HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/09/2025 Business MeetingYAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
December 9, 2025
City Hall — Council Chambers —129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5:30 PM City Council Regular Meeting — Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom.
1) Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m.
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding; Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and
Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy
Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda
lbarra
2) Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Byers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3) Interpreter Services
Mayor Byers introduced Jorge Villasenor who announced interpreter services are
available in Spanish.
Public Comment
Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson introduced Forbes Mercy and Adam
Tobia, who spoke about their financial donations to the City of Yakima for Parks and
Recreation equipment and programs. Mr. Mercy encouraged community members to
contribute to City programs. He also announced additional funds to support public safety
for animal control purposes.
Leslie Rodriguez, City resident, thanked Mr. Mercy and expressed personal support for
the Harman Center.
Anne Knapp, City resident, voiced support of the Yakima Valley Trolleys as an
independent organization.
Maria Ramos, City resident, spoke in support of renewing the Yakima Valley Trolleys
operating agreement.
Tony Courcy, City resident, made remarks about government financial spending.
5) Open Discussion for the Good of the Order
5.A Recognition of Council members Danny Herrera and Janice Deccio
City Manager Vicki Baker and Mayor Byers recognized Councilmembers Danny
Herrera and Janice Deccio and thanked them for their service to the residents of
Yakima.
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5.B Administration of Oaths of Office to Judge Aryn Masters and Judge Troy
Clements
City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra administered the oath of office to newly elected
Municipal Court Judges Aryn Masters and Troy Clements.
6) Council Reports
6.A Council Nominating Committee recommendations regarding appointments to
boards, commissions, and committees
Councilmember Herrera reported on the November 17, 2025 Council Nominating
Committee meeting. The Nominating Committee's recommendation for
appointments and reappointments include:
• Arts Commission - appoint Brandon Dean and change Sylvia Merczel from the
Community Rep position to the Working Artist position
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee - reappoint Jennifer Gindt and
Frank Purdy
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - reappoint Sarah Davila and Kathy Kramer
MOTION: Herrera moved and Brown seconded to adopt the Council Nominating
Committee recommendations. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
6.B Discussion by the Council regarding its suggestions for 2026 state and federal
legislative priorities
Communications & Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler briefed Council on the
state and federal legislative priorities the City intends to pursue in 2026 based on
observations of Council -focused issues, input from the City's contracted lobbyists
and City staff, and review of priorities established by other municipal advocacy
organizations.
Priorities include some projects related to Air Terminal, Shaw Creek, Mil!site,
Franklin Pool, homelessness, indigent defense, and child advocacy center.
Councilmembers suggested issues they would like to incorporate such as
immigration, drug control, sales tax revenue, criminal justice system, natural gas,
new businesses, affordable health care, and unfunded mandates. Staff will bring
forward a draft resolution in January.
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. Item 7E was
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: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to approve the consent agenda. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
7.A Approval of minutes from the December 2, 2025 City Council regular meeting
7.B November 2025 Investment Transaction Report
7.0 Approve payment of disbursements for the period November 1 - 30, 2025
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7.D Ordinance updating Classification and Compensation Plan for City Employees
Section 2.20.100
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-037, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel;
adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be
effective January 12, 2026; and repealing all preceding pay ordinances in the
City of Yakima Municipal Code.
7.E Resolution authorizing acceptance of a donation of $115,000 from Forbes Mercy
for the purchase and installation of an Outdoor Gym at Chesterley Park and to
fund other programs and services
This item was removed from the consent agenda.
7.F Resolution authorizing acceptance of a donation of $50,000 for general
operations at the Harman Center
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-181, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Yakima to
accept an anonymous monetary donation in the sum of Fifty -Thousand Dollars
($50,000.00) through BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware for use to assist in funding
the general operation of the Harman Center.
7.G Resolution authorizing a contract amendment with Transportation Demand
Management LLC for senior tours transportation services for the Harman Center
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-182, A RESOLUTION authorizing a contract
amendment with Transportation Demand Management LLC for senior tours
transportation services.
7.H Resolution authorizing an amendment to McAllister Museum Lease with updated
In -Kind contributions for 2026
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-183, A RESOLUTION authorizing an amendment to
Airport Lease Agreement between the City of Yakima and McAllister Museum of
Aviation.
7.1 Resolution amending the 2026 Airport rates and fees
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-184, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
to adjust the 2026 Airport Rates and Fees within the Master Fee Schedule.
7.J Resolution approving Change Order #1 for new fire panel at Yakima Air Terminal
for the Terminal Modernization Baggage Claim Project
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-185, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
to execute Change Order No. 01 for the Fire Alarm System Replacement at the
Yakima Air Terminal -McAllister Field.
7.K Resolution accepting a WSDOT grant for airport overflow parking lot
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-186, A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of
a grant with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to design
and construct an overflow parking lot at the Yakima Air Terminal -McAllister Field.
7.L Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Yakima and
Yakima County for Phase 1 of the Shaw and Wide Hollow Creeks Flood Control
Project
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-187, A RESOLUTION authorizing an interlocal
Agreement between the City of Yakima and Yakima County for Phase 1 of the
Shaw and Wide Hollow Creeks Flood Control Project.
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7.M Resolution authorizing a services agreement with Yakima County Fire District
#11 for Fire and Emergency Response Services
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-188, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Fire Services
Agreement between Yakima County Fire District #11 and the City of Yakima.
