HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-18 NCBC Agenda PktYakima City Council Committee
Neighborhood & Community Building Committee (NCBC)
Council Chambers – 129 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA
Thursday January 18, 2018
2:30 p.m.
City Council City Staff
Councilmember Dulce Gutiérrez Cliff Moore, City Manager
Councilmember Carmen Méndez Joan Davenport, Community Development Director
Councilmember Kay Funk Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Councilmember Holly Cousens (alternate)
Agenda
1) Election of Chair
2) Establish Committee Meeting Date & Time
3) Summary of NCBC 2017 Activities
4) Discuss Approach of 2018 Board Appointed Reports
5) Board Appointed Reports – Standing Items
a) Transit Development Plan / Transit Related Issues – 11/08/2017 Minutes & 02/07/2018 Draft Agenda
b) Parks & Recreation Commission
c) Henry Beauchamp Community Center
d) Historic Preservation
e) Yakima Planning Commission
f) Bike/Pedestrian Committee
g) Homeless Network
h) TRANS-Action Committee
6) Other Business / Requests
a) Approve Minutes of 11/28/2017 NCBC Meeting
b) Future Items / Recap of Deliverables for Next NCBC Meeting
c) Interpreter for Next Meeting (48-hr advance notice)
7) Audience Participation
Next Meeting: TBD
The complete agenda packet is available online at: https://www.yakimawa.gov/council/city-council-committees/
NCBC 001
To: Neighborhood and Community Building Committee Members
From: Joan Davenport & Rosalinda Ibarra
Date: December 21, 2017 NCBC Meeting
Subject: Summary of NCBC 2017 Activities
The Yakima City Council Neighborhood and Community Building Committee (NCBC) held monthly meetings in
2017 and discussed a wide variety of issues. Most meetings lasted about 90 minutes. Record keeping was
accomplished by televising the meeting on YPAC (primarily Mike Brown). Written agendas with minutes were
kept by Rosalinda Ibarra, Community Development Department Assistant. Minutes and agenda packets can be
reviewed at the City website at the following link:
http://apps.yakimawa.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=103334&dbid=0
Here is a summary of the NCBC 2017 highlights.
January 26, 2017 Meeting
• The WSU Metro Center was discussed as a potential agency to conduct the Equity Study professional
review as requested by the NCBC. Staff reported on initial conversations with the center.
• A summary report was presented by Attorney Watkins related to the laws and purpose of the Community
Renewal District standards of the RCW, as requested by Council member Avina Gutiérrez. The NCBC voted
to send this information to the Economic Development Committee.
• The Parks Comprehensive Plan, facility needs and highlights of the parks survey were shared with the
NCBC.
• A draft of the parks and playground rule ordinance was reviewed. The NCBC recommended the amended
ordinance be forwarded to the full Council, with the additional recommendation that proceeds from these
fines be used for park repairs and improvements.
• The issue of a “Welcoming City” was referred from a City Council meeting to the NCBC. After discussion,
the NCBC recommended this issue be referred to the Public Safety Committee review.
February 14, 2017 Meeting
• Adrianne Garner, Director of the Henry Beauchamp Community Center made a presentation about the
programs, services and activities offered by the center.
• The draft Comprehensive Master Parks Plan was reviewed. Park Manager Wilkinson announced three
upcoming public review meetings. Questions were raised about the soccer fields at Perry Tech and this
was identified as an item for future NCBC review. Another concern raised were connectivity issues for
West Valley trails and pathways for which the committee requested a presentation on the condition of
trails and pathway corridors.
March 29, 2017 Meeting
• Senior Planner Calhoun briefed the NCBC on the draft Yakima Comprehensive Plan 2040 in preparation
for the pending Joint City Council & Planning Commission Study Session, as well as final public review prior
to adoption hearings
• The history and process of the Barge Chestnut Traffic Calming project was presented to the NCBC, as
requested by resident Lynn Buchanan.
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• Scope of Work and contract proposals from the WSU Metro Center were presented to the NCBC, who
requested an opportunity to review and comment.
• The Chairs of the Exploratory Committees gave their quarterly reports to the City Council.
