HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/21/2017 05A Minutes 12-16-2016 Council Neighborhood & Community Building Committee •
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 5.A.
For Meeting of: February 21, 2017
ITEM TITLE: Accept Council Neighborhood & Community Building Committee
meeting minutes of December 16, 2016 and January 26, 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Joan Davenport, Community Development Director
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
See attached minutes
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Neighborhood and Community Building
-4(
APPROVED FOR f
SUBMITTAL: fr City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept minutes
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
NCBC approved minutes on 01/26/2017 and 02/14/2017
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
CI NCBC Minutes 12/16/2016 2/14/2017 Backup Material
121 NCBC Minutes 01/26/2017 2/14/2017 Backup Material
FOR THE
Y. a City Council Committee Minutes RECORD/FILE
Neighborhood & Community Building Committee (NCBC)
City Council Chambers, City Hall
December 16, 2016
Committee Members Staff
Dulce Gutierrez(Chair) Cliff Moore,City Manager Joseph Calhoun
Avina Gutierrez Joan Davenport,Community Dev Director Scott Schafer
Carmen Mendez Sara Watkins Alvie Maxey
Archie Matthews Rosalinda Ibarra
Ken Wilkinson
Chair Dulce Gutierrez called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
In response to an audience member's inquiry regarding translation, D. Gutierrez reminded the public that
advance notice is required for those services to be available at the council committee meetings. An
interpreter is always available at the regular city council business meetings.
A motion was made and seconded to move agenda item 4 Board Appointed Reports to the beginning of the
meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The committee also agreed to allow audience participation during the
discussion for items 1 Community Equity Program and 2 Follow-Up Discussion on Ten Point Plan to
Address Homelessness.
Board A •ointed Re.orts—Stand in_ Item
Comprehensive Plan Update — Calhoun reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the Land Use
Element.The environmental review is ongoing with public review anticipated in January 2017.
Homeless Network — Annette Rodriguez provided some of the highlights from the previous meeting. She
reported that the network is considering on becoming a 501(c)(3) to seek future funding opportunities; a
homeless memorial will be held at the Millennium Plaza; preparations to conduct the annual Point in Time
Survey are underway.
Parks & Recreation Commission—D. Gutierrez recapped the prior meeting which included topics such as an
Adopt a Park ordinance being considered and revisions to the mission statement.
Henry Beauchamp Community Center — Wilkinson reported that much of the discussion was focused on
programs and activities offered at the center and its capital needs.
Historic Preservation—Calhoun noted that the commission is considering potential candidates for awards.
TRANS-Action Committee — next meeting will be in January 2017. A. Gutierrez brought up a citizen's
request to establish a bus route from Terrace Heights to the city.
Transit Development Plan/Transit Related Issues—The next meeting will be January 10,2017.
Ethics & Equal Rights Committee and Community Integration Committee —D. Gutierrez recapped the
orientation provided to the members of these two exploratory committees on December 8`11.
Bike/Pedestrian Committee—The next meeting is December 20th at 1:30 p.m. Phil Mattoon reported that the
committee members will complete the required training on Open Public Meetings and Public Records.
Communi E ui Pro.ram — Due to technical difficulties display of the website at the meeting was not
available. Calhoun described phase two of the equity study which consists of analysis of the data collected.
Staff mapped a V2 mile buffer around all the elementary schools that showed streets with and without
sidewalks. Further analysis will include the addition of street lights, ADA ramps, and collision data. He also
explained the Park Score analysis which uses census tracts and info,illation to illustrate a ten minute walking
area from park entrances. A potential project to conduct a sidewalk conditions assessment citywide and the
possibility of overlapping certain data layers was discussed. Schafer reported that the street light installation
to LED project will take approximately two months to complete.
Tony Courcy, city resident, approached the committee about whether or not the city has an infrastructure
inventory. Rogelio Montes commented that the new lighting will likely reduce crime and extended his
assistance in any way for the betterment of the community.
The committee voted by motion to keep this item on the January agenda so staff can present the updates
made to the equity study website. Motion carried unanimously.
Follow-Up Discussion on Ten Point Plan to Address Homelessness — Audience members were given an
opportunity to address the committee on the ten point plan.
