HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/15/2018 00 Misc Distributed at the MeetingDistributed at the
Meeting /3-i5 A/
Council Briefing Session — March 15, 2018
City Manager Updates
1. YMCA update (Executive Session)
2. Farmer's Market
3. Legislative Session wrap-up
4. RFQ for lobbyists
5. Preparation for Strategic Plan session on March 17
6. Recap — Public Safety Forums
7. Plath request re: Early Learning Center
8. Community Integration Committee — Update on first meeting
9. Yakima Valley Special Investigative Unit — Now up and running
10.Naches Parkway follow-up
11.Response to letter from Baule, Delong and Austin
12.Update on Office of Emergency Management — Jeff Emmons departing
State Legislative Wrap Up
March 13th, 2018
The City of Yakima made significant progress on its top legislative priorities during the 2018 short
session of the Washington State Legislature and enjoyed considerable success with the passage of
several key pieces of legislation favored by the City. Following is a summary of achievements realized
by the City during the 2018 state legislative session and an outline of a Request for Proposals process
the City will undertake soon to select a lobbyist(s) to provide advocacy services in Olympia going
forward.
LIFT Legislation
A key City legislative priority this session was changing state statute to allow local infrastructure
investments to be carried forward from year to year for the purpose of matching state funding
contributions under the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool ("LIFT") program. HB 2858, the City's
requested legislation on this issue, passed the House on February 28th on a 96-2 vote and passed the
Senate on March 2' on a 48-0 vote. The bill is now awaiting the governor's signature. Passage of HB
2858 makes it more feasible for the City to finance construction of road, water, and sewer infrastructure
to serve the former Boise Cascade Mill site. Representative Norm Johnson, Senator Curtis King, and
Representative Bruce Chandler led the legislative effort for this bill.
$150,000 Yakima Gang Prevention Program Budget Proviso
In his proposed 2018 supplemental budget, Governor Inslee included a $150,000 proviso for a pilot
gang prevention program in Yakima. The intent of the legislative language for the proviso is to
establish a pilot program that coordinates the various local providers of gang intervention and
prevention programs and services withthe goal of qualifying local programs and services to access
grants, specifically those offered by the U.S. Department of Justice through its Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention ("OJJDP") program in order to create a sustained gang prevention and
intervention effort in Yakima. In the 2018 supplemental budget, the legislature approved the $150,000
proviso. The funding will become available at the beginning of the next state fiscal year, which starts
July 1St, 2018. Increased state funding to support local gang prevention, intervention, and suppression
efforts has been a City of Yakima state legislative priority for several years and likely will continue to be
for the foreseeable future.
Voting Rights Act
The Washington Voting Rights Act (SB 6002) passed the House on February 27th on a 52-46 vote and
passed the Senate on March 8th on a 29-20 vote. The bill is now awaiting the governor's signature.
Actively pursuing passage of the Voting Rights Act has been a City of Yakima state legislative priority
since 2016. This year's session marked the sixth consecutive year a voting rights act bill had been
introduced in the legislature.
1
Homeless Housing and Assistance Surcharge
A temporary $40 document recording fee, the proceeds of which fund programs statewide aimed at
reducing homelessness, was scheduled to sunset in 2023. E2SHB 1570, which was passed by the
House on February 7 on a 51-47 vote and passed by the Senate on February 28th on a 27-21 vote,
makes the document recording fee permanent and increases it to $62. The bill is now awaiting the
governor's signature. This is a very important achievement for homeless program providers throughout
the state. Increasing state funding for local homeless and affordable housing efforts has been a City of
Yakima legislative priority for several years and will likely continue to be for the foreseeable future.
Basic Law Enforcement Academy Funding
fn the 2017-2019 biennial budget, the legislature approved funding for an additional six annual classes
at the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy, thereby increasing the number of classes
available each year from the previous 10. Washington State is one of few states in the nation to offer
one, central law enforcement academy, which ensures all officers, whether with city, county, or state
agencies, receive consistent training. State estimates put the number of academy classes needed to
fully meet the demands of law enforcement agencies at 20. In the 2018 supplemental budget, the
legislature approved funding for one additional academy class, bringing the total number of available
classes to 17 through 2019. Full funding of the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
has been a City of Yakima legislative priority for several years and will likely continue to be for the
foreseeable future.
State Lobbyists Request for Proposals Process
In October 2017, Jim Justin, who had represented the City in Olympia since 2013, notified the City of
his intent to not renew his contract with the City because he did not feel he had adequate time available
to properly advocate for the City and due to conflicts of interest with some of his other clients. With the
2018 legislative session fast approaching, as directed by Council, City staff then initiated a rapid
process to gauge interest from Olympia lobbyists to represent the City on a short-term basis — no
longer than a period of nine months.
The process resulted in a recommendation from an ad-hoc Council committee (Mayor Coffey, then -
Assistant Mayor Mendez and Councilmember Cousens) to the full Council that the City enter into
contracts with Tony Sermonti and Susie Tracy to jointly represent the City in Olympia for a period not to
exceed nine months. The full Council unanimously accepted the ad-hoc committee's recommendation
at its November 7th business meeting.
In addition, in October 2017, the Council further directed City staff to initiate a formal Request for
Proposals ("RFP") process after the conclusion of the 2018 legislative session to select a lobbyist(s) to
represent the City in Olympia long term. City staff will issue an RFP for Olympia representation on
March 26th. Proposals from interested lobbyists and/or lobbying firms will be due back to the City on
April 13th
Staff seeks Council direction on the process to review materials from prospective lobbyists.
2
City of Yakima
Vision Statement
To advance a culturally diverse, economically vibrant, safe, and strong Yakima community.
City of Yakima
Mission Statement
To provide outstanding services that meet the community's needs.
To govern responsibly by effectively managing and protecting public resources.
To build trust in government through openness, diverse leadership, and communication.
To strategically focus on enhancing Yakima's quality of life.
City of Yakima
Public Safety Neighborhood Forum summary
1.) Do you recognize any of your neighbors here today?
o Several people acknowledged they knew other people in the room at each forum
2.) Do you think it would be useful to know your neighbors' name and/or phone number?
Several people believed it was important for people to know their neighbors — this
was consistent at each forum
3.) What is most important for the safety of this neighborhood?
