HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/15/1974 Business Meeting f - ;1
JULY 15,, 1974
The City Council met in session at 6:30 P.M. on this date in the
Conference Room at Yakima City Hall.
Councilmen present at the meeting were Mayor Bert Broad, Betty L.
Edmondson, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Charles A. Rich and Don Schussler.
City Manager McMicken discussed a recent report prepared by the
Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee of Congress, reflecting
general criticism of the Revenue Sharing Program. These criticisms
are outlined in the Draft Federal Revenue Sharing Use Report, which
Council members have received. Reviewing the Subcommittee report,
City Manager McMicken observed that the questionnaire used over-
played Congressional criticism and that, in the criticism
was not that widespread. The questionnaire was constructed in
such a manner that members of Congress had little chance to give
in-depth views. In-depth review of the subcommittee report shows
that Congress does favor reducing taxes with Revenue Sharing and
does not believe that Federal Revenue Sharing monies are spread
too thinly. The Council was asked whether they thought the Draft
Revenue Sharing Use Report was acceptable and should be sent to
members of Congress to report our Revenue Sharing expenditures.
Councilman Schussler expressed some concern of the program, noting
that mostly all of our expenditures had been for Capital Improve-
ments, rather than social concerns. Councilman Edmondson asked
that projects which were earmarked only be identified. The Council
was in general agreement on sending the report to Congress and
authorized the Mayor to sign.
Parks Director, Bill Hutsinpiller, reviewed his proposed Work
Program for 1975, encompassing new programs for parks, swimming
pools, golf, recreation, Senior Citizens Center and Lions Pool.
A financial analysis by General Accounts reflects an anticipated
1975 Budget of $751,511, as opposed to $590,153 for 1974.
1 1
JULY 15, 1974
At 8:00 P.M., the Council members moved into the Council Chambers
for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Broad presiding, Councilmen
Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler, City Manager McMicken
and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Councilmen
Brown and Whitaker absent on roll call, having been excused
at a previous meeting.
The Invocation was given by Mayor Broad.
The minutes of the previous regular meeting of July 8, 1974,
having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen, and
no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly,
Mayor Broad declared said minutes approved as recorded.
This being the time set for the Hearing on the proposed Conditional
11/
Use Permit Ordinance and Group Home definition ordinance, Principal
Planner, Dick Hill, reported that the Planning Staff has no
further presentation in addition to that made at the Hearing
on this subject held June 17, 1974. As a result of that Hearing,
the staff had been asked to draft a new definition for Group
Homes, which has been prepared by the City Attorney. Referring
to the proposed Group Home definition ordinance, City Attorney
Fred Andrews reviewed the proposed definition, noting that
it follows along the lines of state statutes. The definition
specificies a residential type of building, distinguishing
it from the institutional type of home. He reviewed the other
provisions in accordance with the rules and regulations governing
group homes. Mr. Andrews noted that there may be a question
as to whether youth homes and foster homes are adequately included
in this definition, which handle dependent and delinquent children.
He noted that the State regulations require written plans and
programs for training in youth homes. Councilman Moore expressed
dissatisfaction with the present definition, explaining that
he feels that it is too broad in its present form, and that
a more specific definition is needed to indicate the types
of homes allowed in each zone. Mayor Broad expressed concern
that the present definition may not cover youth homes and requested
that the staff further develop this definition. In reference
to the Conditional Use Permit Ordinance, Councilman Edmondson
expressed a desire to have the Planning Commission act as an
advisory body on granting these permits with the Council retaining
the right to make the final decision. She further indicated
that she does favor some type of conditional use permit system
so that the property owners will be protected, but that these
group homes should not be automatically prohibited in certain
areas. Mr. Fred Velikanje, being present, referred to the
definition of group homes presently used by Washington State,
which provides for a maximum of twenty persons with no more
than four to one room. He noted that a specific number should
be considered in the drafting of a new definition ordinance.
Councilman Schussler expressed concern that the determination
be made on the way the land is used rather than the kinds of
people involved and suggested that the group homes could be
placed in the R-M or R-3 zones as a matter of right and as a
result, the conditional use permit procedure may not be necessary.
Mr. Dick Smith, being present, asked that those interested in I/
this matter be allowed to provide some input for the new definition.
He noted that the proposed land use for Group Homes in the
R-1 and R-2 zones is essentially the same as for other residents,
since the group home provides for a small group and a set of
regulations. Pat Vargas spoke in favor of a new definition.
