HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-2019 MinutesPARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE MINUTES
2"d Floor Conference Room
July 19, 2019 @ 8:30 a.m.
Meeting convened at 8:30 a.m.
Council present: Mendez, Hill and Coffey
Staff present: City Manager Moore, Assistant City Attorney Watkins, Community
Development Director Davenport, Planning Manager Calhoun, City Clerk Claar Tee,
Director of Finance & Budget Steve Groom, Parks & Recreation Manager Wilkinson and
Communications & Public Affairs Director Beehler
Guests: Jeremy McLaughlin, Raquel Martinez and Kaleb Schwecke with the Yakima
Beer Garden Initiative; Sara Allen, Sarah Davila and Lisa Vallejo with the Tourist
Promotion Area and Yakima Valley Tourism CEO John Cooper
1. Approval of minutes — Hill moved and Coffey seconded to approve the 6-21-19
minutes. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
2. Public comment — none.
3. New business
A. Review draft Tourist Promotion Area Management Agreement to include
deliverables -- the Committee reviewed the proposed changes to the agreement.
Cooper suggested the following changes to the agreement:
➢ Scope of services (2-c):
• Change "hotel stays" to "hotel stays generated by the Bureau"
• Change "events" to "event days"
• Delete SunDome events and attendees
➢ Annual Administration Fee (5):
• Change "lesser" to "greater"
MOTION: Coffey moved and Hill seconded to send to the full Council with the
recommended amendments. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
B. Yakima Beer Garden Initiative -- McLaughlin, Martinez and Schwecke briefed the
Committee on the Yakima Beer Garden Initiative, which is a public/private
partnership in an 80/20 split to bring beer gardens to City parks in a mix of
permanent and mobile structures similar to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in order to
improve parks. They detailed the tourism benefits and how this initiative supports
local hop farmers and benefits parks in a number of ways. Schwecke reported
Milwaukee initially had concerns but they were unfounded as these events create
a family friendly atmosphere and that Franklin Park would be a great place to
start with some infrastructure already in place. He noted food would be served
and it would be similar to the Folk Life festival held there. Watkins noted Racine
and Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin have similar events, as does Portland, Oregon. She
stated the City would need to review liquor law, utilities and current ordinance
language. Wilkinson stated he is not familiar with the initiative; however, citizens
love their parks and will want to be heard. He also noted this would need to be
reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Commission and there could be parking
issues at Franklin. Moore advised the investment in Parks is great; however,
there needs to be a funding mechanism for maintenance. Martinez asked how
they could move this forward. Watkins stated the City cannot change state laws
or health district requirements and that some park lands were donated and must
remain as open space. Wilkinson added there may be other restrictions related to
the proximity of schools. Moore reported this topic will be added to the next
Council agenda preview meeting, which the Committee agreed would be a good
place to start.
C. Review Historic Preservation Commission – 1) possible reduction in members or
2) subset of Planning or Arts Commissions – Calhoun reported he has reviewed
this issue with the Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic
Preservation and this is not a unique problem. It is their recommendation and
Calhoun's to reduce the number of members from 7 to 5. It was Committee
consensus to bring back a proposed ordinance reducing the membership to 5 for
Council consideration.
D. Review boards & committee applications:
• Historic Preservation Commission application – it was Committee consensus to
recommend appointment of Dawn Noel King.
4. Old business—none
5. Other business—Coffey asked for a refresher on the abandoned vehicle ordinance.
Moore stated at the July 2 Council meeting, Council approved bringing back
proposals to strengthen the parking ordinance at a future meeting. Coffey stated
Council is receiving frequent complaints from a community member and recognizes
this as a problem; however, Council has many more significant problems that take
priority over this issue.
Moore noted at the last Council meeting staff was directed to reach out to our DC
lobbyists on immigration reform and to schedule a meeting with congressional
representatives on this issue. Moore asked who should be in attendance at such a
meeting. It was Committee consensus that the full Council should be involved. Moore
also noted he has asked Senator Murray's aide, Raquel Crowley, to find out why ICE
can't use the Lewis-McChord Airforce Base and is waiting on a response.
Mendez asked about an update on the Mill site. Moore advised the updates are
included in the Strategic Plan, which is provided at the Council monthly agenda
preview meetings.
6. Future agenda items
7. Adjournment – Mendez adjourned the meeting at 9:15 a.m,
(AA AM LI , h,
Carmen Mendez , Chair