Yakima City Council Regular Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Yakima City Council met on March 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included an executive session on pending litigation, public comment, introduction of new department managers, a discussion on the Council's Code of Ethics, a briefing on YVCOG, approval of consent agenda items, a detailed discussion on the Cruise the Ave event and a financial analysis of a potential Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the February 17, 2026 regular meeting.
• Set April 7, 2026 as the date for a closed record public hearing on proposed amendments to Yakima Municipal Code Title 15 (Urban Area Zoning Ordinance).
• Passed Resolution R-2026-031 revising the City Council regular meeting schedule for 2026.
• Authorized a contract extension with Connell Oil Inc. for bulk fuels and delivery (Resolution R-2026-033).
• Item D (landscaping services) was removed for discussion and then approved: Resolution R-2026-032 authorizing award and agreement with Best Choice Inc dba Evergreen Services for city-wide landscaping services. The contract is for one year with four possible extensions, valued at approximately $57,000 annually. The company was the lowest responsive bidder and is locally owned.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tony Sandoval, District 3 resident, expressed concerns about the proposed EMS levy, urging accountability and noting recent failures of other local tax measures. He suggested voters need clear information on how funds would be used.
• Nancy Davis, city resident, spoke against using city sales tax funds for Yakima Valley Trolleys, arguing that the trolley proposal does not constitute a genuine transportation benefit for residents.
• Peter Rasmussen, President of IAFF Local 469 (Yakima Firefighters Association), spoke in support of placing an EMS levy on the ballot. He emphasized the need for reliable staffing at Station 92 and the ability to provide advanced life support (ALS) services, including medication administration and airway management, especially when ambulances are delayed.
• A letter from Dr. Kevin Hodges, the medical program director, was provided to Council supporting enhanced fire department EMS capabilities.

Discussion Items

1. Introduction of New Managers Public Works Director Scott Schafer introduced Daniel Tiliano as the new Water/Irrigation Manager and Michael Slack as the new Solid Waste Manager. Both bring extensive experience to their roles.

2. Principles of Conduct and Code of Ethics Council members reviewed and discussed proposed updates to the Code of Ethics and Principles of Conduct. Suggestions were made to clarify the language regarding financial interests, contributions after leaving office, acceptance of gifts, and the definition of "improper influence." City Attorney Sara Watkins agreed to bring back more modern examples for further discussion.

3. Cruise the Ave Discussion Police Chief Shawn Boyle presented staffing and cost data. In 2025, seven events were held; the city spent approximately $37,000 on overtime (aided by federal JAG grant funding which is unavailable for 2026). The call volume on cruise nights averaged 75 calls compared to 59 on non-cruise Saturdays. Staffing each event required nine officers and a supervisor. Council discussed the importance of the events for community engagement and local business. Councilmember Byers noted the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation and associated events. Motion: To direct the City Manager to prepare a resolution establishing six Cruise the Ave dates for 2026: June 13, July 11, July 18, August 8, August 15, and September 19, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The motion carried 7-0.

4. Financial Analysis of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy Fire Chief Aaron Markham and Finance Director Craig Warner presented a detailed financial analysis. An EMS levy of $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed valuation would generate approximately $3 million annually. Approximately $1.9 million (16 cents) would be needed to fully staff Station 92 (which had been defunded in the 2026 budget). Two options were presented:

• Option A: Keep Station 92 open and use remaining funds to transition 18 existing firefighter vacancies (through attrition over three years) to paramedics, equipping five fire engines with advanced life support (ALS) equipment. This would allow ALS care on scene until an ambulance arrives.
• Option B: Keep Station 92 open, hire six additional EMT-basic firefighters to staff a basic life support (BLS) aid unit at Station 93, and allocate remaining funds to equipment replacement and facility maintenance. This option avoids ALS expansion but adds staffing. Council discussed the cost implications, the 1% annual levy growth cap vs. 5% cost inflation, overtime savings, and alternative funding sources such as a utility tax. Councilmember Byers expressed a preference for a smaller, incremental approach ("Option C"). Councilmember Roy noted the need for better understanding of fire department staffing. No action was taken; Council requested further analysis including potential Option C, overtime savings data, and an update on state legislation regarding a potential city fire district.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda items A, B, C, and E (7-0).
• Approved Resolution R-2026-032 for landscaping services with Best Choice Inc (7-0).
• Approved motion to direct preparation of a resolution establishing 2026 Cruise the Ave dates (7-0).
• Approved motion to place Fisher Park Golf Course operational options on a future agenda for Council review and discussion (7-0).
• Council requested additional information on EMS levy options and a legislative update on fire district authority, to be presented at a future meeting.

City Manager Update

• City Manager Vicki Baker previewed upcoming infrastructure discussions, acknowledged an $8,000 donation from Colonial Lawn and Garden for Concerts in the Park, reported a sponsor for downtown flower baskets, and noted progress on the YWCA shelter renovations. She emphasized that the 2026 budget is balanced with $9 million in reductions.
• Yakima Air-Terminal Director Christopher Hopkins reported a perfect score (100%) on the FAA operational inspection, despite staffing challenges. He highlighted Aviation Day on June 6th, potential partnerships with Perry Technical Institute and West Valley Innovation Center, and ongoing terminal improvements including a new baggage carousel.
• Community Development Director Bill Preston clarified that a recent news report about a loan for the 6th Avenue project was premature; the city has not yet received an official award letter and the item will come before Council for approval.

Other Business

• Councilmember Glenn reported on a Yakima School District bond proposal (April ballot) – $200 million to replace Hoover and Garfield Elementary schools, add playgrounds, and upgrade Zaepfel Stadium. He raised questions about declining enrollment and the cost to homeowners. Council was reminded not to electioneer for outside entities.
• Councilmember Roy moved to place Fisher Park Golf Course operational options on a future agenda; the motion passed 7-0.