HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/09/1991 Adjourned Meeting 431
.CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON ADJOURNED MEETING
JULY 9, .1991
The City Council met in session on this -date at 7:15 A.M. in the City
Manager's Conference. City Hall, for informal discussion among
Councilmembers. Mayor Pat Berndt and Councilmembers Lynn Buchanan, George
Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims in attendance. Councilmembers
Clarence :Barnett and Henry Beauchamp absent and excused. City Manager
Zais, Assistant City Manager.Stouder, Police Chief Greenland Deputy City
Clerk Lovell also present.
Discussion topics included the following
1. Fireworks - Councilmember Semon reported a positive response to his
proposal to ban fireworks in the. City. Mayor Berndt said she will
present the idea at 'the Valley Mayor's meeting . this week.
2. Freeway Sign - Councilmember Sims reported requests to change the
sign on I -82 to designate Yakima as "Washington's Best
Neighborhood" rather than the "Palm Springs of Washington." This
would coincide with current local promotional efforts. Staff will
schedule a meeting with the property owner to make this request.
3. Artwork - .Mayor Berndt and Councilmembers Semon and Sims received
an offer fr-om■local• artist Dan Patton to install a sculpture at the
entrance to Yakima. The .Engineering Department is assisting him
with his plans. He has also suggested improvements to the statue
at Naches /Yakima Avenue. City Manager Zais said that past research
has indicated that the statue could be damaged by cleaning efforts.
4. Railroad Tracks - Councilmember Sims requested 'improvements to the
Mead Avenue and Washington Avenue railroad crossings before the
fall harvest season. Staff will try to find a solution to the
problem, at least on a temporary basis.
5. Randall Park Lighting - Councilmember Sims suggested improvements
the lighting at,Randall Park to discourage illegal activities on
park property•
6. 4th of July Celebration - Councilmembers praised the recent 4th of
July festivities, and Mayor Berndt recommended recognition of Mel
Wagner for his efforts. Councilmember Sims praised the Parks
Department for running sprinklers in the parks in the evening to
prevent fireworks damage.
7. Upcoming Meetings - City Manager Zais advised Councilmembers of the
following meetings:
A. Airport: County Commissioner Deccio has requested a meeting
between officials from the City of Yakima, Yakima County, the City
of Union Gap and the Airport Board to discuss changing the
4 3 8 JULY 9, 1991
relationship between -the City,and :the-County. Consideration would
be given to potentially' including- Union`Gap in the planning process
and in the funding base for future opportunities. Mr. Zais
indicated the meeting will be scheduled in the next few weeks, and
Councilmembers will be advised of the details.
B. Law, Enforcement: Mr. Zais suggested, meeting with the County
to discuss the jail construction project, although the City is
still - waiting for specific cost estimates for construction and 0 /M.
The County has invited'City representatives to visit'a:' minimum
security facility recently completed by their contractor Boise;
Idaho. Police - Chief Green and Pechtel will attend
the tour on July 18th.
C. Criminal Justice Center: Mr. aZais reported that staff is
working on preliminary architectural design and siting
determinations the new facility. Work is- being 'done in
conjunction•with :fire facilities•planning*.to gain maximum advantage
from consulting services. Councilmember Pechtel objected to
placing the consulting work for the law and justice facility with
the same firm without going through .a RFP or bid process.
Councilmember Semon agreed that other local architectural firms
should be given the opportunity to participate in the process.
Mr. Zais- that staff wanted to begin work on the
law and justice facility, and felt the matter could be expedited by
combining the projects. A meeting is scheduled with the County
Commissioners on July 15th to discuss the jail construction project
and the joint and justice facility option. Councilmembers
Pechtel, Semon and"Sims will attend.
8. Emergency' Care.- Councilmember Buchanan reported complaints from
citizens on the high cost of ambulance service +in the•City.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of
9:00 A.M.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY � / 9(
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DEPUTY CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes prepared Deputy City Clerk Lovell _
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