HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/01/1998 Business Meeting 229
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
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, Yakima, Washington, Mayor John
Puccinelli, presiding. Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry
Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, John Klingele (present after 2:45 p.m. and
absent after 4:30 p.m.), Mary Place, and Bernard Sims present on roll
call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, and City Clerk
Roberts also present.
2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Invocation was given by Mayor Puccinelli, followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance led by Council.Member Barnett.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)
e United Way Day of Caring
Mayor Puccinelli proclaimed September 9, 1998 as United Way Day of
Caring. Greta Bryan accepted the proclamation and described the
various activities planned for this event.
To honor Council Member Buchanan's 68 birthday, a clown appeared and
presented him with balloons.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Puccinelli referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda,
questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either
Council members or citizens present. It was the consensus of the
Council to remove Agenda Item No. 18 from the Agenda and to remove
the August 18, 1998 Adjourned meeting minutes from the Consent
Agenda. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including
resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN,
SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The
motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Klingele absent.
(Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the
Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.)
*5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 18, 1998. ADJOURNED AND BUSINESS
MEETINGS
The minutes of the August 18, 1998 Adjourned meeting were removed
from the Consent Agenda (See Item No. 5A.)
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The minutes of the August 18, 1998 Business meeting were approved,
having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one
present wishing to have said minutes read publicly.
5A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 18, 1998 ADJOURNED MEETING
Council Member Barnett requested that the last phrase of the last
sentence of the second paragraph on page 3, however, he disagreed with
the recommendation to buy smaller buses to accomplish the 85% peak ridership
Task Force recommendation, be deleted from the record. It was MOVED BY
BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE AMENDED MINUTES OF AUGUST
18, 1998 ADJOURNED MEETING. The motion carried by unanimous voice
vote; Klingele absent.
6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
No one from the audience wished to comment.
7. YARD OF THE MONTH RECOGNITION
Following a video showing the yards of the month, certificates were .
awarded to the following Yard -of- the -Month recipients:
Zone 1, Northwest: Ray Mondor, 213 North 65 Place
Zone 3, Southwest: Joan Egan, 813 South 18 Avenue
Zone 4, Southeast: Sonny Robinson, 101 South 8 Avenue
Ms. Egan was present to accept her certificate.
Lynn Quesenbury, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant,
announced that this presentation concludes the Yard -of- the -Month
program for this year. There was a good response from the community.
Mayor Puccinelli commended the program which makes the neighborhoods
a little nicer.
8. PUBLIC MEETING ON RECONSIDERATION OF REZONE OF PROPERTY AT 3700
FAIRBANKS AVENUE, REQUESTED BY ROBERT SCHWERDTFEGER, AND
RECOMMENDATION REGARDING CONSIDERATION OF NEW INFORMATION
This being the time set for the public meeting, Don Skone, Planning
Manager, provided a brief summary of this rezone request, which the
Council approved on July 1, 1998, subject to a limitation of access
to 37 and Englewood Avenues. Then, at the applicant's request, the
Council voted to reconsider that action due to new evidence.
Mr. Skone reported the new information indicates that this matter
ought to be remanded to the Hearing Examiner.
Mayor Puccinelli opened the public meeting and invited speakers to
comment. Robert Harrison, 37 and Englewood, Villa Messina
Developer, recapped the previous Council action to approve the rezone
subject to conditions and the vote to reconsider the issue due to new
evidence. He requested that the new material be provided to the
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SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
public. He feels that the traffic generated on 37 Avenue by
development of the applicant's property shall impact the residents in
this area. He stated that there are 29 residents who disagreed or
were opposed to the rezone at the Hearing Examiner's meeting.
Council Member Barnftt pointed out that on page 3 of the material
from the April 23 hearing, the applicant did indicate that he did
not oppose any access limitations to 37 Avenue being placed on the
rezone and then later retracted that statement.
There being no one else wishing to comment, Mayor Puccinelli closed
the public meeting. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO
REFER THE ISSUE BACK TO THE HEARING EXAMINER FOR CONSIDERATION OF
ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE. The motion carried by a 5 -1 voice vote;
Buchanan voting nay; Klingele absent.
