[0:01] You ready, Stephanie? >> Okay.

[0:05] Uh, good evening everyone and uh, welcome to the August 18th, 2026 meeting

[0:12] of the West Richland Count City Council. I will call the meeting to order at 6

[0:17] PM. And before we get started, I'm going to ask our city clerk, Miss Stephanie

[0:22] Hog, to read the hybrid meeting ground rules and then call roll for city

[0:26] council. >> Thank you, mayor. Tonight's meeting will

[0:29] be held in person with a virtual meeting component. If you are participating

[0:33] virtually, please make sure the name shown at the bottom of your video view

[0:37] is the name you would like the mayor to use. You can change this by

[0:40] right-clicking on your video view and selecting rename. Audience members

[0:44] present in the council chambers will be called upon first during public comment

[0:48] periods. Those participating remotely should virtually raise your hand if you

[0:52] wish to speak. To virtually raise your hand, click on participants and then

[0:56] click on raise hand. If you are participating by phone only, press

[1:00] asterk 9 to raise your hand. Please limit comments to three minutes. And

[1:05] just a note that this is the last meeting um that we will be accepting

[1:09] virtual comments. Um and more information on the new process will be

[1:14] published on the city's website and shared on social media uh which will go

[1:18] into effect for our meeting on September 1st.

[1:22] All right, roll call. Fred Brink >> here.

[1:25] » Richard Bloom >> here. David Cole

[1:27] » here. >> David Fedto

[1:29] » here. >> Kate Moran

[1:31] » present. >> Dan Richie

[1:33] » here. >> John Smart

[1:35] » here. >> Ben Stoker

[1:37] » here. >> All right. Thank you, city clerk. And

[1:41] now I will ask council member Cole to lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

[1:45] Please

[1:50] » flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One

[1:56] nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[2:04] » Thank you, Council Member Cole. Uh, council, you have an agenda before you.

[2:09] Are there any changes to the agenda? Hearing none, may I have a motion to

[2:15] approve the agenda as presented? >> I move to approve the agenda as

[2:19] presented. >> Second.

[2:21] » Have a motion and a second to approve the agenda as presented. All in favor,

[2:25] please say I. I. >> I.

[2:27] » Any oppose, say no. Motion carries. Thank you, councel. And uh

[2:32] presentations. We have one presentation this morning. I'm going to ask our

[2:36] finance director, Miss Aaron Gwyn, to present the financial report for the

[2:40] first quarter of 2026. Miss Gwyn.

[2:45] » All right. Thank you, Mayor Brink. Good evening, council citizens. Uh this

[2:49] evening I'm presenting the 2026 first quarter financial report. The flow will

[2:55] be similar to the reports I've given in the past starting with an overview of

[3:00] the economic update followed by specific financial information regarding the

[3:05] general fund followed by the other funds.

[3:08] Uh for the first overview of the economy slide uh we'll start with the

[3:13] unemployment which was increased to 5.2% 2% in Benton County. Uh, another

[3:19] economic indicator is the um consumer price index um

[3:26] which nationally had a 12-month percentage increase of 3.3% when

[3:31] comparing March of 25 to March of 26. This is slightly up from 2.7 in

[3:37] December. Uh Seattle metro is a little bit higher even at 3.9%

[3:43] uh which was up from 3.1. Uh the trend is hovering around 3% range

[3:49] which is a more normal inflation rate compared to recent years.

[3:54] Uh locally we look at city's building activity. Single family permits issued

[4:00] in the first quarter were up 63% for the same time period last year with 31 new

[4:05] single family homes and multifamily were also up with 12. In terms of revenue

[4:11] generated, the city received more than two and a half times the amount of

[4:16] building permit revenue that it did first uh quarter last year.

[4:22] Uh this is another view of the new single family home permits. Uh the bar

[4:27] graph shows the years in comparison and the green line showing the addition uh

[4:32] of assessed valuation for first quarter. Uh the city's single

[4:37] family home permits are higher than the past three years. Uh this graph also

[4:43] demonstrates the volatility of the building industry.

[4:47] Uh the next several slides look at specific details regarding the general

[4:50] fund. This slide shows where the money comes from in terms of budget. Uh you

[4:55] can see for general fund revenue is generated from taxes at 68%.

[5:01] Uh the primary sources are sales tax, property tax, and utility tax.

[5:08] Here's a view of the general fund revenue collected. Uh the city collected

[5:12] 16% more revenue in 2016 compared to 2025.

[5:16] Uh sales tax and building permit revenue were both saw significant increases at

[5:22] 13.7% and 269%.

[5:27] Uh these increases help offset the decrease in charges for services.

[5:34] So when reviewing trends, it's important to look at how we're doing compared to

[5:39] what was budgeted. Uh, in addition to the year-to-year changes, this slide

[5:43] compares the budget to what was collected through first quarter of 26.

[5:47] The general fund collected approximately 64.3%

[5:51] of budgeted revenues. We're aiming for about 62.5%

[5:56] at this point in the budget. Um, so we're on track to meet our

[6:02] projections. These next two slides will take a look

[6:06] at sales tax revenue. As shown in the previous slide, uh sales tax increase

[6:12] 13.7% compared to the prior year. Here's another view uh with the

[6:19] different business sectors. Construction sector increased 27% and represents um

[6:25] just under a third uh 31% of sales tax collected. Uh retail is another large

[6:32] sector increased by 4% and it represents uh 35%

[6:38] of sales tax from the city. Another major revenue source in the

[6:43] general fund is utility taxes. Overall utility tax revenue decreased 3%

[6:48] compared to first quarter of 2025. Um a second look at the utility tax. So

[6:55] water, sewer, storm, and garbage taxes also increases. While your electric and

[7:00] gas, telephone, and cable were all decreases, which we've seen in the past

[7:05] with the electrical, it tends to, especially the coming out of the winter

[7:09] tends to depend on how cold it is. Another major general fund revenue

[7:16] source is property tax which increased 1% compared to the same time period but

[7:21] the majority of these taxes are collected in the second and fourth

[7:24] quarters. So where does your money go? Most

[7:30] expenses in the general fund are for public safety at 46% of our budget. Um

[7:37] this is pretty close to the 50% mark but slightly under. And a lot of that has to

[7:43] do with the big transfer out at 8% which we're still transferring money out for

[7:47] the well two and well three project.

[7:54] Um another look by department on where your money goes. Uh total general fund

[7:58] expenditures were at 56% for the banual budget as a

[8:04] general guide. Again we're looking for something below the 62 and a half%. So

[8:09] again, uh on track. Um the city has special revenue funds

[8:15] for street streets, park impact, criminal justice, and library.

[8:20] This graph displays the major revenue source for each fund.

[8:25] Uh every special revenue source saw an increase on first quarter. Uh you'll see

[8:30] the park impact saw the most significant increase. Um, this is primarily due to

[8:36] issuing the building permit to the Copper View Apartments and it was their

[8:41] park impact fee that they paid for that. Uh, this is a picture of the special

[8:47] revenue fund expenditures. The two significant differences in the first

[8:52] quarter are in the criminal justice fund 105 and the library fund both saw

[8:58] increases in expenditures. The criminal justice fund is mostly due

[9:03] to the increase in the transfer out to cover police personnel uh costs

[9:08] associated with PST funds. And the library increase is primarily

[9:14] due to the contract costs associated with Mid Columbia.

[9:26] So next we'll look at our capital project funds. This slide outlines the

[9:30] funds and their purposes. So, fund 301. Um,

[9:38] this fund holds the state route 224 project as well as real estate excise

[9:43] tax for REIT one. Uh fund 302 is REIT 2 funds primarily for pavement

[9:49] preservation and fund 355 is the transportation improvement program where

[9:55] most of that is transportation impact fees

[10:00] for revenues for project funds. We have seen activity pick up in fund 301. Uh

[10:06] this is primarily due to the state route 224 project and the revenue coming in

[10:11] from the state to reimburse the project costs.

[10:14] The other two funds uh remain fairly flat in the first quarter.

[10:20] The primary source of funds 301 and 302 come from real

[10:26] estate excise tax. There was a 33% increase through first quarter 26

[10:32] compared to 25. Uh the bottom portion of the graph in

[10:36] the slightly darker blue uh reflects what the rece received through first

[10:41] quarter and the lighter blue on top or teal uh for the rest of the 2026 bar

[10:47] reflects what we have budgeted for the year.

[10:53] [clears throat] Revenues for fund 355 are traffic impact fees. Uh the city

[10:58] received more than budgeted uh amount for the year in the first quarter. Uh

[11:04] the primary source of these funds uh were collected again from the

[11:08] copperview apartments.

[11:12] Uh this graph shows expenditures for capital project funds uh through first

[11:17] quarter. Spending again has picked up in fund 301 which is the state route 224

[11:22] red mountain project. And these last few slides take a closer look at our utility

[11:27] funds for water collections uh increased 2%.

[11:33] Uh we had approximately 6,52 water utility counts build at the end of

[11:38] March. Uh sewer collections increased 6%

[11:44] uh primarily due uh to new residents this past year and some rate increases.

[11:52] Uh here's an image of our irrigation. Irrigation decreased 4%. Um this is a

[11:59] really small utility and pretty volatile and the timing of payments uh on this

[12:04] one. I think we'll see see it pick up in quarter two.

[12:09] Uh this graph displays storm water collections up 8% compared to first

[12:14] quarter of 25. uh again due to increase in rates and

[12:19] increase in number of residences. And the last utility revenue is solid

[12:25] waste up 5% also primarily due to rate increases. And this final slide is a

[12:32] view of the utility fund expenditures. Most funds were fairly flat with the

[12:37] exception of the water sewer fund which had some larger projects including well

[12:43] two and three.

[12:50] Thank you, Miss Gwyn. Uh, council, do you have any questions for our finance

[12:54] director?

[12:57] Council member Smart. >> Yeah, I was just wondering, you said,

[13:01] um, Aaron, uh, 6,52 water connections. Um, what was it prior to this year

[13:09] roughly? >> Um, I think December was around five. We

[13:14] were at the 5900 mark, maybe 5960 or so. >> Oh. Uh, when we build these apartment

[13:22] complex, is that a is that a water connection for each unit or is it for

[13:25] each or for the whole? That's a great question for

[13:29] » No, I don't think we count for the water connections. No. Uh, not per unit. We

[13:35] don't count those ones. >> Okay. Thank you. And then we count them

[13:39] on [clears throat] the water uh not when the building permit is issued but it

[13:43] would be when the water meter is dropped.

