HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-20 NCBC Agenda PktYakima City Council Committee
Neighborhood & Community Building Committee (NCBC)
Council Chambers, City Hall – 129 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA
Thursday October 20, 2016
2:00 p.m.
City Council City Staff
Councilmember Dulce Gutiérrez (Chair) Cliff Moore, City Manager
Councilmember Avina Gutiérrez Joan Davenport, Community Development Director
Councilmember Carmen Méndez
Councilmember Holly Cousens (alternate)
Agenda
1. Millennium Foundation Presentation
2. Next Step Housing Project - Bicycle Apartments Update (A. Matthews)
3. Habitat for Humanity Project – 1120 S 11th Avenue (A. Matthews)
4. Community Equity Program (J. Davenport)
a. Draft Goals/Outcomes for Exploratory Committee (S. Watkins)
b. Asset Data Collection Update
c. Ethics & Human Rights Committee (A. Gutiérrez)
d. Community Integration Committee (D. Gutiérrez)
5. Bike/Pedestrian Committee (C. Méndez)
6. Parks Updates (K. Wilkinson)
a. Parks and Recreation Survey
b. Cherry Park progress
7. Board Appointed Reports – Standing Item
a. Comprehensive Plan Update (J. Davenport)
b. Homeless Network (C. Méndez)
c. Parks & Recreation Commission (D. Gutiérrez)
d. Henry Beauchamp Community Center (A. Gutiérrez)
e. Historic Preservation (A. Gutiérrez)
f. TRANS-Action Committee (D. Gutiérrez)
g. Transit Development Plan / Transit Related Issues (D. Gutiérrez)
8. Other Business / Requests
a. Approve Minutes of 09/15/2016
b. Recap of Deliverables for Next NCBC Meeting
c. Future Items
Interpreter for Next Meeting
9. Audience Participation
Next Meeting: November 17, 2016
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M E M O R A N D U M
October 4, 2016
TO: Dulce Gutiérrez, Chair of the NCBC
Cliff Moore, City Manager
FROM: Joan Davenport, Community Development Director
Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney
SUBJECT: Proposed outcomes for exploratory committees
At the Council round table session on September the Council discussed the possible
outcomes and goals for the two exploratory committees. Council direction for the
Exploratory Committees provides guidance and defines expectations for the individuals
appointed to serve on the Committees.
This memorandum further outlines the outcomes and goals discussed, and adds a few
more for your consideration based on feedback provided regarding the asset inventory
and the original discussions when setting up the exploratory committees. The
memorandum concludes with staff’s recommendation as to which outcomes/goals
should be sent to which committee.
Of course, these outcomes and goals are just starting points for the exploratory
committees. Those committees will also be able to discuss any other possible
outcomes and goals that they believe will benefit the City of Yakima, and bring their
ideas to the City Council.
1. Proposed Outcomes/Goals
A. Outcome/Desired Goal: Increase Latino/Latina (and other underrepresented
groups) participation in City Government.
1. Council members should host a series of coffee chats in their districts.
2. The City should ensure information is distributed in a variety of ways, not just
via internet.
3. Reach out to existing groups, businesses and non-profit organizations to
volunteer to speak and/or discuss City business.
B. Outcome/Desired Goal: Hire more minorities in City jobs so City staff reflects our
diverse community.
1. Work on City training programs through internships and internal training.
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2. Broaden screening programs to ensure availability and accessibility to all
residents.
3. Add job fairs to the ways the City recruits candidates and informs the public of
the broad spectrum of jobs available at the City.
4. Start a job shadow program for high school students.
C. Outcome/Desired Goal: All residents have access to reading and research
resources and/or a library:
1. Work with the Library District regarding possible future library building
locations to ensure decisions are evaluated based on location and need.
2. Work with Library District to enhance the traveling/mobile library, such as a
bookmobile and/or computer mobile to go to neighborhoods once per month
to allow residents to access library services who may not otherwise do so.
