HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/07/2016 Business Meeting 414
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
June 7,2016
City Hall -- Council Chambers
6 p.m. Business Meeting; 6:30 p.m. Public Hearings -- MINUTES
BUSINESS MEETING
1. RoII Call
Council: MayorAvina Gutierrez, presiding, Assistant Mayor Holly Cousens, Council
Members Kathy Coffey, Dulce Gutierrez, Bill Lover and Carmen Mendez
Staff: Interim City Manager Cutter, Acting City Attorney Kunkler and City Clerk Claar Tee
Absent: Council Members Maureen Adkison (excused)
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Open Discussions for the Good of the Order
Interpreter Services
Mayor Gutierrez announced interpreter services are available.
A. Presentations / Recognitions / Introductions
Recognition of Retiring Permit Technician Ellena Hazen for 21 Years
of Dedicated Service to the City of Yakima
Community Development Manager Davenport and Codes Manager Caruso recognized
Ellena Hazen for 21 years of service to the City of Yakima. Mayor Gutierrez presented
her with a service award certificate. Ms. Hazen thanked the City, and in particular, Leonard
Hall for encouraging her to apply 21 years ago.
ii. Excellence on Main Street Award: Economic Vitality
Sean Hawkins, Economic Development Manager, introduced Steve Weise, Chairman of
the Downtown Association of Yakima to share some good news about a small business.
Mr. Weise reported the Thai House facade improvement, the pilot project of the Downtown
Association of Yakima, received the Economic Vitality award at the Washington Main
Street's excellence awards ceremony on April 26th in Chelan. The project has enhanced
the building not only visually, but also spurred activity to the area and surrounding
businesses.
4. Council Reports
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None.
5. Consent Agenda
Mayor Gutierrez referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether
there were any additions or deletions from Council members or citizens present. There
were no changes. 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.)
MOTION: Coffey moved and D. Gutierrez seconded to approve the consent
agenda. The motion carried by a unanimous vote, Adkison absent.
A. Approval of the minutes from the May 3 and 17, 2016, City Council Business
meetings; May 18, 2016, City Council Retreat; and May 9, 10, 13 and 25,
2016, Special City Council meetings
B. 1st Quarter 2016 Capital Improvement Projects Report
C. 1st Quarter 2016 Financial Trend Monitoring Report
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D. Project Completion and Contract Acceptance for Stephens & Sons
Construction - Project 2431 MLK Jr. Park & Miller Park Pool Bath House
Building Demo (Standard Motion V -B- Accept the project and approve)
E. Project Completion and Contract Acceptance for Granite Construction
Company - Project Yakima Trolley Parking Lot (Standard Motion V -B- Accept the
project and approve)
F. Set date of June 21, 2016, fora public hearing and approval of an Interlocal
Agreement for the 2016 JAG Grant
G. Set date of July 5, 2016, for a public hearing to consider the Yakima Planning
Commission's recommendation amending the Yakima Municipal Code related
to land use regulations and locations pertaining to recreational and medical
marijuana production, processing, and retailing of such uses
H. Resolution authorizing an agreement with Landau Associates, not to exceed
$180,000, for wood debris and landfill gas evaluation on the proposed alignment of
Bravo Company Boulevard and the East -West Corridor
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2016 -072, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute
a Professional Services Agreement with Landau Associates, not to exceed $180,000, for
wood debris and landfill gas evaluation on the proposed alignment of Bravo Company
Boulevard and the East -West Corridor.
Resolution granting a one -year extension of the Preliminary Plat approval for the
plat of Annalisa, a twenty -five lot subdivision, located in the vicinity of 80th Ave.
and Tieton Drive
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2016 -073, A RESOLUTION granting, a one year extension of the
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Preliminary Plat approval for the plat of Annalisa, a twenty -five lot subdivision, located in
the vicinity of 80th Ave. and Tieton Drive.
J. Ordinance repealing Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 11.58 Flood Damage
Prevention, to address required changes by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-004, AN ORDINANCE relating to the regulation of building
construction and the National Flood Insurance Program in the City of Yakima repealing
Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 11.58 Flood Damage Prevention, Ordinance (Ord. No.
2560 § 1 (part), 1981) to address required changes by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
6. Audience Participation
Walt Ranta, City resident, apologized for his comment at the last meeting about cell towers
noting he misspoke and meant to discuss a request for a list of clean and sober houses.
