HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/10/1997 Special Meeting 383
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
'JUNE 10 ` 1997
SPECIAL MEETING
1. ROLL CALL
The City Council met in session on this date at 12:00 noon
in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington,
Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding. Council Members £-1a.renco
rnett, Henry Beauchamp (present after 12:15 p.m.), Ernie
Berger, John Klingele, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims
present on roll call. Council Member Clarence Barnett
absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney
Paolella, and Deputy City Clerk Skovald also present.
2. MEETING WITH PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Mike Nixon, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission,
thanked the Council for the opportunity to share information
about their programs. He introduced Commission Members Phil
Hoge, Lola Amos, and Tom Hurson who were also present at
this meeting.
A. COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF PARKS AND RECREATION
B. CURRENT PROJECTS - CHESTERLEY PARK AND MCGUINNESS PARK
C. PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET
There was a video presentation describing the benefits of
Parks and Recreation Programs.
With the visual aid of slides, Mr. Nixon read the Yakima
Parks and Recreation Mission Statement. He also narrated a
slide presentation which identified economic and
environmental benefits to the community, and he listed
specific activities offered to adults, children, and seniors
by the Parks and Recreation Division.
Phil Hoge provided information about funding and development
timelines for both McGuinness Park and the Chesterley Park
expansion projects. Tom Hurson provided budget information
about revenues and expenditures for Facilities Maintenance,
Cemetery, Fisher Golf Course, Pools, Adult Programs and
Activities, Youth Activities, Senior Programs, as well as
other budget issues for Parks and Recreation. He also
outlined some alternatives to additional funding, such as
finding additional revenue sources, reducing services and /or
programs, and cutting maintenance.
Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager, provided a
status report about repairs to Miller Pool, and Lola Amos
commented about the self support of the Senior Center
Programs. There was also brief discussion about the
relocated tennis courts at Washington Middle School.
Discussion also took place concerning the Adopt -A -Park
Program. Council Member Beauchamp stressed the importance
of investing in organized activities for children because it
3.8 4
JUNE 10, 1997 -- SPECIAL MEETING
is a positive influence and reduces crime. This is an
appropriate purpose for the new Grants Writer position whose
role it is to seek money for recreational and social type
programs. There was discussion about advertising in parks
and during recreational programs and the current
restrictions on parks as it relates to advertising policies.
Different and secure sources of funding and strategic
planning alternatives for Parks and Recreation programs are
currently under consideration, for instance, the possibility
of using foundations or creating partnerships with agencies
and the private sector, such as utilizing the Americorps
labor force instead of hiring temporary employees.
City Manager Zais pointed out that some of the property tax
initiatives could affect Parks and Recreation programs, and
these should be kept in mind during budget preparation,
particularly the local government share of property tax
reserves.
Other issues discussed include the underground fuel tank
replacement at Tahoma Cemetery, which will go out for bid
shortly; gutter system leaks at Lions Pool and at Eisenhower
Pool as well as the age of these pools; the Sports Complex
issue with a handout provided concerning the feasibility
study to be done. Denise Nichols reported that the Park's
staff has also been looking at a skate park due to the lack
of opportunity for skateboarding in Yakima; however, a
facility for this is mentioned in the Master Plan and is
indicated on the list for Chesterley Park's Phase III
improvements. There was discussion about the IIAC funding
competition for 1998 with over 80 total requests competing
for funding. The depleting resource at Tahoma Cemetery and
the restrictions of being a municipality as it relates to
private business was discussed as well as the issue of
chlorine safety methods and the use of liquid chlorine at
all pools.
Mike Nixon commended the staff for its hard work and success
and he wished John Marsh well on his upcoming retirement.
Mayor Buchanan thanked staff for the presentation and the
meeting recessed at 1:34 p.m. to a Special Meeting
immediately following.
The meeting resumed at 1:45 p.m.
3. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A LODGING TAX
ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND APPOINTING THE MEMBERS THEREOF
(LEGISLATION AVAILABLE TUESDAY; ALSO SEE ENCLOSED BACKGROUND
INFORMATION)
City Manager Zais noted additional information to the
summary he provided to. the Council earlier about this
matter. He explained this proposed resolution would
establish a seven - member Lodging Tax Advisory Committee,
which is to be involved with a review of any changes or
amendments in Room Tax legislation under the bill that
existed prior to the Governor's veto on this matter. The
committee will also review the draft ordinance to reenact
2
I
385
JUNE 10, 1997 -- SPECIAL MEETING
the City's 5% Local Option and State Credit Hotel /Motel Tax.
This tax is a total of 5% that would be reenacted and
pledged for debt service on the City's bonds and on
maintenance and operation of the Capitol Theatre and the
Convention Center. Mr. Zais explained the 45 -day parameter
and the legal'process for Council to pass the legislation.
II Mr. Zais also reported the City of Yakima is jointly filing
with the City of Bellevue a "friendly" declaratory judgment
action, with the Thurston County Superior Court to seek to
reverse the Governor's veto and reconstitute the bill as it
existed previously. This is necessary to protect the
integrity of the bonds and the tax authority previously
adopted by the City of Yakima in the event of uncertainty at
the court level.
City Attorney Paolella noted for the record that the City
will personally deliver today the proposed ordinance to each
and every one of the committee members. Resolution No. 97
84 having been read by title only, it was MOVED BY SIMS,
SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion
carried by unanimous roll call vote; Barnett absent.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 97 -84, A RESOLUTION establishing a Lodging
Tax Advisory Committee for the City of Yakima and appointing
members thereof.
4. ADJOURNMENT
It was MOVED BY SIMS,,SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING AT 1:55 P.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice
vote; Barnett absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: ��i A f. iii,��
OU dCIL EMB • DATE
COUNCIL MEMB DATE
ATTEST:
25u ,<f /C
CITY CLERK 7 BUCHANAN, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are
available in the City Clerk's Office
•
3