HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/11/2010 00 Action Agenda ACTION ON
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED MEETING — STUDY SESSION
MAY 11, 2010 — 8:00 -9:30 A.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS — YAKIMA CITY HALL
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey,
Council Members Maureen Adkison, Dave Edler, Rick Ensey, Dave
Ettl and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager Zais, Police Chief Granato, Police Lt. Merrryman, and
City Clerk Kloster
2. Report from Council Public Safety Committee and City Management regarding a
Gang -Free Initiative (GFI)
City Manager Zais gave opening statements about the purpose of the presentation
and background leading up to the Gang Free Initiative. Chief Granato reviewed
the Executive Summary that was included in the information packet, which covered
areas of suppression, prevention /intervention, staff assignments, ongoing efforts
and next steps. Lt. Merryman outlined the framework for the GFI and explained
the organization chart and the implementation plan. Community and Economic
Director Morales talked about the GFI coordinator position and the necessary skill
sets for the position. Assistant Mayor Coffey explained the GFI timeline and task
list.
Council members discussed at length specifics of the proposal.
3. Audience Comments (9:15 — 9:30 a.m.)
• Nick Hughes stated the frustration of the grass roots groups and said he didn't
want the Council to "reinvent the wheel" with this proposal. He said there were
programs in Los Angeles that were successful in abating gang violence and
encouraged Council to study them.
• Police Sgt. Mike Costello assured Council that the YPPA is in full support of
this initiative and will do everything they can to move the program forward.
• Former Council Member Sonia Rodriguez offered recommendations that can
be acted on now while the Council pushes the GFI forward. She stated her
neighborhood has formed the Northeast Yakima Block Watch and has
sponsored a crime prevention fair that was very successful.
Council consensus was to discuss the GFI more thoroughly at a future date.
ACTION: Motion carried to adopt the recommended Gang Free Initiative and
move forward. VOTE: 6 -1, Edler voting no.
4. Adjournment — 9:55 a.m.
ACTION: Motion carried to adjourn. VOTE: Unanimous