Public Meetings - Yakima, Washington

The Yakima City Council held a special meeting on July 2, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to approximately 4:05 p.m. to interview three finalists for the City Manager position and select a candidate for contract negotiations. The meeting included public comment (none offered), individual interviews with finalists Vicki Baker, Mike Gonzalez, and Richard Marsh Jr., a 30-minute executive session to evaluate the applicants, and a series of roll call votes to direct staff on which candidate to negotiate with. The council ultimately directed staff to enter into contract negotiations with Candidate 9 (identified through the voting process as Mike Gonzalez, based on the motion carried 5-2). The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment. Discussion Items - Council interviews of City Manager finalists: The council conducted separate interviews with three finalists: - Vicki Baker (interviewed 12:00 p.m. – 12:48 p.m.): Baker, a Yakima community member and former Yakima County commissioner, emphasized her local ties, budget management experience, and collaborative approach. She identified key issues as budget, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. She advocated for one-on-ones with council, open communication with staff, and proactive community engagement. - Mike Gonzalez (interviewed 12:56 p.m. – 1:42 p.m.): Gonzalez, current Franklin County administrator and former Pasco economic development manager, stressed his municipal experience, communication skills, and vision for reshaping Yakima's image. His priorities included safety, economic development, cultural community identity, and evaluating city processes. He proposed a Yakima Business Advisory Council and emphasized customer service and efficiency. - Richard Marsh Jr. (interviewed 2:18 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.): Marsh, a Michigan-based financial emergency manager with extensive economic development experience, highlighted financial stability, economic development, public-private partnerships for affordable housing, and customer service. He cited his work on large projects like Harbor Shores (a half-billion dollar development) and his training under Michigan's emergency financial management program. He advocated for zero-based budgeting, strategic planning, and technology like "C Click Fix" to improve city operations. - Executive session: At 3:30 p.m., the council unanimously voted to adjourn to executive session for 30 minutes under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to evaluate the qualifications of applicants. The session adjourned at 3:55 p.m., and the open meeting resumed at 4:01 p.m. - Direction to staff on City Manager selection: Three motions were made: 1. Councilmember Glenn moved to direct staff to enter contract negotiations with Candidate 3. The motion died for lack of a second. 2. Councilmember Deccio moved (seconded by Herrera) to negotiate with Candidate 5. This motion failed by a 5-2 roll call vote (Berg, Brown, Byers, Glenn, Roy voting no; Deccio and Herrera voting yes). 3. Assistant Mayor Brown moved (seconded by Councilmember Berg) to negotiate with Candidate 9. This motion carried by a 5-2 roll call vote (Deccio and Herrera voting no; Berg, Brown, Byers, Glenn, Roy voting yes). Key Outcomes - City Manager selection: The council directed staff to enter into contract negotiations with Candidate 9 (Mike Gonzalez) for the position of City Manager. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m., with the next regular meeting set for 5:15 p.m. on the same day. Note: The candidates' identities were not explicitly named in the final motions; however, based on the interview order, Candidate 3 corresponds to Vicki Baker, Candidate 5 to Richard Marsh Jr., and Candidate 9 to Mike Gonzalez. The minutes and transcript confirm that the council selected Gonzalez.

