Final 2025 0605-12 Council Retreat PacketMoses Lake City Council Retreat Agenda
Dustin Swartz, Mayor I Judy Madewell, Deputy Mayor I Don Myers, Council Member I Mark Fancher, Council Member
Deanna Martinez, Council Member I David Skaug, Council Member I Victor Lombardi, Council Member
Day 1-Thursday, June 5, 2025 -8:00 a.m.
Best Western, Lower Level, 3000 W Marina Dr, Moses Lake
Day 2 -Thursday, June 12, 2025 -8:00 a.m.
Huck Fuller Bldg, Fair Gold Gate ,3953 Airway Dr, Moses Lake
Note: Times required for each topic are estimates. Once a topic is completed, the next topic will be
addressed. Items on the June 5 agenda may continue into the June 12 agenda. Conversely, items
scheduled for June 12 might get discussed on June 5.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
8:00 Welcome and purposes of this two-day retreat
Ground rules and agenda review pg 6
8:15 Leadership & Working Together
Mindsets
Vision & Positivity for the City pg 7
9:15 Future Magazine Article to be Published Ten Years from Now:
"How Moses Lake Became the Best City in America"
Sharing of articles
Discussion
"Man on the Moon Goal" for Moses Lake
Sharing of ideas
Discussion
10:15 Break
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10:30 The Fiscal Landscape:
Six-Year Forecast for the General & Street Funds
Budgeting: Are estimates too low on revenues & too high expenditures?
Approaches to balancing the budget
Long-term financial sustainability & the need to live within our means
Audit Findings Memo pg 10
2026 Budget Process and Budget Preparation Calendar pg 13
12:15 Break
12:30 Working Lunch: City Council
Council Committees (Parks, Public Safety, Finance, and CD/PW) pg 16
Regional Committee Assignments pg 17
City Council meeting agenda tweaks
City Council meeting invocations
Townhalls
City Council Onboarding & "Jurassic Parliament"
1:30 Break
1 :45 Infrastructure
Identifying projects and getting them built
The need for six-year capital improvement plans
Level of Service/Capacity/Concurrency
2:30 Gateways into the City
2:45 Water
Strategy for new sources
Messaging to the public
3:00 Break
3:15 Transportation
Road striping
Division Street striping
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Develop the list, including what success looks like for each priority
Order of priority: paired comparison exercise
3:30 Break
3:45 Continuation of the above
4:45 Wrap up
Recap of agreements from this retreat
Reflections on this two-day retreat
5:00 pm Adjourn
Council Packet Appendix
2025 Budget Priorities Progress - pg 19NOTICE: Individuals planning to attend the in-person meeting who require an interpreter or special assistance to accommodate physical, hearing, or other impairments, need to contact the City Oerk at (509) 764-3703 or Deputy City Oerk at (509) 764-3713 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 5 of 30
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Law of Attraction, Focus, Vision, and Positive Self-Talk
High performing organizations and thriving communities have an internal dialogue that
is positive and aspirational, and this self-talk becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Some
call it “the law of attraction,” or “manifesting.” I believe in the law of attraction—not in
some magical or mystical way, but in a way that comes from our own passion,
connection to each other, and action.
The law of attraction also comes from an internal strength and discipline to stay positive
and keep our eye on the prize (vision). This is easier said than done, especially when
we have setbacks. But looking back at Moses Lake’s history, it’s been that relentless
vision and positive hope for a better future that has manifested our city’s dreams and
achievements.
In Miguel Cervantes’ classic, Don Quixote, the ever-optimistic Quixote explains:
When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be
too practical is madness. To surrender dreams–this may be madness. . . . . And
maddest of all, to see life as it is, and not as it should be.
By not giving up on our dreams and by seeing things as they should be, we can
accomplish great things together. In fact, when we focus on what’s great about Moses
Lake and what’s possible, we come to expect great things to happen.
In The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, Pindar said to his young
apprentice:
In life, you often don’t get what you want. But here’s what you do get—you get
what you expect. What you focus on is what you get. You’ve heard the
expression, ‘Go looking for trouble and that’s what you’ll find’? It’s true, and not
only about trouble. It’s true about everything. Go looking for conflict, and you’ll
find it. Go looking for people to take advantage of you, and they generally will.
See the world as a dog-eat-dog place, and you’ll always find a bigger dog looking
at you as if you’re his next meal. Go looking for the best in people, and you’ll be
amazed at how much talent, ingenuity, empathy, and good you’ll find.
Ultimately, the world treats you more or less the way you expect to be treated.
In the movie The Art of Racing in the Rain, Denny the racecar driver has the following
insight:
In racing, your car goes where your eyes go. A driver who cannot tear his gaze
from the wall will inevitably meet that wall. But the driver who looks down the
track as he feels his tires break free, that driver will maintain control of his car
and his destiny.
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The law of attraction is also found in religion:
Ask, and ye shall receive; Seek, and ye shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened
unto you.
