City Council Regular Meeting — Yakima, WA
Date: 2025-11-18

YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
 November 18, 2025
 City Hall - Council Chambers - 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima WA
 5:00 PM Executive Session | 5:30 PM City Council Regular Meeting
 Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom
Executive Session
 Executive Session regarding collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a)
 Council agreed by consensus to adjourn to Executive Session until 5:30 p.m. to discuss
 collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a).
 Present for Executive Session: Mayor Patricia Byers, Assistant Mayor Brown (attending
 remotely via speakerphone) and Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick
 Glenn, Danny Herrera, and Leo Roy (attending remotely via speakerphone)
 Mayor Byers announced that Executive Session was being extended for 10 minutes until
 5:40 p.m.
 Executive session was held at 5:05 p.m. and adjourned at 5:38 p.m. The regular meeting
 was reconvened at 5:43 p.m.
1) Roll Call
 The meeting was called to order at 5:43 p.m.
 Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding, and Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice
 Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy (attending remotely via Zoom), Assistant
 Mayor Matt Brown (present remotely via Zoom at 7:13 p.m.)
 Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda
 Ibarra
2) Pledge of Allegiance
 Mayor Byers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3) Interpreter Services
 Mayor Byers introduced Nate Montgomery who announced interpreter services are
 available in Spanish.
4) Public Comment
 Anna Gomez, City resident, requested improved bathroom facilities at Chesterley Park.
 Brian Brown, City resident, asked Council to review the public disturbance ordinance,
 specifically YMC 6.04.180, related to the disturbance noise hours.




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 Ezequiel Morfin, County resident; and Brian Korst, City resident; spoke against the use of
 Flock cameras in the city of Yakima without additional oversight or privacy protections.
 Mr. Korst presented a petition to pause Flock cameras.
 Tony Sandoval, City resident, spoke in support of the Police collective bargaining
 agreement and the Yakima Visitor’s tourism promotion services agreement.
 Kirstin Stein, City resident, made remarks about inadequate application of law by YPD.
 Madison Moen, County resident, spoke regarding proposed cuts to the Yakima Humane
 Society contract.
 Ryan Anderson, City resident; spoke in support of keeping Lions Pool open.
5) Open Discussion for the Good of the Order
 None.
6) Council Reports
 None.
7) Consent Agenda
 Mayor Byers referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether
 there were any additions or deletions from Council members present. Items M, N and O
 were removed from the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items,
 including resolutions and ordinances, by title. (Items on the Consent Agenda are handled
 under one motion without further discussion-see motion directly below.)
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Herrera seconded to approve the consent agenda as
 read. The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 7.A Approval of minutes from the November 3, 2025 City Council regular meeting
 7.B Approve payment of disbursements for the period October 1 - 31, 2025
 7.C October 2025 Investment Transaction Report
 7.D Resolution authorizing a tourism promotion services agreement with Yakima Valley
 Sun Dome / State Fair Park & Event Center (No General Fund Impact)
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-168, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Tourism
 Promotion Services Agreement with the Yakima Valley Sun Dome/State Fair Park
 & Event Center.
 7.E Resolution authorizing the execution of a tourism promotion services agreement
 with the Yakima Valley Visitor and Convention Bureau (Lodging Tax Fund 184, No
 General Fund Impact)
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-169, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Tourism
 Promotion Services Agreement with the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention
 Bureau DBA: Yakima Valley Tourism.
 7.F Resolution declaring refuse trucks (3350 and 3321) and streets asphalt paver
 (6087) as surplus and authorizing its disposal per Surplus Disposal Policy 3-100
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-170, A RESOLUTION declaring refuse trucks
 (ER3350 and ER3321) and streets asphalt paver (ER6087) as surplus and
 authorizing its disposal per surplus disposal policy 3-100.




