[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6511977,"mediaKeyId","5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5","parentId",5122382,"title","Residents urge proactive homelessness solutions; council highlights Hanford advisory funds, new development director and local events","audioSeconds",2473,"startMs",804000,"endMs",3277000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5&start=804&end=3277","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5/thumbnail_804000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511977/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Residents-urge-proactive-homelessness-solutions-council-highlights-Hanford-advisory-funds-new-development-director-and-local-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511977-f017e86d8ec133377128a40318b6708a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773251745&Signature=bgjSVh9ejj7oSmuh77Enrh6OG~tVZrfCxXaZy07gxRUe~x~KM8gj-IEDtDYi1nrATsLIgWFi5~d8CC~MKKI16LA0S5nSjWMkov~2A38vlxDvcZq49GBRSdUv3EEI4H3lHm04HYVA-y6ENYLqELRfG~JKYYxSNEwdnTVvpWkKxo53VlWkWoZ6~iXLc6zPyHffG90SpKwgJPALzgNjzwQbrmtJuKt8voyBn5kmtajNapMZ2zPO4449bpF0agX~ukY5RXhKmWAeuoVMJVU6zqrX5o3OTLwL3EWekvgNo8ZhejyA-tGv2Zqbd9kQpsQ~pqObbAecXZVXKwO7kvse6YEG~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richland","date","2025-07-01T00:00:00Z","article","During the public comment period at the July 1 Richland City Council meeting, residents urged elected leaders to pursue proactive responses to local homelessness and raised a neighborhood parking safety concern.

\"Please remember these words,\" said Megan, a resident, quoting Matthew 25: \"Truly, I tell you, just as you did not do to 1 of the least of these who are members of my family, you did not do it to me.\" Megan told the council she had heard mainly \"reactive push measures\" in previous meetings and asked the council to seek solutions that prevent people from becoming unhoused rather than only removing encampments.

Ken Peterson, a Richland resident, thanked the parks department for its work on the dike and described a short-lived \"no parking on this side\" sign in front of his house that was removed the same day; he told council the combination of parked cars and vegetation on a curve on Haines Avenue created a safety hazard.

In staff and council reports, City Manager Amundsen said the lateral-hire incentives for police and fire were a coordinated strategic priority intended to improve recruitment and retention under the city's strategic plan. He also introduced Mike Rizzitello as the new development services director, noting Rizzitello brings 17 years of local government experience and started the prior day.

Mayor Richardson and other council members reported on regional and community items: the Hanford Advisory Economic Investment Fund advisory group has completed its 30 years of activity and turned remaining funds back into a different vehicle to be used for economic-incentive purposes; the city recently received a $462,000 grant for sewer infrastructure in the Northwest Clean Energy Park. Council members also encouraged residents to volunteer for upcoming board and committee vacancies, praised local ribbon-cutting events and the Cool Desert Nights car show, and urged safety over the July 4 holiday. Council member Jones asked staff to accelerate consideration of a drone program for first responders; members noted the city has used drones in past incidents to scout remote scenes.

No formal council action resulted directly from public comment; the mayor said certain topics may be referred to the city manager for follow-up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richland - City Council - Jul 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters urged the council to pursue proactive homelessness solutions and raised a neighborhood parking safety concern. Council and staff updates covered strategic-plan workforce priorities, a transfer of an advisory fund's remaining dollars, new development director hire, board vacancies, and recent local events and ribbon cuttings.","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},6511982,"Richland recognizes new hires and six long-serving retirees; police department introduces new officers",132,501000,633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5&start=501&end=633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5/thumbnail_501000.jpg","/articles/6511982/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Richland-recognizes-new-hires-and-six-long-serving-retirees-police-department-introduces-new-officers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511982-a5f38c10ce3d9016c54744ba50bbb7d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773251745&Signature=ON~Lp1TY7tMWWXM5dT-GTqnUg7OerR20Lq4oI4uSLAHC6z8GYB3DBzTTmQxZ6mMafKamv~S6-nuV6K7Be8wkvFOTWBFcGhgJ5A6Epw~Wumae1oUOQsA4Nvhg17ya7Ozu61LItVY2-Hi~jHok2c933CbUZp3SufeICi0rFFaRAIzf5NDB6ehvqNldURAIs7AXe1tHLp5I8A77ItWPd0btfbAVdbLthdr7Z3NHhXdYSow14EGqgGp5LCw6rWJ1tVpP4NoL0ya7pQOpk-T63r~sRuUEQjNw5WWrNTK-AuOWbhuSwpnTHJ8YW19-tTsUfVRJLIl5ufMFMhJfOuRjWSHEEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richland City Council on July 1 recognized new city hires and several employee retirements and received an introduction to new police officers who recently completed academy training.

