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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/17/1978 Business Meeting 3 JULY 17, 1978 The City Council met in session on this date at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Don Hinman and Nadine Lee. Council member Gordon Wonder present after 8:00 PM. Mayor Betty Edmondson and Council member Jack Sperling absent and excused. • Dick Zais, Assistant City Manager,' reported on the functions and operations of the divisions under his supervision; namely, City Clerk /Records, Information Systems, Purchasing and Personnel. Beginning with the City Clerk/ Records Division, Mr Zais described the primary functions of that office to be preparation of Council agenda, maintain journal of Council proceedings, administer business license' fees and laws, staff to Police and F i're@pension boards, voter reg.istra and provides general information service -to the public. Next, 'Mr. Zais described the primary functions of Information Systems Division as being to advise management re automation of data processing applicatlons, design programs to maintain current applications= utility billing, ,payroll, business licenses, personnel position control, project accounting,: etc., and work with the County in cooperation of Joint computer system: (Councilman Beauchamp temporarily absent after 7:15 PM.) Mr': Zais named the functions of the purchasing division to be to purchase supplies, materials and professional services, maintain central store, care and maintenance of City Hall, disposal of surplus property; administer telephone system' changes and maintain vendor files. He then described the function of the Personnel Division as being to prepare and maintain pay and classification plans, administer procedures for appointments, promotions, etc. of the employees, maintain personnel records system, administer,. Civil Service Rules and Regulations, administer Affirmative Action Program, coordinates classified employee evaluation system and assist in labor negotiations. He followed those descriptions with Information on operational problems the division s function,under. Councilman Hinman expressed the desire for information on the various d ivisions future goals, requirements, and attainment of past goals. Mr. Zais stated that that type of report would be quite lengthy;, but could be prepared. At 8:00 PM, the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Assistant Mayor Lee presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman,;and Wonder, City Manager Eastman and Assistant City Attorney John Vanek present on roll call. Mayor Edmondson and Council member Sperling absent and excused. The Invocation was given by City Manager Eastman. Assistant Mayor Lee 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 Hinman requested that items #10, #11, #12, and #13 be added to the Consent Agenda. Councilman Wonder stated that he did not feel these should be added to the Consent Agenda because it's possible that the individual Council members did not study these items as well as those identified as Consent items, believing that they would be discussed at the meeting. Councilman Wonder requested that item #16 be deleted from the Consent Agenda and Assistant Mayor Lee requested that item #21 be deleted. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of items #16 and #21, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including a Resolution by title. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sperling absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) This being the time fixed for the hearing on the application for a major modification to the existing planned development, filed by Safeway, Inc., City Manager Eastman reported that the attorney for Safeway has requested that this hearing be continued to July 24, 1978. He also reported that the attorneys for the opposition do not object to this continuation. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman to continue the hearing on the application for a major modification to an existing planned development, filed by Safeway, Inc., to July 24, 1978: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson and Sperling absent. JULY 17, 1978 This being the time fixed for the hearing on the rezone application filed by United Paint Company /James S. Black, for property located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Nob Hill Boulevard and Landon Avenue, Larry Wright, Principal Planner, explained the sequence of events which led to this appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of the rezone application. He reported that the preliminary planned development was approved, subject to several recommendations. The final . planned development was not approved at the Planning Commission's meeting - the vote being a tie vote of 3 to 3. There were two Planning 'Commission members present at the preliminary planned development hearing who were absent at the final planned development hearing•and two =Planning Commission members absent at the 'preliminary planned development hearing who were present at the final planned development hearing. He reported that staff did not recommend approval of the preliminary planned development, because it does not conform to the Nob Hill Plan, but had prepared certain recommendations in the event it was approved. Based on the Planning Commission's decision•to the preliminary planned development, staff recommended approval of the final planned development, with the