[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6598980,"mediaKeyId","3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4","parentId",3020379,"title","Council approves IAFF wage opener and clears multiple ordinances and resolutions on consent","audioSeconds",452,"startMs",2863000,"endMs",3315000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4&start=2863&end=3315","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4/thumbnail_2863000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598980/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Council-approves-IAFF-wage-opener-and-clears-multiple-ordinances-and-resolutions-on-consent","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598980-e1fc306c45a26220291a9299f7595542/orig.mp4?Expires=1773220033&Signature=PPntHufBrFtMs7IRqOkk0BmmUQhmf6fxoYGI2BIeehRKQ15K32uG0nF4xRzr1KlqvUt7tkssJfFthEUyzGpzFLFtyhdoQ-LJl5igHeqHvP06SBDuH5YmSRx1ad98JlrWsEXpcmNUUrvpbjBjoDjASlTwOnvNsIGbjSSnSIJiPnWdMgbgAWfRaXX9rZW42hw90Eg7cnWu3qaMGlTnxznDe4wySn4ItS7PRS4jSyCgEV-lr6gZLjMLAHX2JMPS0E2etnwWCNiq9Tu1fgqdMYoLOM3XwF4wMMQPOE-OCzJgueb7szV7JIheh1aOo2JCgw-zB40uddcYYVii5Zti9Kxhxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richland","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","The Richland City Council approved several items on April 15, 2025, including a negotiated wage amendment for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) rank-and-file bargaining unit and a multi-item consent calendar covering ordinances, resolutions, appointments and expenditures.

Resolution 2025-59 (IAFF rank-and-file wage amendment): Council approved a wage “opener” to the 2023–2025 collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters rank-and-file unit. Human Resources representative Lacey Paulson told council the agreement followed mediation through the Public Employment Relations Commission and a member ratification vote. The city and the IAFF agreed to a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment effective at the beginning of 2025 and a 2.0 percent market adjustment effective July 1, 2025. The bargaining unit represents approximately 80 employees. The motion to approve Resolution 2025-59 passed on a voice vote: \"All those in favor, say aye,\" and the mayor announced the motion passed.

Consent calendar: Council approved the consent calendar by roll-call vote. Items listed during the meeting included:
- Minutes: Approval of the April 1, 2025 city council regular meeting minutes.
- First reading ordinances: Ordinance 2025-10 (amending/RMC parking/entering on designated streets), Ordinance 2025-12 (authorizing issuance of 2025 limited tax general obligation bonds), Ordinance 2025-13 (amending RMC chapter 9.12 miscellaneous crimes), Ordinance 2025-14 (repealing RMC chapter 5.15 on teenage dance halls and roller skating rinks).
- Second reading and passage: Ordinance 2025-08 (amending the 2025 budget in various city funds).
- Resolutions for adoption (consent): Resolution 202553 (accept $100,000 donation from Richland Public Library Foundation for 2025 library capital improvement project), Resolution 202554 (authorize purchase and sale agreement for property at 585 and 609 Gage Boulevard), Resolution 202556 (authorize purchase and sale agreement with JJA Properties LLC for 2574 Henderson Loop), Resolution 202557 (authorize purchase and sale agreement with JJA Properties LLC for 2558 Henderson Loop), Resolution 202558 (authorize 2025 partnership program grant awards), Resolution 202560 (declare official intent to reimburse expenditures from bond proceeds).
- Appointments: Mary Yeka and Boston Brightcrites to the Arts Commission; Emma Chambers to the Personnel Committee.
- Expenditures: Approval of city expenditures from March 1 to March 31, 2025, totaling $24,296,473.62.

The consent calendar passed on roll call with the following recorded votes: Mayor Richardson — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Kent — Aye; Council member Meyer — Yes; Council member Winton — Aye; Council member Jones — Yes; Council member Luxon — Yes; Council member Van Dyke — Aye.

