[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6428028,"mediaKeyId","5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198","parentId",5906801,"title","Tri City Heights residents press Kennewick council for sound wall, safety fixes near Canal Drive","audioSeconds",1502,"startMs",855000,"endMs",2357000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198&start=855&end=2357","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198/thumbnail_855000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6428028/Kennewick-City/Benton-County/Washington/Tri-City-Heights-residents-press-Kennewick-council-for-sound-wall-safety-fixes-near-Canal-Drive","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428028-bd4fb806b8fc2a5d9a00c84f4d55a8dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196037&Signature=JV9rGUfcjUxUGev6xdJS4s2KfKf6JaPviZgPHvr0Sm1h4WJbHjHogBf9-ik6EEPcURAyr~RGVGol5IdIVm4-V0lRcNq7wKLB-Q6oXfpN2g7LU8qlxzmUvXG19zbdNz6ObfLGgu8yz7voIgc85l-UWMQ6DoDmpuHD0skJwj-PpE2qFLluYBVZSbvlTSOmbxpdUNmLIvBFFM5oj1EqyhVRA3v2hbpL8bp7KY7UxQII7PFijNKiK6ni5TpmFz2CulzWailG7SGoc8ySOYyHMLRH4e9fXLQcFXvyLaYkdvzD4C26t9y0rekq4i8iVlxTYV7TAV6ZbZ~VUbitzbNWJLK1GA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kennewick","date","2025-10-07T00:00:00Z","article","Dozens of Tri City Heights residents told the Kennewick City Council on Oct. 7 that noise, trash and what they described as increasing street racing and homelessness along Canal Drive are harming their neighborhood and asked the city to pursue a sound barrier and other mitigations.

The requests came during the visitors/public comment portion of the meeting, when residents emphasized public-safety concerns and quality-of-life impacts from traffic and new commercial development along Canal Drive. “We get more traffic, more trash flowing in,” said Adam Place, a Tri City Heights resident, describing repeated incidents of street racing and broken trees affecting homes. “My dog was hit on Canal because there is not a barrier there.”

Why it matters: Residents said problems have grown since fast-food and dining businesses opened on Canal Drive. They asked the council to coordinate with Benton County—because parts of Tri City Heights lie outside city limits—and to consider physical barriers, more regular maintenance of the tree shelterbelt, and stepped enforcement of noise laws.

Residents described multiple concerns. William L. Bennett, a neighborhood resident, asked the council to consider a “sound barrier wall put along between Canal Drive and Umatilla Ave.” Several speakers described dead or falling trees in the shelterbelt that once served as a visual and noise buffer; Tom (last name not specified), who identified himself as a 30‑year firefighter‑paramedic and Tri City Heights resident, said about 17 shelterbelt trees are standing dead and represent a hazard. Nancy Tarara, a long‑time resident, said new businesses have increased litter and rodent problems and that homeless individuals had begun to frequent the area near playgrounds and homes.

Residents proposed a mix of responses: a physical sound wall, maintenance or replacement of the tree shelterbelt, stepped enforcement of vehicle noise laws and targeted policing, and continued collaboration with Benton County. “We have 3 options,” Tom said: a sound wall (expensive), maintenance of the shelter belt, or heightened enforcement of existing noise laws that allow ticketing when a vehicle is audibly excessive. Several speakers also urged the city to restore neighborhood pride by improved trash pickup and policing.

What the council said or did: Council members acknowledged the issues and said they would coordinate with public works and county officials to clarify jurisdiction and potential actions. Mayor Bridal Crawford and other council members indicated inquiries would be made to determine what city responsibilities exist within the “doughnut” of county territory surrounded by Kennewick.

Next steps and limits: Speakers repeatedly noted parts of Tri City Heights are in unincorporated Benton County; residents requested the council examine what the city can do where city property or services are implicated (for example, city‑owned right‑of‑way maintenance). The council did not vote on any ordinance or funding at the meeting; public comment closed after council members said they would follow up with staff and the county.

