HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/15/2008 00 Misc Distributed at the MeetingOFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
129 NORTH SECOND STREET
CITY HALL, YAKIMA, WASHINGTON 98901
PHONE: (509) 575 -6040
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To: City Council Members
From: City Manager Dick Zais`O�
Community Relations Manager Randy Beehler
Subject: Chamber of Commerce State of the City Presentation
Date:. July 10, 2008
Council Members,
The State of the City presentation during the Chamber of Commerce luncheon next
Monday, July 14 (11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Clarion Hotel) is a wonderful opportunity
to provide a condensed report card on the City's major accomplishments and initiatives
during the past year. To help you prepare for the presentation, please review the
attached information:
1) The luncheon agenda
2) Brief descriptions of significant issues that the most active Council committees have
been dealing with
The Chamber has asked each committee chair to briefly discuss items his /her
committee(s) has been or is currently tackling. Council members who do not chair one
of the most active committees are also invited to talk about issues they would like to
highlight. As the luncheon agenda indicates, each Council member (and the City
Manager) will have about 3 minutes to offer prepared remarks. The remainder of the
time has been set aside for a question and answer forum.
Please let us know if you need more information about the Council committee issues
that are briefly described in this packet or any other items that you might like to address
during the luncheon. We can also answer any questions you might have about the
presentation format and /or your role in the event. ,
Yakima
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1994
Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce
General Membership Luncheon
"State of the City" Presentation
Monday, July 14, 2008
Clarion Hotel
Agenda
11:30 am Buffet Lunch is served
Raffle tickets are sold
12:00 pm Welcome - Brad Christianson greets the gathering and
introduces VIP's
Invocation - Pastor Jim Erickson, First Presbyterian Church Pastor
Erickson is also Chaplain to the City of Yakima Fire Dept.
Pledge of Allegiance
12:05 pm Introduction of New Members
12:07 pm Luncheon Sponsor Presentation
12:12 pm Chamber Awards Update
12:16 pm "State of the City" Presentation Introduction
Each of the 7 guest speakers will have 3 minutes at the
podium, beginning with Assistant Mayor Micah Cawley
and finishing with City Manager Dick Zais.
12:40 pm Question and Answer Forum with Council Members
and City Manager
12:50 pm "State of the City" Presentation Closing
12:55 pm Raffle.Drawing
1:00 pm Luncheon Concludes
1
Council Strategic Priorities/Vision & Mission Committee
Chair —Kathy Coffey
Dave Edler
Micah Cawley
Neil McClure (Alternate)
New City Vision & Mission Statements and Council Strategic Priorities
Following the City Council's January 2008 retreat, work began on revisions to the City's
Vision and Mission Statements and the Council's Strategic Priorities. The Vision and
Mission Statements serve as reference points when City programs, policies, and services
are adapted to meet the evolving needs of the community. The Strategic Priorities reflect
the Vision and Mission Statements, guide the City in the allocation of resources, and help
the City evaluate its performance in meeting established goals. The City Council adopted
revised Vision and Mission Statements and new Strategic Priorities in March of this year.
The City's current Vision Statement is:
To create a culturally diverse, economically vibrant, safe, and strong
Yakima community,
The City's current Mission Statement is:
To provide outstanding services that meet the community's needs
To govern responsibly by effectively managing and protecting
public resources
To build trust In government through openness, diverse leadership;
and communication
4 To strategically focus on enhancing .Yakima's quality of life
The Council's current Strategic Priorities are:
+ Maintain and Improve Public Health and Safety
+ Promote Economic Development and Diversification
+ Build and Utilize Strategic Partnerships
Preserve and Enhance Yakima's Quality of Life
Efficiently Manage Public Resources and Ensure Fiscal Stability
Provide Responsive Customer Service and Effective Communications
NJ
Council Budget Committee
Chair —Micah Cawley
Kathy Coffey
Neil McClure
Bill Lover, (Alternate)
City Budget Status
- Strict cost containment measures, a freeze on employee pay increases, and increased
construction activity that generated strong sales tax revenues combined to allow the City
to avoid dipping into reserves in order to cover General Government expenses for the
second year in a row.
- The City's 2008 budgets for both General Government (approximately $58 million) and
City -wide expenditures (approximately $181 million) continue the City's practice of keeping
expenditures responsibly constrained within existing resources. Approximately $800,000
in general fund expenses that were included in the 2007 budget were eliminated from this
year's budget in order to keep the City living within its means.
