HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/16/1983 Study Session 48
AUGUST 16, 1983
STUDY SESSION
The City Council ,met at City Hall, Yakima, Washington, on this date at
11:30 a.m. and ° departed by City Transit for a tour of the Transit
facilities at the City Shops. At 12:00 Noon, the Council convened in
the Conference Roan at the City Shops Complex. Council members present
were Mayor Lynn Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn
Buchanan, Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Moore and Jack Sparling.
1. DISCUSSION OF TRANSIT ISSUES
Council members discussed various transit issues, requesting
clarification on the program for the transportation of the
elderly and handicapped; the autanatic bus wash system in the
capital grant; costs for factory inspection of new buses, and
fare box ratio and rate increase. Bill Schultz, Transit
Manager, requested direction and goals for the transit system.
Council member Barnett stated he needs additional information
on sons of these issues before he can make a decision on
Whether staff should pursue any of these suggestions. Council
member Doty suggested that a Council committee be organized to
review and evaluate the transit fare rates. Bill Schultz
camrented that he was talking in more general terms, such as,
a policy or standard for cleaning the buses; what kind of
image of the Transit System does Council want presented to the
public. Council member Barnett stated that staff needs to
conceptualize sorre of these ideas and bring to Council more
figures and information. City Manager Zais commented that the
intent of this meeting was to present Council with some issues
that has been under discussion for quite some time. Mayor
Carmichael inquired if Council wants to continue the Council
Transit Subcommittee. Council member Barnett commented that
perhaps son of these issues should be referred to the Transit
Subcommittee.
It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Moore to adjourn the
meeting to the Business meeting at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
BUSINESS MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Carmichael presiding, Council members Barnett,
Beaudiamp, Buchanan, Doty, Moore and Sparling and City Manager
Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call.
3. INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member Barnett.
4. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council member Doty requested clarification regarding cement
streets in the City, stating she was informed those streets
could not be ground and sealed in the same manner as asphalt
streets. She indicated she had received several phone calls
recently about the condition of the cement street on North
36th Avenue, between Summitview and Chestnut. Mayor
Carmichael also indicated South 28th Avenue between Tieton
Drive and Yakima Avenue is another area of concern. Dave
Rhodes, Director of Public Works, responded, informing Council
those streets are residential streets of which the City does
not have a very progressive rehabilitation program. He
explained the difference between asphalt and current streets
and informed Council there is no simple solution, however,
this is something that can be addressed in the Six -Year Street
Program. Mayor Carmichael questioned if the cement streets
could be patched. Dave Rhodes indicated patching does not
last very long, but staff will review the situation at those
areas referred to today.
AUGUST 16, 1983 49
Mayor CarMichael informed Council of an invitation she
received this morning regarding the celebration of Dick
Ostrander's 10th Anniversary at the Library on Friday, August
19.
Council member Doty informed Council of a reception fran 9:00
p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18 with the House
Agricultural Committee. She indicated the reception will be
at the Holiday Inn at 9th Street and Yakima Avenue and
commented this would be a good chance for Council members to
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meet and get acquainted with representatives of the House
Agricultural Committee.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Carmichael referred to the Items placed on the Consent
Agenda, questioning Whether there were any additions or
deletions fran either Council members or citizens present.
Council member Barnett requested Item No. lia be added to the
Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council
that the addition of Item No. lla, as requested, be made. The
City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including
resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Doty,
seconded by Moore that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed.
Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Barnett temporarily
Absent. (Subsequent paragraphs .preceded by an asterisk (*)
indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion
without further discussion.) -
6. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEt'
None
(Council member Barnett present after 3:15 p.m.)
7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
8. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF GLEED COMMUNITY REGARDING WATER
SERVICE
(Council member Doty excused due to a possible conflict of
interest); John Mayo, Yakima Office Manager of CH2M-Hill,
informed Council he and George Pedhtel, of George H. Pechtel
Company, were contacted by Gleed residents and encouraged to
submit proposals offering their services to the City in an
effort to find a solution to the - problem Which now exists
regarding the Gleed water prdblem. Mayor Carmichael addressed
the extensive woik already completed by City staff towards a
- solution and questioned Why Mr. Mayo was requesting the City
to fund these proposals. John Mayo responded, stating City
II/ staff could do the proposed work if they had the time and
stated the work accomplished by City staff has not been
wasted, but staff has not proceeded so the Gleed custaners
could Obtain an answer. Council member Beauchamp questioned
When the City would incur the costs if the proposals were
accepted. George Pedhtel, 5 North Front Street, explained the
feasibility study proposed by his company. Council member
Moore expressed his dissatisfaction with the request for
citizens of Yakima to underwrite $10,400 for a survey for the
citizens of the Gleed area. He stated if the Gleed area
custaners want to have - something done regarding this problem,
they should form a group and participate in resolving this
prdblem. Council member Moore referred to various assistance
programs provided to the Gleed area by the City of Yakima in
the past and reiterated the Gleed customers have a
responsibility to participate and organize themselves to
assist with this water service prdblem. Dick Keller,
Northwestern 'Fruit, informed Council there is no organization
in Gleed that can accomplish that Council has suggested. He
stated the City has Trovided water services to Gleed in the
past and it is the City's responsibility to continue that
service. Mt; Keller stated this proposal is a way to try and
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, AUGUST 16, 1983
solve the problem and commented Gleed customers cannot afford
to fund this work themselves. Mayor Carmichael concurred with
Council member Moore in that the City is not asking alot to
request the Gleed customers to organize themselves and
participate in this problem. Dick Keller questioned if the
Gleed customers were organized, would they be able to fund the
engineering costs, as the Gleed customers do not have taxing
powers. Mr. Keller requested guidance from Council regarding
the type of organization to which Council is referring. Mayor
Carmichael questioned if Mr. Keller had approadhed the Yakima
County Commissioners with the proposal presented to Council
today. Mr. Keller reiterated his request for specific
guidelines from Council regarding what Council expects of the
group of Gleed customers, as Mr. Keller did not want to cone
back to Council representing a group and not receive answers.
