Agenda


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WALLA WALLA CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Agenda February 25, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. Live stream of the meeting may be viewed on the City's website at https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/city-council. Members of the public also may attend and participate in this regular meeting by using this Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81396862609 or by calling 253-215-8782 and entering meeting ID 813 9686 2609#. Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication are encouraged to make their needs and preferences known by contacting the Human Resources Department at 509-527-4475. Mission: Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Walla Walla.


1.			CALL TO ORDER

2.			PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3.			PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

4.			PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3 Min. Time Limit) Persons making irrelevant, personal, impertinent, overly redundant, vulgar, or slanderous remarks that disrupt, disturb or otherwise render orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible may be barred by the presiding officer from making further comments before the Council during the meeting. The public may comment at this time on matters of City business. To provide comments virtually, please use the Zoom meeting link, raise your virtual hand, wait to be recognized, and then unmute. If you are calling in, dial 9 to raise your virtual hand, wait to be recognized, and dial 6 to unmute the connection. Public comments may also be provided by emailing the City Clerk at CityClerk@wallawallawa.gov If you would like to request staff follow-up regarding your public comments, please email your contact information (email and phone number) to CouncilFollowup@wallawallawa.gov and please summarize the topic of your comment so it can be directed to the correct department.

5.			CONSENT AGENDA

	A.	Pgs. 3-6	Resolution 2026-012: Authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract with ATS Inland Northwest for maintenance and support of the City's HVAC energy management system in the amount of $94,892	Approved

	B.	Pgs. 7-17	Resolution 2026-013: Approval of 2026 Walla Walla County EMS Levy Contract	Approved

	C.	Pgs. 18-22	Resolution 2026-014: Acceptance of Greater Health Now $228,000 grant to support the CARES program	Approved

	D.	Pgs. 23-27	Approves the minutes of the February 11, 2026 Regular Meeting.	Approved

6.			ACTIVE AGENDA

	A.	Pgs. 28-47	Resolution 2026-015: Approves the recommendation from the City of Walla Walla Hearing Examiner for the Harvey Ranch Village Subdivision Preliminary Plat. (CLOSED RECORD - QUASI JUDICIAL)	Approved

	B.	Pgs. 48-55	Resolution 2026-016: Authorizes a professional services contract with Turner & Townsend Heery for owner's representative services for the library renovation project.	Approved

	C.	Pgs. 56-154	Continued Discussion of Process and Potential Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Walla Walla Council Position #6 Possible Resolution 2026-017 Appointing ____________ to fill the vacancy in Walla Walla City Council Position #6.	Approved

7.			COUNCIL MEMBER MEETING REPORTS

8.			UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS

9.			EXECUTIVE SESSION - IF COUNCIL DETERMINES IT TO BE NECESSARY	Removed from agenda

	A.		Executive Session Subject: QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT TO ELECTIVE OFFICERCW 42.30.110(1)(h) To evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office. However, any interview of such candidate and final action appointing a candidate to elective office shall be in a meeting open to the public.	Removed from agenda

10.			MEETING ENDS

Values: Service, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity, Leadership, and Community

The City of Walla Walla complies with Title VI, ADA, and other applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex.


ar-5907		Pgs. 3-6
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	02/25/2026
Item Title:	Authorize contract with ATS for HVAC control system
Submitted For:	Andy Coleman, Parks and Recreation, Parks Administration
Financial Comments: The total 5-year contract amount is $94,892.
All Contracts: Yes
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with ATS for support and maintenance of the City's HVAC control system.

Information
HISTORY:
The City of Walla Walla currently uses Alerton systems to provide environmental control and central monitoring of its mechanical and HVAC systems. City maintenance staff will use this maintenance plan to augment their knowledge and keep the City's HVAC systems optimized. The top priorities are to lower costs on energy consumption and prevent lapses in functionality. The goals of this agreement include: Develop a regular maintenance relationship to promote automated operation of the building systems, minimize facility downtime and conserve energy Support City staff with pre-season inspections/maintenance with regularly scheduled service visits Keep system software current Maximize the capabilities of the Energy Management System This contract is a 5-year agreement. The procurement method is sole source, since ATS Inland Northwest is the only authorized company to provide maintenance to the Alterton Energy Management System.
POLICY ISSUES:
Contracts over $50,000 require City Council approval.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: CFU Policy 4.3 Support energy efficiency by encouraging the use of energy efficient building designs and land use.
ALTERNATIVES:
Choose not to have support and maintenance for the City's HVAC controls and energy management systems.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with ATS for support and maintenance of the City's HVAC control system.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-012


ar-5869		Pgs. 7-17
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	02/25/2026
Item Title:	Approval of 2026 Walla Walla County EMS Levy Contract
Submitted For:	Fred Hector, Fire/Ambulance Department
Financial Comments: The City budgeted $1,875,000 in revenue from the EMS Levy. Once the City receives the 2026 levy amount, the Finance Director will propose a revenue budget adjustment that will be approved by the City Council later in 2026.
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Approval to accept the Walla Walla County EMS Levy distribution of funds for contracted Emergency Medical Services within Walla Walla Valley.

