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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/04/1984 Study Session 366 SEPTEMBER 4, 1984 STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Assistant Mayor Shirley Doty, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan and Lynn Carmichael. Council member Jack Sparling present after 2:07 p.m. Mayor Clarence Barnett absent. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Council member Carmichael stated she will he unable to attend the Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee meeting on Thursday, September 6, 1984 and requested that one of the other Council members attend in her place. Council member Sparling indicated he could attend the meeting. 2. STATUS REPORT ON FEDERAL CABLE TV LEGISLATION Bruce Crest, Cable Communications Coordinator, commented on the status report on Federal Cable TV Legislation and House Bill 4103, an amendment to the Communications Act of 1934. He stated negotiations were held on this bill by representatives of National Cable TV Association (NCTA), the National League of Cities (NEC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). The NCTA Board has called for renegotiations to change the nature and scope of this proposed federal cable policy. Mr. Crest indicated the most important issue for Yakima is the franchise renewal with the cable operators which would fall under this new policy. Mr. Crest asked direction from the Council. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Carmichael, to move Item No. 2 to Item No. 8a in the Business Session. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett absent. 3. REPORTS FROM ENGINEERING & UTILITIES DEPARTMENT: a. Storm Drainage Study. (Continued from 6/26/84) Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, reported that the Storm Drainage Study Update has been an ongoing project for the last couple of years. He recomffended City and County officials and staff meet to discuss storm drainage problems. Discussion followed regarding the sources of funding for storm drainage improvements. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, to move Item No. 3a to Item No. 8b in the Business Session. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett absent. Lee Adams, 905 So. 44th Avenue, Arlington Apts., a concerned citizen, came to the meeting today to speak on the drainage problems in his area. He stated he has lived at that address for five years, and it gets worse each year. Mr. Adams stated there are two storm drains on his property and the water backs up into his units, whenever it rains. Assistant Mayor Doty asked the City staff to contact Mr. Adams to discuss this problem. b. Status of Street Capital Improverrents, Authorized in April, 1983 and amended in December, 1983 Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, commented on the status report on Street Rehabilitation Projects. Discussion followed on the projects and Mr. Covell asked the Council to consider use of FAUS Funds. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan to move Item No. 3b to Item No. 8c in the Business Session. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett absent. SEPTEMBER 4, 1984 3617 BUSINESS MEETING 5. mu CALL At 3:00 p.m, the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Assistant Mayor Doty presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael and Sparling, and City Manager Zais and Assistant City Attorney Vanek present on roll call. Mayor Barnett present after 3:15 p.m. 6. INVOCATION The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member Carmichael. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Assistant Mayor Doty referred to the Items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Council member Buchanan requested that Item No. 14 be added to the Consent Agenda and Council member Carmichael requested that Items Nos. 8a, 8b, and 8c be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that addition of Items Nos. 8a, 8b, 8c and 14, 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 Buchanan, that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Barnett absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 8. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS *a. Item No. 2 Staff was directed to prepare correspondence from the City Council to the Washington State Congressional delegation urging immediate passage of HB 4103 (proposed cable TV legislation). *b. Item No. 3a The staff recommendation to form a joint committee with City/County staff to meet and discuss viable approaches to address storm drainage problems, was accepted. *c. Item No. 3b The staff report and recommendation to authorize the use of FAUS Funds and half-cent gas tax funds as local match funds to complete projects #970 and #1033, was accepted. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION a. Appearance by Willette Cheatom, Americans United for Washing- / ton Park 15th Willette Cheatan, 813 No. 15 Avenue, representing the Americans United for Washington Park, read a letter expressing their conrprns about changing the name of Washington Park to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. In their letter they requested Council reconsider their position on renaming Washington Park, expressing their opinion that once an honor is bestowed upon a person (George Washington), it should not be taken away. 10. HEARING ON A STREET VACATION FOR 10TH AVENUE, BETWEEN CHESTNUT AND WALNUT STREETS, AND REZONE OF PROPERTY IN THE VICINITY OF 110 SO. 10TH AVENUE, REQUESTED BY ST. ELIZABETH MEDICAL CENTER. