Without discussion before their 40-minute meeting ended Tuesday, Richland City Council approved an extension of their contract with California-based Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc. to improve the city’s “open and transparent” rating by residents. The contract value now totals $214,295 according to the packet of information provided to the council.

Only 5% of Richland residents polled in a 2022 National Community Survey graded the city excellent for “being open and transparent to the public,” Ryder Todd Smith with Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc. told the council at their January 28 workshop meeting.

The council extended the $90,295 contract from September to ensure “clear and effective communication regarding the Downtown Connectivity Improvements Project” which will turn George Washington Way and Jadwin Ave. into one-way streets in downtown Richland.

When the Observer asked councilmembers how they could personally help improve the city’s “open and transparent” rating, two responded.

The Observer reached out to each councilmember to ask how they could personally help improve the city’s “open and transparent” rating, and how they could assure that accurate information about the city appears on all formats including councilmembers personal Facebook pages.

Mayor Theresa Richardson responded, “We are always looking for how we can improve. That’s why we are taking this approach.”

Just days before the February special election, Richardson posted misinformation on her personal Facebook page regarding the funding for the vote on creating a performing arts center in Richland. She incorrectly claimed that the city of Richland would pay $300,000 to $375,000 for the special election. The Public Facilities District, a state program funded by a sales tax rebate, shared the cost with two jurisdictions that had school levies on the ballot.

Late the next day, after the post had been viewed by hundreds and shared repeatedly, she corrected her statement.

“Transparency is critical in a democratic society, and it’s incumbent on the city to make information available to the people in an accessible and actionable manner. I think it doesn’t hurt to get a professional assessment of current practices and some advice for going forward, but there’s no lever to pull to improve people’s opinions,” Councilmember Kurt Maier responded.

He added, “I certainly do not think it would be appropriate to spend municipal funds on council members’ personal social media.”

After Richardson posted a controversial statement on her personal Facebook page about Elon Musk’s efforts to cut federal spending, she declined to respond to the Tri-City Herald’s questions about it. Instead she sent the newspaper a statement provided by City Manager Jon Amundson.

Richland council spends less time in meetings than the other two Tri-City councils. Richardson attempted to shorten them.

The Richland city council spends less time meeting than Pasco and Kennewick councils. At a July 23 workshop meeting, Richardson attempted to make the meetings shorter. 

The agenda included a time allotment next to every item. Richardson wrote the Observer in an email after the meeting that the time limit was for the presentation not the discussion, but at one point Richardson cut off Councilmember Jhoanna Jones in mid-sentence and short of the 20 minutes listed for the presentation.

Jones responded later: “I disagree with us setting limits on something that is so important. We’re here to discuss what really makes a difference in our community, and the fact that we’re limited, how much we speak on behalf of these issues is really doing a disservice to our community. We should not have a limit. We’re here to do work and work for our taxpayers,” Jones said.

Richardson attempted to talk over her saying, “I just asked you to stay on topic.”

The time limits have not appeared on any council meeting agendas since then.

“Why do you care about community engagement,” the consultant asked councilmembers.

At the January workshop, the consultant Smith asked the councilmembers, “Why do you care about community engagement?”

Councilmembers Ryan Lukson and Kurt Maier responded that they were there to serve the community.

Councilmember Shayne Van Dyke hinted that engagement and transparency might not result in the council’s desired outcome.

“Whether or not it always makes progress, engagement is your best opportunity to build trust and maybe head off some concerns with education,”  Van Dyke said.

Richardson and Councilmember Ryan Whitten did not respond to Smith.

Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Kent and Councilmember Jhoanna Jones were absent. So far this year each of them has been absent from two of the five council meetings. Whitten has missed one.

Consultants will lead a community townhall.

Tripepi Smith and Associates will lead a community townhall 6 to 7:30 p.m.  Thursday, Feb. 27. Residents can sign up by either going to the city’s Facebook page or the city’s website.

Residents will be asked for their email address and any questions that they might have.

In addition. Sydni Overly of Tripepi wrote the Observer:

“Residents will be able to ask questions using the Q&A feature on Zoom. We also hope to have an open discussion on City communications with the community after a brief presentation. During this time, you will be able to use the raised hand feature on Zoom to speak when it is your turn.”