9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING HAZARDOUS DEBRIS AND ABATEMENT
PROGRAM
Leonard Hall, Code Administration Manager, reported all but one
property has been brought into compliance with all weeds and debris
being cleared. The 1019 Fruitvale property address remains on the
list; the owner of that property was not present to speak.
Resolution No. R -98 -126 was read by title only, and it was MOVED BY
BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ADOPT THE APPROPRIATE RESOLUTION.
The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Klingele absent.
RESOLUTION NO. R -98 -126, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Code
Administration Manager to clear certain weedy lots.
10. CONSIDERATION OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO INITIATE 40 AVENUE ANNEXATION
(STANDARD MOTIONS A AND B)
Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, reported the City has received
petitions or Outside Utility Agreements totaling 75.54% of the
assessed value of the proposed annexation area. 10% is needed for
annexation initiation. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY
BEAUCHAMP, TO ADOPT MOTIONS A & B. The motion carried by unanimous
voice vote; Klingele absent. September 1, 1998 was set as the time
of a meeting with the initiating parties who have signed a Notice of
Intent to Commence Annexation Proceedings, the initiating parties
being Pacific Mountain Management, et al. The annexation proposed by
the above parties was accepted by the City of Yakima, and the area to
be annexed was required to assume its share of the City's existing
indebtedness, and staff was directed to file a Notice of Intent to
Annex with the Yakima County Boundary Review Board.
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*11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH
ARIS CORPORATION FOR DATA PROCESSING DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
RESOLUTION NO. R -98 -127, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the
City Manager and the City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a
professional services agreement with the ARIS Corporation for the
purpose of obtaining computer integration consulting and training
services.
*12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION RATIFYING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT
WITH THE YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE A SUMMER
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM FOR YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
RESOLUTION NO. R -98 -128, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement between
the City of Yakima and the Yakima School District to provide a summer
recreational program for youth with special needs.
*13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SEWER /WATER MAIN
REIMBURSABLE AGREEMENT WITH CARPENTERS TRAINING TRUST
RESOLUTION NO. R -98 -129, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a Sewer and Water
Utility System Reimbursement Agreement and Conveyance between the
City of Yakima and the Carpenters Training Trust.
*14. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION CONCERNING MCGUINNESS PARK PROPERTY
TRANSFERS IN FAVOR OF THE CITY
A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO CURE
ENCROACHMENT ONTO CITY PROPERTY
RESOLUTION NO. R -98 -130, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
and the City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a Quit Claim Deed
and all other documents necessary to transfer a small parcel of
property located at McGuinness Park to Jeffrey A. Lima.
B. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND RECORDATION OF QUIT CLAIM
DEED TO SHOW CLEAR TITLE TO PROPERTY
RESOLUTION NO. R -98 -131, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
and the Finance Director to execute and record a Quit Claim Deed in
favor of the City regarding certain property located at McGuinness
Park, Yakima, Washington.
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*15. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 TO CONSIDER THE
HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION ON A RIGHT -OF -WAY VACATION OF AN
UNDEVELOPED ALLEYWAY AT VOELKER AND LEDWICH AVENUES, PIERCE AND KING
STREETS, REQUESTED BY DEBRA POTTER AND NEIGHBORS
September 15, 1998 was set as the date of public hearing to consider
the Hearing Examiner "s recommendation on a petition to vacate the
alleyway,bounded by Voelker and Ledwich Avenues and Pierce and King
Streets, requested by Debra Potter and neighbors.
*16. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 TO CONSIDER THE
HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION ON THE REZONE OF PROPERTY AT 1113
SOUTH 18 STREET, REQUESTED BY WENDY HOLLINGSWORTH dba CIRCLE "H" RV
RANCH, INC.
September 15, 1998 was set as the date of public meeting to consider
the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on a Master Land use
application for property located in the vicinity of 1107 South 18
Street, requested by Wendy Hollingsworth, d.b.a. Circle "H" RV Ranch,
Inc.
17. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE HEARING EXAMINER'S
RECOMMENDATION AND REZONING PROPERTY AT 702 SOUTH 48 AVENUE,
REQUESTED BY LONNY AND JOANNE CARR
Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, was available to answer questions
about the proposed rezone and development agreement. Council Member
Place noted that the applicant also is conducting a General
Contracting Business at this location and has been using the property
for a substantial period of time. Mr. Benson explained that in
Planning, General Contracting is basically the same as a Mobile Home
Repair Business. Council Member Buchanan inquired as to how long the
area has been within the city limits. Later during the discussion,
Mr. Benson reported this area was annexed into the City in August
1990. There was a considerable amount of discussion about the
unlawful use of the property according to its zoning. Also discussed
was how many other businesses in the community may come forth to
rezone their property to correct improper uses. The discussion
continued concerning compatibility and how to correct the situation.
Ray Paolella, City Attorney, explained the Hearing Examiner standard
for approval is a substantial change in circumstances. The Hearing
Examiner indicated that the unlawful uses would constitute a
substantial change in circumstances. There was additional discussion
as to whether the Council wants to consider an unlawful use as a
change in circumstances. There was continued discussion about the
compatibility of the land use to the requested zoning, and it was
noted that the neighbors have not complained. Don Skone, Planning
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Manager, pointed out that staff's recommendation is to deny the
rezone request because it was initiated on an unconditional and
nonconforming zoning use. He indicated that new businesses should
start in commercial zoned districts instead of a residential area.
Lonnie Carr, Applicant, explained the uses of his office, garage,
storage room, and hobby room. He also described the change in
circumstances, which occurred after last year's snowfall when his
business picked up dramatically. Ordinance No. 98 -39 having been
read by title only, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, TO
PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by a 5 -2 roll call vote;
Klingele and Place voting nay.
ORDINANCE NO. 98 -39, AN ORDINANCE concerning land use and zoning,
rezoning one parcel addressed 702 South 48 Avenue from Single- Family
Residential (R -1) to Local Business (B -2) and amending the zoning map
of the Yakima Urban Area accordingly; and granting Class 2 approval
for continued use of the parcel for a mobile home repair business.
18. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDING THE
SEPA AUTHORITY
This item was removed from the agenda.
*19. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1998 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS FOR NEW STAGE LIGHTING AT THE CAPITOL THEATRE (NO FORMAL ACTION
REQUIRED AT THIS MEETING)
An Ordinance amending the 1998 budget and appropriating funds for
purchase and installation of a new stage lighting control board at
the Capitol Theatre, having been read by title only, was laid on the
table for two weeks, until September 15, 1998.
20. OTHER BUSINESS
There were no items for discussion.
Information Items:
Items of information provided to Council were: DARC Meeting Agenda
for September 3, 1998 and Minutes from the August 6, 1998 DARC
meeting. 8/27/98; Yakima Herald Republic 8/24/98, pg. 5 -A article
entitled Fluoridation attempts don't catch on in Utah. 8/24/98;
Yakima District Board of Health Minutes from July 29, 1998 Regular
Meeting and Monthly Department Summary. 8/27/98; Yakima Air Terminal
- McAllister Field Regular Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes from July
30, 1998. 8/27/98; Letter of support from Yakima Public Schools
Superintendent Larry Petry concerning the four -year degree program in
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Yakima at YVCC. 8/25/98; City of Yakima Planning Division
Assignments Pending as of September 1, 1998. 8/27/98; Hazardous
Sites List bulletin from Washington State Department of Ecology.
8/18/98; and Invitation to Ahtanum View Correctional Complex Open
House on September 15, 1998; 8/27/98.
The meeting recessed from 3:00 to 3:05 p.m.
21. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CITIZENS TRANSIT TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
This being the time set for the public hearing on the Citizens Task
Force recommendations for transit system modifications, Mayor
Puccinelli outlined some guidelines for the hearing. He requested
speakers to limit their comments to three minutes. If more time is
needed, he suggested written comments be submitted by Wednesday,
September 9, 1998. He explained that no decision will be made at
this hearing.
•
Council Member Barnett asked if a spokesperson was available to
answer questions about Petition No. 1244, a 20- plus -page document.
He inquired whether the signatures were obtained on the buses or in
some other fashion. Council Member Buchanan objected to accepting
signatures from those who reside beyond the Yakima City Limits.
Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, provided some background information
about the Task Force and described the open process the Task Force
used to gather information to complete its study and develop its
recommendations. Mr. Schultz explained the public hearing is being
held to gather public comments and to comply with the Council's
policy to comply with regulatory requirements of the Federal Transit
Administration. The Transit Committee has previously reviewed the
Task Force's recommendations and also requested this public hearing
be held. Mr. Schultz then summarized each of the eight
recommendations, and provided current information about each one.
