Yakima City Council Study Session - August 27, 2024

The Yakima City Council held a study session on the evening of August 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, proclamations, board appointments, and a discussion on residential parking. The meeting adjourned at 5:31 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Mann, downtown business owner, spoke in support of local landmarks including the Capitol Theatre, the Fruit Row historic designation, and the trolleys. He also welcomed new City Manager Vicki Baker.
• Gregory Johnsen, a New York City resident, spoke in favor of the trolleys, noting that Yakima's interurban electric railroad is the last of its kind in the U.S.
• Barbara Walker, a lifelong Yakima resident and trolley motor person-in-training, praised the trolley's 50-year history and its role in bringing families together.
• Paul Edmondson, a Yakima resident and long-time trolley volunteer, highlighted the trolley's national significance and its operation on original city streets.
• Joe Daniels, a homeless veteran, raised concerns about racial inequity in the local judicial system, specifically criticizing a prosecutor's use of religious language during a trial.
• Mayor Patricia Byers expressed sympathies to Mary Anderson on the passing of former Yakima County Commissioner Ron Anderson.

Discussion Items

• Trolley Week Proclamation: Mayor Byers read a proclamation declaring August 25–31, 2024, as "Yakima Valley Trolley Week." Ken Johnson accepted the proclamation, noting the 50th anniversary of trolley restoration and the railroad's status as a candidate for National Historic Landmark designation. The council voted unanimously to approve the proclamation (motion by Deccio, second by Brown).
• Fruit Row National Historic District and Yakima Harvest Month Proclamation: Planning Manager Trevor Martin presented a draft proclamation recognizing the Fruit Row Historic District—one of the largest active warehouse districts west of the Mississippi—and declaring September as Yakima Harvest Month. The council voted unanimously to approve the proclamation (motion by Deccio, second by Brown).
• Council Nominating Committee Recommendations for Board Appointments: Assistant Mayor Matt Brown reported that the committee recommended three appointments: Lisa Graham to the Henry Beauchamp Jr. Community Center Advisory Board, David Brown to the Public Facilities District Board, and Annaka Yockey to the Parks and Recreation Commission youth position. All recommendations were approved unanimously (motion by Deccio, second by Brown).
• Residential Parking: Lieutenant Chad Stephens of the Yakima Police Department presented an overview of the existing residential parking permit system, which allows up to two permits per downtown residential unit at an annual fee of $50. He proposed designating angled parking on specific streets near Chestnut Manor and the Transit Center to address resident concerns about ticketing after recent parking rules. City Attorney Sara Watkins indicated that legal staff are reviewing potential amendments, including a visitor placard program and administrative simplifications. No action was taken; the item was for discussion only.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the Trolley Week Proclamation.
• Unanimous approval of the Fruit Row National Historic District and Yakima Harvest Month Proclamation.
• Unanimous approval of the three board appointments: Lisa Graham, David Brown, and Annaka Yockey.
• No formal action on residential parking; city staff will continue reviewing ordinance changes and report back.
• The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2024, at 5:30 PM.