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 7.G Resolution authorizing a Right of Way Use Permit Application RL250063 for pillars
 and fencing at the front entrance to the Avalon Care Center at 206 S 10th Avenue
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-171, A RESOLUTION authorizing the issuance of a
 right-of-way long term use permit to continue to allow pillars and fencing at the
 front entrance of the building at 206 S 10th Avenue.
 7.H Resolution authorizing a Right of Way Use Permit Application RL250138 for
 existing staircases on the sidewalk on the south side of Lincoln Avenue for access
 to the building at 215 N 2nd Avenue
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-172, A RESOLUTION authorizing the issuance of a
 right-of-way long term use permit to continue allowing staircases on the sidewalk on
 the south side of Lincoln Avenue for access to the building at 215 N 2nd Avenue.
 7.I Resolution authorizing a contract with Barn Masters, LLC for Kiwanis Park Storage
 Building Project 2852 (REET I Fund)
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-173, A RESOLUTION authorizing a contract with Barn
 Masters LLC for the construction of the Kiwanis Park Storage Building Project 2852.
 7.J Resolution authorizing an Amendment to the Agreement with the Yakima Pickleball
 Club for the Use of Pickleball Courts at Franklin Park (No Budgetary Impact)
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-174, A RESOLUTION authorizing an Amendment to
 the Agreement with the Yakima Pickleball Club ("Club") for use of Franklin Park
 pickleball courts.
 7.K Resolution authorizing the funding agreements with Housing and Urban
 Development (HUD) for the 2025 HOME and CDBG grant contracts
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-175, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
 accept the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Funds
 and execute the funding contracts as mandated by the Department of Housing and
 Urban Development (HUD).
 7.L Resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement for dispatch services between
 SunComm and the City of Union Gap Police Department
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-176, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
 execute a Dispatch Communications Services Contract between the City of
 Yakima and City of Union Gap Police Department.
 7.M This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.
 7.N This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.
 7.O This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.
 7.P Ordinance amending the 2025 Biennial Budget for the City of Yakima and making
 appropriations from Unappropriated Fund Balances within various Funds for
 expenditure during 2025 for various purposes (Second Reading)
 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-034, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2025-2026 Budget
 for the City of Yakima; and making appropriations from Unappropriated Fund
 Balances within various funds for expenditure during 2025 for various purposes.
 Items Removed from Consent
 7.M Resolution authorizing a collective bargaining agreement for 2026-2027 with the
 International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 469 bargaining unit


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 Councilmember Berg addressed items M and N noting high salaries, most in Police
 and Fire, and suggested mutual aid with other cities through interlocal agreements
 to alleviate the burden on taxpayers. Staff reported such agreements exist.
 The City Clerk read each resolution by title only.
 After Council discussion,
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to adopt resolution for items M
 and N. The motion carried by a 6-1 vote; with Berg voting no.
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-177, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
 execute a collective bargaining agreement for 2026-2027 with the International
 Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 469 bargaining unit.
 7.N) Resolution authorizing a collective bargaining agreement with the Yakima Police
 Patrolman's Association (YPPA) for January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026
 The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only. The resolution was adopted in the
 motion under item 7M.
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-178, A RESOLUTION authorizing a collective
 bargaining agreement with the Yakima Police Patrolman's Association (YPPA) for
 January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026.
 7.O) Ordinance granting a non-exclusive franchise agreement to Cascade Natural Gas
 Corporation (CNG) to construct, operate and maintain a natural gas transmissions/
 distribution system and facilities within the City of Yakima
 Community Development Director Bill Preston briefed Council on the proposed
 ordinance.
 The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to pass the ordinance as read.
 The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-033, AN ORDINANCE granting Cascade Natural Gas
 Corporation, a Washington corporation, its successors and assigns, the right, privilege,
 authority and franchise to set, erect, lay, construct, extend, support, attach, connect,
 maintain, repair, replace, enlarge, operate and use facilities in, upon, over, under,
 along, across and through the rights of way of the city of Yakima to provide for the
 transmission, distribution and sale of gas and such other services as may be provided
 by such facilities, providing for severability and establishing an effective date.
8) Public Hearings
 8.A First public meeting to receive comments on the 2024 Consolidated Annual
 Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) regarding HUD funded housing and
 supportive services
 Community Development Director Bill Preston briefed Council on the draft 2024
 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER
 summarizes the programs and projects supported through Community Development
 Block Grants (CDBG), HOME funds, and other related funding which were spent
 January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 to provide affordable housing and
 supportive services for low-to-moderate income residents and neighborhoods
 consistent with the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.