• The safety of our children and our neighbors.
o When crime occurs, that police keep in touch with the family of victim to share
updates (relatives may know information helpful to the investigation).
• Arresting criminals before they become embolden to harass, threaten, or taunt
the family members of victims.
• When parents have any information on the homicide of their child, that detectives
listen respectfully and investigate information thoroughly.
• Ensure police have the ability (time) to build positive relationships with residents
and bridges of communication prior to crime occurring in the neighborhood.
Homicide victims be picked up from crime scene within reasonable timeframe.
• Communication is necessary.
• Action is key.
o Extend the downtown district to Walnut.
Use churches — hub of activity.
4.) What challenges do we face in reducing violence?
• If no arrest is made after a homicide, those close to the deceased victim feel
compelled to retaliate against suspected individual, even if unlawfully.
o Reports of a family party are sometimes responded to within a shorter timeframe
than reports of gunshots.
• Some residents may feel resentment towards LEO for underperforming in duties
(specifically, delayed police response time).
O There's more talking about the problem than action being taken to solve the
problem.
O Some residents have felt disregarded by detectives when reporting new or
additional information related to a crime committed against their family member.
O Inadequate lighting in district 1.
• Lack of programs for kids after school and on weekends.
o Not enough police officers in neighborhood.
People need to care and intervene.
Not everyone is on the same page.
• Police cannot be everywhere.
• There is a lot the public can do to reduce incidents of crime but we need to know
what that is.
o Young people need wider range of activities.
o Home ownership is a challenge for many.
Takes YPD a long time to respond in districts 1 and 2. Should staffing patterns
be changed to support these areas?
5.) What positive things do we have as a neighborhood that can help reduce violence?
O Once community conversations begin, communication among neighbors is
positive and unified because of shared experiences of neighborhood violence.
o Lots of community activity — Henry Beauchamp, churches.
o The parkway is an asset.
• Block watches and bringing families to events.
o Art Club at the school run by PTA.
o Leadership schools — Habits of Highly Successful People.
6.) As neighbors, what do we need in order to keep violence and crime down?
• More lights because it is too dark.
o Have activities for kids while they're still young because some kids in Yakima
begin to witness violence from a young age. These kids need protection and
prevention work so they don't become violent, as well.
Have curfew for delinquent youth.
o More neighbors involved in making criminals feel unwelcome in the
neighborhood.
o Address and hold responsible landlords who own rental property and constantly
rent it out to gang members or drug dealers.
o Having a police officer station his/her vehicle near areas of suspected of criminal
activity to discourage overt criminal activity, even if for a short period.
O Crack down on school truancy; enforcement needed.
• Neighbors need to call police and report crimes as they happen.
Neighbors need to know one another better.
• Cameras located on street intersections that can read vehicle license plates.
o Camp Hope has not reduced homeless in area.
7.) Would "Street Captains" be helpful for fearful witnesses who wish to report crime?
o Yes, affirmative support from residents to establish "Street Captains."
o Neighborhood watches could help.
o Some might help but would they be vetted?
• Klickitat posse program.
• Use magnetic stick ons on cars.
o Have "baseball" cards for cops.
8.) What are short term needs?
o More neighborhood forums to continue this conversation on public safety.
• "Night Out" gatherings for neighbors to meet neighbors.
o Inform neighbors of the wanted criminals on Yakima's Crime Stoppers list.
o Identify "Street Captains" and create "Street Coordinated Phone Lists."
• Get to know your neighbors. Have churches get involved.
o Need managed surveillance cameras.
• Need volunteers for block watches, community policing, and program leaders.
O Keep schools open in the evenings (gyms, studying, sports, etc).
Sidewalks on Powerhouse Road
9.) What are long term need?
o More police/patrolling in residential streets.
• Focus on gang prevention and drug prevention with youth.
o Enable older youth to provide mentorship for younger youth.
o Redirect city investments from wine/alcohol events to youth
centers/programming.
o Improve lighting.
o Naches Parkway needs to be treated as an asset and be honored.
o Need an eastside pool for kids — giving them something to do.
o City frequently says it doesn't have enough money to do things.
• Alley Cats program.
o Provide transportation to facilities — free bus passes.
o Build and enhance resources in community.
• Offer free mentoring.
o Sidewalks and lighting. Do a better job on code enforcement (junk vehicles and
abandoned homes).
• Help people escape homelessness.
o Useful to know your neighbors.
10.) What else needs to be addressed for public safety?
o (Parental Discipline): Can parents legally discipline by spanking? How does the
YPD handle a call made by a minor who is being spanked/disciplined by their
parents? How do YPD officers deal with parents in this scenario, specifically how
do YPD officers deal with parents who are undocumented immigrants?
o (Witness Safety): if someone calls 911 to report a crime, do police officers
disclose at the scene who called 911? Is it necessary for police officers to speak
with the individual who called 911 at or near the scene of the crime? Is there a
way for witnesses to report a crime immediately as it occurs without speaking
with LEO in front of neighbor?
o (Street Captains): How should a street captain report a crime on behalf of a
primary witness? What is the best way for a "Street Captain" to be an effective
liaison for his/her neighbors?
o South 5th Avenue is very dark — needs lighting.
o Volunteer neighborhood cleanups
• Continue to have codes work on abandoned houses.
o Nuisance ordinance — do we have a legislative approach
o Share with public when calls are made about a drug house, etc.
o Need faster response, or even a response, from police when they are called.
o Police shouldn't look so intimidating.
• Need people to answer 2-1-1 calls.
O Talk with kids in juvenile detention and ask them how we failed them.
o Need better collaboration with the school district.
o Help, protect, and engage children.
• Open up gyms and churches for use.
• City and school district need to get on the same page when dealing with kids
getting involved in gang activities,
• Ask kids what they think they need to keep them safe.
Other comments, ideas, requests, etc
• What are we doing in terms of a strategic plan resulting from these forums?
• City pay rent for officers who agree to live in District 1 or 2.
• Council shouldn't just focus on "my district" — lift your head up
o As a result of this meeting, report back on these meetings and focus on
highlights of what we learned.
o Show that Council has made this a priority.
