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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.07.13 Council Minutes MINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, July 13, 2026 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Microsoft Teams Webinar MEETING INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOTE ACCESS - Individuals, who would like to provide public comment remotely, may continue to do so (website the via City’s online the out filling by form www.pasco- wa.gov/publiccomment) to obtain access information to comment. Requests to comment in meetings must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of this workshop. The Pasco City Council Workshops are broadcast live on PSC-TV Channel 191 on Charter/Spectrum atstreamed and Richland Cable Pasco in and www.pasco- wa.gov/psctvlive and on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofPasco. To listen to the meeting via phone, call 1-332-249-0718 and use access code 159 868 676 #. Audio equipment available for the hearing impaired; contact the Clerk for assistance. Servicio de intéprete puede estar disponible con aviso. Por favor avisa la Secretaria Municipal dias antes para la disponiblidad. (Spanish language dos garantizar interpreter service may be provided upon request. Please provide two business day's notice to the City Clerk to ensure availability.) CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Charles Grimm, Mayor. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Abel Campos, Joe Cotta, Mark Figueroa, Calixto Hernandez, Leo Perales, David Milne, Charles Grimm. Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: Staff present: Harold Stewart, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Page 1 of 9 Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Kevin Hebdon, Finance Director; Drew Pollom, City Attorney; Craig Raymond, Deputy Community & Economic Development Director; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; Brent Cook, Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; and Gabriela Sanchez, City Clerk. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of Allegiance VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Campos shared highlights from the weekend, including visits to the Pasco Farmers Market, the Little League state championship game, and The Hub. Congratulations were extended to the Pasco National Intermediate All-Star team for winning regional the to will team advance 3-0. championship state the The tournament in Arizona, and the community was encouraged to support them. Councilmember Cotta reported that the recent Boards and Commissions interviews were successful. Many qualified applicants participated, and recommendations will be presented to the Council for approval. Through the interview process, positions were identified for all applicants who wished to serve, and the Council looks forward to welcoming the new board and commission members. Mayor Grimm reported on the recent Ben Franklin Transit Board meeting, noting that the primary item of interest was the adoption of the agency's six-year Capital Improvement Plan. As part of the plan, the Board chose to prioritize investments in customer than a constructing rather service oriented and facing improvements dedicated training facility. It was noted that employee training will continue through other opportunities. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Presentation - Overview of Broadmoor Master Plan for City Council Staff provided an informational update on the Broadmoor Master Plan, adopted by the City Council in April 2023, outlining progress made since adoption and the anticipated direction of development. The 1,240-acre planning area in northwest Pasco is intended to support coordinated, mixed-use growth through comprehensive planning of residential, commercial, parks, open space, utilities, and transportation infrastructure. Staff reviewed the area's transportation network, land use designations, and development activity. Approximately 24% of the planning area is associated with approved or proposed development, including residential subdivisions, apartment projects, the Pasco Aquatic Center, and the first master site plan application Page 2 of 9 submitted under the Broadmoor Master Plan. Staff also discussed potential future updates to the Broadmoor overlay district to improve clarity and administration while preserving the adopted vision. Topics under evaluation include building heights, parking, street trees, mixed-use housing state new with transition zoning, residential standards, compliance legislation, and additional neighborhood-scale open spaces such as pocket parks and plazas. The presentation concluded with an update that approximately 300 acres within the Broadmoor planning area remain unannexed, with an annexation proposal scheduled for Council consideration at a future meeting. No Council action was requested, as the presentation was for informational purposes only. Mayor Pro Tem Milne asked about the status of plans for a large park within the Broadmoor area, noting that earlier concepts were no longer being pursued due to land acquisition costs. Mayor Pro Tem Milne also inquired about ownership of the Columbia River shoreline, the potential for future trails and water taxi access, and whether the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers controlled the property. Staff explained that while the shoreline itself is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, much of the adjacent developable land is privately owned. Staff noted there have been discussions about relocating the shoreline road to create additional future would that planning and opportunities development stated require collaboration with private property owners. The councilmember expressed support for preserving opportunities for public amenities, including trails and river access, as the Broadmoor area develops. Councilmember Perales discussed the long-term vision for the Broadmoor strong a maintaining importance of emphasized and area planning the commercial and mixed-use focus to create a regional shopping, entertainment, and employment destination rather than a primarily residential community. Staff clarified that the potential zoning discussions are intended to improve the clarity and administration of the Broadmoor overlay district by refining development standards, such as requirements for sidewalks, bicycle facilities, street trees, and residential transition zoning, without changing the overall vision of the master plan. Councilmember Perales also encouraged staff to consider incorporating traffic- calming measures into future street designs and reiterated the importance of providing parks and community gathering spaces to establish a unique identity for the area. Discussion included the possibility of larger community parks in addition to neighborhood pocket parks, with staff noting that developers currently often choose to pay park impact fees instead of constructing park facilities. Additional comments highlighted the opportunity for