City Council Regular Meeting — Yakima, WA
Date: 2025-12-09

YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
 December 9, 2025
 City Hall – Council Chambers – 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
 5:30 PM City Council Regular Meeting – Conducted in person and virtually via Zoom.

1) Roll Call
 The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m.
 Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding; Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and
 Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy
 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 Jorge Villaseñor who announced interpreter services are
 available in Spanish.
4) Public Comment
 Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson introduced Forbes Mercy and Adam
 Tobia, who spoke about their financial donations to the City of Yakima for Parks and
 Recreation equipment and programs. Mr. Mercy encouraged community members to
 contribute to City programs. He also announced additional funds to support public safety
 for animal control purposes.
 Leslie Rodriguez, City resident, thanked Mr. Mercy and expressed personal support for
 the Harman Center.
 Anne Knapp, City resident, voiced support of the Yakima Valley Trolleys as an
 independent organization.
 Maria Ramos, City resident, spoke in support of renewing the Yakima Valley Trolleys
 operating agreement.
 Tony Courcy, City resident, made remarks about government financial spending.
5) Open Discussion for the Good of the Order
 5.A Recognition of Council members Danny Herrera and Janice Deccio
 City Manager Vicki Baker and Mayor Byers recognized Councilmembers Danny
 Herrera and Janice Deccio and thanked them for their service to the residents of
 Yakima.



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 5.B Administration of Oaths of Office to Judge Aryn Masters and Judge Troy
 Clements
 City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra administered the oath of office to newly elected
 Municipal Court Judges Aryn Masters and Troy Clements.
6) Council Reports
 6.A Council Nominating Committee recommendations regarding appointments to
 boards, commissions, and committees
 Councilmember Herrera reported on the November 17, 2025 Council Nominating
 Committee meeting. The Nominating Committee's recommendation for
 appointments and reappointments include:
 • Arts Commission - appoint Brandon Dean and change Sylvia Merczel from the
 Community Rep position to the Working Artist position
 • Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee - reappoint Jennifer Gindt and
 Frank Purdy
 • Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - reappoint Sarah Davila and Kathy Kramer
 MOTION: Herrera moved and Brown seconded to adopt the Council Nominating
 Committee recommendations. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
 6.B Discussion by the Council regarding its suggestions for 2026 state and federal
 legislative priorities
 Communications & Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler briefed Council on the
 state and federal legislative priorities the City intends to pursue in 2026 based on
 observations of Council-focused issues, input from the City's contracted lobbyists
 and City staff, and review of priorities established by other municipal advocacy
 organizations.
 Priorities include some projects related to Air Terminal, Shaw Creek, Millsite,
 Franklin Pool, homelessness, indigent defense, and child advocacy center.
 Councilmembers suggested issues they would like to incorporate such as
 immigration, drug control, sales tax revenue, criminal justice system, natural gas,
 new businesses, affordable health care, and unfunded mandates. Staff will bring
 forward a draft resolution in January.
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. Item 7E was
 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: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to approve the consent agenda. The
 motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 7.A Approval of minutes from the December 2, 2025 City Council regular meeting
 7.B November 2025 Investment Transaction Report
 7.C Approve payment of disbursements for the period November 1 - 30, 2025