David Helseth, President of the Justice Housing Yakima (JHY), appreciated the City's efforts on dealing
with the homeless problem. He presented a document which proposes ten points that complement the City's
plan. He stated that getting direct input from homeless individuals to identify their needs and expectations
and also hiring a program manager to oversee the encampment are two critical parts for a successful
outcome. He indicated that JI-IY is not in a position to provide program management services at this time but
may have a potential person of interest.
Ellie Lambert, ALPHA team and member of JHY, spoke of her experience in managing a homeless
encampment and connecting individuals to necessary services. She also pointed out the importance of
establishing policies and procedures. The committee members expressed interest in further communication
with Ms. Lambert moving forward.
Previously the City Council tasked the NCBC to discuss three main points of the ten point plan and identify a
preferred camp location, partnerships and services offered by other agencies, and provide funding source
options. Considerable discussion continued regarding several sites and their viability as potential locations.
Among the factors considered were the site location, ownership, accessibility, facilities and amenities.
Ultimately, a motion was made by A. Gutierrez, seconded by Mendez, to recommend the Tiger Mart on
North 1" Street as the location for a potential homeless encampment. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Gutierrez reported on the following services that are already being provided by various agencies:
• Triumph Treatment and the Union Gospel Mission provide hygiene centers;
• Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS) provides storage of personal belongings, postal mail
services, job matching program, obtaining identification cards, family reunification program, and
establishing bank accounts as well as supportive housing;
• Rod's House provides services for homeless and at risk youth.
Rhonda Hauff, YNHS, addressed the written comments submitted from them. She added that their board
conducts periodic focus groups to assess the needs of the community they serve and further described the
resources and services they offer. She was in favor of partnering with the City as needed and as available
funding permits.The topic of animal-assisted therapy requires further research to see what options are locally
available. Hauff also explained the motel voucher program that is available through the Northwest
Community Action Center for homeless couples and those who have pets. Additional monies are being
sought to expand this resource.
Extensive dialogue ensued about providing 24 hour security and having a full time program manager/site
coordinator. Staff and audience shared their experiences and lessons learned from the previous homeless
encampment. Also discussed was the process timeline for establishing this plan as being March 1 , prior to
the extreme winter weather shelters closing.
Pastor Andy Ferguson, represents churches in Yakima, suggested that the project be broken down into
smaller tasks to make it more manageable so that churches can be able to handle and coordinate, as opposed
to taking on the whole issue.
The following funding options were brought up for consideration: using reserves from the general fund,
pursuing a Human Services Department for the City, seeking grant funding, collaborating with existing
service providers, accessing the 2163 money from the County recording fees, utilizing a portion of the
revenue collected from marijuana retail sales tax, involving United Way and the Yakima Valley Community
Foundation. Mendez motioned, seconded by A. Gutierrez, and requested staff to identify other funding
sources that can be utilized for this program; motion carried.
Dave Hanson, Sunrise Outreach, suggested that having a controlled environment will make it more possible
to self-govern the encampment and at the same time reduce the security cost.
A motion was moved by Mendez, seconded by A. Gutierrez, to send the recommendations on location,
partnerships and funding to the full Council at the next January 10" business meeting; motion carried
unanimously.A working session will be scheduled with participation of all the service providers interested in
attending.
Community Renewal District — A. Gutierrez made a motion, seconded by Mendez, to move item 5c
Community Renewal District to the next NCBC meeting in January; motion carried unanimously.
Parks Updates — Wilkinson provided a breakdown of the maintenance and repair costs for the Millennium
Plaza. He also reported on the parks capital projects as ranked by the Parks Commission members with
community input. A. Gutierrez expressed an interest in having an opportunity to further discuss and possibly
reprioritize some of the capital projects listed. Wilkinson clarified that some projects are carried out through
grants which require local match funding.
Approve Minutes of 11/29/2016 — Motion made by Mendez, seconded by A. Gutierrez, to approve the
minutes of 11/29/2016 as presented; motion carried by unanimous vote.
ON DS 6'h Ave Property Update — Watkins provided an update on a property on 6th Avenue which the City
has a lien on due to a fire. The current owner has agreed to assign the deed of trust to the City which enables
the city to move forward with property foreclosure. Potential acquisition and redevelopment of the lot can be
accomplished with funds through the Office of Neighborhood & Development Services. A. Gutierrez
motioned, seconded by Mendez, to recommend that the full Council move forward with staff's recommended
plan; motion carried. It will be presented at the next January 10th meeting.
