In the minutes: Zillah Packet, Flock camera (Sep 21)

STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
MAYOR
Dr. Scott Carmack
CITY COUNCIL
Brent Schafer
Julian Calzada
Janice Gonzales
Beth Husted
Doug Stewart
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
City Attorney
Jamie Carmody
City Administrator
Michael Grayum
Public Works Director
Mark Nelson
Police Chief
Tracy DeLoizer
Planning & Community
Development Director
Ardele Steele
City Clerk/Treasurer
Kim Grimm
Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer
Karlynn Leyendekker
Fire Chief
Keith Kulhavy
Municipal Judge
Doug Garrison

1.
2.
3.
4.

September 21, 2026
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA

5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Study Session and Council Meeting Minutes, September 8, 2026
B. Claim Voucher Number 61430 dated September 4, 2026, totaling $4,460.94
C. Claim Voucher Numbers 61431 - 61468 dated September 21, 2026, totaling
$128,890.90
D. RAMP Electronic Payment dated September 5, 2026, for $7534.16
E. Accounts Payable Voided Check Number: 61397
6. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
A. 6th Street and Railroad Avenue Sidewalk Project Update
B. Code Enforcement Update, continued from August 17, 2026; August 3,
2026 (After Action Review 3-on-3 Tournament); and March 16, 2026
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Cheyne Road, Surface Transportation Block Grant Funding Application
Authorization for Preliminary Engineering
B. Fifth Street Corridor/Roza Drive, Surface Transportation Block Grant
Funding Application Authorization for Preliminary Engineering
9. REPORTS
A. Mayor
B. City Administrator
C. City Councilmembers and Council Committees
10. VISITOR’S COMMENTS - Time limited to three (3) minutes per person
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
12. ADJOURNMENT

City Engineer
HLA Engineering
The Council Chambers are accessible for people with disabilities. Please
let us know if you need special accommodation to attend the meeting.

\

CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
MAYOR
Dr. Scott Carmack
CITY COUNCIL
Brent Schafer
Julian Calzada
Janice Gonzales
Beth Husted
Doug Stewart
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
City Attorney
Jamie Carmody
City Administrator
Michael Grayum
Public Works Director
Mark Nelson
Police Chief
Tracy DeLoizer
Planning & Community
Development Director
Ardele Steele
City Clerk/Treasurer
Kim Grimm
Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer
Karlynn Leyendekker

September 8, 2026
6:30 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Study Session and Council Meeting Minutes, September 8, 2026
B. Claim Voucher Number 61430 dated September 4, 2026, totaling
$4,460.94
C. Claim Voucher Numbers 61431 - 61468 dated September 21, 2026,
totaling $128,890.90
D. RAMP Electronic Payment dated September 5, 2026, for $7534.16
E. Accounts Payable Voided Check Number: 61397
6. PUBLIC HEARING
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Cheyne Road, Surface Transportation Block Grant Funding Application
Authorization for Preliminary Engineering
B. Fifth Street Corridor/Roza Drive, Surface Transportation Block Grant
Funding Application Authorization for Preliminary Engineering
9. VISITOR’S COMMENTS - Time limited to three (3) minutes per person
10. ADJOURNMENT

Fire Chief
Keith Kulhavy
Municipal Judge
Doug Garrison
City Engineer
HLA Engineering
The Council Chambers are accessible for people with disabilities. Please
let us know if you need special accommodation to attend the meeting.

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: Consent Agenda
MEETING DATE: September 21, 2026
MOTION FOR CONSIDERATION:
I move that the City Council approve the Consent Agenda items A through E as follows:
CONSENT AGENDA: The following will be enacted by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion of these items unless a member or citizen makes such a request, in
which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and discussed.
A. Study Session and Council Meeting Minutes, September 8, 2026
B. Claim Voucher Number 61430 dated September 4, 2026, totaling $4,460.94
C. Claim Voucher Numbers 61431 - 61468 dated September 21, 2026, totaling
$128,890.90
D. RAMP Electronic Payment dated September 5, 2026 for $7534.16
E. Accounts Payable Voided Check Number: 61397.

Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2026
This meeting was available for attendance via Zoom upon request.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Carmack called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM
ROLL CALL
The following were:
Present:

Mayor Carmack and City Councilmembers Brent Schafer, Beth Husted,
and Doug Stewart

Also Present: City Administrator Michael Grayum, Fire Chief Keith Kulhavy, Public Works Director
Mark Nelson, Community Development Director Ardele Steele, and Deputy ClerkTreasurer Karlynn Leyendekker, and Police Chief Tracy Delozier
Absent:

Councilmember Janice Gonzales

ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Study Session and Council Meeting Minutes, August 3, 2026
B. Claim Voucher Numbers 61289 through 61292 dated July 31, 2026, totaling $5,500.00.
C. Claim Voucher Numbers 61378 dated August 20, 2026, totaling $3,518.88; 61379 dated August
28, 2026, totaling $1,186.15; 61380 through 61429 dated September 8, 2026, totaling
$186,790.52.
D. RAMP Electronic Payment dated August 5, 2026 for $5,417.16
E. Accounts Payable Voided Check Numbers: 61387, 61395, and 61423.
F. Payroll Voided Check Number: 35370,
G. Payroll Register totaling $60,850.05, dated August 19, 2026
H. Payroll Register, totaling $60,573.39, dated September 4, 2026

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
A. City Council Position 2 Vacancy Interview and Appointment—Council interviewed Julian Calzada, the
sole applicant for the vacant City Council position. Discussion focused on economic and community
development, public engagement and transparency, land use and growth, fiscal responsibility,
collaboration, and responding to community concerns. Calzada emphasized maintaining Zillah’s smalltown character while supporting responsible growth, using facts and transparency in decision-making,
listening to residents, and drawing on his experience as a local business owner and community
participant.
B. Compliance Engine Presentation—Staff presented information on a third-party fire and life-safety
compliance tracking system. The program would maintain inspection records for fire alarms, sprinkler
systems, extinguishers, commercial kitchen systems, and other required fire-safety inspections. The
service would be provided to the City at no direct cost, with inspection contractors paying the reporting
fee. Staff indicated the system could improve tracking, streamline enforcement, and assist the City in
addressing its backlog of required fire and life-safety inspections.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 2026-18, Zillah Youth Advisory Council—Council reviewed the final proposal
establishing the Zillah Youth Advisory Council. Staff and Council had begun coordinating with Zillah High
School regarding recruitment, applications, participation in civics classes, and potential communityservice recognition for participating students.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 2026-11, Blue Mountain Ventures / Zillah Lakes Phase 1—Staff presented the
Hearing Examiner’s recommendation regarding Blue Mountain Ventures. The recommendation limited
the action to the specific property rather than applying the requested change broadly throughout Phase
1 of Zillah Lakes.
B. Surface Transportation Block Grant, Carlsonia Avenue Overlay—Staff explained that Carlsonia
Avenue qualifies for federal Surface Transportation Block Grant preservation funding and proposed
resurfacing the roadway from Shane Road to Fifth Street to create a consistent roadway surface. State
toll credits could potentially cover the required match; otherwise, the City could be responsible for a
13.5% local match.

C. Surface Transportation Block Grant, Third Avenue Overlay—Staff proposed seeking Surface
Transportation Block Grant preservation funding to resurface Third Avenue from Fifth Street to Rio Vista
Avenue, providing a more uniform roadway surface. Council authorized submission of the application
and authorized the Mayor to sign the necessary documents. If toll credits are unavailable, the City could
be responsible for a 13.5% local match.
D. Municipal Legal Services Agreement—City Administrator Grayum explained that the City had
evaluated additional municipal legal services as longtime City Attorney Jamie Carmody moves toward
retirement and reduces his workload. The proposed firm would provide broader legal capacity and
additional specialized resources while allowing Carmody to continue assisting the City during the
transition.
REPORTS
A. Mayor—Mayor Scott Carmack reported on the recent Coffee with the Council community
engagement event and noted that future events would rotate among local businesses and different
times of day to increase accessibility.
The Mayor also announced that he would be absent from the next Council meeting and that
Councilmember Husted would serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
B. City Administrator—City Administrator Michael Grayum provided the following highlights:
•
•
•

•

The City would provide additional education regarding the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
application and funding process. The next LTAC meeting is being scheduled for late
September/early October.
The financial software transition is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year, and staff are
seeing improvements in financial reporting, efficiency, analysis, and transparency.
City-issued cell phones had replaced employee cell-phone stipends for positions requiring mobile
devices and that staff was preparing payroll changes intended to provide more consistent
employee paychecks and simplify payroll administration.
The City is behind on required fire and life-safety inspections and on Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
inspections, particularly for restaurants requiring both inspections. Staff have established a goal
of bringing all applicable businesses into compliance by year-end.

