Yakima City Council Regular Meeting – July 2, 2024

The Yakima City Council met on July 2, 2024, at 5:15 p.m. for an executive session, followed by the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. and public hearings at 6:00 p.m. Key actions included approval of the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a resolution adding a July 27 cruise night, the first reading of the 2024 budget amendment, and a decision to cancel the July 4th transit shuttle due to low ridership and high per-passenger costs.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from June 14, 15, 17, 18, and 25, 2024.
• Accepted project completion and closeout for Miller Park Restroom (CXT Incorporated).
• Set July 25, 2024 as the date for a public hearing to vacate a portion of N. 68th Avenue.
• Authorized a $1,125,200 grant from Washington State Department of Commerce for construction of an Aquatic Center at MLK Jr. Park.
• Authorized an amendment and MOU with Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group for riparian restoration on the Bridge and William O. Douglas Trail.
• Accepted a $30,414 grant from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for Capitol Theatre elevator rehabilitation.
• Item G (Wide Hollow Creek Pedestrian Bridge grant) was removed from the consent agenda for discussion and later approved separately (7-0). This $900,000 state grant, secured through Senator King, will fund an 85-foot steel bridge with ADA access and asphalt approaches.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Albert Monta (Grand Hotel manager) and Kim Hopper (resident) expressed concerns about new downtown parking enforcement, stating that permits were unavailable and that many low-income and disabled tenants rely on caregivers who must move cars frequently. They requested additional parking solutions, including more disabled spots. Interim City Manager Dave Zabell committed to following up with the building manager.
• Joey Anderson spoke during the public hearing on the Transportation Improvement Program but raised issues about a pending business license and home occupation permit. City Attorney Sara Watkins clarified that the hearing examiner does not typically handle such licenses and offered to follow up with the planning department.
• Phil Hoge (Yakima Bikes and Walks) expressed support for the TIP, especially sidewalk projects near schools and the Safe Routes to School program. He recommended that three specific projects include bicycle/pedestrian facilities: 1) 18th Street underpass should include bike lanes; 2) 6th Avenue should include a pathway between Willow and Hathaway to connect to the William O. Douglas Trail; 3) E. 8th Street extension should include a separated path along H Street to connect the Greenway and Powerhouse Canal pathways. He also inquired about a green safety paint grant, which City Engineer Bill Preston confirmed will be added via future TIP amendment once the award letter is received.

Discussion Items

• Oath of Office for Interim Police Chief Shawn Boyle: Administered by City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra. Chief Boyle, a 28-year veteran of YPD, thanked the council and pledged to lead the department through transition, reduce violent crime, and partner with city staff. Interim City Manager Dave Zabell highlighted Boyle’s background as a military police officer, his service as corrections officer, patrol, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and commander of criminal investigations and the Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit.
• Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2025–2030: City Engineer Bill Preston presented a list of approximately 30 funded and unfunded projects, including 16th Avenue/Tieton Drive improvements, 18th Street underpass, 6th Avenue roadway, 88th Avenue sidewalk (secured), Bravo Company Boulevard (pending), Fred Meyer active transportation pathway (secured), Naches River Trolley Bridge repair (secured), and Zero Road sidewalk (pending). The public hearing was held, and the council unanimously adopted Resolution R-2024-122 (adopting the TIP) and R-2024-123 (amending the Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element) by a 7-0 vote.
• Resolution Adding July 27, 2024 as a Permitted Cruise Night: Planning Manager Trevor Martin explained that the July 13 cruise night conflicts with the downtown Yakima Mile event, so July 27 is added to maintain two cruise nights in July. The resolution was adopted 7-0.
• First Reading of 2024 Budget Amendment: Interim Finance Director Rosylen Oglesby presented the second-quarter budget adjustment, covering new revenue (e.g., $1.1 million in transit grants from EMS levy, $3 million from county funds for the pool, $569K from RCO grant, $658K in chip money) and expenditures (e.g., $120K for a new fire department vehicle, $339K for EMS revenue expenditures). No action was taken; the ordinance will return for second reading.
• City Manager Update – July 4th Shuttle Cancellation: Interim City Manager Dave Zabell and Public Works Director Scott Schafer reported that ridership for the free shuttle to the Central Washington State Fairgrounds fireworks had dropped from nearly 1,000 in 2016 to 168 in 2023, with a per-passenger cost of $48.25. Free parking is available at the fairgrounds. The council voted 6-1 (Deccio opposed) to support the decision to cancel the July 4, 2024 shuttle service. Discussion included potential weekend-only shuttles for the Central Washington Fair in September, possibly using a single pickup point at Valley Mall.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
• Wide Hollow Creek Pedestrian Bridge Grant (Item G): Resolution R-2024-121 adopted 7-0.
• Six-Year TIP and Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Resolutions R-2024-122 and R-2024-123 adopted 7-0.
• Cruise Night Resolution: Resolution R-2024-124 adopted 7-0 (July 27 added as permitted cruise night).
• Cancel July 4th Shuttle: Motion carried 6-1; Councilmember Deccio voted no. The shuttle will not run; staff will explore limited weekend service for the September fair and report back.
• Budget Amendment: First reading received; no vote. Second reading and public hearing scheduled for a future meeting.
• Next Meeting: Council study session on July 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.