[13:46] » Right. Okay. Appreciate that. Thanks. >> Mayor Prom Bloom.

[13:52] » Um actually this isn't for Eric. Um you you Erin, you you said that there was a

[13:59] traffic impact fees mainly from the apartment. Um Rosco, what are we going

[14:04] to spend those on? What what improvements? There have been a lot of

[14:08] concerns about the apartments and what their impact's going to be on uh

[14:12] Belmont. >> It it goes into the 355 fund, so I can't

[14:16] tell you exactly what it is, but you can look at the the projects that are funded

[14:20] in there. >> Okay.

[14:21] » Uh my guess um I I don't remember, but there's a number

[14:28] of projects that are 355, and I'd say it's spread out through multiple

[14:33] projects.

[14:37] Any other questions?

[14:41] » All right, Council Member Moran. >> Thank you. I have to get that out

[14:46] faster. Um, I'm just wondering as a general, I know that um, we ask in the

[14:53] past or I've asked in the past if we could get copies of these to our email,

[14:57] but especially with me noticing for mine that I'm running out of space more and

[15:02] more. Is there any way just to put this on the website so that we all so that we

[15:07] wouldn't have to have it in each of our emails so that it's that file times

[15:14] seven or eight? Um would we be able to just put that and save some space on our

[15:20] servers? >> Miss Sydney.

[15:28] All right. >> Thank you. That would be fantastic if we

[15:31] could do that.

[15:34] No other questions. All right. Thank you, Director Gwyn. Um, we'll now move

[15:39] on to the consent agenda. Tonight's consent agenda includes payment of the

[15:44] bills, approving minutes from the regular meeting of August 4th, 2026.

[15:49] Motion to authorize West Richland Chief of Police to apply for the cops

[15:53] community policing development micro grant. Motion to authorize West Richland

[15:59] Chief of Police to submit the Criminal Justice Training Commission ESHB 2015

[16:04] Public Safety uh program grant application

[16:09] and then ordinance uh to amend the 2025 2026 bianial budget. At this time, I'll

[16:16] hear any public comment on these particular items only. Please, if

[16:20] there's anyone that would like to speak to an item on the consent agenda, please

[16:24] come to the podium and kindly state your name and city of residence for the

[16:29] record. And please limit your comments to 3 minutes.

[16:34] Seeing no one here in the chamber, I will turn to our online participants. If

[16:38] there's anyone attending online that would make like to make a comment

[16:42] pertaining to the consent agenda items, please raise your virtual hand or you

[16:47] may press star 9 if you're calling by telephone. The city clerk will recognize

[16:51] you and you'll have three minutes to provide your comments.

[16:58] I see no one online. So, seeing no comment, council, may I have a motion

[17:03] for the consent agenda? >> I move to approve the consent agenda as

[17:06] presented. Second. >> Have a motion and a second to approve

[17:10] the consent agenda. All in favor, please say I. I.

[17:14] » Any oppose, say no. Motion carries. Thank you, councel. All right. Here we

[17:19] have the first period for public comment. And this is for items not on

[17:24] tonight's agenda. If you wish to make comments, please come to the podium.

[17:28] Kindly state your name and city of residence. And I please ask that you

[17:32] restrict your comments to three minutes.

[17:41] Good evening. I'm Chelsea Blair. I'm a resident of Richland, Washington. Um,

[17:46] but I am here to say thank you to all of you, to Mayor Brink and to city council,

[17:50] to the staff of West Richland. I am the board president of the Mid Columbia

[17:54] Children's Museum. Um, I just want to take a minute to say thank you for your

[17:58] enthusiasm for the project of bringing a steam centered hands-on children's

[18:03] museum to the community and specifically to West Richland. Uh, we're incredibly

[18:08] excited about this partnership for the enthusiasm that you showed about the uh

[18:12] growing the future of West Richland and the entire Tri Cities community. Uh, the

[18:16] decision to pursue this public private partnership reflects that shared belief

[18:19] in investing in our children and investing in the future of our

[18:22] community. Uh we're so very grateful that the your amazing city staff and all

[18:28] of you um are supportive of that mission and the mission that it it grows the

[18:34] community in an economic way. It grows that workforce development. It grows our

[18:37] families, the quality of life in our community. We're excited to be your

[18:40] neighbor. We're excited to welcome the rest of the community and the Mid

[18:44] Columbia and visitors into West Richland to be part of the Mid Columbia

[18:48] Children's Museum and to see all the amazing things that West Richland has to

[18:52] offer. Um, and we're just excited to be here. It's been a three-year journey for

[18:57] us to bring this mission to fruition and having an address and a location and a

[19:02] partner in this project through West Richland really is just a testament to

[19:07] the excitement of the community. Um, so thank you. It will take all of us and

[19:11] this is the first big step to show that this really is a community project. Um,

[19:16] and we are so excited to be your neighbors. Thank you.

[19:20] » Thank you, Miss Blair. >> Is there anyone else who'd like to make

[19:24] comment present here in chambers? Please.

[19:30] » Hello. I would also like to second that. I'm really excited. Oh, I'm Anna from

[19:35] Westland. Thank you. And I would I'm very excited about the idea of a

[19:39] children's museum nearby. So that is awesome. And I'm here today because I

[19:44] wanted to hear your thoughts um eventually on what your thoughts are on

[19:48] considering a moratorum. I listened in on the last meeting and I heard your

[19:52] responses to data centers and I'm grateful for your openness and about the

[19:56] issue. I hear you that you do care about what gets put in West Richland and I

[20:00] know that you want to put don't want to put anything here that negatively

[20:03] affects our environment or our health. I heard Council Member Richie state that

[20:08] Washington has stringent regulations. And while that sounds promising, it

[20:12] doesn't ensure that the regulations will protect our unique area. We need time to

[20:17] research and put policies in place that uniquely apply to our area. I also heard

[20:22] the comment that if an application gets put in, we will have a lot of

[20:25] opportunities to have our voices heard in regards to data centers. While we are

[20:29] grateful that for that opportunity, we do not want to wait for an application

[20:33] to have our voices heard on this. We want to put policies in before an

[20:37] application. We want the developers to work within our guidelines rather than

[20:41] trying to convince us that their existing guidelines are sufficient.

[20:45] We need a moratorum. I heard similar comments from council member Smart. I

[20:50] heard you say that there is a possibility that more modern data

[20:54] centers are bringing their own power and then some. Quoted. So there is a

[20:58] possibility that having a data center locally may actually enhance our power

[21:01] supply. I don't know. Now, we won't know unless we see a proposal. I want to

[21:05] focus on the idea that we are waiting for a proposal to learn more about

[21:08] what's being put in. We need to get ahead of this. We need to put policies

[21:12] in place that give us a peace of mind so we know that we are protected from the

[21:16] start. A moratorium is a step that is necessary in every town with a data

[21:20] center. I believe this move will show us citizens that our concerns are a

[21:24] priority to you. It will show us that we are more important than the timets of

[21:29] large corporations and that you're representing the constituents of this

[21:33] city. Personally, I don't think there is enough information to know for a fact

[21:37] that we won't be negatively impacted by a hyperskll data center here. However,

[21:42] regardless if we are allowing one here or not, we need a moratorum to give us

[21:45] time to research more. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[21:51] » Is there anyone else present here tonight that would care to make comment?

[21:58] Good evening. Um, my name is Josh [clears throat] Lozano. For the record,

[22:02] I live here in West Richland. I also work in West Richland up the road at

[22:06] Bettona, um, the electric cooperative that provides power to, uh, the city of

[22:11] West Richland. Um, I'm here to today to also address the topic of of data

[22:17] centers in our service territory, West Richland in particular. Uh, and really

[22:22] the first thing that I want to say is that I appreciate the council and their

[22:27] your willingness to listen to uh to the community on this topic. Um, I certainly

[22:33] appreciate the transparency. Uh, and I also want to say that I I believe that

[22:38] there are many concerns within our community and and so those those

[22:42] concerns should be listened to and and they are deserving of careful and

[22:46] transparent review. Um, you know, I'm no expert on the topic of all things uh

[22:52] data centers, but you know, I do have a bit of knowledge on the energy side of

[22:57] things. Uh, I do have the privilege, as I said, of working for Bentona as the

[23:02] director of energy policy. And so I I want to say that Benton REA is certainly

[23:07] working to ensure that there are safeguards in place for members to

[23:12] protect existing members. Um, you know, in fact, we have a general policy in

[23:17] place that essentially states that, uh, data centers will bear all the cost

[23:21] associated with their their growth and development here in our communities. Uh,

[23:26] and those costs include many things. They include the power supply. Uh, but

[23:31] in addition to the power supply, that would include willing that power uh,

[23:36] into our communities. And that's going to also cover transmission and

[23:40] distribution services, any system upgrades that are needed, uh, including

[23:44] engineering, operations, maintenance, uh, and other project related expenses

[23:49] and financial risk. Uh, existing members will not be responsible for subsidizing

[23:56] data centers or any large load for that matter. uh you know we believe that our

[24:01] our members uh should be protected and and we want to ensure that that takes

[24:05] place and we're we're working towards that effort through policy. Uh and so

[24:09] existing members will not be left responsible in the event that the

[24:14] infrastructure or power commitments are not fully um you know uh come to

[24:19] fruition. Uh and so I do want to talk about rates as well. Um, you know,

[24:25] there's a a recent study that I want to quote and I have that study here. It's

[24:31] an E3 study. I can leave that with the clerk or I can email that as well. Uh,

[24:36] but essentially properly structured data center loads can actually generate

[24:40] revenue uh that meet and exceed the utility's cost of service. And so this

[24:46] study points out, it looks at a handful of local data centers. it points out

[24:50] that um they can generate surplus value beyond the cost of service. Uh so this

[24:56] surplus can be used to offset shared system cost and create downward

[25:00] pressures. So I believe that's by I will

[25:06] » if I could um just to be fair to everyone I just have to ask you to stop

[25:10] but there's a second comment period if you wish to finish.

[25:12] » Absolutely. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[25:18] There anyone else present that'd like to make comment?

[25:21] I'll move to our virtual attendees. Uh if there's anyone attending virtually

[25:25] who would like to make comment, please raise your virtual hand. You may also

[25:29] press star 9. City clerk will then unmute you and you will have three

[25:33] minutes to provide your comments.