The law of attraction doesn’t magically and mysteriously work simply by thinking about
something a lot. The vision needs to be combined with true commitment and decisive
action—and when that happens, other forces move in harmony with you.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey quotes the Scottish writer and
mountaineer W.H. Murray:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always
ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All
sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A
whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all
manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no
man could have dreamt would have come his way.
Moses Lake’s history and heritage is full of examples of this phenomenon, especially
when hardworking, resourceful people came together and use their ingenuity to make
their dreams come true.
City councilmembers and other community leaders have a big part to play in this
phenomenon. Leaders can set the tone and catalyze positive, visionary community self-
talk. This dialogue needs to be more than just aspirational. It also requires committing
to plans and visions, putting our money where our mouth is, and relentlessly doing the
work. Then, similar to what W.H. Murray observed, forces will combine for our good and
turn our dreams into reality.
Does focusing on the positive mean we should bury our heads in the sand and avoid
facing our problems? Of course not. But it doesn’t mean we have to focus on our
problems and let them define us. It’s about focus–where are we directing our attention
and energy?
How do we change the conversation and get on this trajectory of hopeful, aspirational
vision and focus? We first have to set the direction and craft a compelling, inspirational
vision–a description of what’s possible and what can be. Then our communications,
both written and verbal, need to relentlessly send out that message. We can also have
community workshops that inspire people to focus on what’s great and how they can get
on board and help the vision come true. In my last jurisdiction, we called it “For the Love
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of Kenmore,” modeled after community engagement expert Peter Kageyama’s
trailblazing work.
In conclusion, as we look ahead to take Moses Lake to the next level, what we pay
attention to really matters. And we need to understand that you will get what you expect,
your “car” goes where your eyes go, you’ll find what you seek, and when you’re truly
and relentlessly committed to a goal, other forces (call them what you will) will combine
and move with you.
–Rob
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City of Moses Lake
2026 Budget Process
• June 5th and June 12th - City Council workshops - setting Council priorities and goals
for the 2026 budget year.
• June 25th – Budget kickoff with Leadership Team – Budget memo with 2026 budget
guidelines and Council priorities to be distributed prior to budget kickoff meeting.
• June 30th – Budget worksheets by department and budget narratives ready for
distribution. Invitations to edit departmental budgets and narratives sent to
Director’s and Managers by June 30th.
• July 25th – Budget worksheets and narratives due to Finance for budget
consolidation.
• August 15th – Preliminary revenue estimates, department expenditure budgets and
budget narratives provided to City Manager.
• August 18th – September 12th – City Manager and Finance Director meetings with
Directors and Managers to review departmental budgets.
• September 23rd to October 28th – Weekly budget workshops with Council.
(Tuesday evenings – schedule to be prepared/communicated in advance for
attendance.)
• October 28th and November 12th – Tentative dates for public hearings on 2026
budget.
• November 25th – Final budget hearing (if necessary) and adoption of 2026
budget.
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Page 1 | 2
Budget Calendar for
Preparation of 2026 Budgets
Major Steps in Budget Preparation
State Law Time Limitations
Statutory Deadline 2025
Moses Lake's Date
Policy setting sessions between City Council, City
Manager & Department Heads.
Not Applicable Not Applicable June 5th & June 12th
1. Request by Finance Director to all department heads and those in charge of municipal offices to prepare detailed estimates of revenues and expenditures for next fiscal year (calendar year). RCW 35.33.031 and RCW 35A.33.030.
By second Monday in September.1
September 8
June 30
2. Estimates are to be filed with the Finance
Director. RCW 35.33.031 and RCW 35A.33.030.
By fourth Monday in
September.
September 22 July 25
3. Revenue estimates and department budgets are
presented to the City Manager for modifications,
revisions or additions. Finance Director must
submit to City Manager proposed preliminary
budget setting forth the complete financial
program, showing expenditures requested by each
department and sources of revenue by which each
such program is proposed to be financed. RCW
35.33.031 and RCW 35A.33.030.
On or before the first
business day in the
third month prior to
beginning of the fiscal
year.
October 1 August 15
4. City Manager provides the legislative body with
current information on estimates of revenues from
all sources as adopted in the budget for the current
year. City Manager also provides the legislative
body with the proposed preliminary budget setting
forth the complete financial program, showing
expenditures requested by each department and
sources of revenue by which each such program is
proposed to be financed. RCW 35.33.135 and
35A.33.135
No later than the first
Monday in October.
October 6 Budget workshops -
September 23 –
October 28
5. Implicit price deflator calculated by Bureau of Economic Analysis for property tax limit. By fourth Wednesday in September. September 25 September 25
6. The legislative body must hold a public hearing
on revenue sources for the coming year's budget,
including consideration of possible increases in property tax revenues. RCW 84.55.120. After the hearing, a city may choose to pass an ordinance at the same meeting authorizing a property tax increase in terms of dollars and percent to comply with Referendum 47.
Before legislative
body votes on
property tax levy. Deadlines for levy setting are in item 9 below.
