Gary Ballew

The council meeting included the introduction of new Water/Irrigation and Solid Waste managers, as well as a review of updated Principles of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Business conducted included the approval of a contract extension for bulk fuel purchases and the authorization of a city-wide landscaping agreement. The council discussed event dates for the upcoming Cruise the Ave series and received a financial analysis regarding a potential Emergency Medical Services levy to support fire and medical operations. Additionally, the city manager provided updates on airport inspections, community donations, and balanced budget measures, while the council also initiated a future review of operational options for the Fisher Park Golf Course.

The Council discussed the recognition of Davis High School's girls basketball team, years of service for fire department members, and the 2025 Yakima Valley Tourism annual report. They addressed public hearings, department items including municipal fire district legislation and fire department overtime, as well as a 2025 update on capital improvement projects. Financial matters were reviewed, including an EMS levy, the Master Pay Ordinance for city employees, and various budget-related contracts and interlocal agreements. Additionally, the Council considered land use, zoning, and project acceptance for the MLK Jr Park Eastside Pool.

The Council reviewed an authorization for an RFQ process regarding an impact fee study, including a budget allocation of up to $100,000. Additionally, the meeting featured a comprehensive presentation on city infrastructure needs, covering maintenance and improvements for roadways, traffic control systems, wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater drainage, and water distribution and irrigation systems.

The meeting commenced with standard procedures including roll call, pledge of allegiance, and interpreter services announcement. Public comment focused on support for Yakima Valley Trolleys and Lions Pool, and discussion regarding tax revenue collection. The Council approved the consent agenda, which included various project completion acceptances for roofing, paving, and wastewater improvements, as well as resolutions related to the 4th Quarter 2025 Claim Report, legal advertising services, network equipment maintenance, and an Equitable Sharing Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The Council passed an ordinance amending the municipal code regarding City Council meetings. During discussion on the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) project list, the Council voted to prohibit TBD funds for trolley rail infrastructure repair/replacement related to the 6th Avenue project, and subsequently voted to remove trolley tracks from the TBD list while moving forward with the 0.1% sales tax. An ordinance establishing this 0.1% sales tax for the TBD was approved. Further, an ordinance repealing the $20 car tab fee was passed. Other actions included adopting resolutions for an Interlocal Agreement with Yakima County Fire District #4 regarding Knox Box master keys and authorizing grant applications to WSDOT and FAA for improvements to the crosswind runway at Yakima Air Terminal. Discussion occurred regarding issuing Requests For Interest (RFI) for operating the Washington Fruit Community Center and Harman Senior Center. The City Manager previewed upcoming topics, and the Council scheduled future discussions concerning the City Charter, changes to Council meeting format, and enforcement of the Unlawful Camping Ordinance.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items for discussion and action. The City Council planned to introduce new managers for Water/Irrigation and Solid Waste, and discuss the Principles of Conduct and Code of Ethics. A briefing was scheduled regarding YVCOG current issues and the National Association of Regional Councils. The Consent Agenda involved approving the minutes from the February 17, 2026 City Council regular meeting, setting a public hearing date for zoning ordinance amendments, revising the 2026 regular meeting schedule, authorizing an agreement for city-wide landscaping services with Best Choice Inc dba Evergreen Services, and authorizing a contract extension for bulk fuels with Connell Oil. Public hearings were planned regarding the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) project list and establishing a 0.1% sales tax for the TBD. Department items included discussions on 'Cruise the Ave' and a financial analysis of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy. The City Manager provided an update previewing upcoming topics.