HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/1978 Business Meeting 718
MARCH 6, 1978
The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 PM in the Conference
Room at City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Jack Sparling and Nadine
Walker. Council members Don Hinman, Ralph Holbrook and Gordon Wonder
absent and excused.
Mayor Edmondson reported that the March 20, 1978 Council meeting will be
televised at KYVE-TV and requested input for items of discussion.
Mayor Edmondson reported that AWC would appreciate any recommendations
regarding local officials who wish to serve on the 1978 AWC Nominations
and Resolutions committees. Both committees meet once or twice prior to
the AWC convention and during the first two days of the convention.
II/ Mayor Edmondson reported that Ralph Holbrook will be unable to appear on
KAPP-TV's "Council-on-the-Air" Program tomorrow due to illness, and
requested a replacement. Councilman Beauchamp stated he would try to
appear if his schedule permits.
Mayor Edmondson announced several AWC conferences which are coming up in
the near future: Human Resource Planning Conference, March 21-23, 1978
to be held in Bellingham; Governor's First Annual Housing Conference,
March 30 - April 1, 1978, to be held in Olympia; and Growth Management
Commission, April 26-28, 1978, to be held in Bellevue.
Mayor Edmondson announced that there will be a Pancake Breakfast on
behalf of "The Place" on Saturday, March 11, 1978, 8:00 - 12:00 Noon at
the First Presbyterian Church.
Referring to the letter received from the League of Voters regarding
the selection process of the appointment to the City Council and the
draft letter of reply, copies of which were in the Council member packets,
Mayor Edmondson inquired if the draft response is acceptable. It was
then MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that the proposed draft reply
to the League of WomerrVoters regarding the replacement of Jean Allard, be authorized
to be sent by the Mayor on behalf of the City Council: carried, Beauchamp,
Edmondson, Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Hinman, Holbrook,
and Wonder absent.
Mayor Edmondson reported that Council member Walker has requested time
to bring something to the attention of the Council. Council member
Walker stated she brings this matter to the attention of the Council
after a particularly disturbing weekend where the phone never ceased to
ring and she would like to read the following: "This last year I have
seen a rash of resignations within City Hall, a few expected, but many
totally unexpected. There have been all sorts of rumors and I, for one,
have been negligent in not checking these out. I listened and asked
questions, but somehow there was usually an answer. This last Friday,
there was another resignation and this one I know was given under duress.
It was reported about 4 weeks ago that the Transportation Director was
having problems with him... with the Superintendent or the Director of
the Shops... not with his work, but because he used foul language and
treated his employees in a demeaning way. Needless to say, I was surprised,
and even shocked. I know this young man very well and have never seen
this side of him. Had I not been involved in some personal problems at
the time, I know I would have gone into the matter more thoroughly.
However, I didn't. Now I understand Mr. Wais's resignation
and I have heard totally conflicting stories from that time on. I have
had calls from his mechanics, the bus drivers, and from him and George,
all regarding accusations relative to Dan. I am really fed up with the
harrassment by the City Manager and the Transportation Director and with
their brain-drain on the City Hall, and I would ask that you immediately
appoint a fact-finding board or a person to delve into this matter. I
feel that I have been used by the management and by not standing up and
yelling, I would, in fact, condone what is going on. I'm deeply concerned
about my City and the way it is being run. I want the facts brought out
into the open." Mayor Edmondson stated that she was informed last
Friday by the City Manager that an employee was going to be terminated
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MARCH 6, 1978
for certain reasons, which were not discussed in detail. She stated
that because of the conflicting reports on the method of his termination
or resignation, she believes it is imperative to proceed with the evaluation
of the City Manager and possibly the fact-finding board, as requested by
Council member Walker. Mayor Edmondson then inquired if the other
Council members had any suggestions. Councilman Beauchamp stated that
he did not see the correlation between this situation and the evaluation
of the City Manager. Councilman Sparling stated he would like to see.
Mr. Wais's records and asked where Council is going to get a fact-
finding board. Councilman Walker suggested that possibly the Human
Relations Officer could do this. Mayor Edmondson stated that she had requested
the evaluation of the City Manager be done at this time also in light of
the conflicting stories that have been voiced. Councilman Beauchamp
stated that if Mr. Wais had been unfairly dismissed, then it is the
responsibility of th City Manager to investigate. Councilman Walker
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reminded Council of Paul Cook's offer to act as a fact finder. After
further discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to get
more information on this matter and to wait until the entire Council is
present to discuss Councilman Walker's request. Mayor Edmondson stated
that if the 9:30 AM hearing on Monday is concluded early, then
Council may be able to discuss this matter then. City Manager Eastman
stated that he would have some information available before next Monday.
