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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/28/1995 Business Meeting 166. CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MARCH 28, 1995 ADJOURNED 7 :30 A.M. MEETING The Adjourned meeting was canceled. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MARCH 28, 1995 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, Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett, Ernie Berger, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council Member Henry Beauchamp absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Barnett. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) It was MOVED BY SIMS,, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO EXTEND RUSS RENNIE'S TERM ON. THE POLICE & FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION FOR ONE, YEAR, TO THE END OF DECEMBER, 1995. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPOINT SKIP SEMON TO THE AIRPORT BOARD. The motion carried by a 5 -1 voice vote; Brado voting nay; Beauchamp absent. Mayor Berndt read the proclamation declaring the week of April 1 - 8, 1995 as Springfest Week in the City of Yakima. I/ She encouraged all citizens to participate in planned activities of the Yakima County Substance Abuse Coalition to help fight drug abuse and its related problems. Ester Huey described the activities planned, with Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week kicking off the event. She urged citizens to get involved and provide volunteer services. She also described the many other activities planned, including Yakima Community Coalition activities. She expressed appreciation March 28 1995 1 6 7 to the City Council for „the funding provided for the support and encouragement supplied throughout the year. Mayor Berndt presented Certificates of Appreciation to Yakima Kiwanis Club, H & H Furniture, JB's Restaurant, and Del Monte for their support in funding Alley Cats volunteers to attend I/ the National Crime Prevention Conference recently held in Miami, Florida. Also recognized were Lorena Chacon, Kari Dagenais, Rogelio Maciel and Refugio Nava for their participation in the Alley Cats activities. Mayor Berndt recognized the positive impact the Alley Cats have in the community. Mayor Berndt read a proclamation declaring April 1995 as Earthquake Preparedness Month. Don Thompson explained the month of April will be the month to provide earthquake safety information to citizens throughout Yakima County to increase public awareness regarding proper procedure to follow during an earthquake and how to protect and take care of themself during the first 72 hours following any major event. He stressed the importance of protecting themself, what to store around their homes, particularly water, and where to meet their families outside or make contact with people in the event a disaster occurs, with emphasis placed on schools, homes and businesses. Mayor Berndt read a,proclamation declaring April 1995 as Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association Month. She urged citizens to attend the 30th Annual Washington State Fiddlers contest on May 5th and,6th and.recognize this valued folk art tradition. The Old Time Fiddlers played three songs for everyone's enjoyment. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there we're 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. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Berger abstaining from voting on Item No. 20A; Beauchamp absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded I/ by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion:) I 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 28, AND MARCH 7, 1995 BUSINESS MEETING The minutes of the February 28 and March 7, 1995 Business meetings, were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two'Council members and no one present . wishing. to have said minutes read publicly. ...2 166 March 28, 1995 6. PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION ON THE FIRST WESTERN DEVELOPMENT REZONE This being the time set for the public meeting, Joan Davenport, Supervising Planner, referenced the request to rezone three lots from R -3, Multi - Family zoning district, to CBDS, Central Business District Support. There was no public opposition at the Hearing Examiner's public hearing on February 23, 1995; the Hearing Examiner's recommendation is to approve the rezone. There has been a SEPA Review on this request and it was issued a DNS without any mitigating conditions; it is a non - project specific rezone. Council Member Brado reiterated the requirements of the plat to install curbs, gutters, streets and sidewalk. Ms. Davenport recalled some of the details of the application that included the plat and the right -of -way vacation. Mayor Berndt opened the public meeting and asked if anyone wished to comment on the rezone. There being no one, she closed the public meeting. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO UPHOLD THE HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE REZONE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. 7. PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION ON THE KISSEL PARK ESTATES SUBDIVISION This being the time set for the public meeting, Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, briefly summarized the details of the preliminary subdivision application. Kissel Park Estates is a preliminary 18 -lot subdivision proposed by the developer, Mr. Brian Busey, for approximately 4.26 acres of R -1 zoned property. It is located between undeveloped Kissel Park on the west and South 27th Avenue on the east. This area is immediately south of the Plat of Suncrest II and will be served by a continuation of South 28th Avenue. Originally proposed was a nine -lot subdivision with clustered duplexes, but Mr. Busey withdrew that project because of objections from the neighborhood. He then returned with this amended proposal for which there was no longer any opposition. The Hearing Examiner recommends approval of Mr. Busey's subdivision application subject to I/ conditions which are outlined in his report. Staff recommends acceptance of the Hearing Examiner's Recommendation. 