City Council Work Session

City of Prosser CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA Council Chambers, 1002 Dudley Avenue, Prosser WA 99350 Tuesday, September 2, 2025 @ 7:00 PM Per Ordinance No. 22-3175, City Council meetings will be held in-person at location listed above and virtually. To join the meeting, please click the following link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/521570213 Dial in using your phone: +1 (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 521-570-213 Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS 6. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS AND COMMENTS a. Prosser Boys & Girls Club Quarterly Report (Chris Cisneros, Executive 2-4 Director - Written Report Only) BGC Quarterly Report 7. COUNCIL DISCUSSION a. Review and discuss the Draft Climate Element (Rachel Shaw, Deputy City 5 - 24 Administrator) Climate Element Presentation Recommended Motion: No action at this time. Presentation and discussion only. b. Review and discuss the Community Priorities and Mission Survey 25 - 34 Paper Copy 8. ADD ON ITEMS 9. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 34  B&G Club 4th & 1st Quarter Report September 2, 2025 The fouth and first quarter of the year has been a very busy time with lots of moving parts. With many of great activities and projects for our members to take part in. April was a great month for us with perfect weather and sunshine. We were able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with our annual Easter egg hunt. Staff stuffed eggs with goodies and hid them out in the yard for all the kids to enjoy. We even had a special guest in the Easter bunny who came and gave eggs and prizes for the members. Our garden program has always been a great hit. We have had a lot of members who were interested in it and have continued to help out. They are excited about watching all of their work pay off in veggies that they are able to provide for the families of the Club. We also had a great time on our spring break week. We had lots of fun messy STEAM activities and fun games in the Games room for all of the members to enjoy. This month there are lots of members that we have been seeing here a the Club. There is one member who stands out. This member is a Kindergarten member who at times seems overwhelmed with all the chaos at the Club. While the members are all in the grade group the kinders are paired up with the 1st graders due to size. One member who has benefitted from this is a little girl Kaylee. She is a very quiet and shy member who doesn’t really talk to many. Over the last few months we have tried to get her to communicate with staff and other members. Back in January she became close with a staff however that staff has moved on and we were back at square one. Over the time other members tried to make friends with her and get her to join in with group games. These members are with her eveyday and sit to have snack and dinner together in hopes of her opening up. One staff has continued to try over and over. This last month she has opened up with the members and the staff. She now talks with us all and tells us all about her day. While she may still be quiet she has become friends with more members and staff. Page 2 of 34 What a month of May we had here in Prosser!!! With school coming to a close, we wrapped up our terrific SEL program with Jenny. For the past few weeks Jenny has blessed us with spending time with our 3rd grade group, and how they can better deal with their emotions and peers in different settings. Another program that wrapped up in May was our Fitness Club. For months members met on Wednesday to do a quick exercise including; cardio, agility, strength building and competition style races! We look forward to continuing both these program next school year in September. As School programs wind down, gardening club is well underway, Thanks to our Friends at the WSU SNAP-ED department. Those members involved with this program each got to take home tomato plants they’ve helped grow and transplant! Way to go kiddos. On the 23rd staff stayed late and held an elementary kids night, full of basketball games, competitions, food and laughs. About 50 K-5th graders attended this Kids night which was our first ever Kids night at the new building! We can’t wait to share what crazy fun activities we have in store as we gear up for summer! May is a busy month for us when it comes to family nights! We hit the ground running (literally) with our annual community color run! What an event this has turned out to be! Joining forces with the library last year has truly made this a wonderful family event for all ages! We estimated over 550 people were in attendance for this year’s event! We didn’t just stop there. The next week we welcomed all club moms, grandmothers and any mother figure to our Mother’s Day Picnic. We saw over 70 sets of moms and grandmothers! Our time was spent having fun