Broadmoor to become a premier Staff Tri-Cities. the for commercial entertainment and was district encouraged to evaluate development standards, including building heights, to Page 3 of 9 support a vibrant, high-quality urban center while preserving the long-term vision established in the Broadmoor Master Plan. No action was taken following the discussion. Mayor Grimm called for public comment. Elaine Heatherton, Pasco resident asked whether plans for the Broadmoor area include a future bridge across the Columbia River to improve access and support long-term growth. In response, a councilmember explained that a fourth Columbia River crossing is a regional and federal transportation issue rather than a City of Pasco project. The councilmember noted that planning and funding for a new bridge would require coordination among regional, state, and federal agencies and would involve significant costs. It was also noted that regional discussions have included the potential for a northern river crossing to improve freight movement and reduce truck continue City the encouraged to Tri-Cities. the through traffic Elaine considering future bridge access as part of its long-range planning. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one else came forward to speak. Council Update – Electric-Assisted Bicycle Laws and Existing City Code The Deputy City Manager provided an informational update on electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) in response to questions regarding enforcement following actions taken by a neighboring jurisdiction. Staff reported that, after reviewing state law and the City's municipal code, no code amendments are recommended at this time. Staff explained that recent changes to Washington law classify motorized bicycles capable of traveling more than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone as motor vehicles rather than e-bikes, making them subject to licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle requirements. Staff also noted that the City's municipal code already incorporates the applicable state statutes, including provisions related to failure to supervise a minor when appropriate. municipal adequate provide code and that state existing advised Staff law enforcement authority. The Police Department and City Prosecutor's Office will continue to coordinate enforcement and monitor implementation, with staff returning to the Council if future code changes become necessary. Councilmembers discussed potential enhancements to the City's approach to e- bike regulation, education, and enforcement. Suggestions included creating a dedicated municipal code chapter addressing the various classes of electric bicycles and other motorized bikes, increasing public education regarding recent Page 4 of 9 changes to state law, considering a helmet requirement for riders under 18, evaluating restrictions on modified e-bikes that exceed state limits, and exploring nighttime safety equipment requirements. Additional suggestions included a progressive enforcement approach for repeat violations. Councilmembers e-bike enforces Department Police asked how also the regulations, particularly in parks and along recreational trails. The Police Chief explained that motorized vehicles are not permitted on the river trail system and that enforcement depends on available staffing. The Police Department is working with Parks staff to improve reporting of violations and is evaluating additional signage noted enforcement that It was trail communicate better to rules. resources are limited, but safety concerns will continue to be addressed as staffing allows. Additional discussion focused on community education regarding the recent changes to state law. Staff reported that the City will continue public outreach through social media, informational materials, and collaboration with the Pasco School District to educate students and families about e-bike classifications and safe operation. Councilmembers emphasized that addressing e-bike safety will require a combination of education, clear signage, and targeted enforcement, particularly in Chiawana Park and Wade Park where concerns have increased. Mayor Grimm called for public comment. Ms. Wade asked whether the City could implement a warning or progressive enforcement system for minors who violate e-bike regulations, such as issuing warnings before more significant consequences. Ms. Wade emphasized the importance of educating young riders while also ensuring there are meaningful consequences for repeated violations. She encouraged the public to continue reporting unsafe behavior to the Police Department so enforcement efforts can be directed where problems are occurring and expressed the view that consistent enforcement and accountability are necessary to improve compliance and public safety Councilmembers emphasized the importance of taking a proactive approach to e- bike safety through education and enforcement. Discussion focused on increasing contacts with young riders to provide education, encouraging enforcement of existing laws, and exploring additional measures such as a helmet requirement for riders under 18. Councilmembers expressed concern that the City should demonstrate meaningful action to improve safety and reduce future incidents and requested that staff continue evaluating potential policy recommendations for future Council discussion. a requires safety improving e-bike stressed also Councilmembers that collaborative effort involving the City, law enforcement, parents, schools, elected officials, within and the community. Members encouraged public education neighborhoods and schools, supported additional outreach regarding helmet use and safe riding practices, and generally expressed support for staff evaluating a Page 5 of 9 helmet requirement for minors. The Council reached a general consensus directing staff to continue public education efforts, evaluate a helmet requirement for riders under 18, and consider additional safety measures for future Council review. Resolution - Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Detour Agreement Engineering Manager presented on a proposed detour agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the US395/Court Street roundabout improvement project. The project includes construction of a roundabout, sidewalks, and other intersection improvements. During the first phase of construction, temporary traffic control and a detour utilizing designated city streets will be required to maintain traffic flow. Staff explained that WSDOT and City staff jointly documented the existing condition of the affected roadways. Under the agreement, WSDOT will restore any roadway or stripping impacts resulting from the detour to their pre- construction condition. The detour is expected to be in place for approximately three weeks during the 2026 construction season. Mayor Grimm called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Resolution - Washington State University and the City of Pasco for the Use of Body-Worn Camera Footage for Research Purposes Chief Cook