HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/03/2026 07.A. Approval of minutes from the July 14, 2026 and July 21, 2026 City Council regular meetings 'V
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 7.A.
For Meeting of: August 3, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Approval of minutes from the July 14, 2026 and July 21, 2026 City
Council regular meetings
SUBMITTED BY: Rosalinda Ibarra, City Clerk
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25:
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Minutes_07-14-2026_D RAFT
Minutes 07-21-2026 DRAFT
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
July 14, 2026
City Hall — Council Chambers — 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5:30 PM City Council Regular Meeting —Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom.
Executive Session - 5:00 p.m.
Executive Session regarding pending litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
Executive Session was not held.
1) Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m.
Present: Mayor Matt Brown, presiding; Assistant Mayor Reedy Berg and Councilmembers
Patricia Byers, Rick Glenn, Felisa Gonzalez, Juliet Potrykus and Leo Roy
Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda
I barra
2) Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3) Interpreter Services
Mayor Brown introduced Nate Montgomery who announced interpreter services are
available in Spanish.
The Council agreed to move Item 5 Good of the Order before Item 4 Public Comment.
4) Public Comment
The following individuals spoke in opposition of Flock cameras and urged Council to end
the contracts: Noemi Sanchez (City resident), Michael Morrison (City resident), Andreina
Rangel (County resident), Kyra Smith (County resident), and Michael Nelson (County
resident).
Mike Kay, Director of Camp Hope, provided an update on the anticipated impact
resulting from the recent funding reduction to Camp Hope. Eleanor Valenzuela (City
resident), Sarah Valenzuela (County resident), and Pete Bender (non-City resident)
expressed support for maintaining funding for homelessness services and programs.
Gary Green (City resident) and Fatima Rodriguez Robledo (City resident) commented on the
importance of the timely processing of Habitat for Humanity's affordable housing project.
Anne Knapp (City resident) spoke against the city's submission of the Heritage Capital
grant application for trolley purposes. Cindy Reed, Vice-President of Yakima Valley Trolley;
and David Foster (County resident) encouraged support of the Heritage Capital Projects
grant application.
July 14, 2026—Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4
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Amy Laws (City resident) requested Council's support regarding good faith negotiations
between the insurance companies and MultiCare hospital system.
Ray Lamoureux, County resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed Terrace Heights
annexation. Tony Sandoval, City resident, spoke in support of the annexation.
Tony Courcy mentioned the Fred Redmon bridge and questioned previous meeting
minutes.
5) Good of the Order
5.A Recognition of Cameron Guerin A.C. Davis High School graduate for her
accomplishments
Councilmember Byers recognized Cameron Guerin, an A.C. Davis High School
graduate, for her athletic accomplishments in the sport of female wrestling and
her historic achievement of five national collegiate wrestling championships. The
Council thanked Ms. Guerin for her service to the community.
6) Council Reports
Councilmember Byers provided a recap on the success of the City's FIFA World Cup
Fan Zone events and acknowledged local supporters and participants.
7) Consent Agenda
Mayor Brown referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether
there were any additions or deletions from Council members present. There were no
changes. 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: Berg moved and Byers seconded to approve the consent agenda as
read. The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
7.A Set date of August 18, 2026 for a closed record public hearing to consider a
preliminary long plat "Plat of the Vine"
7.B Resolution ratifying an agreement with The Referent Group for placement of
Thomas Huntington as the interim fire chief
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-109, A RESOLUTION authorizing and ratifying
execution of a Professional Services Agreement with The Referent Group for
Interim Fire Chief services for the City of Yakima.
8) Public Hearings
None.
9) Department Items
9.A Public Meeting to consider the Notice of Intent to commence the Terrace Heights
Commercial District Annexation in the vicinity of Terrace Heights Dr. and University
Parkway
Planning Manager Trevor Martin reviewed the information related to the proposed
annexation consisting of approximately 350 acres located in the vicinity of Terrace
Heights Drive and University Parkway. Mr. Martin described annexation process.
After Council discussion,
July 14, 2026—Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4
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MOTION: Potrykus moved and Byers seconded to direct staff to draft the
official annexation petition and collect signatures from property owners to
begin the annexation review procedures. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
9.B Discussion of Yakima County's Intent to Award 2026 Homeless Housing
Assistance Grants - Commissioner Kyle Curtis
County Commissioner Kyle Curtis presented information related to concerns
brought forth by Council about the potential impacts to homelessness in the City
of Yakima due to the reduction in funding to Grace City Outreach, which operates
Camp Hope. Commissioner Curtis focused on goals included in the County's
2025-2029 Five-Year Homeless Housing Strategic Plan, primarily in seeking long
term permanent solutions for unhoused individuals.
Mike Kay, Director of Camp Hope, addressed additional funding concerns and
clarified that services at Camp Hope are not ending completely but will be greatly
reduced beginning July 15th, if it fails to obtain the necessary funding to operate.
No action was taken by the Council.