April 20, 2017 Meeting
• WSU Metro Center staff presented the tentative scope of services for review of the Equity Study with a
budget of $32,500. The NCBC had considerable discussion of the tasks, outcomes, objectives and other
considerations. The NCBC asked for a special meeting to review the revised proposal prior to City Council
meeting on May 2, 2017.
• The Perry Tech and Youth Soccer contracts were reviewed.
• The petition for annexation of property in the vicinity of 64th Avenue and Ahtanum Road was presented
and referred to the full Council for consideration.
• The Committee voted to forward the recommended improvements for the 40th Ave/Chestnut Ave
intersection to the full council for consideration.
May 18, 2017 Meeting
• The agenda was streamlined due to the absence of one of the NCBC members. Board Appointed reports
were the primary item of discussion.
• The Equity Study WSU review proposal update was postponed until June.
June 29, 2017 Meeting
• Fenice Fregoso of Molina Healthcare made a presentation about healthy communities and asked to work
with the City to encourage Yakima to improve our well-being. Council member Mendez offered to work
with her to coordinate block parties in the future.
• D. Gutiérrez reported that the City Council approved the contract with the WSU Metro Center for review
of the Equity Study.
• A review of funding from YVCOG for Homeless programs was presented. Questions were raised about
the process and the YVCOG Executive Committee member participation and voting rules. This topic was
moved to the full Council for discussion.
• Planning Manager Calhoun announced the Yakima Comprehensive Plan 2040 was adopted by City Council,
on time and on budget.
• The Council Intern/Mentorship program was discussed. The two interns working in the Planning Division
were introduced. They will be collecting sidewalk condition data for the city.
• The NCBC requested information on the City public information efforts.
July 20, 2017 Meeting
• A change in State law that allows administrative approval of Final Long Plats, rather than at a hearing by
City Council was discussed and forwarded on to the full City Council for consideration.
• An update of building permit fees as well as mechanical and plumbing permits was discussed and
forwarded on to the full City Council.
• The issues of overgrown vegetation was discussed by the committee and it was recommended for a study
session by the full City Council.
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• Randy Beehler shared with the Committee the City’s efforts in providing information to the public via
various media communication platforms. He also reported that the first official City Council meeting was
live-streamed on August 1, 2017.
August 17, 2017
• The Ethics and Equal Rights Committee made their final presentation, recommending a standing
permanent committee. The NCBC requested follow-up from the committee on several items related to
community ethics.
• Information about Council meeting English to Spanish subtitles and costs was presented by Randy Beehler,
Public Relations Manager
September 21, 2017
• The Community Integration Exploratory Committee presented their 3rd Quarter report and highlighted
the current effort of a community survey. Their final 4th quarter report will have more detailed
recommendations.
• The NCBC discussed the WSU Metro Center data analysis project. They had some concerns about the
timeliness of the review deliverables which was due in part to the complexity of the data and availability
of some attribute information.
• There was discussion about the options needed to convert the Naches Parkway to a city park.
• Staff presented a conclusion report about the Council Internship Program
October 19, 2017
• WSU Metro Center staff presented the Draft Final report on the Equity Study Analysis. The NCBC had
suggestions and comments about additional data layers and concepts. They requested more conclusive
narratives about data findings
• The NCBC reviewed information related to converting Naches Parkway to a park, and will recommend
such to the full Council.
November 28, 2017
• The NCBC held an in-depth briefing from the WSU Metro Center team on the data and findings of the
Equity Study. There was discussion of next steps for the City to consider, including development of an
Equity Lens that could be useful in decision-making, project ranking and evaluation of needs. It was
mentioned that this task may be a responsibility of the permanent Community Integration Committee.
December 21, 2017
• The agenda for this meeting was kept light, with a focus on the projects and accomplishments of the year.
At every meeting, City staff and the Committee members provided an update on Board Appointed Reports from
various committees and organizations that the NCBC members attended, which included: Community Equity
Program, Comprehensive Plan Update, Homeless Network, Parks & Recreation, Henry Beauchamp Community
Center, Historic Preservation, TRANS-Action Committee, Transit Development Plan/Transit Related Issues, Bike &
Pedestrian Committee, Ethics & Equal Rights Exploratory Committee, and Community Integration Exploratory
Committee. And Spanish interpretation services were available upon request with a 48 hour advance notice.