See Item 9
Mid-October to
mid-November.
October 28 or
November 12
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7.City Manager prepares preliminary budget andbudget message2 and files with the city legislativebody and City Clerk. RCW 35.33.055 &35A.33.052.
At least 60 days before the ensuing fiscal year. November 2 October 20
8.Clerk publishes notice of filing of preliminary
budget with Finance Director and publishes notice
of public hearing on final budget once a week for
two consecutive weeks. RCW 35.33.061 &
35A.33.050.
No later than the first
two weeks in
November.
November 1 –
November 18
October 14
October 21
9.Setting property tax levies. RCW 84.52.070.November 30 for all
cities and towns.
November 30 October 28 – 1st or
November 12 – 2nd
10.The legislative body, or a committee thereof,
must schedule hearings on the budget or parts of
the budget and may require the presence of
department heads. RCW 35.33.057 & 35A.33.055.
Prior to the final
hearing.
November 1
through 25
(suggested)
November 12 or
November 25
11.Copies of proposed (preliminary) budget madeavailable to the public. RCW 35.33.055 &35A.33.052.
No later than six weeks before January 1.
November 21 November 4
12.Final hearing on proposed budget. RCW
35.33.071 & 35A.33.070.
On or before first
Monday of December,
and may be continued
from day-to-day but
no later than the 25th
day prior to next fiscal
year (December 7).
December 1 November 25
13. Adoption of budget for 2026. RCW 35.33.075
& 35A.33.075.
Following the public
hearing and prior to
beginning of the
ensuing fiscal year.
Day of public
hearing through
December 31.
November 25
14.Copies of final budget to be transmitted to the
State Auditor's Office and to MRSC by the City
Clerk. Finance Director transmits final budget to
Grant County Commissioners.
After adoption After adoption
1 RCW 35.33.031 actually provides "on or before the second Monday of the fourth month," etc. Therefore, pursuant to the state budget law, that step (and certain others) could be taken before the dates listed here. See also, RCW 35A.33.030.
2 RCW 35.33.057 and RCW 35A.33.055 specify that the budget message must contain the following:
An explanation of the budget document; An outline of the recommended financial policies and programs of the city for the ensuing fiscal year; A statement of the relation of the recommended appropriation to such policies and programs; A statement of the reason for salient changes from the previous year in appropriation and revenue items; An explanation for any recommend major changes in financial policy
3If a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, that due date becomes the next business day. RCW 1.12.070.
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The Moses Lake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3067, passed February 11, 2025.
Disclaimer: The city clerk has the official version of the Moses Lake Municipal Code. Users should contact the city
clerk for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
City Website: www.cityofml.com
Staff Directory
Hosted by General Code.
2.08.600 Definition and Scope of Council Standing Committees:
The purpose of the standing committees is purely advisory to review certain items for a deeper discussion prior to
presenting for decisions by the full Council. The City Manager will coordinate monthly meeting dates and times,
and other staff needing to attend. There shall be three (3) standing committees of the Council and the scope of
their duties is described as follows:
A. Finance Committee. The Committee exists for the purpose of reviewing matters about investments, taxes, fees,
revenue development, expenditures, as well as fiscal planning and policies. Budget amendments shall be reviewed
by the Finance Committee and then scheduled for presentation to the full Council.
B. Public Safety Committee (PSC). The Committee exists for the purpose of considering matters that fall under the
Police and Fire Departments, or other matters that are public safety in nature including code enforcement issues,
provision of indigent defense/jail, dispatch services, etc.
C. Community Development/Municipal Services/Parks Committee (CMP). The Committee exists for the purpose of
considering matters that fall under infrastructure development and public services, including but not limited to:
land use planning, economic development project, streets, stormwater, water, sewer, parks, recreation, cultural
programs, annexation, and other development regulations. (Ord. 2972, 5/25/21)
Ch. 2.08 City Council, Boards, Commissions, Committees Rules of Governance | Moses Lake Municipal Code Page 1 of 1
The Moses Lake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3067, passed February 11, 2025.
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MOSES LAKE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS -2025
City
Manager Position 1 Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 Position 5 Position 6 Position 7
Council Regular Meetings 2nd/4th Tuesday
at 6:30 p.m.X X X X X X X X
Council Finance Committee 2nd Tuesday at
2:00 p.m.X X X X
Parks, Recreation, & Cultural
Services Committee (PRCS)
3rd Tuesday at
12:00 p.m.X X X X
Council Public Safety
Committee
4th Thursday at
Noon X X X X
Community Development/Public
Works (CD/PW) Committee
4th Tuesday at
2:00 p.m.X X X Alt X
Council Ad Hoc Homelessness
Committee, 1 vacancy 11-12-24
3rd Thurs. at 2:30
p.m.X X X
Tax Increment Area As Needed, established when repealed Desert PointX and
Katherine X X X
Advisory Cmte on Housing As Needed X
AGCCT (Association of Grant
County Cities and Towns) *Quarterly X X (Pres.)X X X X X
GCEDC selection by EDC 3rd Wednesday
at 7:00 a.m.X Alt X
Grant Board of Health via
AGCCT recommendation
2nd Wednesday
at 6:00 p.m.X Alt to pos
3 & 4
Grant County Homeless Housing
Task Force (HHTF)As Needed X Alt
Grant County PGC-WUCC As Needed X
Mark
Fancher
Judy
Madewell
Council - StaffVictor
Lombardi
David
Skaug
Rob
Karlinsey
Deanna
Martinez
Dustin
Swartz Don Myers
Local-Regional MixBoards, Councils &
Organizations
.