Other Business/Requests—Staff reviewed the list of deliverables from this meeting,
• Bring back the Equity Study discussion
• Item 5c Community Renewal District was postponed to the January 19'h NCBC meeting
• Continue dialogue on park capital project priorities
• Exploratory committee minutes to be included in the NCBC agenda packets
• Add to January 10th Council agenda a report on the homeless encampment plan
No future items noted. D. Gutierrez reminded the public that interpretation services need to be requested in
advance.
Adjourn —D. Gutierrez adjourned this meeting at approximately 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for
Thursday January 19, 2017.
1116 1
Approved by:
Date Approved: Cl / j C1 7 t-9
Prepared by:Rosalinda lbarra,Community Development Administrative Assistant
Yakima City Council Committee Minutes
Neighborhood & Community Building Committee (NCBC)
City Council Chambers, City Hall
January 26, 2017
Committee Members Staff
Dulce Gutierrez(Chair) Cliff Moore, City Manager Ken Wilkinson
Avina Gutierrez Joan Davenport, Community Dev Director Scott Schafer
Carmen Mendez Sara Watkins Alvie Maxey
Chair Dulce Gutierrez called the meeting to order at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Community Equity Program — Davenport briefly recapped the steps that have been taken thus far related to
the Equity Study project. Moore further described the conversation with WSU's Metropolitan Center for
Applied Research and Extension. He noted that the agency expressed interest in working with the City but
they wanted to know what the Council's expectations are for the study research and analysis results. After
some discussion, the committee agreed to have a member attend a follow-up conference call with WSU to
gather information and clarify what the City's intent and purpose of the equity study is. Davenport also
mentioned that two seniors from LaSalle High School will be working part-time to assist staff with additional
data collection and evaluation, such as preparing an assessment of sidewalk conditions. In response to D.
Gutierrez's inquiry regarding transit ridership locations, Maxey stated that Yakima Transit tracks usage
frequency and he noted that the data is already available on the equity study website as a separate layer.
Community Renewal District — Watkins provided the committee a memo with information related to
community renewal law and examples. She explained the purpose of the law is for municipalities to address
areas affected by blight and to provide them with a tool to acquire and redevelop those areas to stimulate
redevelopment for economic growth. She further described the extensive public process in the event eminent
domain is used. A. Gutierrez feels that this would be a positive impact for the community and would like
staff to continue researching how this can be implemented in the City of Yakima. Mendez questioned the
feasibility of this implementation to which staff responded that it is a rather long process and noted a couple
areas that may benefit from this. The Committee voted unanimously to send the community renewal district
matter to the Economic Development Committee for further discussion and evaluation.
Parks Updates — Wilkinson reported on the future needs of parks as taken from the 2012-2017
Comprehensive Plan list, Any projects that were not completed from that list will be rolled into the next plan,
He indicated that a draft of the 2017-2022 Parks Comprehensive Plan is being finalized and would like to
present it at the February NCBC meeting. He also encouraged Council, staff, and the community to send him
any ideas/suggestions to be incorporated in the future parks plan.
Wilkinson then shared some highlights from the parks survey.A total of 665 surveys were returned and data
is still being tabulated. Staff intends to share the survey results data with the community as part of their
Comprehensive plan update public participation process. He noted three meeting dates that will be conducted
in February at various sites, more information will be forthcoming in a press release. Discussion continued
regarding grant matching fund requirements and park prioritization as well as increased public participation
and ways to improve the parks survey.
Wilkinson explained the parks and playground rules and regulations ordinance. The ordinance amends the
Municipal Code to provide rules pertaining to the proper use of park facilities and equipment, and also
prohibits any interference with parks personnel that would hinder them from performing their job. D.
Gutierrez reported on the importance of signage to illustrate park rules. Wilkinson stated that staff is
currently working on a draft list of updated parks rules and regulations. Discussion continued about fines
collected related to park violations. If possible, A. Gutierrez would like to ensure that those funds are
redirected to park repairs and improvements. A. Gutierrez motioned, seconded by Mendez, to forward the
park ordinance to the full council with additional information regarding fines as requested. Motion carried
unanimously.
Board Appointed Reports—Standing Item
Comprehensive Plan Update — Davenport reported that a joint study session will be scheduled with the
Yakima Planning Commission and City Council, possibly in late March,to review the Comprehensive Plan.
