HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/24/2009 00 Misc Distributed at the Meeting To: Yakima City Council
Re: Investing in Yakima's Future
Date: March 24, 2009
Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and For a Better Tomorrow have
collaboratively sponsored "Investing in Excellence, Investing in Yakima".
Using The Pacific Institute's `Investment in Excellence' curriculum, 125
Yakima community leaders have graduated from one of the 5 sessions
offered to date.
Investment in Excellence is a 4 -day performance - enhancement program,
using field - tested principles from the cognitive sciences. Participants learn
principles and techniques to remove self - imposed limits and increase self-
. efficacy. There is a strong emphasis on personal growth through reflection,
insights, discussion, goal- setting, and new commitments. The results are
immediate and lasting increase in self efficacy; positive approaches to
change; and building belief in strengths to affect change in self, family,
organization and community.
•
The following vision statements were created by each class. The exercise is
to write an article for Fortune magazine describing the positive impact on
the Yakima community describing the successful implementation of the
Investment in Excellence tools and principles. •
"Investing in Yakima
Fall 2007
•
• Nestled in the heart of Washington's Wine Country, enjoying 300 days of sunshine, there
is an entire community benefiting from the principles learned at the "Investment in
Excellence, Investment in Yakima" seminar held earlier this year. In an effort to improve
the community, a carefully selected group of leaders were invited to participate in Lou
Tice's mind - expanding experience. The results speak for themselves.
On a recent trip to Yakima, we immediately perceived a sense of pride —it's residents
believe that Yakima is one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest. It's
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leaders— business, non - profit agencies, city governments, faith community and others —
all work together to move the community forward. Amazingly, ownership of control and
power is not an issue. As a result, the people of Yakima have made dramatic progress
eliminating homelessness, poverty, crime, gangs, and illiteracy. Yakima is now.a
destination for tourists, shopping, arts and entertainment, and enjoys a reputation for
being a center for culture in language, music, dance and culinary experiences. The
economy is thriving because of growing businesses and new jobs. People take pride in
their properties and their neighborhoods. Statistics show that Yakima is one of the safest
cities in the entire state. Their schools are some of the most innovative in the nation, with
new schools being built to accommodate the growing population and to provide state -of-
the -art resources for all students.
One can't help but notice positive community transformation everywhere: lavish
downtown renovation draws people to reside and gather in the downtown core —the
development of hotels and condominiums literally scared the "ghosts" out of Yakima's
downtown. Additionally, two new vehicle underpasses facilitate the area's growing
traffic needs, and there is no shortage of parking anywhere downtown. Greeting drivers
as they pass below the new Nob Hill overpass are two magnificent sun sculptures
reinforcing Yakima's reputation as the place to come to enjoy the outdoors.
Due to the success of "Investment in Excellence, Investment in Yakima," the economy of
Yakima has skyrocketed. Never before has a community seen such rapid economic
growth across the board. They attribute this to bold goals set by those who experienced
"Investment" training. Due to these positive changes, Yakima has become the mecca for
retail, manufacturing, service and entertainment industries.
A recent survey of tourists showed that Yakima's high quality of life is responsible for an
influx of new people looking to relocate there. The Yakima School District —once found
on one of the lower rungs of test scores — recently received the White House Award for
Quality Education- -based on increased community support, national - caliber test scores
and state of the art school facilities. Yakima also received the Green Award for most
effective and utilized mass transit system, as well as a national Fortune 500 Award for
creating the best new business climate. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital was awarded
the Medal of Freedom Award for creating the synergy for this unbelievable turn- around
in the community. The prestigious Democracy Award was bestowed on La Casa Hogar
and Yakima City Government for integrating communities and increasing civic
involvement and confidence in Yakima. Lastly, the National Historical Society
recognized a number of downtown buildings and surrounding homes for preserving the
community's irreplaceable historic landmarks.
Yakima is a community that has recognized it's problems, taken action, and pulled itself
up by it's boot straps to become a thriving community. Yakima achieved it's vision by
empowering it's citizens. Their successful process is being imitated and implemented in
dozens of other Washington communities and throughout the nation.
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"Investing in Yakima"
Fall 2007
In the fall of 2007, Yakima, Washington found the way to unite and unlock the potential
of it's citizens. Led by Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and For A Better Tomorrow,
50 original participants of "Investment in Excellence, Investment in Yakima" became
change agents to transform Yakima into a model, pro- active community.
