Yakima City Council Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Yakima City Council held its regular meeting on July 7, 2026, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA), conducted in person and virtually via Zoom. The meeting began with a 5:15 p.m. executive session on pending litigation and was called to order at 5:31 p.m. The agenda included public comment, a public hearing on the 2027–2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a consent agenda, a right-of-way permit, and substantial discussion of Camp Hope funding and Flock camera regulation. All seven councilmembers were present: Mayor Matt Brown, Assistant Mayor Reedy Berg, and Councilmembers Patricia Byers, Rick Glenn, Felisa Gonzalez, Juliet Potrykus, and Leo Roy. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.; the next regular meeting is July 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Executive Session

• Council voted unanimously (motion by Berg, second by Byers) to enter executive session at 5:16 p.m. regarding pending litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i); the session ended at 5:23 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock cameras — opposition: Ten residents opposed the council's June renewal of the Flock camera contracts. Noemi Sanchez (city resident) said the council chose to spend "nearly a quarter of a million dollars" expanding a system that records the movements of every resident, criticized members for voting without reading the contracts, and noted the initial vote failed 3–3 and was retaken 5–1 after community members left. Zachary Galland called the reconsideration "manipulation," saying the vote occurred after most of the community went home. Michael Morrison argued the cameras violate the Fourth Amendment and cited a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision reaffirming a constitutional privacy interest in location information. Silvia Leija (District 2 resident) cited a University of Washington Center for Human Rights finding of 50 cases as of July 3 in which people in Washington were arrested by immigration enforcement after agencies queried Flock camera data. Jessica Muoth recounted a neighbor's stolen-car story and recommended canceling the Flock contract and reinvesting the money in Camp Hope. Amanda G (city resident) accused the council of "bolstering fascism" and called Mayor Brown and Councilmember Roy "hypocrites and liars" for changing their votes. Alexia Wanochek (county resident) said Flock data can be accessed by civilians via web browser, citing a YouTube video. Stephen Eggleston (county resident) said Flock is "un-American," that ARPA funds are an inappropriate source, and that "privatizing the surveillance doesn't privatize the harm." Cole Brown called the system a waste of about $260,000 and urged investment in after-school programs and housing-first initiatives instead.
• Flock cameras — support: Jill Armstrong (county resident) said "the more the merrier" if Police Chief Boyle needs the cameras. Anne Knapp said she supports the city council and police department on the cameras and trusts the safeguards in place.
• Camp Hope funding: Judy Sinclair (city resident) protested the county's defunding of Camp Hope and also raised concerns about potential closure of the Harman Center and Washington Fruit Community Center. Mike Kay (city resident, Camp Hope) said the county did not fund the organization's request; he stated Camp Hope is "not a high crime shelter," has had no overdose on campus, received $129,000 from the county, pays $9,653 per month for required liability insurance, and will "probably... reduce down to 50 beds." He said Camp Hope is operating on a one-time donor gift and staff's personal money, with July 15 as a "drop dead date."
• Commissioner Kyle Curtis: Defended the county's funding decisions, stating the county received 41 applications for over $34 million in need against $13 million available over the two-year period. He acknowledged the funding shortage, said the community "called for big things," acknowledged that transition is hard, and affirmed his commitment to listening and helping navigate the shortage.
• America's 250th anniversary parade: Debra Yergen (city resident), speaking for the parade planning committee, thanked participants and noted the July 3 parade had more than 50 entries and thousands of attendees, was not city-sponsored or city-funded, and was paid for by private donors with contributions ranging from $25 to $2,500. Jill Armstrong also thanked the committee.
• Trolley grant: Anne Knapp raised concerns about a Washington State Heritage Capital grant application for the Yakima Valley Transportation trolley (total cost about $1.2 million), questioning whether the council passed the required formal resolution and whether local match funds were fully identified. She noted the grant covers only 1.5 miles of the four-mile Selah line; full four-mile construction would cost $15–20 million based on HLA Engineering's 2024 estimate of about $5 million per mile, with costs likely excluding NEPA, SEPA, and tribal consultation.
• Handicap access: Tony Courcy (city resident) spoke about missing handicap ramps and non-functional crosswalk push buttons at several intersections.

