Gretchen Chronis

The Council approved several resolutions, including an amendment to the 2026 Annual Budget, the authorization of a recreational use permit with the Lower Valley Cal Ripken League, and the declaration of police department property as surplus for disposal. Additionally, the Council approved an increase in credit card limits for the Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief, accepted a fuel bid from Valley Wide Cooperative, and approved a request for property annexation. The meeting also included staff reports regarding the successful compliance with an EPA Administrative Order related to the Safe Drinking Water Act and a discussion on the costs associated with Council attendance at the AWC Annual Conference.

The meeting included discussions on several resolutions, including authorization for a Recreational Use Permit with the Lower Valley Cal Ripken League, the declaration of various Police Department assets as surplus property for disposal, and an amendment to the Credit Card Use Policy to increase limits for department leadership. Additionally, the committee evaluated fuel bids for the upcoming year and addressed a formal request for property annexation. Administrative reports provided updates on park maintenance, federal grant application progress, and planned infrastructure projects such as the construction of a new splash pad. Members also discussed community outreach initiatives, including an award program, and reviewed regional committee participation.

The meeting addressed several resolutions including an interlocal agreement for inmate housing with the City of Sunnyside, the declaration of surplus police firearms and equipment for disposal, and a partnership agreement for the One Book, One Coast library project. Additionally, the Council reviewed an interlocal agreement with Yakima County for municipal court services and an ordinance to amend the 2026 Annual Budget across various funds. Staff reports provided updates on the Council retreat, the splash pad project at Dykstra Park, and Safe Routes to School initiatives, while Council discussions covered funding for a new police department, upcoming community balloon rallies, and policies regarding data sharing from flock cameras.

The Committee-of-the-Whole meeting addressed several new business items that were slated for the subsequent regular Council meeting. These included moving a resolution to approve the final plat of Eldorado Estates -- Phase 2, located on Wilson Highway, for consideration. The committee also moved to forward an ordinance to increase the petty cash fund from $700 to $900 for City Department Heads. Furthermore, the committee moved a resolution for the approval of Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 2022-02 with HLA Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc., for the Source Well Improvements, totaling $311,899, covering needs related to H2S and methane treatment and standalone bidding for the Butternut Well rehabilitation. Finally, a resolution accepting the low bid of $539,322.28 from Culbert Construction, Inc., for the E. Elm Street Transmission Main Improvements was moved forward. Staff reports included updates on the AWC Legislative Action Conference, coordination efforts for the America's 250 Celebration, and a discussion regarding Flock camera functionality and data access policy.

The meeting commenced with the call to order, followed by the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included a public hearing and subsequent approval for an amendment to the 2026-2031 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program to add the acquisition of a new street sweeper via Resolution No. 2025-76. The Council also approved Ordinance No. 2025-23, amending the 2026 non-union salary schedule, and Ordinance No. 2025-24, adopting the budget and confirming tax levies for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Furthermore, resolutions were passed approving an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement with the Grandview School District for afterschool activities, a Site Use Agreement with People For People for the Community Center, a Change Order with C&E Trenching, LLC for sanitary sewer improvements, a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for road overlays, a Supplemental Agreement with HLA Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc., for sidewalk improvements, and a Technical Assistance Contract with the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments. The Council also formally canceled the scheduled December 23, 2025, Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meetings.