[0:01] Okay, hello and good evening everyone. I give you a warm welcome to tonight's regular meeting, and I invite you to join us for the pledge of allegiance.

[0:13] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:29] And we'll move on to the roll call with our city clerk.

[0:32] Mayor Sabajra here mayor Protem Garcia here council member can feel present council member Prieto devol here council member Garza

[0:43] Council member Geteris here council member Sanchez here we do have full attendance great

[0:51] I will entertain a motion for approval of tonight's agenda. I'm making a motion to approve the agenda

[0:59] Well, the motion on the floor by Councilman Sanchez,

[1:02] regulated by Councilwoman, can feel

[1:03] to approve the agenda for this evening.

[1:05] Any further discussion, Council?

[1:08] All in favor, signify by saying aye.

[1:10] Aye.

[1:10] Any opposed?

[1:12] Motion passes.

[1:14] One move on to item number three public comment.

[1:16] The City Council,

[1:17] Welcome to public attendance at Council meetings.

[1:21] This meeting is for the conduct of regular city business.

[1:23] With very few exceptions,

[1:24] our CW-4217-8555 prohibits government agencies from allowing the use of public facilities directly

[1:32] or indirectly for campaign purposes. At this time, citizen comments and inquiries about a gender

[1:38] business or general city matters are encouraged. If you wish to address the city council,

[1:43] please stand a raise your hand so that you can be called upon. After you are recognized, please come forward

[1:48] to the lectern and state your name for the public record. Your remarks must be limited to three

[1:53] minutes or less. Is there anyone here for public comment?

[1:59] Please join us.

[2:04] First of all, I'd like to say nay beginning. Also, I want to put on notice the attorney

[2:10] regarding an issue that he has to look into. It's regarding a February 25th, 1885,

[2:21] regarding unlawful enclosure act, which they passed, which the fire department no longer

[2:29] is in charge of it. The city of Poppinis and the fire chief that would say the

[2:37] Berlin Wall and close the gate to the park to go to the tennis court was unable to

[2:43] continue across there. I had a call where he says, the city attorney notified the

[2:51] park department to unlock that gate. Well, after the fire chief turned around and

[2:56] says he wanted it close. So I asked Mr. Gorbachev, you can't do that. You got to

[3:03] leave the gate unlocked and to put it on the record that the attorney needs to

[3:08] looking into that law, which was passed in 1885 on February 25th. I would like that gate to

[3:17] be unlocked because it was never there. I have ground bothers call going through it for years.

[3:23] And as a pirate chief, decide to close it out and since I have this which is a law of unsanolable

[3:30] enclosure act, I believe they're going to have to unlock that gate or other words consequences

[3:36] will be coming from it. And I like to say, well, I'm so glad that they finally got a street

[3:43] sweeper to quite a bit, but all it is, it was once checked to write it out, and we would

[3:49] have had to sweeper right away, and we wouldn't have been going to say going on a road here on

[3:56] it. And we need to get on the issues right away, which public needs and the public assistance

[4:04] in helping the community itself and also improving safety issues besides giving grants and

[4:15] paying grants and wondering how much interest is going to cost the city for these grants.

[4:21] We would like to know this because I mean I could sure like to get a grant and ask for a $350 billion

[4:28] and then you'll find out that the interest rate is 13.4% interest rates per every dollar that's used.

[4:37] And we have to pay back the public itself.

[4:40] And also, though, we do have a problem with more cycles in the part writing around.

[4:46] I know that by the police department to look into it.

[4:49] They are looking into that problem.

[4:51] They need to correct that motorcycle driving to public parks and pedestrians walking and their safety issues and

[5:01] And that's what I like to say, but I like to get that attorney on the record having this issue and Heidi

[5:08] You said some about they're gonna this band of the skating board which they never did which you said

[5:15] You're gonna do

[5:16] Thank you so much Alex. We really appreciate your time. Is there anyone else here for public comment?

[5:23] Hello,

[5:27] my name is Andrea Narengo. I'm a resident of Topanish. I'd like to clarify some language used on the site's website on flockalpr facts and urge you to reconsider the current contract with flock safety.

[5:40] Using the term ALPR, automatic license plate reader is incorrect and misleading.

[5:45] Flock Falcon is a motion-censored camera that takes 6 to 12 photos of everything that passes

[5:51] in front of its sensor.

[5:53] The AI software is the ALPR that distinguishes between vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.

[5:59] I share the council's goal of making top-and-ish safer.

[6:02] However, master valence technology like Flock, Axon, or any other brand are the wrong approach

[6:07] for our city.

[6:08] Surveillance devices do not prevent violent crime or address the root cause of public safety

[6:13] issues.

[6:13] Study after study shows that these devices track people after a crime has occurred.

[6:19] They do not stop crime from happening in the first place.

[6:22] This technology poses a massive threat to our privacy and civil liberties.

[6:27] Plot cameras create a permanent digital drag net,

[6:30] tracking the daily movements of everyday residents without a warrant or individual suspicion.

