HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/1984 Study Session FEBRUARY 28, 1984 227
STUDY SESSION
The City Council net in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn CarMichael, Shirley Doty,
W. K. "Pete" Moore, and Jack Sparling. Council member Lynn Buchanan
absent.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Mayor Barnett circulated a brochure regarding the Association
of Washington Cities Conference and requested Council members
please indicate if they are interested in attending any
,111 portion of the Conference. He also asked that the Council
members inform him if they are planning to attend the opening
ceremony of the new gymnasium at the Yakima Firing Center to
be held March 10th at 10:00 a.m:
Council member Sparling presented a copy of an article he
brought back from Tucson, Arizona regarding their City/County
merger. He indicated he has given a copy of the article to
Commissioner Whiteside for his consideration. He stated the
article addresses the duplication of City and County
government and the money involved therein. Council members
briefly discussed the feasibility of such a merger with Yakima
County, considering the Urban Area Plan addresses some
duplication of services issues.
Council member More stated two weeks ago Council received a
letter from Rev. Joe. Denman offering to work with a committee
to take proper steps to rename Washington Park in honor of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Council member Doty suggested this
topic be discussed under "Other Business" rather than during
the Study Session. It was the general consensus of the
council to discuss this in the business portion of the
meeting.
2. UPDATE BY IRVIN LISLE ON YAKIMA CENTENNIAL ACTIVITIES
Irvin Lisle gave a brief report on the Yakima Centennial
Committee activities.
3. RECONSIDERATION CF DISPOSITION OF FUNE6 FROM SALE CF PARKS PROPERTY
TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY (Continued from 12/13/83)
Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, reviewed past staff
recommendations and Council action on this issue and stated he
has no additional recommendation at this time. Commissioner
Whiteside, representing the Greenway Executive Board, stated
the Board has decided to assume the entire cost of the parking
lot due to the success they have had in their fund raising
drive. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by More to move Item
No. 3 to Item No. 8a on the Business Session of the agenda.,
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan absent.
4. REPORT ON DISPOSITION OF PARKS PROPERTY
Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, reviewed past reports
and recomffendations made by staff and indicated he is
requesting further direction from Council at this time on
disposition of parks property. After some discussion on
restrictions and conditions contained in the Statutory
Warranty Deed of Gilbert Park, it was the general consensus of
the Council that Council member Doty would contact the Gilbert
Family, discuss the situation with them, and bring information
back to Council at a later date as to haw they wish the matter
to be handled. Council also requested Mr. Rhodes advise them
as to the amount of money required to maintain Chesterley Park
and the amount of financial obligation due if the City would
have to pay the State back for money invested into Chesterley
Park thus far. City Manager Zais asked Council if they had
any further directions on any other parcels at this time.
228
FEBRUARY 28, 1984
Council member Moore stated the only other one he would
consider is giving back the Fairbrook property, as it is
outside our jurisdiction as a City or Park Department running
that type of operation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beauchamp to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending
litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
BUSINESS MEETING
5. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Barnett presiding, Council members Beauchamp,
Doty, Carmichael, Moore, and Sparling and City Manager Zais
and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Lynn Buchanan
present after 3:28 p.m.
6. INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Barnett.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnett referred to the items placed on the Consent
Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or
deletions fran either Council members or citizens present. It
was requested by Council member Carmichael that Item No. 13 be
placed on the Consent Agenda. Council member Mbore requested
Item No. 14 be placed on Consent, and Council member Doty
requested Item No. 15 be placed on the Consent Agenda.
Council member Doty also requested Item No. 17 be removed fran
the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the
Council that the addition of Items Nos. 13, 14 and 15 and the
deletion of Item No. 17, as requested, be made. The City
Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including
resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by
Carmichael, seconded by Doty that the COnsent Agenda, as read,
be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Buchanan
absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*)
indicate items onthe Agenda handled under one motion
without further discussion.)
8. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS
a. Item No. 3
It was MOVED by Mbore, seconded by Carmichael that the residue
of the funds from the sale of parks property he allocated back
to the Parks Division. Council member Doty commented she
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would vote for the motion —3.s stated. She added she would like
for the Parks and Recreation Commission to make
recommendations and prioritize the projects and inform Council
as to where the funds will be spent. The question was called
for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Buchanan absent.
*9. APPROVAL CF MINUTES
The Council minutes of January 24, 1984 were approved, having
been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one
present wishing to have said minutes read publicly.
10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Stan Lochrie submitted his resignation fran the Parks and
Recreation Commission due to a conflict of interest since
becoming an elected official of the School Board. He
encouraged Cbuncil to continue to lock at Lions Pool, haw it
can be funded, how it can be reconstructed and how our parks
can be brought up to standard.
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FEBRUARY 28, 1984 22
11. HEARING ON 1984 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, gave a
brief report on the 1984 Irrigation Maintenance Assessment
Roll, stating no recomendations for increases are being made
this year, and they are recommending a reduction of rates in
three districts. There being no citizen present wishing to
speak to this issue, the public portion of the hearing was
closed. Ordinance No. 2752, having been read by title, it was
MOVED by Doty, seconded by Sparling that the ordinance be
passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2752, AN ORDINANCE, confirming the irrigation
maintenance assessment roll of the City of Yakima for the
calendar year 1984 and levying irrigation maintenance
assessments according to such roll.
12. CONSIDERATION OF SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION
FROM CITY GAMBLING TAX
Council member Beaudhcmy asked to be excused due to a possible
conflict of interest. Cecil Collins, Director of the
Southeast Community Center, appeared before Council requesting
the Southeast Ccumunity Center be exempted from City Ordinance
W. 2070 relating to taxation of various gambling activities.
He stated the reason for this request is that the funds are
needed for proper management of the Center, and expansion of
their programs. Mr. Doug Peters, attorney, stated the
proposed amendment to the ordinance would not be setting a
precedent due to the fact that the school district and other
organizations are already exempt from paying this tax. James
Schrader, Southeast Community Center Board member and C.P.A.,
stated the Center is in good financial shape at this time, but
would like to expand their programs. Council member Doty
stated she would like to commend Mr. Collins and the Board for
the work they have done over the past year. She indicated
they had been successful in obtaining $16,500 from United Way
for the purpose of expanding their outreach programs and to
help on their administration costs for the Center. Magnolia
Rent±, 1001 So. 6th Street, stated the Center had paid out
over $7,000 in 1983 for utility bills (This figure was later
corrected by Mr. Collins as having been over $27,000.) and
$27,961.72 in gambling taxes to the City. She stated the City
demands 10% off the top before any bills are paid and
requested the City recognize than as a non-profit
organization: City Manager Zais pointed out that the
ordinance reads "any bingo game, raffle or amusement game, a
tax Computed at the rate of ten percent of the difference
between the gross revenue received from the conduct of such
activity and the amount paid for or as prizes in the conduct
of such activity." Council member More stated he does not
agree with the philosophy that some organizations are exempt
from paying the gambling tax, while others are not. He
suggested instead of exempting more organizations, Council
should be amending the ordinance so everyone pays the tax.
Council members Sparling and Buchanan requested to see an
annual report and financial statement, as 1,4,11 as a list of
the organizations who currently do not pay the tax, before a
decision is made regarding this issue. It was the general
consensus of the council to 'take no action on the matter at
this time.
*13. REPORT FROM TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION RE: RAINIER BANK ALLEY
TRAFFIC PATTERN
The report and recommendation from the Department of
Engineering and Utilities, Traffic Engineering Division, dated
January 17, 1984, was accepted.
230
FEBRUARY 28, 1984
*14. PRESENTATION OF 1983 YEAR-END BUDGET REPORT
The report fran the Department of Finance & Budget, dated
February 24, 1984, was accepted.