• Lincoln should be three lanes — reduce from 4 to 3 to improve walkability.
o Why doesn't police department return calls after an incident?
• Why don't police just reach out?
• What happened to Earl Lee's gang prevention program?
o Can community members provide an anonymous tip or request? Yes, but value
is Tess because it can't help in prosecution.
• Do cases get a case number to follow up on?
• Is there a division where they deal with family victims? Yes, we do have a
victims advocate who reaches out to family members and we have chaplains.
We have low manpower and shortage of police officers but people should call
anyway.
o Should there be a community volunteer group to help with recruiting and
training?
YPAL needs to be advertised in the middle schools and high schools.
o Can residents film crimes in process and submit it to support prosecution?
o Speed bumps in local areas for traffic control.
• Clean up neighborhoods and pick up illegal dumps — "We don't have enough
money to send someone to pick up trash" and "Garbage truck drivers say they
can't tell their supervisors when they see trash." City staff needs to meet us
halfway.
o Graffiti should be reported via Yak -Back.
o Use a substation in the area in the evening.
• City frequently says we don't have enough money to do things — Lincoln
underpass — sidewalks and bike lane had to be done over. City should be more
careful.
o Plaza only benefits businesses.
o March 2018 is next joint meeting with school district (Dulce).
o Police need the public's help — photos of graffiti hear the scene of a recent
incident — each small piece of the puzzle is helpful.
Get police officers to volunteer at community centers (Dulce).
• We recognize the community concern and we are not treating this uptick in
violence as business as usual.
o We have dedicated and moved around resources to address this situation — with
a special focus on breaking what looks like a cycle of retaliation.
Recommend Council become more involved in supporting federal immigration
reform (Kathy).
o Prioritizing Bridge and RAC Acts less so on Farm Relief Act (Dulce).
• Need to have a non -emergency number and text number.
• Need more Spanish speaking officers.
• Yakima Association of Churches do blessings where there is an act of violence —
it would be nice to help publicize these moments of blessing.
• YPD responds to a high percentage of drug and alcohol calls — more treatment
options at churches would help.
Need to break cycle of retaliation (Chief).
• We need more community involvement (Dulce).
o Crime Stoppers is part of the answer (Mark Peterson).
• We call cops and they don't respond — there has to be more done (Jason White).
Continue to have codes work on abandoned houses.
Follow up items
o Update Council on current public safety.
Tell Luz who the HR law enforcement recruiter is.
• Send Raquel the Lea Kroneberg report.
February 21 — Carmen
McClure Elementary
Legal:
Police:
Community Forum notes
• Report crimes using 911 or text
o Stay on line
o Details are very important
• Use cell phone to take pictures or video if it's safe
• Types of crimes that need to be reported to 911
o On-going crimes
o Action
o In progress
o Urgent
• Immigration status — City policy
o Status is not relevant
o Hate crimes — individual will be asked status
o City does not keep 411 for ICE
• Police will work with victims to arrange temporary status if needed
• Police department is broken down into 4 shifts
o 8-10 officers on the street at any time
o Officers work in districts
o Officers will work in different districts if needed
• Police work in order of priority (1-5)
• Police resources are limited
• Staffing shortage -even when hired it takes time to get through the academy
• New chief, captains may be retiring
• Police department is respected in Yakima
• Police department works with 15-20 block watch captains
o People know the streets and their neighbors
Public comments:
• School safety
o Need more drills
o Lock down procedures
o Exiting facility
o Cover windows and doors
o Scanner would be helpful
• Parents concerned with 2017 shooting of a child by school
o School wasn't aware
o Better training
• Counselors are frustrated and not reaching the kids
• Girls have become more violent
• People shooting up in Safeway parking lot (close to portables) from 3-5:00
o Call and report to 911
o Police will reach out to Safeway management
o Police will patrol the parking lot / have more presence
• Bad people can find out who reported them but you can request not to be in
public record
• Gun show in town right after school shooting
1. What is needed for neighborhood safety?
a. Awareness
b. Safeway parking lot
c. Sex offenders (add information to YPD website, register to be notified on
County website)
d. Patrols
e. Folks on probation may have restrictions re living by schools — 2 strikes
f. Mandated parent nights
2. Challenges of reducing violence?
a. Not enough money for after school programs
b. Mandatory training
3. Positive issues?
February 22 — Carmen
Lewis & Clark Middle School
Legal:
Police:
Community Forum notes
• Report crimes using 911 or text
o Stay on line
o Details are very important
• Call non -emergency number of walk in
• Call 911 if crime in progress
• Victims and witnesses aren't asked immigration status — City policy
• Crime stoppers hotline to report crimes anonymously (800-248-9980)
• Videos are helpful if it's safe to record
• Calls are prioritized
• 56,000 incidents last year
• Try for 45 minute response
• Efforts are underway to recruit locally
• Block watches — neighbors keep an eye out
o You know what's suspicious in your neighborhood
o Detailed information is important
• Gangs are leaving the City
• People should feel comfortable calling the police
There are laws against witness tampering and intimidation
• Defense attorney is not supposed to share witness information
• Yak -Back cards — report graffiti, potholes, etc
o App on City website
1. What is needed for neighborhood safety?
a. Sidewalks for kids
b. Speeding to be reduced
c. Stop cars from parking next to yards before and after school
d. More police presence — especially after school
e. Repair holes in fences at park
f. Neighbor relationships are important
i. Build relationships with neighbors and officials
2. Challenges of reducing violence?
a. Communication
b. Lack of feeling safe can hinder reporting
c. Building relationships
i. Important to make contact with neighbors
3. Positive issues?
a. Neighbors looking out for each other
b. Communication with children
c. Trust gives confidence to communicate
i. A cultural shift
ii. "As the normal"