*voluntary attendance
Meets
*voluntary attendance
Council Admin/Council Cmte/CC Assignment.xls
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MOSES LAKE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS -2025
City
Manager Position 1 Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 Position 5 Position 6 Position 7
Mark
Fancher
Judy
Madewell
Victor
Lombardi
David
Skaug
Rob
Karlinsey
Deanna
Martinez
Dustin
Swartz Don Myers
Boards, Councils &
Organizations
.
*voluntary attendance
Meets
Grant County Solid Waste
Advisory Committee -ML Citizen
Rep appointed by BOCC
2-3 times per year
as needed X
Grant Transit Authority 3rd Thursday at
6:30 p.m.X A
Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee
2-3 times per year
as needed X X
ML Economic Development
Coordinating Cmte Every 6 weeks X X X
ML LEOFF 1 Disability Board As Needed X X
ML Watershed Council 3rd Tuesday at
10:00 a.m.X
Municipal Airport Commission 1st Wednesday at
Noon X X
One WA Opioid Abatement -
NCW Region / Carelon
1st Thursday at 9
am remote X X
Port of Moses Lake *2nd/4th Monday
at 10 a.m.X
Sister City Exchange *As Needed (Alumni)
Grant County Mosquito Dist #1 As Needed see B&C List - Resident Chris Blessing 2023-2024
Parks, Recreation, & Cultural
Services Advisory Board
2nd Wednesday
at 7:00 p.m.see B&C List
Planning Commission Thurs. after 2nd Tue.
at 7p.m.see B&C List
Civil Service Commission 2nd Tuesday at
2:00 p.m.X see B&C List
Firemen's Pension Board As Needed see B&C ListNo Council RequiredLocal-Regional Mix*voluntary attendance
Council Admin/Council Cmte/CC Assignment.xls
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CITY COUNCIL PACKET APPENDIX – JUNE 5 AND 12 RETREAT
2025 Budget Priorities Status
The City has several budget priorities outlined for the development of the 2025 budget. These
priorities are developed by the City Council, City Manager, and department directors. These
priorities can be found on pages four and five of the adopted 2025 budget. A status update of these
budget priorities are provided as follows:
Manage and Encourage City Growth
Add and revitalize infrastructure (water, sewer, transportation)
Merge Public Works Capital Plan with Utilities Rate Study
1. The adopted Wastewater System Plan capital project list and the PROPOSED Water
System Plan capital project list were provided to FCS group for inclusion in the rate
projections for both utilities. Finance has been spearheading the study, but the utilities
have been participating.
Secure adequate water resources through acquisition and efficiencies
2. In the near future we will produce a 2 to 3 page, easy-to-understand strategy that outlines
the plan for how we are securing new sources. We will present a draft of this paper to the
City Council at a work study session in the coming weeks.
3. Still actively seeking water right purchase options – no current plans to acquire other
systems that I am aware of; would need Chad’s comments on efficiencies gained.
4. Aspect Consulting continues to evaluate the non-additive change request for deep to
shallow.
5. Distribution System Leakage which includes both Real and Apparent Losses (theft meter
inaccuracies and data collection)
Steps to Address Distribution System Leaks:
Replacing oldest meters in the system and accuracy testing them.
Endpoint Project Completion
All consumption meters upgraded
All production meters upgraded.
District metering setup in Beacon to allow more accurate tracking.
Resume leak detection surveys in districts showing losses. Create work
orders/projects as needed from these surveys.
Establish 2024/2025 workplan to implement water projects as a top
priority. Wells, reservoirs, filtration, and other large and small projects.
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6. Public Works will be working with finance and administration to develop a 6-year capital
improvement plan for the water system. 2025 Active Water Projects are as follows:
a. Meter Endpoint Replacement Program – projected to complete in 2028.
b. Well 34 Pumphouse – in design phase; project hinges on gaining access to additional
shallow water rights in order to turn on well.
c. Turnkey Road Watermain Replacement – design is 90% complete and plans are in
review with Development Review Manager.
d. Alder Street Bridge Watermain Replacement – design is 90% complete and plans are
in review with Development Review Manager.
e. Reservoir 5 Painting – contract documents received, and project will proceed during
the appropriate weather window.
f. Well 17 Pump – staff are working with pump supplier to identify a solution
g. Reservoir 10 Construction – project is contingent on financing; sizing parameters are
still being researched.