making some crafts and enjoy several yummy treats. We are thrilled to continue to offer these event! It’s a wonderful way to spend time with club kids and their families outside of set program time. Page 3 of 34 June was an exciting month for us. With the end of school happening we were all geared up for a busy summer. Before summer came we were able to enjoy the members before they left on break. In our Learning Center the members were learning about mental health and being a good person. Before the last day the member went out to the schools and made chalk art with words of encouragement for the school staff and their fellow classmates. With the new building we were in need of some water for our end of the year water games. With the help of our past club members who are now on the local fire department they were able to bring in their water truck and provide a day of water for all of our members and staff. With the start of our summer month we have seen an increase of new club members. This year we were able to provide a family night out on our basketball court for our families. It was so great to see all of our old families and many new families come out and enjoy a burger or hotdog made by our amazing board members and staff. It was good to see the interactions of the staff getting to know many of the new families and make a connection with them. Our members enjoyed the game of staff vs teens as our staff came out on top with the win. We are excited to be able to provide this event with our new building for our families and make this a place that they want to be at! Page 4 of 34  CITY OF PROSSER, WASHINGTON AGENDA BILL Agenda Title: Meeting Date: Review and discuss the Draft Climate September 2, 2025 Element. City Council Work Session Item Type: Presentation Department: Director: Contact Person: Phone Number: Planning Rachel Shaw Rachel Shaw 509-786-8218 Cost of Proposal: Fund Name and Number: N/A N/A Amount Budgeted: N/A Reviewed by Finance Department: N/A Attachments to Agenda Packet Item: 1. Instructional Video with Project Overview 2. Full copy of the Draft Climate Element 3. PDF version of the slides used in the video 4. Climate Element Worksheet Summary Statement: The City's contract planning teams at Measure Ment and Nexus Planning Services, have been hard at work on the City's draft Climate Element document. This information was provided to the Planning Commission at their August 21, 2025, Regular Meeting and is now being presented to City Council to provide an opportunity to give feedback to our climate planning team. Staff is seeking feedback on the goals and policies outlined in the Draft Climate Element document. Feedback will be considered for inclusion into the final draft Climate Element, scheduled for adoption in June of 2026. Instructions for the Council PRIOR to the meeting: 1. Watch the instructional video 2. Read over the draft Climate Element 3. Use the worksheet to provide suggested edits for each goal, policy and strategy Page 5 of 34  4. Come to the meeting prepared to provide feedback on the draft plan Consistent with Council Goal: Goal #1: Livability & Quality of Life, Goal #4: Infrastructure & Transportation Recommended Action/Suggested Motion: Recommended Motion: No action at this time. Presentation and discussion only. Reviewed by Department Reviewed by City Attorney: Approved by City Director: Administrator: Rachel Shaw N/A Rachel Shaw Date: Aug 28, 2025 Date: Date: Aug 28, 2025 Page 6 of 34  Name: Email: Phone (optional): Support If you reject this policy Goal Policy Strategy Rating tell us why Suggested policy edits Notes Greenhouse Gas Reduction Sub-Element GHG – 1: Foster higher-intensity land uses in mixed-use urban neighborhoods and transit corridors GHG 1.1. Limit parking spaces near transit-oriented development to encourage use of transit and decrease single-occupancy vehicle travel GHG 1.2 Prioritize infill development through zoning and permitting process GHG 1.3. Establish form-based codes where appropriate to better integrate higher-density development GHG 1.4. Prioritize the development of anti-displacement programs in overburdened communities when increasing densities GHG – 2: Support buildings transitioning towards renewable energy and efficiency practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while prioritizing the adaptive reuse of buildings GHG 2.1. Encourage renewable energy sources for the supply of electricity and heat to new and existing buildings GHG 2.2. Retrofit buildings for energy efficiency, with prioritized programs and outreach for overburdened communities GHG 2.3. Preserve and reuse existing buildings Page 7 of 34  GHG 2.4. Prioritize the preservation and weatherization of housing in overburdened communities through education and assistance programs, particularly in higher density areas GHG 2.5. Support restoration and preservation measures for existing buildings in the downtown core GHG – 3: Reduce