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Home My WebLink About02/05/1991 Business Meeting 292 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON FEBRUARY 5, 1991 BUSINESS MEETING 1. ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council members .Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, Assistant City Attorney Carberry, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Lovell also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member Buchanan. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER .Council member Pechtel announced that a rally to support local military personnel stationed in the Middle East will be held on Saturday, February 9th at 2:45 P.M. in Sunfair Park. Congressman Sid Morrison will be the featured speaker. Council member Pechtel encouraged all citizens to attend the rally to show their patriotism and support. Public Works Director Jerry Copeland introduced new employees: Ken Kohagen, Public Works Safety and Training Officer; Gordon Bueling, Street Inspector; and Dave Hussell, Street and Traffic Operations Manager. Addition of these staff members fills critical needs, and Mr. Copeland looks forward to improved service by the Department. Mayor Berndt welcomed the employees to City staff. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Mayor Berndt stated that staff has requested the removal of Item No. 9 from the Consent Agenda for a change in the legal document. Council member Sims requested the addition of Item No. 7 to the Consent Agenda. It was the consensus of Council that the deletion of Item No. 9 and the addition of Item No. 7, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE PASSED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 22 & 29, 1991 ADJOURNED COUNCIL MEETINGS AND JANUARY 22, 1991 COUNCIL MEETING The Council minutes of January 15, 22 & 29, 1991 Adjourned meetings and January 22, 1991 meeting were approved, having been duly AAD /1 FEBRUARY 5, 1991 2 9 3 'certified accurate by two Council members, and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly: 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Berndt read a Proclamation designating the month of February, 1991 as PTA Month in the City of Yakima, and encouraged all citizens to learn how they can become involved in our children's education.' 'Karen Bernd, President of the city -wide PTSA, accepted the Proclamation, and explained the local emphasis on parent education. She thanked the Council for their :support and invited the public to attend upcoming PTSA programs. Mayor Berndt took the opportunity to thank Mrs. Bernd publicly for her ongoing support and assistance with community forums. Richard Andring, 203 South 8th Avenue, requested Council assistance to resolve sidewalk problems in his neighborhood caused by a construction project. Mr. Andring contacted the City in December concerning debris and damage to the sidewalk, but the problem has not' been corrected. He thanked Mayor Berndt for her letter of reply to his complaint. City Manager Zais added'that the Mayor had responded on behalf of the City. Mayor. Berndt referred the problem to staff, and requested a report at the next Council meeting. • Kathryn Mann, 207 'North Naches, spoke about "renovation of the Miller Park swimming pool, stating that available funds should be used for the repair of Miller Pool before a water slide is installed at Franklin Pool. Mrs. Mann is particularly concerned about the lack of activities for youth at Miller Park. She also mentioned that senior citizens iaould like to utilize the pool for aquatic* exercise programs. City Manager. Zais explained that Council established funding in the 1991 Budget for a water slide at • Franklin Pool as a Budget Policy decision. Mayor Berndt added that Council elected to use General Fund money for purchase, rather than following staff's recommendation to pay for the slide through user fees. Parks and Recreation Manager Dave Flaherty. stated that purchase of the water slide is proceeding on schedule, with bids scheduled to be opened on February 25th. Mr. Flaherty added that $75,000 is the'cost estimated to repair the filter system at Miller Pool. • He stated that the changing demographics of the community, with an emphasis on business and commercial growth, has delayed a • firm decision on the fate of the pool._ Council member Buchanan strongly stated that the residents of the northeast community are entitled to the same recreational advantages as other areas in the City, and suggested a reexamination of priorities. Mr. Flaherty stated that staff can provide a plan for renovation of Miller Pool, if so directed by Council. Council member Pechtel suggested a .comprehensive assessment of Miller Park following the completion.of the Comprehensive Planning Document for Parks and Recreation.: This document should