HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/26/2017 Study Session181
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
September 26, 2017
City Hall -- Council Chambers
1Oa.m'—MINUTES
1 Roll Call
Council: Mayor Kathy Coffey, presiding, Assistant Mayor Carmen Mendez, Council
Members Maureen Adkison, Holly Couoeno, Dulce Gutierrez and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager Moore and City Clerk Claar Tee
Absent: Council Member Avina Gutierrez (excused)
2. State Legislative Review
Jim Justin, Olympia Lobbyist for the City of Yakima, reviewed the 2017 session of the
Washington State L8gis|ature, previewed the 2018 legislative Session, and discussed the
Association of Washington Cities draft 2018 State Legislative Priorities. Yakima County's
draft 2018 State Legislative Priorities were also reviewed. Randy Beehler, Communications
and Public Affairs Director, along with Mr. Justin, reviewed the City's current State Legislative
& Administrative Priorities.
Mayor Coffey asked what needs to be done in order to qualify for gang prevention funding.
City Manager Moore stated the City is monitoring the situation and will provide inforrnation
when it is received. After Council discussion, it was Council consensus to revise the
City's State Legislative & Administrative Priorities as follows:
With some wording adjustments, keep in the Actively Pursue" category:
- Passage of the Washington Voting Rights Act
- Efforts to address homelessness and to reduce barriers to affordable housing and human
services programs Iocally, regionaily, and statewide
- Development of a sustainable funding model for gang prevention, intervention, and
suppression programs given current funding will expire in 2017
- Development of a sustainable funding model to assist in meeting increased indigent
defense costs given currentfunding will expire in 2017
- Funding partners to assist with 'Mill Site infrastructure and landfill cleanup costs
Because City staff consistently apply for these funds when available, it was determined to
remove from the "Actively Pursue category:
- Safe Routes to Schools Funding
- Seeking funding from the Washington Department of Transportation ("WSDOT") Bicycle
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and Pedestrian grant program
With some wording adjustments, movfrom the "Actively Pursue" category to the "Support"
category:
- Ensuring cities have stah|e. Sufficient, and flexible revenue options to utilize to provide
essential services
Mr. Justin reported he and his CVUeagu8. Jennifer Ziegler, will be terminating their contract
with the City. He noted the City has been a great client, and he has enjoyed working with Mr.
Beehler, City Manager Moore and the City Council; however, they are not able to provide the
type of support the City needs. Mayor Coffey shared the Council's disappointment with the
decision and how much the City appreciates their hard work. Mr. Justin stated he will work
with City staff on suggestions for a replacement.
Adjournment
MOTION: Mendez moved and D. Gutierrez seconded to adjourn to the next City
Council Business meeting on October 3, 2017 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
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COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
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