vehicle miles traveled to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals GHG 3.1. Implement travel demand management (TDM) strategies, such as Commute Trip Reduction (work from home, priority parking for share ride, four day week shifts, etc), senior shuttles, vanpools, and other programs relevant to Prosser GHG 3.2. Increase multimodal capacity in coordination with the location of large employers (existing and new), higher-density housing, and commercial centers GHG 3.3. Create a safe, well- connected, and attractive bicycle and pedestrian transportation network to encourage active transportation 3.3.1 Review planning map for residential development, including areas north of I-82 and south of SR-22. GHG 3.4. Prioritize and develop mobility hubs in transportation- efficient locations — especially in overburdened communities experiencing a scarcity of transportation alternatives GHG 3.5. Integrate "Complete Streets" principles into the roadway designs of commercial and residential developments Page 8 of 34  GHG 3.6. Promote functionally interconnected routes across the jurisdiction that protect bicycle and pedestrian movement, including mid- block crossings where practical GHG 3.7. Support GHG reduction goals by addressing active transportation concurrency in collaboration with Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) GHG 3.7.1. Prioritize improved bus stops, especially to provide shade GHG 3.7.2. Encourage multi- modal park and rides GHG – 4: Expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure WA state building code already requires all new buildings to be EV ready if onsite parking is provided. We may want to add language around remodels: For example, Bainbridge Island requires EV infrastructure for “new or expanded buildings, and new paved surface parking lots and parking garages,” with specific percentages even for “existing GHG 4.1. Ensure all new and retrofitted buildings proposed buildings are EV charger ready for expansion. Page 9 of 34  GHG 4.2. Create development regulations for siting and installing EV charging stations, including in the public right-of-way GHG 4.3. Develop process for streamlining EV charging station permitting process 4.4. Prioritize siting of EV charging infrastructure on public property (library, parks, etc) to increase charging access for all income levels GHG 4.5. Encourage large employers and organizations with fleet vehicles to install on-site EV chargers GHG – 5: Prioritize efficient land use with considerations for parking standards and reducing other car-centric land use patterns GHG 5.1. Eliminate parking minimum requirements and establish parking maximums Strategy GHG 5.1.1. Conduct a parking study to determine the parking demand for the downtown area and surrounding commercial corridors. GHG 5.2. Implement shared street infrastructure in areas that would benefit from more pedestrian and bicycle amenities to encourage multi- model transportation and thriving economic corridors GHG 5.3. Reduce parking requirements where there are multimodal options available GHG 5.4. Discourage future development of surface parking lots while promoting the conversion of existing parking lots to other uses Page 10 of 34  GHG – 6: Preserve land for long- term local and regional agricultural use, recreation, open spaces, and other uses consistent with rural character GHG 6.1. Maximize conservation and carbon sequestration through protection of farmland and open space GHG 6.2. Facilitate and enable regenerative agriculture and regenerative aquaculture GHG 6.3. Designate a percentage of agricultural land that shall be maintained and managed for sequestering carbon and curtailing vehicle miles traveled GHG 6.4. Support adoption of drought- resistant varietals in collaboration with agencies in the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC), including the US Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service (USDA/ARS), the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and the research and extension faculty of Washington State University (WSU). GHG 6.5. Preserve land outside of the unincorporated UGA for long-term agricultural use, recreation, open spaces, forestry, mineral resources, and other uses consistent with rural character GHG – 7: Encourage climate resilience and GHG reduction strategies in unincorporated UGA areas identified for future annexation GHG 7.1. Collaborate with Benton County to create a joint planning commission (i.e. Planned Growth Commission) to ensure development standards are consistent throughout the UGA Page 11 of 34  GHG 7.2. Preserve land outside of the unincorporated UGA for long-term agricultural use, recreation, open spaces, forestry, mineral resources, and other uses consistent with rural character, GHG reduction goals, and climate resilience GHG – 8: Reduce emissions in local government operations 8.1. Evaluate wastewater treatment facilities for lower emitting technology and practices and prioritize investment in upgrades 8.2. Conduct an evaluation of the City’s fleet vehicles and create a plan to transition City vehicles to low and zero emission vehicles. 