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 7.D Ordinance updating Classification and Compensation Plan for City Employees
 Section 2.20.100
 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-037, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel;
 adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be
 effective January 12, 2026; and repealing all preceding pay ordinances in the
 City of Yakima Municipal Code.
 7.E Resolution authorizing acceptance of a donation of $115,000 from Forbes Mercy
 for the purchase and installation of an Outdoor Gym at Chesterley Park and to
 fund other programs and services
 This item was removed from the consent agenda.
 7.F Resolution authorizing acceptance of a donation of $50,000 for general
 operations at the Harman Center
 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-181, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Yakima to
 accept an anonymous monetary donation in the sum of Fifty-Thousand Dollars
 ($50,000.00) through BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware for use to assist in funding
 the general operation of the Harman Center.
 7.G Resolution authorizing a contract amendment with Transportation Demand
 Management LLC for senior tours transportation services for the Harman Center
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-182, A RESOLUTION authorizing a contract
 amendment with Transportation Demand Management LLC for senior tours
 transportation services.
 7.H Resolution authorizing an amendment to McAllister Museum Lease with updated
 In-Kind contributions for 2026
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-183, A RESOLUTION authorizing an amendment to
 Airport Lease Agreement between the City of Yakima and McAllister Museum of
 Aviation.
 7.I Resolution amending the 2026 Airport rates and fees
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-184, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
 to adjust the 2026 Airport Rates and Fees within the Master Fee Schedule.
 7.J Resolution approving Change Order #1 for new fire panel at Yakima Air Terminal
 for the Terminal Modernization Baggage Claim Project
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-185, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
 to execute Change Order No. 01 for the Fire Alarm System Replacement at the
 Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field.
 7.K Resolution accepting a WSDOT grant for airport overflow parking lot
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-186, A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of
 a grant with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to design
 and construct an overflow parking lot at the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field.
 7.L Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Yakima and
 Yakima County for Phase 1 of the Shaw and Wide Hollow Creeks Flood Control
 Project
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-187, A RESOLUTION authorizing an Interlocal
 Agreement between the City of Yakima and Yakima County for Phase 1 of the
 Shaw and Wide Hollow Creeks Flood Control Project.


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 7.M Resolution authorizing a services agreement with Yakima County Fire District
 #11 for Fire and Emergency Response Services
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-188, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Fire Services
 Agreement between Yakima County Fire District #11 and the City of Yakima.
 7.N Resolution ratifying and approving the City Manager's execution of a grant
 agreement with the Washington State Office of Public Defense accepting the
 terms and conditions of a grant for 2026-2027
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-189, A RESOLUTION ratifying and approving the
 City Manager's execution of a grant agreement with the Washington State Office
 of Public Defense accepting the terms and conditions for a grant for 2026-2027.

Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
 7.E Resolution authorizing acceptance of a donation of $115,000 from Forbes Mercy
 for the purchase and installation of an Outdoor Gym at Chesterley Park and to
 fund other programs and services
 Mayor Byers recognized and expressed appreciation for Mr. Forbes Mercy’s
 donation to the City and his leadership in the community.
 The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
 MOTION: Brown moved and Berg seconded to adopt the resolution. The
 motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-180, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Yakima to
 accept a donation from Forbes Mercy in the sum of $115,000 for use in
 purchasing and installing an outdoor exercise gym at Chesterley Park and to be
 used for other programs and services.
8) Public Hearings
 None.
9) Department Items
 9.A Municipal Court Assignment of Lawyer and Indigency Screening Presentation
 Yakima Municipal Court Judges Aryn Masters and Troy Clements provided an in-
 depth overview of the current law surrounding the appointment of court appointed
 counsel and the municipal court's indigency screening process and verification
 methods. In Washington state, a person may be considered indigent if their
 annual income is 125% or less of the federal poverty guidelines; receives
 benefits from certain government programs; and/or is involuntarily committed to a
 public mental health facility. Judge Clements shared some informational data
 specific to indigency in Washington state and the city of Yakima. Judge
 Clements and Masters provided clarification and responded to related questions
 from Council and extended an invitation to attend court proceedings.
 9.B Fire Department Master Plan Presentation
 Yakima Fire Chief Aaron Markham introduced Zach Ratkai, Bob Gear, and Ed
 Dunbar, with Sageland Strategic, who presented the Yakima Fire Department
 2025-2030 Master Plan. The plan is the result of a comprehensive review of
 data to determine short term, medium term and long-term practical