address most of the questions raised today, and will not be limited to aquatics. Al Kloster, 216 North 6th Street, urged . Council to take steps' to reopen Miller Pool. Mr. Kloster raised his family in the Miller Park neighborhood, and realizes the •advantages of providing recreational opportunities to youth. Kathryn. Mann stated that Barge- Lincoln School plans a summer youth --recreation program AAD /2 2 9 4 FEBRUARY 5, 1991 this year, • and they would also like to utilize Miller Pool. Richard Andring, 203 South 8th Avenue, said that he-attended the public meeting regarding the water slide, and the majority of the Franklin Park neighbors were opposed. In light of this opposition, he suggested that Council reconsider their decision, and spend the money where there is'a greater need. Mayor Berndt responded that she had far more letters and calls in support of the water slide than in opposition. Anne Byerrum, a Franklin Park neighbor and member of the Youth Commission, stated that the idea for the slide originally came out of the Commission. The Commission surveyed 5,000 children in the Valley, and the water'slide concept is endorsed as.a method of providing a positive youth activity in a central location. In summary, Council member Buchanan stated that it was commendable -for the City to install a water slide, however, a commitment was needed to provide northeast residents with a basic swimming pool. Council member Beauchamp was in agreement, and Mayor Berndt directed staff to bring a proposal back to Council. *7. NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE ANNEXATION PROCEEDINGS FROM ANDREWS/HUNTER PARTNERSHIP IN VICINITY OF SUMMITVIEW & NO. 63RD AVENUE (STANDARD MOTIONS A & B) - February 5, 1991 was set as the time of a meeting with the initiating parties, who have signed a Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation • Proceedings, the initiating parties being the Andrews /Hunter Partnership. The annexation proposed by the above parties was accepted by the City of Yakima, and the area to be annexed was required to assume its share of the City's existing indebtedness, and a Notice of Intention be filed with the Yakima County Boundary Board. 8.' CONSIDERATION .OF RESOLUTION FOR ACQUISITION OF DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE BUSES AS A SINGLE SOURCE PURCHASE . Fleet Manager Don Toney circulated photos of the proposed downtown shuttle buses and offered to answer questions. Staff recommends a single source purchase, and offered several vehicle options for ' - consideration. Council member Sims asked about the cost for • • handicapped access, and was told that it adds $8,000 per vehicle. S Mr. Toney stated that none of the existing buses are handicap accessible,:but.it will be required for all vehicles purchased or - refurbished in the future. Council member Buchanan said the Dial =a -Ride system was implemented because it was deemed a more practical method of transport, particularly during the winter. He felt that the Dial -a -Ride program may have to be reduced to meet handicap requirements on new vehicles. Council member Barnett asked if the fully burdened operating cost estimate of $643,000 given on October 9th would be reduced by using diesel fuel rather than gasoline. Mr. Toney did not expect a reduction in fuel costs, however; maintenance costs should be lower with diesel vehicles. The major cost difference will from not paying lease fees. Kathryn Mann, 207.North Naches, asked the purpose of the shuttle - buses. Council member Sims replied that the buses are intended to Hove people conveniently within the downtown core. Downtown employees could also use the shuttle to travel to the medical AAD /3 FEBRUARY 5, 1991 2 9 5 center without taking up valuable parking space, and medical area employees could use - the shuttle to travel downtown. An important "'aspect' of the shuttle will be to enhance the current $95 million tourist business in the City. Mrs. Mann asked about the funding source, and was told by Mr. Sims that "the - capital portion of the money will come from Urban.Mass Transit Administration ( grant funding provided by the federal government. Mr." Sims explained : ' .- that 13% of Transit revenue comes from fare box receipts, 70% from the .03% sales tax contribution, and the balance from grants or UMTA money. Since the shuttle service will be free, Mrs. Mann asked if the service would be subsidized by Transit system. Mr., Sims replied that it will be primarily supported by UMTA funds for the one -year trial period, both for capital and maintenance costs. A $30,000 advertising grant has also been received for promotion of this as a convenient means of transportation and a way to reduce air pollution by fewer. autos in the downtown area. If the program does not prove successful after the one -year trial, Mr.