Lacey Paulson presented personnel changes for June: Jennifer Ballard (hired June 2) as senior planner in Planning & Redevelopment; Jeffrey Mitchell (June 9) as Maintenance Worker I in Streets; Abel Corona (June 9) as Community Risk Reduction Specialist in Fire & Emergency Services; Ben December (June 16) and Brian Mora Pudillo (June 16) as police officers; Brandon Brown (June 23) as Fleet and Equipment Maintenance Analyst; and on June 30 Mike Rizzitello (Development Services Director), Sean Finkbeiner (police officer) and Yulio O'Harkov (emergency communications dispatcher with CECOM) were hired.

Paulson also reported six service retirements with combined service of over 190 years: Stan Johnson (parks and recreation coordinator) retired after 34 years; Deputy Fire Marshal Ken Beekler retired after 27 years; Fire Lieutenant Dave Aroney retired after 30 years; Energy Efficiency Coordinator Don Sanger retired after 28 years; Communications and Marketing Specialist Gail Everett retired after 30 years; and Truck Driver Heavy Kevin Brown retired after 41 years.

Police Chief Marty Pilcher introduced five recent graduates from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy and one recent lateral hire now joining the department: Titan Ramberg, Jeff Luce, Brecken McDade, Cameron December, and Sean Finkbeiner (already academy-certified and experienced in another jurisdiction). Pilcher said the new officers will enter the field-training program and be assigned to patrol squads as they complete training.

Mayor Richardson and council members welcomed the new hires and thanked the retirees for long service. The council noted the balance of new staff joining as several long-serving employees depart.","The council heard a staff report listing June hires across city departments and honored six retirees with a combined 190+ years of service. Police Chief Marty Pilcher introduced five recently hired officers and one recent lateral hire.",{"_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},6511986,"Council approves consent calendar: ordinances, interagency agreement, construction change order, library lease amendment and janitorial contract",101,1063000,1164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5&start=1063&end=1164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5/thumbnail_1063000.jpg","/articles/6511986/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Council-approves-consent-calendar-ordinances-interagency-agreement-construction-change-order-library-lease-amendment-and-janitorial-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511986-b8899542fc032b689c3d1478b94749d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773251745&Signature=MtRyKdTCbekex3d--BeE3zcl0ZIfmLxmG2ByUWA53ZZC~1oHMzJUNbfrfUL6HlwzeKJAGXcyzObQCbMiaZjeWglx5Er4HRL-t6y97pkLwHeqbNrheUfnMEQmI-vp0~Venux-IzcmXBGUxlra-M0sQ~SntONVtG0V91MCoH6nsfZS8uiYkP5sSBP-p34wHItsEu3uGolh3aDl~H81IGGkHoGkbGrMA6DqbiDk60sviE5fJl1Z7GlCqkAk1U8v~L4x2KxJYlJwAofOU9lPS3KxXE3Z4VGKawUfUN2VM8Nuj1KoJE1ZQdQyoIU4Ll7-6Il1G0BWpa0G-~SOrzADbqLJTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richland City Council on July 1 approved its consent calendar by roll call vote, taking up routine minutes, an ordinance for second reading and a set of resolutions and administrative items.