Closing note: Neighbors asked the city to act relatively quickly to address safety and maintenance problems they said were affecting families and children.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple Tri City Heights residents urged the Kennewick City Council to address noise, trash, street racing and homelessness near Canal Drive and Umatilla Avenue and proposed a sound barrier wall and other remedies.","taxTitle","Kennewick City, Benton County, Washington","taxId",5807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428018,"Kennewick council adopts tiered ambulance transport rates to align charges with level of service",341,2539000,2880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198&start=2539&end=2880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198/thumbnail_2539000.jpg","/articles/6428018/Kennewick-City/Benton-County/Washington/Kennewick-council-adopts-tiered-ambulance-transport-rates-to-align-charges-with-level-of-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428018-b6e865365e175253b95ec5938143d2be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196037&Signature=Aq0WfNvI5EiCGQUyqLeDxOjQYtfOkrwLW7xiNaEWw-o6F6GJ4gPzhKwqWMuo6P8htIlegmZE71TN6bcocfM4vJL79dkmQyq14ftRG1Gzzh7dwyxSOlxaYiU2OZVu1YAOw-ohPmRrta1JdC6kIM0hyLhGBCOjx1MQpllCDf20qaaHe~XyUl3PcNHpMfrxfqg7duJ7DodKg~vILEygDubnVFl1OaZ31YQSomqcoOgIfDaAggx4K8XkzO7EQ~Q44AmZoC90LSwyRXyvHAmxUD3WT8J2aOPjA6~~OQVUvJm1x7nTgGf7ju~RvEkolGkXQwG729MbN-yczR7O3Y4TkaCklA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kennewick City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 7 to adopt a resolution updating ground ambulance transport and mileage rates, replacing a single flat rate that had been in place since 2012 with a tiered structure based on level of service.

City fire department staff told the council the city’s flat rate—$660 for residents and $990 for nonresidents—had not been changed since 2012 and that Kennewick’s current charges remained among the lowest in the Tri‑Cities area. Chief Heffner presented two options; staff recommended a tiered structure so patients are billed according to Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support 1 (ALS1) or Advanced Life Support 2 (ALS2) services. The resolution that passed (Option B) phases in rate changes and thereafter ties increases to the consumer price index.

Why it matters: Staff and the city’s contracted ambulance billing partner said the tiered structure better reflects levels of care and would enable the city to recover the maximum amounts allowed by Medicare and Medicaid for covered patients. The staff report noted more than 60% of transported patients are insured by Medicare, and staff estimated the change would reduce general fund subsidy pressures.

Council action and vote: “I move to adopt the resolution presented under option B,” said Mayor Bertem Tirelli; council member Anderson seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as unanimous, 7‑0, and staff confirmed the new rates would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Details and fiscal impact: City staff described Option B as forecast to increase ambulance transport revenue by about $147,952 in 2026 and indicated the general fund currently subsidizes ambulance operations. During discussion, staff reiterated the city had not adjusted the transport/mileage rates since 2012. Council members asked about the general‑fund subsidy and comparative regional rates; staff said Kennewick’s rates would remain among the lower charges in the region even after the increases.

Next steps: The resolution will be filed with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, and staff will implement the tiered billing process with the city’s billing partner.","Kennewick approved a resolution to move from a flat ambulance transport fee to a tiered rate structure (BLS, ALS1, ALS2) effective Jan. 1, 2026; council approved Option B by unanimous vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428008,"Kennewick amends code to explicitly classify under‑21 pistol possession as misdemeanor; ordinance passes 6‑1",89,3779000,3690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198&start=3779&end=3690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198/thumbnail_3779000.jpg","/articles/6428008/Kennewick-City/Benton-County/Washington/Kennewick-amends-code-to-explicitly-classify-under21-pistol-possession-as-misdemeanor-ordinance-passes-61","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428008-251075384692a6f3cdbeb287bc09654f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196037&Signature=SwP1dVHNDEhaDZz9g1RYd4kwCm-fdY~j~eGONb8nnavjVucw~zytnQVqnqW1d-zVN6dH6REi5GTPQWKHowZr2Z3vzsSE5mo5sa52q0Hb7wafgNhuwRkG3aHOc4lEBPddrGaAJDsHGvp62e8bynmBIxWgf2jU6raMyV3-g0PWQWFRPd-DHBevV2pHBUHN8T3ilT-LCfupHLeT2mVBFysbyOLa5Gc6mRtdm9mfm4ZqHvPjR9Zq1ODOkyi4~NgoZX5BfonoUMDtq4qUMxxaRkcmQvz6rQxA5nulOKg3HxkwZEL4MVWGdplAMH1Q5RDU9S~fbFP6BJOTvIs4Z3GbaH1eHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kennewick City Council on Oct. 7 adopted an ordinance amending Kennewick Municipal Code section 10.12.060 to explicitly identify possession of a pistol by a person under 21 as a misdemeanor, a change requested by the Administrative Office of the Courts to mirror state law.

