Tony Hernandez

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session. Key agenda items addressed included the addition of an item for the review of public employee performance and the approval of the meeting agenda. New business involved the unanimous approval of the Yakima Nation Engagement Resolution, the award recommendation for Well 5 Treatment, approval of the Quality Assurance Plan Update, and approval for the review of public employees per RCW 42.30.110. Department reports covered the Interim Clerk's work on the annual report and W-2 forms, the Fire Chief's update on local business openings and a decrease in call volume, the Police Chief's report on overdose incidents and grant writing efforts, and the City Director's mention of a necessary sewer plant machine replacement. The session concluded with the swearing in of four council members and adjournment.

The meeting agenda included standard procedures such as a call to order and pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of the meeting agenda and minutes from the December 15th, 2025 session. The consent agenda covered the approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers, totaling significant amounts. Public comment was scheduled, along with Old Business. New Business included discussions on a tolling agreement and an update to the Comprehensive Plan and the Climate Element. Department reports were scheduled from the Interim Clerk, City Director, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Court Clerk.

The council discussed and approved a general engineering agreement and amendments related to facility charges and Kateri Lane improvements. There were discussions regarding utility rate studies, expenses, and the purchase of laptops for the police department using grant money. The council also addressed public comments on water bills and potential solutions for community issues. Department reports covered court cases, office closures, street repairs, cemetery maintenance, animal control, code enforcement, fire department calls, and police activities.

The council discussed utility rates and decided to table the resolution until a work session and public discussion could occur. Public comments addressed concerns about city safety, high water bills, and the presence of homeless individuals and drug use. The council approved a resolution for the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management and received department reports covering budget reconciliation, animal control, code enforcement updates on construction projects, fire service calls, and police service calls. Violent crimes have been going down.

The council discussed and approved utility rate adjustments, a scope of work with Gray & Osborne for a parks plan, and a new Fire Department logo. The Police Chief reported on a spike in overdoses and the hiring of new officers, along with an incident shooting. The Interim Clerk discussed the state auditors' review and upcoming audit completion. The Public Works Director announced their upcoming departure. The Fire Chief reported on animal control, code enforcement, and fire department activities, including a duplex fire investigation.