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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/1978 Business Meeting 697 FEBRUARY, 1978 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 PM in the Conference Roam at City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Assistant Mayor Ralph Holbrook, Henry Beauchamp, Don Hinman, Jack Sparling, Nadine Walker and Gordon Wonder. Mayor Betty L. Edmondson absent. , Having received'an invitation from concerned citizens, via the Community Relations Officer, to attend a cammunity meeting at the Southeast Community Center on February 22, 1978 at 7:30 PM, to discuss the proposed $7.2 million grant frown HUD, Council then discussed the proposed plan and application for rehabilitation of an area in the Southeast sector of the'cammunity. Councilman Beauchamp stated that he and Councilman Walker had attended a community meeting at the Southeast Community Center last Saturday regarding this subject, and Councilman Walker explained that this project is not final. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, stated that after speaking with HUD last Thursday, we were advised to send in our application for the $7.2 million grant. She stated that during the next two or three week period, citizen input will be obtained. Councilman Wonder asked if the City is going to try to sell this project to the citizens. Miss Darby stated that this design gives the citizens something to react to. She stated that staff will be asking the citizens what they would want to do if they had a chance for funds to help rehabilitate the area. She stated that she would have liked to have been able to obtain citizen participation before making application, however, time did not permit this. Hope Gomez, Community Relations Officer, reported that at her February 8th meeting, the citizens present requested her to write a letter to Council inviting them to attend the meeting on February 22. Councilman Walker reported that the citizens present at the meeting on Saturday were quite upset about this proposed program. Councilman Hinman stated that this shows that Council has not addressed the concerns of housing --we need to investigate what the people want. Assistant Mayor Holbrook agreed, and stated that we need some information before doing anything. He suggested that staff should get together and come back next Tuesday with a report. Miss Darby suggested that she put a packet together explaining the funds, what is involved and what we are proposing, etc. Council members discussed the question of whether or not they should attend this meeting. Assistant Mayor Holbrook stated that any Council member may attend this meeting if they wish; we don't need to decide as a Council. He stated that a consultant discovered there might be UDAG funds available and Council hired him to make a study on the Southeast Community. The proposed project was brought to Council and we authorized them to apply for the grant with the condition that the plans for the project may be changed or dropped. Councilman Wonder inlired if UDAG funds could be used throughout the southeast area. MisslDarby stated that one of the requirements is the cooperation between the private and business sectors. This is an area that has been changing as far as zoning is concerned and needs a buffer zone between residential and business areas. Assistant Mayor Holbrook stated that he would like a summary on the latitude of the grant and a summary of the recommended program. Councilman Wonder inquired if a letter had been sent regarding the Cougar Lake Wilderness area, inasmuch as the Mayor had not attended the meeting on this. City Manager Eastman reported that staff has been working on a draft letter. He stated we have 30 days from a week ago Saturday to put our position in written form. Councilman Hinman suggested that discussion of appointments to boards and commissions be done in Executive Session. It was then MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman to move into Executive Session to discuss legal matters and appointments to Boards and Commissions: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. Upon completion of Executive Session, Council members discussed the appointment to the Housing Authority. Councilman Wonder stated that this appointment is iMportant because the Housing Authority is not an advisory commission. Councilman Sparling asked what they have done so far. Larry Wright, Principal Planner, stated that the Housing Authority has had trouble getting started. He stated that they will have to work closely with the City. Legally they are autonomous,?but not realistically. 698: FEBRUARY 14, 1978 Assistant Mayor Holbrook inquired who wrote the letter in their packets fran the Housing Authority recommending Mamie Mbrrison. City Manager Eastman reported that it came from a staff member. Councilman Wonder stated that in the future he thinks it would be better if Council doesn't even receive it. Councilman Hinman stated that it is important that a person be chosen who knows the needs of the community and also comes from the east side of town. Councilman Walker nominated Johnnie Rance for this position on the Housing Authority. Councilman Beauchamp seconded this nomination. Councilman Wonder nominated Jean Allard. He stated that as a Councilman, Jean Allard was the most active member in getting the Housing Authority on board. He stated that Mr. Allard has the empathy of those people and also it is important that there is someone on the Board who is involved with real estate. Councilman Wailer spoke in favor of Johnnie Rance, stating