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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 Annual Report M ti � n r-� �"J �N Pasco voters finally had the opportunity to vote on the long-studied idea of a regional aquatics center; the Regional Public Facilities District (PFD) placed the funding question before voters of all three cities in August. Unfortunately, Kennewick �V�v�-,�,�p �-�R and Richland voters did not join in Pasco's substantial approval of the proposal, 1�VLJLI:�1L5 J LN_lLl�l_f�°l thus causing the measure to fall short of the simple majority required to fund the project. Yet, the Regional PFD at least fulfilled its fundamental City Manager purpose: present a viable opportunity to voters to fund regional centers serving the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, as not one of the individual cities can afford to do so on its own. Whether the Public Works Regional PFD decides to present another aquatics center or other proposal for voter consideration will be determined in 2014. Community & Economic Gar Much attention and effort was consumed by the "anti-city" group Development Y in the donut hole to "un-do" the City's 2012 annexation (which Crutchfield, stopped the group's effort to form a new city surrounded by City Manager Pasco). Their two ballot propositions were resoundingly defeated Administrative & citymanager@ by Pasco voters in November. The"de-annexation"was opposed Community services pasco-wa.gov by 70% of the voters, a margin rarely seen in public votes; even the voters in the area annexed by the City last year preferred to Police stay in the City, by a 60% approval margin! Whether the "anti-city" group is willing to hear the message remains to be seen (though they promised to do so prior to the vote). A renewed effort by the responsible parties (Fire District, County Commission Fire and City)could result in an annexation plan acceptable to most residents of the donut hole as well as the City. Perhaps 2014 will finally produce such a plan. City Council Contacts Fiscal responsibility was again demonstrated by the City Council in 2013, as they approved a four-year plan to repair sidewalks throughout the City; the effort will cost about $250,000 each year but will be accomplished by using existing capital project resources rather than increasing taxes or fees. The City-sponsored repair program will avoid the traditional demand from City Hall that the adjacent property owner must repair/replace the sidewalk when damaged, saving an owner hundreds of dollars in repair costs (except where the owner is clearly responsible for the sidewalk damage). CITY OF PASC C The City's abiding effort to expand the community's tax base was rewarded in 2013 with the first phase of the Grimmway carrot processing plant located near the Kahlotus Continued on pg. 2 CITY OF PASCO Annual Urqp(DPO Z U c§ Continued from cover the bids were well beyond the budget cities agreed to collectively analyze for the project. The improvement and plan for regionalization of the Highway interchange. The private details have been revised and new emergency communication system investment will exceed $20 million bids requested, with the hope that the presently serving the two counties within three years and will contribute project can occur in early 2014. And (and everyone therein). With a an additional $200,000 per year to study work continues in the effort to single point of 911 contact, cell phone community agencies (County, City, convince state and federal authorities calls would no longer be "dropped," School, Port) through local taxes. An to permit the City to install a second emergency response delays would be additional industrial project of similar turn lane west bound onto 1-182 (a reduced, emergency communications magnitude is expected to occur in change which would substantially between police agencies would be early 2014. Industrial projects not only reduce congestion on Burden Blvd). improved — and overall public cost benefit the public agency budgets, might even decline. If ever there was they also reduce the slice of the tax An effortwhich consumed much energy a win-win for taxpayers, this one is it! pie each of us must pay to provide in 2013 was getting the Lewis Street the resources necessary to deliver Overpass on the state's list for priority We all hear (and worry) about the essential public services. funding assistance. The $30 million federal debt, so one might ask "what A second library facility opened in construction project will replace the is the City of Pasco debt load?" As aging former state highway underpass reflected in the graphs below, a Pasco this past year, as the Mid- with a contemporary overpass, but fairly significant amount of debt was Columbia Library District fulfilled its the price tag is simply too much for incurred in the 1990's and early 2000's promise build and operate such a Pasco taxpayers to bear on their own. to finance several large investments contemporary ary facility on the Pasco As the state legislature contemplates (City Hall, baseball stadium, shoreline plateau as a result of the new 10-year transportation funding for some trail, fire station, etc.). Totaling $15.3 library services