• Sims said the vehicles will be sold at market value. Mr. Sims stated that maintenance costs will be paid from the Transit -: Department budget. Council has examined the fixed route system, - : - .land - felt the trial' 'of a shuttle < would be.'a good, :opportunity to determine °the market and expand transit service . Phil Salatino, 209 Park Avenue, asked what will, happen at the end • of the one -year trial period if the program fails. Mr. Sims replied that $500,000 has been accumulated from UMTA funds, and the risk .is minimal since'.thete a high demand'for the buses. Mr. Salatino opposed the concept, stating that when the novelty of the shuttle wears off, people will return to driving their own cars. Mr. Salatino suggested the downtown merchants cover any . losses the program incurs. He further suggested that the $500,000 be used to enhance and expand existing transit service. Council member Sims stated that the free transit service offered at the end ' - of last year increased ridership by 60-i and irony of the new riders have continued to use the system. He feels the 'City needs to experiment to determine Yakima's needs so that we do not provide redundant or unnecessary services. Council member Beauchamp . ' supported the proposal, stating that the shuttles would create a positive community image and enhance economic growth. He was enthusiastic ''about:the benefitsto the tourism industry. Council member stated that the program will be closely scrutinized, and the downtown merchants may well be asked to make a financial contribution'if' they wantfree'service.'downtown. Council member Semon observed that sales tax revenue is the top revenue producer for the General Fund, and increased downtown sales will result in higher revenue for the City. Mr. Salatino asked about the possibility of extending transit service to Union Gap to serve the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. He was advised by Mayor Berndt that the City of Union Gap is not interested in participating. Council member Barnett said he would vote against the proposal, as he feels the public would be better served if the money is used for the benefit of the entire City. He suggested expansion of the existing Transit program to include Sunday'service, improvements to the Dial -a -Ride program or increasing the frequency of free service. Larry Matthews, 805 South 17th Avenue, asked several questions about the shuttle service, and encouraged conservative AAD /4 2 9 FEBRUARY 5, 1991 action, in allocating resources in light of anticipated federal funding cutbacks. Richard Andring, 203 South 8th Avenue, complimented Council for increasing ridership through free fares during the holiday season. However, he objected to the shuttles as competition to existing bus service. He felt the shuttle would cause parking problems at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and nearby medical offices. Council member Sims stated that the hospital ,administrator was not against the shuttle, but rather was concerned with the impact the shuttle will have on hospital construction. Nick Hughes, 8703 Juanita Drive, supported the concept, and praised the Council for beginning again to market the City. Mr. Hughes suggested expansion of the service to include the Greenway, the Air Fair and the Central Washington State Fair. For the record, letters in opposition to the shuttle buses were received from Diane Beatty, Alice I. Sander, 'Joyce Moxin and William F. Strole. Mayor Berndt mentioned that two of the letters requested free parking at the Yakima Mall. She observed that the Mall is not a City -owned facility, and Council has no authority to set parking rates. Resolution No. D -5870, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY PECHTEL, TO' ADOPT 'THE "RESOLUTION FOR ACQUISITION OF DOWN'IONIN 'SHUTTLE BUSES AS "A SINGLE SOURCE PURCHASE: The motion carried by a 6 -1 roll call vote. Barnett voting nay. Mayor Berndt stated that this was a difficult decision.as she has some concerns about the level of reserves remaining in the Transit Fund. RESOLUTION 'NO.` D=5870', A "RESOLUTION - authorizing the purchase of four transit trolleys without calling for bids. 9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BUCHER, WILLIS & RATLIFF FOR A YAKIMA CENTER EXPANSION STUDY Community and Economic Development Director Glenn Rice stated that this item was removed from the Consent Agenda for clarification. He referred to Page 2, Article 2, where the compensation in the revised agreement was limited to a maximum of $10,000. Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution with this clarification. .Resolution No. D 5871, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP SECONDED BY PECHTEL, TO ADOPT THE :.RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. -RESOLUTION NO. D-5871, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of an Agreement for Professional Consulting Services for the Yakima Center. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMIT - FOR SPECIAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT WESTPARK RESOLUTION NO. D -5872, A RESOLUTION .granting the .permit for the public display of fireworks to Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. *11 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR LEGAL ADVERTISING AAD /5 • FEBRUARY 5, 1991 • 2 9 7 RESOLUTION NO. D -5873, A RESOLUTION prescribing a form of contract for printing and publishing city legal advertising; and directing publication of.a call for proposals therefor. *12. CONSIDERATION-OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH A.J. CONSULTANTS FOR AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM II/ RESOLUTION NO. D -5874, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a Consultant Services Agreement with A.J. Consultants, Inc. - * 13. SET DATE OF HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO THE FLOOD PLAIN ORDINANCE FOR .FEBRUARY 19, 1991 February' 19, 1991 was set as the date of public hearing on amendments to the City's Flood Prevention Ordinance. *14. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CERTAIN CITY EMPLOYEES ORDINANCE NO. 3337, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees • toy be' effective`•March 10;" 1991; amending Subsections 2.20.100 'A, .2:20.100 C, 2.20.1101A, 2.20.110 D, and'2 ;20:110 F;.all- the City " of Yakima.Municipal Code'. *15. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING "THE0'1991 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR TOURIST PROMOTION CAMPAIGN An Ordinance amending the 1991 budget and appropriating funds for a tourist promotion campaign, having been read by title'only at the January 22,' 1991 meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3338, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1991 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $25,000 in the Tourist Promotion Fund for expenditure during 1991 for the Positive Promotion of Yakima Campaign. 16. ,. •; OTHER BUSiNESS , -. City Manager Zais called attention to Senate Bill 5479. Copies were distributed for Council information prior to the meeting. Council member Semon asked if - the City could help to address the local' work force issue by participatingi in a literacy program. City Manager Zais stated that staff will investigate the idea. Council member Pechtel stated that the stop lights on Yakima Avenue are a continuing source of complaints. Staff was directed to review the traffic light synchronization on Yakima Avenue and to review the green light timing at Third Street and Lincoln Avenue. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Letter from State Transportation Improvement Board regarding Fair Avenue & I -82 Interchange/ E. Nob Hill Blvd. to North 8th Street. 1/28/91; Memo AAD /6 2 9E FEBRUARY 5, 1991 from Cable Communications "`' Manager " regar - -ding` "'Response to "City Council on the Air." 1/30/91; Letter from State Department of _Trade & Economic Development regarding infrastructure funding to local governments under the Community Economic Revitalization Board. 1/2/91; Press Release announcing the hiring of David Hussell as the Street and Traffic Operations Manager. 2/1/91; Narcotic Statistics Report for December 1990; Monthly Annexation Status Report for as of February 5^,t Request .Report from Traffic Engineering. 2/1/91; Letter to Central Washington Homebuilders Association regarding the Metropolitan Yakima Comprehensive Plan and the State Growth Management Act. 1/28/91; Memo from AWC regarding Proposed Legislation.- 1/23/91; Agenda for the January 24, 1991 Air Terminal Board meeting and minutes of its December 6 & 13, 1990 meetings; Agenda for the January 23; 1991 Yakima Housing Authority Board meeting and minutes of its November 28 and December 3, 1990 meetings; and Article from the January 28,'1991 Seattle P-I, "Central Washington Farm Belt Draws Manufacturing Industries." 17 . EXECUTIVE SESSION 'T"- �. J • It was MOVED BY'BUCHANAN, SECONDED'BY`SIMS; TO°MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ( REGARDING' PROSPECTIVE =LITIGATION AND .DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY FOLLiOWED"BY` ADJOURNMENP - 1O "7:'15`A.M., FEBRUARY 12, 1991, IN THE CITY - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM" FOR 'AN INFORMAL COUNCIL MEETING'.` The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 18. ADJOURNMENT Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 4:17 P:M. (Council member Barnett absent after 4:00 P.M.) ' READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: G� . _ ,„ 2 ., - ' COUNCIL i BER DATE OUNC L :ER D ,'Tm ATTEST: K a.A.„2„ u , jam- ;e P -PLi✓1 G l CITY CLERK .,MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell AAD /7