HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/04/2024 07.A. Approval of minutes from the October 15, 2024 City Council regular meeting and October 22, 2024 and October 29, 2024 study sessions 4
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 7.A.
For Meeting of: November 4, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Approval of minutes from the October 15, 2024 City Council regular
meeting and October 22, 2024 and October 29, 2024 study sessions
SUBMITTED BY: Rosalinda Ibarra, City Clerk
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25:
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Minutes 10-15-2024_DRAFT
Minutes 10-22-2024_DRAFT
Minutes 10-29-2024_DRAFT
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
October 15, 2024
City Hall - Council Chambers - 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5:30 PM City Council Regular Meeting -conducted in person and remotely via Zoom.
Executive Session -5:00 p.m.
Executive Session regarding pending litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to Executive Session for 30
minutes to discuss pending litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). The motion
carried by unanimous vote.
Present for Executive Session: Mayor Byers, Assistant Mayor Brown, and Councilmembers
Berg, Deccio, Glenn, Herrera, and Roy
Executive session was held at 5:04 p.m. and adjourned at 5:27 p.m. The meeting was
called back to order at 5:32 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Mayor Byers announced that due to technical difficulties this meeting was not being
broadcast live on YPAC or Spectrum Cable Channel 194 but can be streamed live on the
City of Yakima website.
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding; Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and Councilmembers
Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy
Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Byers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Interpreter Services
Mayor Byers introduced Jorge Villasenor who announced interpreter services are available
in Spanish.
4. Public Comment
Margaret Filkins, City resident; and John Baule, city resident; commented about the parking
pass renewal process for expired parking permits.
Marchal Tyler, City resident, spoke against the N. 92' Ave. right-of-way vacation proposal.
5. Open Discussion for the Good of the Order
October 15, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 9
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None.
6. Council Reports
Mayor Byers stated that the MLK pool committee will hold their final meeting, and a report
will be forthcoming.
7. Consent Agenda
Mayor Byers referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether
there were any additions or deletions from Council members present. Items L and M were
removed from the consent agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items,
including resolutions and ordinances, by title. (Items on the Consent Agenda are handled
under one motion without further discussion—see motion directly below.)
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to approve the consent agenda as
presented. The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
A. Approval of minutes from the October 1, 2024 City Council regular meeting and
October 8, 2024 study session
B. Approve payment of disbursements for the period September 1-30, 2024
C. 2024 3rd Quarter Treasury Report
D. Set date of November 4, 2024 for public hearing regarding the Ad Valorem Tax
(property tax) for collection in 2025
E. Set the dates of November 4 and November 19, 2024, for public hearings on the 2025-
2026 Biennial Budget for the City of Yakima
F. Set date of November 19, 2024, as the date for an open record public hearing to
consider the Yakima Planning Commission's recommendation on a Comprehensive
Plan Amendment (CPA#004-24) and Rezone (RZ#004-24) request for three parcels
(now four parcels following a lot line adjustment) in the vicinity of 2300 E. Birch Street
G. Set date of November 19, 2024 for a closed record public hearing to consider the
Yakima Planning Commission's recommendation regarding the preliminary plat of
"Rainier Court Phase 5" submitted by Columbia Ridge Homes LLC
H. Set date of November 19, 2024 for a closed record public hearing to consider the
Yakima Planning Commission's recommendation regarding text amendments to YMC
Title 14 - Subdivisions, Title 15 - Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance, and Title 16 -
Administration of Development Permit Regulations
I. Project Completion and Contract Acceptance with MG Wagner Company Inc. for the
HBJCC Roof Replacement Project 2798
J. Resolution authorizing award of Bid 12421 and execution of an agreement with Solenis
LLC, to purchase Cationic Polymer Flocculant
October 15, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9
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RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-183, A RESOLUTION authorizing award of BID 12421 and
execution of an agreement with Solenis LLC, to purchase Cationic Polymer Flocculant.
K. Resolution authorizing an Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Professional
Engineering and Permitting Services during construction for the Nelson Phase 2
Conveyance Improvements Project IC2010
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-184, A RESOLUTION authorizing a supplemental
agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. not to exceed $673,200, to provide construction
engineering and permitting services for the Nelson Dam Removal Project: Water
Supply, Fish Passage, and Riverine Process Phase 2 Conveyance Improvements
Project IC2010.
