HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/26/2022 Study Session 481
MINUTES
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
April 26, 2022
City Hall --Council Chambers
5:00 p.m. Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Janice Deccio, presiding, and Councilmembers Matt Brown, Patricia Byers,
Danny Herrera, Holly Cousens (attending remotely via Zoom)and Eliana Macias (attending
remotely via Zoom)
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Sonya Claar
Tee
Absent and excused:Assistant Mayor Soneya Lund
2. Public comment (allow 15 minutes)
None.
3. Public Development Authority
Senior Assistant City Attorney Ryan Bleek reported on several communities in Washington
that have successfully used Public Development Authorities (PDA) in Economic
Development projects. City Manager Harrison stated this would be a very effective tool for
downtown and wanted to introduce the concept to Council.
4. Tax Increment Financing options
City Manager Harrison introduced consultant Bob Stowe with Stowe Development and
Strategies. Mr. Stowe reported as a result of a new State law created in 2021, cities,
counties, and ports in Washington State may now utilize Tax Increment Financing (TI F)to
financially support infrastructure improvements (e.g., streets, water and sewer systems,
sidewalks, parking facilities, stormwater systems, park or community facilities, and brownfield
mitigation) necessary for private development, providing for jobs and additional tax revenue.
Mr. Stowe added that a TI F can be an important tool allowing public agencies to make
targeted infrastructure investments to spur economic development. TI F captures property
taxes generated from the increased assessed valuation on the site (called a Tax Increment
Area or TI A)that results from private development following the infrastructure investment.
MOTION: Cousens moved and Byers seconded to authorize going forward with a
Tax Increment Financing District. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Lund absent.
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5. Discussion of the draft Request for Proposals for development of the property on the East
side of South 3rd Street between East Walnut and East Spruce (across from the Law and
Justice Building)
City Attorney Sara Watkins reported as part of the evaluation of City-owned properties, the
City listed all properties that could be used for development of residential or mixed uses.
The property located across the street from the Law and Justice Building, which is currently
parking lots and office space, could be used for such developments. Ms. Watkins reviewed
several decision points for the Request for Proposals and the process.
Council reviewed and discussed the following decision points:
• Do you prefer one type of housing over another or make no preference? Council
agreed to keep the RFP open to both types of units which would also allow a mix of
affordable and market rate.
• Do you prefer a method of providing parking? Council agreed to indicate a preference
to underground parking over other parking options but not preclude any specific parking
plan through the scoring criteria by giving extra points to proposals with underground
parking.
• Do you want to require first floor commercial space (mixed use)? Council agreed to
require some first floor commercial space/require mixed use proposals.
• Do you want to require green space for tenants or public spaces? Council agreed to
require a green space for tenants and/or public space.
MOTION: Cousens moved and Byers seconded to direct staff to finalize the RFP
based on the conversation at today's study session and place it on an upcoming
Council meeting agenda. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Lund absent.
6. Resolution authorizing release and settlement agreement in the matter of West Valley
School District vs. City of Yakima, Yakima County Superior Court Cause No. 21-2-02153-
39
City Attorney Sara Watkins reported on a release and settlement agreement with West Valley
School District.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Cousens moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion
carried by unanimous vote, Lund absent.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2022-051,A RESOLUTION approving the Release and Settlement
Agreement in the matter of West Valley School District vs. City of Yakima, Yakima County
Superior Court Cause No. 21-2-02153-39.
7. Adjournment
MOTION: Cousens moved and Brown seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
regular meeting on May 3, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The motion
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carried by unanimous vote, Lund absent. The meeting adjourned `0 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
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