Yakima City Council to Talk About Cold Weather Shelters

Once again this year the city of Yakima is partnering with religious and nonprofit organizations to make sure people who are homeless have a warm place to stay this winter. The Yakima City Council on Tuesday is expected to pass a resolution that sets minimum standards and requirements for the shelters. This year a shelter will be operated specifically for young people ages 18-24 at Englewood Christian Church on North 44th Avenue. Other area church facilities are expected to be used this winter. But they each need to apply to the city of Yakima. A news release says "a Building and Fire Official reviews all applications, inspects the facility and approves the facility with safety measures prior to use of the structure. These requirements do not apply to the temporary homeless encampment run by Sunrise Outreach, which is subject to a Lease Agreement."

Also on Tuesday the council is expected to receive an update on contract negotiations with the interim City Manager candidate Alex Meyerhoff. Meyerhoff has most recently served as city manager for San Fernando, Calif. The city is searching for an interim manager because there could be a change in government next year from the current city manager form to a strong mayor form of government. City officials say trying to attract permanent city manager candidates with that possible change in the future wouldn't have been possible.

The City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Yakima City Hall.