C. City Councilmembers and Council Committees
Councilmembers reported on Comprehensive Plan work involving state-required natural systems and
critical-areas regulations. Staff and consultants were continuing to evaluate required updates and their
potential effects on future development.
Council also discussed additional efforts above and beyond the recent improvements to simplify the
City’s sign code by using a more visual, user-friendly format that provides requirements for individual
sign types in one location.

A Public Safety Committee update noted that staff were awaiting information regarding renewal and
future costs associated with the City’s Flock camera system.
VISITOR’S COMMENTS
High School Principal Jeff Charbonneau expressed support for the Youth Advisory Council and reported
that students had already shown interest in participating. Discussion included potential communityservice hours and other forms of school recognition for participating students.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No Executive Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned the meeting at 6:45 PM.

________________________________
Dr. Scott Carmack, Mayor

_________________________________
Michael Grayum, City Administrator

City Council Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2026
This meeting was available for attendance via Zoom upon request.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Carmack called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM
ROLL CALL
The following were:
Present:

Mayor Carmack and City Councilmembers Brent Schafer, Beth Husted,
and Doug Stewart

Also Present: City Administrator Michael Grayum, Fire Chief Keith Kulhavy, Public Works Director
Mark Nelson, Community Development Director Ardele Steele, and Deputy ClerkTreasurer Karlynn Leyendekker, and Police Chief Tracy Delozier
Absent:

Councilmember Janice Gonzales

ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Schafer moved, seconded by Councilmember Husted, for City Council to approve the
Consent Agenda, items A through H, which passed unanimously.
A. Study Session and Council Meeting Minutes, August 3, 2026
B. Claim Voucher Numbers 61289 through 61292 dated July 31, 2026, totaling $5,500.00.
C. Claim Voucher Numbers 61378 dated August 20, 2026, totaling $3,518.88; 61379 dated August
28, 2026, totaling $1,186.15; 61380 through 61429 dated September 8, 2026, totaling
$186,790.52.
D. RAMP Electronic Payment dated August 5, 2026 for $5,417.16
E. Accounts Payable Voided Check Numbers: 61387, 61395, and 61423.

F. Payroll Voided Check Number: 35370,
G. Payroll Register totaling $60,850.05, dated August 19, 2026
H. Payroll Register, totaling $60,573.39, dated September 4, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointment and Oath of Office RE: Vacant City Council Position No. 2—Councilmember Stewart
moved to appoint Julian Calzada to City Council Position No. 2. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Husted and passed unanimously. Mr. Calzada was administered the oath of office and
immediately joined the Council.
B. Resolution No. 2026-18, Establishing the City of Youth Advisory Council—Councilmember Calzada
moved for the City Council to adopt Resolution No. 2026-18, establishing the Zillah Youth Advisory
Council, and authorize the Mayor to sign the Resolution and coordinate with the leadership and staff of
the Zillah School District and Zillah High School to refine the program as necessary to achieve the
outcomes established by Council. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schafer and passed
unanimously.
C. Resolution No. 2026-11, Adopting the Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation RE: Blue Mountain
Ventures LLC—Councilmember Schafer moved for the City Council to approve Resolution No. 2026-11,
adopting the Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation on Remand for PDA 2026-01, denying the initially
requested broad Planned Development Amendment, and approving development of Lot 77, Zillah Lakes
Phase 1, as one singlefamily residential lot subject to the conditions stated in the Resolution.The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Husted and passed unanimously.
D. Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) application authorization to fund the Carlsonia Avenue
Overlay Project—Councilmember Husted moved for the City Council to authorize the City to apply for
2026 YVCOG Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Preservation funding for the Carlsonia Avenue
Overlay Project and authorize Mayor Carmack to sign the completed application forms and related
application documents on behalf of the City of Zillah. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Stewart and passed unanimously.
E. Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) application authorization to fund the Third Avenue
Overlay Project—Councilmember Stewart moved for the City Council to authorize the City to apply for
2026 YVCOG Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Preservation funding for the Third Avenue
Overlay Project and authorize Mayor Carmack to sign the completed application forms and related
application documents on behalf of the City of Zillah. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Calzada and passed unanimously.

