Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/23/1997 Adjourned Study Session Joint Meeting 447 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 ADJOURNED STUDY SESSION JOINT MEETING WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND AIRPORT BOARD MEMBERS The City Council met on this date at 7:30 a.m. in the Second Floor Training Room at the Police Station /Legal Center, 200 South 3rd Street. Council Members present were Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding, Clarence Barnett, Ernie Berger, John Puccinelli, Bernard Sims, and John Klingele (present after 7:45 a.m.). Council Member Henry Beauchamp was absent and excused. Staff members present were City Manager Zais, Assistant City Manager Rice, City Attorney Ray Paolella, K. Allan. Chronister, Fire Chief, Assistant City Attorney Larry Peterson, Assistant City Attorney Paul McMurray, and Deputy City Clerk Skovald. Yakima County Commissioners Bettie Ingham and Jim Lewis, as well as Airport Board Members Greg Berndt, Helga Braman, Bill Elkins, Fred Iraola, and Bob Clem, Airport Manager, were also present. Proposal Regarding Realignment of Airport /Community Fire Protection Mayor Buchanan explained the original layout of, fire stations throughout the City included one fire station on each side . of the railroad tracks, but after the trains stopped running, fire stations were scattered more strategically throughout the City. Since the reopening of Stampede Pass and increased rail traffic through Yakima, Mayor Buchanan explained a study was initially done to address concerns over delayed emergency service response that would occur, particularly to the downtown area. Station No. 1 trucks on the east side of the tracks can be 6 -10 minutes away from the nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses on the west side of the tracks. To address concerns of potential loss of life or property, a study was done to identify and explore alternate sites to possibly relocate Fire Station No. 4 situated at the Airport. Mayor Buchanan invited Al Chronister, Fire Chief, to summarize portions of that study. Chief Chronister pointed out that additional benefits of relocating the fire station were brought to light once the study was underway. He reported the City -owned property at 33rd Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard showed to be an excellent location to respond to all locations to best serve the City of Yakima. A three -man crew from Fire Station No. 4 would be relocated to staff the new fire station; however, there would only be one firefighter left at the Airport to cover operations. Since two firefighters are needed at the Airport, consideration needs to be given to airport fire protection, and the Airport Board, the Yakima County Commissioners, along with the City Council need to discuss the issue. Council Member Barnett commented about the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Gage- Babcock acceptable level of service recommendations for the fire station relocation and feels it is a good idea; however, the main issue is how to fund the new facility and man the Airport Fire Station. Commissioner Ingham asked what direction the City's Comprehensive Plan projects growth to occur. Chief Chronister explained growth is expected to the west, but volunteer districts 448. . ADJOURNED STUDY SESSION -- SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 around the community are in an excellent position to tie in with the City of Yakima Fire Department as far as response is concerned. Commissioner Lewis asked when a decision might be reached and when advanced notice would be given. Mayor Buchanan explained this issue has not been decided, and the purpose of this meeting is to explore the issue. Chief Chronister added that it would probably take about 18 months to two years after a decision is made to add one firefighter at the Airport. There was continued discussion about the proposal, including possible funding sources, other sites included in the study and why the recommendation was made. Council Member Berger feels the relocation is necessary because of the train traffic, but that it is premature to decide at this time because negotiations are still going on with the Railroad Administration. Also, consideration needs to be given to the costs associated with moving the station to the west side, the FAA regulation changes that need to be addressed, and since it is a City /County Airport, negotiations with Yakima County are needed so the City of Yakima is not paying for it all. Commissioner Lewis agreed that a funding source needs to be identified and expressed concern about the possibility of inadequate fire protection at the Airport. Council Member Barnett feels the Fire Chief has presented a situation for better fire service delivery and reiterated his feeling that the bottom line is how is it going to be paid for. Council Member Sims feels the critical issues are whether it is necessary to move Station No. 4, or whether it would be more efficient to move another fire station. He also feels all locations should be studied. Mayor Buchanan pointed out that retaining existing businesses and expanding existing businesses is what prompted the study. Protection is needed for the west side to cover hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Commissioner Ingham offered to provide County staff to assist with the railroad mitigation issue; the underpasses are estimated at $40 million. Chief Chronister emphasized that the location of the fire station is not predicated on train traffic; it is predicated on better service to that section of the City. The existing fire station will work; however, the Nob Hill Boulevard location would be a better location. Chief Chronister pointed out that the EMS