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Residents urge action on street safety, park access and raise accusations about council conduct during Pasco public comment
Summary
Public commenters at the Pasco City Council meeting urged attention to road and park access problems, alleged improper treatment of a council member and called for resignations; multiple speakers asked the city to investigate grant-fee complaints and online harassment claims.
Multiple residents addressed the Pasco City Council during the public-comment period, raising safety and access concerns, accusing elected officials of unfair treatment of a council member, and urging investigations into grant-fee practices and online harassment.
James Foreman, a Pasco resident, criticized recent reconfigured crossings and bike-path changes on Sylvester Street, saying the roadway is narrow and asking, "I want to know what's so safe about it." He asked the council to explain why the changes improve safety.
Tony Sandival, a business owner, alleged council members acted on unverified rumors to "censor Mr. Pales," called for leadership accountability and urged resignations for the mayor and the mayor pro tem. "Both of you acted on rumors to censor Mr. Pales," Sandival said.
Marcy Torres, who identified herself as a business owner, accused a council member of online intimidation and urged the council to investigate reports that some people were charged excessive fees to help file for grants. "That needs to be investigated and looked into," she said.
Dallas Barnes told the council that long-term, nominal leases for park buildings sometimes leave the public without access to restrooms or shelter during events at Kurtzman Park, asking staff to review lease terms for the Martin Luther King Center so the facility remains available to the community.
Pedro Perez, a downtown business owner, described a pattern among some business owners of being targeted by repeated complaints and said he will work with his district council member to resolve a recent trash-bin dispute.
An unidentified resident described repeated burglaries and threats to their home and thanked Interim Chief Frank Cook for reassurances about policing responses; the speaker asked the council to continue improving neighborhood safety.
Separately, Council member Dave Cortinez — speaking from the floor while identifying his community roles — defended Council member Leo Parales and called the recent censure a "political hit," urging the council to lift it quickly.
Council members listened and acknowledged the range of concerns; staff and council asked for follow-up where appropriate. Several speakers requested formal investigations into alleged misconduct or grant-fee practices; the council did not take immediate investigative action during the meeting but was asked to follow up.