[25:39] I see no one virtually wishes to make comment. Do you, Stephanie?

[25:44] » I do not see anyone. No. All right, then we'll close this public comment period.

[25:48] As I mentioned, we do have a second one later on in the meeting. So, we'll move

[25:52] on to ordinance, resolutions, motions, and public hearings. The first item is

[25:56] ordinance 18-26, admissions tax.

[26:00] City clerk Stephanie Hog will present the staff report.

[26:04] » Thank you, Mayor and Council. As discussed during the council retreat

[26:08] back in April, council has been looking at opportunities to diversify general

[26:12] fund revenues and identify revenue sources that can help support city

[26:16] services while minimizing the impact on residents. At that retreat, council

[26:21] discussed the possibility of reinstating an admissions tax and directed staff to

[26:25] bring regulations forward for consideration. [clears throat] West

[26:29] Richland actually has some history with an admissions tax. Shortly after

[26:32] incorporation, the town at that time council adopted an admissions tax in

[26:37] 1955. That tax remained in place until 1959 when it was repealed and the city

[26:44] has not imposed an admissions tax since that time. Washington law authorizes

[26:49] cities to levy an an admissions tax and the ordinance ordinance before you

[26:53] tonight would create a new chapter 3.88 88 of the West Richland Municipal Code

[26:58] and establish a 5% admissions tax on qualifying admission charges to places

[27:03] of amusement and entertainment within the city. For perspective, a 5% tax

[27:09] would be would add 25 to a $5 admission, $1 to a $20 admission, and $2.50 to a

[27:17] $50 admission. The ordinance also includes a number of exemptions

[27:21] including qualifying activities sponsored by schools, government

[27:25] agencies, and bonafide charitable and nonprofit organizations. It establishes

[27:30] the process for collection and remittance of the tax along with

[27:34] business licensing, recordkeeping, enforcement, penalties, and an

[27:38] administrative appeal process. The finance director would be responsible

[27:42] for administering the program. Revenue collected through the admissions tax

[27:46] would be deposited into the city's general fund and could be used to

[27:49] support general municipal services. At this time, staff has not estimated a

[27:54] specific annual revenue amount because that would depend on the number and size

[27:58] of qualifying events held within the city. Staff recommends approval of

[28:02] ordinance 1826 creating chapter 3.88 of the West Richland Municipal Code to

[28:07] provide for the levy and collection of an admissions tax. And one note, the um

[28:13] copy of the ordinance that was included in packets, I noticed that in section

[28:17] two, it's it indicates uh that it will go into effect 5 days after publication,

[28:23] but in fact, the intent is that it is effective January 1st, 2027.

[28:29] Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hog.

[28:33] Um, we will now hear in-person comments on this particular topic and then

[28:37] virtual comments. If anyone present tonight would like to step to the podium

[28:41] and make a comment, please do so and kindly limit your comments to 3 minutes.

[28:47] Seeing no one, I'll turn to our virtual attendees. If there's anyone attending

[28:50] virtually who would like to comment on this particular ordinance, please raise

[28:54] your virtual hand or press star 9 and kindly limit your comments to three

[28:59] minutes. I see no one virtually. Do you see

[29:04] anyone, Stephanie? >> I do not.

[29:06] » All right, council, it's your turn. May I have a motion, please?

[29:10] » I move to approve ordinance 18-26 creating chapter 3.88

[29:15] of the West Richland Municipal Code to provide for the levy and collection of

[29:19] an admission tax. >> Second. Have a motion and a second.

[29:23] Council, any discussion on this topic?

[29:27] Seeing none, call for the vote. All in favor of passing ordinance 1826,

[29:33] please say I. >> I.

[29:36] » Any oppose, say no. All right. Motion carries. Thank you, councel. We'll move

[29:41] on to our next item, adopting the economic development element of the

[29:45] comprehensive plan. Planer Colin Cortez will provide the staff report. Mr.

[29:51] Cortez.

[29:58] [sighs and gasps] Good evening, honorable mayor and members of council.

[30:01] Uh for those in the audience, my name is Colin Cortez and I present to you on

[30:06] agenda item 8. Uh starting with the economic development element. Uh as you

[30:12] probably remember, the comprehensive plan periodic update project is ongoing.

[30:16] Specifically, it's an update of the comprehensive plan that dates from 2017.

[30:21] And tonight, we will be discussing in total four different elements of the

[30:25] plan. uh element being a term used to the various chapters uh various topics

[30:30] within the plan. Uh the purpose specifically for each

[30:36] element is to review new and revised goals and policies and secondly to

[30:41] obtain a council majority agreement uh through passage of the draft resolutions

[30:46] that are included with the elements in your agenda packet. Uh for context,

[30:51] later this year there will be a public hearing with a draft ordinance for

[30:55] adopting the whole of the updated comprehensive plan uh that's scheduled

[31:00] for December 15th in order to meet the state deadline of end of the year to

[31:05] have a new comprehensive plan and to be in keeping with the terms of the grant

[31:09] from the state funding the project. about the economic development element

[31:14] in particular. Uh the element contains almost verbatim the same goals, policies

[31:20] and texts as something called the econom economic development plan which city

[31:25] council had last revised back in October 2013.

[31:29] Uh so for this reason uh given that there was a clear policy direction from

[31:34] the council and pastimes staff simply revised the goals and policies in the

[31:38] economic development element to add references to this development plan.

[31:43] Those references didn't exist previously and also updated the demographic

[31:48] employment and financial statistics in the element.

[31:52] Uh leading up to this point, the planning commission met July 23rd and

[31:56] recommended the city council adopt the economic development goals and policies

[32:00] that you find in your packet. The council community development

[32:05] subcommittee met July 21st and recommended due pass for the goals and

[32:09] policies and as specified in the staff report.

[32:15] And then lastly, both the subcommittee and the commission recommend that this

[32:19] evening the council adopt um or I should say accept more precisely the economic

[32:25] development goals and policies. >> Thank you, Mr. Cortez. I'll now hear

[32:31] public comment on this particular topic. If there's anyone here present that

[32:35] would like to make comment on this item, please come to the podium, state your

[32:39] name and and residence for the record. Seeing no one, I will turn to our

[32:45] virtual attendees. If there's anyone attending virtually who would like to

[32:48] make comment, please raise your virtual hand or press press star9 on the

[32:52] telephone. City clerk will unmute you and I kindly ask that you limit your

[32:57] comments to three minutes. I see no one online. Do you see anyone,

[33:02] Stephanie? >> I do not.

[33:05] » All right. Council, may I have a motion, please?

[33:11] I move to pass resolution number 47-26 accepting the economic development

[33:16] element goals and policies for the 2026 update of the comprehensive plan.

[33:22] » Second. All right. Have a motion in a second. Any uh comments, questions from

[33:27] council. Seeing none, council, we have a motion.

[33:32] Oh, we do. I'm sorry, Miss Moran. Go ahead.

[33:35] » Thank you. Um, just going back to the fact that uh this is based off of the

[33:42] economic development plan that was last revised in October 2013.

[33:47] Um, we've we've gone over this before, right, in a couple of workshops

[33:53] previously. A lot >> we have and and that is a stale

[33:57] document. I think that's what you're getting at is a 2013 document, right? It

[34:00] is very stale. Uh, we didn't have funding. the state didn't provide

[34:05] funding for us to go out and update that document. So, until we have the proper

[34:09] funding to go do so, um it's just continued to be stale and will be so

[34:13] until we've got funds to go and update that economic development plan. Um

[34:20] hopefully someday in the near future we can do that. But meantime,

[34:24] we just updated, as Colin mentioned, the statistical data, made sure that the

[34:28] document was correct and accurate and up to date

[34:34] » and it meets all of the current state requirements for what we need to have in

[34:37] our comp plan. >> Yes, ma'am.

[34:39] » Okay, that's all I need to hear. >> Council member Smart.

[34:44] Yeah. So, thank you. Um so Eric on this plan or uh there are a lot of words that

[34:52] say encourage. So, it's asking the city to encourage business climate um

[35:00] encourage uh business growth um achieve vibrant commercial are I just want to

[35:07] make sure that it's clear that this is not a um this is not a statement of

[35:13] action but a statement of goals and and sort of spirit of our operation and that

[35:18] if there's um specific action that would be taken on one of these goals that it

[35:26] would be that it was going to cost us money, frankly, that it would be brought

[35:29] to council as a proposal and that we would get to see that before it just

[35:34] gets done behind the scenes. That that's correct.

[35:38] » That is the common practice, sir. >> Awesome. Thank you. I just wanted to get

[35:41] that on record. Appreciate it.

[35:46] » Yes. Yes. I can be a stickler. So,

[35:50] » thank you, Council Member Smart. Uh, seeing no other comments, council, all

[35:54] in favor, please say I. I. >> Any oppose say no. All right. Motion

[35:59] carries. Thank you again, councel. Next item on the worklist for tonight is

[36:04] adopting the parks and recreation element of the comprehensive plan. Once

[36:08] again, I'll ask planner Colin Cortez to present the staff report

[36:15] about the second element. A little bit of background. So the city adopted the

[36:21] parks and recreation master plan 2023 2028 uh back in May of 2023.

[36:27] So because this is a fresher document that clearly outlined policies regarding

[36:32] parks um staff updated the much older parks element accordingly uh pretty much

[36:37] to reflect the information about parks in the parks plan to be in the parks

[36:42] element. Uh the planning commission admit May 14th and recommended that city

[36:48] council adopt the revised element that was in your packet and specifically

[36:54] to adopt the goals and policies found in the parks element.

[37:02] Thank you very much Mr. Cortez. Um we'll now hear public comment on this

[37:07] particular item. Once again, if there's anyone present uh who would like to make

[37:11] public comment on this item, please come to the podium, state your name and

[37:15] address for name and resident, city of residents. For the record, please limit

[37:19] your comments to three minutes. >> Josh Lozano again, uh resident of the

[37:24] city of West Richland. And I just want to say that I reviewed the plan and you

[37:28] know, I grew up in a small community and I think we had one park, the city of

[37:32] Granger, uh well two parks. we had the dinosaur park and then we had another

[37:36] park where we held the cherry festival which they no longer do unfortunately.

