HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-15_Minutes - NCBCYakima City Council Committee Minutes
Neighborhood & Community Building Committee (NCBC)
City Council Chambers
February 15, 2018
Committee Members
Kay Funk, Chair
Dulce Gutierrez
Holly Cousens (alternate, present)
Carmen Mendez (absent, excused)
Others:
Joan Davenport
Sara Watkins
Rosalinda Ibarra
Ana Cortez -Steiner
Chair Kay Funk convened the meeting at approximately 2:31 p.m.
Staff
Ken Wilkinson
Alvie Maxey
Joseph Calhoun
Board Appointed Reports --- Standing Item
Transit Development Plan/Transit Related Issues — Maxey reported the following topics discussed at the
recent Transit Citizens Advisory meeting on February 71h: cancellation of Selah Route 10; upcoming
meetings on the implementation of Route 8 happening on 3/6 at 2pm and 5:30 pm and 3/20 at 2pm; changing
from quarterly to monthly bus passes to prevent fraud; update on IT software program; additional vanpool
groups operating. He further described the course that Route 8 will encompass and noted the route changes
become effective May 1St. Cousens pointed out gaps in service for portions in District 7.
Parks & Recreation Commission (P&R) — Wilkinson reported on the 2/14th meeting: continued discussion
on a memorial for Ed Putnam; ongoing Randall Park improvements; update on the eastside swimming pool.
Henry Beauchamp Community Center (HBCC) — the last quarterly meeting was 1/23/18. Most of the
discussion was about the holiday meal and programming at the center.
Historic Preservation (HPC) — Calhoun reported that the next meeting is 2/28th. The January meeting was
cancelled due to lack of a quorum. The Commission will be discussing a list of projects to seek grant funding
from the CLG (Certified Local Government).
Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) — the next meeting is 2/28/18 at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Calhoun reported that the Commission will continue discussion on potential standards for temporary worker
housing. Staff is reviewing possible definition changes and appropriate parking standards applicable for that
use. At that meeting, the Commission will also formally open the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Amendment
process. He informed about a Planning Short Course, in association with Dept of Commerce, on June 25th at
Public Works Training Room. Gutierrez expressed interest in getting frequent updates on the temporary
worker housing issue.
Bike/Pedestrian Committee — Calhoun reported that the Bike Plan will be forwarded to City Council for
adoption consideration. The Committee is also reviewing the 6 -Year Transportation Improvement Program
to identify projects that could include bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Future discussion will include possibility
of installing bike racks in parks.
Homeless Network — Davenport reported highlights of the previous meeting held on January 25m. The Point
in Time Survey occurred on the same day; however, this year the provider services event was not held due to
lack of funding. The NCBC briefly talked about the impact the count data would have as a consequence of
not having such event. Davenport informed that the data results will be released in May. Funk expressed
dissatisfaction with the vendor hired to compile the data information. It was also reported that the Homeless
Network was the primary sponsor of two church groups who provide services to homeless youth.
TRANS Action Committee — Davenport reported that Trent Marquis was elected as new chairman at the
previous meeting on 1/25th. Several big projects will be on their agenda this year including the
redevelopment of the Mill site, the raceway property, and the housing shortage in the area.
Council Mentorship/Internship Program — Gutierrez provided an overview of the program guidelines
noting that the requirements need to be completed by May 15m. She indicated that the City, in partnership
with the Yakima School District, is working on the selection of this year's participants. Time is of the
essence due to a late start in the process but they have identified March 6th as a possible date for
appointments and orientation. In response to Cousens idea of utilizing Yakima Valley College students,
Gutierrez clarified that per the ACLU settlement agreement, YSD was specifically identified as the recipient.
Extensive dialogue continued. Gutierrez will continue to provide updates on this matter.
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Approval of Minutes — Gutierrez motioned, seconded by Cousens, to adopt the minutes of November 28,
2017 and January 18, 2018. Motion carried unanimously.
Gutierrez was excused at approximately 3:17 p.m.
Update of Strategic Plan & Committee Role — Funk shared that her personal priority is to change the scope of
the NCBC and rename it the Healthy Community Building Committee to encompass and highlight youth;
crime prevention, crime intervention, and crime suppression. The scope would also include relationships
with social service providers and volunteer programs in the area. She noted that the Governor's budget, if
adopted, includes $150k for crime prevention, evidence -based programs. Cortez explained the Strategic Plan
update process thus far and pointed out that the City Council, as a whole, would have to approve any changes
to the committees. She then provided a preview of some options that will be introduced to the City Council at
their study session on Tuesday February 21st about the Strategic Plan Update, with a possible review of the
Yakima Economic Development Strategic Plan prepared by Allison Larsen (TadZo Consulting).
Future Items / Recap of Deliverables — Davenport stated that staff will provide an update next month on the
Vacant & Dangerous Building project and discuss strategies to address these locations.
At a previous business meeting, the City Council requested that the NCBC engage the Yakima School
District and community based organizations on discussion leading to creation of literacy programs in
schools. After considerable dialogue, Cortez indicated she will convey the committee's concerns to the City
Manager and provide some follow-up at the next NCBC meeting.
Funk proposed that staff provide written board committee reports and include a link to the meeting minutes
on the agenda. It was agreed that if minutes are available, they will be provided. If minutes are not available,
staff will be prepared to provide an oral report.
Audience Participation — none noted
Adjourn — Cousens motioned to adjourn. This meeting adjourned at approximately 3:45 p.m.; the next
meeting is March 15, 2018.
Approved by:
Date Approved:
k IS 26vit)
Prepared by: Rosalinda Ibarra, Community Development Administrative Assistant
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