Development News for Yakima, Washington

Franklin Pool Repairs Underway, Facing Contractor Availability and Parts Challenges

An update was provided on the ongoing repairs to the Franklin Pool. Work began on the main drain leak and deck concrete issues. The city's streets department assisted with concrete removal and prep work. The primary contractor, Popoff, has started work on the main drain and is addressing the need for specialized parts. There are challenges with sourcing replacement parts for the main drain. The repair involves cutting and replacing concrete, re-plumbing, and addressing hydrostatic valves. The condition of the pipes was found to be good, and the water loss location remains uncertain but did not cause flooding. The estimated cost of repairs is expected to exceed the initial $35,000 quote due to extended work time and additional equipment needs. The pool's concrete bottom will be repaired, but painting will occur next year. The opening date is tentatively targeted for June 15th, depending on concrete curing and health department inspections. The Aquatic Center is also undergoing a second opening phase with the contractor. Lifeguard recertification classes are underway to address staffing shortages.

Yakima City Council Approves Budget Amendments and Utility Rate Increases for Fire Station Funding

The City Council held a discussion regarding amendments to the 2025-2026 biennial budget. These amendments included adjustments for increased natural gas costs due to a faulty meter, additional funds for Indigent Defense, utilizing ARPA fund interest earnings, IT security upgrades, leave liability funding, and adjustments for lodging tax fund management. The council also discussed setting aside funds for snow and ice removal, and Human Resources costs. Additionally, funds were allocated to keep the Washington Fruit Center and Lions Pool open, and for park bathroom maintenance. A proposal to increase city reserves to 15% was discussed but tabled for future budget discussions. A separate resolution was passed to amend stormwater rates by 3.2% for the current year and 7% annually from 2027-2029 to fund Fire Station 92, and to amend water rates with increases of 12.3% in the current year and subsequently 6.5% (2027) and 4.5% (2028-2029) on ready-to-serve charges, also to fund Fire Station 92. Wastewater rates were also amended with increases of 8.4% this year and 3% annually from 2027-2029 on ready-to-serve charges.

Community Advocates Urge Reallocation of Funds from Surveillance to Social Services

During public comment, multiple speakers urged the City Council to reconsider the use of automated license plate readers (ALRP) and Flock cameras, arguing that funds should be reallocated to community-based services and frontline responders. Speakers emphasized that surveillance technology does not prevent crime and suggested investing in youth programs, mental health responders, and infrastructure improvements. Concerns were also raised about the ALRP contract's cost and liabilities. A resident specifically mentioned the upcoming renewal of the Flock camera contract on June 16th and urged for a public vote on its continuation.

Yakima Air Terminal to Seek FAA Grant for Ticketing Renovation

The City Council approved a resolution authorizing the application for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants for terminal ticketing renovation at the Yakima Air Terminal. The project, which includes the rental car side, office space, and ticketing area modernization, has a winning bid of $1,994,700. The grant would cover 95% of the cost, with a 5% local match funded by seed funding, not the city's general fund. Separately, a grant from the Department of Commerce for planning periodic updates was mentioned as bringing in additional revenue of $104,124.