- The budgeting process for 2009 has already begun and the elimination of more
expenses will have to occur in order to balance next year's budget. .
- Ongoing private sector cost increases (fuel, insurance, construction materials, medical
coverage, utilities, etc.) along with labor cost increases are expected to continue to
outpace City revenue growth. Because of that, additional reductions in City programs and
services will be likely.
City Council Budget Committee
Formed in 2007, the Council Budget Committee is continuing its review of the City's
General Government Budget. The committee's review includes identifying potential
revenue opportunities that may be necessary to ensure the City's .ongoing Sustainability of
Services, establishing City services priorities, and identifying expenditures /services that
may be reduced, eliminated, combined, or.transferred to the private sector.
2006 Financial Audit
The City received its 21St consecutive "unqualified" audit report from the Washington State
Auditor's office for the 2006 fiscal year (the most recent audit performed). An "unqualified"
finding indicates that the City practices sound financial management and has solid
administrative procedures in place.
Utilities Credit Rating
The City received a two -step increase in its Water and Wastewater utilities credit rating
from Standard and Poor's in May 2008 just prior to the sale of $9 million in revenue bonds.
Due to the bump from an "A" to a "AA-" credit rating, the City will save money by paying a
lower interest rate on the bond, the proceeds of which are being used for on -going
enhancements to the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant and to refinance bonds that were .
previously sold to make improvements to the plant.
City Performance Audit
In April 2008, the Yakima City Council invited Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag to
conduct an independent, comprehensive performance audit of the City's operations.
Sonntag agreed to the request and the initial data gathering process began in June 2008.
Voters approved Initiative 900 in 2005 which requires the State Auditor to conduct
performance audits of state and local government agencies. 1 -900 also set aside a portion
of the state sales tax to pay for audits. The cost of the Yakima performance audit, which
could take a year or more to complete, will be covered by those funds.
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Council Economic Development Committee
Chair — Micah Cawley
Rick Ensey
Neil McClure
Kathy Coffey (Alternate)
More Than 2600 New Business Licenses Issued in Past 5 Years
In the past 5 years, the City has issued more than 2600 new business licenses, a strong
indication of Yakima's growing economy. The vast majority of the licenses have been
issued to brand new businesses, although a few resulted from a business being sold to
new owners or because the name of a business was changed.
Record Level Construction Activity
Construction activity in Yakima continues at record levels. In 2007, the City processed
258 permit applications, a 20% increase over the previous year. Permit activity appears to
be on pace in 2008 to exceed 2007 levels.
Commercial Revitalization Deduction Projects
All of the City's $12 million in federal Commercial Revitalization Deduction allocations
were made in 2007. Among others, projects included the new Fiesta Foods store on East
Nob Hill Boulevard ($3 million), the new Yakima Residences hotel on North Fair Avenue
($2.7 million), the new Columbia River Bank on North 5th Avenue ($855,000), and
rehabilitation of a Jeld -Wen, Inc. manufacturing building on North 6th Avenue ($1.5 million).
Capitol Theatre Campus Project
With funding provided through, a Public Facilities District consisting of the cities of Yakima,
Union Gap, and Selah, Phase 2 of the Capitol Theatre Campus improvement project is
progressing. The $9.5 million Phase 2 will include a Production Center, which will be
constructed on the east side of.the theatre, and a two -story annex, which will replace an
existing building to the north of the theatre and include office, meeting, and performance
space.
Yakima Resources Development
City staff is continuing to provide assistance to Yakima Resources in its ongoing effort to
develop property which was home to a wood processing operation. In June 2008, the City
Council authorized the City to apply for funding from the state Local Infrastructure
Financing Tool ( "LIFT ") program to assist in making improvements to roads, utilities, etc.
on and near the Yakima Resources property. Such improvements are key to the
development of the area.
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Council Public Safety Committee
Chair —Norm Johnson
Dave Edler
Bill Lover
Rick Ensey (Alternate)
Safe Community Action Plan
In summer 2007, the City Council adopted Phase 1 of the Safe Community
Action Plan ( "SCAP "). Utilizing resources made.available by the annexation of the City
into the Regional Library District, Phase 1 of the SCAP funds 7 new uniformed officers, a
crime analyst, and a crime - free - rental- housing clerk in the Yakima Police Department as
well as a computerized prosecution case management system and a Municipal Court
clerk. The new police officers are assigned to a dedicated Proactive Enforcement Unit
allowing the Police Department to expand its successful Emphasis Patrol program which
targets high -crime areas in the City.
