Yakima City Council Regular Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Yakima City Council held a regular meeting on June 9, 2026, at 5:31 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, two proclamations, a discussion on an annexation petition, a presentation on live video cameras versus Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), and a council open discussion on autonomous vehicles. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Gaethle (City resident) claimed his civil rights were violated by local police during a divorce and bankruptcy situation, criticizing internal affairs oversight.
• Steve Flynn (City resident) opposed ALPR cameras, arguing they constitute unreasonable surveillance and violate Fourth Amendment rights.
• Andreina Rangel (City resident) detailed the city's budget deficit and cuts to public safety, parks, and community centers, while noting ARPA funds were used for Flock cameras. She urged the council not to renew contracts or add live video streaming.
• Michael Morrison (City resident) opposed renewing the Flock contract, citing the $67,450 annual cost for 22 cameras and raising concerns about privacy and data security.
• Noemi Sanchez (City resident) argued that surveillance cameras do not address root causes of domestic violence and that resources should instead go to survivor support services.
• Martha Ramirez (City resident, CPA) questioned the use of $123,462 in ARPA funds for 40 Flock cameras, citing lack of proper procurement, insufficient oversight, and ongoing subscription costs approaching $500,000 annually.
• Seth Cushing (City resident) described the extensive tracking of his movements by Flock cameras, calling it a violation of Fourth Amendment rights and urging investment in community safety programs instead.
• Zachary Galland (City resident, nonprofit youth worker) opposed expanding surveillance, citing a lack of measurable benefit and examples of security breaches, and urged reinvestment in youth programs and community spaces.
• Will Chichenoff (City resident) raised concerns about federal immigration agents conducting warrantless stops near the county courthouse, arguing they violate constitutional rights and state law, and asked the council to take steps to protect due process.
• Ray Lamoureux (East Valley Fire Chief) opposed the proposed annexation, noting the city's recent cuts to police and fire services and questioning its ability to take on more service area.
• Sandy Braden (County resident) expressed surprise at the new annexation petition, stating that the previous effort was thought resolved and questioned the need for further annexation.
• Brian Korst (County resident) opposed both ALPR and live video cameras, citing data retention and potential federal access, and raised concerns about privacy.
• Susan Maze (City resident) invited the public to a free community event on June 13, 2026, celebrating America's 250th birthday at Franklin Park.

Proclamations

• America 250 Light It Up! – Councilmember Potrykus moved to approve the proclamation, declaring July 4, 2026, as America 250: Light It Up! in Yakima. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). Victor Gibson accepted the proclamation.
• Juneteenth Freedom Week – Councilmember Gonzalez moved to approve the proclamation, declaring the week of June 13–19, 2026, as Juneteenth Freedom Week. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). Reverend Trimble and Adrianne Garner accepted the proclamation.

Discussion Items

• Update on East Yakima Business Area Annexation Petition – Planning Manager Trevor Martin reported that a new Notice of Intent to Petition for Annexation was received from property owner Larry Hall, with a smaller boundary than the previous effort. The next step is a public meeting in July 2026, where the council will consider whether to accept the petition and proceed with the review process. Council discussed infrastructure, service capabilities, and the property owner-driven nature of the process.
• Presentation on Live Video Cameras vs. ALPR Cameras – Police Chief Shawn Boyle and Union Gap Police Chief Dustin Soptich presented the differences between existing ALPR (Flock) cameras and proposed live video cameras. They noted that live video cameras are funded entirely by Yakima County for two years at no cost to the city, with a potential $200,000 annual cost after that if the city chooses to continue. The system would include roughly 70 cameras, does not use facial recognition, and is intended as an investigative tool for gross misdemeanors and felonies. Council discussed privacy concerns, fiscal responsibility, and the fact that all other cities in the county have already agreed to participate. A motion was made to collaborate with the Sheriff's Office and allow installation of live stream cameras through the permitting process for two years. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Gonzalez voting no; Councilmember Byers absent).
• Council Open Discussion: Autonomous Vehicles – Councilmember Brown moved to have staff research the city's ability to regulate and allow robotaxis or autonomous vehicles, and present findings at a future meeting. The motion carried unanimously (6-0; Byers absent).

City Manager Update

• Franklin Pool Repairs – Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson reported that concrete pour for the pool is scheduled for June 10, 2026, with a high-strength mix expected to cure in five days. The plan is to add water, treat, and heat the pool early next week. Some parts (deck drains) are delayed, but the pool may open with a temporary surface. Pool hours will be 12:30–4:30 p.m. due to lifeguard staffing shortages. No swim lessons will be offered at Franklin Pool this summer; lessons will be available at the new aquatic center.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the America 250 Light It Up! proclamation (7-0).
• Unanimous approval of the Juneteenth Freedom Week proclamation (7-0).
• Vote 5-1 to allow the Sheriff's Office to install live stream cameras in the city of Yakima for a two-year period, with the county covering all costs; Councilmember Gonzalez dissented, Councilmember Byers absent.
• Unanimous vote (6-0) to direct staff to research regulation of autonomous vehicles and report back to council.
• Next steps for the annexation petition: a public meeting in July 2026, after which the council will decide whether to accept or reject the petition.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.