He has learned there is no list and shared his concern with the number of clean and sober
houses in the community.
Shannon Bird, City resident and business owner, shared her concern for the prolific
display of merchandise outside businesses, which are blocking other businesses from
view of the public. She shared some pictures for Council to review. Joe Caruso, Codes
Manager, explained the language in the municipal code prohibits outdoor merchandise
displays in parking lots orADA parking slots, it does not restrict merchandise displayed in
other areas of the property.
MOTION: Lover moved and Coffey seconded to move the issue of outdoor
displays and non - typical displays to a committee for ordinance changes and to
work with Legal and Codes. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Adkison absent.
Joe Mann, City resident, invited the community to attend the 4th annual Ron Bonlender
Memorial Car Show and Cruise the Avenue on June 18, 2016, as well as the Yakima
County Marble Tournament and other activities.
Larry Mattson, Director of Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, announced they
received a technical assistance grant from the Urban Institute to study the feasibility of a
Pay For Success program. He introduced team members Kim, Rebecca and Joe from the
Urban Institute and invited Council members to a study session the next day at 2:00 p.m.
Paul Tabyoyon, City resident, expressed his concern on the lack of sidewalks, particularly
near a bus stop where he lives. Joan Davenport, Community Development Director, stated
the sidewalk count will be part of the comprehensive and transportation plan process and
confirmed we are "sidewalk" poor in our community.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Closed record public hearing and ordinance reflecting the Hearing Examiner's
recommendation on a proposal by Brian Griff and Larry Loveless to rezone nine parcels in
the vicinity of S 80th Ave & Tieton Dr. from Single - Family residential (R -1) to Two - Family
residential (R -2) zone
Trevor Martin, Associate Planner briefed Council on the ordinance.
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Mayor Gutierrez opened the public hearing. Larry Loveless, City resident, spoke in support
of the ordinance.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016 -005, AN ORDINANCE concerning land use regulation, planning,
and rezoning of nine parcels of property located in the vicinity of South 80th Ave. and
Tieton Dr. from Single - Family Residential (R -1) to Two - Family Residential (R -2), and
consider approving the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner.
MOTION: Coffey moved and Cousens seconded to pass the ordinance. The motion
carried by unanimous vote, Adkison absent.
8. Public hearing regarding: A) Adoption of the Six -year Transportation Improvement
Program for the years 2017 to 2022, and to amend the Metropolitan Transportation Plan;
and B) Amend the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element; and
continue to a second Public Hearing at the June 21, 2016 Council Meeting
Chief Engineer Sheffield briefed Council on the issue and stated this item will return on the
June 21, 2016, City Council agenda for an additional public hearing before action is
needed.
Council Member D. Gutierrez asked if N. 6th Avenue can be added to the list, since it is in
bad shape. Mr. Sheffield noted it will be added to the list for the next meeting.
Mayor Gutierrez opened the public hearing. Phil Hoge, City resident, spoke in support of
item number three on the list.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
9. Proposal by the Yakima Housing Authority for the use of the Yakima Armory site to provide
housing and services to homeless veterans in the Yakima area
Interim City Manager Jeff Cutter introduced Lowel Krueger, Executive Director of the
Yakima Housing Authority. Mr. Krueger briefed Council on its proposal to use the Yakima
Armory site to provide housing and services to homeless veterans in the Yakima
area. Their intent is to partner with Perry Technical Institute to provide training and
they anticipate serving approximately 38 members at this facility. Christine, with Perry
Technical Institute, reported the facility has grown over 90% over the last 10 years and
needs additional space, which this opportunity provides.
After Council discussion, Council Member Coffey suggested Council have more time to
II absorb this opportunity before making a recommendation of support.
10. Homeless location options and update
Community Development Manager Davenport reported there are about 20-40 people
living on E. Chestnut on any given day. The City is unable to relocate them until there is
another location. The Health District evaluated the current situation and reports this is an
emergent health condition. Ms. Davenport stated the City is working with other partners to
provide the homeless with housing vouchers and asked Council to defer any consideration
of alternate sites for the time being.
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Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney, advised Council the City has a proposed
agreement with the Health District, which has agreed to loan the City up to $20,000 to
assist in public health and sanitation services for this issue. The agreement states the City
must repay the loan by December 31, 2016. The City intends to request reimbursement of
the funds from the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (COG).