Clerk Rogers summarized the consent calendar, which included approval of the June 17 and June 24 meeting minutes; Ordinance No. 2025-18 (amending Richland Municipal Code section 9.24.0.07 related to purchase, possession, or consumption by minors); Resolution No. 2025-581 (authorizing an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology on behalf of Hanford Communities); Resolution No. 2025-596 (authorizing change order No. 2 to Contract No. 451.24 with Sharpen Pressler Construction Company, Inc., for the Meadows Drive South Water Service Replacement Project); Resolution No. 2025-597 (authorizing a first amendment to the lease agreement with the Friends of the Richland Library); Resolution No. 2025-598 (authorizing a services agreement with ABM Industry Groups LLC for janitorial services); and the reappointment of Charles Miller to the Richland Public Facilities District Board.

Council voted 6-0 to approve the consent calendar. Clerk Rogers recorded the roll-call vote: Mayor Richardson, aye; Council member Jones, yes; Council member Luxon, aye; Council member Meyer, aye; Council member Witten, aye; Council member Van Dyke, aye.

The council did not pull any items for separate discussion. The items will proceed under the administrative and contractual authorities cited in the packet; specific project-level details (for example, contract amounts and timeline adjustments) were not discussed on the dais during the consent approval.","The Richland City Council approved its consent calendar by roll call, approving Ordinance 2025-18 and several resolutions and administrative items, including an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology and a change order for a water service project.",{"_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},6511991,"Richland Council approves lateral-hire incentives for police department, including vacation credit and relocation pay",469,2044000,2513000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5&start=2044&end=2513","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5/thumbnail_2044000.jpg","/articles/6511991/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Richland-Council-approves-lateral-hire-incentives-for-police-department-including-vacation-credit-and-relocation-pay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511991-3c9f6398e687acc64419e503b654e8ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1773251745&Signature=ZQA2dkb11C2GpgPIjVEyD4vVd-UbxtDeuKpPJFzXhdbjPNXqERcgLKaMuu1KiKZSVqcjjR8LAtkWnxccV6~YhEzjUbeVHfWSxjG6WwQavmV84HvkotdvU~vCPbc-Zg-TrLtBcSipSH5fRFipkmI~dgK9jbVzOyYrIg90GwR~Lop-46aJSQKAaAia0aeOn5fKBRpze~i~iQpgvK67OROYh~MijPD7V7ke5NfwR1dR-G-OIDPLqBO47NGXXvIf0X8c3DLL4kgWFpiIP3IVmsb~MA3ANuDIcP62Fy4xABR6~BP9dhVY6-XkN4Eoykx1bgzIUKxJ3PGA-zyGeFZENahYHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richland City Council on July 1 adopted Resolution 2025-110, establishing a lateral-hire incentive package for the Richland Police Department intended to attract experienced sworn officers.

Police Chief Marty Pilcher described the proposal, defining a police lateral as someone with at least two consecutive years of full-time, commissioned law-enforcement experience. Chief Pilcher said lateral hires would be placed at a pay step commensurate with prior years of service, receive 80 hours of vacation credited on hire, accrue leave at a level matching prior service, and be eligible for a $5,000 relocation allowance if they move at least 100 miles to take a Richland position.

\"A lateral will be hired at a step commensurate with the number of years of service they've had previously,\" Chief Pilcher said. He stressed that the department does not relax background standards for laterals; backgrounds and internal checks are exhaustive and may take longer than other agencies.

Council members asked about background checks and trade-offs between hiring experienced officers who may lack formal educational qualifications the city sometimes prefers. Chief Pilcher said the department reviews records closely and looks at candidates holistically, including prior employment, background investigations and professional conduct.

Council moved to adopt Resolution 2025-110. The motion carried by voice vote and was recorded as 6-0 in favor.