Public hearing: Council opened and closed a public hearing on Resolution 2025-59 earlier in the meeting; no testimony was given during the hearing.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richland - City Council - Apr 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 15 meeting the Richland City Council approved a wage adjustment for the IAFF rank-and-file and passed a consent calendar that included acceptance of a $100,000 library donation, property purchase agreements and other ordinances and appointments.","taxTitle","Richland , Benton County, Washington","taxId",5097,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598985,"Richland police chief outlines 2024 staffing, enforcement and investigative activity",1764,3551000,5315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4&start=3551&end=5315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4/thumbnail_3551000.jpg","/articles/6598985/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Richland-police-chief-outlines-2024-staffing-enforcement-and-investigative-activity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598985-468f3c252a3be2765fca48d2e0e330de/orig.mp4?Expires=1773220033&Signature=PhP~8Pka9AyQ1tnKkQ-7ot6nMSCvUtjUENXUDf9DFAmpcM6ZZX0LUJH6ZR2S5jTjKF5zj7XHAyLLV5jAyWOW48vAtYGVt6GEtv6DFOxrzRmIORW0iF7LtubnEsLePuUqdE51LiUT1trzDmNicMuIA-2UlN6SI0j~WSuT8LvakOTSNqbNNHbrv3hnDrM5x1PeFQVTfQT9-Qxt9cnhGeatjrBAXMKJMXAYdOydBVRh684T~9dQYt~iBvPxLqAIf00iFIuuAHGNyTppzM4Bh8wHWsOl9cQS8IFYNSvsLMf-fTKQcNmOF55bxGjXdQpZ2TUmEcGTQQIZS9svGS955Z7TNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Marty Pilcher presented the Richland Police Department’s 2024 annual report to City Council on April 15, detailing staffing changes, calls for service, traffic enforcement, investigative activity and departmental programs.

Pilcher said the department hired 14 entry-level officers and two laterals in 2024 and made organizational changes to flatten command staff by replacing a deputy chief’s position and a commander position with lieutenants to develop leadership internally. He acknowledged Interim Chief Craig Bridal and staff who served through the year while leadership changed.

The department reported about 1,917 arrests in 2024; force was used in 25 of those incidents, Pilcher said, with a range of injury reports including abrasions and complaints of pain. He described the most common control strategies — including control holds and restraint wraps — as tools to reduce higher levels of force and to transport persons with behavioral-health or intoxication-related needs.

Traffic enforcement accounted for 7,543 traffic stops in 2024 and 5,438 traffic infractions, Pilcher said; the department also made 150 DUI arrests. The reconstituted traffic unit (three officers and one sergeant) wrote 3,614 infractions and accounted for approximately 43 percent of citations, Pilcher said. The department reported 886 total collisions in 2024 (a 0 percent change from 2023) and said it recorded zero traffic fatalities.

Investigations assigned 247 cases to the general-detective unit in 2024 and cleared about 75 percent of those, Pilcher said. Case highlights included the November homicide of Michael Perkins; detectives identified a suspect who was apprehended with US Marshals in Oregon and later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit conducted 53 investigations in 2024, executing more than 100 search warrants and producing 13 arrests; Pilcher noted several federal prosecutions that produced long prison terms for offenders. The department also contributes personnel to a regional SWAT team (29 callouts in 2024) and maintains a bomb squad (four team members and 22 responses).

Pilcher described an expanded small unmanned aircraft (drone) program with eight FAA-licensed pilots and seven drones; he said drones reduce deployment time and can improve safety, and discussed the idea of using drones as a first responder to provide scene information for police and fire personnel.

On public records and transparency, Pilcher noted the department handled 1,426 public-records requests in 2024 and operates a professional standards process that received 25 complaints (three sustained). He also praised community-facing programs — 100 events led by community relations staff in 2024, a robust volunteer program (16 active VIPs contributing more than 2,000 hours) and support from the Richland Police Foundation.

Council members thanked Pilcher and asked follow-up questions about hiring, the traffic unit and potential enforcement tools such as speed or red-light cameras. Pilcher said hiring remains a priority, that he supports continued training and that drone-as-first-responder concepts are under consideration but would require further study and resources.

