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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.03.09 Council MinutesWORKSHOP MINUTES MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL MARCH 9, 2020 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Saul Martinez, Mayor. ROLL CALL: Councilmembers present: Ruben Alvarado, Blanch Barajas (arrived at 6:15 PM), Craig Maloney, Saul Martinez, David Milne, Zahra Roach (arrived at 6:03 PM), and Pete Serrano. Staff present: Dave Zabell, City Manager; Eric Ferguson, City Attorney (arrived at 6:55 PM); Bob Gear, Fire Chief (arrived at 6:11 PM); Ken Roske, Police Chief (arrived at 6:46 PM); Richa Sigdel, Finance Director; Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director; Steve Worley, Public Works Director (arrived at 6:24 PM); and Debby Barham, City Clerk. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS: Mr. Milne commented on the recent Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee and Pasco Chamber of Commerce meetings he attended. Mr. Milne also expressed thanks to Chief Roske and Officer Shelton for arranging the police patrol ride -a -long on Friday, March 6, 2020. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: Arts & Culture Commission Interviews Council conducted brief interviews for the positions on the newly formed Arts & Culture Commission with Saul Martinez, Ana Armijo, Ryan Bennett, Emma Barnes, Rebecca Merkley-Omeje, Nisha McSwane-Franco, Calumet Kubalek and Eleanor Neff. Meeting Recess Mayor Martinez called a five minute meeting recess at 7:24 PM. The meeting resumed at 7:30 PM. Presentation - Doing Business with the City Ms. Sigdel stated that in the past five (5) years, Council has authorized multiple efforts to improve the access and ease for private business to do business with the City, which included the following: 1. Council increased limits in their delegation of authority to the City Manager, which has served to expedite approval of smaller contracts for services and capital projects; and 2. Council authorized a Contracts Specialist position within the Public Works Department in 2015 to improve the contracting process for Public Work projects (engineering/architectural services, capital projects, etc.); and 3. Similarly, in 2018, Council approved the addition of a Procurement Specialist position to create a robust procurement program to meet the commodity and equipment needs of the City. These changes have resulted in tremendous progress within the City, providing Page 1 of 3 WORKSHOP MINUTES MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL MARCH 9, 2020 assistance and training to City employees, streamlining processes, creating new policies, and implementing tools to increase efficiencies. New goals for this program will be focused on the ease of access to the City for our business partners. This will be accomplished in many ways, for example, creating training programs, streamlining processes to ease access, increased transparency regarding how City processes work, and creating a better communication process. Ms. Sigdel informed the Council and the public on current avenues for businesses to do business with the City, as well as a plan for the future. Council expressed appreciation for the presentation and engaged in discussion with staff regarding potential training for local and regional businesses for the various small public works, consultant and vendor rosters. PMC Amendments - Based on Code Publishing Recommendations Mr. Ferguson reiterated that the proposed changes within the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) are substantive changes recommended by Code Publishing and confirmed by the City Attorney's after thorough research and review. Mr. Ferguson confirmed that there had been seven (7) infractions issued over the past three (3) years. Mr. Ferguson also explained changes to the PMC infractions within the Parks and the changes are are based on combining the penalties imposed by Washington State law and Class infractions within the PMC. Mr. Serrano asked that the term "Beast of Burden" be defined within the PMC. Mr. Serrano questioned PMC Section 9.100.240: Overnight Camping, which Mr. Ferguson responded. Mr. Maloney and Chief Roske discussed the Police Officer and Park Ranger patrols and how that may deter individuals from camping within the parks. Mr. Ferguson ended the discussion addressing the question of the total fees for infractions within this chapter of the PMC, noting that the courts may access additional fees on top of the City's fees. Donation Policy for Acceptance of Community Donations Ms. Sigdel described the need for creating a policy for accepting donations. Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the proposed ordinance and Council asked that a report of donations received be included within one of the existing financial reports, such as the monthly General Fund report. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION: Mr. Zabell introduced Kim Seaman, a new staff member in the Human Resources Department. Mr. Zabell also announced three upcoming informational meetings related to the City's Transportation Master Plan. Mr. Zabell, Chief Gear and Mr. Funfar provided an update regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to Council with two (2) local goals mind. Specifically, how the City can help prevent the spread of the virus through communicating and modeling best practices and also plan for scenarios to help mitigate the impact of the City's operations, as well as within the community if the virus affects a number of staff and/or the residents. The City is coordinating other agencies and there is a Continuity of Operations Plan that was started within the past year. Page 2 of 3 WORKSHOP MINUTES MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL MARCH 9, 2020 Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the roles and responsibilities of Council and staff in a situation such as the City is facing and the development of new policies to address this issue. Mr. Zabell stated that the Washington State legislature session ended on March 5, 2020 and two versions of the Lewis Street Overpass project funding are still on the table, which is favorable news for the City of Pasco. Mr. Maloney announced that the Pasco Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a round table meeting on Thursday and he encouraged individuals to attend. Mr. Maloney also stated that the candidates for the Arts & Culture Commission were outstanding. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:24 PM for approximately 10 minutes to consider the acquisition of real estate, per RCW 42.30.110 (1)(c), attended by the City Manager and City Attorney. Mayor Martinez called the meeting back to order at 8:33 PM. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM. APPROVED: Saul Martinez, Mayor ATTEST: L-� 1'Q& Debra Barham, City Clerk Page 3 of 3