3 March 28 1995 169 Council Member Brad,o..pointed out that there were several letters in oppositibut they were based on the withdrawn project. Mayor Berndt opened the public meeting and asked if any one wished to comment. There being no one, she closed the public I/ meeting. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION AND DIRECT LEGAL STAFF TO PREPARE THE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. 8. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED REDUCTION IN DIAL -A -RIDE SERVICE AND PROPOSED TRANSIT FARE INCREASES This being the time set for the public hearing, Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, explained this is an opportunity to gather public input about a proposal to reduce Dial -A -Ride Program Sunday service hours from eight hours to five and to increase its fare to $1.00. Another issue open for public comment is proposed Transit fare increases. There was a considerable amount of discussion concerning service options intended to provide program cost.. reductions. Mr. Schultz noted service hours have been reduced which account for less ridership and a projected revenue reduction. Although a comparison was not available for cost per passenger for the fixed system versus the Dial -A -Ride Program, Mr. Schultz explained Transit has the lowest cost per passenger and cost per mile for paratransit services; this is according to a recent Federal Government report for Transit Operators in six small urban areas. Mr. Schultz also answered several questions from Council members pertaining to overhead costs. The purchase of dispatching software would save money because the computer would do more of the dispatching; thereby requiring fewer dispatchers for the same level of service. The Transit Committee has suggested increased costs in this area be shared with the contractor. Council Member Buchanan requested additional ways be found to reduce costs; this would accrue savings. Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked if anyone 1/ wished to comment. Mary McDaniels, 1302 Fruitvale Boulevard, spoke against reduction in Dial -A -Ride Sunday service because there is no regular bus service on Sundays. The fare increases would impact many people who :have low incomes. She requested bus service on Sunday and in the evenings. William Strole, 105 North 53rd Avenue, spoke .against an increase in the Honored Citizen Pass. He thought everyone 4 170 March 28, 1995 else should pay their own bus fare and urged subsidized service be omitted. He also requested a bus stop be considered at 1st Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard to the east. Bill Schultz pointed to a cost information chart showing a steady increase in operating costs projected in the budget for the Dial -A -Ride program. Rose E. Francis, 6 North 6th Street, spoke against increasing the Dial -A -Ride fare because she would not be able to afford I/ $1.00 each way. She requested transit service on Sundays as well as extended hours during the evening. Mike Kinney, 208 North 35th Avenue, spoke against transit fare increases because it is financially feasible for him to ride the bus. He did not think the fare increase would significantly offset skyrocketing operating costs since ridership tolls contribute a small percentage. Robert Owen, 405 Fourth Street, did not oppose the proposed fare increases, but thought all fares in the structure should be increased by an equal percentage. Richard Conner spoke against the Dial -A -Ride fare increase. He asked that the limit on the number of grocery bags allowed to be brought on the Dial -A -Ride vehicle be increased to three, instead of the current two -bag limit. Gene Fox, Pierce Street, spoke against the Dial -A -Ride fare increase because he would not be able to continue to do volunteer work because he could then no longer afford the fare. He also suggested that efforts be made to coordinate Dial -A -Ride vehicles to accommodate more wheel chairs at the same time. Ken Francis stated that he thought the transit fare increases were fair, but the increases for Dial -A -Ride is too much and would create a hardship for those with low incomes. Debbie Horiden described the difficulty handicapped persons experience when waiting for the bus, especially in severe weather. She suggested departure times be increased from one hour to half an hour. Sally Main spoke against increasing the Dial -A -Ride fares because it would create a hardship for those with low I/ incomes. She also complained about the service she has received from People For People when providing Dial -A -Ride services. Tonya Groff, 1910 South 3rd Avenue, also complained about People For People services she has received. 5 171 March 2 1995 Joe Carneval i , 518 ; North 3 5th, ,Avenue , commented about the vacant seats on the'''50- passenge'r�' buses and asked whether using 25- passenger buses would save money. He suggested the Transit Division sell the Fruitvale facility and also thought money could be saved if mechanical work was contracted to independent contractors instead of City employees doing the mechanical repair. Council Member Sims explained the Transit Committee has considered the economics of this issue and the I/ smaller buses would cost less for initial purchase, but maintenance would cost more; the cost for the driver would be the same. He requested staff provide Mr. Carnivelli a copy of the Transit Committee Analysis. Council Member Brado suggested a committee be established to study these kinds of suggestions. Marvin Fife, 616 South 7th'Avenue, commented from a nursing home perspective that the efficiency of the program needs to be examined. The increase is very significant. and the services are very much needed. Those who only have a very small income and have to make trips to the doctor or an occasional recreation trip should not be ,penalized by increased fare. All though operating costs keep rising, the quality of life for many shut -in residents is significantly improved by Dial -A -Ride services. Council Member Sims asked if his