HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022.01.03 Council MinutesM i N UTES
City Council Regular Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, January 3, 2022
City Council Chambers & GoToWebinar
CALL TO ORDER
Pasco
Washington
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Blanche Barajas, former Mayor
Pro Tem.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Blanche Barajas, Craig Maloney, David Milne, Zahra
Roach, Pete Serrano, and Nikki Torres.
Staff present: Dave Zabell, City Manager; Adam Lincoln, Deputy City Manager;
Colleen Chapin, Human Resources Director; Eric Ferguson, City Attorney; Bob
Gear, Fire Chief; Zach Ratkai, Administrative & Community Services Director;
Ken Roske, Police Chief; Richa Sigdel, Finance Director; Rick White, Community
& Economic Development Director; Steve Worley, Public Works Director; and
Debby Barham, City Clerk.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
SELECTION OF INTERIM MEETING CHAIRPERSON
Ms. Barajas read the instructions for selecting an Interim Meeting Chairperson.
Mr. Maloney nominated Blanche Barajas as the interim Meeting Chair until the
Mayor is elected. Council concurred with the nomination.
Councilmember Barajas was selected Interim Meeting Chairperson.
COUNCIL DISTRICT NO.2 INTERVIEWS & POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT
Council conducted candidate interviews for Council Position No. 2 and included:
1. Joseph Campos
2. Tanner Knighton
3. Jesse Campos
4. Alexia Estrada
Page 1 of 9
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council adjourned into Executive Session at 7:53 PM for 15 minutes to discuss
the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office per RCW
42.30.110(1)(h) with the City Attorney.
Interim Chair Barajas called the meeting back to order at 8:08 PM.
COUNCIL POSITION NO.2 CONTINUED
Council's Action for Council Position No. 2 Appointment
AMENDED MOTION: Councilmember Maloney move to appoint Joseph
Campos to Council Position No. 2 effective from January 3, 2021 through
December 31, 2023. Councilmember Barajas seconded.
Mr. Ferguson stated that the term of the appointed Council is only valid through
the certification of the next general election for City Councilmembers and the
motion should be amended as such.
AMENDED MOTION: Councilmember Maloney move to appoint Joseph
Campos to Council Position No. 2 effective from January 3, 2021 through the
general election certification scheduled in November 2023. Councilmember
Roach seconded. Motion carried unanimously by Roll Call vote.
ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBER
City Clerk Barham administered the Oath of Office of Councilmember to Mr.
Campos. Afterwards, Mr. Campos was seated at the dais for the remainder of
the meeting. Motion carried unanimously
COUNCIL BUSINESS
Election of Mayor
Interim Meeting Chair Barajas called for nominations for Mayor.
Ms. Roach nominated Blanche Barajas for Mayor.
Ms. Torres nominated Pete Serrano for Mayor.
Following three calls the nominations were closed by interim Meeting Chair
Barajas.
Page 2 of 9
Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Milne - Serrano
Councilmember Roach - Barajas
Councilmember Serrano - Serrano
Councilmember Torres - Serrano
Councilmember Maloney - Barajas
Councilmember Barajas - Barajas
Councilmember Campos - Barajas
Councilmember Barajas was elected Mayor effective January 3, 3022 through
December 31, 2023.
Election of Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor Barajas called for nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Milne nominated Pete Serrano for Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Barajas nominated Craig Maloney for Mayor Pro Tem.
Following three calls the nominations were closed by Mayor Barajas.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Milne - Serrano
Councilmember Roach - Maloney
Councilmember Serrano - Serrano
Councilmember Torres - Serrano
Councilmember Maloney - Maloney
Councilmember Campos - Maloney
Mayor Barajas - Maloney
Councilmember Maloney was elected Mayor Pro Tem effective January 3, 2022
through December 31, 2023.
RECESS:
Mayor Barajas called for a five-minute recess at 8:25 PM; the meeting
reconvened at 8:30 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Maloney requested that the Bills and Communications agenda
report be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under Unfinished
Business for discussion of the amount to be turned over to collections.
Page 3 of 9
Approval of Meeting Minutes
To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting held on
December 6, 2021.Motion carried unanimously
Bolls• • • •
To approve Glaims 8R the tetal ame-unt of $12,237,955.31 ($7,969,973.85
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Resolution - Tri -Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce American Rescue
Plan Act Funding Agreement
To approve Resolution No. 4133, approving an agreement with the Tri -Cities
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a Washington Non -Profit Corporation, for the
COVID-19 vaccination program utilizing the American Rescue Plan Act funds
and authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary funding agreement.
