Chad Johnson

The Regular Meeting included a Public Hearing on the 2017 Preliminary Budget, during which no comments were received. Key actions involved approving several resolutions, including one authorizing the City Manager to sign a Traffic Safety Interagency Agreement for overtime reimbursement and another approving the 2017 jail contract with Yakima County. The third quarter Fire Department report noted a lack of structural fires and the hiring of three new firefighters. The Council considered options for the City Hall Sanitary Sewer Relocation, ultimately approving Option C. A franchise agreement public hearing was set, and discussions took place regarding installing a disc golf course at Fullbright Park. Financial matters included adopting resolutions for a refund levy and setting the 2017 ad valorem property tax, as well as adopting ordinances for a salary increase for the Director of Finance and Administration and a wage increase for non-union employees. The City Manager provided updates on employee MOU scheduling, City Hall diagrams, the 2017 Summer Youth Program expansion, and boundary line discussions with the City of Yakima. The meeting concluded with a brief executive session to discuss litigation and real estate matters.

The Union Gap City Council held a regular meeting to discuss several key items. A public hearing was conducted regarding the 2026 Ad Valorem Property Tax Levy, followed by consideration of an ordinance fixing the estimated amount of ad valorem taxes for 2026. Additionally, a resolution was discussed to set a public hearing for the South 10th Avenue Condemnation related to the 10th Ave. S #475 Bridge Replacement Project. The council also addressed a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement for fire protection services beginning January 1, 2026. The meeting included a closed session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee.

The Union Gap City Council held a regular meeting to discuss several key items. These included a presentation regarding the potential lease/purchase of property to house the city hall and police department, as well as a resolution to approve an Interlocal Agency Agreement with Yakima County for Right of Way Acquisition Services. The council also discussed an ordinance prohibiting the production, processing, and retail sale of marijuana, which ultimately failed to pass. Additionally, the council approved a budget amendment for the City Manager's salary increase and received an update on an emergency response exercise and the RFP process for the Tourism Promoter/Coordinator position.

The council meeting included a financial update, which highlighted revenues from marijuana sales. An amendment to Ordinance 2875 was approved, retroactively transferring these revenues into the parks development reserve fund from January 2015. The council authorized a USDA Rural Development loan application for a City Center project. The Venue Management Services Agreement was tabled for a future meeting. Council also discussed access improvements to Fullbright Park and the removal of arborvitae from Louden Park for a future agenda.

The agenda includes a public hearing for the 2021 Preliminary Budget and the 2021 Ad Valorem Property Tax Revenue. Discussions will cover the 2021 Ad Valorem Property Tax Ordinance, a breakdown of budgeted expenditures for 2021, and a revenue comparison through October 31, 2020. The council will also review the 2021 Finance & Administration, Legislative, Court & Legal, and Executive Budgets. Other items include CARES Act Small Business Grants, a Library Discussion, an agreement for services with CWA Consultants, and a contract with the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments for Land Use Planning/GIS Analyst Services.