*15. CONSIDERATION CF REALLOCATION OF CMG FUNDS FOR IRRIGATION MAIN
CONSTRUCTION
The report and reccomendation fran the Department of Community
and Econanic Development, dated 2/28/84, was accepted.
16. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT IRRIGATION ASSISTANCE
FINANCING PLAN
Dennis Cavell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, presented
a summary explanation of the Community Development Block Grant
Irrigation System Financial Plan, stating staff reccmmended
approval of the plan. Council member Doty expressed concern
over the amount of money being spent on this project and
suggested City staff contact Lon Wyrick of the Conference of
Governments to see if that agency would be interested in
giving an estimate and a timeframe within Which this project
could be canpleted. Following discussion on this issue, it
was the general consensus of the Council to follow Council
member Doty's suggestion. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by
Beauchamp that staff confer with Conference of Governments to
ascertain if they might be able to perform this function and
for what amount and also, what timeframe would be necessary to
canplete the project. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
17. INTERGOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY CF SEATTLE FOR
THE PURCHASE OF VEHICLES
Council member Doty stated she had requested this item be
removed fran the consent Agenda due to her concern for a
police vehicle being kept in service beyond 100,000 miles.
She stated this vehicle would likely need a tremendous amount
of repair and upkeep, and added she mould prefer to see
additional funding be taken out of contingency so staff could
purchase all seven vehicles for the Police Department rather
than the proposed six. Don Toney, Fleet Manager, responded to
Council's questions regarding maintenance of the vehicles, as
well as inventory necessary for maintenance. It was MOVED by
Doty, seconded by Carmichael that seven vehicles be purchased
instead of six, with the extra money being taken fran
contingency. Carried by 5-1 voice vote. Barnett voting nay.
Sperling not voting due to possible conflict of interest.
Mayor Barnett indicated he voted against the motion due to the
rapid rate at which the contingency fund is depleting. It was
MOVED by Moore, seconded by _Buchanan that three of the
vehicles be purchased on State had. Failed by 3-3 voice vote.
Beauchamp, Carmichael and Doty voting nay. Sparling not
voting due to possible conflict of interest. Resolution No.
D-4925, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Carmichael,
seconded by Doty to adopt the resolution. Unanimously carried
by roll call vote. Sparling abstaining due to possible
conflict of interest.
RESOLUTION NO. D-4925, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution
of an Intergovermental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with
the City of Seattle for purchasing police vehicles.
*18. LICENSE RENEWAL WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY TO THE
FIRING RANGE FACILITIES AT THE YAKIMA FIRING CENTER
RESOLUTION NO. D-4926, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing
the City Manager and the City Clerk of the City of Yakima to
execute an agreement with the Department of the Army for a
license to utilize a firing range at the Yakima Firing Center.
FEBRUARY 28, 1984 231
*19. APPROVAL CF OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL REQUESTS
A. The out-Of-state travel request for Dick Zais, City Manager,
to Gleneden Beach, Oregon to attend the Northwest Regional
City Management Conference, April 4-6, 1984, at a cost of
$285, was approved.
B. The out-of-state travel request for John Beer, Jr., Director
of Community and Economic Development, to Minneapolis,
Minnesota to attend the American Planning- Association National
Planning Conference, May 6-9, 1984, at a cost of $450, was
approved.
*20. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON WASHINGTON AVENUE, WEST OF THE
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YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL,
ORDINANCE NO. 2753, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic control;
prohibiting parking at all times on certain streets within the City
of Yakima; and amending Section 9.50.050 of the City of Yakima
Municipal Code.
21. OTHER BUSINESS
Council member Buchanan comented on the various advisory
commission meeting minutes contained in the Council packets,
stating he feels first and last names, or last names of the
members should be used rather than first names only. He
indicated some of the sentences are incomplete, grammar and
punctuation are incorrect and, in his opinion, 17 pages of
minutes is a bit lengthy for a Park and Recreation Commission
meeting ,lasting only an hour and a half.
