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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/11/1994 Business Meeting 439 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON OCTOBER 11, 1994 BUSINESS MEETING' I/ 1. ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Assistant Mayor Clarence Barnett presiding, Council Members Henry Beauchamp (present after 2:35 p.m.), Ernie Berger, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, and Bernard Sims present on roll call; Mayor Pat Berndt absent and excused. City Manager Zais, Assistant City Attorney Peterson, and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Assistant Mayor Barnett. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) Assistant Mayor Barnett read a proclamation declaring the week of October 10 -14, 1994 as Court Observance Week. Chris Kinzell, Governor of Yakima County Legal Secretaries Association, accepted the proclamation and introduced officers of the organization. - Assistant Mayor Barnett read a proclamation and Jerry Henderson, President of the Westside Merchants Association, accepted the Certificate of Appreciation for the organization's Banner Program. Their leadership in this program was instrumental in the All America City award effort. 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. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. Item No. 14 was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of a citizen. Item No. 21A, an item brought to the Council off the agenda, was added to the Consent Agenda. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Beauchamp and Berndt absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 4 OCTOBER 11, 1994 *5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 BUSINESS MEETING AND SEPTEMBER 20, 1994 SPECIAL MEETING The minutes of the September 13, 1994 Business meeting and September 20, 1994 Special meeting were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO WESTSIDE MERCHANTS FOR BANNER PROGRAM This issue was considered under Agenda Item No. 3. 7. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY GEORGE PECHTEL REGARDING ZOO AND AQUARIUM PROPOSAL George Pechtel, 116 North 3rd Avenue, presented a concept to possibly establish a zoo and perhaps an aquarium in the Yakima area. He invited all those interested to a public hearing scheduled for October 13, 1994, at the Davis High School Cafeteria. If sufficient interest is shown by the public, further planning sessions will be held. Mr. Pechtel emphasized that jobs would be created by this endeavor; it would boost tourism, and it would provide an educational experience. 8. PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER THE HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION ON THE MASTER APPLICATION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN VICINITY OF 502 NORTH 18TH AVENUE, REQUESTED BY JAMES AND ROXANN FAULCONER This being the time set for the public meeting, Larry Lehman, Associate Planner, briefly summarized the staff report concerning this Master Application. The staff recommendation is to accept the Hearing Examiner's recommendation to approve the Master Application and direct the appropriate documents be prepared. Referring to letters of opposition from neighbors, Mr. Lehman reiterated the location of nearby residences and property uses at the request of Council Member Brado. Assistant Mayor Barnett opened the public meeting and asked if the proponent would like to speak to the issue. Jim Faulconer, Applicant, 502 North 18th Avenue, was available to answer any questions. After determining that it could be properly considered by the Council, Assistant Mayor Barnett read Phil Hoge's letter recommending a sidewalk be constructed on one side of 18th Avenue. Mr. Faulconer responded by explaining those conditions are not contained in the Hearing Examiner's recommendation. There was a considerable amount of discussion among Council members and the applicant about 2 441 OCTOBER r '� 11, 1994 neighborhood compatibility concerns particularly relating to the number, location and suitability of parking spaces at the property. Assistant Mayor Barnett asked if there was anyone who wished I/ to speak regarding the proposal. Three citizens, Henry Vanderwood, 3312 South 63rd Avenue; Edward Esparza, 709 South 15th Avenue; and Bill Higgason, 1901 West Mead, Key Bank, spoke in favor of the approval of the Master Application. Again there was a considerable amount of discussion concerning whether the rezone or the proposed automobile service facility would negatively impact the neighborhood. Assistant Mayor Barnett asked if anyone else wished to speak to the issue. There being no one, he closed the public meeting. There were comments and directions given to staff from Council members concerning the vicinity maps. All Council members, except Mr. Brado and Mr. Beauchamp, declared no exparte contact. Council Member Brado stated he had contact with Mr. Walker about the existing zoning for residential storage. Council Member Beauchamp stated he had contact concerning a non -land use matter with the Division of Employment /Training. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION, AND TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF THE MASTER APPLICATION. The motion carried by a 4 -2 voice vote; Brado and Buchanan voting nay; Berndt absent. Staff was directed to provide further information, particularly updated aerial maps of this property. This supplemental information would be beneficial when determining zoning boundaries for the portion of the property that is part of the rezone, but not included in the proposed car repair business site. 9. PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW THE COST OF SERVICE STUDY /PRE- TREATMENT FEE PROPOSAL This being the time set for the public hearing, Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent, reviewed the Recommendation Summary of sewer rate information and was available to answer questions. If these recommendations are I/ accepted, the resulting revenue would offset the impact of operation and maintenance expenses, the cost of existing debt, debt service coverage, replacement of aging wastewater infrastructure, and capital improvements, which will be needed to accommodate future growth. Mr. Waarvick also estimated the amount of increase residential homeowners might expect to see in their monthly bill. Assistant Mayor Barnett opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak to this issue. 3 4.4 2 OCTOBER 11, 1994 Phil Salatino, 209 Park Avenue, representing senior citizens on a fixed income, protested the proposed sewer rate increase. Larry Mathews, 805 South 17th Avenue, requested an Action Agenda from today's meeting. He suggested the rate structure for business in Yakima be more like those charged businesses on the west side of the state. He feels the proposed business rates should be increased and the private citizen rates should be decreased. Mr. Mathews also urged Council to be fair and consistent with what other municipalities do. Richard Andring, 203 South 8th Avenue, stated he would like to see the rates be distributed fairly. John Klingele, 1312 West Walnut, referred to page 12 of the Cost of Service Study and suggested a ratio that would encourage conservation. He preferred proposal #3 as the ratio. Doug Mayo, Project Engineer, explained the differences between fixed ready to serve charges and the variable water volume charge, along with the revenue impacts that result with both types of rates. Mr. Klingele explained that although he doesn't like rate increases, he does recognize the need for them and reluctantly supports them. John Puccinelli, Yakima Valley Restaurant Association, disagreed with the strong waste generator categorization that restaurants sometimes fall under. He reported that rates have significantly increased because restaurants provide public restroom facilities, particularly during late night hours. Staff provided explanation about the strong waste discharge program, the differences in the amount charged for water and sewer, and how the bill is categorically broken down. There was additional discussion about the amount of Mr. Puccinelli's bill. Kay Chin, 4001 Summitview Avenue, expressed confusion about the proposed Pretreatment Fee portion of the Cost of Service Study. He also questioned the amount of increase in his bill. Explanation of the program was provided by staff. The increases are necessary due to Federal requirements and will be imposed on the general rate payer and the industry being regulated. Explanation was also provided about rate allocation and the terms, cost subsidy and cost sharing, were clarified. Mr. Chin requested his name be put on the mailing 1/ list for this issue. Dan Arnett, Yakima Chamber of Commerce, disagreed with implementing any subsidizing options relating to the Pretreatment Program; he supported the idea that the general rate payer should pay the substantial increase caused by federal mandates since it was the voters who supported Clean Water Act legislation. Mr. Arnett again urged Council to 4 443 OCTOBER ,11, 1994 implement the Key Manhole program, which tests all users in the wastewater system. Assistant Mayor- Barnett asked if anyone else wished to address the Cost of Service Study issue. There being no one, I/ he closed the public hearing. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AND CONTINUE DELIBERATION ON THE ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS MATTER TO OCTOBER 25, 1994. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Mayor Berndt absent and Council Member Buchanan temporarily absent. 