NCBC 004
TRANSIT CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
11/8/17
MEETING MINUTES
Meeting was called to order by Alvie Maxey at 5:40 P.M.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Alvie began the meeting by introducing himself and the staff in attendance. Members present
from staff included: Alvie Maxey, Transit Manager; Naeem Kara, Transit Office Assistant;
Jennifer Orlando, Community Transportation Coordinator; and Jeff Beaver, Transit Operations
Supervisor.
2. Alvie indicated that the Transit Planner position had been re-posted and we are currently
seeking candidates to fill that position.
3. Fixed Route Bus Service Updates:
Holidays: There will be no Transit services on the following Holidays:
o Friday, Nov. 10th: Veteran’s Day (Observed)
o Thursday, Nov. 23rd: Thanksgiving
o Monday, Dec. 25th: Christmas
o Monday, Jan. 1st: New Year
Bus Pass Designs: Jennifer indicated that there has been an ongoing issue with bus pass
fraud. She stated that for 2018, Transit will be changing the Quarterly Bus passes to
Monthly Bus passes for Adult, Youth, and Reduced passes, in an effort to curb bus pass
fraud.
Route 10 (Selah Route): Alvie indicated that the City of Selah had put out an RFP for
Selah’s fixed-route bus service. The description in the RFP indicated that Selah was
looking for smaller buses to provide free bus services within their city limits. Alvie
mentioned that if the City of Selah decides to discontinue utilizing Yakima Transit, then,
Yakima Transit would like to reallocate our resources currently used in Selah, back into
Yakima to better serve the City of Yakima.
Luminaria Event: We will be shuttling passengers from the K-Mart parking lot to the
Arboretum December 8th and 9th, from 6pm - 10pm
4. Dial-A-Ride Service: No updates
5. Vanpool Service: Jennifer discussed that a new Vanpool group started, and is travelling to
Hanford. She indicated that there are a total of 14 Vanpool groups in service.
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6. Naeem explained that Transit had received a grant and is currently looking into expanding
Ellensburg Commuter operations. Transit has been distributing surveys to Ellensburg Commuter
passengers in order to determine the best options for an expansion of this service. The survey
will run until November 17th, and the results will be posted shortly after.
7. Naeem then discussed the other projects that Transit was currently working on:
New Bus Shelters: Transit is currently working with a vendor to purchase 20 new lighted
shelters that will be added for passengers throughout the fixed-route system. The newly
designed shelters are expected to help reduce damages (vandalism, broken windows,
etc.), and be more passenger accommodating (more room for disabled and wheelchair
passengers).
Sidewalk Improvements: Transit has monies set aside to repair sidewalks in areas of high
population. Currently, the City Streets and Engineering departments have recommended
sidewalk improvements for 40th Ave, specifically between Tieton Drive and
Summitview.
OPEN DISCUSSION:
8. Fair Shuttle: Alvie expressed that the bus service for the Central Washington State Fair was
extremely successful. Transit provided service to over 21,000 passengers (a nearly 4,000
passenger increase from the previous year).
9. Transit Facility: Alvie explained that looking toward the future, Transit would like to build
a new facility specifically for Transit. Over many years, the Public Works facility has become
very crowded with the equipment and staff necessary to serve the City. Alvie also stated that the
new facility would preferably be located close to the current Public Works facility as Transit
would still need to utilize Public Works’ resources (ex. Mechanic shop, Equipment storage, Bus
Maintenance/Repairs, etc.).
Members of the committee brought up that if Transit decides to leave the Public Works facility,
that Transit should be compensated for their portion of the facility that they are leaving behind.
10. Bus Services for Events: One of the committee members inquired about Transit’s
involvement in special events and parades. Alvie indicated that Transit provides bus services in
some parades. Alvie also stated that looking ahead, he would like to have more Transit bus
services for downtown and community events.