Council member_ Moore commented on a letter that had been
received from Rev. Joe Denman indicating he would like to
serve as chairman on the committee for the renaming of
Washington Park to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Mayor
Barnett stated he agrees with Council member Carmichael that
the committee should include all ethnic groups in the City and
this was the consensus of the Council. Council member Doty
suggested Rev. Denman solicit a group of people to serve on
the committee and bring his recommendations back to Council.
Council member Beauchamp stated he will vote against a motion
made in relation to the park name change due to controversy
surrounding the issue. Council member Carmichael stated there
has been a great deal of controversy regarding this topic,
however, it if is the intent of Council to carry through with
rededicating or renaming the park, she will vote against the
Motion as it is her belief the Parks & Recreation Commission
\ should ,be the party responsible for putting together an
',appropriate program, selecting the committee members, and
bringing a'recommendation back to Council for approval. It
was MOVED by Mbore, seconded by Sparling to appoint Rev. Joe
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Denman as chairman of the committee for the dedication of the
Martin Luther King Jr. Park and that he bring back a
recomendation for members on that committee. Carried by 4-3
voice vote. , Beauchamp, Buchanan, and _Carmichael voting nay.
John Beer, Jr., Director of Community and Economic
Development, announced that Gary Kitterman, who is the project
manager for the Yakima River Enhancement Project will be in
town either Friday, March 23, or Mbnday, March 26, to discuss
with Council the status of that project. It was the general
consensus of the Council that Mbnday, March 26th would he a
more convenient day for this meeting. Mr. Beer stated he
would advise Council of the specific time and location of this
meting.
City Manager Zais commented the original ordinance on gambling
tax was passed by Council in approximately 1974 and did not
provide for any exemptions. He stated a number of years later
the schools and other organizations came before Council
requesting specific exemptions, which Council granted. He
contented that in future discussions to eliminate any
exemptions, it would be appropriate to contact those parties
232 FEBRUARY 28, 1984
and advise them accordingly of that consideration. Gerald
Henderson, 309 N. 35th Ave., stated at the time the school
exemption came about he was heavily involved in PTA and State
PTV Vice President from this area. He explained the State
Attorney General ruled the games (dart throw, ring toss, etc.)
at school carnivals 10,re, in fact, gambling events and were,
therefore, covered under the gambling laws. The schools at
that time asked to be exempt for the purpose of school
carnivals, not for bingo games or any other type of gambling
event. Council member Carmichael requested clarification as
to whether the operators of the gambling activities are
required by law to return a certain percentage to the people.
She stated there needs to be sane clarification as to whether
or not we are talking about bingo, casino night, school
carnivals, etc., before any action i5 taken on this issue.
Referring to Item No. 14, City Manager Zais indicated staff
will be bringing back legislation to provide for the equipment
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replacement funding. Mayor Barnett commented this is an
excellent report and very well presented and he is hopeful we
can do as well in the coming year.
Items of Information
Information items supplied to Council were: letter from
Planning & Community Affairs Agency re: Local Housing
Workshop, March 22 & 23, 1984 at the Towne Plaza Motor Inn,
Yakima 2/21/84; memo from Supervising Traffic Engineer &
Police Patrol Division Captain, re: Interim policy and
procedures on public right-of-way closures (temporary)
2/10/84; letter from Director of Community & Economic
Developaent, responding to Bruce Haldeman's request for an
ordinance: prohibiting fireworks within residential areas
2/21/84; Yakima Community Television "Cable Cues", February
1984; Minutes of 2/15/84 Yakima Center Advisory Commission
meeting; Minutes of 2/10/84 Board of Adjustment meeting;
Minutes of 1/23/84 Parks & Recreation Commission Special
Meeting; Minutes of 1/25/84 Yakima Housing Authority
Commission meeting.
22. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, it
was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Bdchanan that this meeting be
adjourned at the hour of 4:50 p.m. Unanimously carried by
- voice vote. -
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE ; IF , -- DATE
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CITY CLERK k-- MAYOR