[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6302176,"mediaKeyId","2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537","parentId",2482228,"title","Sunnyside council opens review of municipal cannabis ban; refers repeal consideration to subcommittees","audioSeconds",3151,"startMs",3809000,"endMs",6960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537&start=3809&end=6960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537/thumbnail_3809000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6302176/Sunnyside-City/Yakima-County/Washington/Sunnyside-council-opens-review-of-municipal-cannabis-ban-refers-repeal-consideration-to-subcommittees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302176-809e2732ad6a214591b0588677c78af7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437966&Signature=hPS5J00Jsa7F1qbuHBgfjAswg5MMV-7tYdK0~JXXxQQysBYSOPmWDb422iLN5HUSUD3Jwjh2e7aDosMZu5PT6bH6oS3o-LvSHwnUTshqzPMOya33NuN5WQTcfxHcykqV1vMaXAQxNV6m02VMGorKLnewwlzZaZpQcmW0m4qC9XzQqNVSC8NxjHAUxQHX02-XfePjf-leFbOb28VYI1z0JjIHxAwSpuV2gIvaL-DxIbIakPJlG62fCLCMw-Vhnyclt~TVKrb3nfLs92gy0w4g17SGJ0frl0sMHre8QKXJYA96fuS4MX7Eu5HTTYlos2iP~uSQFfzrFq2v2~hOi4Xfrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sunnyside Washington","date","2025-02-25T19:44:01Z","article","City staff presented background and options about the city’s retail-cannabis prohibition (listed in the zoning code as a prohibition on retail cannabis sales and processing, recorded in transcript as SMC 1704055). Derek Bratton summarized state history (I-502) and explained the difference among production (growing), processing (making packaged products) and retail sales. \"The sale and product or the sale of retail cannabis or retail marijuana is not permitted in the city of Sunnyside, nor is the processing production of, marijuana,\" Bratton said when explaining the current local prohibition.

The city invited David Morgan, owner of Lucky Leaf (Pasco and Spokane), and David Rand, who holds Sunnyside’s existing liquor/cannabis license, to describe retail operations. Morgan described security and compliance requirements, noting mandatory camera systems and ID verification. Rand said the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) told him Sunnyside is allotted one retail license and that licenses cannot be relocated; he said Sunnyside’s one license was not movable and described prior operational history.

Council and staff discussed potential revenue and regulatory trade-offs. City Manager explained how state excise and sales-tax distributions work: a large portion of excise revenue is retained by the state, with portions allocated to health programs, research, prevention, and a 6% share distributed to cities and counties and then apportioned by formula. Bratton gave a broad estimate from comparable Lower Valley municipalities that municipal excise receipts from a nearby retail location could range from roughly $3,000 to $10,000 annually for some communities, while city manager noted much larger retail sales figures are first pooled at the state level and distributed by formula.

Public commenters included Theresa Hancock (former Liquor and Cannabis Board staff), who urged council to confirm LCB authority and licensing rules before taking legislative steps, and license-holder David Rand, who said he and Morgan have discussed community contributions and that Morgan would run the store if Sunnyside allowed retail operations. Morgan and Rand described community benefits including jobs (Morgan estimated 15–20 employees per store) and said stores contribute to the local economy. Rand and Morgan both described charitable contributions: David Morgan affirmed philanthropic support to youth and community programs and Rand said he had pledged community support in the past.

Councilors asked about crime impacts. Bratton summarized academic literature and jurisdictional examples saying studies generally do not find consistent increases in serious crime after legalization, though some analyses show small upticks in opportunistic property theft near retail outlets. The Sunnyside police chief’s prior presentation about Flock cameras and enforcement was referenced in the discussion.

Council gave direction to continue working on the issue: several councilors supported moving the issue to subcommittees (public safety and economic development) to study zoning, licensing mechanics, potential locations, odor and nuisance rules, security and community outreach. The city manager noted development-code changes require a standard process including public hearings and a 60-day review by the Washington State Department of Commerce; staff estimated 90–120 days minimum for the amendment process.

