HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/2023 Council Retreat119
MINUTES
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
February 28, 2023
Harman Center Ballroom, 101 N. 65th Avenue, Yakima, WA
4 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Janice Deccio, presiding, and Councilmembers Matt Brown, Patricia Byers, Holly
Cousens and Danny Herrera
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, Communication and Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler
and City Clerk Sonya Claar Tee
Absent and excused: Assistant Mayor Soneya Lund and Councilmember Eliana Macias
2. Public Comment (allow 15 minutes)
Jeanna Hernandez, City resident, would like to speak further with Council on the vacant building
registry and standards.
3. Discuss City Space Needs
Rustin Hall, Kim Phelps and Jodi Kittel with ALSC Architects, discussed City space needs, and
asked Council what their specific needs would be. Council members agreed a larger dais and
chambers would be preferred, with dual language, audio/video and safety needs met and a larger
conference room.
4. Discussion of Equity Issues
City Attorney Sara Watkins briefed Council on the City's 2017 equity analysis, including information
on how it came about, how it was applied, and possible next steps. Ms. Watkins suggested having a
mission statement with a unified vision for what the City believes equity looks like, succinct but
emphasising the intention. Council members agreed a study session into equity issues is needed,
including samples of mission statements from other municipalities. Council members discussed
utilizing the Community Integration Committee as a resource, possibly partnering with the Yakima
School District for equity training, engaging the community, and reviewing what other cities our size
are doing regarding equity issues.
5. General Fund and Citywide Forecast
Jennifer Ferrer -Santa Ines, Director of Finance & Budget, briefed Council on the general fund and
citywide forecast. Council members discussed reviewing service levels, comparing reserves with
other cities, reviewing revenue options and impact/user fees.
6. Strategic Priorities
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Randy Beehler, Communication and Public Affairs Manager, reviewed the Councs strategic
priorities. Police Chief Murray provided and reviewed a downtown safety analysis. Fire Chief
Markham presented and reviewed a handout on Fire Department callouts.
7. Vacant Building Registry and Standards
City Attorney Watkins reviewed previously distributed information on vacant building registries and
standards. Councilmembers discussed bringing stakeholders to a meeting to discuss this issue.
8. Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Byers seconded to adjourn to the next City Council regular
meeting on March 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The motion carried by
unanimous vote, Lund and Macias absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
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