Criminal Justice Enhancements Funded By Dedicated County Sales Tax
A .3% sales tax increase, approved by Yakima County voters in 2004, has enabled
important enhancements to be made to the City's Criminal Justice System.. The tax
currently funds 5 officers and 1 detective in the Yakima Police Department, 1 assistant
City attorney and 1 legal assistant, 2 Municipal Court clerks, a three - quarter time
Municipal Court commissioner, and 1 animal control officer. A sizable portion of the City's
share of the sales tax funds continues to be dedicated to increased inmate housing costs
at Yakima County facilities. Scheduled to sunset in 2010, preparations are underway by
Yakima County to submit a ballot measure to voters to renew the tax.
Decrease In Crime Rate
Yakima's increased focus on crime- fighting efforts and the additional resources that have
been made available through the SCAP and the .3% Public Safety Sales Tax are paying
off. In 2006, Yakima's crime rate dropped by almost 6% compared to the previous year.
In 2007, the crime rate was 17% lower than it was in 2006. Through April .2008, the crime
rate had decreased another 16% compared to last year.
Anti -Gang Ordinance
Last year the City Council adopted a'strict Anti -Gang Ordinance that gave law
enforcement additional tools to combat criminal street gang activity. Earlier this year the
ordinance was revised based on bills passed during the 2008 session of the Washington
State Legislature that provided clearer definitions of gang activity and stiffened penalties
for gang- related crimes.
Federal Public Safety Enhancement Grants
The City successfully secured 2 federal public safety enhancement grants that total more
than $700,000. The grant funding will be used to strengthen the City's gang resistance
and intervention programs and to purchase technology to assist with graffiti surveillance,
crime trend analysis, and data collection.
Emergency Medical Services 1qvy
In order to raise the standard of Emergency Medical Services ( "EMS ") care in Yakima, the
City Council is considering submitting a ballot measure for the November 2008 general
election to adjust the existing EMS levy. Increasing the current levy, rate from 25 cents -
per- thousand to 50 cents -per- thousand would provide funding for 14 additional firefighters
and enhanced on -scene paramedic support. The City Council will' hold a public hearing on
the EMS Levy proposal on July 22nd at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Council Downtown Yakima Futures Initiative Oversight Committee
Chair —Norm Johnson
Rick Ensey
Kathy Coffey
Neil McClure (Alternate)
Downtown Futures Initiative
- The investment of nearly $11 million in public funds in the Downtown Yakima Futures
Initiative ( "DYFI ") is making an impact. Paid for with a combination of allocations from the
State Legislature, state Community, Trade, and Economic Development funds, federal
Housing and Urban Development moneys, and City resources, Phases 1 and 2 of the
sidewalk, lighting, and landscaping improvements have encouraged private investment
and changed the downtown environment. The private sector has invested more than $50
million in Downtown Yakima in the past 3 years alone.
- The Association of Washington Cities recently presented the City with the 2008
Municipal Excellence Award for Economic Development in recognition of the positive
effects the first 2 phases of the DYFI are having in revitalizing Downtown Yakima.
Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire joined many other dignitaries for a
commemoration ceremony of Phases 1 and 2 in June 2008.
- Phase 3 of the DYFI will begin near the end of July 2008 and should be completed
before Thanksgiving. The $1.5 million Phase 3 will extend the sidewalk, lighting, and
landscaping improvements north and south along parts of 1St Street, 2nd Street, 3rd Street
and Naches Avenue.
Historic District Brick Street Pavers
In fall 2007, 100 years after the first brick street in Yakima was laid, community leaders
dedicated the installation of new brick streets in the Historic North Front Street District. As
part of a project to relocate utilities in preparation for the construction of railroad
underpasses on MLK, Jr. Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue, an L- shaped section of North
Front Street and "A" Street was paved with new bricks. The approximately $2 million
project was paid for mostly with capital funds from state agencies which are earmarked for
transportation improvements.