[6:35] Access is only limited to authorized,

[6:37] to top-enish police department personnel and Washington State agencies that have been approved

[6:42] by the city's police department. Federal agents can bypass restrictions by asking local and state

[6:48] police departments to run licensed plate searches on their behalf. The city uses $87,500 annually

[6:54] from ARPA COVID relief funds from the county to pay for 25 cameras, even though only 11 are operating

[7:00] according to the city's website. The contract ends October 2nd, 2026, and following the passage

[7:07] of Senate Bill 602, officials turned off 14 cameras to comply with a new ban on monitoring

[7:12] sensitive locations like schools, churches, health care facilities and food banks.

[7:19] The flock live feed cameras, like the ones facing Lincoln Park, Lane Park, and Patterson Park,

[7:24] across from Garfield Elementary, fall outside the limited protection offered by SPC.

[7:31] And our being placed in sensitive areas that would have been otherwise protected. What proof do you have that the 14 cameras that were turned off are still recording?

[7:40] Our local dollars should not be used to build a surveillance web over our neighborhoods.

[7:45] True public safety comes from investing in our people, not in technology companies.

[7:49] Instead of spending public funds on flock, I urge the Council to redirect resources toward strategies that actually build a safer

[7:57] top-nish, like youth programs, mentorship, job security, mental health, and addiction resources, and improving infrastructure.

[8:05] Let's invest in real safety that strengthens the bond between our city and its residents.

[8:10] Please say no to master valence and yes to a strong and supportive top-nish.

[8:14] Thank you.

[8:14] Thank you. Is there anyone else here for public comment

[8:21] with no one being found?

[8:24] We'll move on to item number four consent agenda. All matters on the consent agenda have been provided to each council member for review and are considered to be

[8:31] Retainer have been previously discussed and will be adopted by one motion in vote without discussion. However, if a council member desires any item on this agenda will be discussed before any action is taken on it item a

[8:42] Approve minutes of the August 24th, 2026 regular meeting, item B, Approve minutes of the September 8th, 2026 study session.

[8:52] Item C, appropriate roll checks and bank drafts as listed in the Attacks Register in the total amount of 171,987 dollars and 20 cents to September 4th, 2026.

[9:03] Item D approved claim checks and bank drafts as listed in the attached register in the total amount of

[9:09] 1,544,995 dollars and 65 cents status of 10 to 14,2026.

[9:17] I will entertain a motion council.

[9:21] I will have to approve the consent agenda.

[9:26] I'll second.

[9:27] We have a motion on the floor by Councilman Sanchez.

[9:30] Seconded by Councilwoman Devol to approve tonight's consent agenda.

[9:33] Any discussion council?

[9:35] All that favor signify by saying aye.

[9:37] All right any opposed motion passes one move on to item number five new business

[9:44] A AB 26-79 proposed resolution number 2026-43 approval of city manager agreement and swearing in of the city manager

[9:55] Intensity manager for

[9:57] Or some so sorry, but didn't you catch it? I said for my goodness, good evening there

[10:07] City Attorney and I are happy to answer any questions on this item. Thank you.

[10:13] Any questions, Council?

[10:17] If they're on then, I will entertain a motion.

[10:24] I move to approve resolution of our 2021-26-43, which in Adam Long,

[10:28] I send a manager and approve of the appointment, but I'll second.

[10:35] Great, we have a motion on the floor by Councilman Sanchez.

[10:37] Second day by Councilwoman can feel to approve resolution number 2026-S4-3,

[10:43] approve a city manager agreement and swearing in of the city manager. Any further discussion

[10:47] counsel? All I favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. So let's take care of

[11:17] Okay. Perfect.

[11:24] I add them on.

[11:27] Do solemnly swear that I am a citizen of the United States.

[11:31] That I am a citizen of the United States.

[11:34] And of the state of Washington.

[11:37] That I will support the constitution.

[11:40] That I will support the constitution.

[11:42] and laws of the United States and laws of the United States and

[11:50] the constitution and laws of the state of Washington and laws

[11:53] of the state of Washington and will to the best of my judgment and will to

[11:59] the best of my judgment scale inability

[12:03] truly faithfully and impartially, and impartially, perform the duties of the office, a city manager, and in

[12:20] for the city of Toppinish and for the city of Toppinish and Yakima County, Washington.

[12:28] In Yakima County, Washington, as such duties are prescribed by law, as such duties are prescribed

[12:35] by law.

[12:36] So help me God.

[12:38] So help me God.

[12:39] Thank you.

[12:40] Thank you.

[12:44] Thank you.

[12:49] Thank you.

[13:01] Congratulations.

[13:03] Thank you.

[13:03] Congratulations.

[13:07] Thank you.

[13:11] Congratulations.

[13:14] All right.

[13:16] Well, with that, we'll move on to item number BAB26-80 report ordinance number 2026-11.

