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Council approves rezone for supportive housing, bans virtual‑currency kiosks and signs Vista Field extension; pool repair update expected this week
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Summary
At its April meeting Kennewick City Council unanimously adopted a site‑specific rezone at 2918 S. Jean St. for family supportive housing, adopted a virtual‑currency‑kiosk ban, signed an amended Vista Field development agreement extension (6–1), approved a housekeeping ordinance docket, and heard an update that pool pump repairs are scheduled this week.
Kennewick City Council moved through several agenda items on April 14, approving a mix of land‑use and regulatory measures and receiving a city manager update about a broken pool pump.
Rezone for supportive family housing: The council unanimously adopted an ordinance to change zoning at 2918 South Jean Street from Residential Suburban to Residential Low. Planning staff said the property, owned by Elijah Family Homes with application care of Shane O’Neil, was annexed in 1999 and that plans call for the existing house to become a community building with six cottage‑style supportive housing units. Council questions focused on frontage, parking, the single‑story cottage plan and whether new construction would meet current standards. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.
Virtual‑currency kiosks: Council adopted an ordinance adding chapter 6.09 to the Kennewick Municipal Code to prohibit new virtual‑currency kiosks and require removal of existing kiosks within 180 days; staff said the grace period will allow the police department and city attorney’s office to educate businesses and residents. The ordinance passed unanimously.
Vista Field development agreement extension: The Port of Kennewick requested an extension of the 2017 development agreement for Vista Field. Staff presented proposed transportation, fire‑access and impact‑fee clarifications; the Planning Commission had recommended approval. The council voted to sign the amended agreement by a 6–1 margin.
Housekeeping docket: Council adopted a four‑item ordinance docket moving selected provisions from the Kennewick Administrative Code into the Municipal Code (including city manager review timing, a surplus property policy, and Arts Commission provisions) and adjusted the Arts Commission membership to up to seven seats.
Pool update: In response to public comment, City Manager Irvin reported staff had found a local vendor to rebuild the pool pump with installation expected by the end of the week and heat to be restored early next week, and that a May 12 workshop will address longer‑term capital planning for a new facility.
Votes at a glance • Ordinance docket (5a1–5a4): adopted unanimously. • CoZ 2026‑0002 (2918 S. Jean St., supportive housing): adopted unanimously. • Nonconforming use expansion ordinance: adopted 5–2 (see separate story). • Virtual currency kiosks ordinance (new chapter 6.09): adopted unanimously. • Vista Field development agreement extension: approved 6–1.
Next steps: Staff will publish adopted ordinances, update permitting checklists as needed and return with any implementation details and timelines; the pool repair timeline described by the city manager indicates the facility could resume operations the week following the meeting.
