Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.06.22 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, June 22, 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: Campos, Cotta, Figueroa, Hernandez, Perales, Milne, Grimm Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: 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; Drew Pollom, 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. MOTION: Councilmember Perales moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Milne To allow a public comment period prior to board reports today. We are going to limit it to Tri-Cities Animal services situation with Russ and Stan, limited to 12 minutes. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Mayor Grimm, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Hernandez, Councilmember Campos, and Councilmember Figueroa ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Page 1 of 8 Tri-Cities Animal Shelter - Russ and Stan Dallas Barnes expressed concern that the Martin Luther King Center remains inaccessible to the public and stated that current plans could delay public access another 5 to 10 years. He urged the city council to prioritize funding for completion of the center. Rob Di Piazza, explained that shelter volunteers do so much more than care for the dogs' basic needs. She is requesting a two-week extension for Russ and Stan to remain at the shelter, noting that the dogs are familiar with staff and volunteers, and have a scheduled placement for July 13. Jessica Bolyard, founder of S'more Dogs Rescue, stated that the organization secured a confirmed July 13 intake date for Russ and Stan. They emphasized that the rescue has already committed resources, including paying the required deposit, and has a concrete rehabilitation plan in place supported by professional training and rescue funding. Christy Kessler, urged the Council to allow Russ and Stan additional time at the shelter, stating that after a year in care, a 10-day deadline is unreasonable. Sharing her extensive fostering experience, she emphasized that training, foster support, and volunteer involvement can successfully rehabilitate difficult dogs, and she called for a long-term plan that prioritizes advocacy, training, and better outcomes for shelter animals. William Lambert, owner of Dancing Tree Rehabilitation Dog Training, said that he has evaluated Russ and Stan and believes they can be successfully rehabilitated if given more time and removed from the shelter environment. He emphasized that rescue partners and training resources are already in place, noted that he has seen many dogs improve after leaving shelters, and urged the Council to grant their with forward move can planned the so time additional dogs rehabilitation and placement. Jody Stark, shared a past experience in which a dog facing euthanasia was given additional time, placed in foster care, and ultimately became a successful family pet, arguing that similar opportunities should be extended to Russ and Stan. They urged the Council to revise the policy to allow more time when a rescue commitment is secured, emphasizing that the dogs already have a guaranteed placement and deserve the chance to continue living and receiving care. Christy, urged the Council to allow greater flexibility in shelter policies when rescue organizations and training facilities have secured placement for dogs but cannot accommodate them within the current 10-day timeframe. They also called for dogs place to used transparency the regarding increased on process euthanasia lists and determine which animals receive extensions, arguing that clearer policies and actions would help rebuild public trust in the shelter system. Page 2 of 8 Mahoney, reiterated concerns she previously raised regarding animal control operations, including the use of donated funds, shelter finances, euthanasia practices, and the lack of spay/neuter clinic. She also alleged that animals facing euthanasia were not provided due process through notice and hearings, and requested documentation and accountability related to shelter policies, expenditures, and legal oversight. At 7:46 PM Mayor Grimm announced a 2 minute recess. Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 7:48 PM. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Hernandez reported attending Juneteenth celebration and participating in the parade. He noted the event was well attended and significantly larger than last year's celebration. Councilmember Figueroa reported attending the the second FIFA watch party. He shared that the event was well attended, with many families enjoying the festivities. Councilmember Campos reported attending the Basic Law Enforcement Academy graduation, where 33 recruits graduated, including four from Pasco. He noted that the HAPO Center was filled with attendees. He also participated in the parade on Saturday, where he handed out candy and observed a great turnout, with many community members in attendance and enjoying the event. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen Satisfaction Survey Results Presentation (20 minute staff presentation) Staff and Onpointe Insights representatives presented the results of the City's community survey, which received 831 valid responses from residents. The presentation included an overview of the survey development process, community outreach efforts, respondent demographics, and key findings. Survey results identified residents' top initiatives, street and road improvements, and quality schools. Additional findings include feedback on city services, public safety, parks and capital future and transportation, recreation, and growth development, projects. Staff also introduced the interactive public dashboard, now available on the City's website, which allows users to explore survey results by demographic groups, council district, and other filters. The City Manager encouraged Councilmembers to review the data as part of the upcoming biennial budget process, noting the survey results will help guide future planning, priorities, and resource allocation. Page 3 of 8 Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the comprehensive survey and dashboard, noting the information will serve as a valuable tool for future decision- making. