City of Pullman

This special meeting continued the consideration of short-term rentals (STRs). Public comments were received regarding the continuation of the STR code discussion. One speaker advocated for easing STR rules, suggesting the addition of 500 more rentals, opening up parking lots for RVs/campers, and creating a central website, arguing that housing is a public health capacity issue and that current policy is being influenced by external demands. Another speaker strongly supported expanding STR options, suggesting ways to incentivize new landlords and utilize city/WSU properties for additional visitor accommodation, noting that high weekend accommodation costs deter visitors. A third speaker, who owned an STR, expressed concern that increasing regulations could reduce the number of available STRs, negatively impacting visitor volume, and emphasized that the commission should posture itself to be welcoming to visitors to support the local economic ecosystem.

The City Council meeting began with a roll call and two adjustments to the agenda, including moving President Canwell's presentation forward. The President discussed key challenges facing the Washington State University (WSU) system, including the disruption in higher education and the impact of college athletics as WSU transitions to the new Pac-12 conference. Significant discussion focused on the state budget situation, where WSU is facing substantial financial cuts, leading to a strategic 'design process' to restructure the institution over the next decade to align with available resources and student demand, particularly in new fields like AI. The President also highlighted efforts to strengthen the partnership between the university and the community, including initiatives for regional economic development and attracting WSU graduates back to the Pullman area. Two questions were fielded by the President regarding the presentation.

The key discussions focused on several areas for feedback from the Committee to the Pullman Police Department (PPD). Commander Ruben Harris sought input on providing honest feedback, particularly concerning disproportionate outcomes from minor crime enforcement and public urination enforcement. The committee also discussed the agency's role in immigration enforcement following a student protest, focusing on officer interaction and posing for photos with demonstrators. Regarding PAC Guidelines, there was a review of public participation methods, with suggestions including online options and specific feedback topics per meeting, and a motion was passed to formally add "Chair(s)" and "Vice Chair(s)" to the guidelines. The PPD is moving toward adopting the Lexipol policy manual, and a policy task force, including several committee members, will be formed to review and provide community standards feedback on the policies. The PPD Update included information on a homicide case plea deal and the investigation of numerous Internet Crimes Against Children cases. During constituency polling, concerns were raised regarding vehicles not being moved and potential impersonation of police officers.

The regular meeting began with roll call, establishing a full commission presence. Key discussions centered on the election of a chair and vice chair. Following the leadership election, the commission conducted a public meeting to solicit feedback regarding Pullman City Code Chapter 17.109 concerning short-term rentals. A member of the public provided extensive commentary highlighting issues such as nuisance claims (which were deemed not true based on public records requests), the proposed staff cost reduction for inspections from $500 to $200, and the economic impact of lodging tax revenue. The speaker also addressed safety concerns, advocating for minimizing perceived barriers like wall-mounted lights to encourage investment and revenue generation, and discussed interpretations of building codes regarding occupancy use changes for existing residential structures.

The meeting introduced a new, less formal study session format intended to allow for deeper dives into topics to facilitate better-informed decisions. Key discussions included an update on the $110,000 CHIP grant award from the Washington State Department of Commerce to fund infrastructure connections for eight affordable homeownership units, in partnership with the Hills and Rivers Housing Trust. Public comments covered a report on a large jigsaw puzzle competition and information about the upcoming family-friendly Mardi Gras event. Council members also discussed efforts to address the city's shortage of middle housing inventory and thanked leadership for adhering to the Keep Washington Working Act. The City Administrator led a presentation outlining the core functions, goals, and priorities of the executive, finance, communications, and human resources departments, noting the intensive audit process the finance department manages.