iii. Takes time to build
d. Asking neighbors to keep an eye out
4. What is needed in order to keep violence and crime down?
a. Connect with police
b. Speak up
c. Look for cars that don't belong
d. Communication
e. Discrepancies language/cultural barriers
i. City making efforts for Spanish language outreach
ii. Fifth of population doesn't have Internet and cant's use the app
iii. Yak Back available on phone
5. Street Captains / Block Watch contact
a. They would be helpful — collaboration
b. Yakima Police can assist forming block watches
c. Helps bridge gaps
d. Police offer coffee with a cop, time in the parks, community outreach,
getting into neighborhoods
e. "no gun" signs at school — help with enforcement
f. Keep eyes open
i. If you wait until it happens it is too late
ii. Tell somebody
iii. Put people on notice — see something then say something
iv. Reward system at school
6. Short term needs
a. Sidewalks — kids walking in road
i. City has safe routes to school funding for sidewalks
b. TBD has been formed
c. City receives states support for sidewalks
i. 2 or 3 schools per year
d. Phone number on Yak Back cards
e. Bilingual information officers
f. Working with faith community
7. Long term needs
a. Public safety through environmental design
8. Other issues
a. Keep schools informed to build relationships
i. Summer event at Lewis and Clark
ii. Get parents more involved
Community Forum notes
February 24 — Kay
Franklin Middle School
• Report crimes using 911 or text
• Call non -emergency number (575-6200) of walk in
• Crime stoppers hotline to report crimes anonymously (800-248-9980)
• Yak -Back works
Legal:
• Domestic violence ordinances
• Immigration status not relevant and police do not ask — City policy
• There are some protections for victims and witnesses
Police:
• Direct access to database / info relevant to police activity
• Have video and audio in vehicles - accuracy of information
• Gang unit — address related issues through intelligence gathering
• Police community academy
o Looking for participants
o Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
o 12 week course
o Similar to County's academy
• Police explorer program
o Youth focused activities
o 16-21 years of age
o Background check
o Check YPD website for more information
• Priority calls are ranked 1, 2, 3, and 4
o . Call for broken window (ranked 4) vs shooting (ranked 1)
o Lots of officers are tied up on "1" calls so a "4" may have to wait
o Urgency as in something is happening then the priority ranking goes
up — give information to 911
• 138 officers on patrol
o Nine districts
• 1, 2, 3 east Yakima
• 4, 5, 6 central Yakima
• 7, 8, 9 west Yakima
o K9 officers (dogs) — no minimum
o Shifts — 5 days on then 4 days off
• Block watch — neighbors — police
o 50 active block watches but need more — call 575-6197 for help
coordinating
o Neighborhood watch — watch, listen, know what's going on
o National Night Out — 1st Tuesday in August
• How is hiring/recruiting going?
o Nationwide demand for officers
o We are creating a position to recruit officers
o We have retirements but we also have people coming in
o Challenges with academy
o Veterans can apply
• Affect junior high — good pathway
o We have school resource officers at high schools
• YPD works with YV Tech (pathway to academy)
• YPD participates in sport events
o Police athletic league
o BBQ at Miller Park
o Run with the cops
o City internship
1. What is needed for neighborhood safety?
a. Registered "sex offender" homes
1. WSP website has information re offenders and pictures
b. Summitview and Tieton crosswalks
1. Lack of signals
2. Speed limits
c. Alley patrols
d. Usefulness of block watches
1. Barge Chestnut has "digital" block watch
2. Utilization of video/photos
2. Challenges of reducing violence?
a. See it, hear it, report it
b. In progress calls — stay on the line
c. Knowing when to call 911
1. Trust your instincts
2. You can remain anonymous/confidential
a. The more information the police have the better
3. Street Captains / Block Watch contact
a. Yes, they would be helpful
4. Short and long term needs
a. Panhandling
b. Consistency of enforcement
a. Bike patrols
b. Cars parking in yards
c. Codes
5. Other comments
a. Volunteer crossing guards
b. CPTED
c. Community Academy volunteers
Community Forum notes
February 27 — Dulce
Washington Middle School
• Report crimes using 911 or text
o Be patient, they will ask a lot of questions, details are very important
• CaII non -emergency number (575-6200) or walk in to the station at 3rd Street
and Walnut between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Call Crime Stoppers with information — anonymous
Legal:
• Immigration status not relevant and police do not ask — City policy
• There are some protections for victims and witnesses
• They can help protect your status
• YPD is interested in safety — not immigration status
If you have questions you can call the City at 575-6040
Use Yak Back to report problems
We know that alleys by Washington Middle School are a problem
We know that trees in private yards are a problem.
We know that there are problems with storm drains.
Police:
• There are 9 police districts — Washington is in District 3
• Encounter problems with the police, bring to City Attorney's attention
• Work with the police, keep your eyes open
• Police have programs available to better understand how YPD works
• Police community academy
o One night per week
o Must be at least 18 years of age
o No questions on status
• YPD works with ICE but not to expose victims or witnesses
• If you want to start a block watch please do -
o Can be in Spanish
o Neighbors take care of neighbors
o YPD will help
o Talk to property managers re problems (ie. Too many vehicle)
• Start a group for Spanish
• Many carts — take to police
• Need cooperation from property owners
1. What is needed for neighborhood safety?
a. Need more security for schools
b. Need more lights
c. Need more police
d. Need better communication
e. Need mentor activities for kids
f. Get to know each other
g. Need more prevention programs
2. Challenges of reducing violence?
a. Council to organize neighbors
b. Alleys between 6th and 7th Streets are problems
c. 6th Street and MLK — several accidents and bullets
d. Steal gas
e. People posing as city staff coming to homes
f. Parents need to be responsible for gang members
g. Curfew
h. Moral reconnection therapy
i. Boot camp/physical work
j. Report small crimes — however small
3. What are we doing that is positive?
a. Gathering people
4. What could we do better?
a. Talk to 911 — only 5 out of 13 people who witnessed a crime called 911
b. Have programs for kids
c. Cooperate with police
5. Block watch and captains
a. Need 24 hour patrols — neighbors taking care of neighbors
b. Don't have programs
6. What problems are we facing now? Later?
a. Stop signs
b. Tree maintenance
c. Clean up alleys
d. Garbage can/service
e. Be vigilant
f. Lights
g. Programs
1. At the school
2. Summer programs
3. Coordination
7. Other
a. Concerned with violence in schools
1. Have a button for people to enter school — parents need to support
measures
b. Meet with the school district in March
c. Keep fire arms out of schools — concern for all schools
d. Discuss how to balance safety with parental access to schools
Community Forum notes
March 7 — Brad and Holly
Wesley United Methodist Church
Ways to report crimes
• Report crimes using 911 (best way, time sensitive, and evidence) dispatcher
will ask a lot of questions
• Text 911 — dispatcher will ask a lot of questions
• Walk into Yakima Police Department (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Spanish is ok
• Non emergency — phone tree
• Crime stoppers — website and rewards
Legal:
• Immigration status not relevant and police do not ask — City policy, however,
police may ask if you are a witness or victim and may be able to take
advantage of immigration programs
Police:
• Yak Back — report problems, police will respond just like other departments
(report graffiti)
• Looking for a full time analyst to collect data and predict crime
• Police districts depend on crime patterns
• Police has mental health practitioner, NARC, Gang DV and bike units, and
tenant liaison
• Beat officers assigned 24/7 — what do they do?