recommendations listed.. Tonight staff recommends that the appeal be denied. Mark Pinch, James. S. Black Company spoke in favor of the rezone. He stated that his firm would like to develop a home decorating center, possibly expanding it to lease to another business, such as a carpet or appliancecstore or some other related home improvement business. He reported that this business is a low traffic generator. He also reported that his firm has done their best to accommodate staff and have agreed to conform to their recommendations. He introduced Mr. Fuson, L.B. Andrews Real Estate, who his firm had engaged to survey the neighborhood to see if this planned development would be accepted. Mr. Fuson distributed a map of the area, with the - properties marked to indicate - whether or not they objected to the planned development. He reported that 34 neighbors signed a petition stating they do not object to the planned development. One party who did object, has his house up for sale. He further reported that most of the neighbors indicated they would rather have the planned development than an apartment complex built there. Mr. Pinch stated that they started the process for this planned development in December of 1977 to apply for a hearing in January, and questioned -if Council grants the appeal, would this matter go back to the Planning Commission. John Vanek, Assistant City Attorney, stated that-the. matter would go back to the Planning Commission if Council should vote to approve Planned Development. Larry Wright stated that Council can't-vote for or against the planned development; but rather.to accept the Planning Commission's decision to deny the Planned Development or to remand it back to the Planning Commission for a rehearing. Discussion followed regardingthe necessity of this step in the process. Goodell, 102 West Nob Hill Boulevard, spoke in-favor of the Planned Development and stated he is definitely against apartment houses being built -o that property. Henry Weinberger, owner of property located behind the apartment on 1st and Nob Hill, Kathlyn McGuire, 304 N. 37th Avenue, owner of property in that area, and Joe Hocker, owner of the property in question, all spoke in favor of the Planned Development. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that the motion requesting a rehearing of the Planning Commission on the rezone application filed by United Paint Company /James S. Black; be passed. City Manager Eastman, reading from the Yakima City Municipal Code Book reported that if the decision of the Council is contrary to that made by the Planning Commission, the Council_ shall request a further report of the Planning Commission. He suggested that the word "rehearing" in the motion could be substituted with "further report ". It was then MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder-to amend the motion to substitute the word "rehearing" with the word's, "further report ", wherever•it appears in the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting 'aye by voice vote. Edmondson and Sperling absent. The question was called for the vote on the motion as amended: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sperling absent. - • • • JULY 17, 1978 MOTION, A Motion requesting a further report by the Planning Commission on a rezone application filed by United Paint Company /James S. Black. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the appeal from the Planning Commission's denial of the request for water and sewer service, filed by John H. Jessup, Jr., for property located at the southeast corner, intersection of West Mead Avenue and South 27th Avenue, Larry Wright, Principal Planner, reported that Planning Commission felt that the applicant should first appear before the Yakima County Commissioners to seek approval of the zoning and preliminary plat before obtaining approval of outside utilities. He further reported that there were a number of people who objected to the size of the lots being so small. Carl Groce, 2510 West Mead, expressed concern about a possible sewage problem if the subdivision is developed, and stated he is opposed to the high density of the housing that is proposed. Geraldine Mattson, 2506 West Mead, stated she is against the density of the subdivision. She stated that one house per acre would be adequate, and it would be okay with her to provide them water and sewer service under that condition. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan that the appeal be denied per staff's recommendation and that the matter be heard by the Yakima County Commissioners first: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Yakima City Council District alternatives, John Klingel 1312 West Walnut, stated that he prefers option "A ". Skip Ware, 807 So. 7th Street, questioned if the choice should be made based on population alone. He cautioned against power distribution. Councilman Wonder stated that State law mandates that the district be designed as equal as possible according to population so that Jerrymandering is avoided. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, stated that she prefers option "A ". Following discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Wonder to instruct staff to bring back an ordinance by August 7, 1978, with the map number left blank: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson and Sparling absent. Johnnie Dittmar, 609 So. 25th Avenue, stated that she does not believe the Council is doing a good job. She stated that by their responsiveness Council seems to discourage citizen's input. She also distributed a list of questions she wanted to be answered by the Council members and not the City Manager. She questioned why the storm drainage system should be in the sewer rate study, stating she is opposed to paying for the West Valley sewer cost in her sewer bill. Councilman Hinman stated that Council has not made that decision yet. City Manager Eastman reported on the distribution of the sewer costs and stated that R.W. Beck would be reporting on the wastewater facility project next week. Mrs. Dittmar also questioned the lack of an environmental impact statement being filed. City Manager Eastman reported that staff will be filing a negative declaration on this study. After further discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Wonder to put this matter on the next study session agenda and answer =the questions at that time: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson and Sparling absent. Cecil Warriner, Yakima Valley Apartment Association, requested that the matter of the West Valley Sewer cost be discussed at a public hearing before the Council. Larry Robinson) Yakima Valley Apartment Association, supported Mr. Warringer's request, stating that the citizens were assured that they would not have to pay for those costs. A 759 increase is a lot. He suggested the use of federal revenue sharing funds for this project. B. Artis Nelson, 1101 East "A" Street, reported on the drainage problem the citizens are experiencing in his surrounding neighborhood. He stated that the drainage system is inadequate. Councilman Wonder stated that the City is not responsible for putting in their drainage system -- it's up to the residents to handle that problem. It was the general consensus of the Council to refer this matter to staff for a further J r_J JULY 17, 1978 report. Dorothy Adams, 1004 East "A" Street stated that she has had a drainage problem for years. The drainage system which was installed previously only handles the drainage in its immediate vicinity. James Smith, 12 llth Street, also reported on the drainage problem In that area, stating that the water is standing on top of the ground. He reported they don't have any excess water until the irrigation water is turned on in the Spring and it goes away about a month after it's turned off. Ken Crawford, Chief of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation, reported that the Yakima Housing Authority has received preliminary approval of 80 units of low rent public housing. In order to complete surveys of planning in connection with low rent housing, a preliminary loan in the amount of $16,000 is needed. The Housing Authority has approved the loan, which is from HUD. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman that Resolution No. D -3921, approving the application for preliminary loan from HUD, for low rent housing, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling .absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3921, A RESOLUTION approving an application for a preliminary loan for low rent public housing. Following a brief explanation, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman that Resolution No. D -3922, transferring three houses to the Housing Authority, be passed: carried, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee, Wonder and Beauchamp voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3922, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the conveyance of real property to the City of Yakima Housing Authority. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D - 3923, executing an agreement with the Yakima Slow Pitch Association to operate a concession stand at Kiwanis Park, be approved: carried, Hinman, Lee, Wonder, Beauchamp, and Buchanan voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3923, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a concession agreement with the Yakima Slow Pitch Association. In discussing the lease termination requested by Jack Tletenberg, Dick Hilligus, Director of Parks and Recreation, reported that Mr. Tletenberg wants more irrigation water than the City can supply. Councilman Wonder questioned if another line could be installed and Mr. Hilligus reported that the City could do that; however, it would be expensive and the lease is only for $600 a year. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman that Resolution No. D -3924, authorizing execution of a farm lease agreement termination with Jack Tletenberg, be passed: carried, Lee, Wonder, Beauchamp, Buchanan, and Hinman voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3924, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a farm lease agreement termination. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D - 3925, authorizing abatement of fire hazards on private property, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3925, A RESOLUTION requiring the abatement of fire hazards on certain property, directing notice to property owners to abate such hazard and, in the alternative, authorizing abatement by the Fire Marshal. Having received a report from the City Clerk /County Auditor, relative to Eichler's petition, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the report be accepted. City Manager Eastman reported that a staff report will be available next week. 38 JULY 17, 1978 The Council members discussed the offer to purchase the Nob Hill property ( DEBCO) for $120,000. City Manager Eastman reported that DEBCO has been extended an option to purchase the property for $145,000 plus 7% per year interest for 3 years, and has first right of refusal. It was his recommendation to reject any offer less than $145,000 plus 7% per annum interest. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder to reject the offer to purchase on the Nob Hill property: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson and Sparling absent. *Having received a report from the Planning staff, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the outside utility request filed by Oscar Daniels for water for property located at 1409-1/2 Madison Avenue, and Ray Diaz for water service at property located at 1709 East Nob Hill Boulevard, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the out -of -state travel request for Willis White, Public Works Director, to attend the American Public Works Association National Conference and Equipment Show in Boston, Mass., October 14 -20, 1978, at a cost to the City of $1,057, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the out -of -state travel request for Fire Chief Ed Carroll and Ed Lexa, Fire Marshal, to attend the Western Fire Chiefs Conference and the Uniform Fire Code adoption meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 13 -18, 1978, at a cost to the City of $470.50 each, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that the report of the City Treasurer, dated June 30, 1978, regarding the investments of the City of Yakima, be accepted and approved: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Sparling absent. The Council members discussed the recommendation of the Civil Service Commission for an additional pay adjustment for the position of Police Records Supervisor from 11.5 to 13.5. City Manager Eastman reported that a letter has been received from Mary Hersey, AFSCME representative, requesting Council to open the overview of the entire three phase reclassification project if this recommendation is approved. She also requested that if Council is not prepared to open the overview, that no changes should be made in Phase III. Assistant City Manager Zais reported that Mary Hersey had made this same request to the Civil Service Commission. The Commission took the position that this would not be going back into the entire program, but would only remedy an oversight. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder not to accept the Civil Service Commission recommendation for the additional pay adjustment for the position of Police Records Supervisor. Councilman Hinman questioned the duties of the position to justify this additional pay raise. Dick Zais stated that several increases in the Police Department made the correlation between this pay rate for the supervisory position and the positions supervised too close. Council member Lee expressed concern that other employees would request a review if Council accepts this recommendation. Mr. Zais stated that the Civil Service Commission would deny opening the reclassification and that would control that possibility. The question for the vote on the motion was called: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson and Sparling absent. City Manager Eastman explained that two Unification Missionaries were arrested for being in violation of the hours of solicitation, and that that organization has requested the hours of solicitation be extended to 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM, 7 days a week. He stated that presently, the ordinance allows solicitation from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. Councilman Hinman questioned that there should even be an ordinance which restricts religious activities. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington and Ida 39 JULY 17, 1978 Pursel, 2011 So. 64th Avenue, spoke against expanding the hours of religious solicitation. It was MOVED by Wonder, 'seconded by Beauchamp to deny the request until local churches support it: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman voting nay. Edmondson and Sparling absent. Having received a letter from the Visitors and Convention Board, regarding their intention to modify their contract with MGM Catering to allow them to cater off premises functions, out of the Center kitchen, if the City Council gives their approval, Councilman Wonder suggested that this decision be postponed until all Council members are present. It was the general consensus of the Council to accept Council member Worideee' -�s recommendation to postpone discussion of this item until all Council members are present. There being no one present from the Yakima Valley Shrine Club to speak to their request for a parade permit variance, it was the general consensus of the Council to discuss this item at next week's meeting. City Manager Eastman informed Council that Lowell Nielsen (Council denied a damage claim previously) went to Small Claims Court on that same matter and was turned down. There being no further business to come before the Council, it' was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 11:30 PM: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson _and Sparling absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,/ \ i DATE . 7/4/ Cu 1 ,.1‘1 Alie , e 1 • + t, DATE 7/ COUNCILMAN -- ATTEST: . - /2 CITY CLERK/ / - MAYOR Inadvertently:omitted: Items of information supplied to Council were: Y -COG Newsletter; Pending items -- update 7- 11 -78; and "The Meaning of 'Jarvis" (Proposition 13).