[13:23] a Mending Toppingish Municipal Code 1316 060 and 1316 070, regarding utility

[13:31] lathe fees and delinquent payment, charges and water shut-offs. City manager

[13:36] Vaughn. Great, thank you Mayor. Good evening again City Council. This was an

[13:42] item from our last study session if you'll remember. Basically what this would

[13:47] do is it would amend our code so that any accounts that are $20 or less

[13:53] When it is time for the late fee charges to be assessed on our utility accounts, those accounts that are

[14:02] 20 dollars or less would not be assessed those fees and would not go through the shut-off process.

[14:08] They would still be charged the amount that is on their accounts, but because that amount is less than the fees we typically put on those accounts.

[14:19] That is why this is up for consideration.

[14:20] So, happy to answer any questions that you may have had in the weeks since we've talked about this, and we have our interim finance director at the podium able to answer any questions if you have them per her.

[14:35] Right, any questions, Council?

[14:39] Council Mingo, is that?

[14:40] Mine is not a question.

[14:42] It's just a comment basically.

[14:46] I know I did some asking some digging,

[14:50] and I researched the neighboring city of

[14:55] of study site, and their threshold was 25 dollars.

[14:59] So this...

[15:00] This is something that makes sense, you know, to have a rolling balance and not inconvenience

[15:06] that citizen have another dissatisfied customer. You know what I mean? So I think that whenever

[15:14] you have a noddle pace set, there's a little bit of time to adjust if need be to, you know,

[15:22] if there's a balance less than $20, so that this is a great thing. So I appreciate.

[15:30] Thank you.

[15:31] Any other questions, Council?

[15:34] No.

[15:34] I will entertain motion.

[15:41] I got it.

[15:42] So I moved to adopt ordinance number 2026-11 amending sections 13.16.060 and 13.16.070 of the top-nish

[15:56] municipal code to establish a minimum delinquent balance threshold of $20 before late

[16:03] and disconnection fees may be assessed.

[16:08] I second.

[16:09] Great, we have a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Devol,

[16:11] seconded by Councilwoman Garza,

[16:13] two adopt ordinance 2026-11,

[16:17] amending section 1316-060,

[16:19] and 1316-070,

[16:21] of the top-endage minutes go to establishing minimum

[16:23] till theinquency balance threshold.

[16:26] Any further discussion council?

[16:29] No.

[16:29] All in favor signify by saying aye.

[16:32] Aye.

[16:32] Any opposed?

[16:34] motion passes.

[16:36] We'll move on to item number CAB26-81 proposed resolution number 2026-44.

[16:43] Approval of reimbursements to wash.4 over payment on the Jackson Street Extension Project City Manager Von.

[16:51] Thank you again, Mayor.

[16:53] So on our Jackson Street Project, you remember this is the project that extended for many, many years.

[16:59] it was started in 2013. When it was started in 2013, the city entered into an agreement with

[17:07] Washington. That agreement was called a lump sum agreement, which essentially means the city was

[17:14] awarded a lump sum for the project. In 2019, the project was back to the city council to get an

[17:22] extension on the project because there was still work that needed to be done. At that time, the length

[17:29] of the project was extended but the way that the wash dots lump some agreements work is that

[17:35] you cannot extend funds. So at the time the city thought the funds also did extend and so we continue

[17:42] to ask for reimbursements as we went through the design engineering phase of the project and as we

[17:50] closed out this project is actually a little bit before we close out this project which I want to

[17:56] clear on is that this item would have happened regardless of if we move forward with this

[18:02] project or not. So we received information that we exceeded the amount that was awarded to

[18:10] us, that had been reimbursed back to us. And so now, Washington is coming to us saying that

[18:16] we need to pay that amount back to them. And so that is over the $20,000 threshold for the

[18:26] It is before you today that we do need city council approval to pay that payment, but we do have to pay it.

[18:33] Any questions, council?

[18:36] I do. Council on the table.

[18:38] What line item does this come out of?

[18:41] Our general fund or a street fund?

[18:43] This will come out of our street capital fund.

[18:47] Any questions, council? I'll entertain motion.

[18:52] I moved to a proof resolution number 2026-44 authorizing repayment of 27,000

[19:02] $867 to F-H-W-A through the washed-off local programs to satisfy the repayment obligation

[19:10] in maintain compliance with federal funding requirements.

[19:17] All right, we have a motion on the fuller by Councilwoman Devolz,

[19:19] seconded by Councilman Sanchez to approve resolution number 2026-44,

[19:24] authorizing repayment of $27,867 to F-H-W-A through the washed-off local programs

[19:31] to satisfy the repayment obligation.

[19:33] Any further discussion council?

[19:36] If there isn't any, all in favor,

[19:38] signify by saying aye.

[19:40] Any opposed?

[19:42] Motion passes.

[19:44] One move on to item DAB26-A2.

[19:47] Proposed resolution number 2026-45.

[19:51] Patterson Park play equipment,

[19:53] procurement and installation process.