Downtown Housing Tax Incentive
In 2006, the City Council approved a tax incentive program targeted at encouraging the
development of multi - family housing in Downtown Yakima. The program is- currently being
utilized by a developer who is transforming the old Bon Marche department store into loft
condominiums.
Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area
Funds generated from assessments collected within an existing Parking and Business
Improvement Area ( "PBIA ") are currently allocated (by Council action) to the Committee
For Downtown Yakima ( "CDY ") for use in ongoing maintenance, promotion, and other
improvement activities in the City's core. COY has proposed disestablishing the PBIA and
forming a new, expanded Business Improvement District ( "BID "). Once a petition for a
new BID is submitted to the City Council by affected business and property owners, the
Council will consider establishing the BID boundaries and an assessment formula.
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Council Trans it/Transr)ortation Plannina Committee
Chair —Neil McClure
Micah Cawley
Rick Ensey
Bill Lover (Alternate)
River Road Improvements
Approximately $7 million in major improvements to 18 blocks of River Road, which include
utility upgrades, road widening, traffic signal installation, and new sidewalks, will be
completed in summer 2008. The project, which was paid for from more than a half -dozen
funding sources, substantially improves access to a major industrial and residential area of
the City.
MILK, Jr. Blvd. and Lincoln Avenue Underpass Projects
Phase 1 of the Lincoln Avenue /Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard underpass projects,
which primarily included relocating utilities, was finished in fall 2007. Acquisition of the
rights -of -way necessary for the project began last year as well and will be completed soon.
Construction on the Lincoln Avenue underpass is expected to begin in November 2008. -
Selah and Union Gap Transit Service
Yakima Transit began providing permanent Monday through Saturday bus service to the
City of Selah in the summer of 2007. The service also includes Dial -A -Ride 6 days a week.
Funding for the Selah route comes from a dedicated .3 %transit sales tax approved by
Selah voters in November 2006. In January 2008, Yakima Transit started permanent
Monday through Saturday bus service, including Dial -A -Ride 6 days a week, to the City of
Union Gap. A dedicated .2 % transit sales tax approved by Union Gap voters in
November 2007 pays for the service.
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program
A variety of "traffic calming" methods are being tried in various neighborhoods around the
City in order to encourage drivers to slow down. Radar speed limit signs have been
posted, an enhanced crosswalk at the Convention Center on 8th Street was installed,
"STOP for Pedestrian" bollards were placed at crossings of the Canal Pathway, and a
radar speed trailer was purchased and is being used by the Yakima Police Department.
Valley Mall Boulevard
Construction on Phase 3 of Valley Mall Boulevard, which includes a new section of
roadway connecting 3rd Avenue to 16th Avenue, has begun. The City of Union Gap, the
Washington State Transportation Improvement Board, the Washington State Public Works
Trust Fund Board, the Washington State Legislature, and the City of Yakima have all
contributed funding for the $15 million project. Completion of Valley Mall Boulevard will
enhance economic development by opening up additional land and by creating a direct
link between the Yakima Air Terminal and 1 -82.
VA
Council Neighborhood Development Committee
Chair -Bill Lover
Kathy Coffey
Neil McClure
Micah Cawley (Alternate)
Ready by Five Early Learning Center
The Yakima non - profit organization Ready by Five, the Yakima School District, and the
City are coordinating efforts to locate a site for a proposed early learning center in
Southeast Yakima. The $10 million center, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, is one element of a community partnership that will substantially increase
access to high - quality early learning opportunities for children from birth to age 5 in the
partnership's project area of East Yakima. The current preferred site is near Adams
Elementary School. Strong opposition was voiced during a public hearing earlier this year
to locating the Ready by Five facility on property which is now home to the Southeast
Community Center. That site was removed from consideration at the request of Ready by
Five.
Renewal Community Reauthorization
The City is actively pursuing Congressional reauthorization of Renewal Community
legislation which provides economic development incentives including wage credits, tax
deductions, capital gains exclusions, and bond financing. Yakima received 1 of the only
40 Renewal Community designations throughout the country 6 years ago. The program,
set to expire in 2009, has been a key economic stimulus in the Yakima area and is critical
to future growth.
Neighborhood Cleanup Program
The City's Neighborhood Cleanup Program has removed more than 30 tons of trash from
various sections of Yakima in 2007 and 2008.