City Attorney (Laurencio) explained the amendment does not change the substance of enforcement; it codifies that the local offense is a misdemeanor consistent with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). “It’s always been prosecuted as a misdemeanor,” he said, adding that the RCW language already treats offenses not identified as gross misdemeanors as misdemeanors.

Questions from council focused on exemptions and officer discretion. The city attorney identified statutory exceptions that mirror state law—possessing a firearm in one’s residence, business, or property under one’s control, and lawful travel to a shooting range or hunter‑safety course among them—and said officers retain discretion when circumstances arise (for example, whether a firearm in a vehicle is in secure storage or in plain view).

Council action and vote: Mayor Pro Tem Torelli moved to adopt the ordinance and council member Beecham seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as 6 in favor and 1 opposed; the motion passed 6‑1.

Why it matters: The ordinance is administrative and intended to satisfy the Administrative Office of the Courts’ records requirements. City staff said it does not expand or restrict lawful exemptions already defined in state law and that charging discretion remains with law enforcement and the prosecuting authority.

Next steps: The city will implement the code amendment; staff said the change primarily affects which local office prosecutes and creates an explicit local code citation for court processing.","The council added language to the Kennewick Municipal Code to explicitly classify possession of a pistol by persons under 21 as a misdemeanor, aligning local code with the Revised Code of Washington; council adopted the ordinance 6‑1.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428001,"Kennewick council approves 10‑year franchise with Waste Management, new recycling carts and stepped rate increases; vote 6‑1",3248,3946000,7194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198&start=3946&end=7194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198/thumbnail_3946000.jpg","/articles/6428001/Kennewick-City/Benton-County/Washington/Kennewick-council-approves-10year-franchise-with-Waste-Management-new-recycling-carts-and-stepped-rate-increases-vote-61","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428001-ed462f4d673f8532ed7354a1cb24fba9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196037&Signature=DkXvro2al2WHEqh4P4Z9WJf9ooMr5zfIAkmfPfaRbNS9i4-8cgw5y94oadjJsg7GqTyv-RPwh4rljvQTFoLq6KuR9wzQnKExcQjPM0QwjqBVf2rsisIFLwopjbGNcB~E86rc63ch-IleLqLwTJfjSOQBxLDHAUVFafolZVzmN6HvLEe0EPHAdQPWz8GgWKsWGwXihDP61GTHINoiFu~e69yqanGjM5YEuCDM0amdqKxbKpf57AT9WWuaVoAjrG0rR5MH~ltuF3wuezRQ9qy0tikbx9Xl5dWS2uzSpRICNBqD8iTeWiER98DxXcmuifaFpos1rb4wHwNkn1ABFnAP2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kennewick City Council on Oct. 7 adopted a 10‑year franchise ordinance and contract with Waste Management of Washington Inc., approving a revised residential solid‑waste and recycling program that replaces the city’s small bins with covered carts and phases in stepped rate increases.

Staff framed the contract as a response to state recycling requirements that mandate covered, color‑coded carts (recycle = blue, garbage = gray, green waste = green) and said implementation requires new 96‑gallon carts and equipment. The contract phases in the larger carts and an updated recycling collection schedule: 96‑gallon recycling carts collected every other week for most customers, retention of existing service to Toyota Center and the Convention Center, and retention of the fall leaf pickup program.

Public hearing and major concerns: Dozens of residents spoke during the public hearing. Concerns included the size of the new 96‑gallon carts (particularly for seniors and townhouse residents), the proposed rate increases, the loss or reduction of free dump coupons at the city transfer station in prior years, and whether Waste Management had financial losses tied to the transfer‑station coupon program. Several residents advocated for options such as a 35‑gallon recycle cart for households with lower volumes; staff and Waste Management said a 35‑gallon option would be available by request.