Mayor Edmondson reported that Council had had a tour of the Capitol
Theatre. Newell Pock, Chief of Code Administration, displayed the plan
for castings and plaster work, stating that a Canadian firm was the
only firm they could find that does this. He stated that we would have
to take a casting froin the Roxy Theater in Tacoma (similar to what the
Capitol Theatre had) to use as the mold. He also requested that the
plans be changed to include a domed ceiling rather than the flat ceiling
as planned. Mr. Pock distributed some of the sample work of Zerodec
and Bill Paddock, the consulting architect, explained some of the merits
of these castings, stating that they weigh less than plaster and are
fireproof. Councilman Beauchamp inquired if this is a change from the
regular plan, and Mr. Pock stated that this is an add-on, and that this
is a budgeted amount. Mr. Pock stated that if this is approved, we
would be adding to Moen and Hill Construction's contracts. Council members
viewed a sample seat and Mr. Pock stated the seats come in 3 widths -- 19,
20 and 21 inches, shoWing the ample room which would be ; between the rows.
Council members briefly discussed the draft statement to be filed relative
to the proposed Cougar Lakes Wilderness area. It was MOVED by Walker,
seconded by Sparling to approve the draft statement regarding the proposed
Cougar Lakes Wilderness area as presented to the Council: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote.
Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
At 3:00 PM, the Council members moved into the Council Chambers for the
balance of the meetin4, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members
Beauchamp, Sparling and Walker, City Manager Eastman and City Attorney
Andrews present on roll call. Council members Hinman, Holbrook and
Wonder absent. It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Sparling that Council
members Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder be excused from this meeting:
carried, Beauchamp, Ec Sparling and Walker voting aye on roll
call. Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
The Invocation was given by Mayor Edmondson.
1
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 Walker requested that
item #20 be removed and Mayor Edmondson requested that item #9 be removed
from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council
that the deletion of items #9 and #20, as requested, be made. The City
Clerk then read the Consent Agenda, including resolutions, by title. It
was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that the Consent Agenda, as
read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling and Walker
voting aye on roll call. Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent. (Subsequent
paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent
Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.)
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MARCH 6, 1978
It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that the minutes of
February 14 and February 21, 1978, having been duly certified accurate
by two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said minutes read
publicly, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling and
Walker voting aye by voice vote. Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Resolution of Intention
No. D-3844, to create a Local Improvement District for the purpose of
supplying water for irrigation purposes to Larson Lots Irrigation District,
and no one present wishing to speak to this matter, it was MOVED by
Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that Ordinance No. 2161, creating Local
Improvement District No. 1017, Larson Lots Irrigation District, be
passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sperling and Walker voting aye
on roll call. ,Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
ORDINANCE NO. 2161, AN ORDINANCE providing for the improvement of certain
property by constructing a diversion box and pump house, installing a
blow-off valve and replacement of service lines for the purpose of
supplying water for irrigation purposes; establishing a Local Improvement
District, providing for the method of payment thereof, and creating a
special fund.
George Kapellas, Diamond Cab Company, submitted information on his
proposal for a taxi rate increase, which is regulated by the City Council.
Mr. Kapellas reviewed the price increases which have occurred since 1973
(last year rates were increased). Mr. Kapellas also compared Yakima's
present taxi rates with several other Washington cities, stating that
Pasco is,the closest to Yakima in comparison. Mr. Kapellas suggested
the following rate increase:
Flag Drop
. , $1.00 for each first 1/8 mile
Mileage $.10 for each 1/8 of a mile thereafter
($.80 per mile)
Extras $.30 each additional passenger
Waiting time $.10 for each 30 seconds of waiting time
(after 3 minutes)($12.00 per hour)
He also proposed a discount.of not less than 10% be mandatory for senior
citizens, the blind and the handicapped. Mr. Kapellas also requested
that the taxi cab code be amended to allow the use of multi-rate taxi
meters, permitting pre-computed discount rates to be on electronic
meters also. The discount rate Mr. Kapellas proposed is as follows:
'Flag Drop 900 for first 1/7 of a mile (10%
'Mileage 100 for each 1/7 of a mile
thereafter (14.3%)
Extras 200. for each additional passenger
Waiting time 100 for each 36 seconds of waiting (16.7%)
time ($10.00 per hour)
Mr. Kapellas stated that there has been an operating increase of 85.7%
and his proposed rate increase is 52.7%-and 23.9% for discount rates.