3. Make rooms available at the School District, YPAL and SEYCC for reading
rooms filled with donated books and an honor system.
4. Work with community centers/governments to have temporary, or “pop up”
libraries in public spaces and buildings throughout the year.
5. Promote free little libraries by not requiring permits or other regulatory
requirements.
D. Outcome/Desired Goal: Increase the feeling of community both in
neighborhoods, and the City.
1. Encourage community use of public spaces for things like community
gardens.
2. Council members encourage and attend neighborhood events, and
encourage neighbors to attend City-wide events.
3. Monthly neighborhood listening session with council members and/or city staff
people where neighbors can voice opinions and explain how decisions are
affecting them at a neighborhood level.
4. Host smaller scale community events in each district.
E. Outcome/Desired Goal: Decrease the number of food deserts in Yakima.
1. Review planning and comprehensive plan to ensure that there is property
zoned to allow grocery stores spread throughout the City.
2. Encourage small sized grocery stores to locate in neighborhoods.
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3. Increase bus service to grocery stores and centers if necessary after a review
of bus lines and times.
4. Survey residents about their shopping habits to determine the need for
grocery, and similar stores/services
F. Outcome/Desired Goal: Increase public-private/non-profit partnerships and
cooperation.
G. Outcome/Desired Goal: Every child can walk to a park, trail or public recreation
area.
H. Outcome/Desired Goal: Every child within walking distance of a school can walk
safely.
I. Outcome/Desired Goal: Determine whether there is a need for each exploratory
committee to become a full-time staffed committee for the City and what that
committee’s future goals would entail.
J. Outcome/Desired Goal: Increase neighborhood programming, events and
involvement.
K. Outcome/Desired Goal: Help immigrants and refugees with information and
access to services.
L. Outcome/Desired Goal: Evaluate equal rights, social justice and human rights
issues that are prevalent in Yakima and determine the City’s role in those issues
and possible partnerships and actions.
M. Outcome/Desired Goal: Evaluate some of the decision makings processes for
Capital Expenditures, such as how street lights and sidewalks are prioritized for
funding. Examine if there are solutions to the systems to make distribution of
resources more dispersed and inclusive.
N. Outcome/Desired Goal: All residents of Yakima have access to safe housing.
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2. Proposed Outcome/Goal per Committee
Staff recommends assigning the following outcomes/goals to the following committees:
A. Equal Rights Committee
• All residents have access to reading and research resources and/or a library.
• Decrease the number of food deserts in Yakima.
• Every child can walk to a park, trail or public recreation area.
• Every child within walking distance of a school can walk safely.
• Evaluate equal rights, social justice and human rights issues that are prevalent in
Yakima and determine the City’s role in those issues and possible partnerships
and actions.
• Determine whether there is a need for the exploratory committee to become a
full-time staffed committee for the City and what the committee’s future goals
would entail.
• All residents of Yakima have access to safe housing.
B. Community Integration Committee
• Increase Latino/Latina (and other underrepresented groups) participation in City
Government.
• Hire more minorities in City jobs so City staff reflects our diverse community.
• Increase the feeling of community both in neighborhoods, and the City.
• Increase public-private/non-profit partnerships and cooperation.
• Increase neighborhood programming, events and involvement.
• Help immigrants and refugees with information and access to services.
• Determine whether there is a need for the exploratory committee to become a
full-time staffed committee for the City and what that committee’s future goals
would entail.
• Evaluate some of the decision makings processes for Capital Expenditures, such
as how street lights and sidewalks are prioritized for funding.
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Yakima City Council Committee Minutes
Neighborhood & Community Building Committee (NCBC)
City Council Chambers, City Hall
September 15, 2016
Committee Members Staff Others/Audience Participation
Dulce Gutiérrez (Chair) Cliff Moore, City Manager Charley Mulvey Luz Gutierrez
Avina Gutiérrez Joan Davenport, Community Dev Director Carole Folsom-Hill
Carmen Méndez Rosalinda Ibarra Sara Watkins
Alvie Maxey Scott Schafer
Bronson Faul
Chair Dulce Gutiérrez called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.