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the street vacation and rezone requested by St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Tarry Wright commented this Plan and Program is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and is within the parameter of the instructions staff and the Planning Commission received con- cerning the sub-area plan for the vicinity of the Medical Center. He stated the resolution of this issue will provide sane of the necessary information for staff to complete a 368 SEPTEMBER 4, 1984 sub-area plan for the St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the Medical Center vicinity. Assistant Mayor Doty requested testimony from the proponents at this time. Patrick Farwell, 2812 W. Yakima. Avenue, Assistant Administrator at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, commented that Council has received all of the materials and documents presented previously and that present at the meeting today is their architect and a representative fran the consulting firm hired to perform a parking and traffic flow study. (Mayor Barnett present after 3:15 p.m.) He reported there have been several neighborhood neetings held, with the architect and the traffic consultant present to respond to the neighbor's questions. He stated he has letters of support fran many of the neighbors and businesses in the area. He further comuented that most of the opposition to the development are from people who do not live in the area, but work or do business in this area. He spoke about the advantages of having on-campus office buildings. He II/ further stated that both the vacation and the rezone are being recommended to Council by the staff and Planning Commission. Dale Hazen, 2102 St. Helens, Chairman of the Community Board for St. Elizabeth Medical Center, consisting of 33 local residents, submitted a list of those members (Exhibit P-2). He gave sane historical background information on St. Elizabeth Medical Center, which was established in 1891. He urged Council to approve the rezone and street vacation to allow expansion to respond to community needs. He referred to the Site Plan (Exhibit P-1) hanging on the wall, and commented that if this is approved, they will probably not expand beyond these several blocks. Rip Hollingbery, 504 N. Naches Avenue, architect for the project, referred to Exhibit P-1, and explained the site plan showing the existing facility and the proposed expansion. He stated the primary purpose in siting the building was the connection to the hospital via a crosswalk and overhead walkway. He reported there will be extensive landscaping in the parking lot and the drainage will be addressed on site. He further commented that all the utilities will be below ground. He stated they have responded to some of the neighbors specific concerns regarding the alley maintenance and elimination of alley parking, except those designated for doctors, which will have very law turnover. He spoke about the design of the building which is campatible with the hospital. Mr. Farwell stated that to address one of the concerns that arose at the Planning Commission hearing, regarding the impact of the street vacation and haw they would accommodate the parking in that area, a consultant was hired. Dave Enger, Transportation Planning and Engineering, Inc., 2101-112 Avenue, N.E., #110, Bellevue, WA, stated that the results of their traffic study indicated the traffic pattern would be compatible with the arterial street plan and the existing streets can compensate for this street vacation. He stated the second part of their study was to ascertain the impact of the development on the parking in the area. He commented they counted the number of cars in the hospital parking lots and those on the streets within a block of the hospital to identify the supply and demand for parking. He stated they concluded that although some street parking would II/ be lost through the street vacation and some additional parking stalls would be needed for the new building, the Medical Center will be providing several new parking lots to accommodate those needs. Barbara Aalpoel, Loofburrow/ Hollingbery Associates, distributed and explained the information regarding On-Site Parking Supply and Demand for St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Medical Office Building per Pending Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (Exhibit P-3) Which indicates the Medical Center is providing more parking spaces than will be required in the pending Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Farwell and Ms. AalFoel responded to Council's questions regarding the parking requirenents and the parking spaces provided in the development. Dr. John Boyken, internist and Medical Director of Dialysis Unit at St. Elizabeth'Medical Center, stated that as his department grows, it has outgrown its space in the hospital. He reported on the need