Information
HISTORY:
The City of Walla Walla has provided Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county through inter-local agreements with Walla Walla County for the past 30 plus years. The first agreement was instituted with the passing of the initial Walla Walla County EMS Levy and provides for distribution of EMS levy monies collected by the county. The agreement also provides the legal description of the response area served by the City of Walla Walla. The defined response area meets the Washington State approved South Central EMS and Trauma Care Plan for the Walla Walla area of the South Central Region.
POLICY ISSUES:
Contract is an interagency agreement pursuant to RCW 39.34 requiring City Council authorization.
ALTERNATIVES:
Not approving this resolution would require us to find other funding options to maintain the service that we provide, as this provides for approximately 1/4 of the EMS operating budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council approve the 2026 EMS Levy Contract for Emergency Medical Services.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-013
EMS Levy Contract


ar-5891		Pgs. 18-22
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	02/25/2026
Item Title:	Acceptance of Greater Health Now Grant Funding
Submitted For:	Fred Hector, Fire/Ambulance Department
Financial Comments: Up to $228,000 in grant revenue to support the CARES team from Greater Health Now.
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Requesting approval to accept the grant funding from Greater Health Now, which would provide up to $228,000 in funding to support the CARES program.

Information
HISTORY:
The Greater Health Now Grant is a merit-based funding opportunity, and this marks the fifth consecutive year our agency has been awarded this support. The grant sustains our CARES Program by providing financial assistance to support wages and benefits within our CARES Program. The overall mission of the CARES program is designed to reduce the burden on the broader healthcare system borne by 911- and emergency room–dependent individuals. Through proactive outreach, case management, and coordinated care, the program addresses underlying behavioral health, chronic medical, and social service needs that contribute to high system utilization. Beyond financial support, the grant provides structured opportunities for statewide collaboration with organizations pursuing similar objectives. These partnerships foster best-practice sharing, data-driven evaluation, and coordinated system improvements across jurisdictions. Over the past five years, our team has developed significant expertise in grant administration, program implementation, and outcome reporting, positioning us as recognized leaders in the effective management and execution of this initiative.
POLICY ISSUES:
Acceptance of grant funding exceeding $50,000 requiring Council approval.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: SAFE COMMUNITY: Community safety through response/risk reduction. Initiative: Expand Community Paramedic Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council could decline the grant funding and choose to seek other funding sources.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to accept the grant funding with Greater Health Now.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with staff recommendation and approved for Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-014


ar-5906		Pgs. 23-27
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	02/25/2026
Submitted For:	Lisa Neissl, Support Services, City Clerk
Add'l Contributors:

Information
ITEM TITLE:
Approves the minutes of the February 11, 2026 Regular Meeting.

Attachments
02-11-2026 Minutes


ar-5759		Pgs. 28-47
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	02/25/2026
Item Title:	Preliminary plat for Harvey Ranch Village Subdivision
Submitted For:	Jon Maland, Development Services Department
Project No: PPL-24-0004
Financial Comments: Review fees for civil engineering plans to be submitted by the applicant and future building permit fees for housing unit construction. The developer shall be responsible for public facility improvements.
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: The City Council shall review the recommendation of the City of Walla Walla Hearing Examiner and render a decision on the Preliminary Plat request.