Open Discussion: Recognition & Oath of Office

• City Manager Vicki Baker recognized John Cooper, retiring President and CEO of Yakima Valley Tourism. Cooper joined in May 2007; under his leadership the organization grew to a nearly $4 million organization with 24 staff members. Cooper thanked the council and said he will continue to live in and support Yakima.
• Baker introduced Thomas Huntington as Interim Fire Chief, effective July 6, 2026. City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra administered the ceremonial oath of office. Huntington, who has more than 30 years of fire and EMS leadership experience, said he was honored by the opportunity.

Consent Calendar

• Item 7J (CWA Inc. Yakima–Ellensburg commuter services contract amendment) was removed for separate discussion. The remaining consent items were approved as read by a 7-0 roll call vote (motion by Berg, second by Byers). They included: minutes of June 9 and June 16, 2026; Resolution R-2026-095 (DOJ Equitable Sharing Agreement amendment); R-2026-096 (MBI Construction, Public Works Wash Bay Enclosure Project 2857); R-2026-097 (Change Order No. 1, Stormwater System Spot Improvements SW2832); R-2026-098 (Interwest Construction, Industrial Waste Force Main Replacement WF2715); R-2026-099 (Interwest Construction, 88th Avenue Apple Valley Elementary Sidewalk Improvements); R-2026-100 (conditional settlement in the Estate of Amber M. Rodriguez lawsuit); R-2026-101 (reimbursable grant with Washington State Office of Public Defense); R-2026-102 (HLA Engineering, Water System Plan Update); R-2026-104 (J.U.B. Engineers, Runway 4/22 construction management); R-2026-105 (Interstate Concrete & Asphalt, Runway 4/22 rehabilitation); Ordinance 2026-026 (YMC 2.20.060 salaries) and Ordinance 2026-027 (YMC 2.20.085 salaries).

Commuter Services Contract Amendment (Item 7J)

• Transit Manager Jim Hogenson explained that the proposed CWA Inc. contract amendment is covered by grants (WSDOT and Climate Commitment Act) and partner contributions from Ellensburg, Selah, and Central Washington University. He reported last year's total bill was roughly $770,000 against $839,000 in revenue; the contractor received about a 3% increase last year, requested 6% this year, and settled at 4% with a fuel surcharge. Ellensburg's contribution rises from $20,000 to $40,000 and Selah's from $16,000 to $32,000. Councilmember Potrykus asked whether the increase is 100% covered by grants and partner money; Hogenson confirmed there is no increase to the City of Yakima's budget. The resolution (R-2026-103) passed 7-0 (motion by Potrykus, second by Byers).

Public Hearing: Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (2027–2032)

• City Engineer Robert Washabaugh presented the proposed 2027–2032 TIP and the 2040 Transportation System Plan amendment, listing funded and unfunded projects eligible for state gas tax or federal revenue. He explained that once approved, federally funded projects go to YVCOG for inclusion in the statewide STIP. The 6th Avenue Roadway Improvements project carries a $17 million local-funds placeholder while the trolley organization is given time to raise money; if trolley tracks are not installed, federal funding for the Naches River Bridge repair cannot be used. South First Street pavement rehabilitation includes $6.5 million in secured federal funds of an $8.4 million total.
• Council discussion focused on the Naches River Bridge, trolley track infrastructure, and bridge ownership. Councilmember Glenn argued the city's claim to the bridge is about as valid as saying it was his bridge, called the trolley a tourism activity rather than transportation, and said the city should not spend money without proof of ownership. Other councilmembers cited the prior commitment to give the trolley 18 months to raise funds. City Attorney Sara Watkins said the bridge needs structural repairs regardless of trolley use and is a potential liability issue.
• Public hearing comments: Tony Courcy questioned the project list. Anne Knapp requested inclusion of a Yakima Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility memorandum in the record and argued the trolley is a tourist attraction, not public transportation, and is not eligible for the TIP; she noted the bridge's historic name is the Yakima Valley Transportation Company Bridge.