h. Bureau Water Project – 5,000 AF application is still in process with the bureau; due to
federal cuts, the review arm of the bureau is severely understaffed causing processing
delays.
i. Well 29 Treatment – treatment feasibility study completed by Gray & Osborne, final
report received 5/12/2025 and will be submitted to council for further consideration of
treatment solution at Council meeting in June; secure state and seeking federal direct
appropriation grants to pay for design and installation of treatment selected.
j. Reservoir Inspections – plan to be completed by August 2025.
k. SCADA Historian Server Implementation – State Auditors Office cybersecurity audit
complete; staff are meeting to discuss next steps for implementation.
l. Aquifer Storage and Recharge Study – ongoing work with Aspect consulting
m. Comprehensive Water System Plan Update – first round of official comments received
from DOH; consultant and City Engineer are working to address those comments; staff
will bring forth plan after final edits are made.
n. I-90/Stratford Insulation Wrap Replacement – currently in design stage.
o. COF Watermain Replacement – project is in design.
Streamline City permitting processes
7. Technology Services staff are contributing a great deal of effort to ensure the city
permitting process goes smoothly for those applying on the front end and for staff
processing the permits on the back end. Technology Services staff:
a. Continuously reviews comments (submitted by email or over the counter) and works
with the portal’s software developer to making adjustments to the portal workflows or
interface as needed. In some cases, Technology Services staff have met with or taken
calls from developers to directly address complex issues.
b. Meets with the portal software developer weekly to discuss the status of change
requests, requesting needed features, and reporting any new issues.
c. Held formal training classes for all Cityworks and portal users on how to use the
system. Training remains ongoing.
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d. Meets weekly with multiple internal staff groups to refine and adjust permit
workflows.
e. Manages the “behind the scenes” software suite that is the engine driving the
permitting process.
Continued evaluation of permitting intake, review and service delivery of the Community
Development, building program:
Identify areas of improvement with customer assistance related to the City’s permit portal
process including developing avenues to ensure customers understand and can properly
navigate the portal and complete application submittals.
Evaluate and remove incomplete applications and identify reasons applications might be
abandoned or incomplete.
Coordinate with IT any improvements to workflow information on the application side of
the portal.
Evaluate workflow response to portal application/s and the need for additional information
or incomplete applications.
Discover why the portal is challenging to use from the customer side and implement a
“process improvement team” for going evaluation and improvement. (Improvement team
implemented Aug 2024)
Discover avenues to ensure our customers possess the knowledge needed to navigate the
portal for specific permit types through enhancement of specific informational bulletins:
Create more detailed information for customers regarding specific permit types such as,
but not limited to, fences, demo permits, commercial and residential project permits.
Remove generic information and use a more detailed checklist approach to document
submittals.
The Building Division has produced a number of handouts to guide applicants on
submitting complete applications. This effort will continue to include land use
applications.
Contract for building plan review and Building Official as necessary
8. Community Development Department contracted with CWA to assist in reviewing
building plans. CWA was instrumental in reviewing the plans for Sila. The contract is
still in place.
Set and adhere to planning deadlines
9. In compliance with new Senate Bill 5290, the Planning Division presented to the Council
an ordinance determining the timing of decisions to be issued based on permit types.
Under SB 5290, he department is required to return a portion of the permit fee should the
decision either approving or denying an application is not issued within the alotted time.
Promote opportunities to address housing needs and ability to increase supply
Implement new Development Code
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10. The Unified Development Code was adopted by Council in September of 2024. The
revisions to the code provide additional opportunities for housing by increasing the
density of residential units allowed within all zoning districts, increase the opportunities
for mul ti-family housing in the residential zones, removing certain restrictions to the
placement of accessory dwelling units.
Utilize manufacturing presence to leverage investment
Emphasize regional relationships with Grant County and others
11 . City manager has met with and begun to establish relationships with his counterparts at
the Port, PUD, the College, the School District, the EDC, and others. Rob and the Mayor
have recently met with two of the GC commissioners. There is a strong need for regional
collaboration. Rob recommends more work in this area, including joint city council/board
meetings with the Port, County, PUD, and other boards.
Highlight manufacturing in Economic Development webpage
12. The Communications Specialist will work with Grant County EDC to update this web
page.
Crime Reduction
Actively engage and promote community policing strategies. Engage community through
training and collaboration
13. The MLPD prides itself on community outreach and community policing. We participate
in several programs both agency sponsored (Shop with a Cop, Battle of the Badges, Tip a
Cop, Faith and Blue, Chief for a Day) and externally sponsored (Ag Parade, Moravida,
Down Syndrome Walk, Special Olympics, and back to school events). In February we
began planning for a Community Police Academy for the Fall. We hope to run two of
these Academies, one in English and one in Spanish.