o 4 patrol shifts
o 10 hour 40 minute shifts
o : Beats vary in size
o Beats have specific issues
• Priority calls are ranked 1, 2, 3, and 4
o 1 — crime occurring now — super important — lives at risk
o 2, 3 and 4 will wait until priority calls (1) are handled
• Suggest police notification when progress is made — should be a priority
• Police/city return calls — ask PIO to return calls
• Community involvement
o Block watch
o Know each other
o Know your block hand out — explain what it is and is not
• Inventory valuables / minimum efforts
• National Night Out
• Yakima Sheriff has citizen police
• Police Academy — English and Spanish, hand on experience and front row
seat to police operations including fire arms and finger printing, 12 week
course 1 day per week
• Police Explorer programs — first hand training
• Police do not stop folks at random — race based policing is not OK
• Police sharing meals at schools
• 15% of police department is bilingual
1. What is needed for neighborhood safety?
a. Chestnut issues — traffic, speeding, school, speed limit, speed humps,
traffic cameras,
b. N. 33rd Avenue — need new lights installed
c. Yakima and 32nd — stop signs ignored, light poles in middle of the streets
2. Challenges of reducing violence?
a. Too few police
b. Gangs
c. Lack of unity
d. Lack of gathering spaces
3. Street Captains / Block Watch contact
a. No, fearful for victims
4. Short and long term needs
a. Yak Back cards
b. Gym space is limited
c. Satellite police stations (quicker response, going to work in neighborhood,
police interaction, put more information out
5. Other comments
a. Sidewalk condition (McKinley and side street)
b. No city hall FTEs
c. YPD developing protocols/course with school district
d. Sidewalk ordinance — put sidewalks on both sides of streets developers
e. Quarterly public safety reports to committee, pay for the rent of new police
and give them vehicles
f. Raise bilingual pay
g. Speed humps/speed limits
March 15, 2018
Victor De Long, Chair
Downtown Association of Yakima
14 South 1st Street
Yakima, WA 98901
John Baule, Chair
Yakima Valley Tourism
10 North 8th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Rich Austin, Chair
Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce
10 North 9th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Re: Letter of January 31, 2018 regarding homeless issues
Gentlemen:
Thank you for your letter of January 31, 2018 regarding the challenges associated with
homelessness. The City shares your desire to build on the successful revitalization of the
downtown area and create a healthy and vibrant downtown core for our residents and
visitors. As a downtown property owner, the City is familiar with challenges presented by the
homeless population in the area and continues to collaborate with other organizations to
address homelessness in Yakima.
Homelessness is a broad community issue and one that will need the collective action of a
broad coalition to successfully address it. The City works with all sectors of the community on
this matte and as we together continue to seek resolutions for those who are experiencing
homelessness, the City looks forward to hearing your comments and concerns.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Cliff Moore
City Manager
YAKIMACITY COUNCIL
April 5, 2016
City Hall -- Council Chambers
6 p.m. Business Meeting
BUSINESS MEETING
1. Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Open Discussions for the Good of the Order
A. Proclamations
i. National Tele Communicators Week
ii. School foundation proclamation
B. Presentations / Recognitions / Introductions
i. Yakima Arboretum presentation (10 minutes)
C. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Council Committees
i. Council Nominating Committee recommendations for appointment
4. Council Reports
5. Consent Agenda
Items listed are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion without
discussion. A citizen or Council member may request to remove an item from the Consent Agenda and, if
approved, it will be placed on the regular agenda for discussion and consideration.
A. Set May 3, 2016 as the date for an open record public hearing on the proposed
development agreement for Powerhouse Villas, submitted by DMF Investments
B. Resolution setting the date for a public hearing to be held at 6:30 pm on April 19,
2016 in the City of Yakima Council Chambers to amend the six-year Transportation
Improvement Program
C. Resolution authorizing Right -of -Way Use Permit for Weise Holding LLC to install an
electric vehicle charging station in the sidewalk at 17 North 3rd Street
D. Resolution authorizing a lease agreement with the City of Tieton and Yakima Tieton
Irrigation District to lease 30 shares of City entitled Yakima Tieton Irrigation District
water to the City of Tieton for the water year 2016
E. Resolution authorizing the purchase of a used water tender, and waiver of
the competitive bidding process
e v a ;�>r
p
➢ Capital Fund budgets include the full project, and are not expected to be 100% completed in the
current year. In total, these funds are below budget by about $35.1 million. Of the top 10 capital
projects budgeted in 2015, only 1 was substantially completed (the LIFT area round -about at Fair
Avenue), and 9 were in various stages of completion and were either rebudgeted or will require a
non -lapsing appropriation to carry forward the project budget into 2016. About $10.1 million of
the total variance comes from the timing of Airport capital improvements. Parks Capital projects
including the SOZO soccer complex and renovation of Randall Park of about $4.4 million will be
carried forward into 2016. Wastewater has several projects which were underspent by $4.2
million, including piping in the Speedway/Race Street of $1.8 million. A listing of the top ten
budgeted projects and their year end expenses follow.
> Bond Redemption Funds ended the year as expected.
Funds Over Budget
➢ Reserve Funds consist primarily of Employee Benefit Funds and the Risk Management Fund.
Both the Health Benefit and Worker's Compensation self-insured funds require administrative
budget adjustments because the actual exceeded the original adopted budget. The Health Benefit
Fund spent about $737,000 more than the original budget. Risk Management continues to have
challenges, spending $541,000 more than originally estimated - the 2016 budget includes a 10%
increase in contributions from the operating funds.
