HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.04.13 Council MinutesREMOTE
WORKSHOP
MEETING
MINUTES
PASCO CITY COUNCIL
REMOTE WORKSHOP INSTRUCTIONS:
APRIL 13, 2020
A directive, that was issued on March 23, by Governor Inslee and later clarified
by the Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28, made temporary changes to Open
Public Meetings Act. While the public was unable to attend the workshop in-
person, they were able to view it in "listen only" mode through GoToWebinar.
The workshop was also televised live on PSC -TV, Channel 191, on Spectrum
Cable in Pasco and Richland and streamed on the City's Facebook page,
website, and YouTube channel.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Saul Martinez, Mayor.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers present: Ruben Alvarado (virtual), Blanche Barajas (virtual),
Craig Maloney (virtual), Saul Martinez (in-person), David Milne (virtual),
Zahra Roach (virtual), and Pete Serrano (virtual).
Staff present: Dave Zabell, City Manager (in-person); Eric Ferguson, City
Attorney (virtual); Bob Gear, Fire Chief (virtual); Zach Ratkai, Administrative
& Community Services Director (in-person); Ken Roske, Police Chief (virtual);
Richa Sigdel, Finance Director (virtual); Rick White, Community & Economic
Development Director (virtual); Steve Worley, Public Works Director (virtual);
and Debby Barham, City Clerk (in-person).
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Mr. Alvarado noted that a virtual meeting with Washington State Good Roads
Committee is scheduled; however, all other meetings that he participates on
have been cancelled.
Mayor Martinez commented about the recent public service announcement that
the City and its community partners created late last week, which has already
had almost 800 views. Mayor Martinez encouraged the community members to
continue adhering to social distancing as it is making a positive difference in
flatting the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
Meter Reading Services Agreement
Mr. Worley provided a brief history of Columbia Meter Reading, Inc. expertise
and experience in providing meter reading services for the City of Pasco. Mr.
Worley stated that staff recommends the approval of another five-year
professional services agreement with Columbia Meter Reading, Inc. for water
meter reading services during the City's implementation to Automated Meter
Reading / Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMR/AMI) system. The transition
to AMR/AMI will take approximately five years to be fully functional.
Ms. Sigdel confirmed the funding for this service was approved in the 2019-
2020 Biennial Budget and reiterated the excellent service Columbia Meter
Reading, Inc. has provided to the City.
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REMOTE
WORKSHOP
MINUTES
MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL APRIL 13, 2020
With no other comments or questions from Council, Mayor Martinez stated that
this item will be placed on the April 20, 2020 agenda for Council action.
Speed Limit Ordinance - Chapel Hill Blvd
Mr. Worley said that the construction of Chapel Hill Boulevard between Road
84 and Road 68 was completed in late 2019. The City then contracted with T -O
Engineers to prepare a Speed Study to determine the appropriate speed limit for
that section of the road. The Speed Study evaluated the following elements:
existing posted speed limits on both sides of the new roadway; existing speeds
of vehicles currently using the new road; roadway characteristics and geometry;
crash history; traffic counts; and parking and pedestrian issues. Vehicle speeds
and classifications were collected over 24 -hours in two locations: 1) Chapel
Hill West of Road 84 and 2) Chapel Hill East of Road 68. The Speed Study
recommended a posted speed of 35 miles per hour (mph) for the section of
Chapel Hill Boulevard between Road 84 and Road 68. The study also
recommended a functional classification of Urban Major Collector for the new
roadway. These recommendations were based on consideration of geometrics;
ADT, 85th percentile speeds, and vehicle counts; capacity/volume data; and
access/intersection density and spacing considerations, as compared with
standard industry and City guidelines. Mr. Worley stated that staff concurred
with the study and recommends the adoption of a 35mph speed limit for Chapel
Hill Boulevard between Road 84 and Road 68.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the proposed speed limit
suggesting that the proposed speed limit may be too high or too low. The Speed
Study and the development along the Chapel Hill Boulevard corridor were
discussed in relation to the recommended speed limit. Also discussed were
traffic calming measures to ensure the speed limit is maintained and the
requirement of a Speed Study that supports a speed limit when traffic/speeding
tickets are issued. At the conclusion of the discussion, Mayor Martinez stated
that this item would be placed on the April 20, 2020 Council agenda for final
action.
MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Mr. Zabell provided a COVID-19 update to Council, which included:
• 90 employees are working remotely, on a part-time or full-time basis
• Working to maintain productivity while minimizing in-person contact
• Cleaning protocols remain enforce
• The implementation of the Emergency Orders
• In the process of creating work plans in the case the workforce numbers
are reduced drastically
• Filmed a second joint Public Service Announcement (PSA) regarding
the COVID-19 pandemic last week with Pasco School Distinct
• Coordination with other entities including Franklin County
Administrator, Port of Pasco, and Ben Franklin Transit on COVID-19
related issues
Mr. Zabell commented on the current directive in place (Proclamation No. 20-
28) for public meetings and the requirement that only "necessary and routine"
action may be conducted at this time, which makes for shorter meetings.
However, Mr. Zabell informed Council about the status of the following key
City projects:
• The City's Comprehensive Plan continues to be on schedule
• The Sign Code analysis in underway
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REMOTE
WORKSHOP
MEETING
MINUTES
PASCO CITY COUNCIL
• Transportation Plan continues
APRIL 13, 2020
• Process Water Reuse Plant Phase I improvements are moving along and
on schedule for the irrigation pump station replacement and the Foster
Wells main system replacement
• Fire Stations Nos. 81 and 82 remodels are going out to bid shortly and
will be processed through the City's new electronic bid software system
• Fire Station No. 83 construction is moving forward
• Fire Station No. 84 replacement will be out to bid mid May 2020
• Peanuts Park / Farmers Market improvement project will be out to bid
by the end of this week
• Lewis Street Overpass is waiting for an easement from Burlington
Northern Santa Fe railroad and a right-of-way certification from the
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Mayor Martinez encouraged community members to stay strong, to continue to
help the elderly by purchasing groceries and running other errands for them and
to remember to a keep six (6) to ten (10) foot distance away from others.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business the workshop was adjourned at 7:40 PM.
APPROVED:
Saul a z; -Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Barham, City Clerk
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