8.3. Develop a process for collecting City emissions data and conduct GHG emissions inventories every 3 to 5 years to support the 5-year Climate Element progress reports. 8.4. Add GHG reduction and climate resilience considerations when prioritizing funding for capital improvements. 8.5. Require that City plans include climate considerations for both GHG reduction potential and climate risk mitigation. 8.6. Develop a 3 to 7-year Climate Action Plan to ensure progress is made toward climate goals and policies outlined in the Climate Element. Climate Resilience Sub-Element Page 12 of 34  CR – 1: Ensure the protection and restoration of streams, riparian zones, estuaries, wetlands, and floodplains to achieve healthy watersheds that are resilient to climate change. CR 1.1. Participate in regional efforts to protect and restore riparian vegetation to reduce erosion, provide shade, and support other functions that improve the climate resilience of the Yakima River. CR 1.2. Implement actions identified in restoration and salmon recovery plans to improve the climate resilience of streams and watersheds CR 1.3. Protect and restore watershed- scale processes to maximize the ecological benefits and climate resilience of riparian ecosystems CR 1.4. Protect and restore riparian vegetation to reduce erosion, provide shade, and support other functions that improve the climate resilience of the Yakima River CR 1.5: Promote collaboration between the City, community, and environmental institutions to reduce negative impacts of water stargrass on the Yakima River, including by participating in the Water Stargrass coalition chaired by Benton Conservation District to identify solutions to reducing overabundant aquatic vegetation growth. Page 13 of 34  CR – 2: Enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to mitigate risks and impacts associated with extreme weather and other hazards worsened by climate change CR 2.1. Support the development of community wildfire protection plans to reduce wildfire risk to residential development in high-risk areas and wildland urban interface areas, separating human development from wildfire prone landscapes, and protecting existing residential development and infrastructure through community wildfire preparedness and fire adaptation measures CR 2.2. Analyze how the municipal water system maintains adequate pressure during a major wildfire event (e.g., multiple structures burning) and how it will look under current and projected drought conditions CR 2.3. Incorporate post-wildfire debris flow and flooding hazard information into critical area delineation in fire-prone communities CR 2.4. Develop resilience hubs — community-serving facilities that are designed to support residents, coordinate communication, distribute resources, and reduce carbon pollution while enhancing quality of life Page 14 of 34  CR 2.5. Factor climate impacts into the planning, operations, and coordination of emergency response, and recovery activities among first- responders and partners, including public health, law enforcement, fire, school, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. This includes ensuring all personnel understand specific climate hazards and impacts projected for the City of Prosser and Benton County CR 2.5.1 Establish cooling centers CR 2.6. Integrate a climate impacts risk assessment and policies into the local hazard mitigation plan CR 2.7. Include information in Spanish, and other languages as appropriate, for emergency alert notifications and emergency instructions. Notifications should be dispersed through multiple platforms and services, including social media and text messaging, and in coordination with community-based organizations to optimize people reached by emergency alerts CR 2.8. Collaborate with regional partners to develop and implement education and awareness campaigns on climate-related emergency preparedness CR – 3: Establish land use patterns that increase the resilience of the built environment, ecosystems, and communities to climate change CR 3.1. Establish overlays, special zoning districts, design standards, or other strategies to increase resilience to climate hazards Page 15 of 34  CR 3.2. Maintain and update a critical areas ordinance that incorporates climate change considerations CR 3.3. Restore and maintain critical areas and open space areas to maximize the climate resilience benefits they provide including flood control, aquifer recharge, and wildlife habitat while improving water and air quality CR 3.4 . Implement complimentary, mixed land uses versus traditional zoning, such as locating business districts, parks and schools in neighborhoods to promote cycling and walking and reduce driving CR 3.5. Prohibit the expansion of polluting industries