> Water and Irrigation Funds both slightly exceeded their budget, because revenues came in above
budget so that the transfer to their respective capital funds were increased above the original
budget. Both of these funds still maintained an operating fund balance above the targeted
minimum.
> Real Estate Excise Tax 2 (REET 2) slightly exceeded budget by about $5,000 because the Public
Works Trust Fund loan related to the underpass project was finalized, and the final debt service
payment exceeded the original estimate. It should be noted that this fund transferred funds to
the Central Business District (CBD) Capital Fund to fund the preliminary engineering of the
Downtown Plaza. These funds were anticipated to be matched for this project, and the CBD
Fund has a negative fund balance of about $23,000 because of the timing of the engineering
project. The donation that was committed to fund half of the engineering project has been
postponed pending Council's decision on the plaza. If Council chooses to finance the
preliminary engineering this is the fund that would be replenished.
Yakima.6826.1.FIN_Report_4th_Qrtr_2015.docx 12 of 17
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
October 24, 2016
City Hall -- Council Chambers
9:30 a.m.
1. Roll Call
2. Overview of preliminary 2017 Budget to include possible revenue options
3. Other business
4. The next meeting will be a Council Study Session on November 1, 2016 at 9 a.m. in the
Council Chambers
5. Adjoumment
Any invocation that may be offered before the official start of the Council meeting shall be the
voluntary offering of a private citizen, to and for the benefit of the Council. The views or beliefs
expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the
Council, and the Council does not endorse the religious beliefs or views of this, or any other
speaker.
A Council packet is available for review at the City Clerk's Office and the Library. A packet is
also available on-line at www.yakimawa.gov.
The City provides special accommodations, such as hearing devices, wheelchair space or
language interpreters, for City meetings. Anyone needing special assistance please contact the
City Clerk's office at (509) 575-6037 at least two business days prior to the meeting.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Economic Development Investments
BUDGETED
➢ Economic Development Community Support ($318,333)
4th of July Committee, Yakima Arts Commission, Downtown Association of Yakima (tax credit
revenue of $100,000), Craft Beverage, Airport Marketing (grant revenue $50,000)
> Public Market/Public Incubator Location Evaluation ($66,667 - Grant revenue of
$50, 000)
> Downtown Plaza ($10,817,000 / $2,842,000 community donation, $7,975,000 G.O.
Bond, Debt Service from REET 2 and pledges.)
➢ Cascade Mill Site ($1,200,000 / LIFT)
> Transit Capital ($2,215,000)
Transit Buses - 2016 carryover ($1,885,000), ADA Sidewalk Improvements,10 Solar Shelters,
and replace 3 Administrative Vehicles
> Transit Operating ($190,000)
Upgrade Camera, 25 Passenger Counters, Transit Marketing
UNBUDGETED
> Special Event Fee Increase ($9,550 in revenue)
> Add One Airport Assistant Manager Position ($102,400)
2017 TOP 10 CAPITAL PROJECTS
(66.9% of total Capital Funds, $57,867,959)
Yakima Central Plaza
Irrigation - Irrigation system/Nelson Dam
Wastewater - Speedway Lift Station
Streets - Spring Creek/36th Ave/Sorenson (SOZO)
Wastewater - Primary Digester Improvements
Transit - 4 Transit Buses (carryover)
Stormwater - N 1st St Revitalization (carryover)
Fire Apparatus (carryover)
Comm Development - Cascade Mill Redevelopment
Airport - Snow Removal Equipment
2017
Proposed
Expenditures
$ 10,817,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
2,970,000
2,500,000
1,885,000
1,790,000
1,500,000
1,200,000
1,040,000
$ 38,702,000
Funding Source
REET 2/LTGO Bonds/Donations
$6M Bonds
Capital Rates/Reserves
SIED Grant/Loan, GO Bonds
Capital Rates/Reserves
Capital Reserves/WSDOT Grant
Capital Rates/Reserves
State LOCAL/Capital Lease
Local Infrastructure Finance Tool (LIFT)
90% Grants 10% Passenger Facility Charge
YAKIMACITY COUNCIL
November 1, 2016
City Hall -- Council Chambers
6 p.m. Business Meeting; 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing
BUSINESS MEETING
1. Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Interpreter Services
4. Open Discussion for the Good of the Order
A. 2015 AU -America City Quilt Display
B. Presentations / Recognitions / Introductions
i. Recognition of Joe Caruso for 15 Years of Service
C. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Council Committees
i. Acceptance of Council Nominating Committee minutes from October 10 and
26, 2016, and recommendation of appointments to the Community Integration
and Ethics & Equal Rights Exploratory Committees
5. Council Reports
6. Consent Agenda
Items listed are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion without
discussion. A citizen or Council member may request to remove an item from the Consent Agenda and, if
approved, it will be placed on the regular agenda for discussion and consideration.
A. Approval of the minutes from the September 6 and 20 and October 4 and 18, 2016,
City Council Business meetings; September 13 and October 24, 2016, City Council
Study Sessions; September 27, 2016, City Council Retreat, and October 7, 2016,
City Council Special meeting
B. 3rd Quarter 2016 Treasury Report
C. Resolution declaring biomass produced from the anaerobic digester at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant as surplus
D. Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Harrah for
Wastewater Services
E. Resolution accepting Passenger Facility Charge revenues from U.S. Department of
Transportation to be used as matching funds for airport capital improvement projects
City of Yakima
Interfund Borrowing
Quarter Ending September 30, 2016
(Description
Original Beginning Ending
Balance Balance Issued Retired Balance
Investment Held by:
Local Improvement District Bonds/Notes $ 1,432,509 $ 211,827 $
Public Safety Communications
450,000 450,000
- $ 211,827 Equipment Rental
450,000 Equipment Rental
Funds, in Negative Cash Position at Quarter End
Ending Cash
Balance
Cash Extended by:
Fund 151 - Public Safety Communications - Interfund Loan
The Public Safety Communications Fund borrowed from the Equipment Replacement and Reserve Fund to provide working capital while they recover from the excess
cash outflow caused by the move to the new Communications Center last year. The original loan amount was budgeted at $720,000 but thus far the fund is surviving
on just $450,000.