F. Municipal Legal Services Agreement—Councilmember Stewart moved for the City Council to authorize
the Mayor to sign the Municipal Legal Services Representation and Fee Agreement with Menke Jackson
Beyer, LLP, substantially in the form presented, and authorize the City Administrator to administer the
agreement and coordinate legal services on behalf of the City. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Husted and passed unanimously.
VISITOR COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned the meeting at 6:50 PM.

________________________________
Dr. Scott Carmack, Mayor

_________________________________
Michael Grayum, City Administrator

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P.O. BOX 475
(509) 829-5151
ZILLAH, WASHINGTON 98953

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PAYABLE AT

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CHECK NO.

AMOUNT

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EASTERN WA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
PO BOX 8302
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INVOICE

DATE
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AMOUNT

Account #6250.0

CITY OF ZILLAH, WA 98953

NOTES

$38. 77 Water Deposit Refund

REMITTANCE ADVICE

61397

_____________

503 First Avenue, PO Box 475
Zillah, WA 98953
Tel: 509-829-5151
Fax: 509-829-5457

Council Memo
DATE: September 15, 2026
TO: Mayor Carmack and City Councilmembers
FROM: Ardele Steele, Planning & Community Development Director
SUBJECT: STBG Preliminary Engineering Funding Request — Cheyne Road
PROPOSED MOTION FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
I move for City Council to authorize the City of Zillah to request $152,624 in Surface
Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for the Preliminary Engineering phase of the Cheyne
Road project and authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign and submit the funding request
and related documents on behalf of the City.
BACKGROUND
The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (YVCOG) Technical Advisory Committee
recommended, and the YVCOG Transportation Policy Board subsequently approved, an
opportunity for jurisdictions to request Preliminary Engineering-only funding for unfunded
projects submitted through the 2024 STBG Call for Projects.
The Cheyne Road project was submitted through the 2024 STBG Call for Projects but was not
funded at that time. YVCOG is now providing the City an opportunity to request funding
specifically for the Preliminary Engineering phase.
Based on the City’s recently updated Preliminary Engineering cost estimate and the 86.5
percent federal funding factor identified by YVCOG, the City is requesting $152,624 in STBG
funding. State toll credits currently appear to remain available to satisfy the required grant
match. Staff will coordinate with the appropriate WSDOT Highways & Local Programs Office to
confirm availability. If toll credits are unavailable at the time of obligation, the City will be
required to identify an alternative eligible matching source.

Securing Preliminary Engineering funding would allow the City to advance design and project
development for Cheyne Road and better position the project for future construction funding
opportunities.
OPTIONS
1. Authorize the STBG Preliminary Engineering funding request.
This would allow the City to request $152,624 in federal STBG funding for the Preliminary
Engineering phase of the Cheyne Road project.
2. Do not authorize the funding request.
The City would not pursue this opportunity for STBG Preliminary Engineering funding and would
need to identify another funding source before advancing the project design.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends authorizing the request for $152,624 in STBG funding for Preliminary
Engineering of the Cheyne Road project and authorizing the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign
and submit the request and related documents on behalf of the City.

September 15, 2026
Yakima Valley Conference of Governments
1200 Chesterly Drive, Suite 260
Yakima, WA 98902
RE: Formal Request for STBG Preliminary Engineering
Funding — Cheyne Road

ZILLAH CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Beth Husted
Julian Calzada
Brent Schafer
Janice Gonzales
Doug Stewart
ZILLAH MAYOR
Scott Carmack
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Michael Grayum

Dear YVCOG Transportation Policy Board:
On behalf of the City of Zillah, I am submitting this formal request for $152,624 in Surface
Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for the Preliminary Engineering (PE) phase only of
the City’s Cheyne Road Corridor project.
This request follows the recommendation of the YVCOG Technical Advisory Committee and
subsequent approval by the YVCOG Transportation Policy Board to provide jurisdictions an
opportunity to request PE-only funding for unfunded projects submitted through the 2024
STBG Call for Projects.
The requested funding is based on the City’s recently updated PE cost estimate and the 86.5
percent federal funding factor identified by YVCOG. The City understands that State toll
credits currently appear to remain available to satisfy the required grant match and will
coordinate with the appropriate WSDOT Highways & Local Programs Office regarding their
availability. If toll credits are unavailable at the time of obligation, the City will identify an
alternative eligible matching source as required.
If you have any questions, please call City Administrator Michael Grayum at 509.834.1555 or
email Planning and Community Development Director Ardele Steele at [email protected].
Thank you for your consideration and continued coordination with the City of Zillah.
Sincerely,
Beth Husted
Mayor Pro Tem