[37:41] Um and so moving to the Tri Cities and moving to West Richland in particular,

[37:46] uh I just found it really just welcoming to see so many parks and the various

[37:51] neighborhoods and have a three-year-old son and we spend time we used to live up

[37:55] on Collins Ridge. We used to spend a lot of time at Flattop Park. Uh we now live

[38:01] uh right off of South Highland and so we we visit both of the parks on South

[38:05] Highland uh go to the bombing range complex. Um and it's just it's really um

[38:11] really good to see that the city is investing time and effort and funds into

[38:15] uh amenities like parks that families can enjoy. So I just encourage you to

[38:19] continue to look at uh investing in those parks and in green spaces and uh

[38:25] places for families to continue to enjoy our our local community. So, thank you.

[38:31] » Thank you, Mr. Lozano. Is there anyone else present that who would like to make

[38:34] comment on this item? >> All right. Seeing none, I will turn to

[38:39] our virtual attendees. If there's anyone attending virtually who would like to

[38:42] make comment on this particular item, please raise your virtual hand or press

[38:46] star 9 on the telephone and kindly limit your comments to three minutes.

[38:53] I see no one online. Do you see anyone, Stephanie?

[38:57] » I do not. All right, council. May I have a motion?

[39:06] » I move to pass resolution number 48-26 accepting the park parks element goals

[39:12] and policies for the 2026 update of the comprehensive plan.

[39:16] » Second. >> All right, have a motion to second. Any

[39:18] council comments, questions? >> Council member Richie.

[39:25] » Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I'd like to echo the comments that Mr. Lozano made. Uh,

[39:30] this is one of the things that makes West Richland a great place to live.

[39:35] And, um, I've lived here for going on 40 years, and this is one of the reasons.

[39:40] And when you walk down to the park with your grandson in tow, your five-year-old

[39:45] grandson in tow, and he can't wait to get there and then take a bus ride, hey,

[39:50] it it it just doesn't get any better than that. So bottom line being that uh

[39:54] this is it's imperative that this is one of the things that we take care of in

[40:00] ensuring the quality of life in in the city of West Richland. Thank you.

[40:05] » Thank you, Council Member Richie. Council Member Moran.

[40:10] » You um I would also like to echo this and I have been recently going to a lot

[40:14] of parks because I just started playing uh an app game that involves a lot of

[40:20] walking around. It's It's not the one you're probably thinking of. It's the

[40:24] one that that one's based off of. But needless to say, I have become very

[40:28] appreciative of all of the trees that we have in all of our parks because I am

[40:32] very pasty white and the sun hurts me if I walk around too long without trees.

[40:37] So, thank you, >> Council Member Smart.

[40:43] Yeah, I certainly appreciate parks. I think that was one of the things that

[40:46] drove me to be on the city council back in 2015 actually was to protect our

[40:50] parks. Um I'm now in a position to protect our budget as well. And so

[40:56] again, similar to the question I had last time or just to bring it out front

[41:00] on page 171 on the last paragraph of our packet um this is the uh red corrected

[41:09] version of the text. Um, last paragraph indicates that West

[41:14] Richland should consider expanding ser city services and addressing emergency

[41:20] emerging community needs for a formalized recreation program as future

[41:26] resources allow. Creating a standalone parks and recreation department will

[41:31] require dedicated ongoing funding for staffing and program costs.

[41:36] Uh that's all very true and uh but I I don't suspect this will happen anytime

[41:42] soon. I I understand why it's in there, but um you know I will I will vote in

[41:48] favor of this um uh uh resolution. Um but I have been a stickler on having

[41:58] the local government fund recreation programs. I have no

[42:03] problem with recreation facilities. And I also question at this time whether or

[42:09] not um a separate department is necessary versus I I'm not sure that

[42:16] taking care of the parks for a town of 18,000 people or even 20 um rises to the

[42:22] to the level of a department head. So, I'm just a little leerary about that and

[42:26] I just want to make that clear. Um, I'm not saying no and I'm not saying yes.

[42:30] And I know this isn't doing either either. But, um, it's something I wanted

[42:34] to point out because, um, I think as citizens in a small town, unless we do

[42:40] run into a pot of gold somewhere, um, there are so many other things that need

[42:44] to be funded besides having a city fund a baseball coach or a softball coach

[42:50] when when that should can easily be done privately and with the support of local

[42:55] businesses. So, that's just a comment. Um, hope I'm not throwing wet rags on

[43:00] the parade here, but I will vote in favor of this resolution. Thank you.

[43:05] » Thank you, Council Member Smart. Uh, as staff is preparing the 2728 budget, I

[43:11] can assure you there will be no coaches in the city budget.

[43:16] » Excellent. All right. So, um, no other comments. Um, council, we have a motion

[43:23] and a second for resolution 4826. All in favor, please say I. I.

[43:27] » I. >> Any oppose, say no. All right. Motion

[43:30] carries. Next thing to tackle is adopting the

[43:35] capital facilities element of the comprehensive plan. Once again, um, I'm

[43:41] going to ask planner Colin Cortez to present the staff report.

[43:46] » Thank you. And I can say even though we live in a city, it takes a village. And

[43:50] by that I mean for this element in particular, it's not just the city of

[43:53] West Richland, but a whole number of other governments and service providers

[43:56] and agencies were involved in updating this because as you can imagine, the

[44:01] very boring sounding phrase capital facilities involves a lot of stuff that

[44:05] we take for granted. Um that makes public life civilized and possible. Um

[44:12] more specifically uh public schools for instance coordination with public

[44:15] libraries, fire stations, police stations, emergency medical services and

[44:19] other city buildings. And with consultant help and particularly the

[44:23] help of the public works director, we comb through the various types of

[44:28] services described in the element uh the information and demographic information

[44:33] as well and thoroughly updated that uh to present to you this evening as part

[44:37] of your packet. Uh, and I'd add also that the planning commission had held a

[44:41] meeting July 23rd and recommended the city council adopt the element goals and

[44:47] policies in your packet. >> All right. Thank you very much, Mr.

[44:52] Cortez. Is there anyone present here in chambers who would like to comment on

[44:56] this particular item? If so, please come to the podium.

[45:01] Seeing no one, I'll turn to our virtual attendees. Is there any anyone attending

[45:06] virtually who would like to comment on this particular item? If so, please

[45:10] raise your virtual hand or press star 9 on your telephone so the city clerk may

[45:15] recognize and unmute you. I see no one online. Do you see anyone,

[45:22] Stephanie? >> I do not.

[45:24] » All right, seeing no one. Uh, council, may I have a motion on this particular

[45:30] topic? I move to pass resolution 4926 adopting the capital facilities element

[45:36] goals and policies for the 2026 update to the comp of the comprehensive plan.

[45:44] » Is there a second second? >> Oh, several seconds.

[45:49] » Point of information. Uh just to be clear, is it acceptable to say

[45:55] approve rather than accept for this

[46:02] uh that I cannot answer specifically. City clip.

[46:06] » Um so the motion is intended to approve the resolution which the action of the

[46:12] resolution is to accept that portion of the plan.

[46:17] » Right. It's just that what was said was move to pass a resolution approving the

[46:24] capital facilities element. I'm sorry. adopting the capital

[46:28] facilities element. So, it's okay to say adopting for that. Okay. Thanks. Just

[46:33] want to make sure. >> I didn't notice.

[46:35] » Yeah. All right. >> Thank you, Council Member Moran. So, I

[46:38] have a motion in a second. Council, any discussion on this topic?

[46:44] » All right, Council Member Smart. I'm I'm forced to

[46:50] uh stick with my critique here. Um on page uh 191

[46:57] um we it it has a goal policy goal five policy M which is provide adequate space

[47:04] for community interaction fellowship and recreation. Uh consider the feasibility

[47:09] of providing a community center. Um and and then uh that's that's just the only

[47:14] point that I that I have there. Um, I I'm I'm hopeful and I'm assured that

[47:22] that we won't actually put money into considering the feasibility of a

[47:26] community center until that's brought before council as a topic of

[47:29] consideration. Is that correct? >> That is correct. And this is not a new

[47:33] goal or policy. It's a redundancy from the last one, just rolling it over. So,

[47:37] yes, as as stated previously, John, that is the standard procedure. If there is

[47:42] something that's in here that would require funding that council's directed

[47:46] to move forward with, it would come forward to council for approval to fund

[47:50] that project. >> And that happens before we invest staff

[47:54] time and considering or any significant staff time in considering such a thing.

[47:58] » Absolutely. Wasting staff time is not on our agenda.

[48:02] » Very good. >> We don't have enough of that.

[48:04] » Thank you, sir. Appreciate that comment. That's all I had. All right. I see no

[48:10] other comments. Council, we have a resolution. We have a motion to pass

[48:14] resolution 4926. All in favor, please say I.

[48:18] » I. >> Any oppose say no.

[48:21] » All right. Motion carries. All right. Last bit of business is sitting before

[48:24] us now, and that is to adopt the climate element of the comprehensive plan. I

[48:32] will once again ask Mr. Cortez to present the staff report.

[48:39] I'll take a little longer to describe this one because it's new and

[48:43] interesting to say the least. So, the climate element is newly required by

[48:48] state government. Uh, specifically, the Washington State Department of Commerce

[48:52] indicates that climate elements throughout the state must address a

[48:56] minimum of six topics that are codified in statute.

[49:00] Um leading up to this a major objective was to adapt policies uh created by a

[49:07] regional consortium. So namely throughout the tri cities a number of

[49:11] governments got together in concert to come up with a whole bunch of potential

[49:15] policies that would conform with state law. And that led to a spreadsheet from

[49:20] which uh city of West Richland staff chose and winnowed down to a certain

[49:25] number of policies that went through a number of local reviews to get to this

[49:30] point. Um a little bit more about that. The Climate Commitment Act of 2021 is

[49:37] passed by the legislature and it was Benton County, cities of Kenowick,

[49:42] Pasco, Richland, and this city uh with the assistant of the Benton Franklin

[49:47] Council of Governments that came up with the spreadsheet of potential policies.

[49:51] Um that regional consortium handled technical analyses about whether it

[49:55] would meet statute, handled a degree of public engagement, and came up with a

[50:00] very handy spreadsheet. That spreadsheet found its way to the community

[50:04] development subcommittee meeting through city staff which gave its opinion on

[50:08] which goals were more amendable um for consideration.