for this facility, of which the dialysis unit will occupy 25% of the available spaces. He reported this facility is SEPTEMBER 4, 1984 36.9 being built by a group of physicians who are leasing the property from St. Elizabeth Medical Center at a fair market rate. He commented that taxes will be paid on that building. He stated that moving the dialysis unit to less expensive office space would be more cost-effective and allow him to operate within the amount of money paid by the Federal Government for aialysis treatment. He stated he needs immediate access to the hospital as many of his patients are in-patients and would be transported through the skybridge on the second floor. Mr. Farwell urged the Council to approve this application and further stated that the hospital accepts the five conditions recammeded by staff. Brad Tukey, 109 S. llth Avenue, presented a statement signed by several residents (Exhibit P-4) Which is not for or against the proposal, but requests Council to not separate the request for rezone from the request for the street vacation. He commented that he had had some concerns regarding parking, however, he felt this had been addressed by the hospital. (The Council recessed fran 4:10 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.) Assistant Mayor Doty requested testimony from those citizens present wishing to speak against the rezone and/or street vacation. Jo Read, 16 S. 10th Avenue, stated she is apposed to the street vacation. She commented she has had an expert real estate appraiser advise her that if the street is vacated, her property will depreciate in value by one-third percent. Barbara Harris stated she is apposed to the closure of 10th Avenue. She stated a petition signed by approximately 270 people opposed to the street vacation had been submitted at the Planning Canmission hearing. She expressed her concern that the parking Which will be provided by the hospital will be inadequate. She submitted photographs depicting the parking problem in the area (Exhibits 0-1 through- 0-7). She also expressed concern that two of the Planning Canmission members did not excuse themselves from voting due to a conflict of interest. Discussion followed regarding the petition which was submitted to the Planning Commission and not included in the Council's packet of information. John Haddix, Supervising Planner, explained the petition was submitted to the Planning Commission and only that information which is included in the Final Plan and Program is submitted to the Council. He removed the petition fran his file and presented it to Mrs. Harris who submitted the petition to the Council (Exhibit 0-8). Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington, questioned the legality of the Planning Commission's vote on this issue due to the conflict of interest or appearance of fairness issue involving two of the Commissioners. Helen Frandle, 1308 Dazet, employee representing Drs. Stevenson, Place and Adkison, who were unable to attend this hearing, spoke about the parking problem in that area. Bonnie Wentz, 216 S. 34th Avenue, owner of the day care facility at 4 So. 10th Avenue, presented the Council with the results of a questionnaire mailed to property owners which indicates that out of the 52 questionnaires returned, 45 were apposed to the closure of the street (Exhibit 0-9). She 11/ reported they canvassed the neighborhood, which included renters and employees in the area, and 210 were apposed to the street closure (Exhibit 0-10). Paul Harris, 1911 W. Yakima Avenue, spoke against the proposed development and questioned the legality of the vote of the Planning Commission. Art Palmer, representing his mother, Mary Woerner, 209 S. 10th Avenue, stated his mother does not want 10th Avenue closed because it is a good north/south route and the parking in that area is already poor. He further reported he spoke with one of their neighbors and he was apposed to the street vacation due to the parking problem in the area. He suggested eliminating parking on Chestnut, which is a bicycle route. He stated the majority of the traffic in the alley is not from the residents in that area. Alice Walker, 305 S. 10th Avenue, expressed concern about the street closure, stating that people will use the alley instead. Vareta Thome, 207 S. 12th Avenue, speaking against the proposed development, stated there is enough traffic in that area. She further stated it does not seem right to close a street for the benefit of a few doctors or a certain group of people. Patrick Farwell stated he also has letters that had been submitted at the Planning 370 SEPTEMBER 4, 1984 Commission hearing. He re-submitted those eight letters from individuals supporting the proposed development (Exhibit P-5). He stated that most hospitals cover several city blocks and St. Elizabeth needs to be allowed to expand in an organized manner. Mr. Farwell responded to the Council's questions regarding the proposed parking lots. He stated that without the street vacation they would not be able to their needs. Tarry Wright, Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development, clarified for the record, that sane of the information Council received was not provided to the Planning Commission as same of the pecple who