Fund 321 - Central Business District (148,095)
The CBD fund has been paying costs associated with the Plaza without reimbursement by REET or donations as of quarter end. It is expected that interfund financing
will be used as a bridge until such time as longer term financing can be obtained in efficient form and terms.
Fund 332 - Fire Capital (448,069)
The Fire Capital fund is overexpended as of the end of the third quarter. Interfund financing will be implemented before year end to carry the fund over until the City
can participate in LOCAL financing through the State of Washington. Several fire apparatus and other equipment have been acquired with this low cost form of
financing in prior years. This financing was budgeted in 2016.
Page 5 of 6
Yakima.7739.1.TS0 Q3 2016.xlsx
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
November 3, 2016
City Hall -- Council Chambers
9 a.m.
1. Roll Call
2. Council Budget Review by Department
Finance (continued)
Community Development
- Planning - Codes - ONDS - YRDA (Mill Site)
Economic Development
- CBD Capital - PBIA's - Capitol Theatre
- Convention Center
Public Works
- Administration - Streets & Traffic - Parks & Recreation - Cemetery
3. The next meeting will be a Council Study Session on November 8, 2016 at 9 a.m. in the
Council Chambers
4. Adjoumment
Any invocation that may be offered before the official start of the Council meeting shall be the
voluntary offering of a private citizen, to and for the benefit of the Council. The views or beliefs
expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the
Council, and the Council does not endorse the religious beliefs or views of this, or any other
speaker.
A Council packet is available for review at the City Clerk's Office and the Library. A packet is
also available on-line at www.yakimawa.gov.
The City provides special accommodations, such as hearing devices, wheelchair space or
language interpreters, for City meetings. Anyone needing special assistance please contact the
City Clerk's office at (509) 575-6037 at least two business days prior to the meeting.
J
Corrected Slide #24 - Finance
General Obligation Bonds
Convention Center
Expansion (refunding 1996 bonds)
Addition (refunding 2002 bonds)
Capitol Theatre Expansion
A) Non Taxable portion
B) Taxable -Build America Bonds('
Final
Issue Date Maturity
Original
Issue
Funding Source
2017 2017
Principal Interest
2017 Remaining
Interest Balance
Rate 12/31/2017
9/7/2004 11/1/2019 $ 4,175,000 Hotel/Motel Tax $ 380,000 $ 45,465 4.00% $ 730,000
5/8/2007 5/1/2026 4,910,000 PFD 315,000 147,470 5.00% 3,435,000
8/29/2009 12/1/2018 2,055,000 PFD
8/29/2009 12/1/2032 4,980,000 PFD/Tax Rebate
235,000 20,613 4.25% 250,000
- 260,439 3.42% 4,980,000
(1) Interest and rate are net of rebate. Interest on Build America Bonds (BABs) is taxable to bondholders. The City receives a rebate from the IRS lowering the effective interest rate.
General Government Infrastructure
River Rd, 16th, Fruitvale
Downtown Revitalization
Street/Pedestrian Improvements
Street Resurfacing/Improvements
Street Resurfacing/Improvements
Sports Complex Infrastructure
Downtown Plaza
Other General Government Projects
SunDome Expansion
Fire Station - West Valley
Fire Ladder Apparatus
Sports Complex -City Fields/Park
5/8/2001 5/1/2017
5/8/2007 5/1/2022
8/28/2008 12/1/2019
7/20/2013 6/20/2028
6/9/2014 6/1/2024
2017* 2028*
2017* 2038*
6/17/2003 12/1/2023
5/8/2007 5/1/2022
8/28/2008 12/1/2021
12/22/2015 12/1/2035
1,765,000
1,490,000
2,190,000
5,000,000
13,140,000
1,700,000
7,975,000
Gas tax
REET 2
REET 1 & 2
Property tax
Prop/Sales taxes
Gas tax or Other
Pledges/REET 2
Business License
1,430,528 fees, REET 1
815,000 REET 1
760,000 Property tax
5,000,000 Property tax
215,000 5,375
110,000 26,815
215,000 26,263
313,751 63,479
5.00%
5.00% 600,000
3.75% 455,000
1.67% 3,630,769
1,205,000 445,425 3.00% 9,885,000
- 4.00% 1,700,000
- 4.00% 7,975,000
78,302 68,387 4.39% 393,790
60,000 14,735 5.00% 330,000
60,000 13,050 3.75% 270,000
242,703 157,297 3.35% 4,512,916
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
October 10, 2017
City Hall -- Council Chambers
9 a.m.
1. Roll Call
2. Council Review of Proposed 2018 Budget -1 of 4
3. Adjoumment
The next meeting will be a City Council Study Session meeting on October 12, 2017, at 9 a.m. in
the Council Chambers
Any invocation that may be offered before the official start of the Council meeting shall be the
voluntary offering of a private citizen, to and for the benefit of the Council. The views or beliefs
expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the
Council, and the Council does not endorse the religious beliefs or views of this, or any other
speaker.
A Council packet is available for review at the City Clerk's Office and the Library. A packet is
also available on-line at www.yakimawa.gov.
The City provides special accommodations, such as hearing devices, wheelchair space or
language interpreters, for City meetings. Anyone needing special assistance please contact the
City Clerk's office at (509) 575-6037 at least two business days prior to the meeting.
2018 DEBT SUMMARY
J /ICJJI
MiSG bis+, a. t-
yt-61
General Obligation Bonds - 200 Funds
The City pledges its full faith and credit for General Obligation (GO) Bonds which consists of general tax
and some special revenues. Generally, interest payments on municipal bonds are not taxable to the bond
holder (exception: see Capitol Theatre -B below). The most common funding sources are property taxes,
real estate excise tax (REET) or a special revenue source such as the Public Facilities District (PFD) for
Convention Center and Capitol Theatre. Proposed new borrowings show an asterisk (*) by the Issue
Date. Issue and maturity dates and interest rates are estimated.