[50:12] Um that happened on May 26 and councelor Spar in particular was instrumental in

[50:17] recommending uh specific uh goals and policies uh which were indicated in the

[50:22] staff report. The planning commission then met June 11th and made its own

[50:27] recommendation for specific goals and policies for that spreadsheet. Following

[50:31] that, the community development subcommittee met again on July 12th or

[50:35] excuse me, 21st and uh after considering with the commission and recommended uh

[50:41] came up with a new recommended set of policies that reconcile the

[50:45] recommendations and recommended due pass for the goals

[50:49] and policies that are in your packet tonight. Uh overall the policies relate

[50:54] to risks such as extreme heat, flooding, greenhouse gas emissions, uh reduction

[51:00] thereof, water conservation, and wildfire. And most importantly, they do

[51:05] comply with these six uh six statutory requirements. Uh and I'll stress that as

[51:10] the staff report indicates, policy number four is the only one that meets

[51:14] uh one of the statutory requirements specific to greenhouse gas emissions

[51:18] reduction. So it does have to be adopted. Um, other than that, that's

[51:23] climate in a nutshell. >> Right. Thank you, Mr. Cortez. I'll now

[51:29] open this topic up for public discussion. Is there anyone here that

[51:32] would like to make comment? Seeing no one present in the room, I'll

[51:37] turn to our virtual attendees. There's anyone attending virtually who'd like to

[51:41] make comment, please raise your virtual hand or press star 9. Kindly state your

[51:47] name and city of residence for the record.

[51:52] I see no one online. Do you see anyone, Stephanie?

[51:56] » I do not see anyone. No. >> All right. So, with no public comment,

[52:01] council, may I have a motion? >> I move to pass resolution number 50-26

[52:06] accepting the climate element goals and policies for the 2026 update of the

[52:11] comprehensive plan. >> Second. All right. Council questions,

[52:15] comments that have not yet been addressed in the staff report.

[52:23] Council member Richie. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, so now my

[52:28] understanding, what I heard a moment ago is that the state sent us a list. We

[52:33] took and amended that list, consolidated that list. Was it then sent back to the

[52:40] state for review? My question, my question wants to make sure that we hit

[52:43] all the high points that they require. So you'll notice in the in the element

[52:49] there towards the end where you have all the goals um in one of the columns it

[52:52] lists each of the six requirements that we're supposed to hit. And so as Colin

[52:58] mentioned the very last one hits all of all three within a certain section

[53:02] that's required and then the other three are a mixture of the other three

[53:06] requirements that we're supposed to have updated. So yes, we do we haven't sent

[53:11] it to the state yet. That doesn't happen until towards the end. So, we'll be

[53:14] sending that into them for their blessing and and yes, you meet all of

[53:18] the criteria. So, should they disagree with any of this, we'll be bringing back

[53:23] some modifications um at that point in time. But we believe uh from our review

[53:28] that we meet all of those requirements. I have had multiple conversations with

[53:32] Department of Commerce just to make sure I understood that very principle because

[53:36] um the direction given to staff was is that we didn't want to go overboard

[53:40] here, that we wanted to keep this very focused. So we we kept it very focused.

[53:45] » Excellent. Thank you,

[53:49] » Council Member Moran.

[53:53] » Can't even get my name out. Uh I would just like to give a big thank you to

[53:59] staff because with this being a new one, I'm sure this one required the most

[54:02] amount of work. So thank you for that. And I am especially very happy to see

[54:07] the part that talks about the tree canopy because again this skin is not

[54:12] doing well in the sun and I would really like to be a little bit more active

[54:15] outdoors when it's not freezing outside. So thank you for this to all of the

[54:20] staff >> here. Prom Bloom.

[54:25] » Well, I'd like to see the mulching practices in the policy. Uh, as I've

[54:31] said, we need to have aation of the soils here. And

[54:37] unfortunately, Richland's compost is not the best in the world, but I did get a

[54:44] truck two truckloads delivered to my property before I put in my grass. But

[54:49] it did help. And uh I I still think we need to focus that on the new

[54:55] development that they you know let's not plant grass on sand because it's kind of

[55:01] tough. Um but um it there is a a reference to a

[55:07] tree planting program. Do we have a tree planting program

[55:12] ongoing? No. Okay. Thank you.

[55:19] Right. Second question. Go ahead, Council

[55:23] Member Murray. >> Actually, uh, just more of a statement.

[55:26] You know, one of those ways to not have to worry about abading your soil is if

[55:29] you have a non-monoculture and have a lot of the native plants out

[55:34] instead, which actually is less expensive and doesn't require you to mow

[55:38] it all the time. And it can stay green with just a little bit of water. I'm

[55:42] just saying, you don't have to amend your soil if you want the native plants

[55:45] and they're pretty. >> Thank you. With no other comments, I

[55:50] will ask council for a vote on resolution number 50-26.

[55:55] All in favor say I, please. >> I.

[55:58] » Any oppose say no. All right. Motion carries. That gets us through uh that

[56:03] part of the agenda. We have no unfinished or new business. So, we will

[56:06] turn to our second public comment period. If there's anyone present here

[56:11] that would like to step up to the podium and make comment, uh please do so at

[56:16] this time. kindly limit your comments to three minutes.

[56:22] Think you're the only one, Josh. >> Monop monopolize the tech.

[56:26] » If you would just restate your name as >> Josh Lozano, city of West Richland. Um,

[56:32] speaking on behalf of Benton REA, my employer. Uh, I just want to wrap up the

[56:37] remarks on the potential for uh, rate benefits. Um the E3 study I that I cited

[56:44] further found that large load investments can also support uh much

[56:49] needed grid expansion and modernization uh improve system capacity and

[56:54] reliability uh local infrastructure investments as well and the development

[56:59] of new power supply resources including advanced nuclear geothermal and long

[57:05] duration energy storage. Um you know this topic data centers it it presents

[57:10] legitimate questions that deserve careful and transparent review uh from

[57:16] an electric utility perspective. Bettona does have policies in place to manage

[57:21] the financial uh risks and operational risks and with the right safeguards in

[57:27] place as we have a well structured project um can certainly protect our

[57:34] existing membership. uh while also contributing to grid investments and

[57:38] long-term uh rate stability. Uh Benton's approach is is simple. Protect existing

[57:45] members, preserve reliability, and require large loads to pay for

[57:50] themselves. Thank you for your time. Appreciate it.

[57:53] » Thank you, Mr. Lozano. Is there anyone else present that would like to make any

[57:56] additional comment? All right. Seeing no one, I will turn to

[58:00] our virtual attendees. If there's anyone attending virtually who would like to

[58:04] make public comment, please raise your virtual hand or press star 9. Our city

[58:09] clerk will unmute you. Kindly ask that you state your name and city of

[58:13] residence for the record. And please limit your comments to three minutes.

[58:19] I see no one attending online who wishes to make comment. Do you, Stephanie?

[58:24] » I do not. >> All right. We'll now turn to staff and

[58:28] council reports. I'm going to look over to my right. Staff members, anyone care

[58:33] to make comment? I will start with public works director Slade.

[58:38] » Thank you, Mayor Brink. Uh just two quick items. Uh tomorrow I'll join

[58:42] council member uh Smart. We've got a uh legislative transportation tour. So this

[58:48] is with Good Roads. We'll be meeting in Pasco and uh taking our legislators uh

[58:54] local. And we also have Representative Fi who's the house chair of the

[58:58] transportation uh commission will be there um touring. Um Westerson doesn't

[59:05] have a project. That's a good problem to have because uh SR224 Red Mountains

[59:10] fully funded and so is our uh Keen Road widening project. So those came off so

[59:14] we'll still participate in it but uh we don't have a project on the list. So

[59:18] that's tomorrow evening and then uh followed by a dinner meeting. Um, the

[59:23] other one is, uh, I'll make it public. Uh, the email went out to council so

[59:28] they know that the Keen Road Van Geese roundabout will be open not this Friday,

[59:32] but next Friday, uh, August 28th. So, the contractor continues to make great

[59:36] progress. We delayed it a few days. I kind of jumped the gun getting that date

[59:40] out there, but there's some extra concrete that needs to be poured that we

[59:43] don't want to have to close down the roundabout at a later date. So, we're

[59:46] going to give them a couple extra days, open it up on Friday. Uh, we're still

[59:49] ahead before school opens. So, but there's a lot of people that'll be glad

[59:52] that they can not have to do that detour down Paradise and be able to go through

[59:56] it, but projects moving forward still on schedule and and under budget. So, thank

[1:00:01] you. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Slade. Uh,

[1:00:04] community development director Mendall. >> Sorry for the late name. I didn't want

[1:00:09] to feel left out with everyone else speaking tonight. But, um, no, I do have

[1:00:12] a couple things. One, uh, thank you, council, for your support as we go

[1:00:16] through these comprehensive plan update elements. I know they're um a lot to

[1:00:20] chew on, but at least you're getting them in elephant bite- sizes and not

[1:00:24] having to eat and choke the whole elephant down in one meeting. So, um if

[1:00:28] you do have questions, again, feel free to reach out as we're going through the

[1:00:31] process. Happy to have those conversations. Uh you know, I appreciate

[1:00:35] John. He's been very involved in a lot of this with his his input on climate

[1:00:39] change particularly and and we appreciate his insights there. Um and

[1:00:44] help so that we don't get hung up, right? I mean, that's that's a big point

[1:00:47] is we don't want to get hung up here in the meeting. So, your questions, your

[1:00:51] your involvement early on is important and we appreciate uh and I appreciate

[1:00:56] you being involved there. Also want to thank uh the Mid Columbia Children's

[1:00:59] Museum being here tonight too. Um you know, they made their press release last

[1:01:04] week. It was very exciting. We are very excited that they are here um as the

[1:01:08] economic development uh department as well um as the community development.

[1:01:13] It's very important to have these kind of cornerstone pieces in our community.

[1:01:19] Uh they will drive economic development. Having them be here, similar to the

[1:01:23] racetrack being here does drive some economic development. They're going to

[1:01:27] be driving economic development for us as well by bringing children to our

[1:01:33] community, which then maybe we get a Chuck-E-Cheese. Who knows, right? I'm

[1:01:36] not saying that they've talked to me because they haven't. But maybe we will

[1:01:39] and maybe we will get other those types of businesses that come in because of

[1:01:45] that museum being here. And my my estimation is and I'm sure Chelsea can

[1:01:49] testify to this, but I believe that we're going to be pulling from within

[1:01:53] 200 miles um kids to come to this facility and enjoy and participate in

[1:01:59] West Richland. And so that's that's a a big deal for us and we're excited to

[1:02:03] have that. Plus, we beat Richland so you know in the in the proposal. So that

[1:02:07] always makes us feel good. Um and then lastly, uh with regards to the data

[1:02:12] centers, I just encourage anyone that has questions about what the data

[1:02:16] centers, you know, about them, how it might impact the city. Um happy to talk

[1:02:22] with them, happy to sit down and have a face to face and go over any questions.

