Yakima City Council Regular Meeting – July 15, 2025

The Yakima City Council held a regular meeting on July 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public comment, a proclamation, a consent agenda, two department items (adoption of the Commute Trip Reduction Plan and discussion on the Community Crosswalk Policy), a city manager update, and several other business items. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from July 1, 2025 regular meeting and July 8, 2025 study session.
• 2025 2nd Quarter Treasury Report accepted.
• Payment of disbursements for June 1–30, 2025 approved.
• Set date of August 12, 2025 to consider Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation – Lochridge Annexation in the vicinity of 80th Avenue and Lauren Place.
• Set date of August 19, 2025 for a closed record public hearing on the Hearing Examiner's recommendation for Champions Park Phases 2–6.
• Resolution R-2025-106 authorizing Interlocal Agreement with Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management (General Fund).
• Resolution R-2025-107 authorizing contract Amendment No. 3 with PPC Solutions, Inc., Armed Security Guard and Other Services (General Fund).
• Ordinance 2025-022 amending the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget and making appropriations from Unappropriated Fund Balances (Second Reading).

All consent items were approved by a 7-0 roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

Seven members of the public addressed the council (35 minutes allotted, 2.5 minutes per speaker):

• Kerry Ward (City resident) requested additional speed bumps on 36th Avenue due to speeding and safety concerns for new families.
• Ruby Marsh (City resident) spoke against changes to the crosswalk policy, arguing the rainbow crosswalk represents inclusivity and that removing it would be like a “book burning.” She expressed that the discussion would not occur if the crosswalk were an American flag or had crosses.
• Beverly Koch (City resident) expressed frustration with the lack of police response to illegal fireworks on July 4, stating she felt unsafe and that taxes are not funding protection but city paychecks.
• Donna Storeide (City resident) opposed the closure of the Harman Center, emphasizing its role in reducing senior isolation and providing community.
• Tony Sandoval (City resident) criticized overtime in city departments and requested that law enforcement units (property crime, gang, narcotics, traffic) and code enforcement and economic development not be cut.
• David Elofson (City resident) voiced concern about using volunteers for essential services (calling it a violation of labor law) and opposed eliminating Fire Station 92. He urged the council to consider revenue increases, citing a survey where most supported a $25/month increase.
• Scott Daniels (non-City resident, Terrace Heights) spoke in support of keeping the rainbow crosswalk, calling it a symbol of welcome. He argued removal would be fiscally irresponsible, create bad optics, and that safety concerns are unsubstantiated. He suggested the MUTCD argument is a pretext.

Discussion Items

1. Ordinance adopting the updated Commute Trip Reduction Plan (Item 9.A)

Planning Manager Trevor Martin presented the ordinance adopting the 2025 Commute Trip Reduction Plan, a state-mandated program to reduce single-occupancy vehicle commutes by employers with 100+ employees. The plan aims to reduce congestion, air pollution, and fuel consumption. The ordinance (No. 2025-023) amends YMC Chapter 5.90. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt, seconded by Councilmember Deccio. The motion passed 7-0.

2. Discussion regarding Community Crosswalk Policy (Item 9.B)

Community Development Director Bill Preston reviewed the current policy (adopted May 2021), which allows nonprofit organizations to apply for artwork in crosswalks via a right-of-way permit (renewal $100/year). Only one location exists (Sergeant Pendleton Way and Natchez). The policy is tied to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Preston noted that the 2024 MUTCD has been issued by the federal government but not yet adopted by Washington State (WSDOT). The new MUTCD restricts colors (e.g., green for bikes, red for transit) and requires high contrast, potentially making vibrant colors non-compliant. Preston recommended waiting for WSDOT adoption to avoid changing the policy twice. Council discussed liability, safety, and the low utilization of the policy.

Councilmember Berg moved to repeal the community crosswalk policy entirely, citing liability concerns. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Roy. After debate, the motion passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Deccio and Herrera voting no. The repeal removes the policy; the existing rainbow crosswalk may be subject to termination under the right-of-way permit code.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2025-023 (Commute Trip Reduction Plan) adopted 7-0.
• Community Crosswalk Policy repealed (5-2 vote). Staff directed to address the existing crosswalk (likely termination of permit).
• Proclamation for National Health Center Week (August 3-9, 2025) approved unanimously. Representatives from three health centers accepted.
• Other Business Motions:
  • Motion to add potential charter change to the July 22 study session passed unanimously.
  • Proclamation request for Overdose Awareness Day (August) approved unanimously.
  • Proclamation to recognize Yakima Training Center and U.S. Army 250th Anniversary approved unanimously.
  • Proclamation for 150th anniversary of Freemason of Yakima approved 5-2 (Brown and Roy voting no).
  • Motion to hold a study session on whether to put the end of water fluoridation to a vote of the people passed unanimously.
• Next Meeting: City Council special meeting on July 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers.