Yakima Council Considers Long-Term Future of West Valley Fire Station

It's time to start talking about keeping a Yakima Fire Department station open in West Valley or closing it permanently. That's what's next on the agenda for the Yakima City Council on February 3.

TEMPORARY MEASURE PASSED IN EARLY JANUARY

Earlier this month, council members approved a temporary measure to keep Yakima Fire Department Station 92 open until August, while exploring long-term options for its operation. A lot of people are expected to attend the meeting especially those who live in the west valley area near the station.
There's another big meeting of the Yakima City Council later in February to talk about Yakima Valley Trolleys.

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THE TROLLEY'S CAN RUN NOW BUT THEY NEED HELP FROM THE CITY

In early January the Yakima City Council approved a new operating agreement that allows Yakima Valley Trolleys to continue running on city streets without impacting the general fund. However, the council did not make a decision regarding repairs to Sixth Avenue. The bigger issue remains the need to fix the trolley tracks along Sixth Avenue to enable the trolleys to travel to Selah.

A DECISION EXPECTED

A decision from the council is expected at the upcoming February 17 council meeting, following a public hearing. Council members will have several options to consider: they could approve funding to repair the tracks, simply repair the street without fixing the tracks, or keep the tracks but require outside funding—meaning the city would not use local resources for the repairs. Alternatively, the council could decide to remove the tracks altogether and proceed with roadway repairs or choose to table the entire project, prioritizing other city needs.

BE THERE LIVE OR WATCH IT ONLINE

You can watch and comment remotely by submitting a Public Comment Request Form online at: www.yakimawa.gov/council/public-comment no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting.
If you wish to provide public comment in-person, fill out a "Request for Appearance" form and hand it to the City Clerk before you address City Council.