L. This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.
M. This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.
N. Resolution authorizing an Agreement with Apollo, Inc. for Project WF2761 Biosolids
Dewatering Improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-187, A RESOLUTION authorizing an Agreement with
Apollo, Inc. for Project WF2761 Biosolids Dewatering Improvements at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
O. Resolution authorizing Trial Court Improvement Account (TCIA) to be used by the
Municipal Court for ongoing improvements
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-188, A RESOLUTION authorizing Trial Court
Improvement Funds to be used by the Municipal Court for ongoing improvements as
required under RCW 3.50.480.
P. Resolution ratifying probation services agreement between Yakima Municipal Court
and Yakima County Probation Services
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-189, A RESOLUTION ratifying City Manager's execution
of the Probation Services Agreement between the City of Yakima and Yakima County.
Q. Resolution approving an agreement with the State of Washington Department of
Revenue for the State administration of tourism promotion area fees
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-190, A RESOLUTION approving the Agreement between
the City of Yakima and the State of Washington Department of Revenue for the State
administration of tourism promotion area fees.
R. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to set the 2025 and 2026 Airport Rates and
Fees
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-191, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to set
the 2025 and 2026 Airport Rates and Fees within the Master Fee Schedule with an
annual increase until rates reach Fair Market Value, then implementing an annual five
percent (5%) increase thereafter.
October 15, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 9
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Items removed from the Consent Agenda
L. Resolution authorizing grant acceptance from the Department of Commerce for the
2026 Growth Management Act Periodic Update
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-185, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Grant Contract with the
Washington State Department of Commerce to provide funding assistance for the City
of Yakima's Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update.
M. Resolution authorizing grant acceptance from the Department of Commerce for
Climate Resilience Element of the Comprehensive Plan
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-186, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Grant Contract with the
Washington State Department of Commerce to provide funding assistance for a Climate
Resilience Element in the Comprehensive Plan.
The City Clerk read both resolutions by title only.
MOTION: Byers moved and Deccio seconded to approve items L and M. The motion
carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
8. Public Hearings
A. Public hearing and Ordinance to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation
regarding a right-of-way petition for YWCA to vacate S. 10th Avenue between W.
Chestnut Avenue and W. Walnut Street
Planning Manager Trevor Martin introduced this item and briefed Council on the Hearing
Examiner's recommendation.
Mayor Byers opened the public hearing.
Cheri Kilty, YWCA representative, spoke in favor of the right-of-way vacation proposal
and asked the Council to waive or reduce the appraised value fee amount due to the
hospital's prior payment to the city for the license agreement and private maintenance
of the area. Attorney James Carmody spoke in favor of the waiver or reduction of the
appraised value payment.
With no one else coming forward or calling in to speak, Mayor Byers closed the public
hearing.
MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to adjourn to Executive Session for
up to 15 minutes pursuant to RCW regarding real estate. The motion carried by
unanimous vote.
Executive session was pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(i) which allows the Council to
discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to agency
enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation
or potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an
official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the
discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency.
October 15, 2024—Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9
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Executive session was held at 6:15 p.m. and adjourned at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was
called back to order at 6:31 p.m.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
After Council deliberation,
MOTION: Glenn moved and Deccio seconded to grant the vacation and pass the
ordinance adopting the Hearing Examiner's recommendation and waive all
charges to the YWCA. The motion failed by a 4-3 roll call vote; with Berg, Brown,
Byers and Roy voting no.
MOTION: Brown moved and Berg seconded to grant the vacation and pass the
ordinance adopting the Hearing Examiner's recommendation. The motion carried by
a 6-1 call vote; with Glenn voting no.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-028, AN ORDINANCE relating to land use; vacating S. 10th
Ave. right-of-way between W. Chestnut Ave. and W. Walnut St. in the City of Yakima,
Washington.
9. Department Items
A. Ordinance to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation regarding a right-of-
way petition for Columbia Ridge Homes to vacate a portion of N. 92nd Ave. north of
Summitview Ave.
Planning Manager Trevor Martin briefed the Council on the proposed ordinance.