Key Outcomes — Public Hearing Votes

• Removal of Naches River Bridge from the TIP: Motion by Glenn (seconded by Potrykus) to remove page 14 (Naches River Bridge repair) passed 4–3; Byers, Gonzalez, and Roy voted no.
• Bridge ownership verification: Motion by Glenn (seconded by Berg) directing the City Manager to verify ownership of the Naches River Bridge passed 6–1; Gonzalez voted no.
• Trolley track funding restriction: Motion by Potrykus (seconded by Berg) to amend the TIP to specify that no City funds shall be used for trolley track infrastructure, consistent with prior council direction on TBD (Transportation Benefit District) funds, with donated specific funds and Council-approved funds exempted, passed 4–3. The minutes record Byers, Gonzalez, and Roy as the no votes; the transcript instead indicates Berg, Gonzalez, and Roy voted no.
• Adoption of the amended resolutions: Motion by Berg (seconded by Glenn) to adopt Resolution R-2026-106 (2027–2032 TIP and 2040 Transportation System Plan amendment) and Resolution R-2026-107 (Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element amendment) passed 5–2. The minutes record Byers and Gonzalez as the no votes; the transcript instead indicates Berg and Gonzalez voted no.

Department Items

• Minado Buffet right-of-way use permit (9.A): City Engineer Washabaugh reported that after the council denied the permit in January, staff worked with Minado Buffet Inc. at 501 N Front St. to relocate storage containers and add a spill-containment tray to the used cooking oil container. The council approved Resolution R-2026-108 authorizing the right-of-way use permit for the grease trap by a 7-0 vote (motion by Byers, second by Berg).

City Manager Update: Camp Hope Funding

• City Manager Baker clarified that the city does not fund homeless programs; the county is the lead agency and administers the homelessness continuum. She reported Camp Hope could lose capacity for approximately 150 people within about eight days, that no transition plan was apparent, and that Commissioner Curtis will be invited to an upcoming meeting to discuss the matter. Councilmember Gonzalez questioned the transparency of allocations, noting Union Gospel Mission received about $1.274 million while Camp Hope received about $129,831, and asked about the "2163" funds (described by Baker as recording fees) to which the city contributes 50%. Police Chief Boyle said a Camp Hope closure would likely push people into the downtown core and river areas, increasing nuisance and enforcement issues; he confirmed police are rarely called to Camp Hope and that its outreach program is "very valuable" to police.

Key Outcomes — Camp Hope

• $50,000 allocation: Motion by Glenn (seconded by Byers) to allocate up to $50,000 from sources deemed available or appropriate to contribute to Camp Hope while a longer-term solution is sought passed unanimously (7-0).
• No-confidence motion: Motion by Mayor Brown (seconded by Berg) adopting a motion of no confidence in the Yakima County Board of Commissioners' Homeless Housing and Assistance Program funding allocation for the 2027–2028 biennium, specifically the reduction imposed on Camp Hope from $600,000 to $130,000, and directing the City Manager to transmit the motion to the Board of County Commissioners, passed unanimously.

Other Business

• ALPR ordinance: Motion by Mayor Brown (seconded by Roy) directing staff to prepare, within 90 days, an ordinance codifying Washington's ALPR protections (Laws of 2026, Chapter 239) into the Municipal Code for all Flock camera systems operating in the city, plus a companion resolution asking the county commissioners to adopt matching rules. Mayor Brown noted ALPR cameras have a 21-day retention while Flock live cameras have no retention limit he could find. Councilmembers Glenn and Potrykus voted no, preferring to evaluate the cameras' effectiveness over the next year. The motion passed 5–2.
• Legislative priorities: A councilmember raised concerns about Medicaid reimbursement disparities affecting Yakima hospitals and the medical workforce. Motion by Glenn (seconded by Byers) to add a discussion of legislative priorities in early August and invite local legislators and candidates passed unanimously.

Adjournment

• Motion by Byers (seconded by Glenn) to adjourn to the next regular City Council meeting on July 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.