money will be available for six years. This meeting is to share information and provide a question and answer session, and it looks like everyone is willing to sit down and talk. Bob Clem feels that when the armory is built there will be growth on the south side, and that is something that also needs to be addressed. Status Report on Business Incubator Project- Funding- Construction Schedule City Manager Zais described some of the challenges and summarized the City's involvement in the Business Incubator Project. The project is still under development with the partners in the project pursuing the agreements and documentation necessary to secure the matching funds to install the Incubator at the airport site. In summary, Mr. Zais explained he feels the EDA is comfortable with using Nob Hill Water expenses of over $200,000 for water lines instead of using the land as the match for the grant. Those documents will be executed in the near future. The Incubator Project also reflects higher costs for building . construction which will fall under the Airport rules. It will require about $54,000 of additional money for construction of the 10,000 square foot building since it was clear that a 20,000 square foot building was 2 ADJOURNED STUDY SESSION° -- SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 449 tG too expensive. Another document, the Memorandum of Understanding, is in draft form and is very c1ose'to completion. An informal agreement amendment has been reached with Mr. Mercy to allow for the carve out. That agreement will clarify the relationship with the City of Yakima, Yakima County, and the Airport Board to a point that is consistent and acceptable. At Council Member Barnett's request, Larry Peterson clarified some perspectives: (1) Instead of limiting use to 10 years, it seemed appropriate to set up the lease agreement with the .same relationship as outside third parties have with the Airport. Essentially, the lease can be extended for a 50 -year period; after that, it would be the sole asset of the City. (2) EDA will review or monitor the Incubator projects for 10 years, at which time they will no longer be involved in the project. Helga Braman directed attention to the interest and fees associated with the lease agreement. Mr. Zais identified and read sections of the Tenant Lease document as it relates to comments and costs to be paid to the Airport. Ms. Braman also asked if the 20 -day approval time frame was agreeable, and Mr. Peterson explained it is the same as other Airport leases. Council Member Berger asked Dan Tilley if development of the Industrial Park is incumbent upon success of the Incubator Project, and whether it would have a bearing on economic or industrial growth at the Industrial Park. Speaking for the developer, Mr. Tilley explained that the interest shown by the City is good, and it would be a benefit to the Industrial Park. There were other questions and comments concerning infrastructure improvements.. Mr. Zais also reported the agreement with Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) to fund the incubator is not complete and will need more discussion which should include the Economic Development Committee. Council Member Barnett feels many of the issues raised by YVCC negate the RFP. He questioned whether the RFP should be sent out again. Paul McMurray explained that, although that is one option available, the RFP was fairly general in its nature and allows a certain amount of flexibility. Since the City of Yakima is the provider for the terms of the agreement, it might be advisable in the future to send out a copy of the agreement with the RFP to spell out conditions. Mr. McMurray explained the differences between the RFP process and the bid. process. Council Member Berger felt it is necessary for YVCC to obtain the proper insurance policy or indemnification language. Mr. McMurray reported YVCC indicated in their RFP that they would obtain insurance or indemnification, but have since indicated some changes concerning the term of the agreement, and a request to include a cap on the fees to be paid to the Airport from YVCC on Incubator income. YVCC has also proposed to only handle tenant screening and not be responsible for operation or maintenance of the facility. The City of Yakima, however, has the expectation of having very limited City staff participation. Since many of YVCC's requested changes are significant, Mr. McMurray asked for Council direction as far as whether to proceed and suggested that a meeting be held with the Economic Development Committee. Helga Braman directed attention to a leasehold tax (12.84%) charge on Airport leases. Mr. McMurray indicated that is another issue to consider. Council Members Berger and Barnett feel no changes should be made from what was outlined in 3 4.5 0 ADJOURNED STUDY SESSION -- SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 the RFP, and pointed out the changes requested by YVCC are major liability changes. There was also discussion about the negotiation process. There was continued discussion about the estimated target date and deadline for construction. The meeting concluded with discussion about the viability of the project and how it will benefit small businesses and contribute to economic development in the community. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO ADJOURN TO OCTOBER 7, 1997 'AT 7:30 A.M. AT THE POLICE STATION /LEGAL CENTER FOR A STUDY SESSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED IRRIGATION UTILITY ORDINANCE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: CIU IL MEMBER DATE O ` OUNCIL MEMBER ./ DATE ATTEST: ,ef ( i)Ir CITY CLERK LYNN BUCHANAN, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio tape of this meeting is available in the City Clerk's Office • 4