Motion carried unanimously
(RC) MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as amended moving Consent No. 3 to Unfinished Business 14(a). Mr. Serrano
seconded. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS
Verbal Reports from Councilmembers
Ms. Roach commented on the Hanford Communities Governing Board meeting
schedule for 2022 and the selection of its new chair.
Mayor Pro Tem Maloney commented on the Pasco Public Facilities District Board
meeting he attended in late December 2021.
General Fund Monthly Report - October & November 2021
Ms. Sigdel provided a brief overview of the City's General Fund Report for the
months October and November 2021.
HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
RELATING THERETO
Page 4 of 9
Q Public Hearing - Street Vacation: Portion of East Pueblo Street (VAC
2021-003)
Mr. Ferguson read the quasi-judicial procedure including how the Appearance of
Fairness Doctrine applies to it. Next, he asked all Councilmembers a series of
questions associated with potential conflicts of interest to disclose such potential
conflicts or appearance of conflicts. With no response from the Councilmembers,
he asked if any members of the public were seeking to disqualify a member of
Council from participating in the proceedings. No one came forward.
Mr. White provided a brief report on the proposed vacation on a portion of East
Pueblo Street. He stated that staff recommends denial of the vacation.
Council and staff further discussed the proposed vacation.
Mayor Barajas declared the Public Hearing open to consider the proposed Street
Vacation for a portion of East Pueblo Street. Following three calls for comments,
and there being none, Mayor Barajas declared the Public Hearing closed.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to deny the vacation request for a
portion of East Pueblo Street. Mr. Campos seconded. Motion carried
unanimously.
Public Hearing and Ordinance - Port of Pasco - Reimann Industrial Center
Annexation (ANX 2021-006)
Mr. White provided a brief report on the proposed annexation.
Mayor Barajas opened the Public Hearing at 8:50 PM.
Steven McFadden, Port of Pasco Economic Development Director and stated that
he was available to answer any questions regarding the proposed annexation or
zoning determination.
Mayor Barajas called a second and third time for comments and there being none,
Mayor Barajas declared the Public Hearing closed.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to adopt Ordinance No.4568,
relating to annexation and annexing certain real property to the City of Pasco,
and further, authorize publication by summary only. Mr. Campos seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATING TO HEARINGS
Q Ordinance - Port of Pasco - Reimann Industrial Center Zoning
Determination (ZD 2021-006)
Page 5 of 9
Mr. White provided a brief report regarding the proposed zoning for the Reimann
Industrial Center property annexed into the City of Pasco.
Mr. Ferguson reminded Council that the quasi-judicial procedure is required for
this action and no Councilmembers or anyone in audience came forward.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to adopt Ordinance No. 4569,
assigning 1-2 zoning to the Reimann Industrial Center annexation area as
recommended by the Hearing Examiner, and further, authorize publication by
summary only. Mr. Milne seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Q Ordinance - Vinh Pham Quang/Buddhist Rezone R-2 to R-4 (Z 2021-014)
Mr. White provided a brief report regarding the proposed rezone of property owned
by Vinh Pham Quang from R-2 to R-4.
Mr. Campos disclosed that his mother lives adjacent to the subject property.
Mr. Ferguson reminded Council that the quasi-judicial procedure is required for
this action and no Councilmembers or anyone in audience came forward with any
objections.
Council and staff briefly discussed the process of rezoning property.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to adopt Ordinance No. 4570,
rezoning a parcel located at 1105 N. 26th Avenue, Pasco, WA from R-2 to R-4,
and further, authorize publication by summary only. Ms. Torres seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution - Setting a Public Meeting Date for Lamb 5 LLC Annexation
Petition (ANX 2021-007)
Mr. White provided a brief overview of the request from Lamb 5 LLC to consider a
proposed annexation of their property into the City of Pasco.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to approve Resolution No. 4134,
setting 7:00 PM, January 18, 2022 as the time and date for a public meeting to
consider the Lamb 5 LLC notice of intent to commence annexation of property
located at the northwest corner of West Court Street and Road 68. Mr. Serrano
seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution - 2022-2026 Hanford Communities Interlocal Agreement
Mr. Zabell provided a history of the Hanford Communities organization and
recommended Council approve the new interlocal agreement from 2022 through
2026.
Page 6 of 9
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem moved to approve Resolution No. 4135, the 2022-
2026 Hanford Communities Interlocal Agreement. Ms. Torres seconded. Motion
carried unanimously.