Explore areas of focus for small crimes. Can be task force, a month of emphasis, or other
14. The MLPD continues to investigate and clear minor crimes. The current difficulty is the
second step in the process, the ability to book violators into jail and begin the court
process. We are being more targeted in this area until a new jail is in operation, allowing
us to provide immediate consequences. In cooperation with the Grant County Jail, we are
currently given more leeway than other agencies to book on minor crimes. We save this
space for the folks being the most problematic, committing multiple small crime
violations (petty theft, trespassing, etc.). For others committing these same offenses that
may have warrants from other jurisdictions, we will take them there to ensure they have
the opportunity to take care of their legal obligations and remove them from the
temptation/ability to commit further minor crimes in Moses Lake.
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In April we began foot patrols in the downtown corridor and parks in an effort to curb
small crimes and problematic behavior in that highly visible and visited area. I anticipate
this will continue in some form, either foot or bike patrols, through the Summer.
Add streetlights where needed. Ensure all lights are operational
15. Operation of streetlights are coordinated with Grant PUD.
Emphasize programs that can steer youth positively
Highlight positive impact of Parks and Recreation Programs on youth and
align goals with new programming
16. Implementation of an after-school tutoring program, and continuation of the before
school program at Larson Recreation Center for kids at the School District.
a. After-school tutoring program has been implemented and is currently running. Before
school program continues.
b. Scholarship program for low-income families available for all Recreation programs
and LRC Memberships. The scholarship program for low-income families is active
and available.
c. Continued the operation of the free Mobile Recreation Unit in the summer bringing
recreational activities to lower income neighborhoods in the summer months. The
mobile recreation Unit staff are being hired in preparation for the summer season.
17. The MLPD works closely with the Moses Lake School District. Our School Resource
Officers constantly engage our Middle School and High School students, the schools
where they spend the most time. Officers engage students throughout the district by
participating in job fairs, breakfast week, and reading to students. Throughout the year
officers teach classes and do presentations at the high school and the Criminal Justice
program at CB Tech.
Promote youth programs offered by other agencies
18. Collaborated with School District to continue offering the free after school sports
program to all interested elementary school children in school facilities. With the failed
school district levy for 2025, staff worked with the school district to update the Interlocal
agreement to allow City program staff to act as building supervisors and be able to run
the free after-school sports program in the schools. This has allowed the free program to
continue.
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 23 of 30
19. PRCS collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Basin on their summer
meal program for kids in parks. This will coordinate their summer meals with the Mobile
Rec Program.
20. Museum and Art Center collaborating with Moses Lake Community Coalition to become
a drop-in programming for youth. The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center provides a
safe, structured space for young people to engage with the arts, culture, and history.
21. MLPD officer and clerical member, on their own initiative, are working with the Boys
and Girls Club to increase contact with officers/positive role models in an effort to steer
youth away from negative influences both now in the future. The anticipated
implementation is in the Fall. We hope to add some anti-gang/violence curriculum after
the program is established.
Consider citywide youth opportunities such as policing, fire, field trips to
city hall and other involvement by our young citizens.
22. Low-cost field trip and outreach program options available from the Museum and Art
Center for School District classes. We offer a wide range of classes and programs, many
free of charge, that introduce young people to art and history. The programs and exhibits
we offer foster a sense of belonging and reduce social isolation. The museum is a break
from the “terminally online” culture of the moment where visitors can engage in hands-
on learning and make real world connections with others. Throughout the year, the
museum offers programs and events that showcase young voices and send the message
that they matter in our community.
23. Mobile Rec unit to be out in parks this summer providing recreational opportunities in the
parks in lower income neighborhoods with no fee.
24. The MLPD offers, and conducts, building tours upon request for schools, home school
programs, scouts. We also participate in events directed at young people such as Touch a
Truck.
Address drug and transient issues
Opioid abatement program
25. The City has received a total of $315,667.03 in opioid funding from the settlements
through 4/15/2025. Projected receipts through 2038 are $662,365.54.
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 24 of 30
a. The first payment for the distribution, administration and reporting of the funds in the
amount of $29,555.98 was made on 4/21/2025. This amount was based on receipts
through 3/15/2024 of $147,779.90.
b. Carelon Behavioral Health was selected to administer, distribute and report on the use
of the funds received from the six entities in the NCW Opioid Abatement Council.
Community Development transitional programs
26. The Police Department, Public Works, Parks, and Code Enforcement, continue to work
closely to keep large encampments from forming, and dealing with them when they do.
This includes working with private property owners whenever possible. The work with
private property owners to move camps and establish long standing “Trespassing Orders”
like what was done behind the movie theater in late 2024, has helped to keep camps
down in those areas. It has allowed officers to make proactive contacts on those
properties. Additionally, the PD has instituted foot/bike patrols in the downtown and will
implement other emphasis programs after the sleep center closes to control criminal and
anti-social behaviors, including code violations.
