Yakima City Council Regular Meeting - August 5, 2024

The Yakima City Council met on August 5, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the swearing-in of new City Manager Victoria Baker, public comments on housing and code enforcement, approval of several resolutions, and a discussion on annexation. All votes were 7-0 unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from July 16, 2024 regular meeting and July 23, 2024 study session.
• Accepted 2024 2nd Quarter Financial Report.
• Set date of August 20, 2024 to consider a Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation for the East Yakima Business Area (item 7C was removed from consent and approved separately by unanimous vote).
• Accepted project completion and contract for Northbank Civil and Marine Inc for Nelson Dam Removal Phase 1 Project IC2010.
• Authorized agreements with HLA Engineers and Surveyors for engineering services for the Pedestrian Bridge over Wide Hollow Creek at West Valley Community Park (R-2024-141).
• Authorized agreement with KONE Inc for elevator maintenance services (R-2024-142).
• Authorized Task Order 2024-01 with HLA Engineering and Land Surveying for 2025 Wastewater CIPP Rehabilitation of Rudkin Road Trunk Sewer Main (R-2024-143).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joey Anderson (District 2 resident) expressed strong frustration with landlord issues and Code Compliance, accusing the city and council of failing to protect her and her disabled husband from a slumlord.
• Javier Gonzalez (Low Car Club representative) requested a two-hour extension (to midnight) for the August 10th cruise night event as a trial, arguing it would help build community and reduce conflicts with police. Councilmember Brown asked a clarifying question; the mayor noted it would be discussed after the meeting.
• Jennifer Schlenske (Executive Director of Justice Housing Yakima) addressed environmental concerns about the Cottage Hill Place housing project, stating that the Washington State Department of Ecology reviewed the Phase I environmental site assessment in March 2024, found a few numbers above cleanup levels, and a work plan has been set. She asserted the project is 60% complete and on schedule, and accused two neighbors of using unfounded concerns to stop the project.
• Tim Smith (City resident) identified himself as one of the neighbors referenced, opposing the Cottage Hill Place project. He claimed the city was given information since 2018 that the project is not suitable, that Phase II testing was not done, and that contaminated soil may have been spread without tarps. He called for a citizen committee to review plans and criticized the city for not caring about citizens.

Discussion Items

• Oath of Office to City Manager Victoria Baker: City Clerk Ibarra administered the oath. Ms. Baker spoke to the council and community, expressing her commitment to the city's strategic priorities of safety, resilience, thriving, and engagement, and her intention to be out in the community.
• National Health Center Week Proclamation: Mayor Byers proclaimed August 4-10, 2024 as National Health Center Week. Rhonda Hauff (Yakima Neighborhood Health Services) and Christy Trotter (Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic) accepted and invited the council to a community health fair festival on August 7th.
• Letter of Support for Coalition Against Bigger Trucks: Council reviewed draft letters to Senators Cantwell, Murray, and Representative Newhouse opposing a federal proposal to increase truck weights and dimensions. After discussion citing safety and road damage concerns, the council approved the letters by unanimous vote.
• Resolution for Electronic Storage Detection Canine Program: Sergeant Ryan Yates presented a proposal for an ESD canine to detect electronic storage devices, funded by Operation Underground Railroad (~$22,000) and recurring costs covered by the Yakima Valley Canine Foundation. The dog would also serve as a facility dog for victims. The resolution was adopted unanimously (R-2024-144).
• Resolution authorizing the Kroger Opioid Settlement: City Attorney Sara Watkins explained the city's share is approximately 0.606% of the settlement, paid over 11 years, with an August 12 deadline to approve. Resolution adopted unanimously (R-2024-145).
• Resolution renewing Tourism Promotion Area Administration Agreement: Interim City Manager Zabell presented the renewal with updated requirements (increased cap from $19,000 to $30,000, five-year term with two automatic renewals). The resolution was adopted unanimously (R-2024-146).
• Resolution authorizing agreement for Computerized Maintenance and Asset Management Systems: Fleet and Facilities Manager Kerry Jones presented the purchase of CityWorks software from Timmons Group and Trimble for $200,000, with first-year maintenance under $38,000. The resolution was adopted unanimously (R-2024-147).
• Resolution amending Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce: The amendment extends the closing date to October 31, 2024 to complete a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment. Adopted unanimously (R-2024-148).
• Ordinance amending Municipal Code Section 1.80.040: Interim Finance Director Rosylen Oglesby explained the change raises the purchasing threshold without formal bids from $50,000 to $100,000, aligning with the city manager's delegation of authority. The ordinance was passed unanimously (Ordinance 2024-021).
• Annexation Discussion: Item 7C (set date for public hearing on annexation of East Yakima Business Area) was removed from consent and passed separately. Interim City Manager Zabell provided background, noting the area includes industrial parcels, newer apartments, and a manufactured home park. The annexation is linked to long-term economic development plans. The public hearing will be August 20, 2024.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions and the ordinance were adopted by unanimous 7-0 votes.
• The council set a public hearing date of August 20, 2024 to consider the East Yakima Business Area annexation.
• The council approved a motion to bring a future discussion on moving council meetings to Monday nights when elections are on Tuesdays (motion passed unanimously).
• The council acknowledged a donation from Yakima Valley Senior Citizens Incorporated for a new Fire System Control Panel at the Harman Center (no action required).
• Interim City Manager Dave Zabell noted this was his last meeting; the council and Senator Nikki Torres expressed appreciation for his service.
• The city received a $3 million congressional spending grant for the Nelson Dam Project, announced by Interim City Manager Zabell.