"Investment in Excellence, Investment in Yakima" helped shape a shared vision for the
community and showed the way for people to move toward that vision. Proactively goal-
setting to make the vision real for everyone, people are now willing to take risks- -and to
actively support other risk takers. Essentially, the program has helped the people of
Yakima raise the bar in till areas ... to be the BEST!
The ripple effect of "Investment" is visible in many ways: .
• Yakima is a leader in the wine tourism industry
• Investments made by the City of Yakima bring tourists year -round to take
advantage of the area's outstanding recreational opportunities.
• Growing numbers of visitors now call Yakima home because of the city's world-
class recreation, arts and agricultural assets.
• State -of -the -art medical facilities and business opportunities abound.
• Yakima's community "can do" attitude makes no project too large to tackle.
The impact of "Investment in Excellence, Investment in Yakima" is evidenced as
Yakima, once again, is the recipient of the All American City designation. The
prestigious national award cited Yakima for:
• Being an innovative business model for the use of bio- fuels
• An outstanding arts and cultural renaissance recognized by the. National
Endowment for the Arts
• It's dynamic downtown revitalized around the historic Capitol Theatre and a
newly- expanded arts plaza
• A burgeoning wine tourism industry attracting thousands of wine growers and
collectors to the signature International Merlot Wine Competition
• A recently developed family aquatics center drawing users from throughout the
Yakima Valley
• A nationally recognized education/public safety program designed to get teen
gang members back in school... and to gr duate.
• A Johns Hopkins Award for Osteopathic Research
There appears to be no limit to the financial impact of "Investment" on the Yakima area.
Having caught the attention of several Fortune 500 companies, a variety of new
businesses set up shop in Yakima, significantly increasing the number of family -wage
jobs. As a result, more people have become home owners, creating a higher tax base for
quality of life public services.
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The lives of the citizens of Yakima are greatly enriched since the community was
introduced to Pacific Institutes "Investment in Excellence, Investment in Yakima. ". The
program has grown from Memorial Hospital to a Better Tomorrow for the entire
community of Yakima. Fifty leaders graduate from the class monthly with a waiting list
for hundreds more to attend. Without a.doubt, Yakima is a poster city for other cities to
emulate to unite their communities.
"Investing in Yakima
June2008
They call them crazy in Yakima...like that's a bad thing. Investment in Excellence is
creative, risk - taking, ambitious, zany Yakimaniacs! The program's strength is its impact
on individuals, business community and financial wellbeing.
Having this curriculum in the community increases job satisfaction and retains workers in
Yakima. It increases business potential and we have long term business. One, Yakima
has the ability to reach its full potential in a global economy. And two, new goals and
improvement in Yakima greatly increase destination potential.
Lou Tice recognizes Yakima as a model community, having graduated 5,000 new
`Investors in Excellence'. Yakima has been awarded on of the Top 10 Communities to
live in, in the nation. It's been recognized for its reduction in crime rate and its
widespread community involvement.
Yakima is now a city that is inclusive, responsive and innovative to the needs of its
citizens. This increased the quality of life to for all and has a positive effect on
generations to come.
One of the results of this course has been people coming together from different segments
of the community to tackle the issue of crime. They also are promoting Yakima's
beautiful sunny weather with blue skies and a growing, ever improving lifestyle for it's
people. With Leadership Yakima and Investment in Excellence Yakima leaders
continually improve their community and programs.
All levels of Yakima have endorsed the Investment in excellence program. Amazing
results have been seen throughout the Valley. Community leaders from through the
United States and the world are flocking to Yakima to see and learn firsthand how well
the program works.
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s •
"Investing in Yakima
June 2008
You've got to visit Yakima! Sitting in the lush center of the state of Washington,
Yakima was voted one of the top three cities to live in the U.S. After struggling for a
number of years, the city has transformed itself into a model of community collaboration
and growth.
As a result of an innovative leadership program, Investing in Excellence, Investing in
Yakima, a fire was lit that continues to change the "financialscape" of the community.
Yakima has seen extraordinary progress, transforming from one of the most economically
depressed regions of the state to one of prosperity, receiving recognition from the
Governor and the Washington State Legislature.