Senior Assistant City Attorney Bronson Faul addressed the information presented
under public comment regarding an underlying driveway.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Glenn moved and Berg seconded to approve the ordinance as
presented. The motion failed by a 4-3 roll call vote; with Berg, Brown, Herrera and
Roy voting no.
After Council deliberation and amendment, the following motion as amended was
proposed.
AMENDED MOTION: Brown moved and Berg seconded to remand the vacation
back to the Hearing Examiner for additional testimony for interest of the public
benefit, reason for, and limitations of the proposed right-of-way vacation;
whether the vacation is appropriate with existing and anticipated zoning and
land use; whether the proposal is consistent with existing plans of the city, such
as the six-year transportation improvement plan, the urban area comprehensive
plan or other city official plans and policies; and, whether the vacation would
deny sole access to a public street or alley for any property. The motion carried by
7-0 roll call vote.
AN ORDINANCE relating to land use; vacating a portion of N. 92nd Ave. north of
Summitview Ave. in the City of Yakima, Washington.
October 15, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9
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B. Ordinance amending the City of Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 5.99 Tourism
Promotion Area
Director of Finance and Budget Viren Mayani briefed the Council on the proposed
ordinance related to allowable exemptions for tourism promotion area assessments
passed by House Bill 2137.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to pass the ordinance. The motion
carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-029, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal
Code Chapter 5.99 Tourism Promotion Area.
C. Ordinance amending Section 9.50.220: Long-term parking permits
City Attorney Sara Watkins briefed the Council on the proposed amendment to the
parking regulations which increases the percentage of permits that can be issued of all
available parking spaces in City-owned parking lots.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to pass the ordinance and
increase the percentage of permits to 60%for long-term parking permits. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-030, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima
Municipal Code Section 9.50.220: Long-term parking permits.
D. Ordinance amending City of Yakima Municipal Code Section 6.27, Shopping Cart
Regulations
Senior Assistant City Attorney Brooke Hargreaves described the proposed ordinance
which prohibits possession of a shopping cart on public rights-of-way and in parks and
allows for the immediate seizure of the shopping cart.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
After discussion,
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to pass the ordinance. The motion
carried by a 6-1 roll call vote; with Glenn voting no.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-031, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima
Municipal Code Section 6.27, Shopping Cart Regulations.
E. Resolution placing the shopping cart operation fee in the Master Fee Schedule
Senior Assistant City Attorney Brooke Hargreaves explained the proposed resolution
updating the Master Fee Schedule to include infraction penalty fees for shopping carts
on public rights-of-way and removes the appeal fee.
October 15, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9
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The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-192, A RESOLUTION updating the Master Fee Schedule
relating to Yakima Municipal Code 6.27 Shopping Cart Regulations.
F. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to dedicate opioid settlement money to fund
the cost of a Municipal Community Court Case Manager for five years, with an option
to extend another five years
Senior Assistant City Attorney Cynthia Martinez and Municipal Court Judge Aryn
Masters briefed the Council on the proposed resolution which dedicates opioid
settlement funds to pay for a Municipal Community Court Case Manager for the City's
diversion program.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Deccio moved and Herrera seconded to adopt the resolution. The
motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-193, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
dedicate opioid settlement money to fund the cost of a Municipal Community Court Case
Manager for five years, with an option to extend another five years.
10. Review of Proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Priority Based Budget Session
City Manager Vicki Baker opened the discussion regarding the Proposed 2025-2026 Biennial
Priority Based Budget Session. The purpose of these detailed sessions is to provide
transparency in order for Council to make informed decisions moving forward.
A. Civil Division Budget Presentation
City Attorney Sara Watkins provided a budget overview of the Legal Department's Civil
Division program operational costs, including legal counsel advice services and risk
management efforts to help reduce liability risks. Staff highlighted an increase in insurance
and claims adjuster costs, as well as higher personnel-related lawsuits and damage claim
payments.
B. Transit Division Budget Presentation
Acting Transit Manager Jim Hogenson and Public Works Director Scott Schafer presented
the budget overview of services provided by the Transit Division, including fixed route bus
service, paratransit service, and the Yakima/Ellensburg commuter service. Staff shared
their 2024 accomplishments and future goals.
