HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/2008 04B Minutes 06-04-2008 Council Economic Development Committee YakimarCety'yCouncol': Committee fCeetmg . _
Council Economic Development Committee
Council Chambers
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
4:00 p.m.
Members present: Council Members Cawley, Ensey, McClure
Staff: Dave Zabell, Michael Morales, Max Linden
Invited guests: Marie Zuroske /South Yakima Conservation District
Update on Yakima Resources Property
At a Public Hearing on June 10, Council will be asked to consider an
ordinance to establish the Yakima Sawmill Revenue Development Area
(RDA) for the Washington State Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT)
program. The LIFT program allows cities to finance infrastructure projects
for specific developments within established RDAs. The proposed Yakima
RDA consists of approximately 556 acres of public and private property.
The LIFT Application is due on June 30. It is estimated that twenty -one
communities will compete for LIFT program funding this year. Rick Ensey
moved and Neil McClure seconded to recommend approval of the
ordinance to the full Council. The motion carried 3 -0. The Committee has
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requested that this matter be kept on their agenda for the next several
months.
Eutrophication Study on the Lower Yakima River
Marie Zuroske of the South Yakima Conservation District gave a
presentation on a four -year study conducted on the Yakima River between
Selah Gap and Prosser. The study was to determine the amount of and
the source of nutrients in the river. The Conservation District conducted
the study to help with the cleanup plan they expect will eventually have to
be done by the Department of Ecology (DOE). They also hope to improve
the effectiveness of their current cleanup efforts. The Committee
appreciates all the work that the Conservation District has done, and
agreed that an early collaborative effort by the City and other stakeholders
will be more beneficial than waiting to see what DOE comes up with.
Wastewater staff will help keep Council updated on the process.
Greeting to Businesses
Micah would like the Council to begin sending a letter of greeting to new
businesses in the City. Staff will prepare a list of new 2008 business
licenses for the July Committee meeting. Renewed business licenses -
should be considered also. Neil mentioned that he has received a copy of
an unsigned and offensive letter that someone is sending to new •
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businesses. He thinks it's the perfect time to balance that letter with a
warm greeting to our businesses.
Micah also requested an update for the Riverpointe Landing project for the
July Committee meeting. The next regular meeting of the Council
Economic Development Committee is July 2, 2008.
/ i 6 - ?-or
Micah Cawley, C � ir Date
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