","Chief Marty Pilcher presented the Richland Police Department’s 2024 annual report, including staffing changes, hires, use-of-force and traffic-enforcement data, and highlighted programs such as the traffic unit, ICAC investigations and regional SWAT.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598990,"Regional traffic-count program finds George Washington Way among busiest corridors in Richland",538,1682000,2220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4&start=1682&end=2220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4/thumbnail_1682000.jpg","/articles/6598990/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Regional-traffic-count-program-finds-George-Washington-Way-among-busiest-corridors-in-Richland","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598990-993b81a571fe9713528fbe5c761831d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773220033&Signature=jAN772RPqdUtz8YrWbvGPf8KpX3vRfGCMQlFEBdjIOKckDE0LsTedCH6hmnCDtLUB5UT8KeB2N7V7ZTGKzxVmL-DozlV4msOlZftSDfZ3RQAi-m-n2eN8jIy5xcNXQxTS2UE1Ei5GdbQ6Ssn5Kob-pqTuCmlIejjDXu3RZ38NMtJ9tf6pfpnc-5aXyRmMSdqDH05VPgXjEUYmT0azsiS2eeqp9jxhjvutb0T35RCUqaXQJtZvdFxj7Kg7WIBwtaH2Af0fc5NsUtGgq-gGC2HXcHJiynNHaCMBWUpm1BfavkZaAvPDBnmwYM6QjX6CXlsTnA9~u2xKXqDPqdt6Q1ekg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A regional traffic-count program led by the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG) found that 11 of the region’s top 25 highest average daily traffic locations are in the city of Richland, with multiple high-count sites on George Washington Way, Tanner Martin, a regional planner at BFCOG, told the Richland City Council on April 15.

The program, which began in 2016 and runs every two years, collected vehicle volume, vehicle type and speed at sites regionwide in midweek periods during spring and fall when school is in session, Martin said. \"We collected traffic count data at 718 sites throughout the region in 2024, and 158 of those were in the city of Richland,\" he said.

In Richland, a comparison of 2016 to 2024 counts shows shifting travel patterns rather than uniform growth: George Washington Way south of Bradley Boulevard recorded the largest decrease in volume, while a Duportail (Dupertel) location south of Queensgate increased by about 10,000 vehicles per day, a roughly 68 percent rise compared with the first year data were collected at that site.

Martin said the analysis also examined heavy-vehicle percentages. George Washington Way south of Bradley Boulevard had nearly 15 percent heavy-vehicle use, while the Duportail location had about 10 percent heavy-vehicle share. Heavy vehicles were categorized broadly from transit and school buses to multi-axle freight movements.

The BFCOG count program uses bidirectional pneumatic tube counters placed at sites during midweek periods; two tubes allow the system to estimate vehicle speed and axle spacing to classify vehicle type, Martin explained in response to a question from Council member Joanna Jones about how heavy vehicles are identified.

Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Kent and others asked how the count results relate to long-range transportation planning. Aaron Bridal, metropolitan planning organization (MPO) director at BFCOG, said the agency is beginning an update to the metropolitan transportation plan (the long-range plan) and regional visioning work that will examine infrastructure options, including whether an additional bridge or an outer loop is warranted.

Council members discussed policy implications. Council member Meyer noted that traffic on some segments of George Washington Way has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and said the counts should inform design choices; other members expressed concern about rising heavy-vehicle percentages on some corridors.

Martin thanked local staff and council representatives for input on site selection; he said the BFCOG program is cost-effective for jurisdictions that pay dues to participate and hire a consultant to deploy and retrieve counters.

