HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/13/2021 Council Retreat1. Roll Call
Council: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding, and Councilmembers Kay Funk (present at 3:13
p.m.), Brad Hill, Soneya Lund and Eliana Macias
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, Communications and Public Affairs Manager Randy
Beehler and City Clerk Sonya Claar Tee
Absent: Assistant Mayor Holly Cousens (excused) and Councilmember Jason White
2. Public Comment
John Cooper, President & CEO Yakima Valley Tourism, discussed Covid-19°s affect on tourism,
reported on the nearly finished addition to the Convention Center making it the 4th largest in the
state, and shared his appreciation of Council for making the Convention Center and economic
development through tourism a priority.
3. Strategic Priorities
City Manager Robert Harrison outlined today°s agenda related to the Strategic Priorities.
Communications and Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler reviewed the City°s 2019-2021
Strategic Plan. Rob Peterson, Director of the Yakima Air Terminal, reported on the importance
of maximizing air development and economic development at the airport. Scott Schafer, Public
Works Director, discussed infrastructure needs in the City. Joan Davenport, Community
Development Director, reviewed elements of the transportation plan. Police Chief Matt Murray
provided a synopsis on community policing.
City Manager Harrison reported the timing for strategic planning is good considering this will help
define guidelines for federal resources. Councilmember Lund asked how much funding the City
receives for homelessness. Ms. Davenport reported in a normal year the City receives from HUD
approximately $1 million in Block Grant funding for services such as the senior disabled repair
program and approximately $500,000 in Home funds to utilize for housing units such
as partnering with the Housing Authority for the Armory Veterans Project, Bicycle Apartments
and Habitat for Humanity for single family homes.
Council members discussed consolidating strategic priorities and after discussion and amendment
the following motion was approved:
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strengthening partnerships, investment in infrastructure, public safety, fiscal sustainability
and housing. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens and White absent.
Mayor Byers stated staff should come back with tasks, goals and benchmarks on items under each
of the strategic priorities.
4. Adjournment
MOTION: Lund moved and Macias seconded to adjourn to the next City Council regular
meeting on April 20, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The motion carried by unanimous vote,
Cousens and White absent. The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
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