HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-13_Minutes - HCNBYakima City Council Committee Minutes
Healthy Communities & Neighborhood Building Committee (HCNB)
2"d Floor Conference Room
September 13, 2018
Committee Members
Councilmember/Chair Kay Funk
Councilmember Brad Hill (alternate)
Councilmember Kathy Coffey
Councilmember Jason White (absent)
Staff
Cliff Moore
Ana Cortez
Joan Davenport
Rosalinda Ibarra
Sara Watkins
Scott Schafer
Joseph Calhoun
Randy Beehler
Alvie Maxey
Archie Matthews
Others
Adrianne Garner (HBCC)
Larry Mattson (YVCOG)
Crystal Testerman (YVCOG)
With a quorum present, Chair Funk called this meeting to order at approximately 10:00 a.m.
Reports from Departments/Commissions
Transit Citizen Advisory Committee (TCA) — Maxey summarized two items that will be
presented to Council: the Yakima Transit Development Plan 2018-2023, which includes the 2017
Annual Report, and is submitted to the State annually in order to be in compliance and be eligible
for funding; and the YVCOG 314 Agreement which simply formalizes the collaboration of the City
to share transit statistical information with YVCOG and WSDOT to be in good standing with the
State and Federal government. Funk inquired about budget cutbacks to which Maxey replied that,
if necessary, Yakima Transit would propose cuts to the public outreach programs such as free
shuttle rides to the Fairgrounds. Hill asked about extending service of operation hours and Maxey
responded that the annual estimated cost is Y2 million dollars for every additional hour of service.
Parks & Recreation Commission (P&R) — Funk reported that the Randall Park improvements are
in the final phases of completion.
Henry Beauchamp Community Center (HBCC) — Nothing to report.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) — Calhoun stated that the Department of Archaeology
& Historic Preservation (DAHP) grant contract was received and is being reviewed by City staff.
The next meeting is 9/26 and there are still two vacancies on the commission.
Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) — The YPC held a public hearing on proposed text
amendments and the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) requests. At their next meeting on
9/26 the YPC will continue their study session on the extended stay hotel/motel definitions as well
as hold a public hearing for a proposed rezone at 5611 Ave & Summitview Ave. He noted a target
date of 11/6 for the City Council public hearings on the 2018 CPA's.
Bike & Pedestrian Committee (BPC) — the BPC discussed a public service announcement on
crosswalk safety through YPD. Their next meeting is 10/10. Calhoun also noted that three terms
will expire at the end of December.
Tree City Board (TCB) — the TCB is continuing their work on the tree inventory and hope to
finalize that within the next month or so. Their next meeting is 10/1.
Community Integration Committee (CIC) — Beehler reported that the CIC is in an information -
gathering phase and will be paying close attention to Council committee discussions, particularly
the strategic plan, budget, and recruiting and hiring practices. Beehler shared information about the
Government Alliance on Race and Equity organization. At their next meeting on 10/8 the CIC will
evaluate the resources available through that organization.
Fall 2018 Afterschool Pro rams / Role of the Cit — Cortez reported that the GRID (Gang
Reduction Initiative of Denver) steering committee will meet to discuss the charter that will guide
the functions of that body, review applicants to be considered for the coordinator position, and
begin prioritizing strategies. City staff will ensure that Council's priority for providing direct services
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to children is reflected in the budget as well as in partnerships with other agencies, such as YPAL
and Henry Beauchamp Community Center.
Homeless Operational Model/Administration, — Watkins indicated that the Homeless Governance
Committee is working on creating a charter that includes, among other things, a process to
address homelessness and procedures for the distribution of funding. The proposal will be
presented to the Board of County Commissioners at their October meeting.
Crystal Testerman addressed Funk's concerns regarding the numbers not being comparable in the
comparison between Washington State and Yakima County homeless performance and outcomes
according to the Homeless System Performance Report. She noted YVCOG's annual performance
rating at 99% and added that they are working towards improving their HMIS score of 76% by
receiving additional technical assistance from the Department of Commerce. She further clarified
the reporting numbers of sheltered versus unsheltered individuals.