Ending: Council directed staff to assign the matter to subcommittees for further study and to return with a plan for public outreach and draft code language for future hearings; no ordinance was adopted at this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meeting Title","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented background on the city’s ban on retail cannabis (SMC 1704055). Presenters, including Derek Bratton, Pasco/Spokane store owner David Morgan and Sunnyside license holder David Rand, described industry operations, security and community benefits; council directed staff to study code changes through committees and community outreach.","taxTitle","Sunnyside City, Yakima County, Washington","taxId",71678,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6302181,"Sunnyside finance director reports progress reconciling 2024 books, flags remaining audits and missing donation lines",745,2377000,3122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537&start=2377&end=3122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537/thumbnail_2377000.jpg","/articles/6302181/Sunnyside-City/Yakima-County/Washington/Sunnyside-finance-director-reports-progress-reconciling-2024-books-flags-remaining-audits-and-missing-donation-lines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302181-aeb1265f4914ce5391087e60cd338854/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437966&Signature=HsD67bLJ0qKzPoJktQEAvDGYotJaXOvRFA9RbHLPi2MM8-2sEmZzmFjhEZ3Ej-6B0rThzDFW24bospvGiW8RWLQ6SchztwOESIak4DqUQSy3bRx4mNNVS9~DzrYbspY5RxS-nsL5KShVfTlcovPEq2ZUjsFi3PLv9mEPeipN2~CBcvIdyZjYS8HheljeU~0YXSnU86Z60~kxEbXFm6uOOVx3oFsGfBlYXaH9KedkuSr0KJWQDTa8fDWn4oCfq-gkSd-KoA0WLapdkB498wzBsXDWsB7oABKfTsOyQx9CELhYjlrFHJ8~vaV5bTf2~5u-d9QTz9EkAE1MIBXMAXUsAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance Director Miss Abel briefed the Sunnyside City Council on progress since October 2024 in closing the fiscal year, finalizing the 2025 budget and preparing for required audits.

Abel said staff completed reconciliation for September through December but still needs to reconcile June through August and to resolve some discrepancies for January through May tied to an enterprise-system migration. The finance team discovered previously untracked reimbursements and additional grants and is finalizing interfund transfers and equipment rental transfers. “We do have September through December reconciled. We still need to work on June through August,” Abel said. She also said the city paused a conversion from Springbrook Express to an enterprise system while reconciling accounts.

Abel said finance is working with a consultant (FCS Group) on rate and cost-allocation analyses for utilities and EMS and on the 2025 budget amendments; the first amendment will include swimming-pool revenues and expenditures. She reported the finance staff received formal Springbrook training for department directors and that a consultant will assist one day per week to speed reconciliations. Abel said she expects to retire June 30, 2025.

Council members asked about special funds and donations: Abel said a $10,000 donation from the Festival of Trees for the animal shelter had been included in general fund activity and will be reclassified to a restricted fund when reconciliations are complete. She also said opioid-settlement money was on her to-do list to locate; councilors and a local commissioner offered assistance to identify the settlement formula and expected shares.

Ending: Staff reported progress but warned substantial reconciliation work and an upcoming accountability audit for FY 2022–2024 remain; council asked for detailed line-item budget amendments showing revenues and expenditures.","Finance Director Miss Abel updated council on year-end reconciliation work, the 2025 budget finalization, paused software migration, vehicle-lease reductions and several items requiring follow up including identifying opioid settlement funds and a $10,000 Festival of Trees donation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6302186,"Sunnyside police report year-to-date drops in burglaries and vehicle thefts, attribute gains to Flock cameras and street crimes unit",98,1849000,1947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537&start=1849&end=1947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537/thumbnail_1849000.jpg","/articles/6302186/Sunnyside-City/Yakima-County/Washington/Sunnyside-police-report-year-to-date-drops-in-burglaries-and-vehicle-thefts-attribute-gains-to-Flock-cameras-and-street-crimes-unit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302186-8e6f35c691f2156cf42961d2157d34a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437966&Signature=OSEtfeqlZzVrClt1mpiZ~ddKvfbDeIGET6EDTkB3Ui8sRsYSqgK6GRjOgDAp42ehJrvLlxqVwUeao874H8sXV0JE2V-Rvvfxcld82RUaP5qMC1l0d4g~6p56SoPPfnorH8854IwaNm5XWCZ5z493YTGh85TfUr8FBtpBXfL2CIEHygqEzEEaBVLnAEQ6Fg3BERMyd9S3NkpOzc~CaGdSHjwCmgPpBpKmkK0DBMyB~2IHxBX~Nm8u6fy8eMRXHqFCHLCxxR3XgEybUb5z9uCBRfsefytWnFIDYD8z42-8tfg19lrqfurwoMjObKWWtzqbxsFdJrDCxW~ty1DQnZAX9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sunnyside Police Chief (unnamed) presented year-to-date crime statistics to the City Council covering Jan. 1 through Feb. 27 and compared those figures to the same period in 2024.