in overburdened communities via local zoning and development regulations CR – 4: Protect and preserve water quality and quantity from drought, extreme heat, and other hazards exacerbated by climate change CR 4.1. Coordinate with local, regional, and state partners to enhance reservoir and groundwater management and prepare for future needs and external pressures Page 16 of 34  CR 4.2. Coordinate with local, regional and state partners to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to increase water storage for agricultural purposes that will ensure storage has neutral or positive environmental benefits and does not negatively impact fish and other core environmental requirements CR 4.3. Utilize water conservation methods and technologies in development of irrigation infrastructure within parks and recreation areas to foster climate resilience CR 4.4. Manage water resources sustainably in the face of climate change through smart irrigation, upgraded irrigation delivery infrastructure, stormwater and groundwater management, preventative maintenance, water conservation, wastewater reuse, climate-adapted plant selection, and sustainable landscape practices. CR 4.4.1. Meter irrigation CR 4.4.2. Ensure public education and awareness regarding climate impacts to water and how to address them through conservation efforts CR 4.5. Evaluate the long-term adequacy of water delivery infrastructure to ensure that changes in hydrological patterns (e.g., lower water tables or reduction of late-summer water availability associated with climate change) can be anticipated and managed effectively Page 17 of 34  CR 4.6. Develop and implement a comprehensive water conservation and drought resilience strategy that factors in projected climate impacts and sets action levels for different drought stages CR 4.7. Support projects that foster collaboration for providing water for people, fish, and farms, such as water banks, irrigation modernization and meters, and other mechanisms to ensure sufficient water supply for agriculture and ecosystems CR 4.8. Identify areas where converting the landscaping to native and drought tolerant vegetation is most effective to support resilience measures including water conservation CR 4.8.1. Promote the Heritage Gardens program developed by Benton Conservation District as a resource for the community members. https://www.hgc. CR 4.9. Prioritize protecting stream flows in the Yakima River in policy- making CR – 5: Ensure that development and redevelopment projects are resilient to the impacts of climate change CR 5.1. Establish development regulations that incorporate best practices for reducing the risk of wildfire, drought, extreme heat, flooding, and other climate- exacerbated hazards CR5.1.1. Irrigation & landscaping standards for new development CR 5.1.2. Adopt Firewise Program Page 18 of 34  CR 5.2. Review required buffers and setbacks for steep slopes and shorelines vulnerable to erosion exacerbated by climate change, and establish new minimums, if necessary, so that improvements are not required to protect structures during their expected life CR 5.3. Consider future climate conditions during siting and design of capital facilities, including changes to temperature and precipitation, to help ensure they function as intended over their planned life cycle CR 5.6. Identify and implement strategies for reducing residential development pressure in the wildland urban interface CR – 6: Ensure environmental justice by providing all residents an equitable opportunity to learn about climate impacts, influence policy decisions, and take actions to enhance community resilience CR 6.1. Create and implement culturally contextualized outreach and education initiatives and materials that will inform the community about near-term and longer-term climate change threats and build resilience CR 6.2. Build and support partnerships with community-based organizations with the capacity and relationships to convene diverse coalitions of residents and to educate and empower them to implement climate resilience actions Page 19 of 34  CR 6.3. Cultivate relationships with community-based organizations that can help facilitate climate and resilience learning specifically for individuals and communities most at- risk from climate change. Encourage engagement that links local issues with regional and statewide issues CR 6.4. Engage overburdened communities in participatory budgeting efforts to support equitable distribution of funding that helps reduce local emissions and build resilience CR 6.5. Provide educational workshops, activities, and engagement opportunities on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, prioritizing equity and underrepresented communities CR – 7: Protect and restore shrub- steppe and other arid ecosystems to increase resilience to fire, drought, and invasive species CR 7.1. Identify and protect areas of shrub-steppe with high wildlife connectivity