Hill reminded Larry Mattson that Council expects a written reply to the motion requesting
information from YVCOG, which was unanimously passed at the recent Council business meeting.
Mattson requested clarification and expressed concern on several issues stemming from that
motion: comments about requesting data in order to assess the operations of YVCOG; accusatory
statements on the process for distributing funds/granting contracts; forthcoming letter to the City to
address issues about defamation of the YVCOG organization.
Affordable/Senior/Low Income Hous( /ter ent Issues Only — Matthews presented the 2005-2016
Affordable Housing Report. Highlights of the HOME program since 2005 include: HOME Funds
spent is $8,101,193; 53 single-family homes constructed and sold to qualified first-time
homebuyers; 195 affordable multi -family housing units. CDBG Funds spent is $3,931,378 and
have primarily been used in assisting low to moderate income individuals through the Single
Family Rehabilitation Program. Total investment of CDBG & HOME funds since 2005 is
$12,032,571 and have assisted 1,303 affordable housing units.
In-depth discussion continued about major upcoming projects such as the Bicycle Apartments on
North 50th Avenue, which consists of 88 units; the Yakima Housing Authority Armory Project on
South 16th Avenue, which provides housing for veterans; and the previous Pear Tree Place
housing development on Powerhouse Road. The committee was in consensus, when appropriate
and timely, that future projects be reviewed by the HCNB committee. Matthews informed of two
potential projects that will be presented to City Council in the next month: update a housing unit
with ADA accessibility, and another ADA assisted housing unit with new construction. Davenport
explained that staff is working on an affordable housing report which will be presented to City
Council later this year. Matthews mentioned that some of the challenges include a reduced staff
level, federal appropriations are unknown year after year, and the ability to maintain volunteers is
dependent on funding allocations. Watkins provided a recap of the litigation process of the Bicycle
Apartments appeal.
Community Crosswalks Feasibility Report — Schafer summarized that challenges due to staffing
levels and funding resources will have an impact in the ability to incorporate a neighborhood
crosswalk project in the City of Yakima. He provided an outline with questions related to initiation,
design, installation/maintenance, and liability issues. It was committee consensus to postpone any
consideration on this issue until Councilmember White is available to attend. It will be moved to the
next HCNB agenda.
Yak Back Progress Presentation — Beehler reported on the progress of the Yak Back program.
Since its inception, in 2013, usage has continued to increase, sometimes doubling. The City has
effectively promoted the use of the Yak Back Program through social media platforms (Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram), public service announcements, CityCast video programming,
news releases to local and regional media, and by handing out business -size cards to community
members with information in English and Spanish on how to access Yak Back. The ONDS Division
has benefited greatly with the use of the Yak Back because it allows them to respond to graffiti
issues in timely and productive manner. The City has maintained their commitment of responding
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to user requests within 48 -hours, whenever possible. Through August 2018, there have been 1,034
requests submitted with an average response rate of 88.3%.
High _ School Parking Safety — this item has been moved to the Public Safety Committee for
consideration.
Approval of Minutes — A unanimous vote to approve the 8/16/2018 minutes carried.
Future Items / Recap of Deliverables —
• HBCC quarterly meetings — add to the November HCNB agenda
• YVCOG written reply directly to City Council
• ONDS future projects to be added to HCNB on a monthly case by case basis
• Affordable housing report to City Council in November
• Add Community Crosswalk Program discussion to next HCNB agenda
Funk announced interpreter services are available with 48 hour advance notice.
Audience Participation — Adrianne Garner expressed appreciation to the City for participating in the
100 Jobs for 100 Kids program. She read comments submitted by staff about the youth
participants that were placed in the Community Development Department and Fire Department.
She also extended an invitation to the committee members to attend the HBCC's 50th Anniversary
celebration on 10/25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Henry Beauchamp Community Center.
Ad`ourn —This meeting adjourned at approximately 11:50 a.m. Next month's meeting conflicts with
Council budget study sessions. Cally Price will try to reschedule the HCNB meeting date;
otherwise, the Committee will consider cancelling the October HCNB meeting.
Approved by y r `
Date Approved:
Prepared by: Rosalinda Ibarra, Community Development Administrative Assistant
This meeting was recorded by Y -PAC.
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