[19:56] City Manager Vaughan.

[19:57] Thank you, Mayor.

[19:58] This is a much more exciting item

[20:01] than the previous one, so as you all know, we were awarded $150,000 as a direct appropriation

[20:12] from the state of Washington through the last capital budget.

[20:15] We have a great thanks to our representatives that we're able to get this project funded

[20:22] in our capital budget.

[20:24] So, as we had been reviewing, we just got the contract signed, so we were eligible to move forward with the project.

[20:33] This project is a much quicker turnaround than previous state projects that we were awarded.

[20:40] We actually have to spend these funds by the end of June.

[20:44] And so, in evaluating that and evaluating the funds that we do have,

[20:48] we were kind of left with three different options that we could pursue.

[20:52] And we can still pursue each of these, but we'll explain why we went the way that we did.

[20:58] The first option would essentially be to hire a consultant to design a project specifically for that space.

[21:06] The main issue with that consideration is that design funds are not included in our appropriation.

[21:14] And when we asked, they said no.

[21:15] Option two would be we could develop a set of performance-based specifications from manufacturers,

[21:23] which is basically taking the time to go through the exact types of equipment that we want,

[21:29] and then putting it out for a selection process, which does take time, and does lend to a potential for, again,

[21:39] cost increases and an additional cost for staff.

[21:42] So the third option is that we are able to piggyback off of a cooperative, Washington state authorized cooperative purchasing contract.

[21:53] The great benefit as well to these contracts is there are large discounts as well to the way that you're able to procure these items.

[22:04] So we've done the work to work with one of our proved purchasing agreements, and we've gotten some models and some options that we can show you tonight.

[22:16] There was one in your packet that you saw this one, which is a little bit on the screen, that you can see it's not completely able to, you can kind of see what's there.

[22:28] And for anyone that's unfamiliar with...

[22:30] What Patterson Park is, it's directly across the street from Garfield Elementary and pretty close to the library as well.

[22:39] This park has not had a playground for about three or four years now because a driver crashed into the playground and so the equipment was ruined.

[22:52] So we have made this a priority to make sure that we do get playground equipment there.

[22:58] This manufacturer has been really great to work with.

[23:02] They have actually already kind of looked at the demographics and the area that it's located,

[23:07] looked at surrounding playgrounds and developed this with what would be the best fit for the specific area.

[23:16] Here are a couple more renderings.

[23:18] This is not an accurate background, but this is essentially what it would be.

[23:23] So you can see there's sort of three different structures.

[23:26] You have a main big structure with slides and things.

[23:29] And then you have a smaller structure and you have a swing area.

[23:34] So a couple more angles of what this would look like.

[23:37] And again, at Patterson Park.

[23:40] The other consideration, so we can move forward with this.

[23:44] But this current proposal that they've prepared for us is about $175,000, so a bit over our budget.

[23:52] But they've communicated to us that they will work with us with something very similar to this,

[23:58] making sure that it is within our budget.

[24:00] And we're looking at some different options to make sure that we get our staff involved with areas

[24:05] that we can in construction to make sure that we're staying within the balance of $150,000.

[24:10] budget. The other thing that we are asking for approval. So one is to move forward with this

[24:17] cooperative contracting agreement. Number two would be authorization to move forward with

[24:24] procuring fencing. So we estimate $20,000 budget for fencing. We don't think it will cost

[24:32] this total amount, but that includes contingency to make sure that we have enough. But since this

[24:37] an issue area before and since this is a relatively busy area of this city, that is a recommendation

[24:44] that we would have is to have fencing around this new structure. If we're able to move forward

[24:50] tonight, we expect construction to occur in January or February. So getting everything done well

[24:57] before our June deadline and without I'm happy to answer any questions. Any questions council?

[25:05] So this company is it from the local area or I'm just curious like would any other company be able to do it for about the same or less?

[25:19] So in the quote that they provided to us, there was a pretty steep discount.

[25:25] I want to say it was like $80,000 off of the price of the equipment again because it was part of this cooperative purchasing agreement.

[25:35] So if we went and purchased the same equipment without that agreement, it would be about $80,000 more expensive than what it is.

[25:44] So, this specific equipment, no, we could not go, and that would be option two.

[25:51] We could go out and spec out everything that we want, but it just ends up being more expensive

[25:56] than piggybacking off of an established contract.

[26:00] Thank you.

[26:02] Any other questions, council?

[26:04] That's a wonderful.

[26:06] So, I think when I was reading the agenda bill that you prepared, I mentioned that

[26:14] There would only be two areas that are fenced. Can you describe the area that we are going is it the whole park going to be fenced because I'm looking at the park. There's three areas that have

[26:31] street

[26:33] There's there's

[26:34] That road that changes names five times.

[26:37] I don't even know what road to call it when I wait.

[26:41] What else do you want to call it?

[26:46] And that location, and that location, and that location, it's called Elm, and then it's the two residential streets.

