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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/17/2015 Business Meeting 168 0 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL February 17, 2015 City Hall -- Council Chambers 6 p.m. Business Meeting; 6:30 p.m. Public Hearings -- MINUTES BUSINESS MEETING 1. Roll Call Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey, Council Members Maureen Adkison, Tom Dittmar, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover Staff: City Manager O'Rourke, City Attorney Cutter and City Clerk Claar Tee 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Cawley led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Open Discussions for the Good of the Order A. Presentations / Recognitions / Introductions i. Habitat for Humanity -- presentation by Steve Luten regarding thanking the City for their partnership Executive Director Steve Luten, with Habitat for Humanity, thanked Council for the partnership they share and complimented City staff. He noted they are working with the Habitat for Humanity home owners to put in place Neighborhood Block Watches and feels it has been successful. 4. Council Reports A. Public Safety update Joe Brown, Yakima Police Department Crime Analyst, reported serious crimes in Yakima have dropped by nearly 22% in the last two years and by nearly 70% since they hit their heights in the late 1980s. He listed additional statistics, which are available on the City's website. B. Quarterly update from the Planning Commission Chair to the City Council Dave Fonfara, Chair of the Yakima Planning Commission, gave a quarterly update on Planning Commission activities. C. Council direction re: potential and /or pending state legislation Randy Beehler, Communications & Public Affairs Director, requested direction from Council on the following legislative issues: 169 HB 1086 which would allow public agencies to recover the cost of providing public records to a requestor if the records were to be used for commercial purposes. Motion: Cawley moved to support this bill. The motion died to lack of a second. SHB 1370 – SB 5313, these companion bills would increase the allowable tax credit amounts provided for in existing state statute regarding contributions made to Main Street programs. Motion: Cawley moved and Ettl seconded to support this bill. The motion carried by unanimous vote. HB 1526 – SSB 5324, these companion bills would change the current allocation of revenue generated by an existing aircraft excise tax. Motion: Cawley moved and Ettl seconded to support this bill. The motion carried by unanimous vote. D. City of Yakima Public- Private Partnerships report Economic Development Manager Sean Hawkins reported on the City's various partnerships. E. Memorandum re: Association of Washington Cities membership costs and benefits Randy Beehler, Communications & Public Affairs Director, reported on the benefits of membership with the Association of Washington Cities. 5. Consent Agenda Mayor Cawley referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from Council members or citizens present. The following items were added to the consent agenda: Item 12 now item 5G: Resolution authorizing an agreement for Consulting Services with Kidder Mathews to evaluate current meeting and convention market trends, hotel demand and related conditions concerning the Yakima Convention Center to maximize services and opportunities offered in the future. Item 13 now item 5H: Resolution authorizing an agreement for Building Demolition and Lot Clearing with Air Park Plaza, LLC. Item 14 now item 51: Resolution authorizing a Small Community Air Service Development Program grant award from the US Department of Transportation for funds to assist the City with a marketing campaign and an associated air traffic study for the purpose of increasing public demand for air services to and from the Yakima Air Terminal. Item 15 now item 5J: Resolution concerning administrative policy; enacting a policy that requires the City Manager to receive pre - approval for all planned travel. Item 16 now item 5K: Resolution authorizing approval of two lease agreements with the Tower, LLC for two spaces in the Tower Annex Building to be used for City personnel off - site training and to provide office space for the City – Federal Major Crime Task Force personnel. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances, by title. (Items on the Consent Agenda are handled under one motion without further discussion —see motion directly below.) 170 Motion: Coffey moved and Ensey seconded to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried by unanimous vote. A. 2014 4th Quarter Capital Improvement Projects Report B. 2014 4th Quarter Strategic Plan Monitoring Report. C. Resolution authorizing execution of a lease agreement with the Town of Tieton and Yakima Tieton Irrigation District to lease 30 shares of City entitled Yakima Tieton Irrigation District water to the City of Tieton for the water year 2015 RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -021, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute the attached and incorporated lease agreement with the Town of Tieton and Yakima Tieton Irrigation District to lease 30 shares of Yakima Tieton Irrigation District water to the Town of Tieton for the water year 2015. D. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept Passenger Facility Charge revenues from U.S. Department of Transportation to be used for matching funds for airport capital improvement projects RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -022, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to accept Passenger Facility Charge revenues from U.S. Department of Transportation to be used for matching funds for airport capital improvement projects. E. Ordinance relating to water utility service ownership; clarifying the type of water utility lines, meters, equipment and fixtures owned by the City and specifically barring non -city personnel from tampering with, modifying, connecting into or using City -owned water utility lines, meters, equipment and fixtures, and amending Section 7.68.095 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code ORDINANCE NO. 2015 -005, AN ORDINANCE relating to water utility service ownership; clarifying the type of water utility lines, meters, equipment and fixtures owned by the City and specifically barring non -city personnel from tampering with, modifying, connecting into or using City -owned water utility lines, meters, equipment and fixtures, and amending Section 7.68.095 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. F. Ordinance relating to special events; amending Chapter 9.70 of the Yakima Municipal Code to provide for no vehicle parking along parade routes before and during established community parades ORDINANCE NO. 2015 -006, AN ORDINANCE relating to special events; amending Chapter 9.70 of the Yakima Municipal Code to provide for no vehicle parking along parade routes before and during established community parades. G. Resolution authorizing an agreement for Consulting Services with Kidder Mathews to evaluate current meeting and convention market trends, hotel demand and related conditions concerning the Yakima Convention Center to maximize services and opportunities offered in the future RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -023, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Consulting Services on behalf of the City of Yakima for the Yakima Convention Center. H. Resolution authorizing an agreement for Building Demolition and Lot Clearing with Air Park Plaza, LLC. 171 RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -024, A RESOLUTION authorizing and direct the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Building Demolition and Lot Clearing with Air Park Plaza, LLC. Resolution authorizing a Small Community Air Service Development Program grant award from the US Department of Transportation for funds to assist the City with a marketing campaign and an associated air traffic study for the purpose of increasing public demand for air services to and from the Yakima Air Terminal RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -025, A RESOLUTION authorizing a Small Community Air Service Development Program grant award from the United States Department of Transportation for funds to assist the City with a marketing campaign and an associated air traffic study for the purpose of increasing public demand for air services to and from the Yakima Air Terminal. J. Resolution concerning administrative policy; enacting a policy that requires the City Manager to receive pre - approval for all planned travel RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -026, A RESOLUTION concerning administrative policy; enacting a policy that requires the City Manager to receive approval for all planned travel prior to the travel occurring. K. Resolution authorizing approval of two lease agreements with the Tower, LLC for two spaces in the Tower Annex Building to be used for City personnel off-site training and to provide office space for the City — Federal Major Crime Task Force personnel RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -027, A RESOLUTION relating to employee training and public partnerships; approving two lease agreements with the Tower, LLC for space within the Tower Annex building for a City staff off-site training facility, together with a lease for space to house the City / Federal Major Crime Task Force partnership. 6. Audience Participation David Gaudette, City resident, asked Council members if they supported public gardens on public land and how to proceed with establishing community gardens. He was referred to Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson or the Yakima School District. Raquel Acosta, City resident, spoke on behalf of David Morales with the Commission on Hispanic affairs and encouraged the City not to appeal the ACLU /redistricting lawsuit. John Crawford, stated he was here to learn more about the downtown plaza and thanked Council for the information on parking, which was very informative. He asked whether there would be a public vote on this issue. Mayor Cawley noted at this point there is no scheduled vote. Jar Arcand, business owner, complained about the process of filing a damage claim with the City due to a water main break in front of his business. City Manager O'Rourke noted the Council has no authority on this issue and he would be happy to meet with Mr. Arcand. Tony Courcey, City resident, noted some concerns. Sandy Belzer, City resident, shared her concerns about funding for the downtown plaza. Jim Bell, City resident, stated his unease with the downtown plaza and lack of an advisory vote. 172 Steve Edwards, non - resident, spoke in favor of an advisory vote. Dana Johnson, City resident, spoke in support of a public vote on the downtown plaza. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. Public meeting and resolution for approval of the Final Long Plat Cottonwood Partners LLC "Crown Point Phase 2" located in the vicinity of 7602 Coolidge Road Supervising Planner Jeff Peters introduced Assistant Planner Trevor Martin who briefed Council on the final plat. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing and, with no one coming forward to speak, closed the hearing. The City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -028, A RESOLUTION approving the final plat of Crown Point Phase 2 and authorizing the Mayor to sign the final plat. Motion: Coffey moved and Adkison seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by unanimous vote. 8. Public meeting and resolution for approval of the Final Long Plat of Apple Tree Development No. 3B (Phase 1) located in the vicinity of Coolidge Road & South 88th Avenue Assistant Planner Trevor Martin briefed Council on the final plat. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing and, with no one coming forward to speak, closed the hearing. The City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -029, A RESOLUTION approving the final plat of Apple Tree Phase 3B (Phase 1) and authorizing the Mayor to sign the final plat. Motion: Coffey moved and Lover seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by unanimous vote. 9. Public hearing and ordinance for the proposed text amendments to the City of Yakima's Urban Area Zoning Ordinance amending Yakima Municipal Code (YMC) Ch. 15.08 Signs to further regulate or permit temporary, roof, wall, display case, fascia, and window signs Supervising Planner Jeff Peters briefed Council on the ordinance. Dave Fonfara, Chair of the Yakima Planning Commission, stated they held four workshops and open public hearings and believes this is a good representation of modifications to the ordinance, which are fairly simple and help make the sign code more understandable for those that use them. Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing. Tony Courcy, City resident, spoke against the sign ordinance. Mayor Cawley closed the hearing. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title. ORDINANCE NO. 2015 -007, AN ORDINANCE relating to land use development regulations pertaining to signage; and amending Chapter 15.08 of the Yakima Municipal Code. 173 Motion: Coffey moved and Adkison seconded to pass the ordinance. The motion carried by a 5 -2 vote, Ensey and Lover voting no. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 10. Resolution authorizing an agreement with Central Washington Fair Association for economic development and marketing relating to the SunDome in the amount of $100,000 City Manager O'Rourke briefed Council on the resolution and noted this is for marketing and operational support from the SunDome. He stated this is a critical tourist related facility and of the $100,000 they are proposing $75,000 be funded from the hotel /motel tax and the balance from the general fund. Greg Stewart, with the Central Washington State Fair and SunDome, expressed his appreciation for the interest, support and partnership. He stated they have reached a point where they can no longer carry the SunDome on their own. Mayor Cawley reported this facility is one of the few venues in the State without outside support. Assistant Mayor Coffey stated the Lodging Tax Committee required the $75,000 only be used in promotion of the SunDome, no other facilities at the fair, and requested an action plan. After further Council discussion, the City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -030, A RESOLUTION approving and authorizing City Manager to execute and administer an agreement with Central Washington Fair Association for economic development and marketing relating to the SunDome in the amount of $100,000. Motion: Coffey moved and Lover seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by 6 -1 vote with Ensey voting no. 11. Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce for promotion of economic and business development within the City of Yakima and All America application Economic Development Manager Sean Hawkins briefed Council on the resolution. Verlynn Best, CEO of the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, stated they are very excited for this partnership and collaboration and thanked Council for their assistance and support. Council Member Lover asked if this issue went before the Council Economic Development Committee. City Manager O'Rourke noted it did not. Assistant Mayor Coffey noted the SunDome agenda item did not go before that Committee as well. The City Clerk read the resolution by title. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2015 -031, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute and administer an agreement between Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce and City of Yakima for promotion of economic and business development within City of Yakima. Motion: Dittmar moved and Adkison seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by a 6 -1 vote, Ensey voting no. 12. Update of Downtown Parking Recommendations 174 Economic Development Manager Sean Hawkins reviewed findings from the Carl Walker and Associates parking study, which covered 29 blocks downtown and shows there are 4,700 parking spaces. This number did not include the 1,400 spaces in the former Yakima Mall facility, the 100 spaces in the Dragon Inn parking garage, or the 140 spaces recently added with angled parking. He further reported on the recommendations from the study, which have been implemented and the recommendations that will be put in place regarding upgrades to lighting in certain areas and software for parking enforcement officers. Kathy Miller Parish, Toppenish resident and Larson Building tenant expressed her concern about parking in downtown. Ron Morton, owner Morton Antiques, stated the parking in downtown doesn't concern him; however, he feels there is a lack of parking near his business further North on Yakima Avenue. Leanna Luloff, non - resident, does not think the traffic lanes on Yakima Avenue should be reduced and believes the plaza parking will be inadequate. ORDINANCES 13. Ordinance amending and adding to the municipal code regarding reporting and recording requirements of pawnbrokers (Chapter 5.54), secondhand dealers (Chapter 5.64) and precious metal dealers (Chapter 5.70); setting penalties for violating the municipal code regarding these businesses Assistant City Attorney Faul briefed Council on the ordinance. Sgt. Willard answered questions by Council members. Diane Mabry, non - resident and City business owner, thanked Council for listening to her concerns. She described how their process works. If they take an item on pawn, they hold it for 90 days; if they purchase an item, they hold it for 30 days, which allows the police department time to determine if it is stolen. Their biggest complaint is the selective enforcement as second hand dealers, gun shops and jewelry stores will purchase an item and put it for sale the same day. She believes the Washington State code is up to date and agrees the City's code should be updated. Additionally, she feels taking copies of photo ID for each person is redundant as they have already added their drivers license number to the computer system. Joe Mann, City resident and owner of Ron's Coin, supports using Leads -on -Line and feels those in attendance follow the rules. He believes the second -hand dealers should have to comply with the rules. He expressed his appreciation for meeting with the Police Department and Legal regarding this issue and believes they should have an annual meeting. After further Council discussion, it was Council consensus to return this issue to the Council Public Safety Committee for further review. 14. Ordinance amending the 2015 Budget for the City of Yakima, and making an appropriation of $750 within the 171 - Capitol Theatre Fund (First Reading) Finance and Budget Director Epperson stated this ordinance is a housekeeping measure and is a first reading only, with no action required. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only. 175 AN ORDINANCE amending the 2015 budget for the City of Yakima; and making appropriations of $750 within the 171 — Capitol Theatre Fund, for expenditure during 2015 to provide for additional costs of recruiting an executive director. 15. Other Business Council Member Lover suggested the City re- evaluate the process for funding requests and consider sending all requests to the Council Partnership Committee. He noted in the past the City would provide funding to a number of organizations at budget time. City Manager O'Rourke noted the difference now is the items approved tonight are requests for services, not a general subsidy. Council Member Lover suggested putting the plaza and parking issue on the ballot. After further Council discussion, Motion: Lover moved and Dittmar seconded to reconsider a public vote on the plaza and parking plan. The motion failed by a 4 -3 vote with Adkison, Cawley, Coffey and Ettl voting no. 16. Adjournment Council Member Ensey announced that following the Council retreat tomorrow, the Council will adjourn to Executive Session on Friday at 1:30 to discuss pending litigation. Motion: Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to adjourn to a City Council Retreat on February 18, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Board Room. The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m. CERTIFICATION READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY COUNCIL MEMBER DATE 1, 404. • COUNC L ME " = DATE ATTEST: 41* / ROA ( 72e.e,.' 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