Information
HISTORY:
December 16, 2024: Harvey Ranch Inc., submitted a Preliminary Plat application to subdivide the subject property of approximately 10.99 acres into a 53-lot preliminary plat. The subject property is located on Mimi Street, at the intersection of Highway 12 and Lower Waitsburg Road. June 11, 2025, Richland 132 LLC, assumed the role of the applicant and the application was determined to be complete. June 16, 2025: The Notice of Application notification process was completed, as required by Walla Walla Municipal Code 20.14.065. The Notice of Application and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Checklist was circulated to the City Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC), SEPA contacts and State and Local agencies. Comment letters were received from the following: Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, dated July 2, 2025. Washington State Department of Ecology, dated July 3, 2025 Washington State Department of Transportation, dated July 7, 2025 Kara Breymeyer, Dated July 7, 2025. July 17, 2025: The City of Walla Walla Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) completed the review of the preliminary plat. August 28, 2025: The City of Walla Walla SEPA Responsible Official issued a final SEPA threshold determination of a Mitigated Determination of Non Significance (MDNS) on the proposal. October to December 2025. The revisions to the subdivision design arequired amendments to the stormwater design and the submission of a tree planting/landscaping plan. The plans were submitted and reviewed by city staff. December 30, 2025: The notice of a public hearing process was completed, as required by Walla Walla Municipal Code 20.14.085. January 15, 2026: The Hearing Examiner conducted the public hearing. Testimony was received from Erica Nelson of Hayden Homes and Kara Breymeyer, a resident on Michele Aveune. Kara Breymeyer had concerns about traffic impact, the intersection of Highway 12 and speeding cars on Michele Avenue. The City Engineering department provided comments and answers about the traffic impact and an update on the pending/future Highway 12 intersection. January 21, 2026: The City of Walla Walla Hearing Examiner provided a recommendation to the City Council for the approval of the preliminary plat. To view the full Hearing Examiner report and other relevant documents visit the below link: City of Walla Walla's document archive page HERE.
POLICY ISSUES:
Policy issues related to the Residential Subdivision and Preliminary Plat procedures are discussed in the staff report to the Hearing Examiner and is an attachment to this report.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: Strategic Objective 1, Addressing Housing Crisis in the Community. Approval of this residential development will provide additional housing and implement the Regional Housing Action Plan Policy Recommendations. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Land Use Policy 1.1 Accommodate new residential and commercial development in areas with available infrastructure and services. Land Use Policy 1.3 Encourage infill development that provides additional housing within the city. Land Use Policy 1.4 Review new development proposals to ensure they support the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan such as land use, transportation, community character, historic preservation, and sustainability. Land Use Policy 3.7 Support a variety of housing types such as tiny homes, duplexes, multi-family development, cottage housing, and single family residential Land Use Policy 4.4 Ensure that new subdivisions and housing development retains natural qualities including topography, natural features, and native vegetation, to minimize impacts to the surrounding ecosystem. Retaining or restoring riparian woody vegetation should be a priority. Land Use Policy 5.2 Ensure that new subdivisions and housing are designed to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle access within the development and to nearby community facilities and amenities such as schools, parks, shopping areas, transit corridors, and employment centers. Housing Policy 2.1 Integrate housing for lower and moderate-income households and those with special needs into a variety of geographical locations throughout the city. Environment and Natural Resources Policy 1.3 Ensure that buffers are adequately defined, regulated, and controlled to limit the disturbance of vegetation and disruption of ecological function. Transportation Policy 5.2 Create a well-connected network of streets, paths, and transit service to provide active transportation options. Capital Facilities and Utilities Policy 2.7 Ensure that facilities and infrastructure are designed and located with consideration of their impacts on community character REGIONAL HOUSING ACTION PLAN: The Regional Housing Action Plan (RHAP), adopted by the Walla Walla City Council via Ordinance 2021-23, states the need for additional housing, with the following: “The Walla Walla Region should plan to add approximately 4,685 net new housing units over the next 20 years." [... and] “Based on the residential capacity analysis and this housing needs assessment, the following conclusions are made: [...] Walla Walla UGA: the projected 20-year housing need of 3,570 dwelling units is below the potential UGA capacity of 3,740 dwelling units… It is recommended that the [City of Walla Walla ...] ensure that new housing density can be optimized within current UGA's..." (See page V of the Regional Housing Action Plan) The Regional Housing Action Plan also finds that it is anticipated of the 3,570 dwelling units needed within a projected 20 years, 1,714 dwellings will come from infill redevelopment and 1,686 dwellings will come from vacant land. (See page 20 of the Regional Housing Action Plan, Exhibit 16)
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may decide to approve, approve with modifications, deny, or remand the request back to the Hearing Examiner for further consideration.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Preliminary Plat as recommended by the City of Walla Walla Hearing Examiner.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff and Hearing Examiner recommendation and approved for City Council Action.

Attachments
Res 2026-015
PPL-24-0004 Hearing Examiner recommendation


ar-5864		Pgs. 48-55
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	02/25/2026
Item Title:	Authorizes a professional services contract with Turner & Townsend Heery for owner's representative services for the library renovation project.
Submitted For:	Heather VanTassell, Library
Project No: 785
Financial Comments: The professional services contract is not to exceed $220,251. This will be funded by the library capital improvement fund.
All Contracts: Yes
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing a professional services contract with Turner & Townsend Heery for observation and monitoring of the construction activities throughout the library renovation.