agreement negotiated major "west side" projects, the City is million in 2004, that debt load has between the City and District three pushing as hard as it can to ensure the been diligently reduced to only $3.3 years ago. In addition, the District Lewis Street project is included (if we million today — a decline of 80% in and City collaborated in modestly are going to pay for some west-side 10 years. Recent Council action updating the original Pasco library on projects, they should pay for some of to pay down some of the debt early 14th Avenue at the end of 2013 (it was ours). If transportation funding is not (using an unexpected surplus) sped last remodeled in 1999). enacted, the project remains ready to up the decline, making the annual With great frustration (shared by construct when funding does become debt payment smaller and thereby many drivers), the City was not able available. absorbing other cost increases so the Council could continue to reduce the to implement the anticipated traffic A substantial step toward improved City's share of your property tax rate. channelization improvements on g11 services was achieved last year Road 68 during the past summer, as when the two counties and three City of Pasco General Fund Property Tax City of Pasco Bonded Debt Levy Rate (per$1,000 AV) (excludes voter-approved debt) (excludes utilities) $2.70 $16,000,000 $2.60 $14,000,000 $2.50 $12,000,000 $2.40 $10,000,000 $2.30 $8,000,000 $2.20 $6,000,000 $2.10 $4,000,000 $2.00 $2,000,000 - $1.90 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Y�Lo CITY OF PASCO P u b I i c lb W_Q i _ 1 t g; Oregon Ave from 1-182 to Ainsworth Ave. Lewis Street Overpass Service Standard he improvements will enhance safety The City will continue to work with the To maintain all city streets; nd meet future traffic capacity needs State to include the Lewis Street Over- maintain and operate all water long the corridor. Construction of Phase pass on the next 10 Year Transportation and sewer facilities. Construct 1 (1-182 to "A" Street) is expected to start Improvements project list. Design work new facilities and to ensure the n 2015; Phase 2 ("A" St. to Ainsworth has been completed, and all of the prop- highest level of public satisfaction ve.) is planned for construction in 2016. erties needed for the project as well as en- and safety. vironmental permits have been obtained. Wastewater Treatment A phased demolition plan will begin in In the past few years the City has been early 2014 to prepare for ultimate project Staff: 81 upgrading and optimizing the Wastewa- construction. Director: ter Treatment Plant for efficiencies and Ahmad Qayoumi to lower the energy cost. For example, in Sidewalk & Fire Hydrant 2013, new screw presses were needed. Program City Engineer: A screw press removes more water from The City Council adopted new programs 545-3444 bio-solids, which reduces the drying time for sidewalks and fire hydrants for 2014 Water Quality: and reduces the need for more drying implementation. The sidewalk program 545-3469 beds. Initial bids to install new presses will repair sidewalks that have lifted and Sewer Maintenance: 545-3463 were approximately $1,000,000 each. are in need of repairs. A City sidewalk Street/Water Maintenance: 545-3463 However, City research discovered Talla- crew will schedule and prioritize the re- After Hours Emergency: 545-2737 hassee, Florida had 3 "almost new" sur- pairs based on results of a City-wide side- engineering@pasco-wa.gov plus presses,which the City acquired, and walk survey. This new effort is expected wwtp @pasco-wa.gov will result in a total cost savings of around to be completed within four years. The streetmaintenance @pasco-wa.gov $2.3 million for ratepayers. fire hydrant program will have a dedicated water department crew to install new fire 2013 Accomplishments 2014 Goals hydrants and to inspect, flush, test, and repair existing hydrants throughout the 4th Avenue Corridor Road 68 Improvements City. Improvements to the 4th Avenue Corridor The improvements on Road 68 planned for 2013 were not completed due to high Citywide Traffic Signals (Court Street to I-182)were completed in Y 9 December 2013. Largely paid by a Fed- bids ($1.3 million project budget); how- The City owns and operates approximate- eral grant, the corridor enhancements in- ever, project construction with new cri- ly 50 traffic signals; some of the signals cluded landscaping, pedestrian improve- teria is set to begin in spring 2014. The are up to 30 years old and are in need ments, and upgrades to the traffic signal improvements will include signal timing of major technology upgrades. In 2013 at 4th & Court Street. The City also com- and channelization on Road 68 and on the City completed an Improvement Plan pleted an overlay of 4th Avenue from Syl- Burden Boulevard between Roads 68 and and expects to install the improvements vester Street to 1-182. 