C. Engineering /Office of Neighborhood Services Division Budget Presentations
October 15, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9
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Community Development Director Bill Preston presented an overview of the Engineering
Division's budgetary costs for services and programs provided, including capital projects,
project administration, transportation planning, and traffic engineering.
Mr. Preston also presented the budget overview of services and costs provided by the
Office of Neighborhood Development Services (ONDS), including the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Home Investment Partnership
(HOME) program.
D. Planning Division Budget Presentation
Planning Manager Trevor Martin presented the budget overview of services and costs
provided by the Planning Division, including current and long-range planning efforts.
E. Code Administration Division Budget Presentation
Code Administration Manager Glenn Denman presented the budget overview of services
and costs provided by the Code Administration Division, including building plan reviews
and permitting, building code inspections, the code enforcement and compliance program,
and business and regulatory license services.
F. Fire Department Budget Presentation
Yakima Fire Chief Aaron Markham presented an extensive overview of the services and
costs associated with the Yakima Fire Department budget which includes fire suppression,
emergency medical services, community risk reduction program, fire administrative
services, fire training efforts, equipment and facilities repairs and maintenance, fire
investigation, aircraft rescue and firefighting activities, rescue and hazardous materials
teams, and unmanned aerial systems operations. Chief Markham also described the
department's future budgetary needs for each fire station.
Public Safety Communications Manager Erica McNamara presented the budget overview
for services and program costs related to SunComm public safety communications which
include 911 emergency call-takers and dispatch services and contracts with other
jurisdictions.
11. City Manager Update
City Manager Baker informed the Council of her meetings with City departments to
understand processes; seeking ways to streamline the parking process based on
community comments; and is working to partner with County when possible.
12. Other Business
None.
13. Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
study session on October 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
October 15, 2024—Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9
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CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK MAYOR
1117,1k1:4114401c
October 15, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
October 22, 2024
City Hall - Council Chambers - 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5:00 PM City Council Study Session —conducted in person and remotely via Zoom.
Executive Session —4:30 p.m.
Executive Session regarding collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a)
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to Executive Session for 30
minutes regarding collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a). The motion
carried by unanimous vote.
Present for Executive Session: Mayor Patricia Byers, Assistant Mayor Brown, and
Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera, and Leo Roy
Executive session was held at 4:32 p.m. and adjourned at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called
back to order at 5:02 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding; Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and Councilmembers
Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy
Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra
2. Public Comment (allow 15 minutes)
None.
3. Study Session Items
A. Domestic Water Rate and Fee Study
Director of Public Works Scott Schafer introduced Tage Aaker with the FCS Group who
presented the City's Domestic Water Utility Rate and Fee Study for 2025-2029. The
presentation is intended to inform the City Council of the proposed rate and fee
adjustments that will be included in the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget.
Mr. Aaker provided an overview of the revenue requirement forecast and stated that
utility rates should be self-supporting, and rates are set to recover the cost of providing
the service. In summary, a 6.5% annual increase from 2025-2027 and 4.5% annual
increase for 2028 and 2029 was identified. He also shared the ending fund balance
projections and the bimonthly ready-to-serve rate schedule forecast. He noted that the
October 22, 2024—Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4
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City's connection charges were calculated in 2012 and have not changed since then.
Generally, connection charges are one-time charges which can be used for capital only
for citywide facilities and provide revenue for capital and include future and existing
infrastructure costs. Additionally, he reported a proposed phased-in update to the
domestic water installation and connection fees, which were found to be significantly
under the amount to recover actual costs for labor and the cost of the meter plus the
service line.
B. Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Washington Traffic Safety
Commission for traffic safety emphasis patrols
Yakima Police Sergeant Scott Grant briefed the Council on the proposed resolution
regarding traffic safety emphasis patrols.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion
carried by a 6-1 roll call vote; with Glenn voting no.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-194, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the
City of Yakima to execute an Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Yakima and the
Washington Traffic Safety Commission for funding to provide traffic safety emphasis
patrols.
4. Review of Proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Priority Based Budget Session
A. City Administration Budget Presentation - City Council, City Manager, Economic
Development, City Clerks, and Information Technology Services
City Manager Vicki Baker presented an overview of the services and programs provided
by the City Administration Divisions including City Council, City Manager, Economic
Development, City Clerk's Office, and Information Technology Services.
