Yakima, City of - Engineering Dept.

The regular meeting agenda covered several key areas including public comment allotment, council reports, and a comprehensive consent agenda. The consent agenda addressed the approval of disbursements for January 2026, the January 2026 Investment Transaction Report, and the acceptance of several project completions and contract finalizations, including the Fire Station 94 Re-Roofing Project, the 2024 Northside Alley Paving Project, and wastewater improvement projects. Resolutions were also approved regarding the 4th Quarter 2025 Claim Report, legal advertising services, and various interlocal agreements. Public hearings were held concerning material changes to the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) project list and the Lochridge Annexation. Department items included accepting a grant for pipeline improvements, a presentation on a potential EMS levy, and a discussion on Request For Interest letters for community centers. The City Manager provided an update, including a proposal to potentially forgo study sessions for three regular business meetings per month.

The regular City Council meeting covered several key items. Public comment sessions addressed community concerns regarding homelessness, Flock Safety cameras, and the Yakima Valley Trolleys. The Council approved the Consent Agenda unanimously, which included approving disbursements, the 4th Quarter Treasury Report, and resolutions authorizing the acceptance of a Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grant and grant applications to the Federal Aviation Administration for the Yakima Air Terminal modernization project, as well as amending the Parks, Recreation, and Tahoma Cemetery fee schedule. In Department Items, the Council received an update on the Capitol Theatre Capital Improvements, estimated at $16 million, and approved directing staff to extend the agreement with Graham Baba Architects for the design phase and allowing the Committee to fundraise. The Council also approved the operating license agreement with Yakima Valley Trolleys after discussion. Additionally, material changes to the Transportation Benefit District Project List were discussed, requiring a public hearing. Finally, the Council voted to authorize up to $20,000 for a consultant to develop a scope of work for an impact fee study.

The Study Session addressed several key discussion items. Topics included a resolution to increase the membership of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) and repeal a previous resolution, an update on the Yakima County 5-Year Homeless Strategic Plan highlighting goals such as establishing a medical detox program and a regional shelter system, and an overview of Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras, including associated privacy and cost discussions. The Council also reviewed and approved proposed fee changes for Parks, Recreation, and Tahoma Cemetery. Finally, the Council adopted a resolution outlining their 2026 state legislative priorities and made assignments for various boards, commissions, and committees.

The City Council meeting included executive sessions to discuss collective bargaining and potential litigation. Key agenda items involved staff recommendations for appointments to various boards and committees, including the Arts Committee and Yakima Housing Authority. The Council considered several resolutions, such as setting a public hearing date regarding material changes to the Transportation Benefit District Project List and approving collective bargaining agreements for 2026-2027 for both the PSERS Telecommunicators and PERS bargaining units represented by IAFF Local 469. Other actions included authorizing signatures for an Underground Right of Way Easement for McCormick Lease #2 at the airport and accepting a grant from the Department of Ecology for pipeline improvements. Public hearings addressed amending the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program and the Lochridge Annexation. An update was provided on Capitol Theatre Capital Improvements, leading to authorization for fundraising and extending the agreement with Graham Baba Architects. The Council also approved an operating license agreement with the Yakima Valley Trolleys.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including public comment periods and council reports. The Consent Agenda included the approval of disbursements for December 2025 and the 2025 4th Quarter Treasury Report. Resolutions were approved authorizing the City to accept a $120,000 Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grant and another resolution concerning the Master Fee Schedule for Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery rates. The Council also addressed Department Items, passing an ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 8.72 regarding Excavations in Public Rights-of-Way, denying a Right of Way Use Permit Application for storage containers at 501 N Front Street, and receiving an update on the November 2025 Financial Report, which projected sales tax revenues below budget. A significant discussion involved Fire Station 92 operations, leading to an amended motion to authorize $150,000 a month for overtime as a temporary measure to avoid closure through August, and a motion to present a plan for a $0.25 per thousand EMS Levy for Council consideration. City Manager updates covered conversations with school districts regarding Lions Pool and an agreement with Yakima Valley Trolleys regarding storage and access.