Public Information and Update on Newsletter Idea – City Manager Moore provided an update on
recent public information media releases. The committee would prefer a specific, more permanent,
plan with a section providing all council districts an opportunity to be featured in the newsletter. A.
Gutiérrez motioned, seconded by C. Méndez, to add this topic of conversation to council’s agenda
for further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Community Equity Program – J. Davenport briefly recapped Benita Horn’s presentation to City
Council on August 23rd. Davenport indicated that a presentation to the full council of the data
collection study is scheduled for September 20th. She noted that additional information will be
developed and included in the website. Davenport and Watkins provided a memo which listed ways
that this data may be useful and next steps to consider, particularly focusing on visioning and goal
setting for the overall project and desired outcomes of the exploratory committees: the exploratory
committees may evaluate the data and indicate their perception; establish goals and direct tasks for
the committee’s purpose; the data may be used to support future projects. Watkins further described
examples of vision statements and short term and long term goals and ways to achieve those goals.
She also noted that the rules and procedures of the exploratory committees may need to be
reevaluated to coincide with outcomes and goals of the Council moving forward. D. Gutiérrez
requested sidewalks be included in the data collection, specifically where sidewalks exist on one or
both sides of the street and ADA accessibility. She voiced her interest in providing a one-day
employee training on cultural competency and directed staff to provide more information on budget
availability and estimated costs for such training as well as for the other goals contained in
Davenport’s memo. It was the consensus of the committee that the desired outcomes for the goals
be discussed at the roundtable meeting with the full Council.
Bike/Pedestrian Committee – C. Méndez reported that the Nominating Committee will need to meet
to review applicants.
Park Updates – The Millennium Foundation representative was unable to present at this meeting so
this item will be postponed to the October meeting. D. Gutiérrez asked the City Manager to obtain
information related to the Millennium Foundation funds and operations as soon as possible.
K. Wilkinson requested guidance and suggestions from the committee on obtaining grant funding
and locations on where to place the exercise equipment. He indicated that parks staff may be able to
install the equipment. The committee supported and encouraged staff in their efforts on seeking
grant opportunities that are available to the City. Wilkinson reported that progress on Cherry Park
continues and Watkins updated on the status of land acquisition. J. Caruso is prepared to begin the
process of demolition for the property adjacent to the park, which includes inspections for asbestos
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and to determine whether it is structurally safe or deemed a dangerous building due to a previous
fire. Wilkinson also reported that he has reached out to a donor to help with the cost of the
playground equipment at Cherry Park.
Follow-Up Report on Truck Routes – B. Faul introduced himself and spoke about truck routes. He
researched and provided the committee with legislation on what other communities in the state have
adopted to restrict and/or authorize truck routes in their jurisdictions. The Committee expressed
appreciation for the information and agreed to discuss this matter further with the full Council,
perhaps at a future roundtable meeting. D. Gutiérrez voiced apprehension regarding any conflicts
with the Transportation Improvement Plan or Comprehensive Plan, currently being updated; and the
possibility of incorporating these measures into those plans. Moore replied that language can be
added to the Comprehensive Plan to support enacting legislation to accommodate truck routes. He
indicated that there are several independent ordinances that designate truck routes in the city of
Yakima. A. Gutiérrez suggested adding those truck routes as a layer in the data collection inventory.
Davenport pointed out there’s currently a chapter in the Transportation Plan related to freight,
freight movement and recommended route locations.
Board Appointed Reports – Standing Item
Comprehensive Plan Update – Davenport indicated that staff is working with the consultant to
provide a draft Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Plan before the end of the calendar year for
Council’s review. The Planning Commission has held several meetings to discuss existing
conditions and recommendations that will be presented in a future Council study session, late
November/early December.