[1:02:25] I know council all of you u and I have had conversations about it at some point

[1:02:30] uh when answering your questions. I invite the community to do that as well.

[1:02:34] Uh because for instance for noise, we already have a noise ordinance that

[1:02:38] would make sure that they aren't going to be impacting the neighbors. There's a

[1:02:42] 200 foot setback additionally that council approved that would require them

[1:02:45] to set back 200 feet from the property line to help with that noise mitigation.

[1:02:49] So there's there's things out there that that are being said. there's information

[1:02:53] that's being shared that I just would love to have a conversation with people

[1:02:56] about and have that face to face to go over those questions that they have to

[1:03:01] maybe help them understand that while there are and and and that as Josh

[1:03:05] mentioned there are a lot of justification for concerns uh but I

[1:03:09] believe that our code is very robust the state code is very robust but if there's

[1:03:14] any policies that they believe we should be looking at that we should have that

[1:03:18] conversation and I'd love to hear what those policies are that they're

[1:03:22] considering we need to look at. So, I'll leave it at that.

[1:03:28] » Finance Director Gwen. >> Yeah, I just want to let you know uh the

[1:03:33] state auditors have started their audit um for I guess it's really three audits.

[1:03:39] So, financial uh accountability as well as a single audit for all the federal

[1:03:45] funds we've spent. So you guys will probably council will see an email from

[1:03:51] one of our auditors uh inviting you to an entrance conference. I don't know

[1:03:56] some time in the near future. >> Police Chief Fry.

[1:04:01] » Thank you, Mayor and Council. Um tomorrow I will be speaking at the

[1:04:06] Chamber of Commerce on um some crime statistics and different things that are

[1:04:10] going on in the community and some of our events that we are planning for. And

[1:04:14] I'd also like to give a shout out to um Detective Magna who just cleared a

[1:04:20] federal case that was um quite large drug case and he did a great job

[1:04:26] preparing for that and working with um federal prosecutors on that to um help

[1:04:31] keep drugs out of our community and it's been a long ongoing one. But it's always

[1:04:36] important to have a um finalization on those and and he did a great job doing

[1:04:40] that. >> Right. and I'll turn to councel.

[1:04:49] » All right. Um, council member Stoker, I will start with you.

[1:04:53] » Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, couple things. I

[1:04:58] sorry to see that, uh, Mr. Cortez left. So, if you could pass on to him that I

[1:05:02] certainly appreciated. uh the extra effort he goes through this evening

[1:05:06] presenting to us four elements of the agenda pretty pretty uh ostentatious

[1:05:12] pretty pretty large task to take on. So definitely pass that on to him. Um

[1:05:19] uh I also wanted to mention too that um as was mentioned earlier tonight's

[1:05:26] meeting is our last remote citizen comment. So, um,

[1:05:31] I'd hoped we'd get some comments coming in from the remote people, but I guess

[1:05:37] if you have nothing to say, you have nothing to say.

[1:05:40] Also, to Mr. Smart, um, I've coached a lot of kids sports. I did grid kids,

[1:05:47] little league, Tri City girls fast pitch softball, Richland Reck Park or Parks

[1:05:53] and Wreck, uh, basketball. never got paid. So, I don't think you'll have to

[1:05:58] worry about a a coaches uh requiring funds.

[1:06:04] So my last piece I want to bring up is um so recently we had quite a discussion

[1:06:11] on fireworks and um one of the things that got me curious is uh when we saw

[1:06:17] the flyer that listed uh our sister cities including ourselves

[1:06:23] uh different dates for when sales are allowed

[1:06:27] and um Richland, Pasco and Kenowick allow

[1:06:32] fireworks sales um the period before New Year's Eve and

[1:06:37] we don't um I went and looked up their code.

[1:06:42] Richland and Kenowick are word for word the same. Kenowick just swapped out the

[1:06:45] word city of Richland for city of Kenowick. Well, it basically says the

[1:06:49] sale and discharging of fireworks within the city of Kenowick or Richland shall

[1:06:54] be in accordance with Washington state fireworks law chapter 70.77 RCW and

[1:06:59] chapter 212-17 whack unless otherwise provided in this

[1:07:04] section which there is nothing about sales throughout the rest of their

[1:07:08] section. Pasco from what I can see basically copied and pasted what is in

[1:07:13] RCW70.77.395.

[1:07:17] And um so the one thing that the RCW states

[1:07:22] that ours does not allow for is that um from 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. on each

[1:07:28] day from the 27th of December through the 31st of December of each year

[1:07:34] fireworks are sales are allowed. Our code says fireworks may not be sold or

[1:07:40] may be sold in incorporated areas of the city of West Richland during the period

[1:07:44] commencing at 12 noon on the 28th day of June of each year and ending at 12 noon

[1:07:50] on the sixth day of July each year. Now, we may be out of compliance here

[1:07:56] because the state RCW actually says ends on the fifth day of July, not the sixth.

[1:08:02] So, we may have to rewrite this whole sentence. But um with this, I would like

[1:08:08] to make a motion that either in the September 1st meeting or the September

[1:08:13] 15th meeting, this be put on the agenda. And we will either copy and paste what's

[1:08:19] in the RCW or add the portion that says and from 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. on

[1:08:25] each day from September or from the 27th of December through the 31st of December

[1:08:31] of each year. Yeah.

[1:08:36] I would second that. All right. Clarify. Council member Stoker, you would like

[1:08:40] staff to develop change to the fireworks ordinance allowing sales uh in

[1:08:46] accordance with RCW for the New Year's Eve period December 27th through January

[1:08:53] » December 31st. >> December 31st. Okay. Correct.

[1:08:56] » All right. I do have a second on that. So like all other procedure, I'll open

[1:09:02] this up for discussion uh among council members. Are there any council members

[1:09:06] who wish to speak on this particular topic?

[1:09:10] So council member Fedto, >> if we're going to talk about this again,

[1:09:15] let's make the switch from finance director to community development

[1:09:18] director for permitting as well like we talked about, but never passed at the

[1:09:22] last ordinance. >> I would accept that.

[1:09:29] Are there other comments on this particular motion and second?

[1:09:34] Uh, Council Member Moran. >> Yes. Um,

[1:09:38] I don't recall since I've been on council in 2020 ever hearing anybody ask

[1:09:45] for this. So, I'm just not sure why this is being brought up. Um, it

[1:09:53] just seems like we're adding more problems than

[1:09:59] what we already have to me. So, it just without people asking, I haven't seen

[1:10:05] any emails asking for it. I'm just concerned that this is something that's

[1:10:10] just a we want to have fireworks more often, more and more often. And while I

[1:10:15] will say I would rather have fireworks in December than in July, I would rather

[1:10:20] not have it in both times because it is very expensive to do so

[1:10:26] when you have things that you have to prepare for your animals and everything

[1:10:31] else. It's just going to cost me more money and I don't like it. So that's

[1:10:36] what I got to say about that.

[1:10:42] » Yeah. So I I actually like this idea whether it's been asked by the community

[1:10:48] or not. And the reason is because um first of all, if I've said before that

[1:10:54] I've had friends that move from states where there is no regulation on

[1:10:59] fireworks restrictions on particular days, right? You know, they can shoot

[1:11:03] fireworks off 365 days a year, birthday parties, corporate events, whatever.

[1:11:08] Um, and and what I've learned from discussing that that that uh that

[1:11:15] terrain of of psychology is that when the 4th of July comes around, it's not a

[1:11:22] huge deal. I mean, they celebrate the 4th of July for sure, but it's not

[1:11:26] everybody expending a year's worth of fireworks energy in one night. Um, and

[1:11:32] so for so that's reason number one that I I like the idea of of allow making it

[1:11:38] easier for people to um get some of this out of their system in January when it's

[1:11:43] like foggy and wet and damp and it's good luck trying to start a fire around

[1:11:47] here in the in the grasslands. Um, but the other the other reason is that

[1:11:52] people store fireworks, okay? Like they buy all these fireworks in the

[1:11:56] summertime before the 4th of July and then they stash the rest of them. Where

[1:12:00] do they put them? I mean, very few places. I bet they don't put them in

[1:12:04] fireproof safes. Um, they're going to stash them on some shelf in their garage

[1:12:09] where kids can get to them throughout the year. Uh, heat can get to them. They

[1:12:14] can become degraded. Maybe they get forgotten for a couple of years. Um, and

[1:12:19] that that probably um I don't know. Fortunately, we haven't had any issues

[1:12:24] with that. I don't know of any structure fires that have started from stored

[1:12:28] fireworks, but but this but if it has, I mean, this would help maybe eliminate

[1:12:32] some of that. So, and the other thing is it just seems to do no harm. I mean, it

[1:12:36] might give a chance for some of the nonprofits to make an extra buck in the

[1:12:40] middle of the year or the beginning of the year. Um I I it would be interesting

[1:12:46] to see if it actually in increases the number of people that launch fireworks

[1:12:51] on um the first of the year. Uh but but I guess they already do and um I I I

[1:13:00] think it's probably the safest time of year to do it. So anyway, I would

[1:13:04] support this motion. Thank you. >> Um Council Member Cole wish to speak on

[1:13:11] this topic? >> Yep.

[1:13:13] » I I really [clears throat] didn't. had my here, but I I would just

[1:13:18] » spare a whole lot of repeating what's already been said is I think this is a

[1:13:22] good idea and I support it. >> Council member Richie

[1:13:26] » and for myself, I've said it before, say it again. Consistency. We're

[1:13:31] inconsistent. The cities have painted this this problem. We've created this

[1:13:36] problem because we're all inconsistent. Nobody does it the same way. And so what

[1:13:40] you do is you drive the problem from one place to the other. Right. And so I

[1:13:45] would argue to be consistent with our sister cities. And this may not be where

[1:13:49] we stop. Maybe there's other ways that we can be consistent with fireworks and

[1:13:54] and help to alleviate some of that problem.

