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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 • 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 5 0 , 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 II/ 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 5 3 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 ir DATE 7/ 0 7,3 GP NaLe R ATTEST: 7 1 ) / 2 0)1_4 , -, 4___eicate4 a„„An,„110d2 CITY CLERK MAYOR • 1