[26:53] So would it be those that side as well, that would be fence?

[27:00] Yes, I should have put a picture of the area as well, so it's right in the corner.

[27:07] And so I, I mean, there may be more than two sides, but we'll make sure that the fence

[27:12] covers anywhere around where the street would be. It wouldn't be around the whole park.

[27:17] It is a fairly large park to do that with, but it would be along the sensitive sides near the street.

[27:24] For sure. Okay. Yeah, that would be two sides because the other side or the back side is the

[27:30] Right.

[27:32] Right.

[27:32] So it's Ali and then rest of the parts.

[27:35] So it would be Madison and then it would be the street right in front of it.

[27:39] Right.

[27:40] No, no.

[27:41] Okay.

[27:41] Yeah.

[27:41] So that makes sense.

[27:42] Okay.

[27:43] Any other questions?

[27:44] Council.

[27:45] Um.

[27:46] Council.

[27:46] The fence.

[27:47] The fence.

[27:48] The fence.

[27:50] from what happened before or two sides of it one yes but number two would be just

[28:00] safety-wise because it is a busy street. I was wondering if Bollywood and Bollywood

[28:10] would that be similar? We've talked about that and with that you run the risk of

[28:18] of liability for the city to, if someone, it's an interesting concept, but we think that

[28:24] the fence does not two of those areas office, far as safety for the kids, and for protecting

[28:29] the equipment.

[28:32] You need a question?

[28:34] Councilman Garza?

[28:36] So the lighting is there going to be additional lighting with kind of new with new?

[28:43] Good question. We haven't had conversations about that but that's certainly something that we could study in many of our parks.

[28:52] Okay. Thank you.

[28:55] All right. Any other questions?

[28:57] If not, I'll entertain a motion.

[29:03] I'm sorry.

[29:06] I'm over there through.

[29:07] I'm sorry.

[29:08] I'm over there.

[29:09] I'm over there.

[29:11] I'm over there.

[29:14] I'm over there.

[29:15] and has it to proceed with purchase and installation.

[29:17] I have some part that I don't get enough from CNCME,

[29:21] PIDONs, a firm fund, and to purchase and install it.

[29:25] Which is an installation of PENCING PCD funds?

[29:29] I'll check it.

[29:30] All right, we have a motion of flow by Councilman Sanchez,

[29:33] Secretary by Councilman Garza.

[29:35] To approve, I'll introduce the number 206 SASH45,

[29:38] authoring the same manager to proceed with purchase and installation

[29:41] comparison park playground equipment from CME playgrounds with grant funds and to purchase

[29:47] an installation at Fencing with City Funds. Any further discussion comes from?

[29:53] I'll give you a question if I've ever seen any. All right. Any opposed? Motion passes.

[30:00] We will move on to item number 6. Discussion. Item A Block, ALPR, cameras in the city of

[30:10] Topnish City Manager Vaughan. Great. Thank you, Marissa Vajra.

[30:18] So, as we've mentioned, leading up to this evening, we are discussing our current

[30:25] block cameras, what they've been used for protection

[30:29] that are in place, and in consideration that our contract is

[30:33] going to be up for renewal.

[30:35] And so we want to make sure that the council, the public,

[30:39] has all the information from the city about what we use our

[30:44] block cameras for so that we can make the best decision for our

[30:48] specific community going forward.

[30:51] we have chief glean as well. I'll go through the power point presentation and then chief glean will be able to answer any questions that you do have on this.

[31:01] And again, we do, we're grateful for the public for their discussion and willingness to participate. Again, we are talking about it.

[31:11] Our next council meeting and we do invite the public to attend and to share what questions or concerns they do have on on these cameras.

[31:19] Great, public safety direct, Emily.

[31:22] Good evening, Mayor and Council.

[31:24] Thank you.

[31:25] Great.

[31:27] So, what are Float cameras?

[31:29] So that is a word that you will hear often when discussing this technology is Float cameras.

[31:36] Float is a company.

[31:37] A company that provides a lot of different technology-based items.

[31:43] Similarly, there's companies like Axon that provide similar technologies that we're talking about.

[31:49] talking about tonight. Tonight we are talking specifically about the city's

[31:54] operation of ALPR cameras or automated license plate readers. So the city is

[32:02] currently paying for 25 cameras and operating 11 with that contract ending on

[32:07] October 2nd. We are only operating 11 cameras because after the passage of

[32:13] Senate Bill 6002, the law prohibited ALPR cameras for being located in sensitive locations, such

[32:21] as churches, schools, healthcare facilities and food banks.

[32:25] There are, again, quote unquote, flock cameras in city parks.

[32:30] These are live feed cameras that are leased by Yakima County.

[32:35] So the city of top-in-ish does not have a contract with flock for any live feed cameras.

[32:41] We do have cameras operating in our city that are being operated by Yakima County in some of our park locations.

[32:52] And as mentioned, the passage of Senate Bill 6002, the focus of that bill was on ALPR cameras.