Resolution - Professional Services Agreement for Design of Sylvester
Street Safety Improvements
Mr. Worley introduced Capital Improvement Program Manager Serra who provided
a brief report on the proposed design of the Sylvester Street Safety Improvements
project.
Council and staff held a brief question and answer period for the process for the
proposed project.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to approve Resolution No. 4136,
authorizing execution of the Professional Services Agreement by the City
Manager with HDR Engineering, Inc. for the design of the Sylvester Street Safety
Improvements Project. Ms. Roach seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bills and Communications
Mayor Pro Tem Maloney explained that he had questions regarding the bad debt
write-off for $1.3M from the Municipal Court and he asked if some of the debt was
due to persons losing their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic that has prohibited
them from paying their court fees and that can be determined then perhaps the
use of ARPA funds to pay the fees for those affected by COVID-19 and reduce the
bad debt amount going to collections.
Mr. Zabell explained that Mr. Maloney's request is complicated, in that identifying
individuals owing Court fees that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will
take additional time if at all possible as the Municipal Court uses the Judicial
Information System (JIS) and only Court employees have access to it. The
distributions of ARPA funding must meet a litany of tests. In that, it may cause a
significant burden on Court staff to research those owing outstanding/past due
fees. Therefore, a meeting with Judge Stilwill is needed to determine if this is even
possible. Mr. Zabell stated that in the meantime Council could refrain from
approving the Municipal Court bad debt write off for a few weeks. He reminded
Council of the three branches of government, executive, legislative and judicial;
the Municipal Court, under the judicial branch, is governed by specific laws and
separate laws from the City.
Mr. Ferguson stated that there the Court system has very strict guidelines related
to Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs) and therefore, there may not be much, if
anything that Council and do to change the bad debt write off process for Court
fees.
Page 7 of 9
After additional discussion, it was decided that Mayor Pro Tem Maloney and Ms.
Roach would meet with Judge Stilwill and his staff to learn about the Municipal
Court bad debt write-off process. Ms. Torres agreed to be an alternate if one of
the other Councilmembers were unable to attend the meeting.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to approve claims in the total amount
of $12,237,955.31 ($7,969,973.85 in Check Nos. 245450-245943;
$1,949,802.79 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 833909-833942, 833945-833985,
833991, 833993-834230; $19,323.84 in Check Nos. 53799-53810;
$2,298,854.83 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 30168909-30169960). Mr. Campos
seconded. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Maloney moved to approve bad debt write-off for
Utility Billing, Ambulance, Cemetery, General Accounts, and Miscellaneous
Accounts receivable in the total amount of $135,556.98 and, of that amount,
authorize $0 to be turned over for collection. Ms. Torres seconded. Motion
carried by 6-1 Roll Call vote with Mr. Milne opposed.
MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION
Mr. Zabell commented on recent retirements of two tenured staff within the Police
Department, which included Sergeant Dave Allen and Sergeant Jamie Raebel.
Police Chief Roske announced the recent promotions within the Police
Department, which included Captain Brian Vaught, Sergeant Dan Ward, Sergeant
Tavis Park, Sergeant Matthew Decker and Sergeant Thomas Groom.
Ms. Roach commented on the issues she continues to have at her house related
to internet connection, specifically in downloading and reading the agenda
packets. She asked if there could be additional lead time in receiving Council
meeting packets by possibly moving the packet preparation up or hold the Council
meeting further into the work week.
Mr. Zabell responded that the questions Ms. Roach brought up would best be
discussed during Council's annual retreat or possibly at a future workshop.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Ferguson stated that the law for Executive Sessions has changed and for
Council to be able to adjourn into an Executive Session for the consideration of
the sale of lease of real estate under RCW 42.30.110(1)(c), staff has to provide
the factors that are being included when discussing the sale of a property in an
executive session.
Mr. Ratkai stated the executive session discussion will include the locations, the
buyers, the prices and uses of the City properties.
Page 8 of 9
Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:51 PM for 15 minutes to discuss
the consideration of the minimum offering price for sale or lease of real estate if
there's a likelihood that disclosure would decrease the price per RCW
42.30.110(1)(c) with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, the City Attorney
and Administrative & Community Services Director.
Mayor Barajas called the meeting back to order at 10:07 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07 PM.
PASSED and APPROVED this day of t, C✓ , 20
61
APPROVED: ATTEST:
B6-ucbae BaFgjas, Mayor(all f
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Debra Barham, City Clerk
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