HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/2023 Study SessionOctober 24, 2023
City Hall — Council Chambers -129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5 p.m. Study Session. Meeting conducted in person and virtually via Zoom.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Janice Deccio, presiding; Assistant Mayor Soneya Lund (attending remotely
via Zoom) and Councilmembers Matt Brown, Patricia Byers, Holly Cousens, Danny Herrera,
and Eliana Macias
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, City Attorney Sara Watkins, and City Clerk Rosalinda
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2. Public comment (allow 15 minutes)
Jay Hirst, President of Kittitas Interactive Management, spoke about the lack of parking
enforcement downtown and impact that has on agencies who purchase monthly parking
permits.
Ken Johnsen, Trolley Association, expressed interest in working with the City to seek funding
opportunities to ease the burden of the infrastructure costs for the Trolley repairs.
Raymond Paolella, William O. Douglas Trail Association, spoke regarding Trolley
infrastructure and his desire to work with the City to identify and seek grant funding to aid the
project.
3. Mid -biennial Budget - Session 2 of 2
Assistant City Manager Rosylen Oglesby presented the continuation of the mid -biennial
review. She explained the modifications of proposed revenue and expenditure forecast for
the 2024 fiscal budget and its impact to the General Fund and the City's financial reserves,
noting the comparison of property and sales tax revenues and disbursements.
Police Chief Murray, Corrections Commander Davis, and Human Resources Director
Mendoza moderated the discussion regarding projected expenditures including increases to
jail housing, aquatic operating & capital, stop loss insurance, annual technology maintenance,
salaries and benefits, salary survey findings, indigent defense, labor and industries, and
collective bargaining negotiations. Staff highlighted several challenges the City is
experiencing with hiring new employees and retaining employees.
Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson provided information regarding expenses and
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revenues for programs and services offered at Lions Pool, Franklin Pool, Fisher Park Golf
Course, and Tahoma Cemetery. He also updated Council on the financial status of the
Aquatic Center at MLK Jr. Park and upcoming expenses for the Yakima RotaryAquatic
Center.
4. Set the date of November 7, 2023, for a public hearing on potential Utility Tax increase.
MOTION: Cousens moved and Byers seconded to set November 7, 2023 as a public
hearing date for potential utility tax increase. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
MOTION: Cousens moved and Byers seconded to take a 5-minute break
(recess). The motion carried by unanimous vote.
The meeting reconvened at 7:01 p.m.
5, Discussion on the Yakima Trolley Infrastructure
City Engineer Bill Preston provided an update on the Yakima Trolley infrastructure. He noted
the two areas of concern reported by Sargent Engineers Inc. are the status of the bridge
spanning over the Naches River and the trolley tracks within 6th Avenue.
The 6th Avenue/Trolley Track Repair project is listed on the Transportation Benefit District
(TBD) list. Mr. Preston provided Council several options to consider moving forward with the
6th Avenue reconstruction:
• Reconstruct 6th Avenue and replace the trolley tracks - $6.9 million
• Remove and replace just the trolley tracks - $3.9 million
• Reconstruct 6th Avenue and remove the trolley tracks - $3 million
After Council discussion, no action was taken. The original plan to reconstruct 6th Avenue
and replace the trolley tracks will remain in place.
6 Update on 40th Ave & Chestnut Traffic Analysis Project 2602
City Engineer Bill Preston provided an update to the findings of the traffic analysis conducted
by Transportation Engineering Northwest LLC (TENW) at the intersection of 40th Avenue
and West Chestnut Avenue. The report includes evaluation of the existing conditions,
previous improvements, and recommendations for potential improvement alternatives. The
recommended alternatives for improvements at that intersection include: traffic signal, Hawk
signal, bike reroute, road diet, and RRFB enhancement.
Council discussed at length the alternatives and provided further direction to staff.
MOTION: Cousens moved and Byers seconded to direct staff to move ahead with
exploring the Hawk System for 40th Ave. and Chestnut Ave. and present back to
Council with funding piece included. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
7. Discussion on State Auditor's Exit Conference Report
Councilmember Holly Cousens introduced the discussion regarding the State Auditor's Exit
Conference Report. The report noted a finding with respect to inadequate internal controls
for ensuring compliance with federal requirements for suspension and debarment.
MOTION: Byers moved and Macias seconded to add to a future study session a
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presentation on the process of hiring contractors and how we can include local
preference. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
Cousens reminded Council about an upcoming AWC event in Cie Elum.
8. Adjournment
MOTION: Byers moved and Cousens seconded to adjourn to the next Council
regular meeting on November 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall. The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIEDACCURATE BY
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
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