HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.08.24 Council Minutes
MINUTES
City Council Workshop Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, August 24, 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
519260441#
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;
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Angela Pashon, Interim Parks & Recreation Director; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief;
Daniel Kenny, City Attorney; Craig Raymond, Deputy Community & Economic
Development Director; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; Jeff Harpster,
Police Captain; Mary Heather, Deputy Public Works Director; and Gabriela
Sanchez, City Clerk
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Cotta reported on the employee appreciation barbecue, noting that it
provided an opportunity for Council and City staff to interact and build relationships in
a more informal setting. He shared that members of the maintenance staff expressed
positive feedback regarding City leadership and a general sense that the City was
moving in a positive direction. He also reported on the Council retreat, which focused
on budget development, including the need to identify reductions and strategies to
maintain a balanced City budget. He noted that the retreat provided a productive
opportunity for Council and staff to spend time together and discuss these issues.
Councilmember Figueroa echoed the positive feedback regarding the employee
appreciation barbecue, noting that it provided an opportunity to recognize City staff,
particularly those whose work often occurs behind the scenes. He highlighted the
event’s informal atmosphere, food, and activities as a positive way to show
appreciation to employees. He also spoke positively about the Council retreat, noting
the value of learning more about fellow Council members and discussing priorities
ahead expressed Figueroa Councilmember discussions. budget upcoming of
appreciation to City Manager Stewart for the book provided to Council and shared that
he found its lessons applicable both to City leadership and his personal coaching
activities.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Health Insurance interfund loan update
HR Manager Matzen provided a six-month update on the City’s employee medical
insurance plan and the changes implemented for 2026. She noted that Council
previously the stabilize to loan $6.5 million medical a approved interfund
insurance fund. The City also increased premiums, changed the provider/network
from First Choice Health to Premera and the Blue Cross Blue Shield network,
implemented prior authorization requirements for certain high-cost services and
medications, and conducted an eligibility audit. Through June 30, 2026, medical
and prescription costs totaled approximately $5 million, about $811,000 below the
$5.8 million planned for the first six months. She emphasized that this does not
represent an available surplus, as funding is also needed to rebuild reserves and
repay the interfund loan. Claims per employee decreased from approximately
$1,866 per month in 2025 to $1,487 per month in 2026. She noted that medical
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and prescription costs were approximately 86% of the amount budgeted for the
first six months, while dental costs were approximately 98%. Five plan
participants had individual medical or prescription claims exceeding $100,000,
accounting for approximately 25% of total medical costs. The City’s stop-loss
insurance had identified approximately $343,700 in reimbursements through
June. She characterized the results as an encouraging early trend rather than a
final year-end position, noting that claims can fluctuate significantly throughout the
year. Looking ahead to 2027, the City expects to budget additional funding for
medical, costs, healthcare rising to dental coverage and prescription, due
maintaining adequate reserves, and continued repayment of the interfund loan.
Staff and will continue monitoring claims, reimbursements, reserves, loan
repayment and will reconcile the report with Finance’s final accounting records.
Mayor called for public comment three (3) times and no one came forward to
speak.
Presentation - Pasco Aquatic Center Operations Update
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Pashon, provided a seven-week
operational update on the Pasco Aquatic Center (PAC), which opened to the
public on June 27, 2026. She explained that the Pasco Public Facilities District
funded and constructed the facility following voter approval of a 0.2% sales tax
increase in 2022, while the City is responsible for day to day operations under an
interlocal agreement.
Aquatics Manager Tuck, reported approximately 45,000 visits since opening, with
attendance split roughly evenly between residents and nonresidents. Facility
capacity was initially limited to 300 people and gradually increased to 450 as staff
gained operational experience, with safety remaining the primary consideration.
The phased approach also resulted in positive customer feedback regarding
reduced crowding. He discussed initial challenges with reservation software and
high call volume, including more than 100 voicemails per day. The City worked
with the software provider, implemented reservation and callback procedures, and
increased public outreach through digital media to improve communication and
customer access.
Safety and emergency preparedness were emphasized. He reported regular in-
service and mock rescue drills, ongoing staff training, and a focus on maintaining
lifeguard readiness. He also addressed incidents at the drop-slide and lazy river
areas and noted that adjustments to the lazy river flow and speed have reduced
first-aid incidents. The Aquatic Center began with approximately 180 employees
hired, with about 150 remaining active. Aquatics Manager tuck, highlighted
extensive ongoing and meetings, team shadowing shifts, training, regular
communication among lifeguards, instructors, cashiers, and management. He
also engagement, reported significant community outreach and marketing
including more than 5,000 Facebook followers, approximately 1,000 Instagram
followers, and more than 100,000 website visits. The facility was described as
providing strong recreational and community benefits, creating local employment
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opportunities and developing workforce skills among youth.
Looking ahead, staff plans to expand programming for youth, adults, and seniors
during the fall, winter, and spring months and continue outreach efforts to promote
the staff Overall, community. to the equitable provide and facility access
as strong citing successful, weeks facility’s first the characterized seven
attendance, safe operations, community engagement, and positive customer
experiences.
Mayor Grimm called for public comment three (3) times and no one came forward
to speak.
MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Councilmember Perales raised concerns regarding commercial code enforcement,
particularly in the Road 68 area. He reported receiving complaints from residents
about property maintenance issues, including dead grass, overgrown weeds, and
other conditions that negatively affect the appearance and quality of life in the area.
Councilmember Perales suggested that the City consider a more proactive approach
to on He complaints. resident primarily than rather enforcement code relying
requested a future update from the City’s code enforcement officers regarding current
enforcement activities and staffing, particularly as the City enters the upcoming
budget including property issues, life of identified also He process. quality
maintenance and basketball courts located in the roadway, as potential priorities for
future discussion and consideration.
City Manager Stewart stated that staff would provide Council with statistics regarding
code enforcement activities. He also noted that staff is preparing to discuss the
potential addition of two permanent code enforcement positions as part of the
upcoming announced Police a also Department Mr. process. budget Stewart
community meeting for District 1 scheduled for the following evening at 6:00 p.m. at
Vita Cafe on A Street. The meeting will be conducted primarily in Spanish and will
provide an opportunity for residents to learn about community matters and connect
with local police officers.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (10 MIN)
a) Discussion with legal counsel about current or potential litigation per RCW
42.30.110(1)(i)
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)
Council adjourned into Executive Session at 7:42 PM for 30 minutes returning at
8:11 PM to discuss with legal counsel about current or potential litigation per
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RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) and 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)with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City
Attorney.
At 8:11 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue
for another 15 minutes or until 8:26 PM.
At 8:26 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue
for another 15 minutes or until 8:41 PM.
At 8:42 PM Mayor Grimm announced that the Executive Session would continue
for another 5 minutes or until 8:47 PM.
Mayor Grimm called the meeting back to order at 8:48 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM.
PASSED and APPROVED on September 8, 2026.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Adopted Council Goals (Reference Only)
APPROVED: ATTEST:
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