organization would be interested in subcontracting through the Transit Service to provide some dial -A -Ride services. Mr. Fife stated he would relay that question to those at the nursing home to consider. Rick Gagnier, Business Manager for the Yakima School District, stated they are very pleased with the service of the Transit Division. He requested the rate increase, $7.00 to $12.00 for Youth Passes, be mitigated to some extent since the approximate 70% increase is the largest proposed increase in the transit fare structure. Since a mid -year adjustment would be difficult because the School District operates on a fiscal year instead of a calendar year, Mr. Gagnier also requested Council phase in the rate increase over a little longer time frame that would coincide with the School District fiscal year budgeting process. The Yakima School District is one of the very few in the state that operates as a city combination and extensively cooperates with local transit. The School District I/ transports approximately 4,500 students on school buses and almost 1,000 through the City. Transit system ,per day. Mr. Gagnier encouraged continuation of the relationship on a long -term basis. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Sims, Mr. Gagnier stated the School District cost per student per month is very similar to what the City Transit costs are; however, since the School District's operation focuses on twice daily transportation with inactivity the rest of the day, the costing process is a little bit different. Cost per mile is not actually tracked as City 6 1.72 March 28, 1995 Transit does; the School District has 65 buses and spends about $1.75 million a year. Catherine Szymanski, 711 North 34th Avenue, who rides transit on a regular basis, explained she realizes the cost for everything is increasing and so this has to also.. David Hawkins objected to the increases especially for those who have fixed incomes because it would place a financial burden on them. Mayor Berndt asked if anyone else wished to speak concerning the transit fare increases or Dial -A -Ride proposed changes. There being no one, she closed the public hearing. Council Member Barnett requested staff clarify overhead cost information before this matter is acted on. After Council Members Berger and Brado emphasized the need to discover and implement efficiencies, it was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BRADO, TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL APRIL 11, 1995 IN ORDER TO GIVE STAFF TIME TO COME BACK WITH ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT COUNCIL MAY HAVE AND MAY GIVE THEM IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION This item was considered after Agenda Item No. 11. No one spoke during Audience Participation. 10. REPORT FROM TRANSIT DIVISION AND TRANSIT COUNCIL COMMITTEE REGARDING FARE CHARGE FOR 4TH OF JULY BUS SERVICE TO THE FAIRGROUNDS Council Member Barnett submitted a resolution for consideration providing for free shuttle bus service to the 4th of July celebration. There were brief comments by Council members concerning charging no fee for Fourth of July Bus Service to the Yakima County Fairgrounds. Council Member Barnett read Resolution R -95 -49 by title. It was MOVED BY BERGER, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. Gary Martinkus, 3505 Commonwealth, Chairman of the Fourth of July Committee, spoke in favor of adopting the resolution. He described the business community's participation in the fourth of July celebration events and expressed appreciation for Council's support. I/ Resolution No. R -95 -49 having been read by title, the question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Beauchamp absent. 7 March 28, 1995 • 173 RESOLUTION NO. R- 95 -49, A RESOLUTION providing for free shuttle bus service' to the Yakima County Fairgrounds on July 4, 1995. 11. REPORT REGARDING PROPOSED SPORTS COMPLEX I/ Denise Nichols, Recreation Program Supervisor, introduced members of the citizen's committee who explored the feasibility of developing a major Sports Complex in Yakima. Gene Rostvold, Co -Chair of the Sports Complex Committee, presented some background information about the committee and then presented a brief overview of their findings. Also available were Committee members Ron King and Ed Beehler for any specific questions about what the potential is for the development of softball tournaments. The committee found that there is a need for a sports complex, not only to accommodate the large number of local softball teams competing in Yakima, but to attract major tournaments to the community which would be a tremendous economic value to the Yakima Valley. Currently, Yakima is not listed as being able to host a tournament as it once was ten years ago. The primary reason is because there'is a 300 -foot fence length requirement. Although Yakima has a lot of softball fields for local tournaments, the advantage of building a sports complex of four to six fields is to host both local tournaments and to host major type tournaments every weekend during the summer. The result would be the ability to compete favorably with other communities with developed sports complexes and theabilityto attract teams from around the state to enjoy the wonderful weather for tournaments. Another factor the committee considered was future expansion possibilities and a site with enough acreage to expand into other growing sports, such as soccer fields, girls fastpitch and adult senior league baseball, as well as the continually growing Little League Baseball. The Committee recommends six fields be built with a minimum of three fields lighted; with 300 foot fences for the tournaments and adequate parking with possibly RV parking to generate some revenue. Bo Hepler, Co- Chair, described the wide variety of sports in Yakima. After the committee studied the feasibility of a sports complex for, not only local citizens, but for tourism revenue, potential sites were considered. The criteria was I/ 80 -100 acres with accessibility for out -of -town guests to motels, shopping, entertainment. This is so people