The chief reported the department’s year-to-date figures show aggravated assaults down about 40%, burglaries (breaking and entering) down 71%, and motor vehicle thefts down 84% compared with last year. He attributed at least part of the improvement in vehicle-related crimes to the city’s use of the Flock license-plate camera system and the reactivation of the street crimes unit. “When we got the flock cameras in about 2023. And so that made a big difference,” the chief said.

The chief said weapons-law violations are up about 83% and attributed some of that rise to proactive work by the street crimes unit, which digs deeper during stops and investigations than routine patrol might. “Weapons law violation could be as simple as pulling a car over for a DUI, and then they see a weapon in there… where street crimes does and that's their specialty,” he said.

The chief described how dispatch and patrol receive near-instant alerts from the Flock system, noting an example in which a partial plate from a theft at a retail store produced a Flock hit and led to an arrest. He also said multiple Flock hits on sequential cameras help officers track a vehicle’s direction and intercept suspects.

Councilors praised the technology and the department’s data access, and one councilor asked whether the increase in simple assaults reflected repeat offenders or prosecution limits; the chief said simple assaults were still near historic lows and the increase was small and not clearly attributable to prosecution changes.

Ending: Chief summarized that Flock cameras and targeted enforcement have improved the department’s ability to identify and apprehend suspects; no policy changes or votes were taken.","Chief reported year-to-date statistics through Feb. 27 showing sizable declines in burglaries and motor vehicle thefts and an increase in weapons-law violations tied to targeted enforcement by the street crimes unit and the Flock camera network.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6302189,"Sunnyside to consider consolidating council study sessions to once a month",96,1492000,1588000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537&start=1492&end=1588","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537/thumbnail_1492000.jpg","/articles/6302189/Sunnyside-City/Yakima-County/Washington/Sunnyside-to-consider-consolidating-council-study-sessions-to-once-a-month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302189-cd4e2fd8442e6e9189b5a17555682851/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437966&Signature=fXwHTksNiH1KWAdV0TBXsSpqjK9ZSg-Ac-GwBrzPWLwhbnNMrhnSUQGEXQ8Ym7GPJ-ofj~EHqYSka32q8dNl2eUAjSrPucZp1PY6wY-BajcSMmiP4gc9K1ygg18togkTU7M4F4~iOd-hnubrStquBy~Vb-SpjNtp1LI3U8pxGU4yc7RIhxMXV2c7KQtNGhlZlo-w-xwjkYPLoC3UxiQA3hxE~M81aP4-8HbPH2dEPOEATRnnybLNZKOOcSrCW86~IqzZq~7ACZqiKpRQNcvdyaxXyvsAQ9BGVLFCrHT3K5s1X7XkPMEcU2uo5~LasU5d0ZvZeTCabWZvepow9AlsMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager (unnamed) told the Sunnyside City Council staff drafted an amendment to Sunnyside Municipal Code (SMC) 2.08 that would consolidate council study sessions from twice per month to once per month, scheduling the study session on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

The manager said the current schedule holds study sessions on the first and third Mondays at 6 p.m., and the proposed change would reduce the number of scheduled meetings while keeping regular council meetings unchanged. “If council approves the proposed ordinance, we will add this item to the consent agenda on 03/10/2025 for consideration,” the city manager said.

The manager and council members framed the change as an operational adjustment intended to ease workload for a small city staff and to give councilors more time to digest packet materials. Council members recalled why the city briefly moved to four meetings per month (study session plus two regular meetings) during a period of heavy fiscal work and cautioned against losing capacity when budget emergencies arise. One council member said the extra meetings helped in 2024 when the council confronted a near $4 million deficit.

