HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/2010 Adjourned Meeting - Study Session 193
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED MEETING — STUDY SESSION
FEBRUARY 18, 2010 — 9:15 — 10:45 A.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS — YAKIMA CITY HALL
1, Roll CaII
Present:
Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey,
Council Members Maureen Adkison, Dave Edler, Rick Ensey,
Dave Ettl and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Cutter and City Clerk Kloster
2. Draft legislation regulating certain adult entertainment activities
City Attorney Cutter reviewed the proposed amended ordinance, which is similar
to that enacted by Snohomish County. It incorporates additions to the Adult
Business ordinance and also general changes to the sign ordinance and the
business licensing ordinance regarding adult entertainment enterprises. He
clarified that what is proposed would incorporate a new terminology called "adult
sales practice" that extends beyond what the ordinance previously addressed . as
adult entertainment. This amendment does not apply only to coffee stands or
baristas, but is about a type of behavior utilized by any business to promote
sales. He explained that the proposal cannot be passed today; because it
amends the zoning ordinance and must go through the City Planning
Commission and the public process. Today is an opportunity for Council to
approve moving it forward.
General discussion covered various licensing requirements already in existence,
the evolution of a new adult business, and the reason for holding a study session
on the subject. It was noted that an attempt had been made to control the adult
behavior through the indecent exposure ordinance but there still had been many
complaints from the community. The intent of the proposed revision is to give
clarity to the requirements of the ordinance.
The crime figures in the area of the stands were reviewed noting that, at this
time, the coffee stands cannot be pinpointed as the cause of crimes in the area.
City Attorney Cutter noted that, generally, statistics do support the fact that
certain types of businesses lead to community blight and higher crime areas. He
agreed that there is already some verbiage in existence but, when there is a lack
of clarity or room for uncertainty by the public, the City will have a difficult time
enforcing it. Council Member Lover claimed that the crime rate isn't one of the
issues; it's poverty that causes crime rate to increase.
3. Audience Comments (10:30 — 10:45 a.m.)
Vicki Gibson, owner of Burlesque Espresso, claimed she has a strict dress code
that she monitors twice a day.
194 STUDY SESSION — REGULATING ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Ron Jackman, 306 West Washington Avenue, complained about the espresso
shop across the street from his home. He noted that there is a school nearby
and children have to walk in front of the coffee stand. He distributed pictures and
described some of the activity he has seen. He fears this activity will escalate
and crime will follow. He also expressed concern for the safety of the
employees.
Cheryl Clark, owner of Dream Girls Espresso, claimed they do not do anything
but sell coffee. She pointed out that in the undercover operation, it is noted that
the undercover officer asked her barista to perform a dance and she responded
that they don't do that there.. She did not agree that they need to be classified as
an adult business. She commented that changing to an adult business license
will allow them to do more than they currently do and that will cause a larger
problem.
Lori Rainford, owner of Espresso Express on Tieton Drive, state they have not
operated in the "adult entertainment" manner and have been very successful
while fully clothed. She expressed her concern about allowing this type of
activity in the city and spoke in support of the proposed ordinance changes.
Michele Strobel, 307 Sherlyn Drive, expressed her frustration with the behavior of
the businesses and was in support of the proposed ordinance.
Juanita Sanchez, owner of DejaBrew, referred to the pole in her business as a
prop, not as a dance device. She feels there is just a misunderstanding about
the pole and her baristas.
EDLER MOVED AND ADKISON SECONDED TO MOVE THE PROPOSED
ORDINANCE ON TO THE PUBLIC PROCESS. The motion failed by a 4 -3 vote;
Cawley, Coffey, Ensey and Lover voting no.
4. Adjournment
EDLER MOVED AND COFFEY SECONDED TO ADJOURN. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY .I�
CO IL ER DATE
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r NCIL ME T BER DATE
ATTEST: 73)42-'4
CITY CLERK MICAH CAWLEY, AYOR
Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. A CD and DVD of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office
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