rentals short-term that standards and operational and noted tourism and investment in the community. Thomas Granbois, Pasco resident, supported a hybrid approach and emphasized the need for reasonable oversight to address potential neighborhood impacts from poorly managed rentals. Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance allowing short-term rentals with a limited regulatory framework. The ordinance should include requirements for a state business license with City endorsement, a short-term rental permit, designation of a local contact representative, proof of insurance, compliance with existing City codes, restricted uses such as weddings and large events, and annual self-certification of safety requirements. Council generally supported a hybrid approach that minimizes regulation while providing accountability and neighborhood protections, particularly for rentals operating outside established platforms. neighboring research to jurisdictions' also was Staff directed Page 2 of 5 regulations and return with an ordinance and implementation process, including a grace period for existing operators to come into compliance. 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Update Ms. Serra introduced Engineering Manager Andrey Avetisyan, who presented the draft 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for final Council review. Staff reviewed the proposed six-year transportation plan, summarized public outreach efforts, highlighted additions related to bicycle, pedestrian, and ADA improvements, and requested direction regarding the proposed I-182 Convention Drive interchange feasibility study. Council expressed support for the proposed TIP and discussed pedestrian safety improvements, speed management initiatives, and the I-182 Convention Drive interchange reduce to potential study's study. noted Council feasibility the congestion at the Road 68 interchange and supported retaining it within the TIP. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Resolution - Accepting and Adopting the 2026 Franklin County, Washington Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Chief Crowley introduced the 2026 Franklin County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and to countywide in participate City the allow would adoption that noted mitigation efforts and remain eligible for disaster-related grant funding. Director Sean highlighting plan, five-year the its overview an provided Davis of collaborative development, importance for federal funding eligibility, incorporation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and identification of key regional hazards and mitigation strategies. Council thanked staff for the presentation, acknowledged the importance of the plan in supporting disaster preparedness and future grant opportunities, and expressed support for adoption of the plan and accompanying resolution. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Resolution - Addendum No.3 to the Metro Interlocal Agreement Interim Police Chief Cook presented Addendum No. 3 to the Metro Interlocal Agreement for the Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force. He explained that the addendum formalizes the existing contribution structure, updates the budget process and targets, funding reserve a cycle, calendar-year to establishes addresses anticipated reductions in federal grant funding. Staff recommended approval to continue the City’s participation in the task force and formalize future funding and budgeting processes. Council expressed strong support for the addendum and the Metro Drug Task Page 3 of 5 Force, citing its significant enforcement results, including drug seizures, firearms recoveries, and asset forfeitures. Council indicated support for continuing the City's participation in the program. Cole St. Peter, a Pasco resident, spoke in support of the Metro Drug Task Force and stated that the funding was a worthwhile investment. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one else came forward to speak. Resolution - Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Personal Services Agreement for City Attorney General Legal Services Mr. Stewart presented Amendment No. 1 to the Personal Services Agreement for City Attorney services. He explained that the City had unsuccessfully recruited for an in-house City Attorney position and recommended continuing services with the current law firm. The proposed amendment would extend the contract, reduce rates and fees, increase regular in-person availability, and provide continued legal services while reducing costs to the City. Council expressed support for the amendment, citing the firm's municipal law experience, quality of service, and the challenges associated with recruiting municipal attorneys. Council also noted the value of cost savings and service stability, particularly as the City prepares for the upcoming budget process. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one else came forward to speak. MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION adopted recently placing of the the raised Perales Councilmember possibility Transportation Benefit District (TBD) sales tax increase on the November ballot, citing feedback he had received from residents. The City Attorney outlined the process for reconsideration of the prior Council action. Council discussed the balance between Council's responsibility to make policy decisions and public input, the long-term need for transportation funding, potential election costs, and the impacts of delaying roadway improvements. Councilmembers expressed differing viewpoints regarding reconsideration, and it was noted that a motion for reconsideration could be brought forward at a future regular Council meeting. City Manager Stewart provided several community and organizational updates. He publicly thanked Deputy City Clerk Krystle Shanks for her service as Interim City Clerk, and academy citizens academy law upcoming recognized enforcement graduations, announced Police Chief finalist interviews and a public open house, and highlighted a public outreach meeting regarding the Sylvester Street pedestrian overpass. He also announced the Pasco Aquatic Center ribbon cutting, the retirement of Facilities Manager Dan Dotta, temporary adjustments to cemetery office operations, and upcoming FIFA Fan Zone events in Pasco. Page 4 of 5 EXECUTIVE SESSION Council took a five minute recess at 8:36 PM then adjourned into Executive Session at 8:41 PM for 30 minutes returning at 9:11 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), 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), and to receive and evaluate complaints or charges brought against a public officer or employee per RCW 42.30.110(1)(f) with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Attorney. At 9:11 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session was still on the second topic and would continue for another 15 minutes or until 9:27 PM. At 9:19 PM the City Manager and Deputy City Manager exited the Executive Session. At 9:27 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session was still on the second topic and would continue for another 10 minutes or until 9:37 PM. At 9:43 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session was still on the second topic and would continue for another 5 minutes or until 9:49 PM. At 9:49 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session was still on the second topic and would continue for another 10 minutes or until 10:00 PM. At 10:00 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session was still on the second topic and would continue for another 10 minutes or until 10:10 PM. Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 10:10 PM. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:11 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on _______________________. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk Page 5 of 5 6th day of July, 2026