For clarity, Council Member Beauchamp requested that Mr. Schultz
explain how Dial -A -Ride (DAR) eligibility will be reduced to 1% of
the total population of the City. Mr. Schultz indicated that just
because a person has a disability doesn't necessarily mean the person
has a special transportation need. Eligibility will be looked at
more closely to determine special transportation needs in addition to
being disabled.
I/ The next recommendation, to purchase buses to accommodate 85% of Peak
Ridership Load factor, refers to the number of people on board at any
one time, not necessarily all the people who ride that route. The
Task Force intended that the vehicle would be chosen for the route
based on peak loading so 85% of that load would be accommodated with
seating and other passengers will be left standing in the aisle.
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SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
The next recommendation is to retrofit non - accessible buses with
wheelchair lifts. What this means is to add wheelchair lifts to the
buses that cannot currently be boarded by people with disabilities.
Many people in wheelchairs or walkers have a difficult time getting
in the bus, and in many cases they cannot board the bus. Wheelchair
lifts would allow people, who are otherwise able bodied and able to
get around in their wheelchairs and can get to the bus stop, to board
the bus and not be as dependent on DAR.
Recommendation No. 4 is to increase the base fare for bus service to
$1.00, which is currently $.50, and to raise the DAR program fare to
$2.00, which is currently $1.00. The average costs for DAR is about
$10.00 per passenger per trip; therefore, the $1.00 pays a very small
percentage of the actual cost to provide that service. The fixed
route service cost is about $3.00 per passenger, so the $.50 covers a
somewhat higher percentage of the cost of that operation.
Recommendation No. 5 is to conduct an analysis of.the various fare
structures for Council consideration. This recommendation refers to
various structures for the other fares, such as passes and discounted
tickets. The previous recommendation refers only to the adult base
fare.
The next recommendation is to reduce the fleet size to meet federal
policy. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is an agency from
which the Transit System receives some operating funds and some
assistance in purchasing equipment. The FTA has guidelines on the
number of spare buses not in service during the peak hours. This
recommendation has already been met. There are a number of older
buses that are not now functioning, are too expensive to repair, and
have been taken out of the fleet to be sold and replaced by those
buses in Recommendation No. 2. Also, with regard to fleet size there
is new advice from individuals on the Task Force currently being
researched. This information will be reviewed at a later date.
The next recommendation is to eliminate DAR services on Sundays and
non - Transit service holidays. DAR service is limited on Sundays, and
there is no bus service on Sundays. This is an issue that the
Council has dealt with from time to time. On Sunday, service is
already limited to five hours.
The Transit Task Force has also recommended accepting a proposal from
Access Paratransit for a one -year demonstration project to contract
out Route 3 for a limited time. The Transit Committee determined
that Route 10 will be modified to provide special services to senior
citizens. Mr. Schultz indicated, however, that there are labor
concerns and collective bargaining agreement provisions affecting
this issue. This service would also have to be put out for bid so
other prospective providers could bid on the services.
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SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
Mayor Puccinelli opened the public hearing and invited comments from
the audience. He read Petition No. 1244, 3which lists concerns and
opposes selling existing buses and replacing them with smaller buses,
opposes increased fares, and opposes the privatization of transit
fixed route services. Mayor Puccinelli requested speakers indicate
whether they oppose or support the Task Force's recommendations for
smaller buses, increased fares, or modification or elimination of
certain bus routes.
There were 29 citizens who commented about the Citizens Transit Task
Force recommendations before the 4:30 p.m. recess. William Strole,
105 North 53 Avenue, disagreed with installing wheelchair lifts on
buses to make them handicapped accessible. He feels the equipment
clutters the aisle and its use disrupts the bus schedule. He is
opposed to increased bus fares for senior citizens. Mr. Strole also
suggested that the DAR program be contracted out entirely and urged
the Council to consider standardizing half -hour bus service.
Naomi Peterson, 1807 East Mead, spoke against increased fares because
it would make riding the bus not affordable.