Councilman Beauchamp inquired if his competitors are in agreement with
this rate increase. Mr. Kapellas stated that he had not discussed this
with them. Councilman-Walker expressed concern about the amount proposed for
waiting time. Mr. Kapellas stated that they were experiencing problems
in having to wait for pessengers while they do their shopping. Grayce
Kauzlarich Yellow Cab Company, stated she did not have any-prior knowledge
about this proposed rate increase. She stated that their expenses have
gone up and a rate increase is necessary. ' She stated she was leery of
the way this has been handled. Mayor Edmondson stated that Council was
aware that Mr. Kapellas wanted to make this presentation. She stated
that staff will be instructed to obtain further information and to meet
with Mrs. Kauzlarich for her input. Mrs. Kauzlarich inquired why she
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MARCH 6, 1978
wasn't contacted by Mr. Kapellas prior to this presentation. Councilman
Sparling stated that possibly it would have been illegal for him to
contact you to discuss the proposed rate increase. He would have to
avoid the appearance of conspiring.to fix taxi rate fees. It was MOVED
by Beauchamp, seconded by Walker to refer this'matter to staff for
further coordination of concerns and why there should be a rate increase
and bring back a report to Council: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson,
Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Hinman, Holbrook and
Wonder absent.
Mary Gamey, American Auxiliary, requested Council's cooperation
in installing flag holders in the CBD area to replace those that were ,
removed. She stated that they would assume the responsibility of getting
these, with staff help. -She also inquired if the convention center now
has a set of "Colors" as she has knowledge that several times.the
convention center has had to borrow them. Mrs. Gamey stated that it
would be nice if the flag holders could be installed prior to Memorial
11/
Day. City Manager Eastman reported that,the flags at the convention
center were a part of the contract and there are ample funds in.the
budget to purchase to flags. He stated that the flags on Yakima Avenue
used to be attached to the meters and the Chamber of Commerce had handled
the placing of the flags on the holidays. He stated he would have to
research the number of flags and brackets needed for Yakima Avenue, and
would ask the America Legion Auxiliary to help us with that. He stated
that he could have this information to Council by the March 20th meeting, and
suggested that we look at a cluster of flags for each pole.
Reverend Denman requested to be scheduled to appear on the next evening
meeting agenda to discuss the UDAG proposal and present a resolution.
Mayor Edmondson stated that there is a report on UDAG to be presented
today by staff. Councilman Beauchamp suggested that possibly Reverend
Denman could stay to listen to the staff presentation and then decide if
he still wishes to be on the agenda.
*It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D-
3852, authorizing Change Order No. 5 to the contract for the Capitol
Theatre Reconstruction, Phase II and authorizing single source purchase
of plaster castings for the Capitol Theatre Reconstruction, be passed:
carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling and Walker voting aye on roll
call. Hinman, Holbrook, and Wonder absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-3862, A RESOLUTION authorizing Change Order No. 5 to
the contract for Capitol Theatre Reconstruction, Phase II.
Ken Crawford, Chief of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation, explained
the proposed amendment to the Community Development Block Grant Requirement,
stating staff would like to amend it to allow eligible City employees
and their relations to apply for grants or loans. He stated that Council
would be given complete information on these loans and grant applications.
Normally this is-done through a board of ethics; however, processing
them through the City Council would be considered full public disclosure.
City Manager Eastman stated that there was a current application pending
involving the daughter of an employee, who has her own residence, and we
have had to advise her that she is ineligible, although she has met all
the other criteria. Councilman Beauchamp stated that he would like to
amend the qualificatiOn requirements for City employee's relations, but II/
not include City employees. He stated he is reluctant to open this up
to City employees because it might open the City up for public criticism.
Mr. Crawford stated that is one of the reasons for the public disclosure
and Council approval. HUD laws were recently passed that make City
employees and their relations eligible on a case-by-case basis. It was
MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp-that Council-approve the form
that enables City employees and their families to be eligible for
participation in the rehabilitation grant program,provided that other
eligibility criteria is met and they come before the Council for approval
and public disclosure on a case basis: Beauchamp, Edmondson,
Sparling, and Walker voting aye on roll call. Hinman, Holbrook and
Wonder absent. Councilman Beauchamp stated that he still has reservations
about allowing City employees to be eligible to apply for rehabilitation
grants or loans.