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 recommendations to support safe and sustainable fire service delivery for the
 Yakima community.
 9.C Second public meeting and Resolution to receive comments on the Consolidated
 Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) regarding HUD funded housing
 and supportive services and authorize staff to submit the 2024 CAPER to HUD
 Community Development Director Bill Preston provided opening remarks related to
 the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report and requested approval
 to submit the report to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
 The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The
 motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-190, A RESOLUTION adopting the proposed 2024
 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
 9.D Resolution authorizing an operation license agreement with Yakima Valley
 Trolleys, a non-profit corporation
 Community Development Director Bill Preston briefed the Council on the resolution
 and indicated that the proposed operation license agreement with Yakima Valley
 Trolleys is through December 31, 2030.
 The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
 MOTION: Berg moved and Roy seconded to postpone this discussion
 [Trolley agreement] until January 20, 2026 meeting. The motion carried by a
 5-2 vote; with Glenn and Herrera voting no.
 A RESOLUTION authorizing an agreement with Yakima Valley Trolleys to
 operate, maintain, and promote the City of Yakima's electric railway system and
 museum.
 9.E Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Selah for inmate
 housing and services at Yakima City Jail
 Yakima Police Chief Shawn Boyle briefed the Council on the proposal with the
 City of Selah for inmate housing and services.
 The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The
 motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-191, A RESOLUTION authorizing an interlocal
 agreement with City of Selah whereby the City of Yakima Jail provides inmate
 housing and services.
 9.F Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Moxee for inmate
 housing and services at Yakima City Jail
 Yakima Police Chief Shawn Boyle briefed the Council on the proposal with the
 City of Moxee for inmate housing and services.
 The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Brown seconded to adopt the resolution. The
 motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.


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 RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-192, A RESOLUTION authorizing an interlocal
 agreement with City of Moxee whereby the City of Yakima Jail provides inmate
 housing and services.
10) City Manager Update
 City Manager Vicki Baker informed Council about the City's Accountability Audit with the
 State Auditor's Office which resulted in no findings.
 Ms. Baker mentioned the recent flooding happening around the community and reminded
 residents to stay away from the rivers during these dangerous times.
 She also provided information about recent water main breaks affected by the City’s
 aging infrastructure.
 MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded moved to add to a future Council
 study session a presentation of infrastructure needs. The motion carried by
 unanimous vote.
11) Other Business
 MOTION: Herrera moved and Deccio seconded to direct staff to prepare a Martin
 Luther King Jr. Day proclamation to be placed on an agenda in January. The motion
 carried by unanimous vote.

 MOTION: Glenn moved and Roy seconded to direct staff to adjust the number of the
 LTAC committee to add two more people. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

 Public Works Director Scott Schafer explained the possibility of absorbing a 1% utility tax
 increase for a temporary period to generate revenue without raising rates for customers.
 After considerable Council discussion, the following motions were enacted.
 MOTION: Glenn moved and Berg seconded to suspend the rules to entertain a
 motion. The motion carried by a 7-0 vote.
 MOTION: Deccio moved and Glenn seconded to add a three-year sunset clause to
 the resolution that is being put together. The motion carried by unanimous vote. This
 motion was made in reference to the proposed ordinances drafted.
 With consensus, Council recessed for five minutes at 8:38 p.m. and reconvened at 8:46 p.m.
 MOTION: Glenn moved and Deccio seconded to adopt the ordinance amending the
 Water and Wastewater tax and to allocate that money to the Police Department.
 The motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-038, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal
 Code Section 7.64.020 Water and Wastewater tax.

 MOTION: Glenn moved and Deccio seconded to adopt the ordinance amending
 the Stormwater tax and to allocate that money to the Police Department. The
 motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-039, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal
 Code Section 7.64.040 Stormwater tax.


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 MOTION: Glenn moved and Brown seconded to approve the ordinance amending
 the Refuse tax and to allocate that money to the Police Department. The motion
 carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
 The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-040, AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Yakima Municipal
 Code Section 7.64.030 Refuse Tax.
12) Adjournment
 MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
 regular meeting on January 6, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
 The motion carried by unanimous vote.
 The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

CERTIFICATION
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ATTEST:

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 CITY CLERK MAYOR




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