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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