Kennewick, Wash. — Multiple public commenters at the Nov. 4 Kennewick City Council meeting urged the city to address unmet needs for people experiencing homelessness and for aquatic facilities.

Cindy Fish, who said she is with the continuum of care and works on the city’s five-year homeless plan, asked the council to request a workshop to consider allowing some people who live outdoors to congregate in a monitored outdoor location during winter. Fish said many people lose sleeping gear and clothing when they are moved and that some individuals do not meet shelter criteria. "Not all people who are on the streets can reside in the shelters. They have criteria, and they don't all meet that criteria," Fish said. She described a person who lost both legs after prolonged exposure and asked the council to consider a temporary, monitored location away from community centers so people could be protected during severe weather.

Jason Hart, a head swim coach at Southridge High School who lives in Pasco, told the council drowning is a leading cause of death for children and urged the city to prioritize replacement of the outdoor pool or find alternatives while broader capital decisions are made. Hart described an example in Pasco where an air-supported cover was installed at Memorial Pool in a project he said cost about $700,000, and said that local aquatics stakeholders would welcome a decision so they can pursue other options if the city does not move forward.

Warren Hughes, speaking during the same public-comment period, raised a separate concern about the city using out-of-town firms for large municipal projects and urged Kennewick to consider local firms first when awarding design contracts, saying that keeping professional work local would retain taxpayer dollars in the Tri-Cities.

Council member Miller later referenced the continuum-of-care meeting and said he would welcome a workshop to examine homelessness issues. The city manager noted the mid-biennial budget review scheduled for Nov. 18, which staff said will provide a clearer picture of capital funding available for projects such as pool repair or replacement. No formal action to schedule a workshop or change policy was recorded during the Nov. 4 meeting.