Sunnyside Development News

City Council Addresses Graduating Class, Finance Appointments, Utility Matters, and Transportation Planning

The City Council meeting commenced with roll call and approval of the agenda. Following an invocation and pledge, a proclamation was presented to honor and celebrate the graduating class of 2026, with commemorative pins distributed to attending graduates. The council then moved to approve the proclamation. The meeting proceeded with the swearing-in of Katie Emory as the new City Clerk. Subsequently, an interlocal agreement with Yakima County Information Technology Services for primary internet service renewal was approved. An ordinance amending the operating entity in the telecommunications franchise, changing from Ziply Fiber to NFC Northwest LLC, was adopted. The council approved a request from the Sunnyside Rotary Swim Team for a reduced facility rental fee for their upcoming invitational. The adoption of the six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) was postponed to a future meeting due to a lack of public hearing notice. A public hearing was held and an ordinance to rezone a portion of property at 906 Skoon Road from low-density residential R1 to medium-density residential R2 was adopted. Authority to sign checks was granted to Jessica Mayhe, the new Finance Supervisor. The personal services agreement with Monica Hoffsteader as Finance Director was terminated with a 10-day notice. A subordinate agreement with the City of Toppenish to provide oversight of the city's finance department was approved, introducing Adam Vaughn as the lead. A professional services agreement with Colin Basinger and Associates for executive recruitment of a new City Manager, not to exceed $12,250, was authorized. Public comments were heard regarding a water service outage on June 1st and concerns about budget, sponsorships, and past practices. The council also discussed upcoming board and commission vacancies and the process for filling them. City Manager reports included updates on water efficiency, committee vacancies, city cleanup, climate resilience open house, sewer projects, and SCADA system improvements. The Fire Department was awarded a surplus SCBA fill station through the DNR FFP program. The meeting concluded with an executive session.