The Yakima City Council met on July 2, 2024, at 5:15 p.m. for an executive session, followed by the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. and public hearings at 6:00 p.m. Key actions included approval of the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a resolution adding a July 27 cruise night, the first reading of the 2024 budget amendment, and a decision to cancel the July 4th transit shuttle due to low ridership and high per-passenger costs. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from June 14, 15, 17, 18, and 25, 2024. - Accepted project completion and closeout for Miller Park Restroom (CXT Incorporated). - Set July 25, 2024 as the date for a public hearing to vacate a portion of N. 68th Avenue. - Authorized a $1,125,200 grant from Washington State Department of Commerce for construction of an Aquatic Center at MLK Jr. Park. - Authorized an amendment and MOU with Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group for riparian restoration on the Bridge and William O. Douglas Trail. - Accepted a $30,414 grant from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for Capitol Theatre elevator rehabilitation. - Item G (Wide Hollow Creek Pedestrian Bridge grant) was removed from the consent agenda for discussion and later approved separately (7-0). This $900,000 state grant, secured through Senator King, will fund an 85-foot steel bridge with ADA access and asphalt approaches. Public Comments & Testimony - Albert Monta (Grand Hotel manager) and Kim Hopper (resident) expressed concerns about new downtown parking enforcement, stating that permits were unavailable and that many low-income and disabled tenants rely on caregivers who must move cars frequently. They requested additional parking solutions, including more disabled spots. Interim City Manager Dave Zabell committed to following up with the building manager. - Joey Anderson spoke during the public hearing on the Transportation Improvement Program but raised issues about a pending business license and home occupation permit. City Attorney Sara Watkins clarified that the hearing examiner does not typically handle such licenses and offered to follow up with the planning department. - Phil Hoge (Yakima Bikes and Walks) expressed support for the TIP, especially sidewalk projects near schools and the Safe Routes to School program. He recommended that three specific projects include bicycle/pedestrian facilities: 1) 18th Street underpass should include bike lanes; 2) 6th Avenue should include a pathway between Willow and Hathaway to connect to the William O. Douglas Trail; 3) E. 8th Street extension should include a separated path along H Street to connect the Greenway and Powerhouse Canal pathways. He also inquired about a green safety paint grant, which City Engineer Bill Preston confirmed will be added via future TIP amendment once the award letter is received. Discussion Items - Oath of Office for Interim Police Chief Shawn Boyle: Administered by City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra. Chief Boyle, a 28-year veteran of YPD, thanked the council and pledged to lead the department through transition, reduce violent crime, and partner with city staff. Interim City Manager Dave Zabell highlighted Boyle’s background as a military police officer, his service as corrections officer, patrol, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and commander of criminal investigations and the Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit. - Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2025–2030: City Engineer Bill Preston presented a list of approximately 30 funded and unfunded projects, including 16th Avenue/Tieton Drive improvements, 18th Street underpass, 6th Avenue roadway, 88th Avenue sidewalk (secured), Bravo Company Boulevard (pending), Fred Meyer active transportation pathway (secured), Naches River Trolley Bridge repair (secured), and Zero Road sidewalk (pending). The public hearing was held, and the council unanimously adopted Resolution R-2024-122 (adopting the TIP) and R-2024-123 (amending the Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element) by a 7-0 vote. - Resolution Adding July 27, 2024 as a Permitted Cruise Night: Planning Manager Trevor Martin explained that the July 13 cruise night conflicts with the downtown Yakima Mile event, so July 27 is added to maintain two cruise nights in July. The resolution was adopted 7-0. - First Reading of 2024 Budget Amendment: Interim Finance Director Rosylen Oglesby presented the second-quarter budget adjustment, covering new revenue (e.g., $1.1 million in transit grants from EMS levy, $3 million from county funds for the pool, $569K from RCO grant, $658K in chip money) and expenditures (e.g., $120K for a new fire department vehicle, $339K for EMS revenue expenditures). No action was taken; the ordinance will return for second reading. - City Manager Update – July 4th Shuttle Cancellation: Interim City Manager Dave Zabell and Public Works Director Scott Schafer reported that ridership for the free shuttle to the Central Washington State Fairgrounds fireworks had dropped from nearly 1,000 in 2016 to 168 in 2023, with a per-passenger cost of $48.25. Free parking is available at the fairgrounds. The council voted 6-1 (Deccio opposed) to support the decision to cancel the July 4, 2024 shuttle service. Discussion included potential weekend-only shuttles for the Central Washington Fair in September, possibly using a single pickup point at Valley Mall. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - Wide Hollow Creek Pedestrian Bridge Grant (Item G): Resolution R-2024-121 adopted 7-0. - Six-Year TIP and Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Resolutions R-2024-122 and R-2024-123 adopted 7-0. - Cruise Night Resolution: Resolution R-2024-124 adopted 7-0 (July 27 added as permitted cruise night). - Cancel July 4th Shuttle: Motion carried 6-1; Councilmember Deccio voted no. The shuttle will not run; staff will explore limited weekend service for the September fair and report back. - Budget Amendment: First reading received; no vote. Second reading and public hearing scheduled for a future meeting. - Next Meeting: Council study session on July 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.

