Yakima City Council Regular Meeting - April 15, 2025
Yakima City Council Regular Meeting - April 15, 2025
The Yakima City Council held a regular meeting on April 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, conducted in person and virtually. The meeting included public comments, proclamations, a consent agenda, department items, and several votes. The council approved numerous resolutions and ordinances, including a contract for airport terminal improvements, a penalty for unlicensed ambulance operators, and vehicle leasing code amendments. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Public Comments
- Yashu the Son (Joe Daniels) , a city resident, read a religious passage from Revelation and called for repentance, criticizing nuclear weapons testing and its effects on the planet.
- Shelley White, a city resident and Planning Commission member (speaking as a private citizen), discussed the impacts of new Washington state housing laws that eliminate single-family zoning. She argued that the laws primarily benefit powerful lobbies (realtors, home builders, banks) and will not lead to truly affordable housing for marginalized communities. She expressed skepticism about the promised benefits and urged continued scrutiny.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from April 1 and April 8, 2025 meetings.
- Approved the 2025 1st Quarter Treasury Report.
- Approved payment of disbursements for March 1-31, 2025.
- Accepted project completion for Nob Hill Blvd Grind & Overlay Project (Granite Construction).
- Adopted resolutions authorizing agreements with the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce (lease amendment), emergency repair of Fire Ladder Truck 91, and the 2025-2026 biennial budget amendment (second reading).
- Items E, F, G, H were removed and voted on separately (see below). All consent items passed 7-0.
Discussion Items
Capitol Theatre Multi-year Capital Improvements Plan (No Vote)
Community Development Director Bill Preston and Capitol Theatre CEO Charlie Robin presented a long-term, multi-phase plan for capital improvements at the Capitol Theatre, including the 4th Street balcony, new seating, lighting, and facade remodel. The plan is funded initially by Public Facilities District funds (approx. $500,000) for pre-design, with future phases relying on grants, public donations, and other sources. Estimated total cost is at least $12 million. The council discussed the theatre's role in attracting pre-tour tech productions and the need to maintain industry standards. No formal action was taken; a master agreement for architecture services is expected at the May 6 meeting.
Airport Terminal Modernization Phase 1A (Approved 7-0)
Director Rob Hodgman presented a $2.2 million contract with Cliff Thorn Construction for roof and HVAC upgrades at the Yakima Air Terminal. Funding comes from FAA grants and SIED funding. The project is the first step toward a future restaurant and other improvements. Resolution R-2025-072 was adopted unanimously.
Ordinance Amending YMC 5.96 – Penalty for Unlicensed Ambulance Operators (Approved 6-1)
Fire Chief Aaron Markham and Assistant City Attorney Amanda Brusic explained the need for an enforcement mechanism against ambulance operators who respond to 911-type calls without a city license, undermining the sole-source 911 provider (AMR). The ordinance adds a penalty for operating without a license. Councilmember Glenn voted no, expressing concerns about liability and response in mass casualty events. The ordinance passed 6-1 (Ordinance 2025-013).
Ordinance Amending YMC 3.15 – Vehicle Leasing (Approved 7-0)
Interim Finance Director Mike Bailey presented an ordinance to update the municipal code to reflect the council's prior authorization to lease vehicles, clarifying the city's ability to lease rather than purchase. Ordinance 2025-014 passed unanimously.
Reconsideration and Passage of Ordinance Amending YMC 12.01 – Violations (Approved 7-0)
Mayor Byers moved to reconsider the previous vote on adding Section 12.01.080 regarding violations. After discussion about enforcement, fee caps, and staffing, the council voted to pass the ordinance (Ordinance 2025-015) unanimously.
Resolution Setting Summer Cruising Events on Yakima Avenue (Approved 7-0)
Deputy Mayor Brown introduced a resolution setting dates and times for open cruising events in summer 2025, shifted one hour later due to daylight. The resolution also encourages car clubs to form a citizen group to coordinate future events. The council discussed police overtime costs and potential contributions from car clubs. Resolution R-2025-073 was adopted unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda (Items A-D, I-K) approved 7-0.
- Resolution R-2025-066 (Pickleball Club) approved 7-0.
- Resolution R-2025-067 (Youth Golf Association) approved 7-0.
- Resolution R-2025-068 (CWU Affiliation) approved 7-0.
- Resolution R-2025-069 (DNR Wildfire Reduction) approved 7-0.
- Resolution R-2025-072 (Airport Terminal Construction) approved 7-0.
- Ordinance 2025-013 (Ambulance Penalty) approved 6-1 (Glenn opposed).
- Ordinance 2025-014 (Vehicle Leasing) approved 7-0.
- Ordinance 2025-015 (YMC 12.01 Violations) approved 7-0.
- Resolution R-2025-073 (Cruising Dates) approved 7-0.
- Future Study Session Topics Added: Surplus properties, downtown master plan update, 50/50 sidewalk program update, and CDBG 5-year plan update (all motions passed unanimously or 6-1).
- City Manager Update: Announced Craig Warner as new Finance Director, starting April 16, 2025.
- Council recognized promotions of Police Captains Chad Janis and Matt Sutton.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome. I will call the Yakma City Council. A business session of April the fifteenth, twenty twenty-five to order, please. Thank you. Start with roll call. We have people talking. Here. Brown. Here. My ears. Present. Glenn. Here. Here. Roy. Here. Thank you. Please stand and join me for the pledge of allegiance. Again. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. Now we'll have interpreter services. Good evening, George. Language connection. See I'll give necessity interpreter this comment system. Next on the agenda is public comment. When you come to the podium, uh, first of all, if you want to make a public comment, make sure you fill out a form in the lobby and give it here to the city clerk. When you come to the podium, please give us your name and the city in which you live. The first person on the list is Yashu the Sun. This is a revelation. I'm from Yakima. This is a revelation from Yazoo. God gave to him to show those who serve God what happened soon. God made it known by sending an angel to a servant John. John is a witness to everything he saw. What he saw is God's word, and what Yazoo has said. The revelation is given. Glory and power belong to Yazu, and that's me on this planet. It's me. He set us free from our sins by pouring his blood out for us. He has made us members of his royal family. He has made us priests with who serve his God and mother. Glory and power belong to Yazoo. That's me on this planet. Amen. Look, he's coming with the clouds. Every eye will see him. Even those who first him will see him. All the nations of this earth were mourn because of him. Zechariah 12, verse 10.
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