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing up for comments two (2) times and no one came forward to speak, therefore the public hearing was closed. Essential Public Facilities (EPF), Secure Community Transition Facilities (SCTFs), and Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) Housing Code Update (5 minute staff presentation) The City Attorney presented revisions to the proposed ordinance regulating the siting of Secure Community Transition Facilities (SCTFs) and Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) facilities, incorporating feedback received from the previous public hearing and Council discussion. Staff reviewed buffer zone options ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet, evaluated limiting the facilities to industrial zoning districts, discussed potential additional security measures, community safety plan requirements, and considerations regarding public transit access. The City Attorney noted the proposed regulations must comply with state law while balancing public safety concerns. Councilmembers discussed buffer distances, limiting facilities to industrial zones, public the and requirements, security mechanisms, enforcement outreach, hearing examiner's authority to impose additional conditions. Staff indicated the ordinance would continue through the review process, including Planning Commission consideration, with the goal of meeting state-required timelines before the current moratorium expires. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing up for comments. Brad Klippert expressed concerns regarding state requirements related to the placement of SCTFs and LRAs, stating that local governments should challenge laws they believe to be unconstitutional. The speaker encouraged regional collaboration among the Tri-Cities to prioritize public safety and oppose the siting of such facilities within their communities. Janette Romero, President of Save Our Children Tri-Cities (SOCT) discussed the difference between SCTCs and LRA housing, emphasizing that LRA housing has fewer security, notification, and siting requirements. She expressed concerns regarding liability, public safety, and the placement process for LRA facilities, and urged the Council to focus its regulatory efforts on those facilities due to their limited state oversight. Rick Reese, expressed not wanting these facilities located within the community, but if they must, he urged the city to keep them in industrial areas. Page 4 of 8 Mayor Grimm called for public comment two (2) times and no one else came forward to speak, therefore; the public hearing was closed. Council provided direction to staff regarding the proposed ordinance regulating SCTFs and LRA facilities. Discussion included support for limiting facilities to industrial-zoned areas with a 1,000 foot buffer, consideration of geographic limitations to avoid concentrating facilities in one area of the city, requiring a community and security potential measures and plan, safety identifying enforcement provisions for inclusion in the ordinance. Staff was directed to refine the draft ordinance, evaluate appropriate enforcement mechanisms, and return with revisions for further Council consideration. Staff also clarified that any proposed facility would be subject to the City's conditional use permit process, including public notice, public hearing requirements, and compliance with all applicable local regulations before approval could be considered. Process Water Reuse Facility (PWRF) Customer Rates Annual Review (15 minute staff presentation) Public Works Director presented potential rate adjustment scenarios for the Process Water Reuse Facility (PWRF) to address ongoing operating deficits while maintaining Staff four reviewed utility. the of sustainability financial the alternatives ranging from fully funding the revenue shortfall through rate increases to temporarily freezing rates by utilizing available federal tax credit funds, as well as two balanced approaches that combined gradual rate increases with the use of interest earnings and tax credit proceeds. Mayor Grimm invited representatives of the rate payers as presenters to speak on the matter for three (3) minutes each. No one came forward to speak. Council discussed the financial impacts of each option on both the utility and industrial ratepayers, acknowledging the challenges faced by local businesses while financially a maintain to the City's sustainable recognizing obligation enterprise fund. Several Councilmembers expressed support for the gradual rate adjustment approach (alternative D) as the most balanced option. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing up for comments. Brandon Austin, Oregon Potato Company, Pasco, expressed concerns regarding the proposed rate adjustments, stating that unresolved issues related to the 2024 wastewater treatment agreements, system design, performance expectations, and the rate model should be addressed before implementing additional rate increases. He acknowledged and thanked City staff for their collaboration and ongoing engagement with industry stake holders. Rob Wiskerchen, Reser's Fine Foods, acknowledged the need to replace and upgrade the City's wastewater treatment facility but expressed concern over the significant rate increases already experienced by processors. He noted that Page 5 of 8 additional increases could negatively affect the long term viability of local processors and shift a greater financial burden onto the remaining ratepayers if businesses leave the system. He encouraged continued efforts to improve the facility while minimizing future rate impacts. Mayor Grimm called for public comment one (1) time and no one else came forward to speak. Council expressed concerns about relying on wastewater processors to cover facility costs and emphasized the need to identify additional revenue sources, including increasing waste streams and maximizing the facility's capacity. Council supported using interest earnings from reserve