Tom Barrington, 415 North 2 representing WCCCE Council 2, Transit
Drivers, urged the Council to consider labor and collective
bargaining issues, particularly work hours, wage considerations, and
reduction in force impacts if bus routes are contracted out.
Emma Dawd, 3601 Fairbanks, urged the Council to retain her bus route
since it is her only means of transportation.
Robert Owen, 614 North 3 Street, suggested the fare schedule be
eliminated altogether; he suggested Route 3 and Route 10 be combined
and urged the Council to not eliminate any routes or cut back the
service in Northeast Yakima.
Cecil Aston, 1511 Terrace Drive, opposes smaller buses, particularly
cut- away -vans. He disagreed with the projection that the Transit
System would lose money, feeling that would be highly unlikely. He
feels signatures on Petition No. 1244 should be honored because
members of the Citizens Task Force do not all live within the City
Limits.
Aileen Kane, 701 South 14 Avenue, agreed with 95% of Cecil Aston's
I/ comments and the entire petition. Jean Stotes, 709 North 6 Street,
agreed with Aileen Kane's comments. Martin Howell, who works for
Central Washington Mental Health, urged the Council to keep the
Transit System.
Richard Evans, agreed with Cecil Aston's comments and agreed with
Petition No. 1244. Judy Ferguson, 804 North 18 Avenue, opposes
smaller buses. Anita Ferguson, 3601 Fairbanks, opposes smaller
buses. Judy Moron, Suntower Apartments, urged the Council to
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SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
consider Sunday bus service. Nancy Faller, 2207 Barge Street, agreed
with Petition No. 1244, agreed with installing wheelchair lifts to
make the buses handicapped accessible, and urged the Council to
consider half -hour bus service. Dorothy Tenneson urged the Council
to keep the Transit system because it is her only mode of
transportation. Vi Fawd, 6 North 6 Street, commended the Transit
drivers for their kind, thoughtful public service. Diane Carmody,
1101 North Corral Road, spoke against smaller buses. Shirley Keith,
agreed with Petition No. 1244 and with Cecil Aston's comments. She
also supported the half -hour bus service. Jeff Sampson agreed with
Cecil Aston's comments and feels the transit service should be
enhanced not diminished.
Judy Hill, 2307 Barge Street, agreed with Petition No.'1244 and feels
more information from similar jurisdictions should be gathered as far
as the smaller buses are concerned. Brenda Marx commended the
Transit drivers for their courteous, helpful service. She is against
eliminating any routes because buses are an alternate form of
transportation and contribute to cutting down on vehicle emissions.
Gene Gamden feels the bus system should be left the way it is. He is
opposed to smaller buses and urged the Council to consider running
the buses until 9:00 p.m. He suggested one bus to provide Sunday
service and complimented the Transit drivers for their timeliness.
Janet Sloan, 104 South 3 rd Avenue, urged the Council to consider
expanding transit service to Selah. Florence Jones, 403 North 8th
Street, spoke in favor of keeping her bus route because it is her
only means of transportation to visit her husband in the rest home.
Kathy Neely, 1709 South 69 Avenue, spoke in favor of retaining DAR
program and feels it should be expanded into the County.
Ester Peterson, 3605 Tieton Drive, spoke against small buses and
asked how bus transfers would take place if Route 3 is contracted
out. She asked about liability and City Manager Zais explained the
City has liability protection through a risk management fund and a
purchased umbrella insurance policy. The Transit System has a
wonderful safety record and has won awards, which has helped keep
premiums and accidents to a minimum.
Floyd Mull spoke against increased fares. Robert Strater, a Transit
driver, spoke against the small buses, and said using larger buses
for peak usage and smaller, buses the rest of the time is against
federal guidelines. He also spoke against contracting out any
routes. Wayne Parsley, 8202 West Nob Hill Blvd., raised several
questions about contracting out bus routes and spoke against using
smaller buses, and supported recognizing the passengers' signatures
on Petition No. 1244 from outside the City.
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SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
Mayor Puccinelli recognized Jerry Copeland's efforts in Public Works
as past Director of the Department. He mentioned that Referendum 49
could have a tremendous impact on the Transit System.