The Yakima City Council held a special meeting on June 25, 2024 (note: agenda and minutes indicate the meeting date as June 15, 2024) to discuss and refine the Council's strategic priorities for the 2024–2025 biennium. The session was facilitated by Zach Ratkai of Sageland Strategic LLC, who led council members through structured exercises to solidify their priorities. No public comments were received. The meeting adjourned at 1:27 p.m. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Council Strategic Priorities for 2024-2025: Zach Ratkai guided the Council through exercises to help them identify and solidify strategic priorities for the next two years. The process was designed to produce a draft document that will be brought back to the Council for formal adoption at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - The Council will receive a final draft of the strategic priorities for official adoption at a subsequent meeting. - A motion to adjourn to the next special meeting on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. was made by Councilmember Brown and seconded by Councilmember Glenn. The motion carried unanimously, with Councilmember Roy absent (he had left the meeting at 11:30 a.m.).

The Yakima City Council held a study session on June 25, 2024, at 5:12 PM (delayed due to technical difficulties). The meeting included recognition of retiring Police Chief Matt Murray, a review of zoning and building permit processes, postponement of Planning Commission appointments, and a discussion on lifting the fireworks ban. Council reached consensus not to change the fireworks ban. Public Comments & Testimony - Aileen Kane (City resident) spoke against lifting the fireworks ban, citing increased risk of fire, injury, death, and financial costs. She noted that professional shows lack bus service from her neighborhood. - Les Kinney (City resident) opposed lifting the ban, calling it "careless" given dry conditions, risk of fires and injuries, and negative effects on animals. - Cheri Kilty (CEO of YWCA) thanked Police Chief Murray for his leadership on domestic violence issues and partnership with the community. - James Parks (on behalf of Yakima County NAACP) presented Chief Murray with the Community Service Award and praised his work, especially in District One. - Anthony Peterson (CEO of OIC of Washington) expressed appreciation for Chief Murray's work on homeless outreach and adjudicated youth programs. - Additional speakers during the Chief's recognition praised his fair policing of protests (e.g., women's march) and engagement with the community, including schools. Discussion Items 1. Recognition of Retiring Police Chief Matt Murray - Interim City Manager Dave Zabell highlighted Chief Murray's tenure, including significant crime reduction across all categories, enhanced domestic violence response through technology, improved neighborhood conditions via inter-departmental collaboration, and community engagement. Councilmembers and community members expressed gratitude for his service and leadership. 2. Review of Zoning and Building Permits Related to Business and Economic Development - Planning Manager Trevor Martin explained the history of zoning (Euclid v. Ambler, 1924), Washington's Growth Management Act (1990s), and Yakima's use-based zoning strategy. He noted that the city processed 406 applications in 2023, of which about one-quarter were land use permits (68 type 1, 56 type 2, 3 type 3). Upcoming state mandates (HB 1110 on middle housing, reduced processing timelines from 120 to 65 days) will require code updates and may increase workload. Council discussed challenges of state preemption, affordable housing, and infrastructure bottlenecks (e.g., 40th Avenue). - Code Administration Manager Glenn Denman presented building code history (Hammurabi code, Chicago/San Francisco fires), current codes (International Building Code, Washington State Building Code), and their purposes: fire safety, structural strength, health (plumbing backflow), and neighborhood conservation. The division processed 2,963 permits in 2023, conducted 1,800 plan reviews and 8,379 inspections. Council discussed the cost burden on residents and the need for public education on permit requirements. 3. Council Nominating Committee Recommendations – Yakima Planning Commission - Councilmember Janice Deccio noted the committee had not yet met with candidates. Council voted unanimously to postpone the item until the July 16 business meeting. 4. Discussion on Lifting the Fireworks Ban for July 4th - Councilmember Danny Herrera, who made the motion to discuss, acknowledged the topic was contentious and stated he was "good with moving on." He clarified he proposed allowing only Washington State legal fireworks (sparklers, ground items), not aerials. Fire Chief (name not given) provided data: 457 fireworks-related injuries/fires in Washington in 2023 (60% from legal fireworks, 70% of injuries), and 90 fires in Yakima between July 1-7, 2023. He noted the significant operational burden on fire departments. Council reached consensus not to pursue any changes to the ban. Staff was directed to communicate that nothing is changing. Key Outcomes - Motion to postpone Planning Commission appointments: Councilmember Rick Glenn moved, Councilmember Janice Deccio seconded to postpone until the Nominating Committee can meet with candidates. Passed unanimously (Byers absent). - Motion to bring the report back on July 16: Councilmember Deccio moved, Glenn seconded to postpone the report to the July 16 business meeting. Passed unanimously (Byers absent). - Consensus on fireworks ban: Council decided not to move forward with any changes; the ban remains in place. - Adjournment: Motion by Deccio, seconded by Glenn to adjourn to the special meeting on July 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Yakima Convention Center. Passed unanimously (Byers absent).