","The Benton-Franklin Council of Governments’ 2024 traffic-count program found several Richland locations among the region’s highest average daily traffic counts; George Washington Way had multiple high-count sites and some segments showed notable increases or decreases since 2016.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598995,"Richland Public Library Foundation pledges $100,000 as library presents 2024 report",1021,101000,1122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4&start=101&end=1122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3020379-60ed026610b93ed1e23e14266bbcecd4/thumbnail_101000.jpg","/articles/6598995/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Richland-Public-Library-Foundation-pledges-100000-as-library-presents-2024-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598995-cae5729a52e239dece887433311c8a83/orig.mp4?Expires=1773220033&Signature=OWe05kGzHABP7og0etWxodq7nmu~qzSjTbVwCpu50DNwUHf~0StuYGUP~aTi-qn4YDhUEWMv9neFlh0QMDAYtdlNdxGa4PiLSL-hekgQIHo~m0NiytWicN1B06eulAOcrJhzFJVEP2suXbd037fFvnzbRqSDANnwfheR4q5Vb-5Mrb-pi1-OQgNXihEmp74BAxDS3B6RYts3WpoEaQ6XrMFpR4NZ1OVpKvL2M38RyymniZZ~8K2qkCqUrPl4-grYxsJrVmYQyBkdoyLIAp3pz8jM6prcZfMchYV3mF-zwC8Slm2NEehxEgIYuYyaIuIvnXad9YxdtFhDHdnRF-6o0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richland Public Library Foundation pledged $100,000 toward construction of an outdoor amphitheater at the Richland Public Library, Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Kent announced during the April 15 City Council meeting. The pledge was accompanied by the library board’s annual report for 2024, delivered by Karen Buxton, chair of the Richland Public Library Board of Trustees.

The donation supports elements of the city’s strategic plan by boosting downtown vibrancy, recreational opportunities and financing for capital needs, Kent said. \"I'm honored to stand before you today to acknowledge the generous support of the Richland Library Foundation,\" Kent said.

Buxton told council that 2024 was a productive year marked by higher program attendance and several new partnerships and services. \"2024 has been a productive year for Richland Public Library and we're pleased to be here in order to share with you some of the many projects, events and accomplishments of 2024,\" Buxton said.

The board reported program and attendance increases in 2024: programs were up about 23 percent and attendance rose by about 21 percent compared with the prior year. The library’s summer reading program counted 393 adults, 185 teens, 640 children and 73 babies. The library distributed 688 take-and-make kits, and meeting-room use rose nearly 20 percent while personal computer sessions climbed about 33 percent.

Buxton said overall circulation increased about 1 percent year-over-year; physical circulation and renewals declined roughly 5 percent while digital circulation rose more than 22 percent, a trend the presentation said mirrors national shifts. The board used the American Library Association value calculator to estimate that Richland residents received about $10,000,000 in value from library services in 2024.

Trustees and staff described several service changes introduced in 2024 and early 2025: a mobile checkout and virtual library card option; a redesigned events calendar and room-booking interface; reciprocal borrowing that began in January 2025 with Mid-Columbia libraries and other nearby districts; and the addition of Oregon State Park passes and other museum/park passes. Trustees also reported growth in collections, including graphic novels and a nascent foreign-language collection in Spanish.

Buxton said the outdoor program and play space on the library’s northwest corner is expected to be completed this year, with staff hoping to open it in the fall. The Richland Public Library Foundation’s $100,000 pledge will be used specifically for the outdoor amphitheater. The council later approved a consent resolution on April 15 (Resolution 202553) accepting the donation.

Council members thanked trustees and volunteers. Council member Joanna Jones asked about access for residents who cannot visit the library to pick up physical cards after applying online; Buxton said staff can arrange card issuance by phone and the library is exploring further digital verification options.

The trustees also credited the Friends of the Library for contributing more than $250,000 annually to support community engagement and noted other partnerships including the Hindu Society of Eastern Washington (Diwali Festival), Columbia Basin College, the Department of Energy and WSU Tri-Cities.

The board outlined priorities for 2025 and 2026, including continued reciprocal borrowing, expansion of teen outreach, a planned assessment to gauge interest in South Richland services, updates to lobby and exhibit furnishings, addition of outdoor-equipment loans (pickleball paddles, croquet) and work-group planning for staff development.

Buxton closed by thanking the council, the trustees and community volunteers for support of the library’s programs and projects.

","The Richland Public Library Foundation pledged $100,000 toward an outdoor amphitheater and the library’s board presented a 2024 report showing modest circulation growth, expanded programs and plans to open an outdoor space this fall.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves IAFF wage opener and clears multiple ordinances and resolutions on consent

Richland police chief outlines 2024 staffing, enforcement and investigative activity

Regional traffic-count program finds George Washington Way among busiest corridors in Richland

Richland Public Library Foundation pledges $100,000 as library presents 2024 report