The Council recessed from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
21. CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CITIZENS TRANSIT TASK FORCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
At 6:00 p.m. Mayor Puccinelli reconvened the public hearing (Council
Member Klingele absent.) He again outlined the guidelines for the
hearing, requested speakers to limit their comments to three minutes,
and suggested written comments be submitted by Wednesday, September
9, 1998. He read Petition No. 1244 opposing the Transit Task Force's
recommendations, and Bill Schultz again outlined 'the eight
recommendations. Mayor Puccinelli invited testimony from the public.
An additional 20 speakers commented about the Transit Task Force's
recommendations after the hearing resumed.
Kurt Kooper, Secretary- Treasurer of AFL /CIO, described union
representation and urged the Council to not contract out or eliminate
Transit Route 3. Karen Howell, spoke against any fare increase and
feels PTBA should be implemented in this area. Terry Keller, 8101
Tieton Drive, criticized how the buildings at the Public Works
Complex were funded, was disappointed that he never sees City
officials ride the bus, and feels the Transit System should be
expanded because Yakima is growing. Richard Chute spoke against
smaller buses and raising bus fares.
Glenn Robbins, a DAR user, disagreed with the report about the high
cost of DAR; comparing the DAR service in Yakima with the program in
Seattle; he spoke against raising the DAR fare. Jaytee Holmes, feels
a regular bus rider should have been included on the Task Force. He
spoke against eliminating any bus routes. Rod Bault, ACLU and a
member of the Governor's Council for Independent Lifestyles, opposes
any increase in DAR fares and urged the Council to install wheelchair
lifts to make the buses handicapped accessible. William Fuller
opposes any bus route elimination. Rodney Tripp ,commended the DAR
program and spoke against smaller buses. He also commended the
Transit drivers for doing a good job.
:Donald Waller, a Transit driver and a retired bus company manager,
I/ suggested that Transit be expanded into the surrounding community.
He suggested the fixed route fare be increased to $.75 instead of
.$1.00 and DAR to $1.50 instead of $2.00 with similar concessions for
the other fare structures. He commended the Transit drivers and
urged Council to delay any decision until after the election.
Lynne Kittelson, 305 North 9th Street, spoke against buying smaller
buses; did not disagree with installing wheelchair lifts; opposes any
fare increase; opposes privatizing any route; supports half -hour bus
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SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
service and increased bus service on South 1 Street and by the
Greenway; and feels Route 10 should be eliminated because it only
services a select group of people. Carolyn Baines, 1119 West
McKinley, feels the Transit System should be expanded with more
routes and longer hours to accommodate those who work and use
daycare. Sally Winton agreed with Carolyn Baines' suggestion.
•
Debbie Mayberry feels a marketing study is needed to survey the need
and determine what provisions are needed for the Yakima Transit
System. She opposes eliminating any routes. Richard Andring
requested more transportation services for the elderly and
handicapped during special events such as the County Fair and the 4th
of July celebration. He feels service should be increased on Yakima
Avenue. Teresa Burrell, spoke against reducing any services and
feels the Transit system should be enlarged and upgraded. Pat
Bloudin opposes using smaller buses; Tess Taylor urged the Council to
retain Route 10, and Wayne Parsley returned to speak against smaller
buses.
There being no one else to comment, Mayor Puccinelli closed the
public hearing. Mayor Puccinelli again noted that letters are
welcome, and requested they be in by September 9, 1998. He also
commented about the loyalty that the ridership has with the Transit
drivers and said he is proud of them.
24. ADJOURNMENT AT 7:30 P.M. TO SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 AT 7:30 A.M. FOR STUDY
SESSION ON GROWTH MANAGEMENT. REPORT AND DISCUSSION OF BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS TERM LIMITATIONS (POLICE STATION /LEGAL CENTER - 2 FLOOR
CONFERENCE ROOM)
It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT
7:30 P.M., TO SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 AT 7:30 A.M., AT THE POLICE
STATION /LEGAL CENTER, TO DISCUSS GMA ISSUES AND TERM LIMITS FOR
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote;
Klingele absent.
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READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: / lam L,,�„ - /7 P'
r, COUNC i� M BER ! • TE
1L. X 1 ;;1,. �
a `"G
CO CIL . B V R i d E
ATTEST:
C
i <"g L��e 4 i ✓-� C sn,L. O
CITY CLERK JOHN PUCCINELLI, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk S • ald. An audio and videotape of this meeting are
available in the City Clerk's Office
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