This was a special in-person meeting of the Yakima City Council, held at the Yakima Convention Center, Room G1 (10 N. 8th Street, Yakima, WA), to discuss the Council's strategic priorities for 2024-2025. Mayor Patricia Byers presided. Present were Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and Councilmembers Janice Deccio, Danny Herrera, and Rick Glenn. Councilmember Reedy Berg arrived at 4:41 p.m. Councilmember Leo Roy was absent. Staff present included Interim City Manager Dave Zabell, City Attorney Sara Watkins, and Acting City Clerk Brandy Bradford. Note: The agenda and minutes identify this meeting as June 14, 2024, with adjournment to the next special meeting on June 15, 2024. However, the provided metadata states the meeting date as June 25, 2024. This summary uses the metadata date as instructed, while flagging the discrepancy. Discussion Items - Zach Ratkai of Sageland Strategic LLC provided an overview of the strategic priorities planning process and goals for 2024-2025. - Interim City Manager Dave Zabell gave additional opening remarks. - Detailed agenda and materials were included in the council packet. Public Comments & Testimony - None were offered during the 15-minute public comment period. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken on the strategic priorities; the session was for discussion and planning. - MOTION: Councilmember Glenn moved, and Assistant Mayor Brown seconded, to adjourn to the next City Council special meeting on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. at the Yakima Convention Center. - The motion carried by unanimous vote of those present; Roy absent. - The meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

The Yakima City Council convened on June 18, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (public hearings at 6:00 p.m.) in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on a street vacation, approval of several resolutions and ordinances, and discussion of a new budget committee and a potential one-day fireworks ban for July 4th. Votes were taken on numerous items, with several passing by a 6–1 margin. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from June 4 (regular) and June 11 (study session) meetings. - Accepted May 2024 Investment Transaction Report. - Approved payment of disbursements for May 1–31, 2024. - Resolution R-2024-108 rescheduling public hearing on Six-year Transportation Improvement Program and Capital Facilities Element to July 2, 2024. - Resolution R-2024-109 rescheduling public hearing on surplus easement property rights to Yakima Housing Authority to July 9, 2024. - Resolution R-2024-110 setting July 25, 2024, for an open record hearing to vacate S. 10th Ave. - Resolution R-2024-111 authorizing an agreement with Kitt Construction & Development LLC for Convention & Event Center Middle Bathrooms Remodel Project 2800. - All consent items (A–G) were approved by a 7-0 roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Wallace, city resident and outgoing Planning Commission member, expressed shock and disappointment at not being reappointed, citing her experience with the Housing Action Plan, ADU regulations, and certificate of occupancy tracking. She urged Council to reject the Nominating Committee's recommendation and reappoint her for a second term. - Joe Mann, city resident and downtown business owner, expressed 100% support for the N. 4th Street right-of-way vacation, the sale of the Chamber building for a potential hotel, and praised the Downtown Yakima Business Improvement District (DYBID) maintenance crew. - Alicia Stromme Tobin, Director of Safe Yakima Valley (tenant in Chamber building), spoke against the Chamber building sale for a parking lot, stating it would displace multiple nonprofits. She requested a minimum 10-month extension of their lease or access to the vacant Bank of America building, noting a six-month timeline in the current environment is impossible. - During