HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/23/2019 Special Meeting 51
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
July 23, 2019
City Hall —Council Chambers
5:30 p.m.Agenda Preview Meeting —MINUTES
1. Roll Call
Council: Mayor Kathy Coffey, presiding,Assistant Mayor Dulce Gutierrez, Councilmembers Kay
Funk, Carmen Mendez and Brad Hill
Staff: City Manager Cliff Moore, City Attorney Jeff Cutter and City Clerk Sonya Claar Tee
Absent and excused: Councilmembers Holly Cousens and Jason White
2. Agenda preview for July 30,August 5 and 20, 2019 draft agendas
City Manager Moore reviewed the July 30,August 5 and 20, 2019 draft agendas.
3. City Manager update including City Manager and Assistant City Manager vacancies
City Manager Moore reported the Ad Hoc Committee of Coffey, Gutierrez and Hill met on July 18 to
discuss the City Manager and Assistant City Manager process. Mayor Coffey distributed a memo
from the Ad Hoc Committee on its recommendations.After Council discussion,
MOTION: Funk moved and Gutierrez seconded to strike paragraph 4 & 5 from this
memo. MOTION: Mendez moved and Gutierrez seconded to amend the motion to add that
we strike all reference to strong mayor in the memo. Mayor Coffey asked if it was Council
consensus that the memo is now appropriate without the strong mayor language, which was approved
by Council consensus.
MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Hill seconded to temporarily suspend its normal practice of
not making nor voting on motions during Council agenda preview meetings in order to
allow decisions to be made at this meeting regarding the city manager position.After
discussion, the motion carried by a 3-2 vote, Funk and Mendez voting no, White and Cousens
absent.
MOTION: Funk moved and Hill seconded to approve initiating a contract process with
ICMA to find an interim city manager for approximately September to February.After
discussion, the motion carried by unanimous vote, White and Cousens absent.
MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Funk seconded that under the terms listed in the memo,
that we appoint Cynthia Martinez as Interim City Manager starting August 21. After
discussion, the motion carried by a 3-2 vote, Coffey and Hill voting no, White and Cousens absent.
MOTION: Hill moved and Coffey seconded that Mr. Moore moves ahead with the already
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qualified applicants that he has identified and fill the Assistant City Manager
position. Councilmember Funk criticized the City Manager's previous hiring and firing process and
Assistant Mayor Gutierrez raised a Point of Order that councilmembers shall not disparage staff.
Mayor Coffey ruled the point was well taken.After further discussion, the motion carried by a 4-1
vote, Funk voting no, White and Cousens absent.
City Manager Moore reported on the 2020 budget schedule and that the levy lid lift will be discussed
as part of the budget process. Mr. Moore reminded Council that staff is prohibited from lobbying on
ballot measures. Fire Chief Markham provided an update on the ambulance RFP issue. Mr. Moore
stated staff will bring a draft letter of support to the County Commissioners on this issue for Council
consideration in the near future.
Communications and Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler provided an update on the status of
North First Street construction, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. City
Manager Moore and Councilmember Mendez reported on the recent Partnership Committee
meeting, which had members of the public bringing forward a Beer Garden Initiative. It was Council
consensus to continue to explore this opportunity. City Manager Moore advised there is an update to
the Strategic Plan included in their agenda packet.
Councilmember Mendez shared her concerns about the homeless and drug use on Naches Avenue
and asked if there were any additional steps the City should take. City Manager Moore advised there
are several departments working on this issue. City Attorney Cutter added that the City has better
control of the parkway since it has been designated as a park.
4. Council Committee update
None.
5. Adjournment
MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Hill seconded to adjourn to a City Council study session on
Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The motion carried by unanimous vote, White
and Cousens absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
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