value to increase climate resilience CR 7.2 Encourage and support public and private landowners to restore shrub-steppe habitat, especially where habitat has been disturbed by large wildfires CR 7.3. Collaborate with and support Benton Conservation District's efforts for ecosystem support and species conservation Page 20 of 34  CR – 8: Ensure agricultural adaptation resources are coordinated, funded, and staffed to support farmers in making informed business decisions in a changing climate CR 8.1. Increase capacity for conservation technical assistance, especially related to climate-smart soil health or organic practices CR 8.1.1. Support efforts to ensure upstream water dischargers like large farms and industry are not sending polluted water downstream into the city limits CR 8.2. Support the efforts of the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, especially as it relates to climate-adapted agriculture CR 8.3. Support quarantine pest eradication efforts conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) CR 8.2. Support quarantine pest eradication efforts conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) CR – 9: Ensure that the local economy — including food and materials producers, distributors, and sellers — is resilient to the impacts of extreme weather and other natural hazards worsened by climate change Page 21 of 34  CR 9.1. Expand local food security and the food-related economy to address climate impacts and increase access to healthy, affordable, and climate- friendly foods CR 9.2. Support the local agricultural sector's efforts to adapt to changing climate conditions and capitalize on sustainable business opportunities CR 9.3. Support conservation programs and resources that provide direct financial assistance to farmers to implement best management practices that address impacts of climate change CR 9.4. Evaluate the long-term feasibility of establishing City- supported farmers markets year-round CR 9.5. Support local capacity for community farms, composting, and backyard farming CR – 10: Protect community health and well-being from the impacts of climateexacerbated hazards — prioritizing focus on overburdened communities — and ensure that the most vulnerable residents do not bear disproportionate health impacts CR 10.1. Link climate adaptation strategies with social equity and public health strategies Page 22 of 34  CR 10.2. Prioritize at-risk community members for actions that mitigate wildfire smoke, including providing personal protective equipment and filter fans or incentivizing infrastructure updates (e.g., HVAC updates and MERV 13 filters for air intake) for facilities that serve high-risk populations CR 10.3. Develop and maintain a program to distribute cooling units and install heat pumps, prioritizing households with residents most vulnerable to extreme temperature events (e.g., low-income families and seniors) CR 10.4. Develop and implement a wildfire smoke resilience strategy in partnership with residents, Benton Franklin Health District, emergency management officials, regional clean air agency officials, and other regional partners CR 10.5. Develop and implement an urban heat resilience strategy that includes land use, urban design, urban greening, and waste heat reduction actions CR 10.6. Ensure that all community members have equitable access to green space within a half mile from their home CR 10.7. Review land use maps and identify opportunities or barriers to responding to rapid population growth or decline, rebuilding housing and services after disasters, and other extreme climate impact scenarios Page 23 of 34  CR 10.8. Protect the health and well- being of outdoor workers exposed to extreme heat and other climate-exacerbated hazards CR 10.9. Partner with regional organizations like Benton Franklin Health District to create community awareness of climate- related health threats CR – 11: Increase shade in public spaces to reduce heat islands, improve air quality, and boost carbon sequestration, prioritizing overburdened communities CR 11.1. Require open space set-asides (such as parks) for new development CR 11.2. Maximize tree canopy coverage throughout the city, particularly in parks, downtown, and near bus stops CR 11.3. Utilize the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces plan to prioritize implementing shading strategies CR 11.4. Promote and design built- canopy structures in areas where tree coverage is less feasible CR – 12: Increase local capacity for climate planning CR 12.1. Develop and maintain local government staff members’ technical expertise and skills related to climate change and environmental justice to improve communitywide policy implementation, equity, and resilience. CR 12.2. Create and impanel a permanent Climate Advisory Board Page 24 of 34 Page 25 of 34 Page 26 of 34 Page 27 of 34 Page 28 of 34 Page 29 of 34 Page 30 of 34 Page 31 of 34 Page 32 of 34 Page 33 of 34 Page 34 of 34