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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/04/2014 10A Downtown Plaza Project; Reconsideration of Advisory Vote Measure on Primary Election BallotBUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. 10.A. For Meeting of: November 04, 2014 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ITEM TITLE: Reconsideration of vote directing placement of advisory vote measure on August 2015 primary election ballot SUBMITTED BY: Mark Kunkler, Senior Assistant City Attorney SUMMARY EXPLANATION: On March 18, 2014, the City Council by 4-3 vote approved a motion to place the proposed downtown plaza project on the primary or general election ballot as an advisory vote measure. On June 3, 2014, the City Council by 6-0 vote (Council Member Adkison absent) approved a motion to put the downtown plaza to an advisory vote on the August 2015 ballot. (Copies of Council Meeting Minutes attached.) On October 7, 2014, the City Council discussed a motion to reconsider the June 3, 2014 vote and decision to seek an advisory vote. The reconsideration of the decision to put the downtown plaza to an advisory vote has been placed as an agenda item for discussion and action at the November 4, 2014 regular Council Meeting. As with previous Council actions on this issue, the matter can be decided by Motion. Resolution: Other (Specify): Motion Contract: Contract Term: Start Date: End Date: Amount: Ordinance: Item Budgeted: NA Funding Source/Fiscal Impact: Strategic Priority: Insurance Required? No Mail to: Phone: Economic Development APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: RECOMMENDATION: Council decision. City Manager ATTACHMENTS: Description Upload Date Type Minutes 03182014 Business Meeting 10/29/2014 Backup Materliall Minutes 06032014 Business Meeting 10/29/2014 Backup Materliall 1 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL March 18 2014 City Hall -- Council Chambers 6 p.m. Business Meeting; 6:30 p.m. Public Hearings -- MINUTES BUSINESS MEETING 1. Roll Call Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey, Council Members Maureen Adkison, Tom Dittmar, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover Staff: City Manager O'Rourke, City Attorney Cutter and Deputy City Clerk Stephens 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Cawley led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Open Discussions for the Good of the Order A. Presentations/recognitions/introductions i. Recognition of David Brown, Water/Irrigation Division Manager, for 30 years of service. Director of Utilities and Engineering Debbie Cook introduced Water and Irrigation Manager Dave Brown and recognized him for his 30 years of service. B. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Council Committees i. Appoint Council Member Dittmar as liaison to the Southeast Community Center and appoint a Council Member to the YVCOG General Membership Board. Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to appoint Council Member Dittmar to YVCOG General Membership Board and as liaison to the Southeast Community Center. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. 4. Council Reports None. 5. Consent Agenda Mayor Cawley referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions,or deletions from Council members or citizens present. The following items were added to the consent agenda: 14. Request to Reallocate Parks & Recreation Capital Funds intended for the Southeast Community Center Restroom Restoration Project to the Yakima Food Bank Building Project. 16. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to grant a 1% base pay increase and $500 lump sum for all non -represented City employees for 2014. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances, by title. Page 1 of 6 43 44 (Items on the Consent Agenda are handled under one motion without further discussion—see motion directly below.) Ensey moved and Dittmar seconded to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. A. Approval of the minutes from the February 4, 18 and March 11, 2014 City Council Business meetings; January 30 and February 25, 2014 Study Sessions and February 28, 2014 Special Meeting. B. 4th Quarter 2013 Treasury Report. C. 4th Quarter 2013 Accounts Receivable Status Report. D. Consideration of changing Human Resources Division to a City Department. E. Resolution ratifying emergency electrical repairs at Lions Pool. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-041, A RESOLUTION ratifying the declaration of an emergency and authorizing the City Manager to execute all applicable contracts for the repair/refurbishment of the electrical service panel and branch circuits associated with the office electrical panel at Lions Pool. F. Resolution authorizing the 2014 Agreement with the Yakima Valley Umpires Association (YVUA) for officiating services for the Parks and Recreation Softball Program. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-042, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute 2014 Agreement between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Valley Umpires Association for the purpose of obtaining officiating services for the City of Yakima's organized softball program. G. Resolution authorizing execution of Amendment No. 1 of the Interlocal Agency Agreement with Yakima County, to have the County perform Right -of -Way acquisition services for the City on Capital Improvement Projects. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-043, A RESOLUTION authorizing execution of Amendment No. 1 of the Interlocal Agency Agreement with Yakima County, to have the County perform Right -of -Way acquisition services for the City on Capital Improvement Projects. H. Ordinance updating Classification and Compensation Plan for City Employees Section 2.20.100. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-005, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective April 20, 2014; and repealing all preceding pay ordinances in the City of Yakima Municipal Code. I. Request to Reallocate Parks & Recreation Capital Funds intended for the Southeast Community Center Restroom Restoration Project to the Yakima Food Bank Building Project. J. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to grant a 1% base pay increase and $500 lump sum for all non -represented City employees for 2014. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-048, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to grant a 1% base pay increase and a one-time lump sum payment of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for all non -represented City employees for calendar year 2014. 6. Audience Participation Timer Harrison -O'Dell, City resident, spoke against cancelling the Yakima -Ellensburg commuter bus. Page 2 of 6 45 Michael Hayes, City resident, discussed his concerns regarding lack of curb cuts on Arlington and 16th Avenue and Folsom Avenues. Pat Smart, City resident, stated her support for elimination of the Pit Bull Ban. Lynne Kittelson, City resident, discussed her ideas for the Downtown Plaza. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. Final Public Input hearing on the 2013 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Office of Neighborhood Development Services. ONDS Manager Matthews briefed Council on the report and stated no further action is necessary after the public hearing. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing and, with no one coming forward to speak, closed the public hearing. 8. Public Hearing and consideration of a Resolution to amend the 2014 - 2019 Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Director of Utilities and Engineering Debbie Cook noted the City received some unexpected funding so they have amended the list to include four additional projects.. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing and, with no one coming forward to speak, closed the public hearing. The City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-044, A RESOLUTION to amend the Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the period of 2014 through 2019 to include projects affecting the City's Transportation Plan. Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. 9. Public Hearing and ordinance of the City of Yakima relating to dissolving the Transportation Benefit District. Assistant City Attorney Faul briefed Council on the item. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing and, with no one coming forward to speak, closed the public hearing. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-006, AN ORDINANCE of the City of Yakima, Washington, relating to dissolving the Transportation Benefit District. Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to pass the ordinance. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. 10. Public hearing to consider.the Yakima Planning Commission's Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Recommendation, and Ordinance amending Chapter 15.08 Signs of the Yakima Municipal Code regarding:regulation of billboards and off -premises signs within the City of Yakima. Page 3 of 6 46 Community Development Director Osguthorpe briefed Council on the issue. Planning Commission Chair Fonfara noted the Commission held eight public meetings on the matter, which included representatives from the billboard industry and they received a lot of good input. He reported members present at the February 26, 2014 Planning Commission meeting unanimously approved the draft ordinance. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing. The following people spoke against the ordinance: Jean Owens, Selah resident; Tom Knaub, non-resident and billboard representative; Rob Legrone, non-resident and billboard representative; Peter Grover, non-resident and billboard representative; Neal Schreibeis, non- resident and billboard representative. The following individuals spoke in favor of the ordinance: Paul Nagle -McNaughton, City resident; Mike Davison, City resident; Ralph Call, City resident; Hary Leavitt, City resident; and Linda Wierman, City resident. Mayor Cawley closed the public hearing. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title. AN ORDINANCE relating to regulation of signs, amending Chapter 15.08 of the Yakima Municipal Code regarding regulation of billboards and off -premises signs. Ensey moved and Dittmar seconded to reject the ordinance and ask City staff to meet with the billboard owners and managers to come up with some regulations on maintenance and appearance, specifically time frames on when graffiti and when material comes down, getting it replaced. The motion carried by a 5-2 roll call vote, with Cawley and Coffey voting no. City Manager O'Rourke noted this vote does not include the amortization of any signs. Coffey moved and Ensey seconded to send this issue to the Council Built Environment Committee in April to guide the process. The motion carried by a 5-2 roll call vote, with Dittmar and Lover voting no. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 11. Resolution authorizing a Professional Services contract with Gustafson Guthrie Nichol LTD (GGN) not to exceed $145,000 to prepare design plans for a downtown central plaza. City Manager O'Rourke stated there is a strong consensus that Gustafson Guthrie Nichol is the right fit for this job, with their prior work and personal connections and commitments to Yakima. Strategic Projects Manager Davenport briefed Council on the agreement. Council Member Lover discussed sending this issue to an advisory vote of the people on the November General Election. Council Member Ensey suggested this be added to the citizen survey instead, with a follow-up poll of citizens for better feedback. City Manager O'Rourke noted the survery is generally sent out in June; however, it could be delayed until fall, when there may be a recommended plan. The City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-045, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Gustafson Guthrie Nichol LTD (GGN) not to exceed $145,000 to prepare design plans for a downtown central plaza. Page 4 of 6 47 Coffey moved and Adkison seconded to adopt the,resolution. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Lover moved and Dittmar seconded to add this as an advisory vote to the primary or general election. The motion carried by a 4-3 roll call vote with Coffey, Ensey, Adkison voting no. 12. Resolution authorizing an agreement with Carl Walker Inc. to conduct a parking study in Downtown Yakima. Strategic Projects Manager Davenport briefed Council on the agreement. The City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-046, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager toti execute an agreement with Carl Walker Inc. to conduct a parking study in Downtown Yakima Dittmar moved and Ettl seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by a 6-1 roll call vote, with Lover voting no. 13. Consideration of Urban Economic Analysis of Cascade Mill Site. City Manager O'Rourke briefed Council on this issue. Coffey moved and Ensey seconded to approve. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. 14. Resolution authorizing acceptance of SAFER Grant Awarded to Yakima Fire Department. Acting Fire Chief Stewart briefed Council on the grant awarded in the amount of $118,000 by FEMA. The City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-047, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary contracts and other documents for the acceptance of a Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCES 15. Ordinance amending the City of Yakima pit bull dog prohibition to provide certain specific exceptions to the prohibition and permit possession of pit bull dogs within the City under certain conditions; amending YMC 6.18.020 (B) and adding new Section (C). • City Manager O'Rourke stated staff is conducting additional research and requested the item be postponed. It was Council consensus to postpone the issue. 16. Other Business 17. Adjournment Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to adjourn to the next Council Business meeting on April 1, 2014. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Page 5 of 6 48 CERTIFICATION READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY COUNCI EMBER DATE CO - CIL MEMBER DATE AYOR Page 6 of 6 1 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL June 3, 2014 City Hall -- Council Chambers 6 p.m. Business Meeting; 6:30 p.m. Public Hearings -- Minutes BUSINESS MEETING 1. Roll Call Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey, Council Members Tom Dittmar, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover Staff: City Manager O'Rourke, City Attorney Cutter and City Clerk Claar Tee Absent: Council Member Maureen Adkison (excused) 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Cawley led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Open Discussions for the Good of the Order A. Proclamations i. 011ie Nelson proclamation Mayor Cawley read the proclamation and Eric Carlson accepted it. B. Presentations/recognitions/introductions i. Recognition of Equipment Rental Employee David Stoothoff for 25 Years of Service. Equipment Rental Manager Wonner recognized employee David Stoothoff for his 25 years of service to the City. 4. Council Reports None. 5. Consent Agenda Mayor Cawley referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from Council members or citizens present. There were no changes. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances, by title. (Items on the Consent Agenda are handled under one motion without further discussion—see motion directly below.) Motion: Coffey moved and Ensey seconded to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote, Adkison absent. A. 1st Quarter 2014 Accounts,Receivable Status Report B. 1st Quarter 2014 Treasury Report Page 1 of 4 69 70 C. Resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Alfa Laval Inc. to perform emergency and routine maintenance on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Decanter System. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-075, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Alfa Laval to provide routine and emergency maintenance for the Wastewater decanter. 6. Audience Participation Ken Irvine, non-resident, complained about a cat issue at his mother-in-law's house in Yakima. Nick Many, City resident, stated his business was approached by the Code Division regarding sign issues. He stated they rely on signs as the backbone of their marketing strategy and feels Codes is shooting from the hip. Sharon Mayhak, City resident, complained about the Code Division enforcing the sign ordinance. She stated she has had her sign/flag up for over seven years and feels it brings in her customers. Jedidiah Haney, City resident, stated he wanted to publicly support a new Yakima business called Analytical 360 Degrees, which is the first state certified lab for marijuana. Joey Anderson, City resident, complained about the Police Department and provided a DVD to the City Clerk. Thomas McCormick, City resident, expressed his appreciation for the Sunday Transit service. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. Public Hearing to consider: A) Adoption of the Six -Year -Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the years 2015 to 2020, and to amend the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, and B) Amend the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element. Chief Engineer Sheffield briefed Council on the public hearing items. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing. Phil Hoge, City resident, presented Council with a memo of his comments/concerns and read them aloud. Paul Tabayoyon, City resident, believes the information from Mr. Hoge is pertinent. He stated he is an avid cyclist and recently moved from 34th and Lincoln where police officers would drive 60- 70 mph without lights on. He would also like to see the unfinished section of the sidewalk on 24th Avenue finished. Mayor Cawley closed the hearing and noted this entire issue will be brought back for action at the next Council meeting. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 8. 1st Quarter Financial Trend Monitoring Report Cindy Epperson, Director of Finance and Budget, briefed Council on the report. 9. 2013 Year End Strategic Projects Report City Manager O'Rourke briefed Council on the 2013 Year End Strategic Projects Report. Mayor Cawley asked if anyone had any questions and, hearing none, stated Council would accept the report. Page 2 of 4 10. Consideration and direction from City Council for a proposed Indoor Pool Facility. Parks and Recreation Manager Wilkinson briefed Council on the options. City Manager O'Rourke stated it would cost approximately $3 million to upgrade Lions Pool and another $2 million for Franklin Pool. John Crawford, non-resident, stated at one time there was a plan to put a pool at Fisher Golf Course, and asked if that was still an option. He believes Fisher Golf Course is a beautiful addition to the City. He spoke in support of putting a new pool at the 16th Avenue site, not because he owns the property, but because of the location and how people visualize the City. John Kessler, City resident, stated he has a unique perspective as an avid swimmer and swim coach. He is in support of building a new indoor facility, as well as keeping Franklin open. Jim Smith, City resident, spoke in support of pools and thinks the City should partner with the YMCA. Council Member Ensey stated he would like more discussion with the community before deciding what type of pool to build. Council Member Lover would like to rule out Fisher Park as an option for a new pool. After Council discussion, Motion: Ensey moved and Dittmar seconded to leave Fisher Golf Course off the list of consideration for pool locations. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote, Adkison absent. 11. Other Business Assistant Mayor Coffey noted she spoke with former Mayor John Puccinelli who stated the City previously had a Citizen Police Advisory Committee. City Manager O'Rourke noted they would look up the history of this Committee. Mayor Cawley suggested the Council Economic Development Committee review the City's codes as they pertain to signs. Council Member Lover brought up the downtown plaza issue and feels this should go to an advisory vote. He stated the ballot information should include a description of the plaza and additional items that affect the plaza such as parking changes and cost estimates. Council Member Ettl stated his concerns that there is not enough time to educate the public on this issue. Motion: Lover moved and Ensey seconded to direct staff to prepare an up/down advisory vote regarding the downtown plaza to be included on the November 2014 ballot. The motion failed by a 3-3 roll call vote, Cawley, Coffey and Ettl voting no, Adkison absent. Motion: Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to put the downtown plaza to an advisory vote on the August 2015 ballot. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote, Adkison absent. 12. Adjournment Ensey moved and Dittmar seconded to adjourn to the next Council Business meeting on June 17, 2014 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote, Adkison absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. CERTIFICATION READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY tO 3 t DATE Page 3 of 4 71 72 OUNCIL MEMBER DATE Page 4 of 4 D si t it ub ted at the gl Meeting ll' t4 - October 29 — November 4, 2014 Comments regarding advisory vote as of 5:00 p.m. on 11/4 (typed as submitted — errors included) STOP THE ADVISORY VOTE 11/4/2014 Email from Barbara Cline, barbara(a�traho.com Attached please find a brief letter which speaks in favor of stopping the Plaza advisory vote. The text of the letter also follows: "Re: Stop the Plaza Advisory Vote. To the Yakima City Council, This letter speaks in favor of stopping the Plaza advisory vote. Many good ideas sit on shelves in many municipalities. The Plaza project will clearly benefit the greater good of Yakima and its surrounding communities. That time is now, momentum is at hand, and a very good idea is presented by the Plaza. Let's not leave this idea on a shelf. Stop the advisory vote. Thank you. 11 Email from Megan Newell, megz.newell(a�gmail.com 4114 W. Lincoln, 98908 Please reconsider the advisory note and support the building of the plaza — it will do great things for a downtown that needs it! 11/1/2014 Email from Nancy & Joe Gabriel, gabrielinf(a�msn.com We want our city counselors to vote on the plaza, making a decision in our best interest as citizens. As newer Yakima residents (six years), we continue to look forward to a lively, lovely downtown. 