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MARCH 6,.1978
Council members discussed the request by Thunderbird Motor Inn, Inc., to
construct a building over an easement, Councilman Beauchamp inquiring
how wide is the easement. City Manager Eastman replied that it is about
10 feet. Councilman Beauchamp asked how a problem in the line could be
corrected should it go ,bad. City Manager Eastman stated that it is not
a likelihood and another line could be pushed through going from manhole
to manhole. Councilman Sparling stated that there are stiff requirements
to follow in order to build over a public utility easement. It was then
MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D-3863,
authorizing execution of an indemnity agreement between the Thunderbird
Motor Inn, Inc. and the City of Yakima, permitting the Thunderbird Motor
Inn, Inc., to construct a building over an easement, be passed: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling, and Walker voting aye on roll call.
Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-3863, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager and City .Clerkiof the City of Yakima to execute an indemnity
agreement with"the Thunderbird Motor Inn, Inc.
*It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D-
3864, authorizing payment of a damage claim in the amount of $26.28,
filed by A. ThoMpson for damages when the City sewer line became
clogged causing to her home, be passed: carried, Beauchamp,
Edmondson, Sperling, and Walker voting aye on roll call. Hinman, Holbrook
and Wonder absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-3864i, A RESOLUTION authorizing payment of $26.28 to
Leslie. A. Thompson in tettlement.of a claim for damages filed with the
City of Yakima.
*It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp, that. Resolution No. D-
3865, denying the claim of C. W. Edgerton, in the amount of $40.00 for
damages allegedly incurred when the roof of the Larson Garage leaked
water into the claimant's used typewriter business, be passed: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sperling and Walker voting aye on roll call.
Hinman,- Holbrook and Wonder absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-3865,. A RESOLUTION denying the claim of C. W. Edgerton
filed with the:City of Yakima on February 6, 1978.
City Manager Eastman reported that he and Carol Darby attended a luncheon
meeting last Friday for about 2-1/2 hours and listened to people's
concerns about the UDAG proposal. Three major questions arose from that
discussion: (1) could the project be salvaged; (2) could home rehabilitation
be considered for that area; and (3) is the City willing to work with the
community in terms of ,development. The answer to the last question is,
yes; the answer. to the second question is that we have not had a chance
to research it; and-the answer to the third question is a little more
complex. Mr. Eastman stated that the City and staff are willing to work
with the community in terms of developing a program that is workable in
II/ that area. We will make a recommendation concerning the whole area of
housing. He stated that a meeting had been scheduled with HUD officials
for Thursday, in Denver, to spend 45 minutes with Central HUD staff from
Washington U.C. regarding our application. HUD recommended that if the
project is to undergosome substantial changes, that we withdraw our
application and reapply. If Council wants to continue with the project
substantially as is submitted, then we should send a staff member to
Denver. If we withdraw, we don't know when we will be able to get any
funds, possibly three:to four years. There are billions of dollars of
other requests for UDAG funds. We recommend that you instruct staff to
withdraw the grant application and begin a series of meetings with representatives
of the community and provide some brief meetings as to what is going on.
He also requested .Council to instruct staff about the hiring of a housing
consultant, as requested by the citizens. Mr. Eastman stated'he had
asked HUD whether or not we could take advantage of that 45 minutes to
explore alternatives that would be available to us. They told him that
if this project is not what the City is going to talk about, they don't
want to spend the 45 minutes with us. ,Mayor Edmondson stated that she
understood that we had to hurry to get this application in and there had
MARCH 6, 1978 723
to be an area outlined in the general plan presented, but after hearings and
such in the community, thought we could modify to a degree some of the
plans. City Manager Eastman stated that at the time we reapplied, we
were told we could make modifications to that; however, it appears that
HUD, "cast it in concrete". Mayor Edmondson inquired if any citizens
would like to give their input. Kathy Gallegos, 803 So. 7th Street,
stated that she disagrees with withdrawing the application and asked
Council to research some alternatives. Magnolia Rentz, 1001. So. 6th
Street, expressed concern about industry encroaching into the residential
zone. Raymond Wies, 807 So. 7th Street, suggested that a non-profit
organization of property owners be formed for the purpose of redevelopment
management. He doesn't believe that industry in that area can benefit
the citizens there. Amanda Perry, 1216 So. 6th Street, also expressed
concern about industry encroaching into the residential zone. Dolores
Goodman, 1002 So. 6th I Street, stated that because there are so many
unknowns, perhaps CoUncil should delay making a decision until all
Council members are IJresent. Mayor Edmondson stated that the meeting is
this Thursday, and we have to act on this now. Mrs. Goodman also expressed
concern about displaced property owners, in all probability, not being
II/
able to replace their home without having to go into debt. Craig
McDonald, attorney from Evergreen Legal, representing Mrs. C. Melfort
and Mrs. Donaldson, Up and Ready Concerned Citizens Group, stated he
doesn't believe there is enough information available to determine
whether the decision 'should be made about withdrawing the application or
attempting to modify and amend it. He thinks the Council should consider
the consequences of withdrawing the application and explore the alternatives.