the Public Hearing (N. 4th Street Vacation): - Leanne LaBissoniere (county resident) spoke in favor, citing child safety and campus security. - James Carmody, attorney for St. Joseph Parish, argued for reduced compensation (between $100,000 and $126,000) rather than the full appraised value of $252,000, citing the school's nonprofit nature and community benefit. - Bill Hordan (planner for applicant) detailed the project benefits: improved traffic management, increased pedestrian safety, 20 new on-site parking spaces, and a secure perimeter fence. - Gregg Pleger, St. Joseph Marquette Principal, spoke about the safety hazard of students crossing 4th Street to the new gym, noting 40% of students are on free/reduced lunch and the school raises $250,000 annually to subsidize tuition. - Abigail Winterfield, student, spoke in favor of more space and safety. - Cassy Gordon, Yakima resident and grandparent of students, supported the vacation, citing increased homeless activity and security concerns. Discussion Items - Council Nominating Committee Recommendations (June 6 meeting): Appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions were approved except for the Planning Commission. After discussion sparked by Ms. Wallace's public comment, the Council voted 7-0 to approve all other recommendations, then voted 7-0 to table the Planning Commission nomination to the June 25 study session to allow time for further consideration. - Ad Hoc Budget Advisory Committee: Deputy Mayor Brown proposed creating a committee of business owners and financial planners to advise on budget priorities after the current priorities budgeting process. Interim City Manager Dave Zabell noted the city is spending more on services than taking in revenue. Council agreed to table the discussion until after the budget process is completed (motion carried 7-0). - Consent Items Removed (H, I, J): - Item H (Resolution R-2024-112 with Yakima Youth Golf Association/First Tee): Approved 7-0 for reduced-fee youth golf activities at Fisher Park Golf Course ($2 per child per day). - Item I (Resolution R-2024-113 with Yakima Rotaract for pollinator garden at West Valley Community Park): Approved 7-0. The garden will be 16'x16' with an educational sign, funded by grants and volunteer labor. - Item J (Resolution R-2024-114 authorizing MOU with Merryman House Domestic Violence Center for Lethality Assessment Program 2.0): Approved 6-1 (Glenn voting no). The program uses leftover grant funds for a first-year subscription; ongoing funding is planned for three years to collect data. - Public Hearing and Ordinance – N. 4th Street Vacation: The hearing examiner recommended approval with conditions, including payment of appraised value ($252,000). Applicant requested reduced compensation, citing discretion under state law. Executive session (15 minutes) was held to discuss potential litigation. Council voted 6-1 (Brown dissenting) to adopt the hearing examiner's recommendation and pass Ordinance 2024-017, vacating N. 4th St. between E. Lincoln Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Councilman Brown explained his no vote was due to uncertainty on the compensation numbers. - Grace City Outreach Lease (Camp Hope): Resolution R-2024-115 approved 7-0 authorizing a two-year lease (renewable for up to six additional two-year terms) for the homeless shelter operation. Council members praised the partnership. - Chamber of Commerce Building Purchase: Resolution R-2024-116 approved 6-1 (Glenn voting no) authorizing a Commercial Purchase and Sale Agreement for $600,000 using ARPA funds. The property will be used for additional convention center parking. A Phase I environmental assessment is required; both parties can revoke based on results. Councilman Glenn expressed concern about tearing down the building for a parking lot. - Property Maintenance Code Amendments (Ordinance 2024-018): Approved 6-1 (Brown voting no). The amendments remove