funds rather than principal to help address financial needs, suggested separating renewable natural gas (RNG) operations from wastewater operations, and recommended renegotiating agreements with regional partners to clarify financial responsibilities. Staff responded that they are exploring opportunities to accept additional waste from outside sources to increase production and revenue, while evaluating market competitiveness , permit requirements, and operational considerations before implementing a limited trial. Mayor Grimm allowed for an additional public comment at the request of a community member. No name provided, General Manager for Pasco Resource Recovery Center, explained that renewable natural gas (RNG) facility has as relatively low marginal operating cost compared to the revenue generated from gas production and noted that processors currently pay fees to deliver waste used in the process. He emphasized that more than half of the facility's construction cost was offset by grant funding and that approximately 80% of current rates attribute to financing the were expenses operating that also He infrastructure. existing reported approximately $200,000 below budget during the first quarter of 2026, with similar savings anticipated in the second quarter, and stated that ongoing efforts are focused on reducing costs, improving performance, maintaining environmental compliance, and utilizing excess facility capacity to generate additional revenue. Resolution - Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (5 minute staff presentation) Interim Police Chief presented a resolution authorizing interlocal agreements with the related the to Training Commission Criminal State Washington Justice operation of the regional training academy and associated personnel. He noted that operations the agreements are essential to maintaining academy and supporting law enforcement training, highlighting that the most recent graduating class included approximately 200 recruits who will serve communities throughout the region. Page 6 of 8 Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing up for comments two (2) times and no one came forward to speak. Fireworks Community Engagement Efforts (5 minute staff presentation) Communications Program Lead presented the 2026 regional fireworks community engagement campaign, which focuses on public education, consistent messaging, and collaboration among neighboring jurisdictions. Survey results indicated varying community perspectives on fireworks. She outlined a bilingual outreach strategy that includes social media, videos, flyers, signage, dedicated webpages, media partnerships, and promotion of community fireworks events as safer alternatives. The campaign also includes coordination with inspection and public safety teams, with performance to be evaluated through website traffic, social media engagement, media coverage, and public safety metrics to inform future outreach efforts. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing up for comments three (3) times, no one came forward to speak. Presentation - Structure of City Noise Enforcement & Fireworks Regulations (5 minute staff presentation) Daniel, City Attorney presented a review of the City's existing noise ordinance and enforcement options related to fireworks in response to a Council request. He explained that the current municipal code already provides mechanisms for addressing noise complaints without requiring decibel measurements or direct officer observation, however; practical enforcement remains challenging due to difficulties identifying responsible parties, obtaining witness participation, and the resources required to pursue civil infractions. He noted that while Council could consider a complete ban on fireworks, many enforcement challenges would remain. He recommended continuing a multi-faceted approach focused on regional public education, community collaboration, voluntary compliance, and targeted enforcement efforts. Adding that locating individuals responsible for illegal fireworks is difficult due to the transient nature of violations, making proactive patrols resource-intensive with limited effectiveness. Council discussed enforcement of the City's fireworks and noise ordinances, including the maximum civil penalty of $250, which the city attorney confirmed is the highest penalty allowed under current law. Council expressed support for stronger enforcement of existing regulations, noting that citations can encourage compliance and suggesting the use of witness statements, photographs, and video evidence to identify violators. Council also expressed interest in reviewing the City's broader noise ordinance, including provisions related to vehicle noise. Staff acknowledged the challenges of enforcement during the Fourth of July due Page 7 of 8 to multiple simultaneous public safety calls and encouraged Councilmembers to participate in a ride-along to better understand enforcement conditions during the holiday. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing up for comments three (3) times, no one came forward to speak. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mr. Stewart announced that a Water Use Efficiency public forum will be held on June 30th as part of the Water System Plan update to review proposed efficiency goals and receive and Parks upcoming updates on also He comment. public provided Recreation activities, including the next FIFA Fan Zone event on July 1st, the grand opening of the Pasco Aquatic Center on June 27th, and the free Family Bike Ride at Riverview Park on June 27th. Interim Parks and Recreation Director reported strong attendance events, 600-700 approximately with Zone the FIFA recent at Fan participants, and noted that operational plans are being evaluated to accommodate additional activities. Mr. Stewart also reported that no executive session was needed. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:01 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on _______________________. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Gabriela Sanchez, City Clerk Page 8 of 8 6th day of July, 2026