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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.09.28 Council MinutesMINUTES City Council Workshop Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, September 28, 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; Haylie Matson, Community & Economic Development 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 Perales reported attending Columbia Basin College's new dormitory opening and described the event as a success. He noted that his firm worked on the project and expressed appreciation for the college's continued development of new facilities. Councilmember Campos reported attending the Air Jubilee and praised the event for celebrating Pasco's history and community. He also noted attending a local pumpkin patch afterward and expressed appreciation for the many community activities taking place throughout the City. Page 1 of 7 Councilmember Hernandez reported attending a Hispanic Heritage festival at Memorial Park, where local candidates spoke and attendees were encouraged to participate in the election. He also attended the installation of a new pastor at First Baptist Church in East Pasco and described the service as a positive and enjoyable event. Mayor Grimm reported attending several community events throughout the week, including ribbon cuttings for Goodwill and Idaho Central Union, a local school fundraiser, and the Air Jubilee. He also attended the Hispanic Heritage LULAC Tri- Cities Candidate Forum and a ribbon cutting for a Seventh-Day Adventist Church parking lor renovation. He highlighted the church's community service efforts, noting that it serves approximately 1,000-1,500 people per week and expressed appreciation for local organizations working to meet community needs. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Ordinance - Adjustment to PWRF Utility Rate Public Works Director Serra presented the proposed ordinance adjusting rates for the Pasco Water Reuse Facility (PWRF), following Council discussions in April and June. The proposal reflects Alternative D, combining moderate rate increases with subsidies from the risk reserve fund. The proposed rates would increase 7% annually from 2027 through 2029 and 6% in 2030, establishing a four-year rate structure for greater predictability. The proposal also accounts for anticipated capital improvements and continued use of the risk reserve. Director Sarah stated that immediate significant a avoid rate approach recommended the would increase while preserving a portion of the reserve and allowing time to identify operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and renegotiate contracts. Alternatives of fully funding the utility through higher rates or freezing rates and relying solely on the reserve were discussed but not recommended. Dale Goyer, President and CEO of Twin City Foods, expressed opposition to the proposed be would costs the additional stating increases, rate PWRF that unsustainable for processors. He noted that Twin City Foods' annual waste water costs have increased from approximately $1.5 million to $3.65 million and that the proposed increases could raise to nearly $4.7 million. Goyer emphasized the potential impact on local jobs and asked Council to delay the vote, renegotiate the current exploreagreement with performance standards and cost controls, additional RNG revenue opportunities, and develop a rate structure more closely tied to the factors driving RNG production. in-person presenter Keith Tigs, President of OPC and its affiliated companies, expressed concerns with the proposed PWRF rate increases and projected treatment costs. He requested greater transparency regarding PWRF operating and maintenance costs and the Burnham contract, as well as information supporting the proposed Page 2 of 7 nitrogen removal capital investment. Tigs stated that the increased wastewater costs could negatively impact the competitiveness and expansion of local processors. He requested removal of BOD loading penalties to allow greater use of BOD for RNG production and asked Council to delay consideration of the ordinance to allow processors additional time to review the proposal and discuss their concerns with City staff and Council. Council discussed delaying action on proposed wastewater treatment rates to allow additional time to evaluate operating costs, revenue opportunities, and the financial impacts on processors. Staff noted there is no immediate deadline for the rate proposal, which would not take effect until 2027. Council expressed concern about increased rates, the use of the risk reserve, and the potential impact on local processors and jobs. Staff reported that the facility’s operating costs are significantly higher than originally projected and that potential revenue sources, including receiving additional solids, are being evaluated but would require additional capital and are not immediate solutions. Staff also discussed the at estimated improvements, treatment potential for need nitrogen approximately $20 million, pending performance testing of the existing system. Council the requested additional information regarding nitrogen system performance, operating costs, potential revenue sources, and opportunities to renegotiate the agreement with Burnham. Council generally supported delaying the vote and continuing discussions with staff, Burnham, and processors before moving forward with the proposed rates. Ordinance – Amending PMC 