11. Transit Budget: One of the Committee members inquired about any new budget items
planned for this next year. Alvie stated that Transit has no new budget items aside from the
primary projects that are currently being worked on:
IT/Software Updates
Bus Shelters
Sidewalk Improvements
NCBC 006
12. Alternative Fuel Buses: One of the Committee members inquired about what alternative
fuel buses Transit was looking at. Alvie indicated that he has been working with the Equipment
and Facilities Manager in trying to find a good long-term solution for this. Currently, Biodiesel
appears to be the most practical short-term option because it presents the least expensive
conversion costs and it can be implemented in a timelier manner. However, Electric buses are
still being considered, and are possibly a better long-term alternative in the future. As of right
now, the technology for the Electric buses are not quite where they need to be to accommodate
Transit’s needs, but looking ahead, we are hopeful that they will be.
13. Future Meeting Times: Alvie mentioned that Transit would seek the feedback from those
who have attended past Transit Citizens Advisory Meetings and inquire if changing meeting
times to earlier in the day would better enable these to make more of the meetings in the future.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:40 P.M.
Next Meeting will be held on February 7, 2018.
NCBC 007
DRAFT Agenda (subject to change)
Transit Citizens’ Advisory Committee
February 7, 2018
A. Welcome
B. Introductions
a. New Members
b. Visitors
c. Transit Planner position still pending
C. Current Transit Services
a. Fixed-Route Bus Service
i. No bus service Monday, February 19, 2018 for Presidents Day.
ii. New design for MONTHLY bus passes
iii. Route 10 updates (Selah)
iv. Pursuing other ITS solutions
v. Winter season information
b. Dial-A-Ride Service
i. Normal operations.
c. Vanpool Service
i. 1 new vanpool group.
D. Grants
a. Ellensburg Commuter trial expansion
b. Regional Mobility Grant Program
i. New Transit shelters
ii. Sidewalk improvements
E. Open Discussion
F. Next Meeting Wednesday, May 9,2018
NCBC 008
Yakima City Council Committee Minutes
Neighborhood & Community Building Committee (NCBC)
2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall
November 28, 2017
Committee Members Staff
Dulce Gutiérrez, Chair Joan Davenport Ken Wilkinson
Carmen Méndez Cliff Moore Alvie Maxey
Holly Cousens, alternate Rosalinda Ibarra Joseph Calhoun
Avina Gutiérrez (absent) Sara Watkins Ana Cortez-Steiner
Others: Martha Aitken, Dr. Phil Hurvitz, Tony Courcy, Steve Hill, Maria Rodriguez, Carole Folsom-Hill
Chair Dulce Gutiérrez called the meeting to order at approximately 2:05 p.m. She introduced new Assistant
City Manager Ana Cortez-Steiner.
City Manager Moore requested agenda item #2 be presented first.
Update on Equity Study Additional Information Requested – Martha Aitken and Dr. Phil Hurvitz explained
the revisions to their final report and responded to additional information that was requested by NCBC
members at a previous meeting. Revisions to the final report include: expanded executive summary,
conclusions and recommendations which highlight steps to support future analysis; and expanded
interpretations of scatter plot data. As for the additional information requested, they concluded that in most
cases the data hasn’t been collected, but they were able to include data for transit ridership for riders under
the age of 18. They hope to include information on police calls for service at the December 12th Council
meeting presentation; however, they recognized that work is necessary to resolve some issues with that data.
Dr. Hurvitz provided extensive background on how the analysis was performed. He explained his
observations about the overall trends discovered in the scatter plot data analysis, such as: increase in median
family income on westside; increase in Hispanic population on eastside; college graduation rates increase on
westside but decrease on eastside; built structures are older on eastside and newer on westside; police
department calls for service are generally across a range of demographics; no apparent patterns in fire
department calls for service; slightly more streetlights in areas of lower income and higher Hispanic
population; code compliance requests are generated in higher renter-occupancy and lower median family
income; area of park per resident is lower on eastside and higher on westside with fewer Hispanics; bus
ridership is higher in greater Hispanic population and lower income, it’s also slightly lower on east side in
areas with more youth and lower in tracts with more seniors; more bus stop shelters and benches exist in
tracts with greater percent of Hispanic concentration and lower income levels. He emphasized the distinction
between equity versus equality and stated that the graphs show equality. The committee expressed their
appreciation towards the Metro Center project team.