[33:02] It was not on live feed cameras.

[33:06] So this is the slide that we really want to emphasize as far as what these cameras do for our current operations within the city of top finish.

[33:18] The things that are allowed are looking up information on cases that include a gross misdemeanor, a felony, or they are a missing person's case.

[33:29] Officers and city personnel are not allowed to use

[33:33] flat cameras for immigration enforcement or providing any information to anyone that is

[33:39] conducting, conducting, immigration enforcement is not allowed to identify or monitor

[33:46] individual seeking out, seeking or providing protected health care services to monitor

[33:52] lawful first amendment activity or to track or track or collect information regarding

[33:58] activity protected by the Washington State Constitution or the United States Constitution.

[34:04] Any time that our officers do access the flock database, they are required to enter a case number

[34:12] and again it can only be used for these purposes. We have an audit process in place as well

[34:19] to ensure that our cameras are being used correctly. It is a database that links up to a lot of

[34:26] different areas,

[34:29] we only allow for sharing of our data with other registered Washington entities.

[34:36] We are registered with the secretary general, I don't remember the exact name, but we are registered.

[34:52] But I just want to highlight again that we only share our information with people that are also abiding by these same rules and we are never sharing our information for any of these activities on their right hand, not allowed side.

[35:07] They are tools to be used to assist our law enforcement activities.

[35:13] And again, emphasizing they are tools to assist in the process.

[35:18] On your screen here, I've listed a number of cases that Chief Millene has identified

[35:25] that we've used over the last three years to be able to assist these cases in solving crime

[35:33] and being able to successfully sort of solve these cases and work through them.

[35:41] So again, we just want to present how we have been using them and all the information and we're open and willing to answer any questions that you may have.

[35:52] We will continue to share more information over the next two weeks on our social media platforms as we come back to the council in two weeks with what we are recommending going forward.

[36:05] We're happy to answer any questions.

[36:07] Again, there is a more comprehensive frequently asked questions on the city's website.

[36:12] One question you may have not on the slide is the payment for these cameras.

[36:18] The first two years were paid through ARPA grant funds.

[36:22] This year in 2026, they were funded by city funds, and anything going forward would have

[36:29] to be funded by city funds.

[36:31] I think one year was actually funded by the 2% committee, but they've been grant funded until this year, but with that I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have.

[36:45] Chief, is there anything you'd like to add?

[36:47] No, I believe the City Manager covered it well.

[36:49] I was looking for the exact date that we registered with the Secretary General's Office.

[36:53] It was last week, but we are registered with him.

[36:56] And we only use the platform to actually solve crimes.

[37:02] It is a reactive tool that we use, but it is a very good tool and it helps us bring

[37:08] closure to families that have been victimized.

[37:11] And I believe in the technology and I know that we are not misusing it.

[37:18] But with everything, there are bad actors everywhere across the country and I'm sure everybody

[37:24] pay attention to the news and sees things going on, but we have a very modern, professional

[37:29] police.

[37:30] Police Department only uses the technology to solve crimes that are occurring in our community.

[37:35] Great. All right. Councilman Garza.

[37:39] So, we have 11 active cameras being used. In addition to that, we have additional cameras that were placed by the Yakima County.

[37:52] And how many, and also, I guess my question is, what's going to happen to the 14 that are not being

[38:08] used?

[38:08] Are they going to be returned or are we stuck with the bill on those?

[38:14] I'll address that part and then I'll let Chief address the Yakima County cameras as we've

[38:20] looking for quotes with flock. We haven't been going with just 25 cameras. We've been

[38:26] asking them at different price points of what is 12 look like, what would 25 look like,

[38:31] so that we can come back with a full picture of here are some different options. If this is

[38:37] something the council wants to continue. And if we were to continue with the 25 cameras on a new

[38:44] track, they would just be relocated strategically to other areas to help us kind of gather

[38:50] a picture of the city as a whole for when they are needed. But they would need to be moved

[38:56] because they are in sensitive areas that are not a lot currently.

[38:59] As far as the cameras in the parks that are owned by the county, or at least by the county,

[39:05] that is an effort to develop a real-time crime center regionally. I know they're going to

[39:12] I don't know if they're finished installing them or if there's more to be installed,

[39:16] and I don't have that exact number for you of how many are going to be put in our city,

[39:20] but I could find that out and follow up with you.

[39:24] And the follow-up to that is,

[39:27] do you, as a police department, here in Topping is have access to that data as well?

[39:33] We will have access here shortly.

[39:35] Yes.

[39:36] Thank you.

[39:37] Questions, council?

[39:41] Yes.

[39:44] So earlier today, when they were giving public comment, one thing that really stuck with me is the act of bypassing our procedures and things that we do to protect our community.

[40:04] How do you think that the block cameras can be bypassed?

[40:12] How can our procedures be bypassed?

[40:14] Like what protections do we have from them not getting bypassed?

[40:18] Are you talking about other washers that you have in place?

