HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/12/2017 Special Meeting110
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
May 12, 2017
City Training Facility -421 E. Chestnut Avenue, Yakima, WA
1 p.m. -- MINUTES
1. Roll Call
Council: Mayor Kathy Coffey, presiding, Assistant Mayor Carmen Mendez, Council Members
Maureen Adkison, Holly Cousens, Avina Gutierrez, Dulce Gutierrez and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager Moore, City Attorney Cutter and City Clerk Claar Tee
2. Public safety issues
Mayor Coffey noted this meeting was called for Council Members to have a short conversation
regarding public safety issues and will not include public comment. City Manager Moore reported this
is a good opportunity to hear from the Yakima Police Department about their efforts on the
recent violence in our City.
Captain Seely explained the Yakima Police Department is devoting substantial additional resources
to address the recent acts of violence and is working hand-in-hand with other law enforcement
agencies to focus efforts on resolving recent crimes that have been committed. Captain Schneider
shared that the vast majority of the recent incidents have been gang related and have involved the
targeting of specific gang members. It is highly unlikely that an average person who is not involved in
criminal activities or living a high-risk lifestyle will be involved in an act of violence.
Mayor Coffey noted some people think the National Guard should be called in. Captain Schneider
responded they were called in to assist with paperwork in the 80's; however, the National Guard are
not trained as police officers nor do they do police work. Captain Seely commented that information
is key to the effectiveness of police investigating and resolving incidents of violence and community
members are urged to share information with the Yakima Police Department by calling the gang
hotline at 575-4264 or they can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-248-9980.
3. Recent communication with Representative Newhouse
Mayor Coffey reviewed information included in the packet.
MOTION: D. Gutierrez moved and Cousens seconded to place the Bridge Act on the City's
Legislative Priority. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
Council members discussed the Farm Relief Act/.HB281. MOTION: Cousens moved and
Adkison seconded to move this issue to the Council Partnership Committee. The motion
carried by unanimous vote.
4. Adjournment
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MOTION: Mendez moved and Adkison seconded to adjourn to the next Council Business
Meeting on May 16, 2017, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The motion carried
by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 1:53 p.m.
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