10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Richard Andring requested Council to return to a weekly meeting schedule. Alphonso Lee, 1114 South 38th Avenue, related his family's inconvenience due to the closure of East Chestnut. This does not allow access to his parent's residence except through Sunfair Chevrolet parking lot. He inquired why notification was not provided prior to the street closure. City staff reported there was no indication in the Wal -Mart plans concerning a street closure. He stated it may have been a temporary construction delay in order to do trenching for utilities to the development site. He reported that staff is addressing the situation. 11. PRESENTATION OF 1995 PRELIMINARY BUDGET FORECAST (AVAILABLE TUESDAY) This item was postponed until October 25, 1994. 12. AT 4:00 P . M e ( OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER ) A JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND YAKIMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL COMMENCE TO CONSIDER THE SUBMITTAL OF THE JOINT BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING URBAN AREA ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Assistant Mayor Barnett welcomed County Commissioners Charles Klarich and Jim Lewis, who were present for the Joint Public I/ Hearing. This being the time set for the Joint City /County Public Hearing, Assistant Mayor Barnett called the meeting to order at 4:20 p.m. and briefly reviewed the format to follow. Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development, presented a brief overview of the lengthy amendment process which included involvement of the Regional Planning Commission, the Urban Area Joint Board, and the 5 4 OCTOBER 11, 1994 Yakima Area Technical Advisory Committee. He further explained that the proposed text amendments evolved after an opportunity for public input was provided and a series of work sessions were conducted that included participation from the community, elected officials, and industry representatives. Mr. Valenzuela also pointed out that during this process, it became apparent that if pre- approved plans are kept on file for the developer, it would reduce the time I/ for plan check review and would streamline the permitting process and the construction process. Deb Patterson, Chairman of the Regional Planning Commission, also referred to the amendment process. The recommendations which resulted from the work sessions held over a three to four month period were presented in detail to the Joint Board. Those recommendations reflect problems and concerns of people living in specific neighborhoods and an honest effort to retain livability and the integrity of existing Eastside neighborhoods. Joan Davenport, Supervising Associate Planner, capsulized each of the ten proposed amendments and answered questions from Council. With the use of illustrations, Barbara Cline, Traho Architects, presented typical examples of development on various sized lots within the city limits of Yakima. The purpose of the presentation was to show whether development would be compatible with existing neighborhoods if these amendments were adopted and the new standards were in place. Types of drawings shown reflected implementation of the play yard requirement, the increase in the setback requirement, changes in the parking requirements, and changes in sidewalk requirements. Assistant Mayor Barnett asked if either the Commissioners or the Council members had any further questions from staff. There being none, he opened the public hearing. Dan Arnett, Rental Service of Yakima, spoke against adopting proposed Amendments 1 through 6 because they would increase the cost to purchase or rent a home. If these increased government regulations on land use or infrastructure development are placed on the entire urban area, then housing will continue to be more expensive. Elsie Gregorich, 1516 Browne Avenue, spoke in favor of play yards and suggested fences be included in the recommendations as a safety feature for children. Bill Hordan, 201 East "B" Street, requested clarification of the proposed sidewalk amendment because he had concerns about the practicality of its implementation due to its cost. Concerning the play yard amendment, he suggested a maximum number of units be placed on this which would trigger the requirement. Council should also consider a maximum for play 6 445 OCTOBER {,11, 1994 yard space, instead of basing it on the number of bedrooms in the development. He also suggested a Class 3 use be implemented for a planned residential development under the 8 - 12 DU /NRA portion of the table. He spoke in favor of implementing proposed Amendment No. 4, which would require a I/ Class 2 Review for conversion of a single family house to a multi - family dwelling. Phil Hoge, a resident of the North Central Neighborhood in Yakima, spoke in favor of adopting the proposed Amendments 1 through 6. He felt these amendments are essential to bring older historic neighborhoods back to a level of desirability where people will want to live in them again. The proposed amendments will start to address the structural problems and reverse the process of decay in old neighborhoods. Mr. Hoge read Exhibits 1 and 2 and then submitted them to the City Clerk. Again referring to the sidewalk