60. Drivers will notice improvements in in 2014. They will not only help improve north - south traffic flow, and at the Road traffic flow and communication between 68/Burden Boulevard intersection. signals, but will also help reduce Fire/ EMS response time by providing signal Further Road 68 improvements involve pre-emptions. Also,traffic at major events completion of the design and approval at TRAC and GESA Stadium can benefit p process with State/Federal highway offi- with better timing between signals. cials for dual right turn lanes at the Road 68 interchange for westbound 1-182. A 1 second right turn lane would alleviate F � congestion and traffic weaving associated Oregon Avenue 9 with southbound traffic on Road 68 try- Driver safety has been an issue on Or- ing to get on westbound 1-182 and would egon Avenue, with 170 vehicle crashes accommodate more cars through each and 8 deaths in the last five years. To signal light "cycle" for westbound Burden '- address these issues, the City secured Boulevard traffic. federal funds to design improvements for s a • ° ° Service Standard Historic Preservation Shoreline Master Program The City Council approved the Historic The Washington State Shoreline Man- To promote and oversee economic Preservation Work Plan in November of agement Act requires Pasco and Franklin and community development; this year. The Historic Preservation Com- County to update their Shoreline Master administer land use,housing, mission is in the process of prioritizing and Programs by July of 2016. The City has property maintenance& scheduling actionable projects based on secured funding from the State, selected construction regulations. the Plan. a technical consultant, initiated the re- quired shoreline inventory, and prepared Staff: 15 Code Enforcement a draft Public Participation Plan. 2014 Director: Rick White Partly in response to citizen surveys show- tasks include completing the comprehen- ing concerns with property maintenance sive shoreline inventory and characteriza- Planning and Zoning: i and loose dogs, Pasco code enforce- tion report and developing the initial draft 545-3441 ment officers issued over 5,000 correction of Shoreline Master Plan. Code Enforcement: notices for municipal code violations in 543-5743 2013. The notices addressed dog licens- Building Permits: es, rental and business licenses, property 543-5726 nuisances (such as junk vehicles, weeds, Block Grant Coordinator: accumulations of litter and debris), and 543-5739 housing/building code violations. Also in- communitydevelopment @pasco-wa.gov cluded were a small number of courtesy correction notices issued to address RVs, basketball hoops and utility trailers stored 2013 Accomplishments in public streets. Historic Preservation Industrial Development The City and the Historic Preservation The Heritage Industrial Park and Big Pas- 2014 Goals Commission will focus on the following co rail extension project was begun mid- 2014 goals for Historic Preservation: year 2013 and was 95% completed by Industrial Development Establish a local historic register pro- December 2013. The City will continue to work diligently gram requiring owner consent; incor- Early in 2013 the city annexed 546 acres with its partners (Port of Pasco, PUD, porate historic register program into of industrial lands north and south of the Franklin County) to create "development City Code. Pasco-Kahlotus Highway.The annexation ready" industrial sites and foster private Apply for Certified Local Government complemented the Kahlotus sewer lift sta- status. P investment, particularly at the Heritage Increase public access to information tion project, facilitating the construction of Industrial Center, Foster Wells area and on locally important historic buildings. the Grimmway carrot plant and enabling along the SR-12 corridor. the future expansion of two onion plants (Fresh Pak and Freeze Pak). The sewer Downtown lift station was operational by September To further encourage downtown improve- of this year. ment efforts, the City will complete a downtown street plan in anticipation of Downtown Revitalization the Lewis Street Overpass project. A key A new DPDA Executive Director was hired component of downtown revitalization - a in 2013 to replace the outgoing director. master work plan for the Downtown Pas- t During the year, one fagade improvement co Development Authority—will be devel- - was completed on the northwest corner oped and include the needed steps to be- of 4th and Lewis Street—finishing fagade come a certified Main Street Community. Neighborhood Revitalization improvements on all four corners of this Four neighborhood meetings were held in main downtown intersection. - .r, 2013 to receive input on three preliminary The Fiery Foods Festival was re-started alternatives for fixing damaged sidewalks in 2013 with 50 sponsors. Additionally, _ and planting strips in a portion of the Syl- the Cinco de Mayo celebration was con- `, vester's Addition neighborhood between tinued. Both events brought several thou- ', 5th and 10th Avenues north of Sylvester sand attendees to downtown. The DPDA Street.Throughout 2014 the City will com- also organized two downtown "clean up" plete the Sylvester Neighborhood Plan by efforts and obtained 501c3 (non-profit) assigning block repair priorities, phasing status. _ and funding options for the neighborhood. *Aa dEW.0- � • Mu I CITY PASCO Ser Kurtzman Park Splash Pad Richardson Park Service Standard he Kurtzman Park Splash Pad will open After many decades of operation, the