[40:22] Yeah, they're wash and state agencies that have access.

[40:24] We only shared with other wash and state agencies that have the same RCW

[40:29] is that operate under the Keep Washington Work Act.

[40:32] It is a gross misdemeanor, an officer could be charged with a crime if they were to misuse

[40:39] the equipment and with that we would have to trust the other officers in the state operating

[40:45] under the same laws that they're not going to commit a crime and misuse the equipment.

[40:51] You did a question, Council?

[40:54] At this time, do we know how much it's going to cost to renew our contract in October?

[41:00] We received three different quotes, and they vary from a smaller footprint of cameras,

[41:08] which is I think in the 30 to $40,000 range, and our current model would be in the 70s

[41:15] or 80s, and there's even a more robust model, which exceeds that by $1,000.

[41:26] Any other questions, council?

[41:30] Do we have access to funding or that specific project or I mean are we done with that?

[41:39] Yes, so the funding that was used was first ARPA, which was one time money from the COVID-19 pandemic.

[41:47] So that money is completely exhausted and that was through the county's allocation of our

[41:53] refunds that we applied and we received that money and then our other source was through the 2% grant committee,

[42:01] which is an option that we can put in to request for that.

[42:06] I would say probably based on how the conversation has shifted from when we received that to now.

[42:14] I would say it probably makes more sense from a city's perspective to continue some of our other projects through that 2% committee effort.

[42:24] But we could apply for it.

[42:27] Thank you.

[42:28] Great.

[42:29] Well, I am a strong supporter of public safety and transparency.

[42:33] And so I am a strong supporter of this technology.

[42:35] I feel that in general most communities, at least from what I have been able to research and find is that communities that have this type of technology are also very strongly supported by the majority of the residents.

[42:52] And so, because this information, again, everything that we do is information that can be publicly accessed.

[43:00] And also, we have to keep in mind that there is surveillance technology and everything even

[43:07] our phones.

[43:07] So anyone who has an iPhone, you're being listened to every single day.

[43:12] New cars are coming out with cameras that are going to be watching you every single minute

[43:16] at the year in your car and they're going to be recording you and seeing everything that you're

[43:20] doing in there.

[43:21] So people that buy new cars after the year of 2026 are going to have many of those new cars

[43:25] are going to have that technology.

[43:27] Anything that's recorded in public right now is public access.

[43:30] So if you're walking outside the park, anyone can pull out their cell phone and record you, it is public knowledge.

[43:37] And so you can't hide from that.

[43:39] For me, having this type of technology is a deterrent to crime.

[43:44] So if the communities have them, it is a very, very public statement that if you are coming into the city of top initiative to commit crimes,

[43:52] and especially you stay out of it because we do have some tools in place to assist with public safety

[43:59] and also to give this sense and reassurance to our communities that there is that the city is making an effort

[44:07] to ensure the public safety of their families of their children and just of people here as a whole.

[44:14] Within our county, especially in this area, because it is the reservation, there is a huge push to help with assistance to find missing indigenous people.

[44:27] What is the campaign called murder?

[44:30] Murdered indigenous?

[44:33] And so murdered and missing indigenous people in children.

[44:38] And so in our packet, we're provided some of the things that this technology and these tools have provided the city of top finish with and the public safety that it has provided such as domestic violence vehicle assault investigations.

[44:54] felony hit and run investigations, stolen license plate investigations, gang related shooting investigation.

[45:00] Multiplications, multiple stolen vehicle recoveries and arrests, felony escapee, apprehension assistance, felony warrant, suspect arrest and narcotics, investigation, burglary, suspect investigation, weapons, offense, investigation,

[45:14] arts and investigation, multiple stolen vehicle recoveries and arrest, dried by shooting

[45:20] investigations, felony, alluding and narcotics, trafficking, investigations,

[45:25] shooting fired shots fired investigations, homicide investigations, and agencies

[45:31] described by shooting investigations. And that to me, it sounds fabulous. Fabulous.

[45:39] And I think anyone who has ever had a crime, even a stolen car would want the ability for law enforcement to find their vehicle because it's extremely expensive.

[45:52] And that goes to any property. And so to me, I'm a very, very strong supporter of the technology.

[45:58] I believe that we have the transparency tools in place to ensure that it's not being used and abused.

[46:04] the public has access to that and again nowadays it's very very difficult to go anywhere without

[46:10] being surveillance and so with that if there is any other questions we don't have a motion to come

[46:15] before us I think there this was for discussion purposes only and so there would be more information

[46:21] coming to council at another meeting councilwoman do well or councilwoman can't feel then we'll

[46:27] come back to you since your first meeting. So I guess as far as missing people how effective are

[46:33] these types of cameras is a thing.

[46:37] So usually with most crimes, the main mode for transportation is a vehicle.

[46:43] So these, we use these cameras to search vehicles that help us identify what vehicles are

[46:49] involved.

[46:50] It's all case dependent.

[46:52] So not every crime can be solved.

