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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/2016 Special Meeting1 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING May 25, 2016 City Hall — Council Chambers 10 a.m. -- MINUTES 1. Roll Call Council: Mayor Avina Gutierrez, presiding, Council Members Maureen Adkison, Kathy Coffey, Dulce Gutierrez, Bill Lover and Carmen Mendez Staff: Interim City Manager Cutter, Acting City Attorney Kunkler and City Clerk Claar Tee Absent: Assistant Mayor Holly Cousens (excused) Mayor Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance 2. Interpreter services announcement Mayor Gutierrez announced interpreter services are available. 3. Resolution approving development and execution of Lease for Temporary Homeless Encampment with Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima Acting City Attorney Mark Kunkler briefed Council on the issue. He noted there are court cases around the country stating that if a City does not have a designated homeless space with restroom facilities, then the City may be unable to enforce the City's Code. Council Member Adkison stated her concern that some homeless may not use the encampment. Mr. Kunkler responded that if the Council moves ahead with this issue, Legal would bring back a clear amendment to the Code, which would allow the City to prevent encamping on City rights-of-way and sidewalks in order to enforce the law. Council Member Coffey shared her concerns with the proposed site, as it is the main entrance to Yakima, is near a park, two major hotels and other businesses. She suggested looking at the small park by Minda Lanes between 2nd and 3rd streets, which is not surrounded by a residential area and is behind an industrial site. She also asked about the funding. Council Member D. Gutierrez is also interested in looking at the area by Minda Lanes. Larry Mattson, President and CEO of Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, reported funding will come from the Yakima County Local Filing Fee revenue, also known as the 2163 fund. He stated they are working on a five-year plan regarding homelessness with the faith -based community and other interested parties and that this is only a temporary solution. He feels the winter emergency shelters also need to be addressed as they were intended to be temporary. He noted there will be a meeting on May 31st to discuss the criteria for a location and their group will also put together a site selection committee, which will include members of the homeless. The following community members spoke against the proposed location and encouraged Council to Page 1 of 3 411 412 slow the process and consider other locations: Verlynn Best, CEO of Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Allan, with the Ledgestone Hotel; Sarah Purdy, with the Ledgestone Hotel; Scott Clark, partner of the trampoline park near the proposed location; Jerry Maggard, part owner of the Jeldwin building near the proposed location, and Joe Mann, City resident. Carole Folsom Hill, City resident, shared her appreciation of City staff for their positive interactions with the homeless and encouraged Council to slow the process. The City Clerk read the resolution by title only. RESOLUTION NO. R-2016-070, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Lease Agreement with a religious organization for the use of City Property to be used as a temporary homeless encampment. MOTION: Coffey moved and D. Gutierrez seconded to adopt the resolution approving the lease for a temporary homeless outreach center at a location to be determined. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. MOTION: Coffey moved and D. Gutierrez seconded to explore additional sites for this temporary homeless encampment. A. Gutierrez moved and Coffey seconded to amend the motion to bring feedback by June 3 on this issue. The motion to amend was approved by Council consensus. The motion as amended was approved by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. 4. Resolution authorizing City Manager employment agreement with Cliff Moore Interim City Manager Cutter briefed Council on the contract. The City Clerk read the resolution by title only. RESOLUTION NO. R-2016-071, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Mayor of the City of Yakima to execute an Employment Agreement for City Manager with Cliff Moore MOTION: A. Gutierrez moved and Mendez seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. 5. Approval of Council members to attend Association of Washington Cities Conference Interim City Manager Cutter briefed Council on the conference and noted Executive Assistant Price managed to obtain the early -bird registration price of $375 per person instead of $450. MOTION: Adkison moved and Coffey seconded to approve Council members attending the conference. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. 6. Adjournment MOTION: Coffey moved and D. Gutierrez seconded to adjourn to the next Council Business Meeting on June 7, 2016, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. The meeting adjourned at 11:03 a.m. CERTIFICATION READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY c>sf�j-©j^ COUNCIL MEMBER DATE Page 2 of 3 413 Page 3 of 3