Yakima City Council Regular Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Yakima City Council held a regular meeting on January 20, 2026, at City Hall, starting at 5:31 p.m. and adjourning at 9:08 p.m. The meeting featured extensive public testimony, discussions on Flock Safety cameras, the Yakima Valley Trolleys operating agreement, Capitol Theatre capital improvements, and material changes to the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) project list. Several key motions were passed, including approval of the trolley operating agreement and authorizing a $20,000 impact fee study.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the January 6, 2026 regular meeting.
• Approved payment of disbursements for December 1–31, 2025.
• Accepted the 2025 4th Quarter Treasury Report.
• Adopted Resolution R-2026-010 authorizing acceptance of a $120,000 Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grant from the Department of Ecology.
• Adopted Resolution R-2026-011 amending the Master Fee Schedule for Parks, Recreation and Tahoma Cemetery rates.
• Adopted Resolution R-2026-012 authorizing a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the Yakima Air Terminal Building Modernization project.
• All consent items were approved by a 7-0 roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Flock Safety Cameras: Multiple speakers expressed concerns about data privacy, security, and potential misuse, including Logan Osborne (Yakima resident), Jamaica Zoglman (City resident), and Morgan Humes (non-city resident). Supporters included Mario Vela and Drew Shaw of the Yakima Police Patrolman’s Association, who detailed how the technology has aided investigations and arrests.
• On Yakima Valley Trolleys: Over 20 speakers, including residents, teachers, and trolley enthusiasts from outside the city, urged renewal of the operating agreement. Many cited the trolley's historical significance, educational value, and tourism draw. A few speakers, notably Ann Knapp, raised concerns about insurance, cost, and legal status of the tracks.
• Other Public Comments: Ralph Harvey (City resident) spoke about homelessness and proposed a tent city. Tony Courcy expressed frustration with various city matters.

Discussion Items

• Capitol Theatre Capital Improvements: Charlie Robin (Capitol Theatre CEO) presented a $16 million project plan. Council approved three motions: (1) authorizing the Capitol Theatre Committee to raise funds on the city’s behalf (unanimous), (2) approving the design phase and extending the agreement with Graham Baba Architects (unanimous), and (3) directing staff to review legal and financial pathways for the project (passed 6-1, with Councilmember Byers voting no).
• Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Project List: Community Development Director Bill Preston explained that cost increases require a public hearing. Options discussed included keeping the $20 car tab fee, raising it to $40, or switching to a 0.1% sales tax. The future of trolley track funding on Sixth Avenue was debated. No decision was made; a public hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026.
• Operating License Agreement with Yakima Valley Trolleys: After discussion of liability, insurance, and easement concerns, the council approved the agreement as presented by a 6-1 vote (Councilmember Glenn dissenting). The five-year agreement includes a $5,000 annual admin fee, reimbursement for insurance, and continued city utility payments.
• Impact Fee Study: Following a motion to suspend rules, the council unanimously approved spending up to $20,000 in one-time funds to hire a consultant to develop a scope of work for an impact fee study. The study would examine potential fees for fire, streets, parks, and schools.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 7-0.
• Capitol Theatre fundraising authorized, design phase approved, and staff directed to explore legal/financial options (6-1).
• TBD public hearing set for February 17, 2026; council will decide on funding mechanisms and trolley track eligibility at that hearing.
• Operating license agreement with Yakima Valley Trolleys approved 6-1.
• $20,000 impact fee study scope authorized unanimously.
• Council agreed to allow open discussion at future study sessions and to consider starting regular meetings at 5:00 p.m. for consistency.
• Next meeting: February 3, 2026, with executive session at 4:30 p.m.