Zillah City Hall | PO Box 475, Zillah, WA 98953| (509) 829-5151 | CityofZillah.us

_____________

503 First Avenue, PO Box 475
Zillah, WA 98953
Tel: 509-829-5151
Fax: 509-829-5457

Council Memo
DATE: September 15, 2026
TO: Mayor Carmack and City Councilmembers
FROM: Ardele Steele, Planning & Community Development Director
Re: STBG Preliminary Engineering Funding Request — 5th Street Corridor

PROPOSED MOTION FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
I move for City Council to authorize the City of Zillah to request $316,721 in Surface
Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for the Preliminary Engineering phase of the 5th
Street Corridor project and authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign and submit the
funding request and related documents on behalf of the City.
BACKGROUND
The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (YVCOG) Technical Advisory Committee
recommended, and the YVCOG Transportation Policy Board subsequently approved, an
opportunity for jurisdictions to request Preliminary Engineering-only funding for unfunded
projects submitted through the 2024 STBG Call for Projects.
The 5th Street Corridor project was submitted through the 2024 STBG Call for Projects but was
not funded at that time. YVCOG is now providing the City an opportunity to request funding
specifically for the Preliminary Engineering phase.
Based on the City’s recently updated Preliminary Engineering cost estimate and the 86.5
percent federal funding factor identified by YVCOG, the City is requesting $316,721 in STBG
funding. State toll credits currently appear to remain available to satisfy the required grant
match. Staff will coordinate with the appropriate WSDOT Highways & Local Programs Office to

confirm availability. If toll credits are unavailable at the time of obligation, the City will be
required to identify an alternative eligible matching source.
Securing Preliminary Engineering funding would allow the City to advance design and project
development for the 5th Street Corridor and better position the project for future construction
funding opportunities.
OPTIONS
1. Authorize the STBG Preliminary Engineering funding request.
This would allow the City to request $316,721 in federal STBG funding for the Preliminary
Engineering phase of the 5th Street Corridor project.
2. Do not authorize the funding request.
The City would not pursue this opportunity for STBG Preliminary Engineering funding and would
need to identify another funding source before advancing the project design.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends authorizing the request for $316,721 in STBG funding for Preliminary
Engineering of the 5th Street Corridor project and authorizing the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to
sign and submit the request and related documents on behalf of the City.

September 15, 2026
Yakima Valley Conference of Governments
1200 Chesterly Drive, Suite 260
Yakima, WA 98902
RE: Formal Request for STBG Preliminary
Engineering Funding — 5th Street Corridor

ZILLAH CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Beth Husted
Julian Calzada
Brent Schafer
Janice Gonzales
Doug Stewart
ZILLAH MAYOR
Scott Carmack
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Michael Grayum

Dear YVCOG Transportation Policy Board:
On behalf of the City of Zillah, I am submitting this formal request for $316,721 in Surface
Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for the Preliminary Engineering (PE) phase only of
the City’s 5th Street Corridor project.
This request follows the recommendation of the YVCOG Technical Advisory Committee and
subsequent approval by the YVCOG Transportation Policy Board to provide jurisdictions an
opportunity to request PE-only funding for unfunded projects submitted through the 2024
STBG Call for Projects.
The requested funding is based on the City’s recently updated PE cost estimate and the 86.5
percent federal funding factor identified by YVCOG. The City understands that State toll
credits currently appear to remain available to satisfy the required grant match and will
coordinate with the appropriate WSDOT Highways & Local Programs Office regarding their
availability. If toll credits are unavailable at the time of obligation, the City will identify an
alternative eligible matching source as required.
If you have any questions, please call City Administrator Michael Grayum at 509.834.1555 or
email Planning and Community Development Director Ardele Steele at [email protected].
Thank you for your consideration and continued coordination with the City of Zillah.
Sincerely,
Beth Husted
Mayor Pro Tem

Zillah City Hall | PO Box 475, Zillah, WA 98953| (509) 829-5151 | CityofZillah.us