amendment, Mr. Hoge explained it was meant to require sidewalks where there are no requirements now for sidewalks and only for multi - family, not for single family development. Don Vittiger spoke in favor of the proposed amendments. He feels they represent a great deal of forethought to provide compatible development and would prevent mistakes in the future. He saw no correlation between these amendments and their effects on affordable housing costs because he believes the cost to buy or rent depends on supply and demand in the market. Bob Maison, 612 North 2nd Street, spoke in favor of the proposed amendments and encouraged lower density units be built. This would provide more elbow room for residents. Bev Luby Bartz 114 North 7th Street, spoke in favor of the proposed amendments. She emphasized the safety concern of the children and felt play yards and adequate parking are essential. Rosemary Small, 1006 South 25th Avenue, spoke in favor of the I/ proposed amendments. She expressed concern about trading density and affordability with the necessary continuance of aesthetics, compatibility and safety in older neighborhoods. She also felt the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance should preserve and protect residential neighborhoods and the proposed amendments would start to deal with some of the problems that weren't addressed in the original zoning ordinance. She emphasized the need for play yards for children to prevent them from playing in unsafe places such as next to the street or in the parking areas. 7 446 OCTOBER 11, 1994 Mary McDaniel, 1302 Fruitvale Blvd, spoke in favor of the proposed amendments. She emphasized the need for appropriate play areas for the safety of children and sidewalks for those who don't drive. She felt without these standards, the existing problems would get worse. Maud Scott, 309 Union, spoke in favor of the proposed amendments. She suggested the livability of housing be considered since nothing is affordable today compared to what housing used to cost. Density issues should also be considered because it plays a big role in crime, violence, and problems with youth. Bruce Bullamar, Executive Director of The Housing Foundation, addressed the issue of affordable housing. He emphasized that his organization neither endorses or opposes the proposals under consideration. He described a possible effect high density might have on middle income families' ability to afford housing in older neighborhoods. He suggested a blue ribbon committee be appointed representing people from the neighborhoods and from the development community to look at how older neighborhoods can be preserved and then have that committee come back with a recommendation. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO ANOTHER DATE. Assistant Mayor Barnett explained a certain date will be determined after coordination between the County Commissioners and the City Council. The date will be appropriately announced after the date is established. Additional public testimony will be received at that time. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Berndt absent. The County Commissioners concurred with the motion. *13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION GRANTING A FIREWORKS DISPLAY PERMIT TO EISENHOWER AND DAVIS HIGH SCHOOLS RESOLUTION NO. R - 94 - 134, A RESOLUTION granting a public fireworks display permit to Eisenhower High School and Davis High School. 14. APPROVAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY USE PERMIT FOR EXPANSION OF LYNCH MOTOR COMPANY VEHICLE DISPLAY AREA, REQUESTED BY GREENWAY AUTO PLAZA The citizen who requested this item be removed from the consent agenda was no longer present. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, THAT THE RIGHT -OF- WAY USE PERMIT FOR THE EXPANSION OF LYNCH MOTOR COMPANY VEHICLE DISPLAY AREA, REQUESTED BY ROBERT AND GAYLE HALL, DBA THE GREENWAY AUTO PLAZA, BE APPROVED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Berndt absent. 8 447 OCTOBER; ;.`11, 1994 *15. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR OCTOBER 25, 1994 ON THE REZONE OF PROPERTY AT 906 NORTH 20TH AVENUE, REQUESTED BY LENA COUCH October 25, 1994 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's decision on the rezone of property at 906 North 20th Avenue, submitted by Carol Chauvin on behalf of Lena Couch. *16. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CERTAIN CITY EMPLOYEES (RELATING TO RECLASSIFICATIONS APPROVED 9/27/94) ORDINANCE NO. 94 -60, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective November 13, 1994; amending Subsections 2.20.100 A, 2.20.100 C, 2.20.100 D, 2.20.110 A, 2.20.110 F, and 2.20.110 H, all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *17. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE REFUSE DIVISION FOR STATE TAX AND LANDFILL FEES An Ordinance amending the 1994 budget and appropriating funds from the Refuse Division budget for State tax and landfill fees, having been read by title only at the September 27, 1994 Council meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 61, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $34,732 in the Refuse Fund for expenditure during 1994 for unanticipated operating expenses. *18. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL FUND An Ordinance amending the 1994 budget and appropriating funds in the Environmental Fund for removal and replacement of underground storage tanks at Tahoma Cemetery, having been read by title only at the September 27, 1994 Council meeting, I/ was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 62, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $65,000 in the Environmental Fund for expenditure during 1994 for removal and replacement of underground storage tanks at Tahoma Cemetery. 9 448 OCTOBER 11, 1994 *19. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ITEMS PURCHASED FOR RESALE OR INVENTORY AND FOR THE WATER SERVICE BOND REDEMPTION FUND An Ordinance amending the 1994 budget and appropriating funds for items purchased for resale or inventory and for the Water Service Bond Redemption Fund, having been -read by title only at the September 27, 1994 Council meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 63, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $105,456 in the Water Operating Fund for expenditure during 1994 for Bond Redemption requirements and for Resale materials. *20. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE CBD LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (NO ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1994 budget and appropriating funds for the CBD Lighting Improvements Project, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for two weeks, until October 25, 1994. 21. OTHER BUSINESS *A. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR NOVEMBER 1, 1994 TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION ON REZONE OF PROPERTY NEAR SUMMITVIEW AND NORTH 63RD AVENUE, REQUESTED BY D. HUNTER November 1, 1994 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner recommendation regarding the rezone of property located near Summitview and 63rd Avenue, as requested by D. Hunter. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO CONTINUE THE TWO MEETINGS PER MONTH FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER AND JANUARY. THE MEETING DATES ARE NOVEMBER 1 AND 15, DECEMBER 6 AND 20, AND JANUARY 10 AND 24. BUDGET REVIEW STUDY SESSIONS ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE MORNINGS OF NOVEMBER 8, 15, 22 AND 29. The motion carried by 5 - 1 voice vote; Buchanan voting nay; Berndt absent. Information Items: 1/ Items of information provided to Council were: Memorandum from Legal Department regarding Damage Claims Referred to Insurance Company. 10/3/94; Traffic Engineering Citizen Request and Activity Report for September 1994; Memorandum from Department of Community & Economic Development regarding Commute Trip Reduction Quarterly Report; Notice of Department of Ecology Water Quality Financial - Assistance 10 OCTOBER 11, 1994 449 Program Workshops for Review of the Funding Categories for the Centennial Clean 'Water Fund, Water Quality Account; Notices from Department of Ecology: Time is Running Out for the Free Hook Up to the City Water System, Paxton Sales & Nu- Way Cleaners, and Tiger Oil Exxon; Agenda for the October 13, 1994 RTPO TAC meeting and minutes of its September 1, I/ 1994 meeting; Agenda for the October 11, 1994 Northeast Yakima Neighborhood Association meeting; Agenda for the October 13, 1994 Hearing Examiner meeting; Notice of October 11, 12, and 13, 1994 Town Hall Meetings on neighborhood housing issues; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of October 11, 1994; Letter from Douglas Peters regarding Yakima City Transit shuttle service to the fairgrounds; Agenda for the October 17, 1994 YVCOG Executive Committee meeting and minutes of its September 19, 1994 minutes; Agenda for the October 19, 1994 YVCOG General Membership meeting and minutes of its September 21, 1994 meeting; Agenda for the October 10, 1994 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and minutes of its September 12, 1994 meeting; Code Administration Monthly Report for September 1994; Trolley Ridership Report for September 1994; Congressional Week in Review. September 26, 1994; Article from the September 28, 1994 Seattle P.I., "Rice Says Bond Issues Vital to City "; and Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Newsletter, October 1994. 22. ADJOURNMENT It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP,• TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 5:45 P.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Berndt absent. if I READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: A ' _ / . I 1 4 .. P I 1 I , —20— C ct I R ' DATE /(0 ' 9\C -r COUNCIL` ]4 MBER DATE ATTEST: i?eLA-4L, le-.64-6,-e)c, CITY CLERK - MAYIR /`�J I/ Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 11