[46:54] This is just the tool we use to help us try to solve crimes when they do occur.

[46:58] So it's depending on the actual incident itself, but usually vehicles are used in crimes.

[47:07] So it is very helpful.

[47:10] Tesla Medieval, okay.

[47:12] Does the City of Topponish have any evidence that it's been sharing information with customs

[47:16] and borders patrol agencies such as eyes or home-lapse security?

[47:24] No.

[47:26] Thank you.

[47:28] Great.

[47:29] Wonderful if there aren't any other questions, Councilman Garcia.

[47:33] I think it's a great tool because it sold a suspect that was involved in a shooting and

[47:40] Granger then he came down the top nation.

[47:44] Did the same thing and the flock caught his vehicle and they ended up catching him at the

[47:50] Idaho border by a flock system.

[47:53] So here's apprehended.

[47:54] So it got some closure for the families that weren't allowed to have loved ones in

[47:59] something.

[48:00] But I think it's a great tool when it's used correctly and so far, I think the city

[48:06] of top is it's used to solve stuff not to give information to other agencies who

[48:12] should not have access to it.

[48:13] So I think it's a great tool to have out there.

[48:17] Great.

[48:18] All right.

[48:19] Well, thank you so much for your reporting.

[48:20] Thank you.

[48:21] With that, we'll move on to item number 7, Council Meeting Reports and Community Announcements City Manager.

[48:28] Well, we'll come back to you if you have anything else to add.

[48:32] Councilwoman Duval?

[48:33] I have nothing to report.

[48:35] Councilwoman Canfield.

[48:38] So, September is suicide prevention month.

[48:40] To last Thursday, the 10th was world.

[48:43] It was world suicide prevention day.

[48:46] the tribe, they've named it, they call it hope for life day.

[48:51] So I did attend an event over at the Cultural Center where families were able to share their stories of loss.

[48:59] And the families were able to see, there are other people out here that are suffering loss like they are.

[49:05] And so they know who to reach out to now.

[49:08] I also have some information on September 23, the out-need shift quit Pomap program is going to be hosting us through the side prevention walk.

[49:16] 830 to 2, the walk will begin.

[49:19] But the keynote speaker, Elwood, Pip, Pip, Type STEM, ought to at the Accommonation Tribal School.

[49:25] Following the speaker, attendees will walk from the to the Cultural Center from Tribal School, where several activities will be held.

[49:33] This is a one day free event, it's an important, it's important for the community, erasing awareness, promoting suicide prevention, honoring those we have lost and encouraging hope, healing and connection within our community.

[49:47] Suicide prevention is a community responsibility that requires awareness, education, connection and support.

[49:54] events such as suicide prevention walk. We'll provide an opportunity to reduce stigma,

[49:59] promote protective factors, encouraged individuals to seek help with needed and strengthen community

[50:05] relationships. So this event is open to the public. I don't know if you saw it was on the news last year

[50:11] of this event. So that I brought a fire and pass it around. Thank you.

[50:21] I did a ten national hall at night out last month, and it was a great

[50:27] tense by the people, a community, and a lot of the peace officers are on the

[50:34] Duncan pool, so that was quite often the quick need to see something like that.

[50:41] In our own PD, it was very active, I handed out information about everything right there.

[50:46] And so they had a booth set up and then they also fed people with the hamburgers and the hot dogs and so it was a great opportunity to see the people out there and I think so

[50:58] That was really really really really good. Great councilman Garza nothing to report councilman.

[51:05] I'm not sure.

[51:07] I'm not sure.

[51:08] I'm not sure.

[51:09] I'm not sure.

[51:10] Great.

[51:10] I as well have the opportunity to attend the National Night Out and for another year.

[51:14] It was great.

[51:15] Great turnout.

[51:16] A lot of great music, the community was out.

[51:20] I love to see the children out there as well.

[51:22] I want to thank all the officers that I think it was.

[51:25] Is it just one or were there others that got into the dunk tank chief?

[51:28] to pick up a

[51:43] picture if we have one. I'm sure we probably have a picture somewhere. That

[51:48] is so great. Why did you report that? It was a joke. So, councilwoman can't feel.

[51:54] Got it in the tank tank. Good for you. Well, awesome. It was a great, great turnout, love it.

[51:59] Um, and yeah, that is, that is all, is there anything else to add a city manager on?

[52:05] Yes, um, if you haven't had the chance yet, and you're a resident to take our survey,

[52:10] you can do that online, or you would have received a mail.

[52:14] Mailer, if you're utility customer, I can report.

[52:18] We've received over 250 surveys so far.

[52:21] Right.

[52:21] So I've been reading every single one of them.

[52:24] A lot of themes emerging, and I'm excited to share those results and talk about how

[52:29] we're going to address.

[52:30] A lot of the concerns. Great. Thank you. All right. If there's nothing else to come before the council, I will adjourn tonight's meeting. Have a great evening everyone.

Toppenish City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

Transcript