Council did not take a final vote during the session but directed staff to place the ordinance on the consent agenda of the next regular meeting for formal consideration. Staff noted that if council moves forward it will follow the standard legislative process for code amendments.

Ending: The item will appear on the March 10, 2025 consent agenda for possible adoption or further amendment.","City staff drafted an amendment to Sunnyside Municipal Code 2.08 to move study sessions from twice monthly to once monthly (first Monday at 6 p.m.); council asked to place the ordinance on the March 10 consent agenda for consideration.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6302193,"SURF Soccer League pitches local youth training program, asks Sunnyside for field access",3621,816000,4437000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537&start=816&end=4437","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482228-49b2ab1c59e6adcc66dd86f81c90d537/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6302193/Sunnyside-City/Yakima-County/Washington/SURF-Soccer-League-pitches-local-youth-training-program-asks-Sunnyside-for-field-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302193-163e17331e2e9d8a6674d1ca52d5adbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437966&Signature=RBZVKgaRzxxkuwGh00GAt79hCjQezhabkg0mYcpnqKWml76kQtSVp5aMD4KY1jRJW8solRbXHIlPxyix6cj7zPZtuJBsdEKlgww6EwKf7pmq8cAQ10CXBYPcu4NuQzlbYngb8QHNSjG8jx9rr5KfgxxI3u~Sgurj9HSluD1CqFZGcEa4iczSrWPzNABvPMUi1CTyBNDvLCfMJa4W0gowaydJ8-ovVjWB8CB84GpQPomMB6BZCdJXGVJiYGxmST8E6-VIUuoE4pxZAoRkIhrfCrUAIJ-xyDfim9wScoC2fHP4v5EQkn3zZsBplemb5LV5P3u7KOq2okKgb9ClI08k-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Alfredo Reyes, a Granger city councilmember and local representative of Washington East SURF (SURF Soccer Club), told the Sunnyside City Council that SURF wants to expand into the Lower Valley and partner with the city to offer player-development training and youth programs.

The presentation, delivered during the council’s open session, outlined SURF’s structure, coach certification requirements, scholarship opportunities, and both free and fee-based programs. “They prioritize the development, the growth, the training,” Reyes said, describing the club’s emphasis on certified coaches and pathways to college and international play.

Reyes told council SURF operates academies for ages as young as 3 through high school, runs winter futsal sessions and hopes to place competitive teams into tournaments when ready. For a sample recreational program he described a nine-week course consisting of about 18 sessions priced at $95 and including two training shirts; scholarships and sponsor-funded fee reductions are available. Reyes said SURF has run free clinics and open sessions in nearby communities and that Granger and Grandview have donated field use for SURF activities.

Council members asked whether SURF seeks to run games or only training. Reyes clarified the club’s local focus is on training and player development rather than establishing a city-run league. “Let me clarify that training, not no running leagues,” he said. Councilors also pressed on cost and access: one councilor summarized that sponsorships and scholarships could make programs free for some families, and another noted practical barriers for seasonal agricultural workers who cannot travel to distant practices.

City Manager (unnamed) said the city lacks registration infrastructure and cannot handle sign-ups, but that SURF could handle registration and said Granger and its school district donate field use in that city. The manager also noted legal constraints around providing public resources: staff and council discussed whether offering city fields without a fee would constitute an improper gift of public funds; city staff observed municipal governments commonly allow community groups to use parks and fields for public benefit.

No formal action was taken. Council thanked Reyes and directed staff to continue conversations about facility use, scheduling and potential sponsorships so the club could provide more concrete proposals for field access and any required agreements.

Ending: Council members expressed support for further discussion while noting budget and staffing limits; staff will return with options for permitting, facility access and any required agreements or concessions.","Alfredo Reyes, representing Washington East SURF, told Sunnyside council the club can deliver development-focused training, scholarships and free clinics; he asked to use city fields and indoor space to reduce costs for families.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sunnyside council opens review of municipal cannabis ban; refers repeal consideration to subcommittees

Sunnyside finance director reports progress reconciling 2024 books, flags remaining audits and missing donation lines

Sunnyside police report year-to-date drops in burglaries and vehicle thefts, attribute gains to Flock cameras and street crimes unit

Sunnyside to consider consolidating council study sessions to once a month

SURF Soccer League pitches local youth training program, asks Sunnyside for field access