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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3924 ResolutionRESOLUTION NO. 3924 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON, DECLARING AN INTENT TO GRANT CONSENT FOR THE RELOCATION OF REFUGEES WITHIN MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES PER UNITED STATES EXECUTIVE ORDER 13888. WHEREAS, the City of Pasco has long pursued a goal of being a welcoming and supportive community for those who worked towards becoming productive members of the Pasco community; and WHEREAS, the City of Pasco City Council recognizes the United States Executive Order 13888 of September 26, 2019, entitled "Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement," issued by the United States President, Donald Trump; and WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that the Executive Order states that "the Federal Government... should resettle refugees only in those jurisdictions in which both the state and local governments have consented to receive refugees..." under the United States Department of State Reception and Placement Program; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes by this Resolution to set forth criteria clarifying the circumstances under which the City intends to provide consent to have said refugees resettled within its municipal boundaries; and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare of its current residents; and WHEREAS, the City Council further recognizes that to be successful, refugees resettling into Pasco to will require financial support, services and assistance; and WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges the role it can play in the resettlement program as part of a nation with a long history of welcoming and assimilating people from all over the world into its society; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide its consent for local refugee resettlement subject to the conditions and criteria identified herein. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON, DO RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Declaration of Intent. The City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, declares its intent to give consent for refugee resettlement within its municipal boundaries upon certain conditions. Further, the City Council encourages the Franklin County Board of Commissioners to also provide its consent for refugee resettlement within the corporate boundaries of Franklin County. Resolution - I Section 2. Criteria for Consent. The City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, identifies the following criteria in order for refugees to be resettled within its municipal boundaries under the United States Department of State Reception and Placement Program: (1) the existence and adequacy of Federal, State and community support systems and structures in order to provide support for said refugees during their transition toward independence; (2) that local resources currently available to the City of Pasco residents are not reallocated to mitigate resettlement program deficiencies; and (3) the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services will provide the City with an annual update on the resettlement program. Section 3. Reservation of Future Policy. The City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, declares its reservation of the right to withdraw its consent in the future regarding these or other criteria necessary in order for the resettlement of refugees within its municipal boundaries. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, at its special meeting dated this 9th day of December, 2019. Matt Watkins, Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Debra Bar am, CMC KL'At son Law, PLLC City Clerk ey Resolution - 2