HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.06.08 Council MinutesREMOTE
WORKSHOP
MEETING
MINUTES
PASCO CITY COUNCIL
REMOTE WORKSHOP INSTRUCTIONS:
JUNE 8, 2020
The Pasco City Council Workshop was broadcast live on PSC -TV Channel 191
on Charter/Spectrum Cable in Pasco and Richland and streamed at www.pasco-
wa.gov/psctvlive and on the City's Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/cityotPasco. Call-in information to GoToWebinar for
"listen -only" mode was also made available.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM 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 (in-person), City Manager; 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 (in-person); 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:
Mayor Pro Tem Barajas reported on the peaceful protest held on Saturday, June
6, 2020, in Pasco supporting the"Black Lives Matter" issue.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
CPA2020-001 Urban Growth Area Expansion
Mr. White introduced Senior Planner Jacob Gonzales who provided a detailed
presentation on the City of Pasco's proposed Urban Growth Area (UGA)
amendments, which is required by the Growth Management Act (GMA).
Council and staff discussion occurred throughout the UGA presentation.
2021-2026 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Plan
Mr. White introduced City Engineer Dan Ford who provided the updates
included in the proposed 2021-2026 Six -Year Transportation Improvement
Plan (TIP). Mr. Ford stated that the proposed TIP will be coming back to
Council for a public hearing at the June 15, 2020 Council meeting.
Council and Mr. Ford briefly discussed the proposed TIP.
PMC Update to Street Overlay and Real Estate Excise Tax
Ms. Sigdel explained the need to update the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC)
related to the City Street Overlay and Real Estate Excise Tax (REET).
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REMOTE
WORKSHOP
MEETING
MINUTES
PASCO CITY COUNCIL
2019-2020 Financial Update
JUNE 8, 2020
Ms. Sigdel provided an update of the impact of the local government related to
the on-going COVID-19 crisis.
Mayor Martinez commented on the financial impacts caused by the pandemic
specifically affecting the City of Pasco. Council and Ms. Sigdel held a brief
question and answer period and Council expressed appreciation for the healthy
reserve that will help the City through this on-going crisis.
Coronavirus Relief Fund
Mr. White started the discussion with a brief update on the funding available to
the City of Pasco to help local businesses and individuals during the COVID-19
pandemic. Ms. Sigdel provided a financial presentation related to the available
funding.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding Council's guidance related to the
size of loans, minimum reward requirements, awards based on "essential" vs.
"non-essential" status and frequency of eligibility (one-time awards or eligible
for future awards if funds are available), as well as the structure of the grants
and securing a third party partner to manage the program administration and
assist the businesses with the application process.
MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Benton -Franklin County Letter
Mr. Zabell commented on the Safe Start Washington initiative and the efforts
that Benton and Franklin Counties are preparing for the application into Phase 2
of the Governor's plan. Mr. Zabell presented a draft letter from the City of
Pasco under the Mayors signature to sign and forward on to the Secretary of
Health, John Wiesman expressing support of Franklin and Benton Counties into
Phase 2.
Mr. Serrano suggested one amendment to the letter.
Ms. Roach commented on the "Black Lives Matters" protest demonstration that
she attended on Saturday, June 6th in Pasco, WA while still maintaining the
social distancing mandate. Ms. Roach encouraged the community to actively
support anti -racism.
Mr. Maloney reported that the City of Pasco Council Subcommittee to the
Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Commission and a resolution related to the
City's stance on racism and how the City will promote anti -racism.
Mr. Serrano also commented on how the City and its employees are doing what
they can to embrace and protect its citizens equally without regard to race,
gender, etc.
Mr. Milne echoed Mr. Serrano's sentiments.
Mayor Martinez expressed his emotions and stated that he was interested in
finding a solution to racism and what the community can to do to bring peace
and harmony within Pasco and the greater Columbia Basin. Mayor Martinez
challenged everyone to look on the other side and have the wherefore -all to not
to live in fear and ignorance. Mayor Martinez encouraged everyone to celebrate
what each of us have in common and to respect each of our differences - to look
beyond color and race.
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REMOTE
WORKSHOP
MEETING
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
MINUTES
PASCO CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 8, 2020
Mayor Martinez announced a five-minute break at 9:47 PM and after the break
is over, Council would meet in an executive session starting at 9:52 PM. The
purpose of the executive session was to discuss potential litigation with legal
counsel per RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) and would last approximately 45 minutes.
Mr. Martinez reconvened the workshop at 10:56 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the Council workshop meeting adjourned at
10:56 PM.
APPROVED:
Saul Martinez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Barham, City Clerk
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