HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/2011 04B-5 Minutes 01-19-2011 Council Legislative Committee 2 lB —x5
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CouncilLegis(ative Committee
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Members in attendance:
Dave Edler, Chair
Kathy Coffey
Maureen Adkison
Staff members in attendance:
Michael Morales
Michael Morales gave an update on legislative issues affecting the City of Yakima and the
state.
Attorney General Gang Legislation: Sgt Hildebrand attended the hearing and spoke
in favor of the AG's proposed gang legislation bill.
Street Utility Bill: The Street Utility Bill is back. The Bill gives cities the authority to
impose a utility tax for road maintenance. The Bill would require a vote of the people
before Council could dedicate funds for road maintenance. This Bill is a priority for
AWC. Morales expressed concern with this Bill in that if it passes, the state could ask
local jurisdictions to give up or forfeit funding for other projects (FMSIB, TIB, etc).
Transportation Bill: This Bill would require DOT to work with local communities on
local streets that serve the state system. Some of the roads that could be included
would be First Street, Nob Hill, etc.
Morales discussed some issues at the federal levels as well. The legislators have until March
4 to pass the EDI (economic development improvement) funds. The City of Yakima
requested EDI funds for public safety, grade separation gap, and countywide gang funds. In
discussion with our lobbyist, she is preparing applications for transportation related projects
since transportation improvement projects might be all that would be funded if the EDI funds
are passed. The County will be submitting the application for the millsite funding.
With the National League of Cities Conference coming up, Morales wanted to review the
Council's priorities that were submitted last year to see if Council wanted to add, change or
delete anything from the list. The Committee members agreed to resubmit the same items as
last year (CDBG, Brownfield Redevelopment, and COPS funding). Mayor Cawley and
Councilmember Ettl will be attending the NLC conference this year. Steve Magallan (GFI
Consultant) and Commissioner Elliott will also be attending the conference.
There was discussion about possibly submitting joint funding requests. Coffey said that at
the last PAL Board meeting there was discussion about using Steve Magallan to assist with
grant writing for the PAL Center. In exchange for his services, PAL would give him an office
here in Yakima.
Morales asked the department heads to compile a list of priorities. As soon as he receives
the information he will send it to the Committee members.
Approved by: C ;`i;. 4 ( Date: C b'y l
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