Council discussion and company position: City staff and Waste Management representatives said the current small bins do not meet the new state requirements, that replacement with covered carts reduces litter and complaints about bins blowing away, and that the step‑in schedule limits customer cost increases while new carts and trucks are deployed. Staff presented rate tables showing most Kennewick residents fall under the 96‑gallon cart classification; projected 2026 monthly price for a 96‑gallon cart is $29.46 and in 2027 $33.84 under the proposed agreement. The contract also establishes a 1% administrative fee remitted to the city on gross revenue to support administrative costs and a moderate‑risk waste facility.

Council action and vote: Mayor Pro Tem Chiarelli moved and Council member Beecham seconded a motion to adopt the franchise ordinance and approve the contract. The motion passed 6‑1.

Why it matters: The contract implements statewide recycling standards, changes residential collection equipment and involves a multi‑year rate structure that staff said is intended to balance customer impacts while covering capital costs (new carts, trucks and equipment) and operational changes. Residents urged more options for seniors and townhouse occupants and sought clarity on the number and value of transfer‑station coupons and how those affect Waste Management’s finances.

Next steps: If approved as adopted, Waste Management will roll out the new carts and collection program; staff must publish required public notices (the agenda noted a Nov. 5 notice requirement) and coordinate customer communications. Council members asked staff to continue monitoring implementation and customer concerns.","After a public hearing with multiple speakers, the Kennewick City Council approved a 10‑year franchise ordinance and contract with Waste Management that implements state‑mandated covered recycling carts, a phased rate increase and limits on free transfer‑station coupons; council vote 6‑1.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6427993,"Kennewick introduces new economic development director, outlines small‑business focus",130,589000,719000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198&start=589&end=719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906801-47891bf2b9a6c136a59452b9f73f3198/thumbnail_589000.jpg","/articles/6427993/Kennewick-City/Benton-County/Washington/Kennewick-introduces-new-economic-development-director-outlines-smallbusiness-focus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427993-95cbdb484fd5c885260bbf4fc2cb148d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196037&Signature=S-0ORp2-4Q-tIe~JYaCXEjwVF7k0L2NqIwCPOYG4-qzD6t8NVEEDP~-8TDI6EeqJQp6RC-SMcdbPWhRdy-hw4-ev9N9EDOobZMbyp5DUdlIxR2v-wH6zlK8zsOEj1X9cN089-fLrGwF1pXOC1uJfjoUrW4ZsajHWuauLGIKWIj3n6dhp8SvLJHzWBk0m-xqAcpn1GPnswuAzuODP2-6RKXh~TLRphJnrCQqhIwFJnd5zC0XC80YPcF9T3yOpBvf2ivUbEyB8QTfNcI6IDoOZIZUl--UGAHiCI18mlNLF2OUtfGMJzL4IEdBF6Cur55-307rEFc3-awVPEj9B3OA7VA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kennewick City Manager and council introduced George Ray III on Oct. 7 as the city’s new economic development director. Ray described plans to support small businesses, assess the local small‑business ecosystem and pursue new funding and industry recruitment opportunities.

Ray said he brings more than a decade of experience helping startups, franchises and professional service firms and mentioned prior roles with Florida International University’s Small Business Development Center and the International Franchise Association. “I’ll be focusing on strengthening small businesses and the community, evaluating the small business ecosystem, but also working with community partners, resource partners alike, and the community in general,” Ray said.

Why it matters: The city framed the appointment as a step to boost small‑business growth and diversify the local economy. Council members welcomed Ray and said they were eager to see initiatives to identify new industry prospects and funding sources.

Next steps: Ray said he would spend the coming months meeting local stakeholders, evaluating business‑support programs and identifying new streams of funding and growth opportunities for Kennewick.","The council and city staff introduced George Ray III as Kennewick’s new economic development director; he outlined priorities including small business support, funding identification and community partnerships.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tri City Heights residents press Kennewick council for sound wall, safety fixes near Canal Drive

Kennewick council adopts tiered ambulance transport rates to align charges with level of service

Kennewick amends code to explicitly classify under‑21 pistol possession as misdemeanor; ordinance passes 6‑1

Kennewick council approves 10‑year franchise with Waste Management, new recycling carts and stepped rate increases; vote 6‑1

Kennewick introduces new economic development director, outlines small‑business focus