that his name was suggested to her at the Board meeting at the Southeast Community Center. He knows the areas of need, relates well with others, ha the respect of the catinunity, is interested in serving, and willing to bring the information to the community. Councilman Beauchamp reinforced his support of Johnnie Rance, stating that the Housing Authority will have work predominately in the eastern side of the community and it is important that a person fran that area serves on the Board. A vote was called on the two nominations. Beauchamp, Hinman and Walker voting for Johnnie Rance. Holbrook, Sparling and Wonder voting for Jean Allard. There being no Council member wishing to change his vote, it was the general consensus of the Council to take this matter up on the 27th of February when the Mayor will be present. Councilman Hinman nominated Tony Menke to serve on the Regional Planning Board. He stated that Mt. Menke worked in the County Prosecutors Office and therefore, has worked in this area. Mr. Menke is willing to serve on this Board. Councilman Hinman reported that Mr. Menke presently resides outside the City Limits, but is planning to move next month. After discussion regarding Council's policy about appointing Board members who are not City residents, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Walker that Tony Menke be appointed to the Regional Planning Commission, contingent upon his moving within the City Limits within 60 days: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. In discussing the prospective retreat, it was the general consensus of the Council that the time element and the expense of going to Hidden Valley Ranch, Cle Elum, was not warranted. Council members discussed how much time they needed to cover the subjects that need their attention and where they would like to go for this retreat. It was the general consensus of the Council to meet on Friday, mid morning at Whistlin' Jack Lodge and stay until late afternoon on Saturday. Assistant City Manager Zais reported that Whistlin' Jack Lodge has informed him that they are open for the next four consecutive weeks after March 15. At 3:00 PM, the Council members moved into the Council Chambers for the balance of the meeting, Assistant Mayor Holbrook presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder, City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Mayor Edmondson absent and excused,as she is on vacation. The Invocation was given by City Attorney Andrews. Assistant Mayor Holbrook referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions fran either Council members or citizens present. Councilman Walker requested that item #9 be deleted fran the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of item #9, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including Resolutions by title. It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) 699 FEBRUARY 14, 1978 Councilman Walker stated that she has a correction to the January 30, 1978 minutes on the motion adopting Resolution No. D-3842, and would like the motion to read as follows: "Expressing his concern about the proposal as written, he nevertheless felt the application should be submitted, therefore, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Walker that Resolution No. D-3842, authorizing the City Manager to apply for an Urban Development Action Grant, be passed." She stated that the balance of the minutes on this subject is correct. It was then MOVED by Walker, seconded by Wonder that the minutes, as corrected, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. Council members having received a copy of a Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that February 14, 1978, be set as the time for a meeting with II/ the initiating parties who signed a Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings dated February 9, 1978, those initiating parties being Ed Pietz and Todd McCloskey, owners, Thunderbird/Red Lion Motor Inns: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sperling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. Jack G. Reiss, General Manager, Thunderbird, representing the owners, stated that the Thunderbird purchased the property in order to expand, not knowing that part of the property is in the CoUnty. Mr. Reiss, representing the owners, having indicated that they are willing to assume their share of the City's indebtedness, it was duly MOVED, seconded and passed that the annexation proposed by Petition No. 918 (Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings) be accepted by the City of Yakima and that the area sought to be annexed be required to assume the City's existing indebtedness, and that a Notice of intention to Annex be filed with the Yakima County Boundary Review Board. The above motion was made by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp and carried: Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the approval of form and execution of a cooperation agreement between the Yakima Housing Authority and the City of Yakima, Councilman Wonder expressed reservations in authorizing execution of the agreement as it is, referring to Section 3 regarding the exemption from real and personal property taxes, and there being no basis on which to collect "payments in lieu of taxes". Carol Darby, Director of Community Development stated that in order to modify this contract, the City would have to negotiate with HUD, as this is their standard contract. Councilman Hinman questioned if he was interpreting correctly Section 4 by believing that the City will have to rebuild, repair, demolish or condemn