After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council
that the City staff be asked to provide another definition
of group homes and that they consider inviting some of the
concerned persons to sit in on the developing of this definition.
Mr. Charles Rankin, being present, asked that interested per-
sons be informed of the new definition before the next Hearing.
Mayor Broad indicated that after the drafting of another definition,
publicity will be given and a new Hearing date will be set.
1 1
p)
JULY 15, 1974
Mr. Ed Newhouse, President of the Yakima Voluntary Action Center
Board of Directors, spoke to the Council concerning the request
for funding the operation of the Voluntary Action Center beginning
July 25, when the federally-funded project period ends. Mr.
Newhouse reviewed the background on the Voluntary Action Program,
to include funding sources since 1971. He indicated that the
Center is proposing a funding base from the City, County, and
private sector for the remainder of 1974 and reviewed the increased
services being provided for the Center. The proposal is for
the Board of Directors to assume full administration for the
Center. He reviewed the Yakima Voluntary Action Center Funding
Proposal dated July 8, 1974, which was distributed to Council
members. Mr. Leo Sequel, Project Coordinator, being present,
reviewed the services provided by the Center throughout the
past year and at present. With the use of slides, he explained
the volunteer services provided in the areas of recruitment,
placement, training, communication and program development.
A proposal for using volunteers in the City's Parks Department
and Police Department were briefly discussed. Mr. Patrick
Farwell spoke in favor of the continued support for the Voluntary
Action Center. Council members spoke in favor of the volunteer
program and discussed the possibility of a contractual agreement
with the Center for funding. It was MOVED by Schussler, seconded
by Edmondson that this matter be referred to City staff for
the development of a more specific funding proposal for the
remainder of 1974 and all of 1975 with an indication of the
Council's interest in this program: carried, Broad, Edmondson,
Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. Brown
and Whitaker absent.
City Manager McMicken referred to the proposed Program for
Local Services as described in the Memo from Parks Director
Bill Hutsinpiller, dated July 11, 1974. Recreation Superintendent,
Ron Abernethy, reported that this is a state-wide program of
volunteers from the ages of 18 to 25. He indicated that the
Parks Department could use two such volunteers to fill positions
in existing programs at the Senior Citizens Center and in the
Adult Athletic Program. The total cost to the City for one
year is $520. The cost of the Adult Athletic Coordinator would
be paid by the Yakima Basketball Association and the Yakima
Slow-Pitch Association. Mr. Abernethy indicated that the next
step would be to notify Olympia and obtain a contractual agreement.
City Manager McMicken recommended participation by the City
in this program with existing funds to pay for the City's parti-:
cipation during the remainder of 1974. It was MOVED by Schussler,
seconded by Rich that the City participate in this program
with the use of existing funds and the contribution from the
Slow-Pitch Association: carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore,
Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. Brown and Whitaker
absent.
Assistant Planner, Larry Wright, reported that a Comprehensive
Bicycle Route Plan is being developed through the efforts of
in-house staff and the Citizens Participation Group to determine
the best bicycle routes to be used. With the use of a map, he
indicated the present proposed plan. The appropriate signing
for the routes is under discussion. He further indicated that
the comprehensive plan may be ready in approximately two to
three weeks. Administrative Assistant, Dick Zais, reviewed
his memo on the subject of Bicycle Rack Installations, dated
July 11, 1974. He explained those sites at which bicycle racks
have been placed throughout the City, as listed in the memo,
an d stated that he will be making a survey to determine the
use being made of those racks already installed.
1 I
JULY 15, 1974
Referring to the proposed Bicycle Identification and Registration
Program, Officer Carroll, School Safety and Bicycle Division,
reviewed his memo dated July 1, 1974, regarding the reorganization
of the bicycle division. Officer Carroll referred to the large
number of bicycles sold in Yakima in 1973 and proposed an annual
registration procedure in light of the increased use of the
bicycle by all ages. He related the need for a training program
in the schools for grades four to six along with a proposed
summer training program for all ages. Officer Carroll proposed
the establishment of a bicycle office to be located in the
center of town which would be open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.,
Tuesdays through Saturdays for bicycle registration and licensing,
at a license fee of $2.00 per year. Councilmen expressed interest
in this type of registration program. It was MOVED by Schussler,
seconded by Rich that this matter be referred to the City Manager
for further information on how this program might be conducted
and funded, to include the recommendations of Officer Carroll:
carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting
aye by voice vote. Brown and Whitaker absent.