the term "unlicensed" from inoperable vehicle definitions, add discretion for code officials on severity of complaints, and adjust citation code digits. Council discussed the need for checks on code enforcement discretion; staff noted existing city manager oversight and policies. Key Outcomes - Approved all consent agenda items (A–G) unanimously. - Approved Council Nominating Committee recommendations except Planning Commission (tabled to June 25 study session). - Tabled discussion on ad hoc budget advisory committee until after the budget process. - Adopted Resolution R-2024-112 (Youth Golf), R-2024-113 (Pollinator Garden), and R-2024-114 (Domestic Violence Lethality Program) with a 7-0 vote except R-2024-114 (6-1). - Passed Ordinance 2024-017 (N. 4th Street vacation) by 6-1 vote. - Adopted Resolution R-2024-115 (Grace City Outreach lease) unanimously. - Adopted Resolution R-2024-116 (Chamber of Commerce purchase) by 6-1 vote. - Passed Ordinance 2024-018 (Property Maintenance Code amendments) by 6-1 vote. - Directed City Manager to evaluate alternate options for DYBID area maintenance and report back (unanimous). - Agreed by consensus to add a discussion on lifting the fireworks ban for one day on July 4th to the next business meeting (motion carried 6-1; Glenn voting no). - Appointed Deputy Mayor Brown as council representative to Seniors Inc. at Harman Center by consensus. - The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. to the June 25, 2024, study session.

The Yakima City Council held a special meeting on June 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 5:23 PM, primarily to conduct an executive session evaluating applicants for City Manager and to vote on advancing finalists for the position. After a lengthy executive session (12:12 PM – 5:10 PM), the council reconvened and voted on seven candidates. Three candidates were selected as finalists to be invited to Yakima for in-person interviews. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment, either in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Executive Session (12:12 PM – 5:10 PM): The council met in closed session to evaluate applicants for public employment (City Manager) under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). The session was authorized by a unanimous vote (Berg absent). - Selection of Finalists (5:15 PM – 5:23 PM): The council considered seven numbered applicants (identified only by candidate number). Each applicant was voted on individually by roll call. No discussion or debate was recorded beyond the motions and seconds. Deputy Mayor Brown made each motion; Councilmember Berg seconded most motions. Key Outcomes - Candidate 9: Motion to advance as a finalist passed 5–2 (Brown, Byers, Glenn, Roy, Berg in favor; Deccio, Herrera opposed). Candidate 9 was invited to Yakima for final interviews. - Candidate 1: Motion failed 4–3 (Deccio, Herrera, Brown in favor; Byers, Glenn, Roy, Berg opposed). Candidate1 was not advanced. - Candidate 10: Motion failed 6–1 (only Byers in favor). Candidate10 was not advanced. - Candidate 6: Motion failed 4–3 (Herrera, Byers, Deccio in favor; Glenn, Roy, Berg, Brown opposed). Candidate6 was not advanced. - Candidate 5: Motion passed 4–3 (Roy, Berg, Brown, Deccio in favor; Herrera, Byers, Glenn opposed). Candidate5 was advanced as a finalist. - Candidate 3: Motion passed 5–2 (Roy, Berg, Brown, Byers, Glenn in favor; Deccio, Herrera opposed). Candidate3 was advanced as a finalist. - Candidate 27: Motion failed unanimously (7–0). Candidate27 was not advanced. - Finalist List: Three candidates—numbers 9, 5, and 3—were selected as finalists and will be invited to Yakima for in-person interviews with the council. The specific interview dates were not set during this meeting. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:23 PM, with the next regular council meeting scheduled for June 18, 2024, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers.