Collaborate on gang/drug initiatives
27. The MLPD continues to work closely with our local and federal partners to conduct
investigations that either proactively impact drug and gang operations or reactively arrest
those responsible, such as the March Homicide on Loop. This includes having detectives
assigned on a part time local basis to the ATF and DEA offices out of Spokane. The
federal system has more significant penalties than Washington State for drug and firearm
charges, giving us another tool to use. These relationships have also been a significant
force multiplier for us. We anticipate having an ATF agent at the PD on a part time basis
starting late in 2025. The ATF hopes to make this a satellite office with a full-time agent
assigned within the next 3-5 years.
As an example of the work being done by your officers, in a 6-week period, officers seized
3.75 pounds of methamphetamine, over 1.5 pounds of fentanyl, almost 2 pounds of heroin,
14 guns, 1800 fentanyl pills, and $60,000. This was the result of both patrol officers doing
great work, and our investigations unit working with the partners listed above.
Augment graffiti abatement efforts
Set deadlines for graffiti removal
28. Graffiti in parks to be reported to Police and covered up within one business day of report
or discovery. Code Enforcement (CE) continues to identify problem graffiti areas and
quickly responds to abatement of graffiti. The CE officers work with community
businesses and citizens to coordinate graffiti removal and cleanup efforts through
education of community groups, schools, organizations and other interested parties.
Vendors willing to donate or discount paint and supplies were identified and put in
contact with victims of graffiti. Planning has proposed a change to the ordinance that
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 25 of 30
will give grace to the victims of graffiti while ensuring the removal of the graffiti in a
timely manner.
Multi-department approach
29. City personnel have worked with schools and parents to identify the graffiti “artists” and
has realized some success in decreasing the incidences of graffiti.
Volunteer opportunities, scout badges, service clubs
30. Initial mural project planned for Lauzier Ballfields dugout this year, partially as a
deterrent to graffiti. Initial project plan includes the incorporation of at-risk youth in the
painting of the mural. Mural festival being planned for 2026 to continue this in the
Downtown area.
Enhance Corridors
Cleanup trash/Graffiti
31. Parks Staff clean up trash in the parks as a part of the park runs on every trip.
Repair property damage in a timely manner
32. Review of property conditions as a part of the park runs on every trip. Report any
property damage observed to Superintendent of Parks. All reports of property damage to
be inspected within one business day of report.
Maintain existing facilities
33. Complete a full Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources internal inventory of all
infrastructure items and develop an internal capital replacement plan to be adopted into
the City’s overall capital plan. PRCS staff is in process of production of a list of capital
project needs and large expenditure replacement needs that will help the department
budget and plan for the future. Target completion of the list is for the end of 2025 to be
incorporated into the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space plan as well as the City’s
general Capital and Comprehensive Plans.
Collaboration
Align interests with County, Port, Economic Development Committee (EDC), Big Bend
Community College (BBCC), Watershed Council, etc.
Be responsive to the public, customers and agencies - hire with customer
service in mind
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 26 of 30
34. City to have three informational booths at the County Fair, Public Works, General, and
Parks Recreation and Cultural Services.
35. Executed license agreements with Spring Fest, the Farmer’s Market and Downtown
Moses Lake Association for their events held on City properties to streamline the process
for them and their vendors.
36. The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center regularly engages in community outreach.
a. This past year the museum had a presence at the Farmer’s Market, the Grant County
Fair, the Umani Festival, Sip n Stroll, and the Summer Concert Series. Interactions
with the public at these events is mostly positive, we are generally perceived as an
asset to the community.
b. Events at the museum regularly generate good publicity for the city. In the past five
years, we have made headway in increasing our visibility in the community through
participation outreach events. The museum operates the Visitor Information Center
which provides information to residents and visitors about things to do in town and
city services.
37. Completed installation of the Dano Park Futsal Courts in 2025 with a grand opening
event involving the City, Rave Sports, the Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Basin,
and other project partners.
38. Fountain restoration project includes collaboration with MLIRD, the Chamber of
Commerce, and local businesses to restore the fountain and reinstall it in the lake. A
Fountain restart ceremony to be scheduled once the fountain is complete and back in
place.
39. City staff regularly attends the Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Moses Lake
Association board meetings acting as a liaison to the City.
Preserve Lake Health and Access
Add infrastructure that can help the lake (sewer, stormwater)
40. Staff worked with conservation district to execute an ILA to provide an interagency loan
to ensure wastewater stub outs could occur in conjunction with Grant County’s
Westshore Drive paving project. Staff continue to process ETA applications for
wastewater connections in the UGA that front Moses Lake.
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 27 of 30
41. Boardwalk Stormwater Improvements project design is in process to increase
pretreatment and repair/improve stormwater outfall to lake.
Support the efforts of the Watershed Council
42. Due to the Stormwater Position not being funded and Brad Mitchell having to fill his
current role as Street/Stormwater manager this has led to him not fully being able to
really dive into the group. Councilmember Martinez is in the group as well. When Brad
can attend, he speaks about Stormwater items, Future CIP Projects, Outfall Inspections,
Illicit Discharges, and Street Sweeping Volumes.