Referring to the reported disturbances in City parks, Captain
Metzer related the problems associated with establishing a
park patrol. He indicated that the Police Department lacks
enough personnel to place in the parks on a high priority basis
and that if officers are placed in the parks, other services
will have to be cut. He suggested that a park patrol be established
with persons other than officers who would be commissioned
and have powers of arrest. Parks Director, Bill Hutsinpiller,
spoke to the matter of the cost for providing a patrol program
which is not currently budgeted. Councilman Rich requested
cost figures associated with placing individual policeman on
foot in each park. After due discussion, it was the consensus
of the Council that City staff study the matter of a proposal
for a park patrol and an appropriate funding source.
Assistant Planner, Larry Wright, reviewed the proposal to provide
"U" turns on 2nd Street, between "A" Street and "B" Street.
Provisions will be made for these turns at either end of the
pedestrian mall within the one-block area. This action would
necessitate the removal of eight parking spaces, 4 at each end.
Councilman Moore expressed concern over the loss of that many
parking spaces. It was MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Rich
that the implementation of the proposed "U" turns on 2nd Street
be authorized: carried, Broad, Edmondson, Rich and Schussler
voting aye by voice vote. Moore voting nay by voice vote.
Brown and Whitaker absent.
City Manager McMicken reported on the Outside Utility Request
for sewer service to the property owned by Eckart Wintzer
at 609 North 51st Avenue, noting that a service is not immediately
available, but that a short sewer line has been installed along
the west side of North 51st Avenue. Extension can be provided along
the back lot lines of residences between 50th and 51st Avenues. The
Planning Staff recommends approval of this request, providing Mr.
Wintzer extends service to his residence at his own expense. He
has agreed to this proposal. It was MOVED by Schussler, seconded
by Moore that the Outside Utility Request of Mr. Wintzer for
sewer service, be granted: carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore,
Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. Brown and Whitaker
absent.
It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Edmondson that Ordinance
No. 1682, adding a parcel of property to Irrigation Maintenance
District No. 624, be passed: carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore,
Rich and Schussler voting aye on roll call. Brown and Whitaker
absent. City Attorney Andrews indicated that this request
is from the Central Assembly of God Church on 3rd Avenue,
and that the assessment charge of $238.04 has been paid.
J1)
JULY 15, 1974
ORDINANCE NO. 1682, AN ORDINANCE placing a parcel of real property
in the City of Yakima on the Irrigation Maintenance Roll of
Irrigation Maintenance District No. 624.
Petition No. 820 having been filed with the City Clerk on July
10, 1974, by Jack Teitenberg and others requesting the vacation
of a portion of Pierce Street, it was MOVED by Schussler, seconded
by Edmondson that the petition of Jack Teitenberg and others
for the vacation of a portion of Pierce Street, as set forth
in Petition No. 820, be referred to the City Manager and Planning
Commission for study and recommendation and that a Resolution
be prepared fixing the time of Hearing for August 12, 1974:
carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting
aye by voice vote. Brown and Whitaker absent.
A Damage Claim having been filed by the City Clerk on July
10, 1974, by James H. Doerr, 1215 South 16th Avenue, in the
amount of $27.30 for damages in connection with a City sewer
backup and by Darwin Cook, 1213 South 16th Avenue, in the amount
of $147.31, for damages from a City sewer backup, it was MOVED
by Schussler, seconded by Edmondson that said damage claims
be referred to the City Manager and staff for study and recommenda-
tion: carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler
voting aye by voice vote. Brown and Whitaker absent.
It was MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Rich that Resolution
No. D-3154, a resolution of intention to create a Local Improvement
District, be passed: carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore, Rich
and Schussler voting aye on roll call. Brown and Whitaker
absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-3154, A RESOLUTION of intention to create
a local improvement district.
City Manager McMicken indicated that he would be absent from
the Council meetings of July 19 and 22, 1974.
There being no further business to come before the Council,
it was MOVED by Rich, seconded by Moore that this meeting be
adjourned at 10:45 P.M. to Friday, July 19, 1974 at the hour
of 12:00 Noon to then meet in the Flight Deck Restaurant:
carried, Broad, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting
aye by voice vote. Brown and Whitaker absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY DATE 7
COUNCILMAN
DATE - - 7 4 7
COUNCILI1AN
ATTEST:
1"
CITY PERK a
1
MAYOR