Méndez agreed with the recommendations suggested, particularly as they relate to parks, which include:
adding qualitative data to supplement the quantitative data, developing a set of criteria for prioritizing park
improvements, providing the prioritized list to private entities seeking to fund park improvements, and
developing a policy whereby the city uses a percentage of private contributions for parks to support other
park improvements and amenities across the city. Gutiérrez asked for data without apparent outlier
information, this information will be available online. She also inquired about a peer review process to which
Aitken replied that since this is a contract, not scholarly work, a peer review would not apply. In response to
Méndez’s question regarding recommended models or strategies that other cities are using, Dr. Hurvitz
encouraged committee members to periodically analyze the census data and the American Community
Survey. Audience members Tony Courcy and Steve Hill commented on the overall project. Gutiérrez stated
that this report would be utilized as a reference tool for different issues and serve as a foundation to acquire
more information and/or improve existing systems, such as Yak Back. Details pertaining to the final report
presentation were discussed. The final report will be presented to the City Council on December 12th.
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Board Appointed Reports – Standing Item
Transit Development Plan/Transit Related Issues – Maxey reported that the minutes of their previous
meeting will be included in the next NCBC packet. Some highlights include: will survey attendees due to
low attendance at meetings; public can contact Yakima Transit to provide feedback on placement of new bus
shelter locations, installation to take place in spring 2018; new bus pass designs due to fraud issues; shuttle
service for the upcoming Luminaria event at old Kmart parking lot; increase in vanpool groups, sidewalk
improvements on 40th Ave between Tieton & Summitview avenues; successful Fair shuttle event; future
planning towards new Transit facility; IT software updates.
Parks & Recreation Commission (P&R) – Wilkinson summarized the topics discussed at the November 8th
P&R meeting: Naches Parkway, establish criteria to make decisions on capital improvements, “grade” park
amenities, Randall Park pond improvements performed by Stormwater staff.
Henry Beauchamp Community Center (HBCC) – the center is seeking volunteers for their annual
Christmas dinner party happening on December 15th. Cousens encouraged volunteers to participate at this
event.
Historic Preservation (HPC) – the November meeting was rescheduled to November 29th due to the holiday.
An application for Certificate of Appropriateness was received for the installation of solar panels in the
Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood. This will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Yakima Planning Commission – the next meeting is December 13th. Staff is in process of identifying future
text changes to implement recent Comprehensive Plan changes. There is one vacancy on this commission.
Bike/Pedestrian Committee – the next meeting is December 12th. The Committee received the final draft of
the Bike Plan and staff will review it for grammatical errors prior to distributing it.
Homeless Network – a retreat is scheduled for November 30th at ESD 105. Staff presence is encouraged.
TRANS-Action Committee –D. Gutiérrez reported that the next meeting is November 29th. Elections will
take place for four positions. Davenport reached out to SOZO and Fairgrounds staff about participation.
Méndez suggested also inviting YMCA.
Approval of Minutes – A motion was made by Méndez, seconded by Cousens, to approve the minutes of
10/19/2017 as presented; motion carried unanimously.
The Community Integration Exploratory Committee draft minutes of 10/03/17 and 10/09/17 are included in
the packet.
Recap of Deliverables – none noted.
D. Gutiérrez announced that Spanish interpretation services are available; however, require a 48 hour
advance notice.
The Committee agreed to have a wrap up meeting in December to recap the year’s activities.
Audience Participation – Carole Folsom-Hill spoke about the equity study strategy. Tony Courcy asked
about the transportation list to which Moore replied that the original list was approved by Council in March
2017.
Adjourn – D. Gutiérrez adjourned this meeting at approximately 4:03 p.m.; the next meeting is December 21,
2017.
Approved by:
Date Approved:
Prepared by: Rosalinda Ibarra, Community Development Administrative Assistant
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