Mayor Edmondson stated that staff had been in communication with HUD and
we have three alternatives. (1) proceed with the project as submitted;
(2) go ahead with minimum modifications; or (3) withdraw the application
and begin again. Councilman Sparling stated that perhaps we have more
flexibility than we think, and maybe we should send a staff member to
Denver to talk with HUD officials, and also to some of the other applicants.
Evelyn Pleasant, 1202 So. 10th Street, asked who's going to pay for the
trip to Denver. City Manager Eastman stated that the expense for the
trip would be paid out of the Community Development Grant Program funds.
After discussing the guidelines of this project, Mrs. Pleasant suggested
that Council cancel the whole thing. Councilman Beauchamp stated that
he would like to see the project salvaged and would like to have a staff
member speak with HUD officials. City Manager 'Eastman stated that he
would like to see us talk with HUD, however, we would have to send a
representative to support the grant application. He suggested that we
contact Councilman Hinman or Wonder and ask them to 'speak to HUD while
they are in Washington, D.C. After expressing concern about possibly
jeopardizing the Community Development Funds if we went to Denver under
false pretences, it was MOVED by Walker to withdraw our application for
UDAG funds. The motion died for lack of a second. City Manager Eastman
then stated that one possibility would be not to send anybody to Denver,
and just tell them it's impossible to do so. If we feel we need to
talk with Central HUD, then we could send a representative to Washington,
D.C. If we go to Wasiiington, D.C., maybe we should take a Congressional
member with us. After further discussion, it was the general consensus
of the Council to trylto contact Councilman Hinman to see if he can
schedule a meeting with HUD officials to get more data on what can be
done under this plan.
*The Council members having received a staff report, it was MOVED by
Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that the outside utility request filed by
Ms. Carol Michael for sewer services for 904 So. 48th Avenue, be approved:
carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice
vote. Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
In discussing the outTof-state travel request for Fire Chief Ed Carroll,
Councilman Walker inquired why his budget does not reflect the expenditures
for his and Tom Klingele's travel expenses which were previously authorized.
City Manager Eastman reported that the expenses of that trip were going
to be split between the Equipment Rental Fund and the Fire Fund, because
they were going back East to inspect some fire equipment. He stated
that the entire expense of these two trips must have been funded by the
MARCH 6, 1978 724
Equipment Rental Fund. It was then MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by
Walker that the out-of-state travel for Fire Chief Ed Carroll to attend
the Spring Conference of the International Association of Fire Chiefs,
in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 25 - 27, 1978 at an expense to the City of $192,
be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling, and Walker voting
aye by voice vote. Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent. Mayor Edmondson
stated that it should be noted that Chief Carroll is paying the expense
for his transportation.
*It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Beauchamp that the out-of-state
travel for Jim Eakin, Airport Manager, to Foster City, California, to
obtain information from the Airport Consultant and to take their final
payment to them, at an expense to the City of $223, be approved: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling, and Walker voting aye by voice vote.
Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
Mayor Edmondson announced that Council will be reconvening as a Board of
Equalization at 9:30 A.M. on Monday, March 13, 1978, to continue with
the hearing on the Central Business District, L.I.D. 1001, Assessment
Roll.
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED
by Walker, seconded by Sparling to adjourn this meeting at the hour of
5:40 PM: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Sparling and Walker voting aye
by voice vote. Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY /‘ "
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ATTEST:
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CITY , r o i ERK ( MAYOR