HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/04/2010 04B-2 Minutes 04-07-2010 Council Neighborhood Development Committee Ya kima City Council Committee Meeting Minutes
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Neigh6orFiood'DeveCopment Committee
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
9:30 a.m.
Council Members present: Bill Lover, Kathy Coffey, Dave Ettl
Staff: Michael Morales, Archie Matthews
Request from South Central Workforce Council re Job Fair 2010: Representatives from the
South Central Workforce Council requested reimbursement in the amount of $5,000 for the
fee to rent the Yakima Convention Center for Job Fair 2010. The Committee forwarded the
request to the full Council with a recommendation to approve. The Committee asked to be
provided with a follow up report containing statistical information from the job fair. They also
asked the South Central Workforce Council to update their funding request method;
beginning with the 2011 budget cycle, they should fill out an outside agency application that
will be considered along with other outside agency requests. The Committee warned that
funds will be very tight for the 2011 budget.
Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce request: Michael Morales noted that
the item was placed on the agenda because staff expected to have a complete proposal
from the Chamber by this date. However, the Chamber needs to further refine and clarify
• their proposal before staff will have a favorable recommendation for either the Committee or
the full Council. Chairman Lover commented that this request should probably be
considered under the general fund outside agency requests like the other Chamber
requests, and asked staff to make sure the Chamber is aware of the Yakima County CDBG
funds. Mr. Morales said he would make contact and offer to work with them.
Draft administrative procedure for purchase of property for infill housing opportunities:
This discussion was carried forward from the March meeting. Chairman Lover voiced
concern that requiring only City Manager approval for the purchase of properties would
leave the public out of the process. The members unanimously agreed that the Committee
can be bypassed regarding the purchase of property, but referred the final decision on to
the full Council, without a recommendation. The Committee will continue to receive regular
updates on all property purchases.
Marvin Gardens update:
Archie Matthews reported that the project is proceeding very successfully. Habitat for
Humanity has four homes completed; three that are occupied, one that will soon be
occupied, and their fifth home is under construction. OIC has three homes occupied, six
homes with occupancy permits that are ready to be sold, and six in progress.
Cosen House — 201 South 8 Street — New owner Albino Perez:
Mr. Matthews said it is likely that the property owner will require time beyond the June
deadline to complete the renovation. Mr. Perez has been invited to attend the May meeting.
Neiqhborhood Stabilization Program (NSP):
This state / federally funded program allows the purchase of abandoned or foreclosed
property. ONDS recently purchased property at 202 S 8 Street through this program and it
is being rehabilitated. They are in the process of closing on a HUD foreclosed property on
Mead & Voelker Avenues.
On a related note, Maude Scott asked the Committee to consider altering the traffic flow and
adding parking to the South 8 Street / Union Street area. Chairman Lover asked Ms. Scott
to write a letter to the Council Transit / Transportation Committee. Councilmember Ettl
serves on the transportation committee and will ask for consideration of the matter.
Other Business:
Councilmember Coffey described a crime intervention program known as "Weed & Seed."
She suggested a similar program could have a profoundly positive effect on NE Yakima
neighborhoods. Mr. Matthews said that part of the challenge is that rental housing is
generally excluded from assistance, and the NE Yakima area has a high proportion of rental
properties. Chairman Lover also cautioned that money should not be reallocated from
senior and low income programs to the gang issue. Luz Gutierrez praised the idea and
offered to help. Ms. Coffey asked to continue the discussion at the May meeting and asked
to have Mike Merryman from YPD attend.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Council Neighborhood Development
Committee will be Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. The agenda will include an
update and possibly a request for an extension for 201 South 8 Street, a proposed CDBG
investment into the National Development Council Grow America fund, and further
discussion of a Weed & Seed type program.
,z,
Bill. Lover, Chair Date