HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/17/2010 04B-6 Minutes 08-04-2010 Council Economic Development Committee .; t �� Yakima City Council Comm4ittee M eeting M notes 3 � � }
• Council ceve(c pment Committee
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
2:30 p.m.
Council Members present: Maureen Adkison, David Edler, Bill Lover
Staff: Dick Zais, Dave Zabell, Michael Morales, Dave Brown
Water rights issues related to Arboretum: Dave Brown reviewed a memo previously
distributed regarding water rights to support irrigation at the Arboretum and Greenway. A
likely solution to ensure that irrigation continues to the area would be to shift some Old
Union Irrigation Company rights to bring the water rights for the Arboretum and Greenway
into alignment with the current irrigation system. The next step will be for the parties
involved to secure the approval of the Department of Ecology. This was just a heads up for
Council; no action was necessary. No city funds will be used in the effort.
Downtown Proiects update: Michael Morales reported that the "A" Street corridor bid will be
opened August 10 Testing continues on the grout mixture on the Lincoln Avenue grade
separation project. Also, there was an announcement last week that Senator Murray
included $1.3 million for the MLK underpass in her latest appropriations request. The
Convention Center project is proceeding on time and on budget.
Capital Facilities Improvement planning: Mr. Morales asked the Committee to consider
working through the new Yakima Planning Commission on the update of the capital facilities
plan. When the Planning Commission finishes the update, the plan will come back through
the Committee and then on to the full Council. The Committee accepted the
recommendation.
National Development Council (NDC) Technical Assistance Contract Renewal: Mr. Morales
reviewed the types of projects that NDC is involved in with the City and requested approval
to take a request for a two -year contract renewal to the full Council. The request was
approved.
Mill District Update: Dick Zais reported to the Committee about further dialog that has
occurred regarding the Bears proposal. He estimates that $50 - $75,000 plus four to five
months of staff time would be required to complete the next step of the process.
Councilmember Edler asked the property owner's representative Brad Hill how important the
stadium is to their project. Mr. Hill said that having a public facility is extremely important
and thus they have committed to donating 10 acres of property for the stadium. A lengthy
discussion ensued regarding community, regional, and political support for the project.
Various options to gauge support were discussed; including a meeting of proponents,
opponents and all stakeholders (possibly to be arranged by the Greater Yakima Chamber of
Commerce) or an advisory vote. The Committee was not in favor of forwarding a request to
the full Council to move forward with a study until a significant level of support for the project
is assured. Within the next couple of weeks, the Committee members will poll the other
Councilmembers for their opinions. Also, the Bears' KL Wombacher will report back on his
meeting with County Commissioner Mike Leita, will meet with the mayors of Selah and
Union Gap and will work to secure letters of support. Councilmember Edler will weigh in
with the Quality of Life Commission.
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The next meeting of the Council Economic Development Committee is scheduled for
Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. The agenda will include discussions
regarding an automated water meter reading project and increasing Wastewater's debt
service:
D oreen Adkison, Chair Date
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