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 Mayor Byers opened the public meeting. With no one coming forward or calling in
 to speak, Mayor Byers closed the public meeting.
 Community members will have another opportunity on December 9, 2025 to
 provide comments on the draft 2024 CAPER Report.
 8.B Second public hearing on the 2026 Preliminary Mid-Biennial Budget for the City of
 Yakima
 City Manager Vicki Baker and Director of Finance and Budget Craig Warner
 reviewed the preliminary 2026 Mid-Biennial budget and reiterated the current
 financial challenges. The total deficit amounts to an estimated $9 million for the
 2026 budget year. The City Council previously approved $3 million in reductions to
 public safety, parks and other services. Due to the recent failure of a proposed tax
 levy proposition, the City is subsequently faced with an additional $6 million budget
 shortfall resulting in potential cuts to police, fire and parks and recreation services.
 Police Chief Shawn Boyle, Fire Chief Aaron Markham, Public Works Director Scott
 Schafer and Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson provided an extensive
 review of proposed cuts and impacts to their departments/divisions relating to the
 additional $6 million budget deficit.
 Mr. Warner reviewed revenue options including an increase in utility taxes (water,
 wastewater, refuse, stormwater) and the 1/10th of 1% public safety sales tax. He
 further explained the 1% property tax assessment that the city is limited to collect.
 Mayor Byers opened the public hearing.
 The following community members provided remarks related to the proposed
 budget reductions: Carl Scott, Jessica Cavanaugh, Lisa Redtfeldt; Nancy Moore,
 Corday Trick, Sophia Barbouletos, Amanda Fleming, Kailan and Lola Dunn, Craig
 Rust, Lynette Wilson, Patrick Kloster, Pamela Searcy Mullen, Patrick Lawler, Paul
 Schafer, Sherry Madson, Tony Sandoval, Barry Bernfeld, Brittany Merriman, Terry
 Campbell, John Whitney, Nikki Sandino, Amanda Nelson, TJ Mullinax (and on
 behalf of Dr. Krieger), Tony Courcy, Adelaide Loeser, Alex Alejo, Kate Bowditch,
 Michael Trujillo, Dave Zabell, and Elise Cardenas.
 With no one else coming forward or calling in to speak, Mayor Byers closed the
 public hearing.
 After Council discussion,
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to direct staff to bring back
 information on utility tax and public safety sales tax increases at the
 December 2 meeting with different options available to Council. The motion
 carried by a 5-2 vote; with Berg and Brown voting no.
 MOTION: Glenn moved and Brown seconded to direct staff to keep Lions
 Pool open until the end of February so that the team can finish their season.
 The motion carried by unanimous vote.
9) Department Items
 9.A Ordinance amending Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Animal Control
 Senior Assistant City Attorney Cynthia Martinez recognized the City's Community
 Services Officers that perform animal control services. Ms. Martinez described the




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 revisions to Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 6.20, specifically as it relates to dog
 licensing requirements and animal control enforcement.
 The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to pass the ordinance. The
 motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-035, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima
 Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Animal Control, adopting the State definition for
 Minimum Care, Animal Cruelty in the second degree, and other definitions, adding
 a potentially dangerous dog definition and penalties, updating the impound section
 and adding stipulations to facts to the violations that could lead to a problem pet
 owner declaration and other housekeeping amendments.
 9.B Domestic and Irrigation Water Rate Study Presentation
 Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane introduced Chase Bozett with the FCS Group
 who presented information about domestic and irrigation water rate study. In
 addition to maintaining the status quo, FCS Group introduced the option of a
 proposed "block" rate structure for single family water consumption to help
 encourage water conservation among City customers.
 Proposed rate adjustments to the City’s irrigation water utility for 2026-2031 were
 also presented to properly fund capital improvement projects and support the
 operations and maintenance of providing this essential service.
 Mr. Shane indicated this rate study is to inform the Council of proposed rate
 adjustments that will be considered for approval at a future City Council meeting.
10) City Manager Update
 None.
11) Other Business
 None.
12) Adjournment
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Herrera seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
 regular meeting on December 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
 The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:56 p.m.

CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
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 COUNCIL MEMBER DATE

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 COUNCIL MEMBER DATE

ATTEST:

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 CITY CLERK MAYOR


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