Litter Reduction
In the last 2 years, more than 1200 litter abatement letters have been sent to property
owners in the City requiring them to clean up trash on or near their property. In 2007,
almost 80% of the property owners contacted complied with the notice. In 2008,
compliance has increased to nearly 90 %. Properties not cleaned up by the owner are
abated by the City and the owner is charged for all associated costs.
Illegal Dumping Program
The City's Refuse Division and Office of Neighborhood Development have established a
program designed to identify and clean up areas where trash has been illegally dumped.
So far in 2008, the program has cleaned up well over 100 sites. The more than 5 tons of
garbage that have been removed includes tires, appliances, furniture, brush, and a variety
of other trash.
Council Aquatics Feasibility Study Committee
Chair —Kathy Coffey
Dave Edler
Micah Cawley
Neil McClure (Alternate).
Regional Aquatics Center Feasibility Study
- Results of a feasibility study conducted by USHK of Lewiston, Idaho indicate that the
Yakima area is well positioned as a location for a regional aquatics center. The board of
the Yakima /Union Gap /Selah Public Facilities District has given initial approval to a .1 %
sales tax increase to fund construction of the center. Any increase in the sales tax would
ultimately have to be approved by voters in all 3 cities.
- Preliminary discussions are underway with the owners of Yakima Resources concerning
locating the center on Yakima Resources property, and with the Yakima Valley YMCA
regarding a potential partnership with the YMCA for operation and maintenance of the
center.
- Further analysis of the study results is underway and next steps in the process are being
determined. Key decisions will need to be made by local government, potential private
sector partners, and non- profit organizations as the consideration and evaluation process
continues.
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Council Ad Hoc Arts Committee
Chair —Kathy Coffey
Bill Lover
Norm Johnson
Arts Committee /Commission
The Council's Ad Hoc Arts Committee is working with representatives of the local arts
community toward the formation of a Yakima Arts Commission. The structure and
function of the commission is still under discussion. An arts commission could act as a
design review committee for proposed public arts projects, coordinate arts activities in the
community, assist in the marketing of arts programs, etc.
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City /County Intergovernmental Committee
Chair —Dave Edler
Norm Johnson
Neil McClure
Rick Ensey (Alternate)
Regional Stormwater Policy Group
The Regional Stormwater Policy Group, consisting of representatives from Yakima County
and the cities of Yakima, Union Gap, Moxee, .and Sunnyside, has transitioned from its
previous planning functions to now focus on and
oversight. The group is
developing a.stormwater manual to assist developers in meeting requirements related to
stormwater management. Work is also progressing on creation of an ordinance template
which will eventually be adopted by each participating jurisdiction.
Joint Adoption of Critical Areas Ordinance
Earlier this year the City and Yakima County jointly adopted an updated. Critical Areas
Ordinance. The ordinance guides development in order to protect critical areas such as
wetlands, wildlife habitat, geologic hazard areas, and flood hazard areas.
Uniform Development Standards /Growth Management Act Interlocal Agreement
Discussions between the City and Yakima County are continuing regarding the creation of
uniform development standards that would apply throughout the Yakima Urban Growth
Area. Uniform standards would provide predictability for developers and consistency in
the application of rules and regulations. Uniform development standards are one element
of an Interlocal Agreement between the City and Yakima County, which is currently being
renegotiated; that assures development within the Urban Growth Area is'consistent with
the state's Growth Management Act.
Airport Safety Overlay
The City and Yakima County are working together with board members and staff of the
Yakima Air Terminal to complete revisions to the existing Airport Safety Overlay ( "ASO ")
Completion of the ASO revisions will provide predictability for property owners and
developers within the ASO.
City /County Purchasing Operations Consolidation
The City and Yakima County jointly commissioned a study by the National Institute of
Governmental Purchasing ( "NIGP ") to examine overall procurement operations and to
evaluate the potential for consolidation of City and County purchasing functions. The
NIGP found that a joint City /County purchasing program could result in both cost savings
and improved services. The next step recommended by the NIGP is for the City and
County to go through a strategic planning process to more clearly determine the feasibility
of consolidating their respective purchasing operations.
Additional City /County Services Coordination
The City and Yakima County are actively exploring the potential for coordinating services
ranging from land use planning and code enforcement to street maintenance and inmate
detention. All options, including consolidation, which could_ result in improved levels of
service and /or reduced costs, will be examined.
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