21.60.040, Development Agreement Approval Process City Manager Steward presented a request to change the development must agreements be development Currently, process. approval agreement reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission before being presented to Council. Staff proposed removing this step so negotiated development agreements could proceed directly to Council for approval. The change would help expedite the process, reduce staff and consultant time, and avoid potential conflicts between negotiated agreements and recommendations or conditions proposed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Staff emphasized that the Commission’s role and community interests would still be considered during negotiations. Councilmember the of review staff’s for appreciation expressed Campos development agreement process and supported streamlining the process to reduce the timeline. Drawing on his experience serving on the Planning Commission, he stated that he was in favor of the proposed change. Mayor Grimm called for public comment and no one came forward to speak. Resolution: Interagency Agreement Washington State Criminal Justice Page 3 of 7 Training Commission (WSCJTC) Use of Pasco Police Department Police Chief Cook presented a resolution approving an interlocal agreement between the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the City of Pasco. The agreement would allow the Commission to temporarily use the Pasco Police Department headquarters as an emergency facility if the regional training center/academy is evacuated or relocated due to an unforeseen incident. The Commission would provide its own personnel and operate the temporary command post, while the City would retain control and rights to the building. Staff recommended approval of the agreement. Mayor Grimm called for public comment twice and no one came forward to speak. Resolution - Urban Growth Area Expansion Applications – CPAM2025-01 and CPAM2025-02 Community and Economic Development Director Matson presented two proposed resolutions regarding the Pasco Urban Growth Area (UGA) expansion. Franklin County requested the City’s recommendations on two applications: a 110-acre Truax site and a 166-acre Port of Pasco site. The City’s recommendation would be advisory, with the County making the final determination. Staff’s updated land capacity analysis identified an estimated deficit of 187 jobs, supporting the need for additional employment capacity. Staff initially recommended approval of the Port of Pasco site only because utility planning is already underway. The Planning Commission, however, recommended approval of both applications following a public hearing. Council was presented with two options: a resolution supporting both UGA expansion applications or a resolution supporting only the Port of Pasco application. A final resolution was scheduled for consideration on November 5. Stephen McFadden, Deputy Executive Director, Port of Pasco explained that the 300-acre Ryman property was selected for industrial development in 2019 due to its location near U.S. 395 and the BNSF rail yard, with no surrounding residential development. He noted the Port has coordinated with the City on the master development plan since 2019 and has invested approximately $20 million in public infrastructure. The Port is also constructing a $5 million waterline project that will connect to the City’s water system. McFadden expressed support for advancing the property into the Urban Growth Area (UGA), noting that annexation is necessary to eventually connect to the City’s sanitary sewer system. He requested the City’s support before the County acts on the Port’s UGA application. Mayor Grimm called for public comment two (2) times and no one came forward to speak. Mayor Grimm called on Mr. West McCart, asking if he had anything to add. Mr. McCart came forward to speak. Page 4 of 7 West McCart, Franklin County Planning and Development Director, explained that proposed Urban Growth Area expansions must be justified from a countywide perspective. He indicated that the Port’s property would be easier to justify based on projected job needs, housing requirements, and the climate element, while the other property would be more difficult to support due to capital facilities planning requirements and available industrial land in Connell. He noted that locating jobs near Pasco’s workforce could support climate goals by reducing commuting distances. McCart emphasized that the County Commissioners would make the final decision and that cooperation and support between the City and County would help the process. Presentation - Critical Areas Ordinance Update Community and Economic Development Director, Matson presented an overview of Growth the under Ordinance update Critical required City’s the Areas Management Act. She explained that the proposed revisions aim to clarify regulations, incorporate Pasco-specific scientific information, and streamline the review of shrub-steppe habitat to reduce unnecessary costs and delays for development applicants. The current process may require expensive, full-site critical areas reports based on mapping, even when habitat is degraded or absent. establish regulatory local a would 2, Option proposed Staff which framework allowing initial determinations, site reconnaissance, and detailed studies proportionate to habitat conditions. The update would maintain ecological protections and interagency coordination while