Council member Moore commented he was not going to let this
issue die; if this issue was- not solved in sane manner, he -
would make a motion that Council set a deadline on which date
the water will he cut off. Mr. Keller indicated the Gleed
customers need to know the consensus of the Council and not
one individual's perception. Council member Barnett
questioned the City Manager, asking if it was possible to ask
the County to participate in this, making it a three-way
involvement. City Manager Zais indicated he did not have an
answer at this time, however, Yakima County started an
engineering study in 1971, and staff could follow up on that.
Council member Sparling concurred with Council member
Barnett's suggestion. Council member Moore comuented the
Council can pursue this avenue with the County and Mr. Keller
can try and organize a group representation of the Gleed
customers. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Budhanan to
authorize the Mayor to appoint a ccmmittee of the Council to
accompany the City Manager in discussions regarding the Gleed
water situations with the County Commissioners, if the
occasion so arises. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Doty
abstaining due to a possible conflict of interest.
9. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE CF PARKS PROPERTY TO THE YAKIMA
COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
Mayor Carmichael referred to the numerous telephone calls she
had received regarding this item and the number of people who
have requeste1 to speak to the item. The resolution
authorizing the sale of the Parks property to the Yakima
County Humane Society, having been read by title, it was MOVED
by Moore, seconded by Doty that the resolution, as read, be
adopted. Mayor Carmichael read the list of telephone calls
received in support of the sale of property to the Humane
Society which included: Mrs. Wisely, Bonnie Mears, C. James,
Teresa Bitz, Robert Hale, 2125 Butterfield Road, Linda Evans,
1401 S. 30th Avenue, Hugh A. Mason, June Kncbel, Ellis Swaney,
Maureen Chandler and Rebecca Peck. Linda Bower, 1502 W.
Yakima Avenue, was present to express her support for the sale
of the property to the Humane Society. She informed Council
she is an educator and her interest in this new facility is to
allow students to tour the facility in an educational
capacity. Gordon Wonder, 718 N. 56th Avenue, distributed
copies of an article in the Herald-Republic dated August 16
and clarified the Humane Society is not Objecting to the cost
of $15,000 for the property, which is $8,750 more than the
Humane Society originally offered for the site, however, the
Humane Society is concerned with the cost to pave all
driveways and parking areas which is a requirement in the
resolution. - He suggested that the Council authorize the
profits from the sale of the land, Which would amount to
$15,000, and put the money back into the park, to blacktop the
parking lot for the Greenway and the Park. David Putney,
Board Member of the Humane Society, introduced other Board
Members of the Humane Society in the audience. He displayed
an architectural drawing which reflected changes in design
requested by the County which allowed for public access to the
restrooms of the facility. Mr. Putney requested language in
the resolution, Section 1, Item B. to be changed from "animal
impoundment facility" to "Humane Society." Council member
AUGUST 16, 1983 51
Barnett referred to the Veterinary Clinic's Association's
concern of the Humane Society providing veterinary services
and questioned if this change in the resolution would allow
for interpretation of the Veterinary Association's concern.
Mr. Putney also requested the language be Changed in that same
paragraph regarding that, "in the event the property is used
for any other purpose, title to the prcperty shall revert to
and vest in the City of Yakima, Washington without
compensation to be paid to then owner of the prcperty." He
suggested the Item B of Section .1 be changed to read, "B.
Title shall be conveyed by quit claim deed." Addressing the
Property Use Restriction Agreenent, Section 1, Subsection (1),
Mr.. Putney requested the word "initial" be inserted as the
first word of the paragraph. Addressing Section 1, Subsection
(3), Mr. Putney expressed his concern of the Humane Society's
liablity for vandalism -to the restrooms. Addressing Section
1, Subsection (4) Mr. Putney requested the language
"reasonable period of time" be added to the end of the
sentence of that subsection.. Addressing Section 1, Subsection
(5), Mr. Putney provided a brochure, informing Council of the
type of construction material the Humane Society was planning
to utilize, Dryvit Exterior Wall Insulation and Finish System.