Homeless Network— Moore clarified the difference between the purpose of the Homeless Network and the
HiPPC (Homeless Planning and Policy Council) and explained the importance of the City's involvement. He
also informed the committee that YVCOG (Conference of Governments) adopted the HPPC's five year
homeless plan. Watkins provided an update on the RFP(Request for Proposal) process.
Parks & Recreation Commission — D. Gutierrez recapped the prior meeting which included discussion on a
mission statement,reviewing the parks survey results and improve participation, and pushing back the Adopt
a Park policy.
Henry Beauchamp Community Center—Considerable dialogue ensued about the improvements needed at the
community center. A motion was made but not voted on due to the Committee's consensus to invite the
Executive Director for the Henry Beauchamp Community Center, Adrianne Garner, to the next NCBC
meeting to make a presentation about the community center and programs offered.
Historic Preservation — Davenport distributed a draft brochure of Yakima's Historic Fruit Row proposal.
This is a community effort to nominate an area to be designated as a historic district.
TRANS-Action Committee—D. Gutierrez announced that Ron Anderson was appointed as the new chair. She
also mentioned that a delegation will be going to Washington DC for lobbying efforts and it would be
beneficial to have a city representative accompany that delegation.
Transit Development Plan/Transit Related Issues—Maxey reported that the previous meeting was postponed
due to weather conditions. It will be rescheduled to February 8, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Works
Training Room.
Ethics & Equal Rights Committee — Maria Rodriguez provided a brief summary of the two meetings that
have occurred in January. They will be focusing on the asset inventory and developing an elevator speech.
They will be meeting twice a month in February.
Community Integration Committee — Davenport recapped the committee's first meeting which had been
rescheduled due to weather. Watkins noted that both committees agreed to amend their policies and
procedures to reflect a 48 hour advance notice for interpreter service requests and also indicated that the
committees agreed to have recorded meetings beginning in February. To formalize, D. Gutierrez motioned,
seconded by A. Gutierrez, to amend the policies and procedures to reflect the requested changes. Motion
carried unanimously.
Bike/Pedestrian Committee — Phil Mattoon reported that the committee reviewed the goals of the
Transportation Plan related to bicycle and pedestrians.The next meeting is scheduled for February 21 .
Approve Minutes of 12/16/2016 — Motion made by Mendez, seconded by A. Gutierrez, to approve the
minutes of 12/16/2016 as presented; motion carried by unanimous vote.
Other Business/Requests—Staff reviewed the list of deliverables from this meeting.
• Set up conference call with WSU regarding data collection and ethic study and invite Mendez
• Send Community Renewal District matter to Public Safety Committee
• Council member or staff member to participate in the Transportation Coalition delegation to
Washington DC
• Invite Henry Beauchamp Executive Director to the next NCBC meeting
• Research code violations fines and distribution
• Draft Parks plan to be added to NCBC February agenda
• Reschedule the next NCBC committee to Tuesday February 14, 2017 due to scheduling conflicts
The committee discussed further how they want to proceed in regards to eminent domain and whether they
should get city council direction on sending this as a separate item to an exploratory committee or not. They
concluded to leave it since the Economic Development Committee will review the overall Community
Renewal District, of which eminent domain is a component of.
D. Gutierrez reminded the public that interpretation services need to be requested 48 hours in advance.
At a previous meeting, the City Council referred the issue of"Welcoming City" to the NCBC for additional
review. After a brief dialogue, D. Gutierrez motioned, seconded by Mendez, to move the Welcoming City
matter to the next Public Safety Committee. Motion carried unanimously. Mendez commented that it would
give an opportunity for them to hear from the Chief of Police. Motion carried unanimously.
Audience Participation
Rogelio Montes requested advance notification be provided so that he can inform community members of
future meetings that involve the topic of Welcoming City.
Mary Lopez provided ideas on how to increase citizen participation on the parks survey. She was encouraged
to attend Parks and Recreation Commission meetings.
Tony Courcy addressed the committee about the eminent domain issue. He also inquired as to who his
council representative is.
Adjourn—D. Gutierrez adjourned this meeting at approximately 3:25 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday February 14, 2017.
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Approved by:
Date Approved: 02 2-6
Prepared by Rosalinda lbarra,Community Development Administrative Assistant