Information
HISTORY:
BACKGROUND: The library was built in 1970 with a 5000 SF addition constructed in 2006. The building will be undergoing a complete renovation with an approximately 700SF expansion beginning in April 2026. Recognizing that this is a complex project that requires professional oversight, the City issued a request for proposals for owner's representative services in December 2025. A committee consisting of City staff actively involved with the project selected Turner & Townsend Heery as the most qualified to provide owner's representation throughout the library renovation. WHAT IS THE CONTRACT FOR? This is a professional services contract with Turner & Townsend Heery to serve as the Owner’s Representative during the bidding, construction, and closeout phases of the library renovation project. They will represent the City's best interests, coordinating between the design team and the contractor. Services to be provided include, but are not exclusive, to: Assist with the bidding process by coordinating pre-submittal meetings and site access for potential bidders. Regular site visits, inspection reports, and schedule tracking. Attend all construction meetings and review minutes to ensure proper documentation. Collection and review of certified payrolls. Review and track submittals to ensure purchasing and installation matches design. Track and advise on requests for information and any change orders. Coordination of materials testing consultants and private utility providers. Assist with the Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment process. Back check all items are done on project close-out and coordinate training on building systems. WHY DO WE NEED TO HIRE A CONSULTANT? An owner's representative is needed for their technical expertise in vertical construction. Staff lack availability and significant knowledge to oversee all aspects of this project. IS THE COST FAIR AND REASONABLE? The not-to-exceed cost has been reviewed by staff and found to be fair and reasonable. Total not-to-exceed contract value is $220,251. This includes 1,143 labor hours over approximately 12 months, mileage and direct cost reimbursements if needed, and a 3% contingency in case additional hours are needed. CONSULTANT SELECTION: The City posted an RFP for Owner's Representative for the Walla Walla Library Renovation Project on December 22, 2025. From the proposals received, Turner & Townsend Heery was ranked as the most qualified of the five (5) firms who submitted proposals in accordance with RCW 39.80. Staff negotiated a scope and fee for owner's representation services. Staff considers the scope of work and fee to be fair and reasonable.
POLICY ISSUES:
Contracts greater than $50,000 require Council authorization.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Community Character Goal 6: Walla Walla adds new and attractive features to its historic qualities as it grows. Incorporating Walla Walla's unique identity and diverse culture in the library renovation is one of the primary goals of this project. Capital Facilities and Utilities Goal 1: Walla Walla's capital facilities and utilities are well maintained and up-to-date to meet the demands of growth and economic development.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may reject this contract or direct staff to renegotiate the scope of work and associated fee.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Council adopt a resolution authorizing a contract with Turner & Townsend Heery.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommedation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-016
Request for Proposal


ar-5861		Pgs. 56-154
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	02/25/2026
Item Title:	Continued Discussion of Process and Potential Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Walla Walla Council Position #6
Submitted For:	City Council, City Council
Financial Comments: N/A
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Continued Discussion of Process and Potential Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Walla Walla Council Position #6

Information
HISTORY:
City Council determined at the January 14, 2026, regular meeting to open an application process to fill the vacant City Council Position #6. Applications were opened on Friday, January 16 with a closing date of 4:00 pm on February 6, 2026. Staff issued a press release, posted information on the city's website, and communicated the open application process via our social media platforms. Fifteen applications were received by the deadline. Since the application deadline, two applicants have withdrawn. At the February 11, 2026, regular meeting, City Council discussed the next steps in the process. At the conclusion of the discussion and motions to determine the process, the City Council approved to interview the 13 remaining candidates at the February 23 work session. At the February 25, 2026, regular council meeting, the City Council will continue to discuss the next steps in the process. The Council may determine to break into executive session to discuss the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office. Any discussion and/or decision must be made in open session.
POLICY ISSUES:
RCW 35A.13.020 RCW 35A.12.05 0RCW 42.12.010 RCW 42.12.010(2) City Council has 90 days from the resignation to fill the vacancy.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
No staff recommendation. If City Council appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy, it is recommended that the council should consider passing a motion to approve a resolution confirming the appointment. A draft resolution has been included in this agenda report for consideration should it be appropriate.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
City Council process to fill a council vacancy.

Attachments
Candidate Applications
Res 2026-017