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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. Page 1 of 3 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 Page 2 of 3 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 Page 3 of 3