Loading...
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 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026 027 028 029 030 031 032 033 034 035 036 037 038 039 040 041 042 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. 043 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. 044 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. 045 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. 046 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 047 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. 048 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 049