The Yakima City Council met in a study session on June 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:03 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting covered a Juneteenth proclamation, a resolution on ambulance services, the Clean City Program, downtown business improvement districts, the Cascade Mill Site, and ARPA fund allocations. Councilmembers present: Mayor Patricia Byers, Assistant Mayor Matt Brown, Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, and Leo Roy. Councilmember Danny Herrera was absent. Public Comments & Testimony - Joey Anderson, City resident, updated on landlord-tenant issues: a certified letter revealed his landlord operates without a business license; Code Enforcement referred the case to L&I, which he called "worthless." He urged the city to investigate slumlords. - Corie Ratliff, downtown business owner, invited the public to the 3-on-3 basketball event and noted inconsistent parking warnings under the new ordinance—she received a warning only after parking downtown for eight hours on a test day. - Joe Daniels, City resident, read the Mayflower Compact and delivered a religious and historical critique, invoking slavery and calling for repentance. Discussion Items - Juneteenth Freedom Week Proclamation: Councilmember Deccio proclaimed June 10–19, 2024 as Juneteenth Freedom Week. Mr. James Parks, President of Yakima County NAACP, accepted and invited the public to festivities, noting free meals for seniors and kids. - Resolution R-2024-107 – 9-1-1 Ambulance Transport Services: City Attorney Sara Watkins explained that the resolution acknowledges Section 12(d) of the Yakima County Professional Services Agreement, requiring the city to provide 365 days’ notice if it withdraws from the countywide ambulance structure. The motion carried 6-0. - Clean City Program Review: Public Works Director Scott Schafer and Solid Waste Manager Trace Bradburn presented the three-year-old program. Objectives include graffiti abatement, homeless encampment cleanups, and community partnerships. Performance metrics were shared: in 2023, a recent cleanup collected 56.86 tons of garbage, 7.18 tons of tires, and 0.73 tons of appliances (actual total estimated at 85–90 tons). Future goals include city-wide weekly curbside bulk pickups, a tire recycling agreement with Liberty Tire to reduce costs, and an interlocal agreement with WSDOT for right-of-way cleanup (currently stalled). The program is funded by utility tax earmarks totaling $750,000–$770,000 per year. Councilmembers thanked staff and expressed support for the bulk pickup idea. - History of Downtown Business Improvement Districts: Assistant City Manager Rosylen Oglesby reviewed the history of Local Improvement District 1001 (1974), the Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA, 1996), the Downtown Yakima Business Improvement District (DYBID, 2008/2011), and the North Front Street PBIA (NFSPBID). The city contracts with the Downtown Association of Yakima (DAY) for maintenance and beautification at $175,000/year, but assessments average only $172,000, requiring city subsidies. Over seven years, the city contributed $787,000 beyond its assessment. Councilmembers raised concerns about service accountability—e.g., pressure washing not occurring for years—and unclear boundaries. DAY Executive Director Kurt Wilson acknowledged communication gaps and promised improvements. Discussion included possible boundary simplifications and dissolving the largely inactive NFSPBID. - Cascade Mill Site Parkway Update: City Engineer Bill Preston and Planning Manager Trevor Martin provided an update on the 225-acre site. A binding site plan is under review, which would allow flexible lot creation. The site is zoned Regional Development (RD) and has 1 mile of frontage on Highway 82. The city has LIFT (Local Infrastructure Financing Tool) funding that must be used by 2036. Environmental cleanup continues: a remedial investigation is underway for municipal solid waste (MSW) for which the city is a potentially liable party. The property owners are also conducting their own feasibility study. Councilmembers discussed the long timeline (20–25 years to build out) and the need to market the site. - ARPA Funds Allocation Update: Ms. Oglesby reported that the city received $26.2 million in ARPA funds. Approximately $7.69 million remains un-obligated (must be obligated by Dec 31, 2024, spent by Dec 31, 2026). She proposed reclassifying three completed city projects totaling $805,776 as revenue replacement, and designating the remaining $7.69 million as general fund revenue replacement. A $2 million set-aside for the YWCA women’s shelter—contingent on their fundraising by July 31, 2024—was left for future council discussion. Council consented to bring back legislation for the reclassification and revenue replacement, excluding the YWCA amount pending further review. Key Outcomes - Resolution R-2024-107 (ambulance transport acknowledgment) adopted by a 6-0 vote. - ARPA directive: Council directed staff to bring back legislation reassigning $805,776 from three completed projects to revenue replacement and designating the remaining $7.69 million as general fund revenue replacement. The $2 million YWCA shelter commitment will be revisited later. - Meeting adjourned to a special meeting on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the Yakima Convention & Event Center (motion carried unanimously).