Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comments Civic topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Pasco to loosen rules on private curb ramps; one commenter raises animal-control complaints
Summary
During public comment at the April 7 Pasco City Council meeting, a resident asked the council to allow private curb ramps to driveways; another speaker made multiple allegations about animal-control practices and requested records and investigations. Council did not take action during the meeting.
Two members of the public spoke during the City of Pasco’s public-comment period on April 7, raising separate concerns about curb ramps and animal-control practices.
Dennis Brown, a Franklin County resident, told council that curb ramps would reduce vehicle suspension damage, prevent scraping of low vehicles and make entry and exit from driveways smoother and safer for older passengers. Brown said he previously attempted to install a concrete curb ramp and was required to remove it under current city code; he asked the council to consider changing the municipal code to allow residents to install curb ramps.
“Curb ramps are essential for providing smooth and safe access to your driveway,” Brown said, describing vehicle-suspension and accessibility benefits. Council acknowledged the comment; a staff member said staff was taking notes and would address the concern in the future.
Mary Mahoney, identifying herself as a Pasco resident, used her allotted time to raise a series of allegations and questions about permits, flood-plain work, the Pasco Aquatic Center and animal-control operations. Mahoney referenced a request under RCW 42.56 (the state public-records law) for permits related to flood-plain work and alleged that permitted work endangered bald eagles. She also criticized how the aquatic center project was funded and asked about costs for a “wave machine.”
On animal-control matters, Mahoney alleged problems including botched euthanasia, transfers of animals to Washington State University for research, missing records, insurance and bond information, and alleged counts of cruelty; she requested records and stated her comments were “for the record.” Council did not respond substantively during the meeting beyond acknowledging the comments.
No formal council action or direction was taken on either public comment item at the meeting. Staff indicated it was taking notes on the curb-ramp request; Mahoney’s requests for records reference RCW 42.56 and would be handled through the city’s public-records process if pursued.