providing a clearer permitting process. Matson noted that the Planning Commission strongly supported Option 2 and requested Council feedback. Mayor Grimm called for public comment two (2) times and no one came forward to speak. Comprehensive Plan Presentation Community and Economic Director, Matson provided an overview of the City’s 20- year Comprehensive Plan update, which is due by the end of 2026. The plan anticipates a population of approximately 121,000, 20,000 housing units, and 13,000 jobs. She noted the need for additional multifamily and middle housing options and explained that the City can accommodate projected housing needs within its existing boundaries. Community feedback emphasized diverse housing options, connected neighborhoods, safe routes to schools, parks, open space, and shoreline access. Matson also discussed consolidating land use categories and correcting more than 3,000 discrepancies between the City’s land use and zoning maps. Property owners will receive postcards directing them to information about proposed changes. She reviewed updates to housing, parks, economic development, and other plan elements, including a future update to park impact fees. Finally, Matson discussed state legislation requiring residential uses in Page 5 of 7 commercial zones and requested Council feedback on areas where commercial uses a requiring included options minimum preserved. be should Potential percentage of commercial use on designated properties, maintaining commercial frontage along major arterials such as Road 68, preserving commercial areas in north Pasco and near Sylvester and Cord Street, and maintaining ground-floor commercial uses downtown. Councilmembers discussed areas of Pasco where commercial uses should be preserved under state requirements allowing residential uses in commercial zones. Councilmembers expressed concerns about protecting commercial properties that generate sales tax revenue and support local businesses. Several members identified Court Street, 20th Avenue, and downtown as priority areas for preserving commercial activity, while also supporting mixed-use development with ground-floor businesses and housing above in downtown. Councilmembers also emphasized the need for additional grocery options in East Pasco to improve access to food and reduce travel distances. Staff will prepare a clearer list of options for Council review and incorporate feedback into the Comprehensive Plan update. Mayor Grimm called for public comment three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION City Manager Stewart, reported that staff is preparing for the upcoming winter season, including installing the bubble over Memorial Pool to support year-round use, and he thanked the staff for their work. He highlighted the recent “Felines and Firefighters” adoption event at TCAS, which successfully rehomed 14 animals with support from local fire departments and partners. He also noted the Police Department’s proactive outreach on community safety, including Officer Gutierrez’s and Officer Yazwinsky’s radio appearances in both Spanish and English to discuss securing vehicles, addressing cars—and unlocked in preventing firearms of theft—particularly left concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters. Mr. Stewart expressed appreciation for the department’s efforts to inform the public and concluded his report by inviting questions from the Council. Councilmember Figueroa, requested that future police outreach on local radio also include discussion of graffiti and tagging, noting that these concerns are becoming more visible in several neighborhoods. They emphasized the importance of proactive community education in both English and Spanish, encouraging residents to report graffiti when they see it in order to support ongoing beautification efforts throughout the city. Councilmember Perales raised two items, first asking for an update on planned meetings with community groups, noting that only the Pasco Chamber has met with the City so far. City Manager Stewart, responded that staff has made outreach attempts and some groups have been unresponsive; he will follow up with staff and provide a detailed update in the next City Manager’s report. Councilmember Perales Page 6 of 7 then continued a regarding residenta code behalf on concern expressed of enforcement case related to driveway ramps. He noted the resident received a continuation notice, but the upcoming code enforcement board meeting was canceled, creating confusion. He asked for an update on the hardship program the Council requested in July, stating the resident is worried about potential fines. City Manager Stewart acknowledged the delay due to budget priorities but agreed to revisit the issue and work toward a solution. Discussion followed regarding process clarity for code enforcement hearings, including the requirement for residents to call ahead to confirm attendance. Public Works Director Serra added that staff met with the involved residents to explain why such ramps are not permitted, citing damage to curbs and impacts on stormwater flow. She also clarified that other cities, such as Richland, similarly do not allow these ramps but may be less active in enforcement. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on October 19, 2026 ADDITIONAL NOTES Adopted Council Goals (Reference Only) APPROVED: ATTEST: ___________________ Charles Grim, Mayor ________________________Gabriela Sanchez, City Clerk Page 7 of 7