In addition to being designated one of the best U.S. cities in which to live, Yakima has
received numerous national honors, including a Heritage Award for building a vibrant
multicultural community and Outdoor. Magazine's award as the Pacific Northwest's top
recreation hotspot.
The self -image of Yakima residents is extraordinarily positive. Many community
development and improvement initiatives have been successfully accomplished, such as
new aquatic and equestrian centers; The Vineyards golf course; new sports recreation
fields; the award for the highest high school graduation rate in the state; a drastic drop in
crime and poverty; and the recent nomination for best place to live in America.
The Investment in Excellence program has had a significant impact on enhancing the
quality of life through better leadership, realistic goal setting, and collaborative and
innovative approaches to building a better community. Through these efforts, the
Yakima Valley has been transformed into one of the most desirable destination spots in
the state. With advanced educational achievements, abundant recreational opportunities,
and low unemployment, Yakima is the place to live.
In conclusion, as a result of the Investment in Excellence program, synergy within the
Yakima Valley is growing and residents believe this is the beginning of greater things to
come.
"Investing in Yakima
February 2009
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Something great is happening in Yakima, Washington.
A fresh breeze of optimism is sweeping through the community due to the participation
of 120 community leaders in Lou Tice's "Investment in Excellence" program.
What started as an investment in personal growth turned into these business leaders
growing their companies, as well. This in turn provided more job opportunity for the
youth of their community. They took economic development matters into their own
hands by advocating the development of a former 200 -acre eye sore into a world class
multi -use facility featuring sports, entertainment venues, shopping and night life.
As a result of the efficacious work of the graduates, the city of Yakima was voted one of
the top ten places to live in the U.S. with population under 100,000. Yakima will soon be
host to the National Governor's Convention where attendees will study the particular
success of the most recent group of graduates.
Lou Tice's message calls for empowering diverse leaders to be the catalysts for change.
As a result, the program has energized the entire valley and its citizens to create a better
Yakima with a renewed sense of civic pride.
Class members left the most recent sessions feeling empowered to improve the quality of
life in the Yakima area. There was energy and excitement to continue the positive
direction that the community of Yakima has begun to embrace.
In conclusion, the students were heard to say: "Stay tuned. The best is yet to come!"
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AGENDA STATEM ` kt )
( \ ‘ 5 /.07 ---- t\e \A-v- •-, e c . /LP
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ITEM TITLE: Consideration of request for comprehensive performance audit by State , °'
Auditor and appointment of a Performance Audit Task Force.
i
SUBMITTED BY: Council Member Kathy Coffey, Council Member Neil McClure and Ea \_01.,
Council Member Bill Lover ..,--------1
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Council Member Kathy Coffey - 575 -6040
NiN
D Randy Beehler, Media Contact 575 -6092
t SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
41\' Initiative 900, which passed in ovember 2005 with a 56% favora • e vote (61°. in
` _ • Yakima County), requires the Was ing on ate ' o itor to ' n uc • rm - ce audits
7
of state and local government agencies. n t e o an a half years since Initiative 909
--
passed, the Auditor's office has completed several reviews which have generally
targeted specific operational areas of the agencies which have been audited. For
example, the City of Yakima's compliance with public records requests was the subject
of an audit conducted in the fall of 2007. t 1
Council Members Coffey, McClure, and Lover are proposing that the Yakima City
Council invite the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the L' j
• City's operations. T e St- _ e Auditor's Director of Performance Audits, Linda Lon , as
responded very favora • ly to initial inquire • m le i . 'a ima ould be the first city
; 1 I 'fl 1 .4_, P41 in the state to receive such a fu -sot ex- 'na ion °�
t .his proposal is in unison with City's Mission Statement nd the Council's current
v � focus on openness, accountability, - !:" r ,_. # •4 • rehensive performance
0 audit would allow the communi y o see • e s ity govemment and would provide
-" e independent, reliable, objective feedback about how the City is operating. Audit results
1 would be used to both enhance the City's strengths and to identify opportunities for
greater efficiencies, cost savings, and other improvements.