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - 200 FUNDS
Issue Final Original
Date Maturity Issue
Funding
Source
2018
Principal
2018
2018 Interest Balance
Interest Rate 12/31/18
Convention Center
Expansion (refunding 1996 bonds) 09/07/04 11/01/19 $4,175,000
Addition (refunding 2002 bonds) 05/08/07 05/01/26 4,910,000
Capitol Theatre Expansion
A) Non Taxable portion
B) Taxable -Build America Bonds"'
General Government Infrastructure
Downtown Revitalization
Street/Pedestrian Improvements
Street Resurfacing/Improvements
Street Resurfacing/Improvements
Sports Complex Infrastructure
Downtown Plaza
08/28/09 12/01/18
08/28/09 12/01/32
05/08/07
08/28/08
06/20/13
06/09/14
2017*
2017*
Other General Government Projects
SunDome Expansion 06/17/03
Fire Station - West Valley 05/08/07
Fire Ladder Apparatus 08/28/08
Sports Complex -City Fields/Park 11/17/15
Hotel/Motel Tax
PFD
$ 395,000 $ 30,265 4.00% $ 335,000
325,000 133,095 5.00% 3,110,000
2,055,000 PFD 250,000 10,625 4.25%
4,980,000 PFD/Tax Rebate
05/01/22 1,490,000
12/01/19 2,190,000
06/20/28 5,000,000
06/01/24 13,140,000
2028* 1,700,000
2038* 7,975,000
12/01/23 1,430,528
05/01/22 815,000
12/01/21 760,000
06/01/35 5,000,000
REET 2
REET 1 & 2
Property tax
Prop /Sales taxes
Gas tax or Other
Pledges/REET 2
REET 1
REET 1
Property tax
Property tax
110,000
225,000
319,031
1,245,000
311,130 3.42% 4,980,000
21,865
18,200
58,199
402,450
75,855 72,557
60,000 12,035
65,000 10,800
250,901 149,099
5.00%
3.75%
1.67%
3.00%
4.00%
4.00%
4.39%
5.00%
3.75%
3.35%
490,000
230,000
3,311,738
8,640,000
1,700,000
7,975,000
317,934
270,000
205,000
4,262,015
(1) Interest and rate are net of rebate. Interest on Build America Bonds (BAB's) is taxable to bondholders. The City receives a
rebate from the IRS lowering the effective interest rate.
2018 Council Budget Presentation - 227
YAKIMACITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
October 17, 2017
City Hall -- Council Chambers
9 a.m.
1. Roll Call
2. Council Review of Proposed 2018 Budget - 3 of 4
3. Adjournment
The next meeting will be a City Council Business meeting today, October 17, 2017, at 6 p.m. in the
Council Chambers
Any invocation that may be offered before the official start of the Council meeting shall be the
voluntary offering of a private citizen, to and for the benefit of the Council. The views or beliefs
expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the
Council, and the Council does not endorse the religious beliefs or views of this, or any other
speaker.
A Council packet is available for review at the City Clerk's Office and the Library. A packet is
also available on-ine at www.yakimawa.gov.
The City provides special accommodations, such as hearing devices, wheelchair space or
language interpreters, for City meetings. Anyone needing special assistance please contact the
City Clerks office at (509) 575-6037 at least two business days prior to the meeting.
2018 DEBT SUMMARY
( / / (
VI 1=1'j
IIIGeneral Obligation Bonds - 200 Funds
The City pledges its full faith and credit for General Obligation (GO) Bonds which consists of general
tax and some special revenues. Generally, interest payments on municipal bonds are not taxable to the
bond holder (exception: see Capitol Theatre -B below). The most common funding sources are property
taxes, real estate excise tax (REET) or a special revenue source such as the Public Facilities District (PFD)
for Convention Center and Capitol Theatre. Proposed new borrowings show an asterisk (*) by the Issue
Date. Issue and maturity dates and interest rates are estimated.
•
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - 200 FUNDS
Issue
Date
Final Original
Maturity Issue
Funding
Source
2018
2018 2018 interest Balance
Principal Interest Rate 12/31/18
Convention Center
Expansion (refunding 1996 bonds) 09/07/04
Addition.(refunding 2002 bonds) 05/08/07
Capitol Theatre Expansion
A) Non Taxable portion 08/28/09
B) Taxable -Build America Bonds`° 08/28/09
General Govemment Infrastructure
Downtown Revitalization
Street/Pedestrian Improvements
Street Resurfacing/Improvements
Street Resurfacing/Improvements
Sports Complex Infrastructure
Downtown Plaza
Aquatic Center
Millsite Infrastructure / Cleanup
Other General Government Projects
SunDome Expansion
Fire Station - West Valley
Fire Ladder Apparatus
Sports Complex -City Fields/Park
(1)
05/08/07
08/28/08
06/20/13
06/09/14
2018*
2018*
2018*
2018*
11/01/1 54,175,000
05/01/9 4,910,000
6
12/01/1 2,055,000
12/01/ 4,980,000
2
05/01/2
12/01/4
06/20/9
06/01/9
2028* 4
2025*
2048*
2035*
06/17/03 12/01/2
05/08/07 05/01/9
08/28/08 12/01/i
11/17/15 06/01/
5
1,490,000
2,190,000
5,000,000
13,140,000
1,700,000
9,000,000
4,500,000
11,500,000
1,430,528
815,000
760,000
5,000,000
Hotel/Motel Tax
PFD
PFD
PFD/ Tax Rebate
REET 2
REET 1 & 2
Property tax
Prop/Sales taxes
Gas/Prop taxes
Pledges/REET 2
Prop/Sales taxes
LIFT tax credit
REET 1
REET 1
Property tax
Property tax
5 395,000 S 30,265 4.00% $ 335,000
325,000 133,095 5.00% 3,110,000
250,000 10,625
- 311,130
110,000
225,000
319,031
1,245,000
75,855
60,000
65,000
250,901
21,865
18,200
58,199
402,450
45,000
60,000
60,000
72,557
12,035
10,800
149,099
4.25% -
3.42% 4,980,000
5.00%
3.75%
1.67%
3.00%
2.00%
2.00%
4.00%
4.00%
4.39%
5.00%
3.75%
3.35%
490,000
230,000
3,311,738
8,640,000
1,700,000
9,000,000
4,500,000
4,500,000
317,934
270,000
205,000
4,262,015
Interest and rate are net of rebate. Interest on Build America Bonds (BAB's) is taxable to bondholders. The City receives a
rebate from the IRS lowering the effective interest rate.
2018 Council Budget Presentation - 261