The City Council's programs consist of AWC membership, stipends, travel/training, and
lobbying efforts. The City Manager programs are made up of city management and
special project professional services. Economic Development programs include Arts
Commission, YCDA contract, fireworks celebration, and federal lobbying efforts. The
City Clerk's office provides programs related to the Public Records Act, Open Public
Meetings Act, Records Management, elections, and LEOFF 1 Pension boards for Police
and Fire retirees. The Information Technology Services Division supports
infrastructure/security programs, GIS, application development, computer operations,
and application development and ongoing support.
B. Human Resources Department Budget Presentation
Director of Human Resources Connie Mendoza presented an overview of the services
and costs associated with the Human Resources Division budget which includes
programs related to personnel administration, payroll administration, Civil Service (for
Police, Fire, and Charter employees), employee health benefit administration, MiCare
Clinic services, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and employee wellness
programs, unemployment compensation and worker's compensation programs.
October 22, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4
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C. Community Relations Budget Presentation
Communication and Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler presented an overview of
the Community Relations Division budget. The primary programs and services
provided include management and administration of the City's communication
initiatives, operation of two cable television channels, administration of cable and
telecommunications franchises, and public affairs initiatives. Mr. Beehler noted that
revenues from franchise fees and public education government (PEG) fees have
covered these expenses; however, these revenues have decreased, and revenues may
no longer adequately fund these activities in the foreseeable future.
D. Airport Budget Presentation
Yakima Air Terminal Director Robert Hodgman presented a budget overview of the
airport operations including general aviation for business and commercial passenger
service. Mr. Hodgman shared data about the positive economic impact on cities near
an airport. He noted that the Yakima Air Terminal is primarily funded by grants through
the Federal Aviation Administration and Washington State Department of
Transportation Aviation which cover expenses related to the airfield, air terminal, and
airport administration. Revenue sources consist of land and facility leases, airport
parking, advertising, landing fees, and grants.
E. Fleet and Facilities Budget Presentation
Fleet and Facilities Manager Kerry Jones presented a budget overview of the
equipment rental and building maintenance services including fuel management,
storage and distribution. Fleet maintenance acquisition and capital replacement do not
include Police and Fire vehicles. Fleet recently began purchasing police and fire
equipment but does not provide maintenance to them. Responsibilities also include
rehabilitation, maintenance, and custodial services for City Hall, Public Works Complex,
Henry Beauchamp Jr. Community Center (HBCC), Yakima Public Affairs (YPAC)
building, MiCare Clinic, and the former Bank of America building.
F. Wastewater/Stormwater Budget Presentation
Wastewater Manager Mike Price presented a budget overview of the Wastewater and
Stormwater divisions. Mr. Price noted that these two divisions are supported by an
enterprise fund that generates revenues through rates based on the cost of providing
services. He also highlighted division accomplishments and current and future
challenges. Staff shared the recommended wastewater rate increases for various
charges to keep pace with inflating operating and maintenance expenses and comply
with capital program requirements of maintaining adequate fund balances. Staff also
proposed a 7% annual increase to the stormwater fee.
G. Water/Irrigation Division Budget Presentation
Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane presented a budget overview of the services and
costs provided by the Water and Irrigation Division including water distribution, water
treatment, and maintenance for irrigation distribution and operations. In addition to
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recent accomplishments and proposed water and irrigation capital projects, Mr. Shane
shared recommended water rate increases through 2029 to support annual operating
and maintenance costs, debt service, and capital program expenditures.
H. Finance Department Budget Presentation - Finance, Purchasing, and Utilities Divisions
Director of Finance and Budget Viren Mayani and Financial Services Manager Kimberly
Domine presented a budget overview of the Finance Division programs and services
consisting of producing a balanced budget, the Annual Comprehensive Financial
Report, accounts payable, grants, debt management, cash and investments, capital
management, and administrative support.
Finance Manager Kimberly Domine presented budgetary information regarding
programs offered through the Purchasing Division including purchase of goods and
services, compliance for Certificates of Insurance, P-card program, surplus disposition,
and purchasing policy and procedures. Ms. Domine also shared the current year's
statistics.
Utility Services Manager Anabel Chavez presented an overview of services and costs
associated with the Utility Services Division which are comprised of utility meter
services, account billing and receivables, downtown parking permits, the Enterprise
Resource Planning software, administrative functions and customer service.
5. Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
study session on October 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK MAYOR
October 22, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
October 29, 2024
City Hall - Council Chambers - 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5:00 PM City Council Study Session -conducted in person and remotely via Zoom.
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding; Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and Councilmembers
Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy (attending remotely via
Zoom)
Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda
I barra
2. Public Comment (allow 15 minutes)
Lucia Cuevas Ramos, a Heritage University student, spoke against budget cuts which may
affect the Parks and Recreation Division programs.
3. Study Session Items
4. Review of Proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Priority Based Budget Session
A. Public Works Administration Budget Presentation
Public Works Director Scott Schafer presented a budget overview of the Public Works
Department administrative services, consisting of administration, the safety/training
program, and building maintenance. Mr. Schafer highlighted the department's recent
accomplishments and future goals and expressed the need for a Deputy Public Works
Director position.
B. REET 1 &2 Budget Presentation
Public Works Director Scott Schafer presented the proposed budget for the Real
Estate Excise Tax (REET 1 and REET 2) program, which provides restricted funds for
capital improvement projects, maintenance and debt service on capital improvements.
Projects listed in the City of Yakima's Five-Year Capital Plan become eligible for
REET funding. Mr. Schafer also pointed out the program accomplishments and goals.
C. Streets and Traffic Budget Presentation
Public Works Director Scott Schafer presented an overview of the services and costs
associated with the Streets and Traffic Division. Street operations programs relate to
sidewalks, snow and ice control, roadway maintenance, street cleaning, and
administrative and general services. Traffic operations programs consist of street
October 29, 2024-Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3
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lighting, traffic control devices, planning, and debt services. Accomplishments and
goals noted include chip sealing projects, various grind and overlay projects, pathway
improvements at several parks, traffic signal and battery backup installations, traffic
light upgrades, re-striping main arterials, and painting crosswalks within school zones.
D. Parks and Recreation Budget Presentation
Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson presented an extensive overview of the
costs associated with programs and services provided by the Parks and Recreation
Division, including Tahoma Cemetery which offers full burial services.
The community and recreation services include programs at the Washington Fruit
Community Center, Fisher Park Golf Course, Lions Pool and Franklin Pool, Harman
Center, adult sports, and youth sports and activities. The division also provides park
maintenance and ballfield maintenance, capital improvements and repairs to park
facilities.
Additionally, funding related to the ongoing construction and future operation of the
Aquatic Center at MLK Jr. Park are being administered by this division. Mr. Wilkinson
further shared anticipated budget needs and highlighted major accomplishments over
the last biennial period.
E. Budget Wrap-Up Questions and Recommendations
City Manager Vicki Baker opened the discussion by thanking Council for the opportunity
to serve the community, as well as praising staff for their hard work moving through the
priority-based budget process. She intends to engage with the community about their
priorities and provide education about the City's requirements and how that two-way
communication impacts budget decisions.
Mike Bailey, Finance consultant, briefed the Council about priority-based budgeting.
Local governments have been experiencing many budget development challenges,
for instance a decline in property taxes, inflation growth, and limited revenue options.
Changes within the City's organizational structure have impacted the City's approach
to implement a priority-based budget method. However, recent accomplishments,
such as the adoption of the Council's strategic priorities, can help guide the direction
to produce a balanced budget using the priority-based budget process.
Director of Finance and Budget Viren Mayani summarized the proposed 2025-2026
biennial budget. Mr. Mayani and staff described several revenue options, which
consist of: rolling engineering fees into grants, analyze and maximize the City's Cost
Allocation plans, implement technology user fees, update the business license fees,
establish an in-lieu tax, review the Transportation Benefit District and sales tax, collect
impact fees, increase the sales tax and restrict its use to public safety, add an EMS
levy, add a Fire District, add a Metropolitan Parks District, implement Levy Lid Lifts,
charge a business and operation tax, and adjust the CPI language in the City Charter.
The Council requested additional information to include revenue generating amounts
for each of the possible revenue options identified.
October 29, 2024—Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
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5. Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Glenn seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
regular meeting on Monday November 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers
at City Hall. The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK MAYOR
11, .14Lmig.444.0
October 29, 2024—Yakima City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
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