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Home My WebLink About11/18/2025 Business Meeting102 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES November 18, 2025 City Hall - Council Chambers -129 N 2nd Street, Yakima WA 5:00 PM Executive Session 1 5:30 PM City Council Regular Meeting Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom Executive Session Executive Session regarding collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a) Council agreed by consensus to adjourn to Executive Session until 5:30 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a). Present for Executive Session: Mayor Patricia Byers, Assistant Mayor Brown (attending remotely via speakerphone) and Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera, and Leo Roy (attending remotely via speakerphone) Mayor Byers announced that Executive Session was being extended for 10 minutes until 5:40 p.m. Executive session was held at 5:05 p.m. and adjourned at 5:38 p.m. The regular meeting was reconvened at 5:43 p.m. 1) Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 5:43 p.m. Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding, and Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy (attending remotely via Zoom), Assistant Mayor Matt Brown (present remotely via Zoom at 7:13 p.m.) Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinde I barra 2) Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Byers led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3) Interpreter Services Mayor Byers introduced Nate Montgomery who announced interpreter services are available in Spanish. 4) Public Comment Anna Gomez, City resident, requested improved bathroom facilities at Chesterley Park. Brian Brown, City resident, asked Council to review the public disturbance ordinance, specifically YMC 6.04180, related to the disturbance noise hours. November 18, 2025 — Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6 103 Ezequiel Morfin, County resident; and Brian Korst, City resident; spoke against the use of Flock cameras in the city of Yakima without additional oversight or privacy protections. Mr. Korst presented a petition to pause Flock cameras. Tony Sandoval, City resident, spoke in support of the Police collective bargaining agreement and the Yakima Visitor's tourism promotion services agreement. Kirstin Stein, City resident, made remarks about inadequate application of law by YPD. Madison Moen, County resident, spoke regarding proposed cuts to the Yakima Humane Society contract. Ryan Anderson, City resident; spoke in support of keeping Lions Pool open. 5) Open Discussion for the Good of the Order None. 6) Council Reports None. 7) Consent Agenda Mayor Byers referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from Council members present. Items M, N and 0 were removed from the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances, by title. (Items on the Consent Agenda are handled under one motion without further discussion -see motion directly below.) MOTION: Deccio moved and Herrera seconded to approve the consent agenda as read. The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote. 7.A Approval of minutes from the November 3, 2025 City Council regular meeting 7.B Approve payment of disbursements for the period October 1 - 31, 2025 7.0 October 2025 Investment Transaction Report 7.D Resolution authorizing a tourism promotion services agreement with Yakima Valley Sun Dome / State Fair Park & Event Center (No General Fund Impact) RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-168, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Tourism Promotion Services Agreement with the Yakima Valley Sun Dome/State Fair Park & Event Center. 7.E Resolution authorizing the execution of a tourism promotion services agreement with the Yakima Valley Visitor and Convention Bureau (Lodging Tax Fund 184, No General Fund Impact) RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-169, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Tourism Promotion Services Agreement with the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau DBA: Yakima Valley Tourism. 7.F Resolution declaring refuse trucks (3350 and 3321) and streets asphalt paver (6087) as surplus and authorizing its disposal per Surplus Disposal Policy 3-100 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-170, A RESOLUTION declaring refuse trucks (ER3350 and ER3321) and streets asphalt paver (ER6087) as surplus and authorizing its disposal per surplus disposal policy 3-100. November 18, 2025 — Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 104 7.G Resolution authorizing a Right of Way Use Permit Application RL250063 for pillars and fencing at the front entrance to the Avalon Care Center at 206 S 10th Avenue RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-171, A RESOLUTION authorizing the issuance of a right-of-way long term use permit to continue to allow pillars and fencing at the front entrance of the building at 206 S 10th Avenue. 7.H Resolution authorizing a Right of Way Use Permit Application RL250138 for existing staircases on the sidewalk on the south side of Lincoln Avenue for access to the building at 215 N 2nd Avenue RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-172, A RESOLUTION authorizing the issuance of a right-of-way long term use permit to continue allowing staircases on the sidewalk on the south side of Lincoln Avenue for access to the building at 215 N 2nd Avenue. 7.1 Resolution authorizing a contract with Barn Masters, LLC for Kiwanis Park Storage Building Project 2852 (REET 1 Fund) RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-173, A RESOLUTION authorizing a contract with Barn Masters LLC for the construction of the Kiwanis Park Storage Building Project 2852. 7.J Resolution authorizing an Amendment to the Agreement with the Yakima Pickleball Club for the Use of Pickleball Courts at Franklin Park (No Budgetary Impact) RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-174, A RESOLUTION authorizing an Amendment to the Agreement with the Yakima Pickleball Club ("Club") for use of Franklin Park pickleball courts. 7.K Resolution authorizing the funding agreements with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2025 HOME and CDBG grant contracts RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-175, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to accept the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Funds and execute the funding contracts as mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 7.L Resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement for dispatch services between SunComm and the City of Union Gap Police Department RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-176, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a Dispatch Communications Services Contract between the City of Yakima and City of Union Gap Police Department. 7.M This item was removed from the Consent Agenda. 7. N This item was removed from the Consent Agenda. 7.0 This item was removed from the Consent Agenda. 