pool Provide a wide range of services to or the summer of 2014. The pad will will be demolished and replaced with an the community, including: leisure onsist of over 20 spray features. The additional basketball court to supplement and recreation,public facilities, pray toys were selected by the City's Park the current facility which is much used. customer service,and internal nd Recreation Board to offer a variety of The project is scheduled for completion support to all city departments. xperiences for the young and old alike; by summer. he toys vary from ground spray fountains o squirt guns. Make sure to take the time Staff: 45 o bring the family to the park and enjoy Director: Rick Terway 4-. he spray toys this summer. �. City Clerk: 544-3096 Memorial Park Playground Facilities: 543-5757 he new playground at Memorial Park Finance: 545-3420 is the City's first totally "accessible" play Recreation: 545-3456 tructure. This means that persons can navigate the structure in a wheel chair or Administrative Services: - walker. The new play area also includes New Animal Shelter Project Customer Service: 545-3488 a poured in-place, rubberized surface The Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority Information Services: 545-3419 which was paid by a grant from the acsadmin @pasco-wa.gov American Tire Association and Boundless (consisting of the cities of Pasco, cityclerk @pasco-wa.gov (an organization dedicated to assisting Kennewick and Richland) will the seeking impaired youth.) The rand opening, property for a new location for the Animal customerservice @pasco-wa.gov p y g p g, Shelter and the base of operations for the recreation asco-wa. ov held in September, had an estimated 400 @p g parents and children attend the event, Authority. The current facility was built in which was a huge success. the 70's and remodeled several times, but 2013 Accomplishments is no longer adequate to meet the growing demands of the three cities. Once the site selection has been made in 2014, Pasco Boat Basing _ planning for a new shelter can begin. It 2013 has been a busy year at the Pasco is expected to take up to three years to Boat Basin. Under new management, it complete. Columbia Marine Center made many r ' improvements to the operation. A new restroom was added to the south { side of the building : — allowing moorage ° M customers access to the facilities. A coded entry system _ r. improves after 2014 Goals # ti hours access. The building was Partnership with the School painted, the basin District on New Park was cleaned up and New Boat Pump-Out Station Located at the intersection of Road 60 and all the existing The City of Pasco has received an Three Rivers Drive will be Pasco's next docks were neighborhood park. The City is currently estimated $150,000 matching state repaired. A new in the design phase of the project in grant to place a boat pump-out station dock, acquired from conjunction with the building of the new at Columbia Marine Center and Schlagel Clover Island, adds 30 covered slips to school in the same location. The park will Park. The station will include a new dock the inventory. Columbia Marine Center and ramp system that meets current also offers mobile marine service repair include features such as a playground, U.S. Corps of Engineers standards. The for larger vessels that cannot be brought shelters, trails and a basketball court. By facility will be the only station located on in for service. combining resources,each agencyspends less on construction and maintenance of the north side of the river in the Tri-Cities the new facilities. area. :l p Basic mandatory training of more traffic en orcemen an crime Service Standard officers has been established and the prevention activities. To reduce crime, the fear of crime department has a full complement & improve the quality of life in of trained officers to conduct the 2014 Goals Pasco. in-service training. The additional training not only improves service Emergency Communications Staff: 82 quality, it tends to reduce liability The first phase of the study of Police Chief exposure and associated expenses. the proposed new bi-county Bob Metzger communications system has been Administration: completed by the consultant, Egov. 545-3481 A presentation of study findings in EMERGENCY: 9-1-1 October was followed by agreement Records Information: 545-3421 ' of both counties to continue the work Detective Division: 545-3484 toward implementation. The second Non-Emergency Dispatch: 545-3510 phase, a cost allocation study, will be done in early 2014. Once this phase Mini-Stations: is done and approved, implementation Downtown 544-3085 Major Crimes remain low of the new system can begin; it is Alderwood 545-3415 The major crime index for the city hoped that the regionalized system Kurtzman 545-3411 continues to remain low relative to can be in use by the end of 2014. Broadmoor Square 547-5740 other cities in the state of Washington. pascopolice @pasco-wa.gov The department continues to target specific crimes through pro-active 2013 Accomplishments patrol. Downtown Mini station ` Street Crimes Unit The downtown mini station was re- A portion of the proceeds of the established at 321 W. Lewis