[1:13:58] » Thank you. Um yes, second round. Council member Stoker, you you're up first.

[1:14:05] » Well, I just wanted to say that um first I think Ruditerate what I think Mr.

[1:14:09] Smart already said was that fireworks are already being discharged on New

[1:14:15] Year's Eve. So, I don't know how this is necessarily going to change that um as

[1:14:20] far as how it affects other people. Um but secondly uh I have been approached

[1:14:27] um by one entity that sells the fireworks and um you know they don't

[1:14:33] like the fact that the other cities do allow it and so those they tend to I

[1:14:38] don't know if competition is the right word because they're over there and

[1:14:42] we're over here but you know they're wondering why we don't allow [snorts]

[1:14:46] firework sales at this time that the other cities do. Personally,

[1:14:51] um I mean no knock to our sister cities, but I like to be a little more free than

[1:14:57] they are possible.

[1:15:02] » Thank you. Um I will say it is interesting that the one organization

[1:15:06] that has spoken with you is the one that would profit off of it, but um for me

[1:15:12] when it comes to this, yes, we do allow it. But if we're going to allow the

[1:15:19] selling of fireworks a day, couple days before we actually

[1:15:24] allow them to be discharged, I can automatically see people saying, "Oh,

[1:15:29] well, they're being sold." Well, so we should be able to light them off at this

[1:15:33] time, not remembering or realizing or caring that it's only on the one day. So

[1:15:42] I Yeah. And while I will say that yes, I agree that storing them during the win

[1:15:49] during the summer, I believe there was somebody whose

[1:15:53] I think it was their garage burnt down in West Richland. It was off right off a

[1:15:58] bombing range if I remember correctly because of stored fireworks. So, I will

[1:16:02] say yeah, that is a problem. But I would think that if we're going to sell

[1:16:06] fireworks before the uh before the New Year's, I would much

[1:16:12] rather prefer us have the sale of fireworks, especially because so few

[1:16:17] people do have it just be that day of just because I can automatically see

[1:16:22] people lighting them off early. Thank you.

[1:16:28] I don't see any other cards up for discussion on the topic. So, I'll just

[1:16:32] reiterate the motion just to make sure uh I have it clear. Um but a motion has

[1:16:40] a motion has been presented and second is for staff to develop uh a change to

[1:16:45] the fireworks ordinance to allow for sales in accordance with the RCW for the

[1:16:49] period of December 27 December 31st. and alternate

[1:16:56] » with a change also for uh going yeah permitting with the uh

[1:17:02] » finance to community development. Well, did that have a second?

[1:17:06] » I'll second that >> right

[1:17:10] » now.

[1:17:14] Yes, let's let's do it formally. Let's vote on unless there's a comment on this

[1:17:19] amendment. All right. Go ahead, Mayor Pro. The other question comes down to is

[1:17:24] the question of whether we allow to the sixth or the fifth consistent with state

[1:17:30] rags. >> We can't be broader than state record.

[1:17:34] » Correct. >> We are broader. That's

[1:17:37] » we are now and not and so we're out of complaint. Yes. It's I copied it right

[1:17:41] out of our municipal code. It says the sixth.

[1:17:51] » Yeah. I will I will direct staff to look at

[1:17:55] that and confirm that and if in fact we are out of compliance as you stated

[1:18:00] we'll make the appropriate amendments as well for council to consider.

[1:18:05] All right. So uh we have

[1:18:11] » amendment. >> Yes.

[1:18:12] » We're going to vote on the amendment to change the permitting from finance

[1:18:16] director to community development. So that is the first vote. A yes vote is to

[1:18:22] make that change. A no vote is against that change. All right. All in favor say

[1:18:28] I. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Just to clarify, it's not

[1:18:30] to to take action to do the change, but to bring back for to bring back for

[1:18:34] action. >> Correct.

[1:18:38] » All in favor say I. >> I.

[1:18:41] » Any opposed? Okay. And then finally on the main motion to bring it to staff to

[1:18:47] prepare appropriate ordinance changes with regard to firework sales during the

[1:18:52] authorized New Year's Eve period. All right. A yes vote is in support of

[1:18:59] that. A no vote is against that. All in favor say I. I.

[1:19:03] » I. >> Any opposed?

[1:19:05] » No. I so I will ask staff to make the appropriate uh draft the appropriate

[1:19:11] ordinances for staff's approval for council's review and approval.

[1:19:16] » That that includes looking at the dates for the July.

[1:19:20] » Yes. If there is an error, we will correct that administratively too.

[1:19:24] » Very good. >> Right. Any other comments, Council

[1:19:28] Member Stoker? >> That is all. Thank you. Oh, well, there

[1:19:32] will be some more of these forthcoming. I have some others in mind that I'd like

[1:19:36] us to address. >> You know what? I welcome that

[1:19:38] opportunity. >> So, since we've opened this can of

[1:19:40] worms, we're going to move that way. >> All right. Um, any other general

[1:19:45] comments from council? Council member Morant.

[1:19:50] » Thank you. Um, I will just caution if we remember our staff is rather overwhelmed

[1:19:55] with things that we've tasked them to do that I'm pretty sure our parking lot is

[1:20:01] fairly large right now of all of the things that staff has been tasked to do.

[1:20:05] So, my concern is if we bring about these that we might be using up staff

[1:20:12] time that could be used for bigger necessary things in order to comply with

[1:20:17] state laws. Um, so I would just caution against that. Uh, but for my comments, I

[1:20:24] will say uh I'm I would like to I'm I'm very appreciative that you're here, Mr.

[1:20:30] Lozano. Um, and something that I've been thinking about for a while that I'm

[1:20:35] hoping maybe can happen uh after speaking with someone who has been on

[1:20:40] the Native Plant Society. I believe he was the founder of it and also uh is

[1:20:46] very familiar with the conservation districts that there is a hope that

[1:20:50] perhaps Benton REA the conservation districts and the native plant society

[1:20:54] could work together especially with the amount of water usage that's going on to

[1:21:00] work towards helping to find a solution for our members so that they wouldn't

[1:21:05] have to spend as much money on watering their yards. I know that when I was in

[1:21:10] the Navy and stationed in San Diego that SDG& had a program specifically for

[1:21:18] assisting folks in going from a monoculture of just having grass that

[1:21:22] required a lot of water to allowing for more native plants that didn't require a

[1:21:29] lot of watering. Um, I'm I'm not certain if incentives are something that could

[1:21:34] be in play, but that would just be something interesting and maybe even

[1:21:37] just a um a I can't remember the name of the word,

[1:21:43] but where you have a garden that shows off how it looks near Bentonier,

[1:21:47] especially if you want to beautify the site. Um, so that's something that I

[1:21:52] would love to talk more to you about. Second, um I would again like to thank

[1:21:56] the police department and animal control for putting out the microchip reader. I

[1:22:01] think that is fantastic. I personally had an experience over the weekend where

[1:22:06] a friend of mine thought for sure that this cat they found was abandoned in the

[1:22:11] apartment complex they were at because it was scratching at this door that had

[1:22:15] been abandoned. The apartment behind it had been abandoned. So I was like, well,

[1:22:19] you know, I can take it to verify the chip reader and foster it. if not. And I

[1:22:24] had it chip read and we found the owner. It was just in another part of the

[1:22:28] apartment complex. So, also a big reminder, if you find an animal, make

[1:22:32] sure you check the microchip before you just decide you're going to adopt it or

[1:22:37] believe that it was abandoned or put out on purpose. Uh, but thank you again to

[1:22:45] the policeart the police department for that. Um, I would also like to applaud

[1:22:50] the police department for looking at the grants. I think it's really important

[1:22:52] that we look at these grants that are out there um because they can be

[1:22:57] beneficial to us, especially since they don't have to be repaid. Those are big

[1:23:02] for us. Um let's see. I did not bring my special eyes, so I'm trying to read my

[1:23:08] handwriting here. Three, four. Oh. Um talking about when I was using that when

[1:23:14] I'm using this app for this game, I would just really like to say that the

[1:23:18] parks are looking really good. Um, I am appreciating how green they are. Uh, the

[1:23:26] trees have been fantastic. I have been basically running from shade to shade

[1:23:31] under each tree so that I can play this game. And it's nice that I don't have to

[1:23:35] run far. So, that is very appreciated. Uh, let's see. So, when it comes to

[1:23:42] meetings that I've been to, uh, I was just last week at the Ben Franklin

[1:23:47] Transit Board. uh big discussion item that we had was July's fair free. Uh we

[1:23:53] have asked the staff to go back and from that uh figure out okay how much would

[1:23:59] it actually cost if it would be a positive or a negative thing to the

[1:24:05] transit to continue with fair free because it does cost a lot of money in

[1:24:09] order to try and collect money. Um but it did seem like it was a big hit.

[1:24:14] writership was up significantly. Uh, and I think we might even try it sometime in

[1:24:20] the fall when schools are in session so that we can have those numbers as well

[1:24:24] to make a good decision for that. Uh, let's see. Next Friday, I'm going to go

[1:24:30] to the BF Ben Franklin Council of Governments meeting. Uh, it is hybrid as

[1:24:35] always. It is going to be on Friday next week starting at 10. And then finally, I

[1:24:40] will say that uh in advance, I'd like to let you know that the Tuesday after

[1:24:45] Labor Day, I will not be in attendance. I will be on uh I will probably be in

[1:24:51] Seattle airport if I'm not on a flight. So, I will not be here. So, let's please

[1:24:55] not make any big decisions while I'm gone. Thank you.

[1:25:01] » Thank you, Council Member Moran. Uh Council Member Richie.

[1:25:06] » Thank you, Mayor. Um, on the subject of fireworks, I want to

[1:25:11] uh uh let everybody know that there are summaries that were uh put together by

[1:25:16] the West Richland Police Department as well as our Benton County Fire District

[1:25:21] uh uh chief. And so those are available. If you want to know what the exact

[1:25:26] statistics were with regards to fires across the 4th of July, they're

[1:25:31] available and I'd be happy to help you get hooked up with those. Uh, one of the

[1:25:35] things I want to be sure and point out is that the chief in his report talks

[1:25:41] about how when there were complaints that the officers went out and educated

[1:25:46] the citizens and then after that that complaint went away. That was not a

[1:25:51] problem anymore. Too often I think that's what the problem is is it's not

[1:25:55] malicious but rather just uninformed individuals.