testified today did not testify previously. He stated the appearance of fairness question was specifically asked of the two Planning Commission members and Mrs. Patterson indicated she had not discussed this issue with her husband, Dr. Patterson, and Mr. Menke stated he was able to vote in an objective manner even though he participates in labor negotiations for the hospital. II/ He further ccmmented that should 10th Avenue be developed into an arterial, it would require a substantial amount of property acquisition. He spoke about how the traffic pattern would be changed in that area to accommodate north/south movement. Following further discussion regarding the street vacation, the public hearing was closed. There was discussion regarding the number of parking spaces in the parking lots, however, it was the general consensus of the Council to not reopen the hearing to obtain additional information from the consultants. Council member Beauchamp inquired if both the rezone and the street vacation have to he considered in one decision. Assistant City Attorney Vanek responded that if a decision is made to grant the rezone, then Council should also consider a favorable vote to vacate the street because part of the rezone takes into consideration the development of the vacation of the street. City Manager Zais commented that if this issue is returned to the Planning Ccmmission, Council should identify their concerns they wish the Planning Commission to address. Mayor Barnett cammented he can concur with the approval of the Planning Development, however, if it incorporates the closure of 10th Avenue, he would have to vote against it. He stated if this is sent back to the Planning Commission he would like to ask than to consider this without the street vacation. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Carmichael, to send this matter back to the Planning Commission to consider a Planned Development that does not include the vacation of 10th Avenue. Following discussion, the question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Carmichael voted aye, stating she believes the plan has not shown that the necessity of vacating 10th Avenue in conjunction with the Planned Development is in the best interest of all the participants. Council member Doty voted aye, stating she believes the plan can be modified so it can more closely comply with the wishes of the neighbors who are opposed to the street vacation. Council member Sperling voted aye, expressing concern about the street vacation and parking. Mayor Barnett voted aye, because of the opposition of the neighborhood residents to the street vacation and parking problems. Council member Beauchamp voted aye, stating he doesn't believe the current plan demonstrates the need for the closure of 10th Avenue. Council member Buchanan voted aye, expressing concern about the closure of 10th Avenue. *11. AUTHORIZATION FOR ABATEMENT OF CERTAIN WEEDY LOTS RESOLUTION NO. D-5008, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Code Administration Manager to clear certain weedy lots. *12. SET DATE OF HEARING ON HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN September 18, 1984 was set as the date of hearing on the Housing Assistance Plan. SEPTEMBER 4, 1984 371 *13. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR JEAN SHIPMAN, PURCHASING AGENT The out-of-state travel for Jean Shipman, Purchasing Agent, to attend the semi-annual Pacific Northwest Public Purchasing Association Conference, in Victoria, B.C., OcLober 3-5, 1984 at a cost of $401.80, was approved. *14. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1984 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GLEED WATER SYSTEM (SECOND READING) An Ordinance appropriating funds for improvement to the Gleed Water System having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 2802, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1984 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation in the 477-Water Construction Fund for expenditure during 1984. II/ 15. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Sparling suggested briefly interviewing the Council candidates during the next Study Session. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to direct the Mayor to schedule five to ten minute appointments with the Council candidates during the September 18, 1984 Study Session, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Mayor Barnett stated he will draw lots to assign the candidates their interview appointment time. Information Items Items of information supplied to Council were: memo from Assistant City Attorney re: Appeal of IAFF Local 469 v. City of Yakima to the Washington Supreme Court. 8/31/84; letter from Dr. Livingstone, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, re: Dial-A-Ride Program. 8/29/84; and minutes of August 7, 1984 Planning Ccomission meeting. 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Carmichael that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 6:10 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 11 @ READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE B 4 , 1 .t DATE)/40 coUNCIL MEMBER .••2/ /04 DATE // COUNCIL mu: R ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR 372 i