10/31/2014 Email from Julie Gilbert, julierankingilbertCc�gmail.corn 5402 Peach Ten Lane, 98908 Please reconsider your decision to hold an advisory vote for the new downtown plaza. A vote will cost taxpayers money that could be spent toward future downtown improvements. A vote would not adequately represent a majority of residents opinion in an off-year election. We have a custom-made, world class design that will drive private investment in our downtown core. Don't let the naysayers keep us from moving towards the future. There has never been an advisory vote for any other development projects in the history of Yakima. Please cancel the advisory vote! 10/30/14 Email from Alison Guernsey, alisonguernsey( (mail„corn 908 S. 31St Avenue, 98902, 319-541-4732 I am relatively new to Yakima. My husband and I moved here for my job in 2011. We recently welcomed a baby girl to our family. Since moving here, I have seen Yakima grow by leaps and bounds. However, we need to do more. This plaza is necessary to ensure that we keep building a positive community environment that will make young, professional families like mine want to stay in Yakima. I've been following the debate surrounding the plaza closely from the newspaper and I believe without a doubt that it is worth the effort and expenditure. Please don't let all of this hard work go to waste. 1 fear that an advisory vote will not reflect the true attitude of the community. Please lead' Yakima in the right direction and abolish such a vote. Because I have a newborn daughter I will be unable to attend the upcoming meeting. But please consider my thoughts as one of your constituents. 10/29/14 Email from Natalie Martinkus, Natalie.martinkus(a�email.wsu.edu I am writing to ask you to please stop the advisory vote on the plaza and just vote to make this wonderful idea a reality. Our town badly needs a place that all residents can be proud of and intermingle at. This plaza would build bridges between the Hispanic and white communities in our town. As our children play together in the splash pads in the plaza it will build tolerance and respect for each other and in the end, trust. As a parent of small children, there are few places in town that I can take my children for entertainment or activities. Currently, there are parks and one (?) public pool, but in the summer months it would be SO NICE to have a splash pad to play at. We have enjoyed them in other cities, and it would be wonderful to have one here, right in the center of downtown. This plaza will also help revitalize downtown as people are drawn to it for recreation and events. The downtown wineries and restaurants will thrive as people go downtown for outdoor evening concerts and grab a bite to eat or a glass of wine to enjoy on the plaza. Yakima has so much potential to be a ► eally cool place that RETAINS young families. We are right next to the mountains, have a thriving wine and beer scene, and have great terrain for cycling and fly fishing. However, I have not seen the City of Yakima capitalize on any of this to promote our city as a great place for young people to live and work. If you are not from here, there is not much draw to stay. It is time that we celebrate what makes this area great and redefine who we are. Please build this plaza!! Email from Charles Johnson, chuckjule(a)_gmail.com Having spent almost 10 years as the Plant Manager for Tree Top Inc's plant in Selah, 1 have some experience in leading people to achieve more then they thought possible. Many times I sought out advise from other manufacturing managers, sought out advise from associates I trusted and many times went on gut feel. Never did I take a poll or advisory vote from the 700 employees, knowing some or many of them would be disappointed. Do your job, talk to experts, do your research but do not take an advisory vote of the people. Most will not vote and no matter wither they do or do not, you and they will not be happy. Email from Matt Tweedy, mtweedyaambtools.com Please end this ridiculous advisory vote. All the potentially negative aspects of this proposal have been adequately listened to and addressed. Down town has come a long ways over the last 10 years. Lets finish the job and provide the infrastructure to allow continued development and improvements in our great downtown. Email from Kathy Holmes, Kathv.holmes50 angmail.com 5401 Glacier Way, 98908 I encourage you to stop the advisory vote on November 4th The plaza would be a wonderful addition to Yakima and set us far apart from other cities the same size. Please be the leader we elected you to be and stop the advisory vote. Email from Gabriella Hill, gabenrickacharter.net 410 S. 26th Avenue, 98902 I would like to see this plaza happen. Email from Frank Hieber, fhieber@gmail.com Do what you were elected to do. Represent and lead. Push the plaza project forward. Email from Gay Dorsey, gavdooavahoo.com 513 Follow Through Drive, 98901 Let's ,get this project going! We want the plaza. KEEP THE ADVISORY VOTE 11/2/2014 Email from Tam Edmonston, tamelaedmonston(a,gmail.com I am writing you as a taxpayer. I believe that any project which requires spending millions of dollars, should be taken to the Voters for an Election. The voters/taxpayers have a right to give to vote how tax dollars should be spent. I feel a better use of tax payer dollars would be to fight crime and create a safe environment for citizens to want to do downtown. Please use our hard earned money/tax dollars wisely. Email from Robert Massong, bobmassonqacharter.net According to the Yakima Herald 1 understand the Council may rescind the original plan to hold an advisory vote on the downtown plaza. As a voter and with the amount of money to be spent. i feel it should be left up to the citizens of Yakima to determine the fate of this project. Not seven people November 4, 201.4 Yakima City Council 129 North 2nd Street Yakima, WA 98901 Re: Stop the Plaza Advisory Vote To the Yakima City Council; This letter speaks in favor of stopping the Plaza advisory vote. Many good ideas sit on shelves in many municipalities. The -Plaza project will clearly benefit the greater good of Yakima and its surrounding communities. The-tirne'is now, momentum is at hand, and a very good idea, is presented •by the Plaza. Let's not leave this idea on a shelf. Stop the advisory vote. Thank you, Barbara Cline_ 1857 Weikel Road Yakima, WA 98908