9.0 Public Safety Quarterly Update - Police Department
Police Chief Shawn Boyle presented the second quarter update for the period April
- June 2026. Chief Boyle noted staff vacancies and overtime hours, comparison of
traffic related incidents. And he highlighted success stories and accomplishments
involving the Pro-Act unit, DEA task force, special assault unit, gang unit, major
crimes unit and patrol division.
9.D Public Safety Quarterly Update - Fire Department
Interim Fire Chief Tom Huntington presented the second quarter update
highlighting number of call types, mutual aid incidents responded to, training
efforts and recent significant personnel changes in the Fire Department. He also
provided an update on the 4th of July related calls for service.
9.E Resolution authorizing approval of the Heritage Capital Projects grant application
for the Yakima Valley Trolley
Community Development Director Bill Preston briefed Council on the proposed
resolution seeking approval to submit a grant application requesting funding to
support the trolley's preservation and rehabilitation efforts. Mr. Preston stated that
his involvement in preparing this grant application has been very minimal. He also
indicated that no City or TBD funds have been used or committed as match, and
that this effort aligns with the requirements established in the Trolley operation and
maintenance agreement.
Council discussed at length concerns about the potential impacts resulting from the
approval or denial of this request. It was noted that they previously agreed to allow
the Yakima Valley Trolley organization a period of eighteen months to fundraise for
the trolley tracks as part of the 6th Avenue project.
MOTION: Glenn moved and Potrykus seconded to postpone this decision until
they [Yakima Valley Trolleys] come up with at least $100,000 in donations. The
motion failed by 5-2 roll call vote; with Berg, Brown, Byers, Gonzales and Roy voting
no.
July 14, 2026-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4
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MOTION: Berg moved and Roy seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 5-2 roll call vote; with Glenn and Potrykus voting no.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-110, A RESOLUTION authorizing approval of the
Heritage Capital Projects grant application for the Yakima Valley Trolley Heritage
Project, confirming the City of Yakima's support for the project, and committing to
the required matching funds.
10) Council Open Discussion
Considering the situation concerning negotiations between MultiCare and insurance
carriers, it was Council consensus to have a discussion with MultiCare officials and
healthcare workers about their vision as it relates to the community's healthcare needs.
11) City Manager Update
11.A Preview of upcoming topics
Assistant City Manager Ballew invited Councilmembers to participate in a Yakima
Agenda podcast; extended an offer from Comprehensive Health for an opportunity
to learn about their Opioid Treatment Program (OTP); and reported that the
Department of Ecology published a de minimis consent decree for the County's
East-West Corridor project related to the cleanup of the Millsite property.
12) Other Business
Mayor Brown requested an update on the possibility of keeping Franklin Pool open four
extra days during the summer. Councilmember Potrykus asked about Council's request
of using unspent pool funds to assist Camp Hope.
13) Adjournment
MOTION: Glenn moved and seconded to adjourn to the next City Council regular
meeting on July 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. for Executive Session in the City Hall Council
Chambers. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK MAYOR
July 14, 2026-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
July 21, 2026
City Hall - Council Chambers - 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima WA
5:30 PM City Council Regular Meeting - Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom.
Executive Session - 5:00 p.m.
Executive Session regarding pending litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
MOTION: Byers moved and Potrykus seconded to adjourn to Executive Session
until 5:30 p.m. to discuss pending litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). The
motion carried by unanimous vote. Assistant Mayor Berg announced that Council is not
expected to take further action following executive session.
Present for Executive Session: Mayor Brown (present via speakerphone at 5:10 p.m.),
Assistant Mayor Reedy Berg and Councilmembers Patricia Byers, Rick Glenn, Felisa
Gonzalez, Juliet Potrykus and Leo Roy
Executive session was held at 5:03 p.m. and adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
1) Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m.
Present: Assistant Mayor Reedy Berg, presiding; Mayor Matt Brown (attending remotely
via Zoom), Councilmembers Patricia Byers, Rick Glenn, Felisa Gonzalez, Juliet Potrykus
and Leo Roy
Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra
2) Pledge of Allegiance
Assistant Mayor Berg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3) Interpreter Services
Assistant Mayor Berg introduced Jorge Villasenor who announced interpreter services
are available in Spanish.
4) Public Comment
Zachary Galland (City resident), Noemi Sanchez (City resident) and Michael Morrison (City
resident) spoke against the use of Flock cameras due to privacy and transparency issues.
Eric Rodriguez, City resident, provided comments about Camp Hope and his personal
homelessness experience.
Tony Courcy, City resident, noted frustration with a lack of response on several matters.
5) Open Discussion for the Good of the Order
Councilmember Glenn inquired about the limited action from the Yakima Regional Clean
Air Agency regarding imposing penalties towards those responsible for wildfires.
July 21, 2026 -Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4
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Councilmember Gonzalez and Assistant Mayor Berg thanked community members,
organizations and staff for their donations supporting concerts in the parks.
