WALLA WALLA CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2025
 
               
1. CALL TO ORDER
Present: Councilmember Brian Casey; Councilmember Rick Eskil; Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss; Councilmember Gustavo Reyna; Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson; Mayor Tom Scribner; Councilmember Monte A. Willis
City Staff in attendance: City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain; Deputy City Manager Preston Frederickson; City Attorney Tim Donaldson; Environmental Engineer Leah Rohan; Public Works Director Ki Bealey; Finance Director Liz Moeller; Planner Lisa Wasson-Seilo; Deputy Director Development Services Emily Arteche; City Clerk Lisa Neissl
  Mayor Scribner called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
 
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Council Member Eskil
 
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
 
A. Proclamation - Bike Month - May 2025   
 
  Mayor Scribner read a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Bike Month in the City of Walla Walla.
 
B. Proclamation - Older Americans Month - May 2025   
 
  Mayor Scribner read a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Older Americans Month in the City of Walla Walla.
 
 
C. Proclamation - National Public Works Week - May 18-24, 2025.   
 
  Mayor Scribner read a proclamation declaring the week of May 18 - 24, 2025 as National Public Works Week in the City of Walla Walla.
 
D. Civics Bee Recoginition   
 
  Mayor Scribner provided an overview of the recent Civics Bee and introduced Arlene Alen of the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, who put on the competition. Ms. Alen introduced two of the winners who will be moving forward in the competition at State and potentially Federal competitions. 
 
4.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 
  Andrew Hunt expressed concerns about the treatment of the chalker.
 
5. CONSENT AGENDA
 
  Staff introduced consent agenda items A through C as follows:
 
A.
Resolution 2025-041: Authorizes the retirement of three obsolete Landfill assets.
   
 
B. Resolution 2025-042: Authorizes a five-year contract with Geosyntec Consultants for landfill on-call environmental consulting and operation and maintenance services in an annual not to exceed amount of $349,020. (Moved to active agenda as item A-1)
 
C. Approves the minutes of the April 21, 2025 Work Session and the April 23, 2025 Regular Meeting.   
 
  At the request of the Council, item B was moved to the active agenda as item A-1.
 
  Moved by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, seconded by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss to approve the consent agenda items A and C as presented.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
6. ACTIVE AGENDA
 
1. Resolution 2025-042: Authorizes a five-year contract with Geosyntec Consultants for landfill on-call environmental consulting and operation and maintenance services in an annual not to exceed amount of $349,020. (Formerly consent agenda item B)   
 
  Staff gave a presentation on the specifics of the contract and the regulations that make it necessary.
There was discussion on:
  • This is a continuing service that has been utilized over the past several years.
  • The costs of this contract are built into the landfill rate structure.
  • The landfill is heavily regulated by state administrative codes that require this work to be done.
  • Staff do not have the specialized expertise or licenses to perform these activities.
  • Options for solid waste disposal other than operating a landfill.
  • Other agencies who use the landfill for their solid waste disposal pay fees to do so.
  • This contract would provide services for the next five years.
 
  Moved by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson to approve Resolution 2025-042 authorizing a five-year contract with Geosyntec Consultants for landfill on-call environmental consulting and operation and maintenance services in an annual not to exceed amount of $349,020.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
No: Mayor Tom Scribner
Carried
 
2. Ordinance No. 2025-07: Adopting code amendments relating to middle housing to Title 13: Water and Sewers, Title 19: Subdivisions, and Title 20: Zoning to implement Walla Walla Comprehensive Plan 2040.   
 
  Staff provided a brief overview of the presentation given at the Monday work session.
Public Comment: Sharon Schiller expressed concerns over public participation in the process.
There was discussion on:
  • Diversifying the housing supply.
  • Improving the supply vs. demand ratio will eventually reduce costs.
  • If the state model ordinance was implemented, it would not be tailored to our circumstances.
  • Outreach activities that have taken place over the development of the proposed codes.
  • How the public survey was advertised.
  • Incentives to encourage additional off-street parking.
 
  Moved by Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson to approve Ordinance No. 2025-07 adopting code amendments relating to middle housing to Title 13: Water and Sewers, Title 19: Subdivisions, and Title 20: Zoning to implement Walla Walla Comprehensive Plan 2040.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
B. Resolution 2025-043: Authorizes a professional services contract with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for design and construction engineering services to add generators at Wells 1 and 6, in the amount of $105,714.
   
 
  Staff provided information on the project and noted that it is almost fully grant-funded.
Council asked questions about what areas of town these wells service and if staff expect any impact on the funding source by federal grant cuts.
 
  Moved by Councilmember Monte A. Willis, seconded by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss to approve Resolution 2025-043 authorizing a professional services contract with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for design and construction engineering services to add generators at Wells 1 and 6, in the amount of $105,714.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
C. Ordinance 2025-08: Amending the 2025-26 Biennial Budget
Ordinance 2025-09: Amending the Capital Improvement Projects Budget		   
 
  Staff gave an overview of the information provided in the agenda report.
There was discussion on:
  • The details that were provided in the report.
  • The reserves will remain above the policy minimums.
  • The redistribution of the workers' compensation funds among departments.
  • This is the standard quarterly amendment, just done a bit early due to logistics in staff scheduling.
 