7.P Ordinance amending the 2025 Biennial Budget for the City of Yakima and making appropriations from Unappropriated Fund Balances within various Funds for expenditure during 2025 for various purposes (Second Reading) ORDINANCE NO. 2025-034, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2025-2026 Budget for the City of Yakima; and making appropriations from Unappropriated Fund Balances within various funds for expenditure during 2025 for various purposes. Items Removed from Consent 7.M Resolution authorizing a collective bargaining agreement for 2026-2027 with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 469 bargaining unit November 18, 2025 — Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 105 Councilmember Berg addressed items M and N noting high salaries, most in Police and Fire, and suggested mutual aid with other cities through interlocal agreements to alleviate the burden on taxpayers. Staff reported such agreements exist. The City Clerk read each resolution by title only. After Council discussion, MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to adopt resolution for items M and N. The motion carried by a 6-1 vote; with Berg voting no. RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-177, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a collective bargaining agreement for 2026-2027 with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 469 bargaining unit. 7.N) Resolution authorizing a collective bargaining agreement with the Yakima Police Patrolman's Association (YPPA) for January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only. The resolution was adopted in the motion under item 7M. RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-178, A RESOLUTION authorizing a collective bargaining agreement with the Yakima Police Patrolman's Association (YPPA) for January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026. 7.0) Ordinance granting a non-exclusive franchise agreement to Cascade Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) to construct, operate and maintain a natural gas transmissions/ distribution system and facilities within the City of Yakima Community Development Director Bill Preston briefed Council on the proposed ordinance. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only. MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to pass the ordinance as read. The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-033, AN ORDINANCE granting Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, a Washington corporation, its successors and assigns, the right, privilege, authority and franchise to set, erect, lay, construct, extend, support, attach, connect, maintain, repair, replace, enlarge, operate and use facilities in, upon, over, under, along, across and through the rights of way of the city of Yakima to provide for the transmission, distribution and sale of gas and such other services as may be provided by such facilities, providing for severability and establishing an effective date. 8) Public Hearings 8.A First public meeting to receive comments on the 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) regarding HUD funded housing and supportive services Community Development Director Bill Preston briefed Council on the draft 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER summarizes the programs and projects supported through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME funds, and other related funding which were spent January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 to provide affordable housing and supportive services for low -to -moderate income residents and neighborhoods consistent with the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. November 18, 2025 — Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 106 Mayor Byers opened the public meeting. With no one coming forward or calling in to speak, Mayor Byers closed the public meeting. Community members will have another opportunity on December 9, 2025 to provide comments on the draft 2024 CAPER Report. 8.B Second public hearing on the 2026 Preliminary Mid -Biennial Budget for the City of Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker and Director of Finance and Budget Craig Warner reviewed the preliminary 2026 Mid -Biennial budget and reiterated the current financial challenges. The total deficit amounts to an estimated $9 million for the 2026 budget year. The City Council previously approved $3 million in reductions to public safety, parks and other services. Due to the recent failure of a proposed tax levy proposition, the City is subsequently faced with an additional $6 million budget shortfall resulting in potential cuts to police, fire and parks and recreation services. Police Chief Shawn Boyle, Fire Chief Aaron Markham, Public Works Director Scott Schafer and Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson provided an extensive review of proposed cuts and impacts to their departments/divisions relating to the additional $6 million budget deficit. Mr. Warner reviewed revenue options including an increase in utility taxes (water, wastewater, refuse, stormwater) and the 1/10t of 1% public safety sales tax. He further explained the 1% property tax assessment that the city is limited to collect. Mayor Byers opened the public hearing. The following community members provided remarks related to the proposed budget reductions: Carl Scott, Jessica Cavanaugh, Lisa Redtfeldt; Nancy Moore, Corday Trick, Sophia Barbouletos, Amanda Fleming, Kailan and Lola Dunn, Craig Rust, Lynette Wilson, Patrick Kloster, Pamela Searcy Mullen, Patrick Lawler, Paul Schafer, Sherry Madson, Tony Sandoval, Barry Bernfeld, Brittany Merriman, Terry Campbell, John Whitney, Nikki Sandino, Amanda Nelson, TJ Mullinax (and on behalf of Dr. Krieger), Tony Courcy, Adelaide Loeser, Alex Alejo, Kate Bowditch, Michael Trujillo, Dave Zabell, and Elise Cardenas. With no one else coming forward or calling in to speak, Mayor Byers closed the public hearing. After Council discussion, MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to direct staff to bring back information on utility tax and public safety sales tax increases at the December 2 meeting with different options available to Council. The motion carried by a 5-2 vote; with Berg and Brown voting no. MOTION: Glenn moved and Brown seconded to direct staff to keep Lions Pool open until the end of February so that the team can finish their season. The motion carried by unanimous vote. 9) Department Items 9.A Ordinance amending Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Animal Control Senior Assistant City Attorney Cynthia Martinez recognized the City's Community Services Officers that perform animal control services. Ms. Martinez described the November 18, 2025 — Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 107 revisions to Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 6.20, specifically as it relates to dog licensing requirements and animal control enforcement. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only. MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to pass the ordinance. The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-035, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Animal Control, adopting the State definition for Minimum Care, Animal Cruelty in the second degree, and other definitions, adding a potentially dangerous dog definition and penalties, updating the impound section and adding stipulations to facts to the violations that could lead to a problem pet owner declaration and other housekeeping amendments. 9.B Domestic and Irrigation Water Rate Study Presentation Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane introduced Chase Bozett with the FCS Group who presented information about domestic and irrigation water rate study. In addition to maintaining the status quo, FCS Group introduced the option of a proposed "block" rate structure for single family water consumption to help encourage water conservation among City customers. Proposed rate adjustments to the City's irrigation water utility for 2026-2031 were also presented to properly fund capital improvement projects and support the operations and maintenance of providing this essential service. Mr. Shane indicated this rate study is to inform the Council of proposed rate adjustments that will be considered for approval at a future City Council meeting. 10) City Manager Update None. 11) Other Business None. 12) Adjournment MOTION: Deccio moved and Herrera seconded to adjourn to the next City Council regular meeting on December 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:56 p.m. CERTIFICATION READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR November 18, 2025 — Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6