43. Stormwaters Contribution for Education and Outreach Materials Including:
Cost Sharing
Materials Purchasing
Support for Educational Outreach and Events
Educational Presentations at Schools Alongside the Council
The Stormwater Division promotes Lake Health and Water Quality
44. Watershed Council and their primary focus has been with the Lake Treatment at the
meetings. With their scope so narrow it tends to be difficult to offer support because their
current focus are things that are outside the role within the City.
Address EPA Superfund Site
45. Staff do not actively work towards site mitigation – that is the responsibility of the EPA.
City Sustainability
Financial Stability
Maintain an ending fund balance of 15% - 25%
46. As of the end of May 2025, the General Fund has an ending fund balance of $10.69M or
25.2% in reserve.
47. The $500k transfer from the General Fund to the Rainy-Day fund authorized by
Council in the 2025 budget will reduce the reserve to 24.0% of budgeted expenses.
48. The Street Operating fund has an ending fund balance of $1.15M or 32.6% in reserves as
of the end of May.
Refrain from utilizing 2024 Ending Fund Balance as revenue source for
2025 Budget. Reserve funds for Capital Outlay.
49. This will be evaluated and monitored as we continue through the year to determine if any
of the 2024 ending fund balance will be utilized during the year.
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 28 of 30
50. The 2nd quarter financial results will provide a clearer picture of current fund balance and
will be able to provide an indication of whether fund balance utilization will be
necessary.
Utilities and infrastructure sustainability
Focus on long range planning to ensure sustainability of City infrastructure
51. We have entered into a contract with Jeff Pooley of Next Level Analytics, LLC to assist
in providing financial analysis to include:
a. Budget and expenditure analysis
b. Revenue and expenditure forecasting
c. Support with financial decision making
52. Mr. Pooley will be presenting the 6-year forecast at the June 5th Council retreat. The
forecast will include scenarios should specific events occur, such as a significant decline
in sales tax or building permit revenue. Additionally, it will highlight the impacts of one-
time revenues, such as ARPA and SAFER grant funds.
53. The water and sewer rate study being conducted by FCS Group is nearing completion.
FCS is preparing a presentation to Council for late June or July.
Address Aquifer Issue
Update water communication plan. Address aquifer issue in staff work plan.
54. See #2 on page 1
Communication
Increase visibility in the community
Utilize PIO to identify and implement a communication workplan
55. Later this year, City Manager will work with Communications Specialist to create this
workplan.
Additional Council Priorities since Budget Adoption or Other Significant Workload Items
Worth Noting:
Water & Wastewater in the UGA - Extraterritorial Agreement Policy
Round 2 of revisions have been completed and are ready for review with Brian and Rob as
of 5/11/2025. Plan is to present an update to City Council on 5/20 and allow them to
review updated proposal for continued edits. Proposed adoption window is late summer
2025.
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 29 of 30
Homelessness Approach and Closure of the Sleep Center
Draft post-Sleep Center Plan development is underway. This has been a multi-department
effort. Council adoption of the plan is expected at the 6/24 City Council meeting.
Fire Services – Assessment of Alternatives for Service Delivery
Presented update of progress at Council Meeting May 27.
Tyler Software Implementation
The first two phases of the Tyler software implementation include:
Financials (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger,
Capital Assets, Contracts/Projects, Budgets, Reporting)
▫ Tentative go-live date 1/1/2026
▫ Working with KOA Hills to extract data from existing system to
upload into Tyler
▫ System configuration and testing is progressing
▫ Pausing financials implementation to focus on conversion from
GAAP to cash basis reporting and completing financial reports for
submittal to the State Auditor’s Office for scheduling audits.
HRM (Human Resources Management, including HR and Payroll)
▫ Tentative go-live date 1/1/2026 (this may be impacted by delay of
Financials implementation)
▫ KOA Hills working on uploads from existing system
▫ Have run limited parallel testing, but until all data is uploaded, can’t
complete full parallel testing
The second phase of the implementation is:
Utilities (Billing)
▫ Tentative start date of the implementation is October 2025.
▫ Projected go-live date is 1/1/2027.
Implementation of the Tyler Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program remains
in progress. Advancement has been steady though slower than anticipated due to
complexities with staff workload (managing project work in tandem with already
full day-to-day time commitments), the need to evaluate and change internal
processes to align with system capabilities, and challenges acquiring and
converting data from the legacy system in preparation for importation into the new
system.
The above said, Finance, HR, and IT staff are continually committing a lot of time
and effort to make sure the Tyler project keeps up momentum. Staff are
enthusiastic about the new work environment and new processes and look forward
to the day we can leave our legacy system behind.
Union Negotiations
Two union CBAs have been negotiated. AFSCME - approved by City Council in April.
IAFF - union ratified contract on May 7th. The CBA will be brought forward to City
Council at it’s May 27th meeting. The contract for the Police Guild expires 12/31/25.
Negotiations have not begun yet.
COML Council Retreat June 5 and 12, 2025, Page 30 of 30