represented on a resolution authorizing a data sharing agreement between the City of Pasco Police Department and Washington State University (WSU). The agreement allows the police department to share data, including CAD and camera data, with WSU researchers for approved research projects aimed at evaluating police operations and identifying opportunities for improvement. Chief noted that since 2022, WSU has completed four research projects involving the Pasco Police Department, including studies on procedural justice, language barriers during traffic stops, new officer preparedness, and officer stress during calls for service. The agreement has no financial impact and supports continued collaboration with WSU to improve policing practices through research. Staff also advised that findings from the language barrier traffic stop study are expected to be presented to Council in August. Councilmember Perales asked about safeguards to prevent police video footage from being misused or presented in a way that could negatively portray the city. Chief Cook responded that all data shared with researchers is tracked and auditable, allowing the city to monitor what information is accessed and identify the source of any misuse. Chief Cook added that the university researchers and students have been respectful in their use of the data, noting that some students Page 6 of 9 reported gaining a more positive understanding of law enforcement through their research. Councilmember Figueroa commended the Pasco Police Department for its ongoing collaboration with higher education institutions and its willingness to participate in research aimed at improving policing practices. Councilmember Figueroa noted that inviting outside review and implementing recommendations demonstrates the department's commitment to continuous improvement and evidence-based policing. Mayor Grimm called for public comment. Ms. Wade expressed concerns about the sharing of police body-worn camera footage and other data with researchers. She described personal experiences involving privacy and safety concerns, including fears that sensitive footage could be contacting from individuals discourage law others by accessed and enforcement. She questioned the need to provide researchers with direct access to police data and suggested that research requests instead be handled through the public records process. She urged Council to consider the potential privacy and public trust implications of the agreement. Mayor Grimm called for public comment, and no one else came forward. Ordinance - R-15 and R-S-12 Frontage Improvement Code Amendments Community & Economic Development Deputy Director presented a proposed code amendments related to exemptions from certain residential infrastructure improvement requirements in the R-15 and RS-12 zoning districts. He explained that the proposal reflects previous Council direction and includes draft ordinance language including potential outlined benefits, The review. for presentation reduced initial development costs and preservation of existing neighborhood character, as well as concerns related to future infrastructure costs, consistency with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Complete Streets Policy, traffic and pedestrian safety, and the need to preserve right-of-way for future improvements. During discussion, Councilmember Perales questioned the proposed 10-year latecomer agreement (LID) period and suggested reducing it to five years. Staff responded that the timeframe may be established by state law and agreed to research whether modifications are permissible. Councilmember Perales also emphasized the importance of preserving adequate right-of-way for future utility infrastructure semi-rural while balancing the City's goal of maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods and accommodating future growth. Mayor Grimm called for public comment. Christine Batayola spoke in support of the proposed code amendments to allow exemptions from certain frontage improvement requirements in lower density Page 7 of 9 residential areas. She stated that requiring curb, gutter, sidewalks, and street lighting significantly increases development costs in areas with lower housing density, making projects less financially feasible. She suggested limiting the exemption by continuing to require full frontage improvements along collector and arterial roads whole allowing flexibility on local streets. She also noted that right- of-way dedication could still be preserved regardless of whether full frontage improvements are required. Mayor Grimm called for public comment two (2) times and no one else came forward. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION City Manager, Herald Stewart announced the appointment of Chief Cook as the City of Pasco's Police Chief following a comprehensive selection process. He expressed confidence in Chief Cook's leadership, commitment to developing officers, and ability to serve both the Police Department and the community as a member of the city's leadership team. Harold also announced that the next Coffee with a Cop event would be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Roasters Coffee on Marie Street and noted that a formal swearing-in ceremony for Chief Cook would be scheduled at a later date to allow family and friends to attend. Councilmember Perales requested that staff explore the creation of a formal hardship or accessibility accommodation process for residential ramps that are subject to potential code enforcement actions. He explained that some residents, particularly seniors and individuals with mobility limitations, may face significant challenges accessing their homes and requested a case by case review for legitimate hardship rather than a blanket code change. Councilmembers discussed the possibility of establishing limited, non-precedent- setting accommodations that could be reviewed individually by staff. Staff noted potential concerns regarding long-term applicability, including whether exemptions would transfer to future property owners who may not have the same accessibility needs, and suggested that any process include periodic reevaluation. Other Councilmembers expressed support for finding a balanced approach that provides assistance to residents with legitimate needs while maintaining consistent standards. Staff agreed to explore options if directed by Council. Councilmember Perales requested staff return with additional information regarding potential data center development within the City of Pasco and consider a temporary moratorium while the impacts and potential regulations are studied. He noted that recent community feedback reflected significant public concern regarding data centers but acknowledged that they may also provide economic development opportunities. Councilmembers discussed the need to better understand potential impacts related to energy use, water resources, environmental considerations, noise, and community impacts before establishing regulations. Several Councilmembers expressed support Page 8 of 9