Del Trimble, President of the Yakima Area Arboretum, stated
the Arboretum wishes to go on record that the land owned by
the City of Yakima, to be used by the Humane Society, be
handled on a lease basis versus a sale. He expressed the
Arboretum's concerns that the land has a high water table, 41/2
feet below the surface at present. He also cemented on the
wildlife in the area which might be adversely affected by the
presence of the Humane Society. Mr. Trimble suggested a chain
link fence be constructed around the area which prospective
owners will be walking potential pets. Council member
Beauchamp commented that same language should be included in
the agreement Which will assure the Humane Society controls
odors of the facility, in the manner the previously discussed
before Council. Following discussion of the proposed changes
by the Humane Society, Council member Moore suggested the
changes requested today, be reviewed with the interested
parties, Greenway Foundation and the Arboretum, to then cane
back before Council. Seta Benesh, 810 S. 20th Avenue, spoke
in opposition to the proposed location for the new Humane
Society facility. Addressing the purpose of the reversionary
clause in the resolution, Dave Rhcdes, Director of Public
Works, informed Council the Arboretum was concerned of the
possibility of the property being sold to another entity for
use that was not in keeping the purpose of the land, i.e., a
park area. Council member Barnett stated he would like the
reversionary clause to remain in the resolution and expressed
his concern of the multiple Changes requested today and
therefore, he would vote nay on the motion. Mayor Carmichael
concurred. It was MDVED by Moore, seconded by Beauchamp to
make a substitute motion, that this item be referred back to
staff for further work with the Humane Society; to have this
motion be laid on the table for one week and have staff
research these changes. Carried by 6-1 voice vote. Sparling
voting nay.
Mayor Carmichael stated she had been informed that Item 11b.
could be delayed one week. It was the general consensus of
the Council to delay Item 11B one week.
10. SIX MDNTH OPERATIONS REPORT FOR THE CAPITOL THEATRE
It was MDVED by Moore, seconded by Buchanan to accept staff's
report. _Council matter Barnett questioned if the County had
paid a management fee to date. Eli Ashley, Executive Manager,
informed Council the Capitol Theatre had received a partial
paynent in July. He ccmmented that most of the inane for the
Theatre is earned in the last portion of the year. The
question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously
carried by voice vote.
52 AUGUST 16, 1983
11. REPORTS FROM ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER REGARDIM:
*a. Status of Data. Processing Conversion/Negotiations With SYSODN
The report frcm the Assistant City Manager dated August 4,
1983, regarding the status of the data processing
conversions/negotiations with SYSCON, was accepted and
approved.
b. Microcomputer Applications for City Departments
Discussion on this item was delayed for one Ineek.
12. STATUS REPORT FROM TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REGARDING:
a. BPA Street Light Conversion
Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, was present to
respond to Council's questions. He suggested staff work with
the media to hold a press conference, informing the public of
the street light conversion program. It was the general
consensus of the Council to hold a press conference at 1:30
p.m. on Tuesday, August 23. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded
by Doty to accept staff's report. Unanimously carried by
voice vote.
b. First Street and Yakima Avenue Left Turn Signal
Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, provided a history of
the problem at the First Street and Yakima Avenue
intersection. He addressed staff's initial recannendation for
a four-phase signal operation at this intersection, and
informed Council of additional information received frcm the
consultant which would allow for a two-phase cperation of
Yakima Avenue and First Street, deleting all turn arrows.
Council member Barnett stated he would like to have the new
information to review as well as the material provided in the
Council book today before making a decision on this item. It
was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan to have the same
data provided in Council's packet today, plus the apprcpriate
additional data be placed in Council's packet for next leek's
meeting. Carried by 6-1 voice vote. Doty voting nay.
*13. RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL BOARD'S ACCEPTANCE OF
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION GRANT FUNDS
RESOLUTION NO. D-4747, A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of
Federal assistance and assurance made therein by the Yakima
Air Terminal Board.
*14. RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES EASEMENT IN
CARRIAGE HILL ADDITION
RESOLUTION NO. D-4848, A RESOLUTION vacating a portion of a
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public utility easement in Carriage Hill Addition, City of
Yakima.
*15. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIM
RESOLUTION NO. D-4849, _A RESOLUTION authorizing payment of
$315 to Dale Murphy in settlement of a claim for damages filed
with the City of Yakima.
*16. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL
The out-of-state travel for Dick Zais, City Manager, to attend
ICMA's Annual 'Conference, in Kansas City, Missouri, October
9-13, 1983, at a cost of $1,369, was approved.
17. OTHER BUSINESS
None
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AUGUST 16, 1983
Information Items
Information Itans supplied to Council %ere: memo fran
Director of Finance & Budget re Response to the request for
modification of our utility colledtion procedures; Fire
Department Emergency Activity Report for July, 1983; monthly
report of Chief of Police for July, 1983; monthly report of
Code Administration Office activities for July, 1983; minutes
of the Board of Adjustment July 26, 1983 meeting; and City
News; July/August 1983.
18. EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Beaudlamp to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending
litigation 'and then immediately adjourn the meeting.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
19. ADjou
Following the ccmpletion of the Executive Session, the meeting
was adjourned at the hour of 5:50 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY pr DATE .e l . / F12
(1;:iL MEMBER 4
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ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK MAYOR
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