HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/2010 04B Minutes 09-01-2010 Council Economic Development Committee L ). 5
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C ounci(Economic cDeve(opment C ommittee
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
3 p.m.
Council Members present: Maureen Adkison, David Edler, Bill Lover
Staff Dick Zais, Dave Zabell, Rita DeBord, Michael Morales, Dave Brown, Joan
Davenport, Scott Schafer, Pete Hobbs, Shelley Willson
YCDA. Dave McFadden, Greater Yakima Chamber Dan Schenkein, Hispanic Chamber
of Yakima County Luz Gutierrez, Mill District Development Group Brad Hill
Mill District Update Michael Morales reported on several activities
o The draft SEPA checklist was received and the staff is preparing comments The
project continues to move toward the initiation of the planned action development
proposal
o Staff is reviewing the landfill remediation study to determine a course of action
Suggestions will be brought to this committee in the near future
o A proposal will be prepared for an October meeting with the Yakima County SIED
Board The effort is to secure SIED funds to assist with the design and permitting
process, and to be prepared to begin the public infrastructure improvements in 2011
o YCDA has initiated a Mill District Steering Committee which will include
III Commissioner Mike Leita, a councilmember from this committee, Michael Morales
and Dave McFadden Their first meeting is scheduled for September 13 Chairman
Adkison will discuss membership with Bill Lover and David Edler
Downtown Projects update Michael Morales reported that the "A" Street corridor project
should be underway in a few weeks Also, sole source procurement for the 8 Street
project amenities (benches, trashcans, lighting, etc) will come to Council soon
Implementation of sidewalk sign ordinance Joan Davenport proposed an "educational"
enforcement period through the end of 2010 Staff will distribute information to businesses
and Codes will assist business owners on site CDY may be able to help also Right -of -way
use permits will not be required until 2011 Luz Gutierrez suggested a press release in both
English and Spanish The Committee supported the proposal
Automated Water Meter Reading Project update Dave Brown reported that the study is
complete and the parties (City of Yakima, Yakima County, Nob Hill Water and City of Selah)
are working through it to determine the best course of action $2 million is budgeted for
2011 The first effort will be to change out large meters The automated system is expected
to greatly increase efficiency and improve customer service in a variety of ways
Irrigation Increase Policy Issue Mr Brown introduced a 2011 policy issue that would raise
irrigation rates 5 5% each year for four years, beginning in 2011 Since the last O &M rate
increase in 2007, operating costs have continued to rise and the annual increases initiated
4110 at that time have failed to keep up with expenses Fees paid to privately owned canal
companies for water and the costs for power continue to increase
As an example of the impact to the rate payer, an increase of 5 5% results in an increase of
$6 30 per year, or $1 05 per bi- monthly bill, for a 7,000 square foot lot in year one of the
proposed increase A motion (by Edler, seconded by Lover) was approved to recommend
approval of the policy issue to the full Council when it is considered as part of the budget
process
Increasing Wastewater's debt service Scott Schafer introduced a 2011 policy issue to
issue a $12 million revenue bond to implement mandated and required renewal projects
He spoke of equipment and regulatory requirements, and characterized several major
pieces of equipment as past their life expectancy The Wastewater Division envisions using
the bond money over the next two years on priority issues A motion (by Edler, seconded
by Lover) was approved to recommend approval of the policy issue when it is considered as
part of the budget process
Other Business Councilmember Edler reported that some Yakima Avenue businesses
west of Seventh Avenue have expressed an interest in participating in the Downtown PBIA.
Dave Zabell said he and Michael Morales would initiate the conversation with CDY
The next meeting of the Council Economic Development Committee is scheduled for
Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at 2 30 p m New agenda topics will include
o Curbside (solid waste) recycling
o CPI based building permit fees
a Economic Development — Where we are, and how best can we compete? ift: �?� //1//66
Maureen Adkison, Chair Date
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