Councilmember Potrykus encouraged everyone to view the City of Yakima podcasts
featuring the city's elected officials.
6) Council Reports
Councilmember Gonzales, on behalf of the Yakima Arts Commission, recognized Jane
Cooper for her work on the Windows Alive project and other arts and cultural programs.
7) Consent Agenda
Assistant Mayor Berg referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning
whether there were any additions or deletions from Council members present. There were
no changes. 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: Byers moved and Roy seconded to approve the consent agenda. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
7.A Approval of minutes from the July 7, 2026 City Council regular meeting
7.B 2026 Second Quarter Investment Transaction Report
7.0 Approve payment of disbursements for the period June 1 - 30, 2026
7.D Resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with RH2 Engineering,
Inc. to provide engineering services for Sludge Thickening Improvements at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-111, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Professional
Services Agreement with RH2 Engineering, Inc. to provide engineering services
for Sludge Thickening Improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
7.E Resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with RH2 Engineering,
Inc. to provide engineering services for Grit Removal System Improvements at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-112, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Professional
Services Agreement with RH2 Engineering, Inc. to provide engineering services
for Grit Removal System Improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
7.F Resolution authorizing grant acceptance from the Department of Commerce for
Clean Building Performance for the Public Works building and the Yakima
Convention Center
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-113, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
to accept Clean Building Performance Grant awards from the Washington State
Department of Commerce for the Public Works Clean Building Audit and the
Yakima Convention Center Energy Audit.
7.G Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a Federal Aviation Administration grant
for the Work Package 02 - Terminal Core (Ticket Counter), Phase 1 project, at
the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-114, A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance grant
award 3-53-0089-65-2026 in the amount of One Million Five Hundred Fifty-nine
July 21, 2026 -Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4
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Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-six ($1,559,556) dollars from the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) for construction of Terminal Core and Rental Car Counter
Modernization, a capital improvement project at the Yakima Air Terminal -McAllister
Field.
7.H Resolution authorizing grant acceptance from the Washington State Department
of Commerce Office of Crime Victims Advocacy Community Services Divisions
SFY27 Violence Against Women DVHRT Program
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-115, A RESOLUTION authorizing a grant acceptance
agreement from the Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Crime
Victims Advocacy Community Services Divisions SFY27 Violence Against Women
DVHRT Grant in the amount of$200,000.00.
8) Public Hearings
8.A First public hearing on the 2026 Draft Annual Action Plan
Assistant Manager Gary Ballew briefed Council on the 2026 Draft Annual Action
Plan which describes how the city plans to use Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funding from
the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Councilmembers requested
further information on several projects described in the report.
Assistant Mayor Berg opened the public hearing. Tony Courcy commented about
housing and infrastructure improvements. Zachary Galland clarified that Casa de la
Mora will provide housing for homeless youth and their families. Jeanna Hernandez
provided comments specific to asbestos and lead-based hazards. With no one else
coming forward or calling in to speak, Assistant Mayor Berg closed the hearing.
Another opportunity to provide comments will be held on August 3, 2026.
8.B Public Hearing and Resolution declaring the utility easement rights obtained by the
City in Ordinance No. 3384 located in the vacated alley under said Ordinance, in
Yakima, Washington, to be surplus to the uses and needs of the City of Yakima,
and authorizing disposition of such property rights to Agena, a Washington
Nonprofit Corporation
City Attorney Sara Watkins briefed Council on the proposal to declare the utility
easement rights under Ordinance No. 3384 to be surplus to the uses and needs
of the City of Yakima and authorize disposition of such property rights to Agena,
a non-profit corporation.
Assistant Mayor Berg opened the public hearing. Tony Courcy provided remarks
concerning storm drains and water right claims that did not pertain to the specified
proposal. With no one coming forward or calling in to speak, Assistant Mayor Berg
closed the hearing.
After Council discussion, the City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Glenn moved and Byers seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-116, A RESOLUTION declaring the utility easement
rights obtained by the City in Ordinance No. 3384 located in the vacated alley
under said Ordinance, in Yakima, Washington, to be surplus to the uses and
needs of the City of Yakima, and authorizing disposition of such property rights to
Agena, a Washington Nonprofit Corporation.
July 21, 2026 -Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4
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9) Department Items
None.
10) City Manager Update
10.A Preview of upcoming topics
City Manager Vicki Baker extended an invitation from Trouves Health Care offering
tours of their facility. She also noted her participation in a meeting with Commissioner
Curtis, Lance Larson, Mike Kay and Jodi Daly regarding Camp Hope funding.
City Manager Baker announced Franklin Pool will be open on four Saturdays in
August. And she noted that MultiCare government affairs staff agreed to have a
discussion with Council.
11) Other Business
None.
12) Adjournment
MOTION: Byers moved and Roy seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
regular meeting on Monday August 3, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council
Chambers. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
Ill)
NIL
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK MAYOR
July 21, 2026 -Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4
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