HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/25/2012 Study Session 285
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
September 25, 2012
Council Chambers -- City Hall
10 a.m. Council Study Session regarding Mill Site Issues
MINUTES
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1. Roll Call
Present: Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Maureen Adkison, Council
Members Sara Bristol, Kathy Coffey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager O'Rourke, City Attorney Cutter and City Clerk Claar Tee
Absent: Council Member Rick Ensey (excused)
Guests: Commissioners Rand Elliott and Mike Leita
2. Discussion Regarding Cascade Mill Site Issues •
City Manager Tony O'Rourke gave an introduction on a great economic development opportunity
at the former mill site; however, it requires significant environmental cleanup and infrastructure
investment. He discussed the historical and current update of the status of the mill site in
order to review the critical paths necessary to develop the area.
Jeffrey Louman and Mike Battle of Huibregtse, Louman Associates and Steve Lewis from
Lochner Engineering Consultants gave a Power Point presentation on the Yakima Cascade Mill
Site Projects including: East -West Corridor Projects; Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT);
Yakima Revenue Development Area (YRDA); YRDA LIFT request;YRDA Land Use Plan;
Development time line; regional economic impact; landfill property closure; and preliminary
critical path schedule.
Commissioner Leita noted developments can take on a momentum of their own and there is an
opportunity to tailor this proposal as opposed to following the proposal. Council Member Lover
questioned if a $20 car tab fee package could be used to support the development and
suggested staff look into this option.
There was discussion on a sports complex being developed in the area, and City Manager
O'Rourke suggested comparing site costs to alternative locations, such as the State Fair Park.
Dave McFadden of New Vision pointed out that LIFT designations are not working well in other
cities around the state and they are hoping to adjust and improve the legislation. Council
Member Coffey questioned if the City needs to utilize LIFT funding this year. Mr. Louman noted
it has to be spent by December 31, and spent in the calendar year. Mayor Cawley stressed the
City and County collaboration has been incredible and the momentum is good.
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3. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m. to a Council Business meeting on October 2, 2012 at 6
p.m. in the Council Chambers.
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