Don Hinman, with Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, stated they are working with
COG and the County Commissioners to have the homeless relocated into homes by the
end of the month. They would like the bathrooms that are brought in to be cleaned once or
twice a day to avoid any smells and to have the bathrooms removed once the relocation is
complete so a new encampment doesn't emerge.
Audience comments: Candie Turner, City resident, agreed the homeless issue must be
addressed immediately.
Frank Hewey, City resident, stated he lives .17 miles from the homeless encampment and
believes when other homeless find out about the housing vouchers, the encampment will
grow. He is also concerned about how long this process will take and what happens to the
homeowners in the area who are being harassed and with all the garbage being strewn
about.
Anthony Akins, City resident and neighbor of the encampment, expressed his frustration
with how this is being handled. He feels Neighborhood Health should be paying for this
since he believes they invited the homeless to Yakima.
Ruby Irving, City resident, stated she purchased a house in the area two years ago and
feels Yakima has let her down. She thinks Neighborhood Health's heart is in the right place;
however, the neighbors are suffering due to the homeless piling up garbage, urinating
and defecating next to residences. She proposed Neighborhood Health and its partners
purchase a warehouse or land in an industrial location to offer basic necessities for the
homeless.
Glenda Harris, City resident, suggested the City pay the homeless to pick up garbage.
Bill Brado stated he is the owner of affordable housing units near the Union Gospel
Mission. He understands the Tiger Mart on N. 1 st is one of the proposed locations for the
encampment and believes it is the most undesirable of the sites as it is the gateway into
Yakima. He hopes the City finds a solution to the problem soon.
Dean Owens, owner of Owens Harley Davidson, spoke against using the Tiger Oil location
on N. 1st for an encampment site.
Paul Tabyoyon, City resident, does not see the County participating in what he sees as a
joint issue.
Larry Mattson, Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Executive Director, thanked the
City, Neighborhood Health and the Health District for working on this issue. The public
health emergency is serious and needs to be addressed immediately.
Rhonda Hauf, with Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, stated they have reduced the
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amount of homeless in our area. She explained the rise of the river has brought
more homeless into the city.
Maud Scott, City resident, thanked the City Council and others for trying to find a solution.
She is also happy to see residents in the area attending meetings and voicing their
concerns.
After further Council discussion,
MOTION: A. Gutierrez moved and Coffey seconded to approve the Interlocal
Agreement with the Yakima Health District for up to $20,000. The motion carried by
unanimous vote, Adkison absent.
11. Report on general government fees
Finance and Budget Director Epperson briefed Council on the report.
12. Council direction regarding interpreter services at Council meetings
City Clerk Claar Tee briefed Council on her findings and recommended the following
policy:
A professional English -to- Spanish interpreter to be available at the two Council business
meetings regularly scheduled to take place each month. If interpreter services are not
needed within an hour of the beginning of a Council business meeting, the interpreter
present will be allowed to leave the meeting. For other Council meetings (i.e. special
meetings, executive sessions, study sessions, retreats, committee meetings, etc.), the
City will provide interpreter services only if the issue(s) to be discussed is expected to
draw a large crowd (based upon the determination of the mayor and /or city manager) or if
interpreter services have been requested as per this policy. Interpreter services can be
requested for Council meetings by contacting the Yakima City Clerk's office not less than
forty -eight (48) hours prior to the start of such meeting. If during a meeting it is necessary
for a speaker's comments to be interpreted so that Council members and others in
attendance may understand them, the time required for interpretation will not be counted
against the designated time for speakers to address the Council.
MOTION: Cousens moved and Mendez seconded to adopt the recommendation.
The motion carried by unanimous vote, Adkison absent.
13. Other Business
Council Member D. Gutierrez would like to invite Yakima Neighborhood Health Services to
a Council meeting to present on the services they provide to our community. Interim City
Manager Cutter stated he would issue an invitation.
MOTION: Mendez moved and Coffey seconded to have staff bring the breed
specific ordinance to the next meeting removing the ban. The motion carried by a 5-
1 vote with Lover voting no, Adkison absent.
Mayor Gutierrez stated she received information from the Arboretum indicating the City of
Yakima is three out of four steps away from being considered a Tree City USA, which
would compliment the All America City designation. She would like this referred to
the Community and Neighborhood Building Committee to see what other steps are
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needed. The issue was approved by Council consensus.
14. Adjournment
MOTION: Cousens moved and Coffey seconded to adjourn to a Council Study
Session on June 14, 2016, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The
motion carried by unanimous vote, Adkison absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
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