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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/06/1991 Adjourned Meeting 4.. 6 3 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON ADJOURNED MEETING AUGUST 6, 1991 • The City Council net in session - with the Downtown Coalition on this date at 11:30 A.M. at the Holiday Inn, Roan C. Mayor Pat Berndt and Councilmembers George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims in attendance. (Councilmembers Pechtel and Semon also serve on the Downtown Coalition Board of Directors). Councilmembers Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp and Lynn Buchanan absent and excused. 'Downtown Coalition members present were Co- Chairmen Rob Talcott and Al Royal, Ken Flaks, Pat Gilmore, Dave McCartney, Jerry Henderson, Sharon Trick and Lynne Kittelson. City staff members present were City Manager Zais, Assistant City Manager Stouder, Planning Manager Skone, Associate Planner Lehman and Deputy City Clerk Lovell. Mayor Berndt welcomed the Downtown Coalition members. She said that the Council 'hoped to learn more about the functions and activities of the group, and how the Council could be of assistance. Coalition members briefly discussed their involvement in the following areas: 1. I -82 Corridor 2. Transportation (Parking, Trolley and Busses) 3. Yakima's'Best Neighborhood 4:. Metro 'Plan 5. Downtown Plan (Chapter Six, City Hall /Jail) 6. Convention Center Expansion Coalition Co- Chairman Talcott explained that the Downtown Coalition, the City _Council, the Visitor and Convention Bureau and the .Chamber of Commerce all share common goals. He stressed that all of the groups must work together for a successful downtown since no single group can handle the job alone. Co- Chairman Royal observed that the Coalition represents a variety of merchants and businesses who serve as an advocacy group for the downtown. They work together to address problems and concerns, and form a common front before they appear before the City Council. Several Coalition members asked about the possibility of becoming involved in promotion of the downtown trolleys. This could be done with printed handouts and cooperative advertising. Coalition members also requested demographic data regarding trolley ridership and possible route expansion. City Manager Zais replied that staff could conduct a survey, and he suggested that a joint meeting of the Downtown Coalition and the Transit staff would be appropriate. Associate Planner Lehman observed that the trolleys create a sense of unity for the downtown, which was one of the major goals of the Downtown Plan. Possible expansion of the Yakima Center was discussed, and Mr. Royal asked if any feedback has been received from the County Commissioners or the Fair Board. City Manager Zais replied that the City has not been contacted, and is uncertain about plans for a meeting hall at the SunDome. Mr. Semon suggested that the Coalition members might wish to meet with the County Commissioners and the Fair Board to discuss this topic. 4 6 4 AUGUST 6, 1991 Ms. Kittelson requested corrective action 'at Sunfair Park to solve the litter and loitering problems. `Although this is private property, City staff will investigate the possibility of placing additional refuse containers and positive signage at the site. Mayor Berndt praised the anti -drug efforts by Explorer Scouts, and suggested they might be able to assist with the problems at Sunfair Park. Councilmember Sims raised the question of conflict of interest and the appearance of fairness since two Councilmembers serve on the Coalition Board of Directors. He was assured that the legal question has been researched, and does not present a problem. Mr. Royal felt that membership was a decision of the individual Councilmembers, and noted that each had been a member of Coalition long before they joined the City Council. _ Mayor Berndt mentioned that all nine of the Visioning committees rated enhancement of the downtown as a top priority. She thanked the Coalition members for their efforts on behalf of the 'downtown, and encouraged them to continue their good work. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1 :25 P.M. i READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: "L T BER J DATE COUNCILME :l DATE ATTEST: I (::;,;24 DEP d CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell • • -2-