X itiative 900 requires performance audits to include, but not be limited to, the following
objectives: 1) Identification of cost savings; 2) Identification of services that can be
reduced or eliminated; 3) Identifi_- tionof •rograms or se. 'ces that can be transferred_
e rivate e or 4) Ana ysis of gaps or ove aps in programs or services an •
recommenda ions o correct them; 5) Feasibility of pooling the entity's information
technology systems; 6) Analysis of the roles and functions of the entity and
recommendations to change or eliminate roles or functions; 7) Recommendations for
statutory or regulatory changes that may be necessary for the entity to properly carry
out is functions; 8) Analysis of the entity's performance data, performance measures
and self - assessment systems; and, 9) Identification of best practices.
c n Initiative 900 stipulates that performance audits conducted by the State Auditor comply `72
with the federal Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards ( "GAGAS ") which 1
provides a framework for conducting h_ igh quality govemm nt audits with competence,
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Rom the YakimaHerald.com Online News.
•
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009
Chief still wants to hire help despite levy failure
City Council voices concerns as Hines looks to add new paramedics
' by Chris Bristol
Yakima Herald- Republic
•
YAKIMA, Wash. -- Several members of the Yakima City Council said Wednesday they were disturbed
that fire Chief Charlie Hines still plans to hire paramedics despite the failure of the EMS levy.
"It's a policy decision that' not been. settled " Councilwom athy Coff1 said of paramedics on the
public's payroll. -
The levy, defeated by 59 percent of the voters Tuesday in a citywide special election; would have
generated $1.3 million in riew revenue for the. Yakima Fire Department. It needed a 60 percent
supermajority to pass.
In addition to a dozen firefighters and a dispatcher, Hines wanted to begin training and equipping up to
18 firefighters -- enough for three paramedics on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- as
paramedics.
After Tuesday's election, Hines reaffirmed an earlier statement that he intends to begin staffing
• paramedics even if the levy failed.
' Hines said that as far as he's concerned, the City Council's decision to put the EMS levy to a vote was a
form of permission -- he used the term "green light" -- tohire paramedics regardless of the outcome of
the election.
As for the will of the electorate, "What they said no to was the 25 cents, not paramedics per se, Hines
said, referring to the levy formula of 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The chiefs sentiment was not backed up by members of the council, who were contacted Wednesday by
the Yakima,Herald- Republic. Among them was Assistant Mayor Micah Cawley.
"The only green light the council gave was to let the voters decide on this issue," he said, repeating the
term Hines used.
Hines' plan had been the subject of a sometimes heated debate leading up to the election. Opponents
criticized the plan as an unnecessary duplication of services, given that two privately run ambulance
companies that serve Yakima alongside the fire department already provide a paramedic on all aid calls.
Woody Woodcock, owner of Advanced Life Systems, one of the two private ambulance companies, .
believes the vote ended the discussion.
"It wasn't a yes, no or maybe," he said. "It was no. To me, no means no."
http: / /www.yakima- herald.com/stories /print/11368 • . 3/24/2009
• -°Mines has been critical of high turnover at the ambulance companies. He also said that having one
paramedic from the fire department as well as a paramedic provided by the ambulance companies on aid
calls would improve public safety.
N. Coffey .: • ed the special election along with Cawley, Councilman Neil McClure and Mayor
Dave Edler, said she .nzzled by Hines' statement.
"I don't know what he's thinking," she said. "I encourage department heads to think outside the box ...
but if he thinks our support for a special election can be interpreted as permission to begin a paramedic
program, well, he's mistaken."
McClure, who along with Edler, has been perhaps the most vocal supporter of paramedics with the fire
department, said he could understand Hines' thinking to a point. '
"The citizens did not vote to not have paramedics on the fire department," he said. "Maybe that was their
thinking, but I think they didn't want the tax, not paramedics."
Cawley said now is not a good time to tinker with the fire department's budget, given that there is a good
chance the city is going to have to implement across- the -board budget cuts at some stage this year due to
the historic downturn in the U.S. economy.
The cost of training, equipping and paying firefighters as paramedics is not known but it is sure to have
long -term consequences on the city's budget, Cawley said.
The city's operating budget for 2008 was about $181 million.
"There was a reason we went out for a levy," he said, adding, "At some point, we've got to live within
our means."
Fellow Councilman Rick Ensey, who opposed the special election along with Councilman Bill Lover,
said he believes voters turned down the levy because they don't trust City Hall.
The continuing debate over parattiedics is proof that city staff have not been square with the public
about their intentions for the levy, he said.
"This isn't helping," he said, adding, "Some bureaucrats are confused about who runs the city."
* Chris Bristol can be reached at 577 -7748 or cbristol @yakimaherald.com.
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