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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/1978 Business Meeting 41 JULY 24, 1978 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 PM In the Council Chambers of City, Hall,- Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Don Hinman, Nadine Lee, Jack Sperling and Gordon Wonder. Mayor Edmondson requested that Council members interested in attending the National League of Cities Regional Meeting in Portland, August 4 -5, 1978, contact her Secretary to make reservations. She reported that she and the City Manager w i l l attend. r , Having been continued from the July 17, .1978 meeting, Council members discussed the .List of questions raised by Johnnie Dittmar. Beginning . with question #5, as follows: The dusty street project which requires 100% sign -up and City monies collected by someone In the neighborhood .is a disgrace to our citizens' intelligence. I am, wondering who in his right mind will choose to give some person in his block money,Jit is the City's business to collect? a. How many streets have been signed up and how much has been done? b. How much is it costing to do the streets compared to the estimates? c. Why are these people having to pay for their treatment when Fechter Road residents and others paid nothing? d. Has anyone figured it out to see if the estimate was accurate; and if the City isn't, in fact, losing money? e. Where will the City Street' Division get money for upkeep of these roads over the next five years? f. How, in fact, do you or I know that 100% of the money is collected before a street is done? Willis White, Public Works Director, explained the dust control street project, stating that the program requires 100% participation of the residents. So far, out of 29 streets which have signed up for the project, 6 are completed, due to the fact that this program was not scheduled at the first of the year. Although the cost was estimated to be 5 per sq. ft., it is actually costing approximately 6.5 per sq. ft. This money must be collected before the project is started. The collection cannot be treated like an L.I.D., therefore, either the residents bring it to the City individually, or select a neighbor to collect it for the whole street. Before this project was instituted, the City conducted test projects of several types of volume traffic streets to test the treatment; one of which was Fechter Road. It was decided that the residents should not have to pay for the tests. The City will benefit from this project by being able to save money. Twice annually, the City gravels and grades these unimproved streets at a cost of approximately $40,000 per year. We anticipate that after the dust control treatment is applied, the treatment will not have to be reapplied for approximately 7 to 10 years and only regular maintenance will have to be done. Over this period of time, the City will save money. Question #6 is "Has the City Manager been unable to fill the positions of those management personnel who have left, and, why ?" City Manager Eastman reported on the status of the vacancies as follows: Street and Refuse Superintendent - narrowed applications down to 1 applicant, and after further interviews, that applicant was determined to be unqualified. The process will start again. Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent - applications closed -- approximately 12 applicants. Recreation Superintendent -- will be vacant on October 1; expect to have applications in by mid- August. Personnel Officer - 65 applications received; closing date for additional information requested is July 25, 1978. Customer Service Manager - not planning to fill that position. Traffic Engineer -- was not budgeted in 1978. Traffic Supervising Engineer - Civil Service Commission in process of testing. JULY 24, 1978 Councilman Hinman reported he has received several requests to make the position of Mayor an elected position. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee to have staff prepare legislation to amend the Charter so that the position of Mayor becomes one of the "at- large" positions which is elected. Discussion followed on whether this would give the Mayor position more power and whether or not the number of Council members needs to be reduced; or, in fact, whether or not a change in the form of City government should be discussed. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee to amend the motion to instruct staff to have this on the Agenda for public hearings between now and the time limit of placing this Issue on the ballot, instead of preparing legislation: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman and Lee voting aye by voice vote. Sparling and Wonder voting nay. The vote for the Motion, as amended, was called: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. City Manager Eastman reported that he was in error when he stated that the Customer Service Manager position is not filled -- Walt Feser Is serving as Acting Customer Service Manager. It is recommended that there be a Chief Meter Reader position created. Councilman Beauchamp stated he is concerned about the process a Senior Citizen has to go through to obtain a bus pass, and inquired about them being able to send a check for it and handle it by mail. City Manager Eastman stated that presently they have to purchase them at City Hall, although we are trying to set up a mail -in process for obtaining tickets and passes. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman to move into Executive Session to discuss pending legal matters: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. City Manager Eastman reported that the legal matters are: the Eichler petition legal ramifications, report on legal issues re Gleed Water and property acquisition. At 3:00 PM, the regular meeting commenced, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder and City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp. Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Councilman Wonder requested that item #16 be removed from;. the Consent Agenda and Councilman Buchanan requested that item #21 be removed. It was the general consensus of the Council that these deletions, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda Items, including resolutions, by title. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) *:It was. :MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the minutes of the June 28, July 3 and July 10, 1978 meetings, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the application for major modifications to the existing planned development filed by Safeway, Inc., Larry Wright, Principal Planner, gave a brief background history on the Safeway Issue. Don Bond, Attorney representing the proponents of Safeway and several property owners who have property in the vicinity, submitted an attachment to the brief which was distributed previously to the Council members. He stated that the major modification would be a reduction of the Planned Development adopted in Ordinance No. 2115. He referred to Exhibit B - 13, which is a drawing of the revised project, when explaining there is now JULY 24, 1978 proposed a liquor store, Safeway Store and a bank in the Planned Development. He also displayed Exhibit B -3, which shows the parking plans. The acreage of the project is reduced by approximately 1.1 acre, making it5.5 acres. The square footage of the project has been reduced by almost 20,000 feet, the bank and the liquor store being 4800 sq. ft. each and Safeway being 39,865 sq. ft. There will be 321 parking spaces available. He reported that the store will be 85 feet from the west boundary line of the property, instead of 55 feet. He stated that the reduction follows the comprehensive plan more closely. Mr. Bond referred to Exhibit B -34 through B -40, which depict the zoning for land use from 1965 to 1977. He stated that the traffic generated by the modification would be less than that projected for the original planned development. Mr. Bond explained that part of the property involved in the original planned development was sold. There Is a law suit pending regarding the sale of this property. He urged Council to approve the application for the major modification. Vince Beaulaurler, attorney representing Potter Drug Store, Sprouse- Reitz, Wray's Thriftway, STRACO, owner of Chalet Shopping Center, requested a stipulation that all previously submitted information and memos become part of this record. Mr. Bond agreed. Dee Eberhart, Eberhart and Associates Planning Consultants firm, Ellensburg, spoke against the planned development. He stated he has performed an economic and marketing analysis of the planned development. Mr. Bond stated he objects to this discussion as it addresses the merits of the original planned development, which was approved last year. Mr. Eberhart stated that although the size of the proposed Safeway Store was increased, he could not find any record of the market analysis being modified. He reported that the sales volume per square foot would be $128, and should be a minimum of $200. Safeway projects a sales volume of $5 million annually and needs $8 million. He stated that the modification is not appropriate because it will allow for a project that has some adverse impact on the surrounding area. He mentioned the petition which was circulated previously protesting the original planned development. He further stated that the environmental impact statement does not reflect the cost of the development. Mr. Bond voiced his objections to that statement. Ron Whitaker, attorney representing the people in the Fontanelle and Chawley Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw and Mr. and Mrs. Grimsley and Wray Brown. Mr. Whitaker explained the location of the Fontanelle to the planned development and stated that the planned development would adversely effect their living conditions. Mr. Bond objected to this discussion on the grounds that it is the same agrument used to object to Ordinance No. 2115, and the opponent should address the proposed major modification. Mr. Whitaker stated that the modification does not alter their view and they object to it as much as they did the original planned development. He explained the withdrawal of the property from the Planned Development and the sale of that property. Mr. Whitaker stated that the property value of the homes in that area is effected because of the traffic and noise that will increase when the Planned Development is developed. Mr. Whitaker submitted letters protesting the proposed major modification from George Frich, 5901 Barge #39 and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Shaw, also speaking for Mr. and Mrs. Grimsley and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Those present speaking in opposition to the proposed modification were: Dick Walker, 5901 Barge #34; Lucetta Walker, 5901 Barge #34; Ruby Kurbitz, 5901 Barge #32; Alice Whitaker, 5901 Barge #32; and Liz Hanson, 5901 Barge #28. Those present speaking in favor of the modification were William Strole, 104 No. 55th Avenue; Norm Base, 110 N. 56th Avenue; and Ray Embree, owner of part of the property involved. Robert Heintz, Planner, spoke in support of the modification to the planned development. Mr. Heintz stated that City Council used good planning judgment-in granting the original planned development and the modification requested is to diminish the project. He stated that it Is his opinion that this would not produce two neighborhood shopping centers, but would become one community shopping center. Mr. Beaver, representative of Safeway Stores, stated that Safeway has reviewed their market analysis and believes that they are within the capability of Safeway. Don Bond then reviewed with Council the market study showing that the population has increased more than projected, based upon the number of building permits issued in that area. Mr. Bond spoke briefly about the traffic projections and submitted for the record his traffic figures. Darrell Bastion, Seattle attorney representing Safeway, spoke in support of the modific Lion of the Planned Development. Mr. Bond also submitted pictures off Arrounding area showing that businesses have been around the Fontanelle and some have .,existed prior to the Fontanelle being built. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Wonder to postpone making a decision on this today, and continue it to July 31, 1978; carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. JULY 24, 1978 Due to the lateness of the hour, it was the general consensus of the Council to discuss those items for which a decision tonight is essential. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D -3926, authorizing execution of an agreement with FAA for reimbursement of Yakima Air Terminal Improvement cost, be passed: Council member Lee expressed concern regarding the wording of the agreement as being confusing regarding who pays who. Judy Sheridan, Transportation Director, reported that the FAA facilities division owns and operates the glide slope. They will be doing the repair work and will bill the City. The City, will then bill the FAA airport division for $86,790 for reimbursement. Councilman Wonder questioned if the City's share of 10% is a budgeted item and Mrs. Sheridan stated that it is. The question was called for the vote on the motion: carried, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling, Wonder, Beauchamp and Buchanan voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -3926, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursement of Yakima Air Terminal improvement costs. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D -3927, authorizing payment of $10.00 to George L. Sanford, in payment of a claim for damages as a result of a sewer backup, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -3927, A RESOLUTION authorizing payment of $10.00 to George L. Sanford in settlement of a claim for damages filed with the City of Yakima. '`It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D -3928, authorizing the abatement of fire hazards on certain property, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -3928, A RESOLUTION requiring the abatement of fire hazards on certain property, directing notice to property owners to abate such hazards and, in the alternative, authorizing abatement by the Fire Marshal. The Council members discussed the sale of surplus property owned by the City. Jean Shipman, Purchasing Agent, stated that when the equipment becomes too expensive for the City to maintain, it is surplus. Judy Sheridan, Transportation Director, stated that there are certain criteria that have to be met, before any equipment becomes surplus. Following discussion on certain items on the surplus list, it was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Hinman that Resolution No. D -3929, authorizing the sale of surplus personal property owned by the City of Yakima, be passed: carried, Hinman, Lee, Sparling, Wonder, Beauchamp, Buchanan and Edmondson voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -3929, A RESOLUTION authorizing the sale of surplus personal property owned by the City. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that August 21 and 28, 1978, be fixed as the dates of hearing for the Community Development Block Grant Funds: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D - 3930, giving Intention to create a Local Improvement District for installation of a sewer main for property located in the Ranchette Subdivision, requested by Petition No. 923, and fixing a time of hearing for August 14, 1978, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. 44 JULY 24, 1978 RESOLUTION NO. D - 3930, A RESOLUTION of Intention to create a Local Improvement District. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D - 3931, giving Intention to create a Local Improvement District for installation of domestic water mains for property in the Airport Industrial Park, requested by Petition No. 924, and fixing a time of hearing for August 14, 1978,•be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll.call. RESOLUTION NO. D - 3931, A RESOLUTION of Intention to create a Local Improvement District. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the outside utility requests filed by Patricia Brown for water service to property located at 722 No. 32nd Avenue; and by West Valley School District for sewer service to property located at 74th Avenue extended and Zier Road; and John Durbin and Associates for water and sewer for property located east of So. 18th Street and adjacent to interstate No. 82 at Central Avenue, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Mr. Al Richards, Secretary, Yakima Valley Shrine Club, appeared before the Council to request a variance to the parade ordinance, which does not permit a parade on Saturday to begin at 3:00 PM, as they wish. He stated that some of the participants of the parade will come from out - of -town and it would be difficult to begin "the parade before 10:00 AM. Mayor Edmondson reported that the Ordinance does not allow for variance to the starting time and the Ordinance would have to be amended. Councilman Wonder stated that the Ordinance was changed because of objections received from the businessses in the downtown area. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Sparling to instruct staff to prepare legislation to amend the ordinance to allow.the City Council to grant variances. Councilman Wonder suggested that the parade route be reviewed and•possibly changed to maybe Second Street. After further discussion, the question was called for the vote on the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee and Sparling voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Wonder voting nay. Mr. Wiehl, attorney representing Eichler Disposal, stated that some of the people who wish to speak to the issue of their petition relative to optional residential refuse collection, had left because of the'late hour. He stated that he would agree to a continuation of•this Item to next week. It was the general consensus of the Council to continue this item to July 31, 1978. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Wonder•that the Budget Report, dated June 30, 1978, be approved as submitted: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. It was the general consensus of the Council to continue to the July 31, 1978 meeting, the proposals for route modifications and service hour extensions for Yakima City Lines; an ordinance directing foreclosure proceedings on irrigation maintenance assessments and the request from the Visitors and Convention Bureau re outside catering. Councilman Beauchamp requested information on the intersection of No. 4th Street and "I ". City Manager Eastman reported that hopefully a report will be ready next week. 45 JULY 24, 1978 There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 7:00 PM: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sperling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. IP READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY A dow7. 4! DATE 7/3//75 , OUN LAN DATE COUNCILMAN ATTEST: 111 A, e40 ' C I TY 0" ERK /12e.." ■ • .4i./1/ ( MAYOR Inadvertently omitted: . Items of information supplied to Council were: Letter re Yakima Center - Art Advisory Committee 7-14-78; Letter of resignation from Recreation superintendent 7-13-78; Memo re hazardous intersection - 9th & Willow 7-7-78;. Memo from CRO re Compliance Workshop 7-19-78; Minutes of-Police Relief & Pension Board meeting 7-3-78; and Minutes of Fire Relief & Pension Board Meeting 7-12-78.