could bring their families and use the facilities in town; the low cost of land was also a consideration. Mr. Hepler then reviewed the properties considered as potential sites for the sports complex. Those properties included the Irwin Property, the Kiwanis Park property, the Greenway and DOT property and the Edler property. The Edler's property and the Greenway and DOT property were deemed most appropriate. Mr. Hepler also reviewed the potential economic impact and 8 1 March 28, 1995 tourism revenue that would be generated if a sports complex was built. Ed Beehler also explained the need for a sports complex to meet the growing demands and to be able to host major national slowpitch and fastpitch tournaments. After a brief discussion among Council members, staff was directed to pursue this issue further and bring back information regarding property sites and project costs. *12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT 1/ WITH UMPIRES ASSOCIATION SOFTBALL SERVICES RESOLUTION NO. R- 95 -50,. A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Yakima Valley Umpires Association. *13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING TO EXTEND THE 1991 -19.93 YPPA CONTRACT THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1994 RESOLUTION NO. R- 95 -51, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of Yakima to execute an extension to the 1991 -1993 collective bargaining agreement for calendar year 1994 with the Yakima Police Patrolman's Association. *14. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANTING OF EASEMENT AT ELKS PARK TO OLD UNION IRRIGATION COMPANY AT REQUEST OF CENTRAL PROJECT INC. RESOLUTION NO. R- 95 -52, A RESOLUTION authorizing the granting of an easement to Old Union Irrigation Company for an irrigation line easement at Elks Park. *15. APPROVAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY USE PERMIT FOR JOHN JOHNSON A Right -of -Way Use Permit to locate a sign at 510 South 1st Street, requested by John & Joyce Johnson (Taste of the South), was approved. *16. APPROVAL OF 1994 YEAR -END MEDICAL INSURANCE REPORT FROM DIRECT ADMINISTRATORS The 1994 Year -End Medical Insurance Report submitted by Direct Administrators was accepted. *17. APPROVAL OF 1994 REBOUND PLUS ANNUAL REPORT I/ The 1994 Rebound Plus Annual Report was approved. 9 175 March 28, 1995 *18. SET DATE OF PUBLIC. MEETING FOR APRIL 11, 1995 TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION''REGARDING REZONE REQUESTED BY MONTES DE OCA April 11, 1995 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation regarding the I/ proposed rezone of property located at 1317 South 6th Street, requested by Gabriel Montes de Oca. *19. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1995 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR 1994 -1995 ENCUMBRANCES (No ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) • An Ordinance amending the 1995 budget and appropriating funds for 1994 year -end encumbrances, having been read by title ' only, was laid on the table for one week, until April 4, 1995. *20. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE CITY'S DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: A. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING DEFERRED COMPENSATION PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS ORDINANCE NO. 95 - 18, AN ORDINANCE relating to personnel; changing the management group tax deferred compensation plan from an optional program to a mandatory program; and amending Section 2.20.130 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. B. RESOLUTION AMENDING, THE YPPA CONTRACT REGARDING DEFERRED COMPENSATION PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS RESOLUTION NO. R 95 - 53, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an Amendment to the 1995 -1997 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Yakima Police Patrolman's Association. 21. OTHER BUSINESS In order to allow additional time and because people who want to attend won't be able to on April llth, it was'MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BARNETT, THAT THE ACTION ON THE MOTION MADE ON MARCH 7TH REGARDING THE SCENIC DRIVE TRAFFIC CALMING MITIGATION BE DEFERRED TO APRIL 25, 1995 INSTEAD OF APRIL 11, 1995. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. Mayor Berndt congratulated City Manager Zais for the successful passage of the Unfunded Mandates Bill, for which • he and the International Association of City Managers lobbied. City Manager Zais explained some of the significant developments contained in the legislation. 10 • 176 ' March 28, 1995 Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Memorandum from Director of Community & Economic Development re: News Release Re: The Gateway Project, at the I -82 /Yakima Avenue Interchange Area; Agenda for March 29; 1995 Police & Fire Civil Service Commission special meeting; Notices of meetings of the Lower, Central and Upper Valley PTBA Oversight Committees; Agenda for the March 22, 1995 Yakima I/ Housing Authority Board meeting; Emergency Shelter Grants Program 1994 Annual Activity Report published by the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of March 28, 1995; Agenda for the March 23, 1995 Air Terminal Board meeting and minutes of its February 23, 1995 and March 2, 1995 meeting; Minutes of the January 5 & 19, February 2 and March 2, 1995 Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting; Minutes of the February 16, 1995 YCDA /New Vision Board of Directors meeting; and Article from March /April 1995 The Journal of Housing and Community Development, "Lorin Farr: Ogden's `Blend' of Affordable Housing. 22. EXECUTIVE SESSION RE: PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION (SARA HOWELL) It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSSION PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. 23. ADJOURNMENT At the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 4:37 p.m. / READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: S q / ( E r7 C IL ME m DATE — UNCI L MEMBER R / DATE ATTEST: } C CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 11