[1:26:00] um data centers. I'm not convinced yet that a moratorium is needed. Uh we don't

[1:26:06] have a project. Um when we get a project and we can we can look at what it is

[1:26:11] we're we're talking about. Right now you're just speculating. And so and and

[1:26:17] one of the things that I keep seeing is that they keep we keep talking about

[1:26:20] what's going on down at Boardman and in Oregon. And I'll tell you right now,

[1:26:25] that's not applicable to the state of Washington. what happened down there.

[1:26:29] That may be a concern that you might want to ask the question, but the state

[1:26:32] of Washington is going to look into that with our our our EPA uh uh our SEIPA

[1:26:39] checklist and our environmental impact statement checklist. And and I encourage

[1:26:43] you to to go and look and review those. I also encourage you to go visit a data

[1:26:49] center. And that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to go visit a data center. I

[1:26:52] want to find out more about it. I want to see what they've got going. I want to

[1:26:56] hear what the local community has to say about it because they're the ones that

[1:27:00] are living the dream right now and and can come back and and give us real time

[1:27:04] data uh with regards to to what's really going on. So uh I'm encouraging

[1:27:09] everybody to prep your questions and get ready for it. And and last and I'll shut

[1:27:14] up is uh kudos uh uh uh to our economic director Menhal uh that children's

[1:27:21] museum in West Richland. I am excited. I've got a five-year-old that's like 10

[1:27:27] minutes away from that and and and I just When's it open? Do you know when

[1:27:31] it's going to open?

[1:27:35] » Okay. So, let me know and and we'll be there when the doors open. Thank you.

[1:27:41] » Uh Council Member Cole. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um couple of

[1:27:46] things live. Um let me find my notes. Um, week before last, I attended a

[1:27:54] two-day training session put on by the Association of Washington Cities uh that

[1:28:00] helped was geared towards council members um in the budgeting process. So

[1:28:07] my hope is that even though it's only two days and I don't know everything

[1:28:12] there is to know about budgeting, I know a little bit more and maybe I can be

[1:28:17] kind of earn my keep with Aaron and and and the rest of the finance committee

[1:28:22] members. Uh second thing I just I want to say I regret that I wasn't here last

[1:28:27] meeting um because I was in training. Um and I

[1:28:33] don't I'm not playing old ground. I just want to say that um I I hope that

[1:28:38] there's a better solution. I know that uh council took a vote on um turning off

[1:28:44] the citizens opp uh ability to uh to speak uh in from the remote capabilities

[1:28:53] and uh I'm committed to finding some other hopefully we can come up with a

[1:28:59] better solution than just shutting it off. Um, I want to also say thank you.

[1:29:05] We are super stoked that you're here. There's a four-year-old and a 5-year-old

[1:29:10] who've taken the word no from my vocabulary, we'll be we'll be taking

[1:29:14] them, too. Uh, and I want to thank u Mr. Lozano. Um I I think that um the

[1:29:22] information that we can get like that as it pertains to power needs for data

[1:29:27] centers and how that impacts us um because

[1:29:32] when I mean we need to listen to what what people are telling us but we also

[1:29:37] need to you know if we're saying hey we want to enact some policies you know

[1:29:42] that with with respect to regulating data centers we could use some

[1:29:46] suggestions on what that looks like at least I could. Um, thank you.

[1:29:52] » All right. Thank you, Council Member B. Council Member Pedto.

[1:29:56] » Thank you, sir. Um, yeah, last week Chelsea came presented to my Rotary Club

[1:30:00] and I believe we were the first to hear the message after the announcement.

[1:30:04] Alino. Um, so if you want more information, she will also be talking

[1:30:09] tomorrow at the Westeron Chamber lunchon um to a group of excited Chamber Lunchon

[1:30:16] attendees uh about the upcoming museum uh as well as uh Kevin Lewis Visit Tri

[1:30:22] Cities. Iron Man is September 20th uh well 18 19 181 1920 they'll be in town.

[1:30:29] Um, so if you live anywhere near uh Bombi Ramp Paradise, um, be prepared to

[1:30:37] have a little traffic delay on Sunday, but please be respectful of the of the

[1:30:41] riders. Um, this is a huge economic boom for the Tri City region as a whole last

[1:30:47] year with 7.5 million of estimated spending brought to the region. Uh, but

[1:30:51] that again is going to be September 18th, 19th, but the actual race is on

[1:30:55] the 20th, but we'll see riders on the road, so just be careful.

[1:30:58] Uh it's all thank you blue.

[1:31:05] » All right. Okay. >> You're welcome.

[1:31:08] » Which

[1:31:11] Okay. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Mayor Prom. Appreciate that. Uh uh just

[1:31:17] pair it with the same thanks Chelsea for bringing the Mid Columbia Children's

[1:31:20] Museum here. That's totally awesome. and I was uh thrilled since the first time

[1:31:26] it uh was presented to us as an option. So that's great. I also want to thanks

[1:31:31] Josh for sticking around because I want to thank you for the tour yesterday of

[1:31:35] the new Bentonier dig down the road here. That was that's a very impressive

[1:31:40] building and um just really appreciate the investment in our community and I

[1:31:44] think it's going to serve us all well. Um, other than that, uh, I don't think I

[1:31:49] have anything else. Um, but just to say that West Richland is a great place to

[1:31:54] live. I mean, I constantly I've been on travel for a couple weeks, different

[1:31:59] places, and um I and even places that have trees and I wouldn't trade this for

[1:32:06] anything. This is a great place. We have Well, we have well manicured park trees.

[1:32:11] Yes. But other than that, um, as far as data centers go, I'll just mention I I

[1:32:15] believe we're being very vigilant and I do appreciate all of the comments. I

[1:32:20] encourage specifics. I I would like to parrot the the thing that I think Mr.

[1:32:26] Richie said and and others is that, you know, we we are uh I I personally am

[1:32:32] very anxious to have a a very um specific list of questions and concerns.

[1:32:39] Um, and then, uh, if there's data to back up a concern, if there's

[1:32:44] information or a study or something like this, I heard one just the other day

[1:32:47] about low frequency vibrations, and it's like, okay, I haven't heard of that one

[1:32:51] before. Um, where where's the information about that? That's what I

[1:32:55] want to see is I want to see the detailed information so that we can um,

[1:33:01] if a proposal comes to bear, we can challenge the proposer on those specific

[1:33:06] issues. Um, so I'm all about keeping West Richland a great place to live and

[1:33:13] uh and hopefully if any project like that or any other large um project comes

[1:33:18] to bear that it would be an enhancement to our to our community and not a

[1:33:22] detriment for sure. So that's the end of my comments. Thank you.

[1:33:28] » Mayor Pro Timble. >> Well, I'll start off with the uh news I

[1:33:32] shared with you and Mr. Smart. Uh the department of energy has basically

[1:33:37] decided to blow up the Hanford advisory board. Um and as such I don't know if I

[1:33:44] will be on the board or Mr. Smart will be on the board. If we are on the board

[1:33:50] we will no longer be representing West Richland. Uh we would be just citizens

[1:33:57] commenting on what's going on. Um, I personally do not believe this is

[1:34:04] beneficial to the Department of Energy, but that's just what they're doing. Um,

[1:34:10] not necessarily the Hanford Advisory Board was that beneficial,

[1:34:15] but it had a function. Um uh in addition to that uh as far as uh data center goes

[1:34:23] um my son is living the dream because he's dealing with 10 data center

[1:34:29] proposals in Cheyenne and has 10 active data centers. So um he shares with me

[1:34:37] the nightmares and the and the some of the insights. Uh uh so from that

[1:34:46] standpoint I do not see other than the one comment

[1:34:52] I recently received and shared with uh Mr. Medall

[1:34:57] uh relative to groundwater impacts out on the on the ranch. Um I I really don't

[1:35:06] see and from what he's telling me there's some economic quirks that I

[1:35:11] might talk a little bit with Benton REA and the mayor uh relative to electrical

[1:35:18] issues uh on-site offsite that type of stuff.

[1:35:22] But um there's not that much of an impact. It's a big freaking building.

[1:35:29] That's about it. So um if the water issue gets you know groundwater

[1:35:36] discharge if that's coming up should be

[1:35:42] uh I mean groundwater withdrawal would be the bigger issue uh for any data

[1:35:48] center that would go out there. So that's about it. Thank you.

[1:35:54] » All right. Thank you Mayor Prom Bloom. Just a couple short things uh for me. I

[1:35:58] want to thank once again Josh uh Loausano for the tour in addition to

[1:36:03] Council Member Smart, Council Member Richie was there. Several staff members

[1:36:07] were there, but appreciate the time that you uh the CEO and other members of

[1:36:12] staff put in. It was very informative. Um, of course, uh the uh Children's

[1:36:17] Museum, enough has well, no, not enough has been said about that yet. Um, I'm

[1:36:23] I'm so uh proud to know that West Richland beat out several other

[1:36:29] jurisdictions and uh and I appreciate the board's wise decision uh in choosing

[1:36:35] our site. But I also appreciate council's support on this endeavor, the

[1:36:39] chamber's support on this endeavor. Truly was a team effort and I know our

[1:36:44] city's committed to making this work and work for generations. So, thank you very

[1:36:49] much. Um, we have uh open u open house or what

[1:36:55] what we're calling grounds for conversation uh with myself with uh

[1:37:00] director or excuse me with director Slade and with council member SMT at

[1:37:06] Yolks on Saturday September 12th. All three of us will be there in the morning

[1:37:11] from 9:30 to about 11. Uh it's just an open conversation. any citizens that

[1:37:17] want to come by uh and uh talk with us, uh you're welcome to do so. And uh I

[1:37:24] invite you all to come out there. We'll be in the uh the cafeteria dining area

[1:37:28] of Yolks, which is to the right as you enter the Yolks on Bombing Range Road,

[1:37:33] not the Yolks in Richland, the Oaks here in West Richland. And lastly, I will

[1:37:38] just remind council we have a special meeting planned for next Tuesday at

[1:37:43] 5:30. So uh please be sure to attend. It is important. It will be primarily an

[1:37:49] executive session. So that is all I have. I appreciate everyone spending

[1:37:54] time with us this evening. It is 7:38 and I will adjoin adjourn the meeting.

[1:38:00] Thank you.

August 18, 2026 City Council Meeting

Transcript