  Moved by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson to approve Ordinance 2025-08 amending the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
  Moved by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, seconded by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss to approve Ordinance 2025-09 amending the Capital Improvement Projects Budget.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
D. Resolution 2025-044: Accepts Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Recommendations   
 
  Staff provided information on the recommendations of the LTAC to provide additional awards.
Public Comment: Rob Moore and Jonelle McCoy expressed appreciation for the support of the Walla Walla Pride event. 
There was discussion on:
  • The funding award to Walla Walla Pride, and they are now aware of the application cycle.
  • Practices implemented to prevent future contract errors.
  • The previous award to Grenechfest has been canceled, saving $60,000 over the two-year funding cycle.
 
  Moved by Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson to approve Resolution 2025-044 accepting Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Recommendations.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
E. Approve April 2025 Accounts Payable Register   
 
  Moved by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, seconded by Councilmember Gustavo Reyna to approve the April 2025 accounts payable register except for checks 31649, 31742, & 31977 totaling $8,659.00 to Blue Mountain Action Council.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
  Moved by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, seconded by Councilmember Brian Casey to approve payment of checks 31649, 31742, & 31977 totaling $8,659.00 to Blue Mountain Action Council. (Councilmember Reyna to abstain.)
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Other: Councilmember Gustavo Reyna (ABSTAIN)
Carried
 
F. Approve the April 2025 Payroll and Benefit Transactions   
 
  Moved by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, seconded by Councilmember Brian Casey to approve the payroll ending April 30, 2025.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried - Unanimously
 
7. COUNCIL MEMBER MEETING REPORTS
 
  Councilmember Moss reported attendance at the following:
The work session, the agenda setting, the Walla Walla County Health Advisory Committee, the Arbor Day celebration at Green Park Elementary, and a meeting with Councilmember Robinson and staff regarding CDBG issues.
Councilmember Casey reported attendance at the following:
The work session, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting.
 Councilmember Reyna reported attendance at the following:
The work session, the Arbor Day celebration at Green Park Elementary, read a proclamation at the Unity and Diversity event, the library funding meeting, a Whitman Pow Wow, and the West Ward Town Hall planning meeting.
Councilmember Willis reported attendance at the following:
The work session, the Arts Commission meeting, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting, and the Columbia REA annual dinner.
Councilmember Eskil reported attendance at the following:
The work session.
Councilmember Robinson reported attendance at the following:
The work session, a meeting with Councilmember Moss and staff regarding CDBG issues, the library funding meeting, the West Ward Town Hall planning meeting, and announcing the birth of his Great Niece.
 
8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
 
A. City Central Newsletter   
 
  The City Manager provided an update on the staff plan moving forward with the newsletter.
Mayor Scribner gave a brief statement about where this item was left the last time it was on the agenda.
 
  Moved by Councilmember Monte A. Willis, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson to take the matter off the table.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
No: Councilmember Rick Eskil, Mayor Tom Scribner
Carried
 
  Public comment: Barbara Clark provided handouts and expressed her preference for a paper newsletter mailed in utility billing. Sharon Schiller asked how to get a paper copy. R.L. McFarland spoke about who gets the bill for a rental property.
 
 
  Moved by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson to continue the meeting beyond 9:30 p.m.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Mayor Tom Scribner
No: Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Carried
 
  There was discussion on: 
  • Newsletters are not eliminated, just changing the format.
  • Entering the digital age.
  • No way to measure how many people read the mailed paper copies or tossing them in the recycle or garbage.
  • The upcoming postal rate increases.
  • If data is available to evaluate who reads a specific format, and how accurate the available data is.
  • Availability to receive a paper copy if so desired.
  • Feeling that people like receiving a paper copy in their bill.
  • Benefits of an electronic copy with expanded information and additional visuals.
  • Costs of mailing paper copies.
 
  Moved by Mayor Tom Scribner, seconded by Councilmember Brian Casey to continue providing the paper newsletter in the bills through the end of the year and review early next year.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Mayor Tom Scribner
No: Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
Failed
 
  Moved by Councilmember Monte A. Willis, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson to accept the proposal of the City Manager as presented.
 
Yes: Councilmember Brian Casey, Councilmember Rick Eskil, Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss, Councilmember Gustavo Reyna, Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson, Councilmember Monte A. Willis
No: Mayor Tom Scribner
Carried
 
B. 2025 Quarterly Report   
 
  Staff provided the quarterly report and there was some discussion regarding how this process will take place in the future.
 
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
  At 9:49 p.m. Mayor Scribner announced the City Council would be recessing to an executive session to discuss with legal counsel representing the City:
 
A. Executive Session Subject: RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) To discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency.
 
  The executive session will last no longer than 1 hour, and no further business will come before the Council in open session.
 
The meeting recessed at 9:49 p.m.
 
10. MEETING ENDS
 
  There being no further business, the meeting ended at 10:16 p.m.
 
 
Approved:

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Mayor		 Attest:
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City Clerk