5/23/2023: Yakima City Council Meeting
Rundown
Who? – Yakima City Council
What? – Study Session (these are more discussion-based than council business meetings)
Where? – The Harman Senior Center (101 N. 65th Ave, Yakima WA 98908)
When? – May 23rd, 2023 @ 4:00 p.m. - 5:49 p.m.
Roll Call
Council Members
- Janice Deccio (Mayor, D4)
- Soneya Lund (Assistant Mayor, D5 - 14 minutes late)
- Danny Herrera (D2)
- Patricia Byers (D3)
- Matt Brown (D6)
- Holly Cousens (D7)
City Staff
- Robert Harrison (City Manager)
- Sara Watkins (City Attorney)
- Sonya Claar Tee (City Clerk)
Absent
- Eliana Macias (Yakima City Council, D1)
Report
Active Public Concerns
- Dissolving Fire Station 92 for the sake of budget - most comment was against eliminating the station. There's concern about rising response times, capability of other stations to absorb need, and potential loss of life or property.
- Management of City Funding - the public is concerned about whether the City is managing its money properly, abiding by consistent policy, and honestly representing their need for budget cuts to the public and media.
Other Matters
- Fire Department - Chief Markham & Deputy Chief Goldsmith with the Yakima Fire Department gave a presentation and fielded questions regarding the budget reductions.
- Arboretum - A resolution regarding maintenance on the Yakima Area Arboretum. The Arboretum is requesting additional time for contract negotiations.
- Cruise Nights - Yakima Police Captain Seely discussed and reviewed the costs / times associated with Cruise Nights. Council discussion is ongoing.
- EMS Levy - There will be continued study sessions and discussions about putting this to a vote of the people.
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