Street, public safety sales tax, approved allowing the department to work by the voters in late 2011, allowed more closely with the downtown area the department to hire an additional merchants. Activity at the station has Expanding Facilities 4 officers and establish the Street increased and the assigned officer Part of the proceeds oftde designated Crimes Unit in January 2013. The has been able to dedicate more time sales tax has been designated for new unit had a great start in its first to the needs of the businesses in the expanding the department's facilities year, making 489 arrests of which downtown area. at City Hall. The continued growth of 242 were gang members. Of these the City has accelerated the need for arrests,41 were self-initiated narcotics additional room to house department investigations, leading to the arrest 1 operations and staff. The City Council of several additional gang members. will be looking at financing options in All indications show that the Street 2014 with construction planned for Crimes Unit is making a positive 2015. impact on the gang problem in Pasco. Training This was the first full year of using a Officer Productivity new training plan, aided by use of a This year a new productivity r� vacant building in the downtown area. evaluation was added to the regular All officers now get a minimum of evaluations for patrol officers. This 120 hours of training per year which allows the department to more far exceeds the mandatory 24 hours accurately review officer activities F 100a required by the state of Washington. during their shift duties, resulting in CITY OF Fire Dell PASCO mon o ep em er, o e fire I raining Reimbursement Program Service Standard epartment and the Port of Pasco ($2500) and two Homeland Security To provide rapid mitigation of fire, orked with consultants to identify a Technical Rescue Grants ($20,000). rescue, hazardous materials & pro- omprehensive aircraft rescue and vide medical emergency services irefighting program that includes 201212013 Statistics with compassion, integrity, and planning, operations and training for 2012 2013 respect for the people we serve. ffected employees. The cost for this Ambulance 3485 3423 tudy was shared equally by the Port Fire/Other 928 923 and City. Total 4413 4346 Staff: 54 Fire Chief Bob Gear , 1. � EMERGENCY 9-1-1 - .. �' -4 Administrative: 545-3246 Burn Information: 544-3098 pascofire @pasco-wa.gov 2013 Accomplishments 2014 Goals P Multi-Agency Training and Exercises Enhancement of Aircraft Rescue Regional Cooperation During 2013, the fire department and Fire Fighting program The most important achievement worked with Franklin County to improve performance and during the year was the continuation Emergency Management on several capability. and expansion of the cooperative programs and projects including: Improve preventive maintenance effort between fire service agencies • Development of an All-Hazards of department apparatus and within the region. The tri-county fire Emergency Operations Center equipment. chiefs have effectively and deliberately • Active membership in the Local • Work with neighboring agencies to provided a common vision and a Emergency Planning Committee resolve funding issues regarding shared commitment to the community. • Certification of all Battalion Chiefs availability of Advance Life Support This program paid dividends during to act as a Fire Coordinator for (Paramedic) ambulance service. two major emergencies within Pasco. Franklin County Emergency • Implement system improvements Both fires required resources and Management in the event of an to reduce call processing and turn- expertise from neighboring agencies Emergency Operations Center out times. and both fires were effectively activation. mitigated. '1#;0 r 1 : Grant Funding Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting The department actively sought and The Pasco Fire Department provides leveraged additional funding through emergency services to the Tri-Cities a variety of grants and programs Airport under contract. During the including Washington State Fire P.O. : . POSTAGE City of Pasco PRSRT STD CITY OF D PASCO Pasco, WA "99301-0923 PERMIT NO. 800 '���u►IIII Illllui��" GOLDSTREET . , Report City of Pasco 2013 Annual Your Pasco City Council: Mayor Matt Watkins �At Larger Councilmember Bob,EI 0 f ann Dist. 3] 41 G-GG9G, watkinscouncil @pasco-wa.gov 547-7373, rshoff@juno.co Ma or Pro-Te�Rebecca Francilc Dist. 5 Y 1 1 Councilmember Saul Martinez 545-G 134, francilccouncil @pasco-wa.gov = o Councilmember AI Yenney Dist. 1� Councilmember Tom Larsen �At Larger 547-8021, yenneycouncil @pasco-wa.go�r senpasco' ao .com - The Pasco c City Council is comprised of 7 elected Councilmember Mike�Garrison,�� (ysyt:-�Z� officials,each serving 4 year terms. 5 Councilmembers 545-3404, garrisoncouncil @pasco-wa.gov each represent a district; 2 Councilmembers are "at large". More information about the City Council can be found online at www.pasco-wa.gov/council . The Pasco City Council meets every Monday at 7pm (except for 5th Mondays and holidays) in Pasco City Hall, SW N. 3rd Aue. Watch the Council meetings LIVE OT 21 Channel 12 on Charter Cable, or on the web at www.pasco-wa.gov/video.