The resolution codifies existing moving-allowance practice into an MOU and allows laterals to reduce the time to reach top-step pay in some cases. Specific dollar figures for pay-step impacts beyond the $5,000 relocation allowance, and any budget adjustments, were not specified during the meeting.","Council approved Resolution 2025-110 to create a lateral hiring package for the Richland Police Department with step placement based on years of service, vacation credit including 80 hours on hire, and a $5,000 relocation allowance for out-of-area hires.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511996,"Richland adopts lateral-hire incentives for fire department to attract experienced firefighters",836,1188000,2024000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5&start=1188&end=2024","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5122382-61a7f9e66cc453f0bfb936a3766acac5/thumbnail_1188000.jpg","/articles/6511996/Richland/Benton-County/Washington/Richland-adopts-lateral-hire-incentives-for-fire-department-to-attract-experienced-firefighters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511996-bf2d1bb653c557a07534f23d1892b71a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773251745&Signature=L9yLB9Ars~MeVOw-3IETPw23ldCqW9GaB1QvOimbMulIQ4XW5N6RJ3O2VQzutY4b5WZhGRywEkQxWaIEpeYOQEvcZUJfSd7jGyA-WolmoAepb-hqEQK0F0gkGRpA2hHK96kGxR1KBgRnOBSrmizfhbHJVu6eN1puC-hnId7bFUCb7G6MwSfF9cFVUhYXGAPfDjLHKm6tH4C9zqWo0HhP5JDEP4xHmooQnWG~EhwawjbEpYkRoen~e5Jgvoj8zwpMJ8tGBNj4B73umgdPYbNX9ypo4RXpJH4noV9F1HVcrPP0-R-9kiGWChCWSAHarWhu1E969JjoTUOUww3ppOOGMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richland City Council on July 1 adopted Resolution 2025-99 authorizing a lateral incentive program for Richland Fire and Emergency Services, intended to attract experienced firefighters from other departments.

Deputy Chief Randy Ost described four proposed elements of the program: hiring laterals at the top pay step (changing hires from step E to step F), shortening the department's promotion eligibility for lateral hires from five years to three years, crediting prior service for vacation accrual so laterals do not restart at entry-level leave rates, and reimbursing remaining employer-held paramedic training debt for officers who come to Richland. \"By allowing laterals to come in, it really prepares our organization to be much more efficient in the hiring process,\" Deputy Chief Randy Ost said.

The council discussion focused on market parity, concerns about perceived \"poaching\" of officers from neighboring agencies and how the city ensured fairness. Council member Jones asked whether the incentives might be seen as drawing top officers from nearby agencies; Deputy Chief Ost said the city is not actively recruiting locally but rather promoting openings to attract candidates who want to relocate or join Richland. City Manager Amundsen said other nearby agencies already offer similar lateral incentives and that Richland had fallen behind market parity.

Council member Witten asked why the promotion eligibility was set at three years rather than two; Ost replied that three years balances organizational equity and gives laterals time to learn Richland's specific policies and culture. Other council members supported the program as a way to add experience quickly to a relatively young force.

Council moved to adopt Resolution 2025-99. The motion carried by voice vote with the council recording the outcome as 6-0.

The resolution directs staff to implement the four incentive elements and to evaluate the program after two years for possible adjustments. The council did not attach additional funding amounts to these provisions in the meeting minutes; specific budget impacts were not specified during the discussion.

The council's action follows department leaders' reports that lateral hires typically require 6 to 8 weeks of onboarding compared with 5 to 6 months for entry-level recruits, and that prior experience can quickly add operational depth to patrol and response teams.","The Richland City Council unanimously approved a resolution creating a lateral recruitment incentive package for Richland Fire and Emergency Services that includes higher starting step, shortened promotion eligibility, vacation accrual credit and paramedic-debt assistance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge proactive homelessness solutions; council highlights Hanford advisory funds, new development director and local events

Richland recognizes new hires and six long-serving retirees; police department introduces new officers

Council approves consent calendar: ordinances, interagency agreement, construction change order, library lease amendment and janitorial contract

Richland Council approves lateral-hire incentives for police department, including vacation credit and relocation pay

Richland adopts lateral-hire incentives for fire department to attract experienced firefighters