unsafe or unsanitary dwelling units, substantially in equal number of newly constructed dwelling units provided by this project. Ken Crawford, Chief of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation, replied that that-statement is correct. Mr. Crawford stated that this contract is identical to the one which was executed last year in obtaining funds for the 60 units. Tam Bostic, Vice Chairman of the Yakima Housing Authority, spoke in favor of execution of this agreement, stating that this City needs low income housing and it is not economically feasible for the private sector to provide this, and therefore, the only solution is to be subsidized. He stated that the Housing Authority will advertise II/ for bids to provide these units and the bidders can come in with turn key proposals. The City does not have any further financial obligations. When the job is done, HUD gives the Housing Authority the money through the sale of the bonds. He stated that there will be a mix in the units, up to 4 to 5 bedroomsi There is a definite scale of income requirements that has to be met. pane Council members expressed displeasure at receiving this contract so close to the deadline for submission leaving no opportunity to negotiate changes. It was then MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D-3853, authorizing execution of an agreement between the Yakima Housing Authority and the City of Yakima, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3853, A RESOLUTION approving the form of the cooperation agreement between the City of Yakima and the Housing Authority of the City of Yakima and authorizing its execution. • 700 FEBRUARY 14, 1978 This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Resolution of Intention D-3833, to create a Local Improvement District for installation of sanitary sewer mains in the vicinity of Prestige Manor, Gaylord Newby, Broker for Prestige Realty, ,spoke on behalf of the formation of this L.I.D., outlining the district and stated that Dr. Heffernan's property is not included in this L.I.D. because he could be not be served without the use of a lift pump. Mr. Newby also stated that if this property could be serviced, it would be allowable with Dr. Heffernan paying his pro-rated share. It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Wonder that Ordinance No. 2155, creating L.I.D. No. 1015, Prestige Manor Sewer District, be passed: carried, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2155, AN ORDINANCE providing for the improvements of certain property by constructing a pipe sewer with the necessary wye branches and manholes; establishing a Local Improvement District, providing for the method of payment thereof, and creating a special fund. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Resolution of Intention No. D-3834, to create a Local Improvement District for construction of streets, curbs and gutters in the vicinity of Prestige Manor, Councilman Wonder, referring to the protest received from Dr. Heffernan, 5005 Summitview Avenue, inquired why this property was included in the L.I.D. Herb Mayer, City Engineer, stated that it was included at the request of the applicant, as indicated in their December 13, 1977 request for formation of a L.I.D. Mr. Mayer stated that the assessment will be formularized on a share and share alike basis, rather than square footage and if Council wishes to exclude this property, then his share would be pro-rated to the other parcels. Paul Goode, Attorney, representing Walter Uthmann, stated that the Uthmann's object to their property being assessed for this L.I.D. as two parcels. He stated that the property is divided for senior citizens property tax exemption only, and his client would like their property to be treated the same as the Heffernan's property. Councilman Walker inquired where the house is situated on the property and Mr. Mayer pointed it out on the map. Mr. Newby stated that there are two houses on that property, one behind the other one on the north side of the lot. Dick Wiehl, reported that not only does his client not benefit from this L.I.D., but the street will detract from the value of the property, as the street will confuse his customers as far as ingress to his business is concerned. Mt. Wiehl stated that Jim Haney, appraiser, has appraised the property and stated he is of the opinion that this property will not benefit from this street. He stated that Dr. Heffernan does not object to the road being built, but does object to being assessed. Mr. Newby reported that when Prestige Realty approached Dr. Heffernan about purchasing part of his property for this road, Dr. Heffernan presented his offer, One requirement being use of the new road. He stated that this must mean that the doctor must see same benefit to his property. Mr. Newby also reported that he was told personally by Dr. Heffernan that he would like to have access to the rear of his property once the new road was constructed. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that Ordinance No. 2156, creating a Local Improvement District for the construction of streets, curbs and gutters, in the vicinity of Prestige Manor excluding Dr. Heffernan's property, be passed. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Sparling to amend the motion regarding Ordinance No. 2156, to delete the Uthmann's property from same L.I.D.: carried, Beauchamp, Holbrook, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Walker voting nay. Edmondson absent. The question was called on the motion, as amended. tion carried: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice. Walker voting nay. Edmondson absent. Assistant Mayor Holbrook stated that the boundaries of this L.I.D., is now the same as the sewer L.I.D., created by Ordinance No. 2155. ORDINANCE NO. 2156, AN ORDINANCE providing for the improvement of certain streets, by grading, ballasting, surfacing with asphaltic concrete and constructing concrete curbs and gutters, together with the necessary drainage features, and lighting; establishing a Local Improvement District, providing for the method of payment thereof, and creating a special fund. Jenny Thorton, representing the Yakima Campfire Office, presented Council with their proposal for celebration of their 67th year as a Council. 701 FEBRUARY 14, 1978 She stated they would like to contribute to the downtown area by planting flowers in the bark areas. On March 18, 1978, they would meet downtown and have a birthday cake and then divide the girls into various groups, with proper supervision, to plant the flowers. She stated that the City's present watering system (trickle tubing) would provide enough water for the plants and the girls would make it a year-round project to care for the flowers. City Manager Eastman reported that Parks staff has reviewed this proposal and recommends approval. This proposal is now being presented to the Parks Commission. Councilman Wonder stated he thought this was a wonderful idea and inquired if there was money in the Parks Department to help pay for the bulbs. City Manager Eastman stated that the girls would be professionally supervised. After a short discussion, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Walker to thank the Campfire girls for their effort to beautify the City and assist them by asking the City Manager to provide $100 seed or bulb money: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. City Manager Eastman reported that Carol Darby and Ken Crawford spoke with HUD regarding the possibility of using previous years C.D. block grant funds to finance the balance needed for the Southeast Community Center addition. HUD, will allow us to proceed to use funds from previous C.D. years prior to the audit. Ken Crawford reported that the low bidder stated that his bid will hold until Wednesday without any increase. He also explained that the majority of the funds would come from the contingency funds of the last three years C.D. money. Councilman Wonder expressed concern about the expense of this project, stating that $53.00 per sq. ft. is steep. Ken Crawford explained that the nature of the remodeling is a major factor. It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman to authorize staff to prepare legislation to use previous Community Development Funds and to award thisztproject. Assistant Mayor Holbrook inquired if there is any recourse to the architect where we have a 67% error in the estimate. City Manager Eastman stated one option would be to redesign the building to cane within his estimate, but in this case, it is not possible. After a short'discussiofi the condition of the Southeast Community Center, the question was called on the Mbtion made earlier. The motion . Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling,-and,Waiker voting aye by voice vote. Wonder voting nay. Beauchamp not voting due to conflict of interest. Edmondson absent. It was then MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman to authorize the City Manager to award the contract to V. K. Powell Company, Inc., for $89,000 plus tax, to cover the patio and build an additional bath in the clinic at the Southeast Community Center: carried, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Wonder voting nay. Beauchamp not voting due to conflict of interest. Edmondson absent. City Manager Eastman stated there are three alternative methods for funding the proposed street light program. (1) 2% increase in utility tax; (2) FRS funds; (3) existing revenues, which would require an adjustment of other services. M. Eastman recommended the 2% utility increase as being the most equitable way to pay the cost. The Council members then discussed the placing of the street lights and the type of lights to be used, referring to a street lighting, program map. City Manager Eastman reported that there has not been a substantial number of requests for any increased lighting in the City, however, from a police standpoint, II/ the more lighting, the less burglary. Councilman Walker stated she felt we should use FRS monies for this and Councilman Hinman stated he was not convinced we Should even do it. City Manager Eastman stated he would like some direction and offered three options: (1) we should proceed with the program of changing lights over a period of time and consider using FRS funds; (2) leave the program like it is without Changing anything except where there is a new street or intersection; and (3) leave it like it is now. Councilman Walker suggested that this subject be one of the items discussed at the upcaming retreat. It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss the street lighting program and financing at the upcoming retreat. Councilman Wonder stated he would like to see the proposed utility tax increase removed. *It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D- 3854, authorizing payment to Leland E. Rheaume, in the amount of $96.06, in settlement of a damage claim en the City Water Department personnel turned off the wrong water meter adjacent to claimant's laundranat, be - - , 702 FEBRUARY 14, 1978 passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wander voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3854, A