Homeless Network – Due to cancellation of these meetings, Méndez had nothing to report.
Davenport and Moore reported that they are anxiously awaiting the release of the draft report of the
Five Year Homeless Plan from the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments. A. Gutiérrez
suggested inviting a representative of the Homeless Network to a future NCBC meeting. Carole
Folsom-Hill added that differences in leadership and transitional roles have contributed to that
organizations lack of meetings. Moore spoke about the legislative priority regarding the sunset
clause attributed to the recording fees that help combat homelessness issues.
Parks & Recreation Commission – D. Gutiérrez reported on the Randall Park improvements and
future funding for projects based on priority. Also noted was the deadline for the Parks survey
which ends on September 30th.
Henry Beauchamp Community Center – A. Gutiérrez reminded everyone about the name change
ceremony happening on November 9th at the community center. Wilkinson met with the sign copy
to replace the existing sign.
Historic Preservation – A. Gutiérrez had no new updates. Davenport mentioned the optional
Historic Preservation Element for the Comprehensive Plan.
TRANS-Action Committee – As a temporary appointment, D. Gutiérrez will attend the next
quarterly meeting. Appointment of a permanent representative will be discussed at the Council
roundtable meeting.
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Transit Development Plan/Transit Related Issues – A. Maxey, Yakima Transit manager, invited
members of the public to address any transit related issues. He informed the committee about
pursuing the purchase of ten new bus shelters that are lighted with solar power. D. Gutiérrez and A.
Gutiérrez expressed support for establishing a more stable and transparent transit board. Moore
indicated that formalizing a citizen transit advisory board can be discussed at the Council’s
roundtable meeting. D. Gutiérrez asked for the minutes of the previous transit board meetings to
which Maxey responded that minutes were not kept for the advisory board. He indicated that
moving forward, a staff person will be taking minutes.
Other Business/Requests – C. Méndez motioned, seconded by A. Gutiérrez, to approve the meeting
minutes of 8/18/2016. Motion carried unanimously. Staff reviewed the list of deliverables for the
next meeting:
• Research one-day training opportunity for staff
• Report on budget impacts to accomplish the goals listed in Davenport’s memo
• Options for Council member section in newsletter
• Millennium Foundation financial report
• List of future roundtable conversation items
• Press release on Parks survey deadline
• Add additional information to the data inventory such as sidewalks, ADA ramps, and
truck routes
D. Gutiérrez reminded the members of the public to provide 48 hours advance notice to request an
interpreter.
Audience Participation – Charley Mulvey, Yakima resident, spoke about sidewalks, specifically
concerned with snow clearing in the wintertime as it affects bus riders and pedestrians a lot.
Luz Bazan Gutiérrez, Yakima resident, recommended adding transit bus shelters and density zoning
to the data collection. She feels the high crime rate is attributed to the areas where high density
residential is allowed, such as District 1. Another issue mentioned was the location of billboards and
their dilapidated condition. She suggested that the City take advantage of those billboards to
promote city news and programs. Also, she stressed the importance of the city’s participation in the
upcoming meeting that the Washington State Department of Transportation will hold in Yakima.
Lastly, she spoke about representation in city boards and commissions and making sure members
live within city limits and represent the district they reside in.
Carole Folsom-Hill, Yakima resident, asked about economic development in relation to access and
location of grocery stores. Additionally, she requested that Vicky Ybarra’s letter to the editor be
addressed in the data collection.
A. Gutiérrez added that the deadline for application submittal to the exploratory committees is
September 20th and she extended an invitation to everyone interested in serving to get their
application submitted to the Clerk’s office soon.
Adjourn – C. Méndez motioned/seconded by A. Gutiérrez to adjourn; motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 3:17 p.m.
Approved by:
Date Approved:
Prepared by: Rosalinda Ibarra, Community Development Administrative Assistant
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