7.N Resolution ratifying and approving the City Manager's execution of a grant
agreement with the Washington State Office of Public Defense accepting the
terms and conditions of a grant for 2026-2027
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-189, A RESOLUTION ratifying and approving the
City Manager's execution of a grant agreement with the Washington State Office
of Public Defense accepting the terms and conditions for a grant for 2026-2027.
Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
7.E Resolution authorizing acceptance of a donation of $115,000 from Forbes Mercy
for the purchase and installation of an Outdoor Gym at Chesterley Park and to
fund other programs and services
Mayor Byers recognized and expressed appreciation for Mr. Forbes Mercy's
donation to the City and his leadership in the community.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Brown moved and Berg seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-180, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Yakima to
accept a donation from Forbes Mercy in the sum of $115,000 for use in
purchasing and installing an outdoor exercise gym at Chesterley Park and to be
used for other programs and services.
8) Public Hearings
None.
9) Department Items
9.A Municipal Court Assignment of Lawyer and Indigency Screening Presentation
Yakima Municipal Court Judges Aryn Masters and Troy Clements provided an in-
depth overview of the current law surrounding the appointment of court appointed
counsel and the municipal courts indigency screening process and verification
methods. In Washington state, a person may be considered indigent if their
annual income is 125% or Tess of the federal poverty guidelines; receives
benefits from certain government programs; and/or is involuntarily committed to a
public mental health facility. Judge Clements shared some informational data
specific to indigency in Washington state and the city of Yakima. Judge
Clements and Masters provided clarification and responded to related questions
from Council and extended an invitation to attend court proceedings.
9.B Fire Department Master Plan Presentation
Yakima Fire Chief Aaron Markham introduced Zach Ratkai, Bob Gear, and Ed
Dunbar, with Sageland Strategic, who presented the Yakima Fire Department
2025-2030 Master Plan. The plan is the result of a comprehensive review of
data to determine short term, medium term and long-term practical
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recommendations to support safe and sustainable fire service delivery for the
Yakima community.
9.0 Second public meeting and Resolution to receive comments on the Consolidated
Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) regarding HUD funded housing
and supportive services and authorize staff to submit the 2024 CAPER to HUD
Community Development Director Bill Preston provided opening remarks related to
the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report and requested approval
to submit the report to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-190, A RESOLUTION adopting the proposed 2024
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
9.D Resolution authorizing an operation license agreement with Yakima Valley
Trolleys, a non-profit corporation
Community Development Director Bill Preston briefed the Council on the resolution
and indicated that the proposed operation license agreement with Yakima Valley
Trolleys is through December 31, 2030.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Berg moved and Roy seconded to postpone this discussion
[Trolley agreement] until January 20, 2026 meeting. The motion carried by a
5-2 vote; with Glenn and Herrera voting no.
A RESOLUTION authorizing an agreement with Yakima Valley Trolleys to
operate, maintain, and promote the City of Yakima's electric railway system and
museum.
9.E Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Selah for inmate
housing and services at Yakima City Jail
Yakima Police Chief Shawn Boyle briefed the Council on the proposal with the
City of Selah for inmate housing and services.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-191, A RESOLUTION authorizing an interlocal
agreement with City of Selah whereby the City of Yakima Jail provides inmate
housing and services.
9.F Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Moxee for inmate
housing and services at Yakima City Jail
Yakima Police Chief Shawn Boyle briefed the Council on the proposal with the
City of Moxee for inmate housing and services.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
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RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-192, A RESOLUTION authorizing an interlocal
agreement with City of Moxee whereby the City of Yakima Jail provides inmate
housing and services.
10) City Manager Update
City Manager Vicki Baker informed Council about the City's Accountability Audit with the
State Auditor's Office which resulted in no findings.
Ms. Baker mentioned the recent flooding happening around the community and reminded
residents to stay away from the rivers during these dangerous times.
She also provided information about recent water main breaks affected by the City's
aging infrastructure.
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded moved to add to a future Council
study session a presentation of infrastructure needs. The motion carried by
unanimous vote.
11) Other Business
MOTION: Herrera moved and Deccio seconded to direct staff to prepare a Martin
Luther King Jr. Day proclamation to be placed on an agenda in January. The motion
carried by unanimous vote.
MOTION: Glenn moved and Roy seconded to direct staff to adjust the number of the
LTAC committee to add two more people. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Works Director Scott Schafer explained the possibility of absorbing a 1 % utility tax
increase for a temporary period to generate revenue without raising rates for customers.
After considerable Council discussion, the following motions were enacted.
MOTION: Glenn moved and Berg seconded to suspend the rules to entertain a
motion. The motion carried by a 7-0 vote.
MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to add a three-year sunset clause to
the resolution that is being put together. The motion carried by unanimous vote. This
motion was made in reference to the proposed ordinances drafted.
With consensus, Council recessed for five minutes at 8:38 p.m. and reconvened at 8:46 p.m.
MOTION: Glenn moved and Deccio seconded to adopt the ordinance amending the
Water and Wastewater tax and to allocate that money to the Police Department.
The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-038, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal
Code Section 7.64.020 Water and Wastewater tax.
MOTION: Glenn moved and Deccio seconded to adopt the ordinance amending
the Stormwater tax and to allocate that money to the Police Department. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-039, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal
Code Section 7.64.040 Stormwater tax.
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MOTION: Glenn moved and Brown seconded to approve the ordinance amending
the Refuse tax and to allocate that money to the Police Department. The motion
carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-040, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal
Code Section 7.64.030 Refuse Tax.
12) Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
regular meeting on January 6, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The motion carried by unanimous vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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