RESOLUTION authorizing payment of $96.06 to Leland E. Rheaume in settlement of a claim for damages filed with the City of Yakima. *It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that the out-of-state travel for Council members Gordon Wonder and Don Hinman to attend the National League of Cities Annual Congressional-City Conference in WashingtanD.C., March 3 - 8, 1978, at a cost to the City of $870 eadh, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. Mrs. Anderson, 2602 Willow, requested funds for the Southeast Community Center Drop-In-Clinic, Which teaches sewing, knitting, etc. Asked by Assistant Mayor Holbrook if she had talked with Mr. Rance about this project, Mts. Anderson stated she had not. Lilly Schepel, Southeast Community Center, also spoke in favor of this request for funds. Councilman Walker stated that last fall the Board allocated funds for this program and since then, they have not received a request for additional funds. Councilman Beauchamp stated that this was a part of the FRS request presented by the Southeast Community Center which was approved last week with stipulations. Assistant Mayor Holbrook stated that this project has not been turned down, but we are investigating the legality and hope to have that information by the end of the month. - Council members discussed the proposed parade ordinance, Councilman Beauchamp questioning the hours permitted for parades, suggesting that they be expanded. Councilman Walker stated that those hours were adopted previously in order to ensure that the parade would be finished before . the busy traffic period. 'Council members , discussed the fact that no charge is made td cover theeXPense incurred by the City in hiring extra police officers or for the cleanup crew. John Vanek, Assistant City Attorney, reported that this charge was not included in the ordinance as per Council's request the last time this was discussed. Assistant Mayor Holbrook stated, that the people having the parades are actually non- profit organizations and the cost of paying those expenses would prohibit the parade from occurring. Councilman Wonder stated he believed that any persons or organizations receiving special benefits from the City should be charged for that benefit; however, the last time this was discussed, the majority of the Council did not want to charge a fee. Councilman Hinman stated that it is important that people should be able to do this free of charge. It was then MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Walker that Ordinance No. 2157, relating to parade and motorcade permits, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2157, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic control, defining terms; prohibiting parades and motorcades without a permit; providing for application, issuance, denial, modification and relocation of such permits; providing for the appeal and additional review of permit modifications or denial and amending Section 9.50.810 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D- 3855, authorizing grants. of City federal revenue sharing funds to various recipients, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3855, A RESOLUTION authorizing grants of City federal revenue sharing money to various recipients. Art Zerbach, Director of Finance & Budget, requested Council to consider an amendment to the proposed ordinance appropriating FRS funds. He stated that at the time the 1978 budget was prepared, $8,000 (which was not a firm figure) was authorized for the purchase of Opticam emitters. Now he would like Council to authorize an additional $3300 and stated that $11,300 was deducted fram FRS funds. Mr. Zerbach also reported that the funds for the fire breathing equipment needs to be reappropriated 703 FEBRUARY 14, 1978 in the amount of $29,544, as it was allocated in the 1977 budget and has since lapsed. Council members briefly discussed the $6500 appropriation to the Parks and Recreation Department, City Manager Eastman stating that it should say for the benefit of Parker Field maintenance. It was then MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman that Council amend the proposed ordinance, per the Finance Director's suggestions, which are: allocate total of $11,300 for Opticam emitters, and $29,544 for fire breathing equipment and change the wording from softball association to "for the benefit of Parker Field maintenance": carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook, Sparling, W4ker.and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. The Ordinance appropriating Federal Revenue Sharing funds, having been discussedand.read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or until Tuesday, February 21, 1978. Councilman Hinman reported that he is unable to attend the Health District meeting on Wednesday, as he will be out of town. Council members Walker and Beauchamp reported they also will be unable to attend that meeting. Councilman Hinman stated that at the time Council was discussing appointments to boards and commissions, it was discussed that possibly the new Council member would serve as an alternate. Councilman Sparling stated that he would be willing to serve as an alternate Council representative on the Health District Board There being no further business to came before the Council, it was MOVED by Walker, seconded bY Wonder to adjourn this meeting at the hour of 6:11 PM: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Holhrook, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY . COUNC 11 ba, , A , A aett_t_4' - 17\ 7 co it ' ATTEST: A! , , •■bla 4'10 CITY i+0.;jr OR